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

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

Author's Note: This chapter deals mainly with Reno and Jalyne's relationship as they move forward. The next chapter will deal solely with Reno as he comes to terms with some things. I have not forgotten the main objective, and we are rapidly approaching a climatic event:)

Chapter 39 – The Departure

He awoke later in the evening, Jalyne still laying on top of him, breathing softly. Reno stroked her hair softly to gently wake her and she opened her eyes slowly and sat up. Jalyne yawned and looked at him curiously.

"I supposed I was exhausted." She stated wryly. "What time is it?"

"Close to midnight, yo." Reno replied.

"Well I just screwed up the entire sleep cycle for days, now didn't I?"

He chuckled as Jalyne absently adjusted his collar and placed his hands on her hips. He had carried her in shortly after a breakdown and her admittance, exhausted, and they both dozed and slept.

"Feel better, yo?"

"Much." Jalyne answered sincerely. "Thank you." She whispered and tried to roll off of him only he kept a tight hold of her and rolled with her, placing him on top. Reno nipped lightly at her neck and when he pulled back, he was smirking at her.

"So you want me, yo?" he stated huskily.

Jalyne's eyes widened and a blush crested her cheeks. "I do." She whispered. "and only you." Then her eyes narrowed dangerously at him with amusement and twinkled. He was about to say something when Jalyne pushed him off, grabbed a pillow and swatted him with it teasingly.

"Hey now, yo!" he exclaimed, raising his arms to block the weapon. He threw the pillow aside and snatched her to him before she could escape and turned serious. "I can't imagine why."

Jalyne looked at him deeply, studying his reaction and the emotion that was now present within his turquoise eyes. "Because you are you – all of the frustrating, humorous, infuriating and trying, you." She paused and took a deep breath, glancing away. "I never wanted any of this…" Jalyne raised her hand, blue tendrils swirling around. "…the power, the Empire, the throne. My entire life…all I wanted was to be loved and perhaps to be normal." She reached up, tracing his markings around his left eye. "But I cannot run from it any longer. No more can I run from the feelings I have for you or the wish to take what this is, further. And you…have a way of keeping me safe, protected. You've never treated me any different than you would anyone else. I can be myself when I am with you."

"Jalyne…" Reno started and she placed a finger on his lips, reaching up with her other hand to twirl his tail around her fingers.

"But it is your choice also."

He traced her mark and leaned down, placing a light kiss upon her lips. Jalyne gasped as he lightly grazed her sides and then the fingers twitched, latching on and she let out scream.

"You're incorrigible!" She laughed at him.

"And don't you forget it, yo." Reno smirked as she got up. "I suppose this marks an official start to…whatever this becomes, yo?"

Jalyne nodded at him. "If it is your choice, My Lord Consort." She teased lightly. "Hungry?"

"Always, yo." He laughed following her into the kitchen. "Why do they all call me that, yo? I mean, I know Sol used it on Litrandan, but that was just in jest and formality for the situation, right?"

Jalyne smirked at him. "True. And it spread across the lands. But the real reason is because you are Myak Lovtka." She said purposefully in Iecidran, giving him a wink. "And I will allow you to figure that one out." She deviously stated, smirking over her shoulder at him.

Reno came behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as she opened and looked into the fridge to prepare food. As Jalyne stood up, he slid his left hand under her split skirt and in-between her thighs, lightly pulling and grazing at her thong strap. His feathery touch dipped lower and lightly rubbed her, eliciting her head lolling back to his shoulder and a moan escaping her lips. "I seem to recall telling you that payback is a bitch, yo."

The start of the week went well as the Turks were nearing the Christmas holiday, and nothing pressing was coming through in terms of information. Jalyne had kept a commlink present for emergencies and brought assorted books with her for the others to help sort through some of the pages.

Reno rarely left her side during those times as he and Rude could read the Trerran language, thought by Monday afternoon, Elena persuaded her to 'magically' allow the rest of them to learn it too. And so Jalyne taught all of them, including the President when he appeared, to read and speak the language.

Tuesday evening, Reno and Jalyne stood in front of the current holograms Solaria had transmitted, analyzing tactics and strategy. She finally wanted a break and moved to the balcony, lifting lightly off the ground to the center of the pool, deep in thought.

Reno joined her from the patio, staring up at her. "What are you thinking, yo?" he quietly called up to her.

