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

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

Chapter 40 – The Nightmare

"Did you understand any of that?" Rufus questioned as the Gate snapped shut.

"Yes." Rude piped up. "Sil mentioned it when we were on Drogavor."

"Mentioned what exactly?" Elena asked curiously.

Reno turned and looked at his partner quizzically. "I don't remember him saying anything about this, yo."

"You weren't there." Rude answered. "You went after Jalyne in the springs."

"Well?" Tseng queried lightly.

"She is like Aerith, tied to the Lifestreams." Rude started to explain. "I bet she was hearing Molcter's Lifestream."

"That doesn't surprise me." Rufus stated.

"Except that I think Jalyne is in tune with a great many Lifestreams." Rude finished.

"Is that even possible?" Elena exclaimed.

"With Jalyne, anything is possible." Rufus stated. "Or so we are finding out."

"What's the next move?" Tseng inquired, turning to the President.

"Nothing." He explained. "Business as usual. We're close to the holiday so I'd imagine not much would go one. Keep eyes on everything, though."

The flames rose up from the wreckage and destruction below, threatening to engulf him as he stared downward. His partner was with him, looking just the same at what they were responsible for due to carrying out orders. Old buildings were on fire with steel and concrete astrewn everywhere. He could hear the screams of despair from the inhabitants below and shuddered with each one. His partner placed a hand on his shoulder and turquoise eyes stared into chocolate ones behind sunglasses in remorse and sorrow.

"Should we have disobeyed orders, yo?" the red-headed Turk asked his partner.

"Orders are orders." The response came.

"Some, perhaps, shouldn't be followed, yo."

The hand on the shoulder gripped tighter and pushed, sending the lithe Turk barreling to the flames below. Reno didn't scream on the way down, accepting his fate of the flames. He landed with a resounding crash that echoed everywhere and was loud to his ears. He couldn't believe he would survive a fall from the plate but yet here he was, staring at the sky and the city of Midgar, heart and adrenaline pumping forcefully.

Reno's consciousness pulled at him as he narrowed his eyes, the dawning that he was injured severely from the battle with Cloud, Tifa and Barret crossing into his mind. He searched the surrounding area, hearing screams of help and frantically tried to lift stone and steel to no avail. As he searched the area, dismembered bodies and gruesome sights flooded his turquoise eyes and he paused to wretch in a nearby destroyed building.

"Help us, please!" Reno heard the voice behind him and turned. Trudging towards him a young lady and a little boy were standing near the flames.

Reno looked closer and gagged. The lady's head was severed and hanging only by a thick sliver of skin, blood spurting outward and the boy was severed in half. An explosion flowed outward and engulfed them, searing both and leaving them to be smoldering corpses on the ground. He could smell the burning flesh and blood and turned to wretch again.

Sometime while he was hunched over relieving his stomach of all contents, the surroundings turned gray and he was alone with nothing in sight no matter which way he turned his gaze. The gray nothingness loomed as far as one could see and Reno stepped forward hesitantly to try out the surroundings. He wasn't floating as the environment would lead one to believe.

"Guilty conscious?" a voice came out of the nothingness.

"You could say I grew one, yo." Reno replied. "But there is no forgiveness for that act." He stated solemnly and closed his eyes. "I will forever carry this with me."

Reno felt the flames and the rush of air as he opened his eyes, seeing them curl around his body. He turned slowly, expecting to see the fire molded demons of hell facing him that are told in stories as a child. He did not expect to see what was presented before him.

Reno stared into the flaming eyes of the phoenix, who had it's wings outstretched and curled around him. The entity was crouched low to bring its head to his level and its tail was curled around its feet and body. Reno stared at it intently though strangely he was calm and not afraid. He smirked at the flaming creature.

"Sil said my destiny lay within the flames, yo."

"Indeed it does, Reno Sinclair." The phoenix spoke. "But not in a way that you believe."

