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

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

Chapter 38 – The Visitor

"Such a crazy ending to the night, yo."

"What happened?"

"Jalyne saved Rufus from falling to his death." Reno turned to Adrian. They were outside in the chilly winter night, having a couple of drinks. He didn't feel like going home and decided to drop in on his childhood friend from the slums. "It's the emotions afterward, though."

"Why didn't you take her to the Christmas party?" Adrian questioned after hearing Reno's account of the evening.

"We were on duty, yo." He supplied. "Part of it was she was his bodyguard. Solarna was attending."

"Why aren't you with her now?"

Reno turned and looked at his closest friend outside of the Turks. "She promised Rufus to stay with him. Jalyne gave her word, yo." He emphasized.

"What in the world does that mean?" Adrian asked raising an eyebrow at the emphasis of the word.

"You'd have to know where she came from to understand." Reno supplied.

"She's not from around here, you've said before."

"Jalyne's not from this planet, yo." The Turk let out accidently and looked away quickly, realizing his mistake.

"Seriously, Reno?" Adrian asked incredulously. "Where is she from?"

"Trerran is her home world."

"Her home world?" the dark-haired bar owner stated.

Reno turned to his friend and narrowed his eyes lightly. "This doesn't go past this balcony."

Adrian shook his head in acceptance. "You know me better than that, Reno."

Reno sighed. "She is from Trerran, but there are other worlds, yo."

Adrian looked upwards to the stars. "Wow. Bet no one really thinks of that. Do you know where?"

Reno glance upward taking in the stars that they could see and remembering the star charts at Litrandan. "There's too much cloud cover. You would really have to get away from city lights. She could tell you exactly." He answered.

"That is so…" Adrian paused and looked at him. "…wild. Is that where she was when you came and wired the bar?"

"Partly, yo." Reno answered. It felt good to speak about to someone other than the Turks, honestly. "She went to Litrandan with Rude."

Adrian raised an eyebrow at him. "Is that why you've said she is complicated? How'd they get there anyway?"

Reno turned and leaned on the railing, drink in hand. "She is complicated because of who she is." He looked pointedly at Adrian. "Jalyne can open what she calls Heaven's Gate. It's like a portal, yo."

"Whoa." The owner paused for a moment, staring upwards before leveling a gaze at his red-headed friend. "Who is she?"

Reno paused and his entire demeanor changed to a sullener mood. "Jalyne is the Emperor's daughter. She's a Princess, yo."

"So what's the issue?"

"I can't compete with that, yo."

"So you're going to give up?" Adrian exclaimed. "That's not the Reno I know."

"I haven't given up." Reno replied. "I just…"

"Nervous about settling down?" He offered.

Reno glanced at him and nodded. "Jalyne is so…"

"Hot."

"Beautiful." Reno corrected. "And smart and damn, she can pack a punch, yo. Beat my ass on Monday in the wastelands."

"She's a fighter too?" Adrian asked. "Damn. What are you waiting for? The sun to explode?"

Reno chuckled, thinking of the limit break Jalyne said she learned. "Jalyne probably could do that." He commented.

"What?"

"Her power is that great." Reno explained. "Jalyne is a goddess with what she can do, yo."

"So she comes from a different planet…"

"Empire." Reno corrected again. "She'll be an Empress, yo."

"Whatever." Adrian waved it off. "And you're letting Rufus take her from you? What are ya, stupid?" He reached out and punched Reno in the shoulder.

He rubbed his shoulder and glared at his friend. "Can't go against the Prez, yo."

Adrian stared him down and his red eyes narrowed. "And what does Jalyne want?"

Reno's eyes widened at the question. It was the same question he asked her on Drogavor. He paused, thinking of that conversation. "To be loved." He finally answered his friend.

"And you don't think you can do that?" Adrian scoffed. "You honestly don't think you are good enough for her?"

"And what exactly do I have to offer her, yo?" Reno shot back. "Except the life of an enforcer."

"Don't you think you may want to let her make that decision?" Adrian grabbed him by the shoulders and stared hard at the Turk. "Now I am going to tell you what I see." He paused. "I see a confused lady that you've helped all this time in a strange world. I also know you care for her on some level, so quit being a pussy and tell her how you feel." Adrian stopped and thought for a moment as Reno glared at him.

"Me? A pussy?" Reno cursed. "That's one thing I'm not,yo."