Jalyne opened her eyes to meet his gaze. "My minds overloaded and it is not about the strategy."

"Can I help?"

Her eyes widened and before he knew, Jalyne wrapped him within her power and pulled him up to her. She placed a quick kiss on his lips and smiled. "Perhaps."

"I really don't want a dip in the pool, yo." He sarcastically stated. "It's a little cold out. The jacuzzi would great though, yo."

"I won't let you fall." she chuckled. "Besides, the heater is on. The water is wonderful." Jalyne reached out and grabbed his hand, allowing a good bit of her light to travel throughout his body. "Just hover."

"You love the water, yo." He commented as she pulled the water around them, creating a scene.

"Actually, I am more towards fire." Jalyne commented in thought. "But it's a little hazardous here in the city."

"I would agree with that." Reno looked around at the scene. "What is this, yo?" he asked surveying the six archaic symbols in front of him.

"Relics that were only told in faery tales." She explained. "Except that I have three of them now."

"That's what was in the books, yo?"

"Yes." Jalyne paused, turning around to face the other way. "Frae says there are seven though. I cannot figure out what the last one would be."

Reno studied them for a few minutes and both were silent in the evening cold. The clouds had dissipated and the night sky was lit up with stars.

"The fable states that once all are found, the Crown of Heavens will be gifted to one that possesses them."

Reno turned and narrowed his eyes at her in thought. "That's what you saw in the mirror."

"Yes." She conceded quietly. "It is said that only one shall possess them. The one to correct the flaws that should not be in the Heavens. They would be the rightful ruler to the Empire."

"And you have three of them?" Reno confirmed.

"Yes." Jalyne admitted. "Sol gave the one from the Temple of Light. That was the one that dropped into my lap at the office." She showed him the rune with the water. "Frae handed me the rune from the Temple of Frozen." Jalyne showed him that one. "And I've always carried the Rune of Soul."

"How so, yo?" Reno questioned as he studied that one.

"It was always with me. The Temple of Soul is on Trerran, the center of the Empire. That book passed to me when I was born. I had it on my fighter and Tseng and Elena brought it here while I was in Nibelheim." Jalyne explained.

"What ones are left?"

"Rune of Darkness, Rune of the Lands, and the Rune of Flames." Jalyne said. "But I don't understand what the seventh one would be. The elements are all there."

Reno thought for a moment. "There's something else that you are worried about."

She looked at him solemnly before speaking. "The Rune of Flames is on Molcter."

"Would that be the reason your Father is after it, yo?"

Jalyne nodded at him. "It is theorized that it is the only thing that can control the Flamebound One."

"You don't think so?"

"No." she conceded, staring at him. "The text that the twins gave me says otherwise." Jalyne dissolved the water and coasted to the patio with Reno following behind. She turned to him then, eyes pensive. "All of my feelings are screaming that something is going to happen."

Reno reached out and embraced her, placing a kiss on her head. "It will be okay, yo. I'm here."

Reno…please…I need you here.

"Jalyne?" he answered sleepily.

Please… She cried. Sol…sent something…please…please come.

"I'll be there within thirty minutes." Reno stated and hung up.

It was three in the morning and Reno wasn't asleep for long when the call came. He found Jalyne on her bedroom floor, tears falling down her cheeks with the holograph in front of her paused. Reno couldn't tell if she was angry or sorrowful.

"Jalyne?" he whispered.

She snapped her head to him as he knelt beside her. "Reno." She breathed wiping her eyes. "Thank you." She tapped the comlink to start the transmission. The image of Solaria became animated.

Your Highness. I regret to say that the Traitor has escaped Litrandan. I have executed the ones responsible through combat as they resisted Litrandan law. It occurred by an inside operative. We have no idea where the Traitor could have gone and can find no trace anywhere.

I also regret to inform you that Molcter will most likely fall. We cannot hold Molv. Your fathers' army is pushing them back. We were wrong. There were more starships than the scans ever showed. We believe there is new cloaking technology that went undetected. The twins are working fervently to find a counter to it. I will keep you updated.

Jalyne looked at Reno with tears. "What do I do?"

"For now, we wait until something solid is presented." He replied, wrapping an arm around her and wiping the tears away. "It may be a lure to get you there."

"Maybe." She replied solemnly.