Reno's eyes widened as the flurry of magic swirled around the bird of flames, reminding him of Jalyne. He waited patiently for the magic to cease and when it did, in the phoenix's place was a man. Built tall though elegant, the burgundy haired gentleman smiled back at the Turk.

"Even now you think of her."

"Why wouldn't I, yo?" Reno confirmed and nodded in respect. "Faterian."

"Ahh." Faterian chuckled. "Jalyne has spoken of me."

Reno nodded in assent, taking in the god's form and armor. "Why wouldn't she, yo?"

"It is not something everyone can go around talking about. There are worlds that do not hold the belief as others do."

"Where am I?" Reno suddenly asked looking around the gray area.

"Within your mind." Faterian answered.

He shrugged. "Strangely peaceful, yo."

"I had a hard time finding a peaceful area." The god laughed again. "Your mind is quite…active."

"I don't sleep well…or a lot." Reno admitted. "Why are we here, yo?"

"We are here because I wished to speak with you."

"About."

"A great many things." Faterian answered. "Certain events are going to occur and one must be ready for all possibilities."

"So, you are going to give me more to think about, yo?" Reno shook his head lightly in jest.

"Unfortunately, yes." He replied. "Though you may carry the guilt of Sector Seven plate falling, know that it was one of the events that even I cannot or could not change."

"That's doesn't make me feel any better, yo." The flame-haired Turk sarcastically stated. "Is there even forgiveness for such an act?"

"Forgiveness comes with actions one performs from now thru the end of life." Faterian stated seriously, raising an arm and willing the scenes of the plate falling into view. "And one must come to terms with the event."

"I'm not sure it is possible, yo."

"Anything is possible, Reno." Faterian smiled wanly. "Jalyne should have taught you that by now." He paused a moment before continuing. "Many were saved that day by the help of the Ancient and her comrades. The casualties were minimal for what the madman commanded of you and the outcome changed by many factors."

"Even so," Reno said, "Those people's blood are on my hands, yo."

"Very true." The god stated. "But destiny has something else in store for you."

Reno quirked an eyebrow at him but watched the scene of the plate falling before him, realizing details that were not spoken from beforehand or in any report that he had read. His thoughts travelled to Jalyne as Faterian continued to show him various previous events, both containing the princess, and some without. They ended with her going through the Gate just a few hours ago.

"You worry for her." Faterian stated.

Reno nodded in agreement. "I can't really help it, yo. I've always worried for her, from the time I found her."

"Why?"

"I'm not sure, yo."

"I believe you do know." The burgundy haired one turned to him then raising and eyebrow and eyes lit with fire. "You just don't wish to admit it. When you stop thinking you are not good enough for her, all things are possible." Reno studied the entity but remained silent and the god of Fate continued. "There will be a decision made very soon. One that is solely hers to make. That decision will change the Heaven's for all eternity."

"What do you mean, yo?" Reno questioned not hiding his astonishment.

"You will need to decide whether you love her or to let her go. That decision will determine hers, among other factors." Faterian waved a hand again and the flames sprang forth engulfing them and changing rapidly to show various possibilities and outcomes.

The red-haired Turk stared onward absorbing all the details his mind could, and idly wondered what his partner was doing at the moment. Faterian kept up the visionary onslaught, showing Reno as many of the possibilities that the god could imagine. Reno looked at him as the visions faded.

"You are a god, yo." He started to say. "Do you not know what will happen?"

Faterian chuckled lightly at him. "I will tell you what I told Jalyne months ago. The words god and goddess are just that – words. Words made by other living beings to explain that which they could not explain or fathom."

"Do you not know the choice Jalyne will make, yo?"

"She is outside of my vision. And will remain so."

"Why?"

"Because she has done what no other being has been able to accomplish."

"And that is?"

"She defied time."

Reno thought on those words, bringing the image of star chart from her ship to his mind and the date with it. He looked quizzically at the god of Fate but said nothing.