"Well, you're acting like it." Adrian jabbed at him. "She only has eyes for you, dumbass. Everyone can see it. Even I did when I first met her at the nightclub. Jalyne is comfortable around you. She doesn't have to put on 'airs' or be royal. Jalyne can be herself around you. Did you ever think that is what she loves of you?"

Reno stared at him for a long, long moment torn between what he wanted to do and basically chickening out. He thought of all of their moments together and of their travels eyes, widening as the realization of what she was doing and the signals she was giving, meant. Reno had yet to tell Adrian about Faterian's answer. As he concentrated on his feelings, he came to terms that they were connected, somehow and someway that no one would be able to understand. He thought he was crazy, being able to pick up so much from her, that he initially ignored it. So why wouldn't he open up fully to her or she to him?

"Look," Adrian interrupted his thoughts. "I'm telling you to take it to the next level and see where it goes." He paused a moment. "Quit letting it be casual. But to do that, you will have to give up the flings."

"They're meaningless anyway." Reno snorted, taking a drink of his beer. "Haven't had one since a few days after Jalyne showed up at the apartment, yo."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Reno admitted. "It was something she said that just…stuck with me, yo."

"And that was?" Adrian questioned.

"If two are really meant to be together, if they circle back and become one, then so shall it be and Faterian's blessing will be upon them." Reno answered verbatim. "But how do you know?"

"Does it feel right?"

"It feels…" Reno paused. "…perfect." He finally admitted.

She awoke before the sun even thought of shining its winter warmth upon Midgar. Composing herself after the breakdown, Jalyne headed to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. She stared at the steam wondering how different the evening would have went if she was able to attend the party with Reno instead of Rufus.

She missed him.

A small tug distracted her, and she looked towards the bedroom and started towards it. Silently, she reached for her necklace, glancing at the President sleeping soundly and slipped back into the kitchen.

Looking at the jewelry, the emerald pulsed green – an incoming message. Lightly dislodging the orb, she tapped it twice and her eyes widened at the image.

"Do you have a moment, Your Highness." The lady spoke. "I am sorry to disturb so early in the morning."

"It is fine." Jalyne replied quietly.

"I have something for you." She continued. "From the Temple of the Frozen."

"Give me a moment." Jalyne paused. "I'll open a Gate."

The princess walked down and out to the helipad. It was starting to flurry and Jalyne wrapped herself in a light cloak over her silk gown. She paused a moment and focused, outstretching her hand and opening a Gate.

"Your Highness." The lavender haired lady bowed deeply; accent harsh as she spoke in Iecidran. "I am so sorry to disturb you." Her frosted skin glistened in the firelight of the stone citadel behind her, and her snowflake glowed lightly on her forehead. She dismissed the guards that were near so they could speak in private.

"Fraeztka." Jalyne bowed. "What is happening?"

"Too much at one time, Jalynemidenovia." She responded formally, her crystal eyes gleaming, and reached to a table to retrieve a book.

Jalyne looked surprised at what she was holding. "You found it?"

"Yes." Fraeztka answered. "I was called to the Temple."

"Faterian is not leaving much for chance, is he Frae?"

"I suppose not." Frae chuckled and peered at the princess and sighed. "You look haggard, Jalyne. Are you okay?"

"Just a busy night." She answered wryly. "We had the Yuletide party."

Fraeztka looked even closer at her, narrowing her eyes. "Hm. Something else happened. You are almost screaming it."

"I suppose I should know better than to fool another telepath."

Frae chuckled a little. "True. So what happened?"

"I absorbed an aura, Frae." Jalyne said. "One that needed healing."

"Ah. Be careful doing that, Jalyne. It can backfire easily." She commented. Frae scanned around Jalyne's surroundings. "Where is the Lord Consort?"

"Hopefully at home." Came the curt answer.

Fraeztka stared at her. "What happened, Jalyne? Are you two not together?"

"Not yet." The princess admitted. "I can't seem to get the nerve up to really ask Reno. Something is holding him back."

Frae pulled the book to her chest and bowed her head, deep in thought. She finally raised her chin and commented. "It will work out, Jalyne. Give it time. Your mother's power?"

"Locked away for the moment." Jalyne said. "But it won't be for long."

Rufus awoke to silence and Jalyne not with him in bed. The sun was still an hour or so from rising. He stood and slid on his lounge pants and went in search of the lady that knew no bounds in healing.