They arrived early at the office, Jalyne carrying the runes and the recording to show the rest of them. There was no longer any reason to hide or shadow what was going on. Reno requested Rufus to be there, also, if he had time and let Tseng know of the specifics beforehand.

Rufus came in first and immediately went to Jalyne to discuss what had transpired while Reno left to get coffee and food. This had the possibility of being a long meeting. Soon the rest of the Turks arrived and Jalyne showed them the transmission.

Rude was impassive as he watched her explain what was going on, but Jalyne could see his expression turn calculating. He was thinking of ways to counteract what was going on in Molcter. Elena stayed passive, watching with determined eyes and Tseng raised a hand to his chin in thought.

"I don't know what to do." Jalyne finally spoke. "Do I take action or wait?"

Rufus was looking at the young lady in the hologram, deep in thought. "I assume you've thought of the possibility that this is meant to lure you to ambush."

"Reno stated as much last night." Jalyne commented. "I cannot ignore it thought."

"I'm not saying you should."

"Ignore what?" Tseng questioned.

"I just have a feeling about this." Jalyne answered. "Not the best time, either." She muttered.

Her necklace glowed lightly and vibrated, causing her to start and place her hand to her neck. Jalyne dislodged the coms and tapped it. The image of Solaria sprang forth and she was flying, dodging and weaving.

I'm sorry, Your Highness! She exclaimed. We cannot hold Molcter! Your father's armies—she dodge a blast. –are too much!

"Sol!" Jalyne reached for her. "Where are you!"

The Queen of Litrandan zipped higher in the sky, trying to out maneuver the onslaught. Outside of Molv. They're pushing— a blast lost the transmission.

"Naio!" Jalyne screamed.

We cannot hold them! she cried as the transmission came back. Your father's army is too large.

"And you went there?"

Of course! Sol exclaimed gliding higher into the atmosphere. I would never allow Firharni and Bocktern to battle alone. She paused, composing herself. The twins are here, too. She whispered.

Jalyne glanced at Rufus, silently asking permission for a task she was now forced to take part in. "Where are Firharni and Bocktern now?"

The Citadel at Molv. On the battlements towards the East.

Jalyne concentrated, pulling out another coms from her pocket. Two figures appeared watching over the battlements at the battle below.

"Firharni, Bocktern." Jalyne bowed at the two stewards.

Ho! Ho! the behemoth called. My Empress arrives! The hulking figure with horns at the back of his head and red scaly skin bowed fluidly. The more human form pushed forward and bowed.

Empress. He bowed. We lost track of Solaria.

"High in the sky dodging an onslaught." They heard commotion in the background and Jalyne smirked lightly even in the dire situation.

Hey, let us through now! the fuchsia haired twin emerged with her brother behind. Your Highness!

"I thought I told you two to stay out of trouble?" Jalyne commented wryly.

And miss all of the fun? Cyferia answered. Be serious.

Jalyne. Tybyrn spoke up. Planetary defenses are up, but your father's army is still pushing through.

We can't hold them. Firharni stated as a blast destroyed the rock nearby. He peered through at the Turks. My Lord Reno. He bowed of which Reno quirked an eyebrow. He would love it here, Jalyne. The fire burns within him.

Jalyne stepped aside. "You would know, Firharni." She smiled wanly. "I'll make introductions short." And proceeded to introduce them all to the stewards of Molcter.

You didn't tell her yet, did you, Sol? Bocktern asked, glancing at the queens transmission.

Haven't had the chance. The queen answered, turning her attention to the princess.

"Tell me what?"

The armies are led by Trayvor. That is why I am here and not on Litrandan.

Jalyne paled and swayed lightly, anger building, and Reno stepped behind her, encircling her waist to steady her. Reno felt her tense and Jalyne turned to Rufus.

"I have to go." She whispered. He looked on and nodded.

"How long?"

"Three days. Four at most." Jalyne turned to Sol and the others. "Pull everyone back into the citadel if you can."

Jalyne? Firharni questioned. They'll easily overrun us.

Jalyne looked at the twins. "Jam the communications. Nothing gets in or gets out. Pulse the planetary shields."

The shields aren't equipped for that, Jalyne. Not here. This isn't Iecindrankta. Tybyrn commented. Their cloaking bypasses it.

