I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol

I do own my own character – Jalyne and other originals.

Chapter 34 – The Slums

"So what exactly is Rufus having Jalyne do, yo?" Reno asked the next morning sitting within the Turks office, tapping a pen restlessly.

"He is allowing her to study, Reno." Tseng answered calmly. "He thinks there are similarities between both worlds."

"Looked like he was having some fun." The red head muttered sourly.

Tseng pointedly looked at his Second with pursed lips. "And what the President chooses to do outside of business is none of our business."

Elena reached across the table and slapped him on the shoulder, giving him the 'shut the hell up' look.

"Jalyne will return on Monday."

"What are we to do, Sir?" Elena questioned, trying to change the subject.

"Find information." Tseng looked at them. "Scour the slums if need be. The President is worried about what Raphael is doing. Any information or leads is needed."

Tseng dismissed them shortly after to continue gathering information and made way to the President's office to relay the days objectives. Besides, the Director wanted to see for himself just exactly what Rufus was up to. It was his job to protect the President after all.

"An unexpected surprise, Director." Cheyanne commented as Tseng neared her desk.

"I know, Cheyanne. Is he available?"

"Of course, Sir." She commented. "He's cleared his schedule for the rest of the week."

Tseng didn't show any outside emotion but wondered why Rufus would do that. Business was everything to him. Entering the office, the Director noticed the table at the back, along with something glinting upon the books. As he neared, Tseng realized what the object was and inwardly made a mental note not to mention anything to his Second.

Rufus was sitting behind his desk looking over some papers when he acknowledged Tseng. "Director."

"Sir." Tseng started. "I've dispersed the Turks to the slums for information on Raphael."

"Good. Some of the other informants have gathered spotty information at best." Rufus raised his head to Tseng. "If they are indeed trying to recreate the SOLDIER program, we will have an issue."

"Do you really believe that is possible?"

Rufus smirked a bit at Tseng, raising an eyebrow. "Anything is possible, Director." He glanced over at the stairwell as Jalyne was walking down. "We recently have found out that there is so much more possible in the worlds."

Jalyne hesitated at the bottom until Rufus nodded in her direction, indicating it was alright to proceed. She nodded at Tseng when she approached. "Sir."

"Jalyne." He responded.

"I am not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Not at all." Rufus said still looking at Tseng. "Jalyne, would you do me a favor and see Cheyanne? Ask her the files on Hojo and Raphael."

"Sure."

Tseng waited until she left before narrowing his eyes at the President. "You're courting her."

"Not really, Tseng." Rufus stated. "I wanted to give her a break. She is about to do something special for me later."

"And last night?" the Director countered. "It was all over the news."

"Unfortunately, yes." The President said. "Perks of power, I suppose." He looked inquiringly at the Turk. "Nothing happened, if you must know."

"Are you sure about that, Sir?" he replied, hoping not to overstep his boundaries.

Rufus sighed and stood, walking to the windows, and looking out over Midgar, while Tseng joined him. "Yes."

"Reno said he saw both of you on the training level."

"Yes. I am teaching her control."

"He said she was injured." Tseng pressed.

Rufus turned to him and smirked again. "She learned her limit break, Tseng. The simulation was simple – Jalyne was to protect me against Ifrit – without using her power."

Tseng raised an eyebrow at him. "She learned a limit break?"

"A beautiful one at that. I called it Nova." He paused in reflection. "The light and destruction of a star. She is becoming more and more in tune with this world, Tseng. I wouldn't think that one like her would absorb Gaia's intentions and powers, but yet she learns and grows every day."

"That is interesting, Sir." The Director commented. "If I may, her mission?"

"She is to meet an informant later this evening." Rufus stated. "In Sector 4 slums."

"Sector 4? Is that wise Sir?"

"He has intel on Raphael's movements." Rufus countered. "She will be undercover and will do just fine."

"The others are on their way. Do you want me to let them know?"

"No."

Jalyne stayed with Rufus until late afternoon, looking over the files the President had asked her to retrieve from Cheyanne.

"Jalyne?"

"Yes Sir?"

"It is time." Jalyne looked at him and nodded, walking to be in front of him. He reached out and put his hands on her shoulders. "Are you ready?"

Jalyne took a step back and flicked her wrist. Her magic flowed effortless to transform her look. She wore ripped jeans and a tight black tube shirt with the emblem of a dragon imprinted on the front. Her jacket was dark denim with rhinestones spattered across it. Jalyne hid her mark over her left eye and sported light blonde short, bobbed cut hair. She kept the markings at her neck but hid her wings as a precaution.

"You could have stayed in your Turk attire, Jalyne." Rufus commented looking her over.