He found her on the helipad with the Gate opened, speaking to an – exotic looking lady. Rufus waited a few moments, studying her, hopefully to catch Jalyne's attention as he didn't want to interrupt. He retreated and grabbed his coat for it was starting to snow and the winter night was cold.

Rufus made his way to Jalyne by wayside, not to alert the other lady. His curiosity was peaked and as he neared, he heard the harsh language.

"Emprok?" Jalyne was saying.

She snorted derisively at her. "Hek crazki."

"Cyk and Tyk?"

"Hrek. Yu thukr du lopk." Frae chuckled. "Tyk sprekta mekcha."

Jalyne chuckled greatly at that. "Yu fleakt muk?"

"Jakta." Fraeztka answered but raised an eyebrow. "Devktika."

"Idak se Coksorc." Jalyne admitted.

She smiled knowlingly at the princess as Jalyne's eyes flickered to the side. "Tegek bekka." Fraeztka commented and nodded.

"Makbya." Jalyne held her hand out to Rufus, noticing him walk to the side of the crackling energy. Fraeztka waited patiently as Rufus came to stand next to her Empress. "I'm sorry." Jalyne whispered to Rufus. "I didn't want to wake you."

"It's alright." The President smirked.

"Sheaka, Jalynek!" Frae exclaimed. "Gaik menk eka gorchtka?"

"Nakt." Jalyne chuckled lightly.

Fraeztka pouted a moment, staring at Jalyne and the Gate, still holding the text close to her. She took a step forward, eyes alight with mischief. "Gakta ek thukr. Promki wekt Solarika sprekta."

Jalyne chuckled and looked at Rufus and whispered. "Do you mind?"

"Mind what?" he inquired still smirking.

"Fraeztka wishes to meet you." Jalyne's eyes gleamed.

"That's Fraeztka?" Rufus nodded in acceptance, watching the Iecidrankta Queen and gazing at the surroundings.

Jalyne nodded and raised a hand outward to her friend to motion her forward. Frae hesitated and started forward towards the gate, eyes wide at not knowing what was beyond in Gaia. She rarely left Iecidrankta and has only been to Litrandan or Trerran. As she crested the gate, Jalyne heard the footfalls of something big and she unconsciously stepped in front of Rufus, eye wide as fur entered her vision.

"Iecinkt! Stayak!" Fraeztka screamed outreaching to stop the large creature bounding toward through the Gate.

"Iecinkt?" Jalyne exclaimed as the very large wolf crested the gate, jumped and bowled her and Rufus over, licking and lightly pawing at them.

Rufus was at first taken aback and angry, until he heard Jalyne laughing blistfully, fending off the animal and playing with him. As he struggled to unwind from Jalyne, the beast pinned him and stared at him intently. Frae rushed through the Gate and tried to command him to stop.

Iecinkt whined, sniffing curiously at Rufus and turned to Frae with his ears up and forward. She glanced at him confused as Jalyne closed the Gate and stood, catching the wolf's attention and calling him to her. The snow was drifting heavier and she took off at a run with the wolf bounding behind.

Rufus stared after them bewildered at what just happened as Fraeztka rushed toward him, setting the book on the ground. He shakily stood and watched Jalyne lift into the air as the animal jumped in jest and they romped around the helipad for a few minutes.

"Soryka! Soryka!" Fraeztka exclaimed, helping Rufus. "Iecinkt! Comzk! Nowkt!" The wolf bounded towards her and sat down next to her as Jalyne settled and laughed heartily.

She turned to Rufus, wide-eyed as she realized what happened. "I'm sorry, Sir!" she immediately apologized. "My hell – I'm so sorry!"

Rufus reached out and cupped her cheek, placing a kiss on her forehead and stared at her sternly. Jalyne lowered her eyes. He chuckled suddenly and pulled her to him.

"After tonight's events." He smirked. "This was a breeze."

A howl went through the area and all turned to stare at the wolf who raised his muzzle to the sky and let out the deep sound. Fraeztka stared at her companion and then snapped her head to Jalyne with a frown.

"Jalynek?" Frae questioned her eyes flickering to Rufus. "Hek aurk?"

"Jakta." She admitted. "Fraezkta ek Iecidrankta, mekt Rufusk ek Shinrakta, Gaik Preksdankt." Jalyne walked forward, stared and blinked at Frae. "Rufus Shinra, meet Fraezkta, Queen of Iecidrankta."