Jalyne looked at him and smiled wanly. "Not with the phase modulator, Ty."

Ty's eyes lit up but Cy stepped forward. You are not thinking of coming here are you? You must stay hidden!

Reno felt her aura flare, anger to start but determination and he kissed the top of her head to reassure her. "I will deliver what you have given me." Jalyne asserted, glancing at the second holograph.

Are you sure? Firharni questioned lightly. He placed a hand at his chin in thought, staring out into the masses. You know we found it. The Rune of Flame. The dark-haired steward commented. Right where it should have been. Unfortunately, the Flamebound One guards it.

"Faterian is leaving nothing to chance, I see."

I do not think this is Faterian's doing. There are other forces and the Dark One wishes you not to correct the flaws.

"Molcter will not fall and irregardless of Fate, the choices are ours to make." Jalyne said quietly, bowing her head as Reno rubbed her shoulders. "I will bring the phase modulator with me."

Start pulling everyone back! Bocktern bellowed the orders.

"Gather who you can from Volc and Ferka. See what and who we can bring from the south and far east." She whispered, head still bowed.

The Behemoth nodded and left to carry out orders. Firhani looked at Jalyne wide eyed as she raised her eyes to to the rest of them. Within the green orbs held the flames of protection and determination. She met Firharni's gaze and whispered deadly.

"In twenty five minutes, release the Flamebound One. In thirty, I will be there."

You cannot release the Flamebound One! Solaria exclaimed as she hovered in the air over the battlefield. It is uncontrollable!

So help us all. Firharni whispered and nodded, narrowing his eyes at his Empress, not disobeying her. I will do so. He paused. Jalyne?

"Yes?"

I do hope you know what you are doing.

"I do. Molcter calls me." She stated, standing tall cutting the transmissions. Jalyne turned and opened a tiny gate and her eyes lit up as she concentrated on the battlefield. Scores of her people were slain, and very little of her father's army was defeated. As she searched, Jalyne found him. The Traitor.

She closed the gate and crumbled into Reno, letting out the frustration and sobs she was holding in. "My people are being slaughtered!" Jalyne looked at Reno then, eyes hard as steel as tears flowed down her cheeks. The other Turks were taken aback by her raw emotion as they spied her over his shoulders. "The Traitor needs dealt with. It is time for him to meet Faterian."

"I want to give you this before I leave." She stated, holding out a gift. Jalyne and Reno gated to her apartment so she could gather the necessary items for her departure. Reno looked down at the long box she was holding.

"You'll be back by Christmas, yo." He quietly stated.

Jalyne smiled softly at him. "Yuletide is Monday, though you celebrate Christmas on Friday. I want you to have it in case I run later than expected."

"You will come back, yo."

"Of course I will." She replied confidently. "I am the best there is. The Traitor will be dealt with once and for all." Jalyne gritted her teeth. "But first I must calm the Flamebound."

Reno nodded though he didn't quite understand all of what she was explaining and proceeded to open his gift. As he lifted his present to inspect it, his eyes lit up and for once, he was at a loss for words. He pulled her to him, kissing her and trailed them down to her ear as she laughed lightly at him. "Thank you." He whispered gratefully.

Jalyne took the new mag rod from him and turned it over, showing him the added buttons. "It is made from molsteil, the strongest alloy we in the Empire know of. Be careful with this one." She said seriously, pointing at the bottom button. "There is a special weapon associated with it along with your normal spells and pyramid."

"What is it?"

Jalyne hesitated and looked away as he inspected it further, noting the inscription upon the weapon. "It…it now carries part of my power. As for what it does…that will depend on you as my power molds to you."

Reno's eyes widened as he read the inscription again and looked at her. For the first time, he saw it within her eyes and he kissed her to hide his own surprise. There was always a passion, a fire, a burning infatuation within Jalyne that he always knew existed. It was simply a part of her, her charm. This time, however, he saw just a trace of the love she held for him before she hid it. The words he read in Trerran touched him to the core.

"Within, My Light shines to chase away the darkness. May it forever guide and remind you that I am always with you, even when apart." She quietly read it.

"My apartment." Reno asked, keeping her to him. "We need to go there."

Jalyne raised her brows but complied to open the Gate to his place, but not before he bent down and kissed her again, this time lovingly and sensually, impressing upon her what her gift meant to him.