"And with last night's endeavors Sir, they would recognize me instantly. There are not that many people with white hair as young as I. Better to keep you out of this. Will this do for the slums?"

"It's perfect." He stated lifting her chin to him. "Be careful. Victor isn't a soft one."

Her eyes glinted dangerously. "Neither am I, Sir."

Jalyne traversed the slums gazing at the poverty that was around her. How one such as Rufus could allow this happen was beyond her. As she walked the streets, she realized that it most likely was his father that allowed this, not him, and he inherited it, much like she will when she ascends the throne to the Empire. She idly wondered if there was a chance for change here and would have to ask Rufus what his plans were. She was curious after all and studied many forms of government within her own home.

Jalyne had left earlier, mainly to scout out the area and find something to eat before the mission. She found the diner easily and took a seat, looking out the window as if there weren't a care in the world, though her mind was racing. She caught the flash of red as he entered the diner as she finished her meal. Great. Jalyne thought. Tseng dispersed the Turks.

Reno was alone and walked to the counter, idly noticing the pretty blonde sitting by herself in a booth at the far end. Taking a chance, he walked over to her, cocky as ever, to sit with her. He slid into the booth non-chalantly and waited for her acknowledgment.

"Can I help you?" Jalyne inquired hiding her amusement at her coworker.

"Mind if I buy you a drink?"

"Not at all." She waved. "I have a few minutes."

"Leaving so soon, yo?" Reno asked.

"I have somewhere to be in a few minutes." She replied. "I'm meeting a friend."

"Ah." Reno waived for the waitress to come over as he lounged in the booth. "Are you from Sector 4?"

"Sector 3 actually." Jalyne responded.

"I'm Reno, yo." The unsuspecting red head offered his hand.

"I'm Jerilyne." She accepted his hand and he raised it to his lips as Jalyne smiled, amused at the Turk as his turquoise eyes gleamed. "Jerrie for short."

The waitress brought their drinks and they chatted for a few minutes about inconsequential topics. The weather, the news, events around Sector 4, and again, the weather. Jalyne was seeing firsthand his charm with the women and it amused her to no end, though she knew Reno was picking up information. She kept her responses short and noncommitting, staying within character. Finally, she glanced at her watch and looked at him.

"I have to run." She stated standing and stretching. "Nice to meet you, Reno."

Reno stood and handed her a card. "If you are ever top side, look me up, yo."

Jalyne took the card with his information on it and made like she was reading it. As she leaned over to grab her jacket, she placed it on the table. Waving goodbye to him, she walked out the door, leaving the card behind. Reno stared after her for a moment and glanced down at the table where his card was and narrowed his eyes at her retreating form.

She found the weapon's shop with no issue and walked in, waiting for the clerk to appear. She surveyed her surroundings, noticing all of the gadgets, junk and metal laying around.

"Can I help you?" the clerk questioned her, appraising her lightly.

"I'm here to see Victor."

"Is he expecting you?"

"Yes." Jalyne countered smoothly. "Tell him Jerilyne, or Jerrie, is here."

"Be right back." The clerk responded and disappeared in the back for a few minutes. When he returned, he opened the gate to let her through. "Down the stairs and to the right, Jerrie. He'll be waiting at the last door."

Jalyne nodded her thanks and descended the stairwell, apprehensive about being underground. She wound down the steps and curved to the right, looking at all the rooms that lined the hallway and hearing the sounds that were coming from them. She didn't break her pace as she didn't want to appear nervous or scared to anyone that was watching. Jalyne held her head confidently as she walked the hallway, not betraying her apprehensiveness at not having an escort.

Jalyne was blindsided, being thrown up against the hard stone wall, knocking her dizzy. Four burly men had attacked, pinning her against it as she struggled. Pushing one off, she threw a punch at the second only to be blocked and felt the wire wrap around her neck and pull. Reaching up to grab it, she knew there was no chance as she lost consciousness.

She awoke, slowly listening to her surroundings. Movement was on her left and right, but quiet in front. Jalyne was tied to a chair, wrists, and arms behind, but her legs were left free, of which that didn't bode well for her, she surmised. Gradually, she opened her eyes to look around.

"Well, well, well." A deep voice commented. "Look who is awake."

Jalyne raised her eyes to stare into a very large, dark haired man with metal bracers and gloves. His goatee and beard were rough looking and unkempt and dark brown eyes bore into her. He wore a long brown leather coat and trouser with steel boots. Overall, Jalyne could see how he could strike fear into most normal people. "Victor, I would assume?" She questioned.

His hand shot out, striking her across the cheek, gashing it. "A woman speaks only when spoken to."

Jalyne didn't scream or even moan, but raised her eyes in defiance at him, though she stayed silent. Great. She thought. He's one of those. This just makes it that much harder. No wonder he likes to conduct business underground. Can't hear the noises.