Frae's eyes widened as she understood what Jalyne was saying. She pulled her lavender silk gown to the sides and bowed deeply. "I-I am…s-sorry." She said haltingly and waved to Iecinkt. "Iecinkt has not…seen Jalyne since…he was a pup and…misses her so." She continued as the Gaian language flooded her mind.

Rufus stepped forward and took her hand, raising it to his lips in greeting, as a surprised look graced her features. "It is alright, Lady." He replied formally to her, crystal eyes gleaming. "But may I suggest we go inside where it is more comfortable?"

Jalyne chuckled and reached for the book on the ground and hesitated, feeling the power of the rune within it. "Frae?"

"Hm." She nodded not taking her gaze from the President. "It is in there, Jalyne." She was enthralled with him, standing with her, coat open showing his bare chest and in lounge pants.

"I now have three." The princess whispered picking up the book. "There are three left."

"Four." Frae whispered and Jalyne looked at her in shock.

Rufus excused himself after ensuring the ladies were comfortable in the sitting room. Jalyne had dipped into the kitchen and made tea for them bringing it out on an ornate silver platter and sat with her friend to discuss the reasoning of her visit. The sun was rising and it rays lighted the area in the room.

Jalyne had reopened the Gate briefly to allow Frae to aquire some other necessities and she changed out of her night attire and into her daily warrioress set up to include her battle ax, armor, and crown. Jalyne had done the same, changing into a more T'Karvian outfit and sat at the edge of the couch, petting Iecinkt behind the ears as the large white wolf growled in contentment while dozing.

Rufus entered shortly afterward as the ladies were idly chatting together. Fraezkta stopped and gazed at the President, crystal violet eyes dancing as she took him in.

Jalyne. He is… she paused. …unique. Are they all like this?

No, Frae, they aren't. Jalyne hesitated. He is one of power here, like a king.

Fraezkta stood, making her way to stand in front of him, lightly assessing the President; who in turn smirked back at her, his eyes mirthful. She reached for his hands, taking them lightly in hers and bowed, her skirt bellowing lightly outward from around her leather belt and leggings.

His eyes widened at the gesture and he gazed at her, watching the double twisted buns of her lavender hair dip with the bow and noticed the crystal crown that glittered off of the sunlight streaming into the room. She was something else to just reach out and touch him, but he hoped he hid his surprise well. As Fraezkta straightened back up, Rufus noticed the white markings across her collarbones that dipped beneath her corset and the snowflake that adorned her forehead. Her skin was pale and glistened like snowflakes and Rufus wondered if the people of Iecindrantka were related to Shiva.

"I am sorry for the sudden intrusion, My Lord." Frae stated smoothly and peered over her shoulder at Jalyne. "But the Princess must be made aware of what is happening for it is dire."

"It is of no consequence, Lady." He replied, raising an eyebrow at Jalyne. "I took the liberty of calling the Turks."

"Oh?" Jalyne questioned, surprised.

"They will be here in a few minutes." He continued, leading Frae over to the other couch and sitting along side her. "The appearance of a visitor dictates important matters."

Frae nodded. "We must keep her hidden." She turned her gaze to Jalyne. "Your father released footage of your return and sprang into action, calling the fleet and armies to assorted positions."

"I know. Sol sent me some of the charts."

"Your idea to shift my fleet proved invaluable, Your Highness." Frae continued explaining. "We effectively cut him off from the mines."

The Turks all arrived at the suite a few minutes of each other and Jalyne waited patiently before introducing all of them to Fraeztka.

"My Lord Consort!" Frae stood and bowed at Reno when he entered, as he was the last to arrive. He threw a glance and raised eyebrow at Jalyne but ginned at the Queen. "Tak menak ek yuk."

Jalyne snapped her head to Frae but otherwise didn't respond, the same phrase Solaria had spoken to her on Litrandan resonating through her mind. Iecinkt raised and loped towards him of which Reno took a step backwards. He dropped to a sitting position and looked curiously at the lanky Turk, blue eyes searching. He suddenly gave a bark and a howl, returning to his previous position.

"Okay then, yo." Reno stated sitting next to Jalyne. "That is one big wolf. Why are we here?"

"You are here because Jalyne needs help." Rufus began. "I believe there are events that are beginning to be in motion. We are to assist, if necessary." He nodded at Frae to continue.

"We must keep her hidden." Frae started. "Sol is trying to dispel the rumors that she returned. The Emperor is searching for her thoughout the lands. No one knows this world exists."