They arrived at his apartment and he rushed into the bedroom while she waited. When he returned, two boxes were within his grasp, wrapped neatly.

"You will need this." He said quietly as he set them upon his table.

"Reno," she said quietly lifting his chin. "I'm coming back. I'll be okay."

"I won't stop you, Jalyne." Reno whispered. "I understand and know the reasons."

"I know." Jalyne stated. "And I would take you all there, but I cannot risk losing any of this family."

He handed Jalyne the big box. "I want you to have this."

Jalyne gingerly opened the box and gasped. "Reno! This is beautiful!" she lifted the silver and metal etched staff, inspecting it excitedly.

The red-headed Turk lifted the second box and Jalyne opened it with her staff in the crook of her arm. The sight took her breath away. Jalyne lifted the twin blades in awe of the hilts. One had a dragon and the other a phoenix and in the center of each eye was a place to hold a materia on either side of the engraved heads. Jalyne raised the blades to the staff, seeing the attachments for them and placed them.

Jalyne swung the staff outward, testing the balance as Reno waited for her assessment. She leaned the staff against the table an leapt into his arms, surprising him. She kissed him deeply and when she pulled back cupped his cheek, tracing his markings.

"Thank you." She whispered, reaching into her inside pocket. "I love it!" she stated giddily. Jalyne reached for his hand and placed an orb within in it. "You will be able to reach me using this com. Just tap it to activated." He felt her power flare a bit and knew she was tailoring the coms to him.

Jalyne opened the Gate at the office, her family from afar gazing at the new family she had forged on Gaia. Rude had positioned himself near to speak with Solaria. She saw her eyes light up and felt the ripple of the Gate. He had given something to her.

Jalyne turned to the rest of the Turks and the President with a nod. "I now depart." She stated formally and hugged Tseng and Elena. Rude had joined them and Jalyne hugged him also. She moved to stand in front of Rufus, gazing at his blue and calculating eyes. She reached for her cloak and formally bowed. "I am sorry, Sir, that my departure is sudden. I wish it was not so. I give my word that I will return."

The Presidents eyes flickered to Reno who stayed impassive in his stance. Rufus smirked and returned the bow gracefully. He reached for her, embracing her without a second thought of being around others. He kissed the top of her head and trailed down to her lips and hesitated. Thinking better of it, Rufus kissed each of her cheeks in farewell.

"You are not captive here, Jalyne." He whispered.

"I know that now, Sir." She answered him. "But communication is necessary to work through all of these trying times."

Jalyne turned to Reno then as the others waited patiently. "Remember what I said about the coms and the mag rod." He nodded his assent, taking her hands in his.

"Come back to me." He whispered before kissing her fiercely.

"Whoa ho!" they all heard Bocktern yell from the Gate. "Destiny moves forward!"

Reno at least blushed in his ears as he pulled back and Jalyne chuckled at Bocktern's exclamation. "You have to know Bocktern." She whispered. "And I will come back to you."

Jalyne turned and looked at the Gate. "The Flamebound is released?" she questioned.

"Yes, Highness. It is awakening now." Firharni answered.

"It is time for the Traitor to personally meet Faterian." Jalyne replied her accent coming across heavier.

Her aura flared and her power ignited as she walked towards the Gate, transforming her attire into something the Turks have never seen. Jalyne's shoulder armour was thick, golden and inlaid with deep red linings and the emblems of fire etched throughout. Her chest and back plates were done similar but wore the images of the phoenix and dragon encircling each other.

Her wrist guards, half gauntlets and armored boots matched the shoulder plates. Circled around her waist was the golden cloth and metal loin coverings, similar to her other Trerran attire that the Turks have seen her wear previously, and covered the deep, dark, red leggings.

The helm jingled lightly, her hair pulled high into a tail as the metal encircled her head. It trailed her temple to come to rest halfway beneath her eyes, covering the bridge of her nose. She turned to them one last time at the entrance of the Gate, her new staff in her grasp.

The Turks and the President did not hide their astonishment at the transformation as they looked at her, for within her emerald eyes, the orange flames flared and travelled outward towards the rest of her body, lighting her ablaze. They had never seen her in formal battle armor or react to a situation quite like this.

"I hear the voices of the flame." She stated ominously, lifting her chin and nodded in farewell. "Molcter calls this daughter home."