Victor grabbed her chin, staring into her eyes as blood trickled down her cheek from the strike. "What do you want?"

"I was sent for information. Was told you had it." She spat.

He squeezed her chin, sending pain through her cheeks. Victor released her and grabbed her neck squeezing, causing Jalyne to gasp as he leaned in further. "Which information?"

"Raphael Solarna."

Victor chuckled a deep hearty laugh. "There isn't any information on that one, unless you consider the goal of Shinra's downfall to be one."

Wonderful. Rufus is going to be pissed when he finds out this was a set up.

"We are to collect young, luscious women for him, and that is it."

Jalyne chose not to speak, biding her time with the crazy brute in front of her, knowing how much Solarna enjoyed his women made her cringe. What was the point of researching only on women? Jalyne couldn't figure it out. Men and women were different in their reactions and physiological make up. Why only target women, besides the personal enjoyment.

"He likes to experiment on them, testing the boundaries of Mako and cocktails of drugs." The brute continued. "Then he breaks them to his will." Victor studied her. "And you will make a wonderful addition for him." He pressed down upon her throat and placed his other hand on her right hip, sending pain down her leg.

Jalyne ground her teeth, biting back the snarl that she wanted to give, and flickered her eyes around the room, noticing the rickety bed and a table that had not so nice instruments on it. She looked back at Victor and didn't hide the steel within her eyes.

"Oohh. This one has fire, boys." Victor commented. "Good thing she's ours first."

Jalyne felt another come behind her, releasing the chain that bound the rope around her wrists to the chair. Victor lifted her with ease by the throat, carrying her over to the mattress. Jalyne angled her head to stare at him.

"I want to thank you for showing a lady a good time." She strangled out.

Victor raised an eyebrow in question at her. Released from the chair, Jalyne had movement and Victor had his hand outstretched all the way, giving her room to maneuver. She twisted to the right, swinging her leg across his chest, over his head and hooking it along his shoulder and clenched it, the motion causing him to let go of her throat.

Jalyne swung in front of him before releasing him and landing on the ground. She hopped backwards assessing where the two others were and jumped again, looping her arms around her legs and to the front. She spied knives on the table and made a move to get there, only to be blocked by Victor.

No she could have easily used her power to get out of this situation, but Rufus asked her to try not to damage the Sector and she was trying to comply. Victor made a grab for her and she dodged leaping into air towards him and hooking her bound arms around his neck. The rocking motion allowed her to climb to the back of him, of which Jalyne pushed off, flipping backwards, releasing him, and pushing him forward. As she landed, she spun to kick the one coming behind her.

Jalyne grabbed the knife from the metal table and hurriedly worked to free her hands, reversing the blade. What is the point of having a dull knife? She mused. Screw it. Jalyne turned from their view and disintegrated the ropes when she heard the familiar click of firearms. They were in a weapons shop after all.

"I would suggest you stop, woman." Victor called out deadly, pointing his gun at her back. "Before we shoot you full of holes. I would hate to deliver dead goods to Raphael. He was thoroughly intrigued when he found out the President was sending someone to snoop. He so wants to turn the tables on that spoiled brat."

Jalyne turned her head over her left shoulder and sneered deadly at Victor. "I bet he would." She spun around, throwing the dull knife at one of the henchman, catching him in the throat. She grabbed two more, aiming at the other bodyguard while Victor's gun went off, just missing her as she crouched low.

Jalyne grabbed the metal table and threw it to the ground for a shield. Peeking around it, she looked at the dead henchmen while Victor fired at the table, metal bending. This won't last long. She surmised. Time to go. Jalyne threw the table at him for distraction and bolted towards the door, picking up two of the guns on the way out.

Victor easily crushed the table in two and made for the door, yelling for his personnel to stop her. Jalyne looked down the long hallway to the objective, which seemed like a mile to her, as more hooligans stepped out of the rooms. With a sigh, she sprang into action, ignoring the ringleader behind her.

Jalyne dodged the first two rooms with speed, concentrating on getting out of the dungeon. The third room, however, four people sprang forth to intercept her. She slid, swinging her leg outward to take down one and spun to take the second. Under normal circumstances, she did not like to kill, but this was the occasion of kill or be killed. Two quick shots to head finished the first two men.

She was grabbed from behind in a bear hug, but Jalyne swung her legs upward, knees landing on his shoulders and two more shots went off, killing them both. A bullet whizzed by her, drawing her attention to Victor who was closing fast.

"I don't want to kill you." He stated. "You're much too good at this. Raphael would love to have you join him."

"I'm really not the joining type." Jalyne answered, picking up a couple more munitions and a grenade belt. She looked at one of the grenades on it smiled, suddenly thinking of Reno. She threw it down the hallway towards Victor and watched the electro field spring to life.