"Surprise." Rude commented and Fraeztka shot him a grin.

"That puts undo stress upon the rest of you." Jalyne commented with concern. "An undo risk."

"We can handle it. It is not time yet." Frae stated seriously nodding at the book that was on the table. "From what Sol has told me, the events here are important and you are needed here. We will call if necessary."

Jalyne reached into her pocket and withdrew an orb, tapping it lightly. The hologram of the star chart lit up the surrounding area and the Turks looked on in awe gathering the vastness of the Empire. "The red dots are father's fleets, the blue ones are ours. The yellow are the stars, green are habitable planet and brown are no known colonies or people. Any suggestions?"

Reno and Rude stood instantly, strategic planning their specialty. Elena, Tseng and Rufus gathered at the other end of the hologram, studying the map. Frae stood with Jalyne gazing at Molcter and the surrounding systems. Jalyne did not like what she saw as this was the Flamebounds world and they protected the Temple of Flame.

"I do not like this." Jalyne whispered to herself. Reno came to stand by her.

"What don't you like?"

"Father's fleet is moving outward." She commented. "He wouldn't abandon Molcter. It's too important."

Fraeztka peered at what Jalyne was pointing to and shook her head in agreement. "Something isn't right." The Queen said. "Avrian wouldn't leave. Molcter is the center of molstiel metal. I will reach out to Firhani and Bocktern. Maybe they can give and update on what's really going on."

"Keep your fleet around Iecidrankta." Reno added. "Don't let them through."

Jalyne gazed at him in thought and added. "Have the twins look into pulsing shields."

Frae stared at her. "There's no such thing, Highness."

She chuckled remembering the events of earlier in the week with the twins. "There will be now. Tybyrn knows what to do. Iecidrankta cannot fall but it is Molcter that I am worried about. Is there any other word?"

"None. Even our intelligence haven't brought anything worth investigating."

Jalyne and Reno studied the map a moment more. She furrowed her brows and Reno breathed outward in a huff.

"It doesn't make sense." He affirmed. "Why would he leave a stronghold."

"He wouldn't." Jalyne asserted and caught Frae's eyes. "The Flamebound One is there and Molcter is the center of the Empire's strongest metal manufacturer."

"The Flamebound One?" Reno asked.

"Yes." Jalyne responded looking at Fraeztka intently. "And it only answers to one."

"Jalyne…"

The princess shook her head lightly. "It cannot fall, Frae." She said sternly. "Molcter."

Rufus joined them. "What are you thinking?"

"The Flamebound One cannot be controlled." Frae explained. "To unleash it…"

"Is the last resort." Jalyne finished. She looked at the map further, thinking rapidly. "Ask the twins about cloaking technology. See if they heard anything new before heading your way." Jalyne pointed at the map. "There are too many gaps here. Father would never have the fleet that far apart."

Fraeztka nodded. "I will do so." The queen looked at Rufus and the other Turks. "Please, protect our Princess. She is needed." She glanced out at the rising sun. "I must return, Jalyne."

"I know Frae." Jalyne turned to the Turks and Rufus and nodded. "I'll Gate you home."

They walked out to the helipad and Jalyne opened the portal to Iecindra. She leaned down to Iecinkt, hugging the large white wolf. She raised and hugged Frae, whispering her thanks and to contact her if anything happens. Rufus stepped forward, raising her hand to his lips.

"I would hope to learn more of Gaia and spend time here, My Lord President." Frae stated smoothly with a whisper. "Thank you for your hospitality and I apologize for Iecinkt."

"As would I." he countered, giving her his trademark smirk. "and it's quiet alright, Lady." The Queen of Iecidrankta nodded at each of them and went through the Gate, leaving them each to their thoughts.

Jalyne spoke with Rufus for a few minutes and he insisted on sending her home with a car of which she declined profusely, sliding on her coat. She wanted to walk home, mostly to think of what was occurring. Jalyne turned to the northwest, suddenly feeling the pull and sighed. She had not forgotten what was going on here. It would not be long. Events between both worlds were escalating rapidly and Jalyne wondered which one would explode first.

She bid her farewell to Rufus, thanking him for the party and allowing the queen to visit. Jalyne walked out of the office and ran into the flame-haired Turk, who was waiting patiently.

"Hey, yo." He whispered reaching out to steady her. "Are you alright?"

"Sorry, Reno." Jalyne blushed embarrassed for not watching where she was going. "I'm fine. Just tired. I had trouble sleeping last night."

He studied her a moment raising a brow unconsciously, betraying his questioning. She smiled at him warmly, strangely feeling calm.

"May I take you home, yo?" he offered.

"I was planning to walk, truthfully." Jayne stated, continuing down the hallway to the elevator.

Reno joined her in the elevator. "Are you sure?"

They walked out of the building and Jalyne looked upward in the morning light and pulled her coat tighter. "Um…a ride would be great." She conceded as he led her to his car.

They drove in silence to her apartment and when they arrived, he opened her door. "Thank you." She whispered and paused, suddenly feeling exhausted as she stretched. She turned to him then. "Would you like come inside?"

He nodded lightly, following behind her. They crested the apartment and Jalyne threw her coat down and gazed out to the patio. She turned to him.

"Reno?" she asked slowly. "Do you believe in destiny?" she suddenly asked.

"Kind of, yo." He answered slowly. "I believe there is much more out there that no one knows or understands." He stood behind her, rubbing her shoulders lightly. "You're tired, Jalyne." He whispered, leaning down to her.

Jalyne twisted in his grasp, a sudden influx of emotion, partly caused by the events of the last twenty-four hours and mostly because of the close contact with Reno. Her eyes studied him, deep in thought. She wanted to say so much at that moment, but the fatigue was beginning to weigh on her.

"I am outside of destiny." She whispered, remembering Faterian's words in Trerran's Lifestream, bowing her head. She opened the doors and walked out, staring at the mid-morning sun, creating heating sources to ward off the chill.

"How do you know, yo?" Reno asked coming behind her.

"Faterian had mentioned it, when we were on Trerran." Jalyne turned and leaned against the railing, facing him with cautious eyes. "I do not know what that means." She commented sadly.

Reno explored her features, detecting something else and possibly related to the previous evening. There was a lot he could say, much of which would either have her hate him or provoke an argument. There was the other side of the coin, also, and he could take the advice of Adrian and actually raise the relationship to another level.

Jalyne bit her lip, undecided on whether to elaborate on last night or just tell him what she wanted and hope for the best. Trust. It was something she always struggled to give due to her particular outlook on life and the situation she was born into.

"Tell me." He stated. "There's something you want to say. I can see it, yo."

She hesitated trying to read the turquoise eyes. "Last night…" Jalyne began.

Reno sighed and leaned his temple to hers. "It's alright, Jalyne." He said calmly. "If you were with Rufus."

"I was." She admitted and shaking her head and Reno noticed the tears starting to well up. "But that's not what I'm trying…"

Reno suddenly cut her off, but pulled her closer. "The waves. You did something."

Jalyne closed her eyes, letting the tears flow. "My curse." She sobbed. "Reno…"

He felt the pull and the calling. A weird and unexplainable feeling. "Let it out, yo. No judgements here."

"It was his pain, the sorrow, and the regret." She cried lightly. "It called to me and I…and I took it. As much as I could." Jalyne bit her lower lip as tears came unbidden. "I don't want this curse, this power."

Reno pulled her to him, threading one hand through her hair, and the other caressing her back to calm her. After a few minutes he pulled back to look at her, raising her chin so her green orbs met his. "It will be alright, yo."

"I – I don't know what to do with it or how to handle it." She tried to explain. "I've never absorbed an aura like that. It is now conscious, instead of innate…I feel like I'm going to burst and I don't know how to handle it. I'm a chaotic mess."

Reno's eyes stared into hers, reading all that was within them. "There's one more thing, yo." He asked quietly and watched her squeeze her eyes shut for a moment.

Jalyne was taking deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She knew that she couldn't run from Reno any longer, but the event of last night with Rufus caused her aura to be chaotic and she couldn't control the emotions running through her. Jalyne realized as she cried in the sitting room that she wanted more with Reno. They're relationship was fast and furious at the beginning and perhaps that's not the best way to begin a courtship.

Can two people from two different worlds and societies learn to be with one another? Would their jobs as Turks put them in situations where it would be tested and would it survive? Could she learn to allow another to see all of her true self, to capture her heart and mind and drop the barriers she's always maintained for protection.

Would Reno fight for her? Was she willing to give all there was to fight for him? There were so many questions and scenarios, that she finally took a deep breath, remembering words she haven't thought of in quite a long time.

Come what may. When she opened her eyes, she couldn't assess his, so she said what came first to her mind.

"I only want you."