Jalyne turned and barely missed the leveled sword stroke aimed at her head. She dove and rolled forward, spinning, and grabbing the swordsman's wrist, wrenching it painfully backwards and snapping it. Another few shots rang through the air, one catching her in the right shoulder, sending her to the ground.

Two successive shots from the gun in her left hand ended the lives of the swordsman and the one coming through the door. Jalyne grimaced in pain but stood, bolting further down the hallway. She was almost at the stairway when she heard the clatter of metal skidding across the stone floor.

"Tishiea." She muttered hoping to make the bend of the stairwell before she was caught in the grenade's blast. The plume of fire flew past as she dove on the stairs and rolled. Jalyne listened for a moment, taking the time to start healing her shoulder and close the bullet wound. No such luck was awarded to her as she heard footsteps above and below her.

Reno was perusing the shops in Sector 4 when he felt the ground shake. The people around scurried and took shelter, eyes spying the plate above them in fear. The ground shook again, and he crouched low to keep his balance. The Turk looked across the street to the weapon's shop and narrowed his eyes.

Reno kept his trained surveillance on the storefront when the blast occurred, causing him to duck for cover behind a metal table of a vendor. People all around scrambled frantically, rushing away, and causing chaos in the streets. Another blast hit and he watched as the blonde crashed through the glass of the weapons store to roll across the cobbled street, smoke rising from her clothes, scorched with flames. She struggled to get to her hands and knees, shaking her head. Reno rushed to pull her from the wreckage.

"Are you okay, yo?" he inquired, bringing her behind the table for cover as shots rang out and glancing at the dried blood at her shoulder.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Jalyne responded, shaking her head.

"Some friend you have there, yo." Reno smartly commented.

"Yeah, well…that's how it goes, I suppose." She sarcastically spat back, looking at him fully. "Nice to meet you again."

Reno cocked a grin. "Need some help, yo?"

"As long as you can shoot a gun." Jalyne answered, hiding her smile as she peered around the table to look at the all the henchmen flooding the streets. "I kind of ticked them off."

"I can see that yo." Reno said, withdrawing his gun and checking the ammo. "What'd ya do?"

"I wouldn't join them." She shrugged. "Not my type."

He chuckled and stood up quickly, firing off a few shots, taking down three of the guys.

"Show off." Jalyne muttered within the commotion.

"What was that?" Reno inquired lightly, eyes dancing as she looked up at him.

"Nothing." She replied innocently. "We're pinned down. Gotta move." Reno nodded in agreement.

Jalyne sprinted towards an overturned car, drawing the fire of the men while Reno dashed the other way, taking refuge behind a dumpster.. Seriously. She thought. Is one woman worth all of this trouble?

She spied Victor coming through the wreckage of the storefront. The leader paused, looking at the scene and motioned his men to attack the car. Bullets rang through the air, ricocheting off the vehicle. Jalyne took the moment to heal her shoulder some more, waiting for the barrage to finish. The familiar clink rattled closer, and she sighed and counted.

Reno saw the grenade arching through the air towards where Jerrie was positioned and opened fire, hoping to distract them away from her. The car went up in an explosion as Jerrie dove away to the middle of the street. Reno heard something rattle and tinker within the dumpster.

"Shit." He dove away towards the street, firing off his last rounds, rolling and coming to stand back-to-back with Jerrie as the dumpster exploded. He holstered his gun and drew his mag rod, extending it fully. "You alright, yo?" He asked her quietly.

"Yeah, I'll live."

Reno unleashed a tri-shot, electrocuting three of the six remaining thugs. Victor came through the damaged storefront and put an arm up for them to halt. The large man narrowed his eyes at Reno.

"Hand her over." He commanded.

"Ummm…no, yo."

"You have no idea what you are getting yourself into." Victor stated.

"Neither do you, yo." Reno replied dangerously, turning just enough in the night's flaming light for recognition, tapping his mag rod on his shoulder. Victor narrowed his eyes at him further.

"You win this round, Turk." And turned to walk back into the store with his men following.

Reno waited a moment to ensure there were no other hidden attacks, eyes warily looking at the surroundings. When he turned around to speak to Jerrie, she was already walking away. Reno sprinted after her, blocking her path.

"Your welcome." He sarcastically said, producing his card again to her.

"Thank you." She emphasized and looked up at the flamed-haired Turk, accepting the card.

"Care to tell me what that was all about, yo?"

"No." Jalyne answered and smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "My parent's always told me not to talk to a Turk." She stated with a smile, side stepping him and continuing on her way.

Reno stared after the woman as she disappeared into the night with the look of pure shock on his face.