"She is not two thousand years old." Faterian chuckled lightly. "She defies the natural order of time. Right now she stops it, but in truth as her power and abilities grow, she will be able to forward it, reverse it and change it to her will."

"That sounds a little on the dangerous side of things." Reno commented.

"Indeed it is." He looked at the Turk. "That is where your decision plays a part. You have a way of keeping her…grounded in reality."

"Reality?"

Faterian nodded. "She can change anything, should her mind think of it. Her abilities are great and she struggles to contain them. Having her mother's power so close to her is not helping and Jalyne is afraid of what absorbing those abilities will do to her. That is where you can help."

"Me?"

"You keep her calm and rational."

"Hardly, yo." Reno scoffed. "We've had it out several times."

"Ahh, but it has made her stop and think of different scenarios and outcomes. You challenge her mind."

"She will be Empress, yo."

"So?"

"Jalyne will leave." Reno stated sadly.

Faterian chuckled again and stared intently at Reno, searching. "As I told her, I will tell you. If there is anyone that can find a solution, it is you and her." He raised his hand again, bringing forth another image.

Reno's eyes widened as he looked onward. Jalyne was in the armor he last saw her and in front of her was a huge beast bathed in flames. She was hovering in front of it and he saw the snarl grace its features. Its horns curved backwards from it head and it's ears were perked upward as Reno assumed it was listening to Jalyne. The stripes along its body were of different red and orange hues, covered in flames as it rested on its haunches in chains near molten rock and lava plains.

"The Flamebound One?" Reno inquired.

"Yes. A lifeforce of Molcter and Guardian of the Rune of Flames."

"Jalyne said no one could tame it."

"Watch and listen." The god advised.

Reno observed the beast strike out with its front leg to swat at Jalyne. She easily dodged bringing her staff in front of her to parry and block.

You wish to enslave me, also. The beast growled and the chains rattled beneath it.

I do no such act. Jalyne answered. What is your name, Flamebound? She questioned, removing her helm to show her face.

The beast relaxed and analyzed her. It slowly reached out with a paw to touch her and she kept her ground, eyes flaming, but calm.

I am Volmerc. He finally answered. And you are?

Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria. Princess of T'Karvia.

He watched her, inching his paw closer to touch her as her Light sprang forth. And your objective her on Molcter?

To end the Traitor's war that is waging against this world's people. She answered.

You carry runes. You wish to acquire the Rune of Flames from me? He inquired.

I do not want it. Jalyne answered calmly. I've never wanted them, just as I never wanted to rule, though it will come to pass. She shook her head and raised her staff showing Volmerc the three runes within her blades. Jalyne outstretched her left arm, her ability and Light springing forth and with a downward slash, the chains dematerialized, leaving the beast to be free.

Volmerc stood and stretched but did not strike out towards the princess. He glared at her for a moment. Too long have I been held captive by your predecessors.

No more will you be. Jalyne stated formally.

Why would you do this?

Because no one should be captive for another's gain and power. She answered. I need your help…and your trust.

He gauged her intent for a few minutes, eyes flaming with deep red fire. He looked past her towards the sounds of battle in the distance and she could see his eyes dim as he concentrated. My people are dying. The Stewards are trying to hold against your father's army.

They are led by the Trayvor, the Traitor. She answered. My father has gone mad. I am here to stop it.

Again, Volmerc gazed at her. He has wronged you greatly, Princess.

She nodded. He has, yes. More than once.

Will you let me be free when all is done?

You have my word, Volmerc.

The beast inclined his head towards her staff and Jalyne followed his gaze and gasped. Beneath the base of her swords and glowing red, was the inscription of the Rune of Flames. She looked at Volmerc quizzically.

We have been waiting for you for a long time, Empress. He stated smoothly. I will ride to battle with you to end this meaningless war.

"This happened a few hours ago?" Reno questioned Faterian.

"Yes."

"I thought he was a savage beast." He commented.

Faterian looked at him shrewdly. "Only to those unworthy. The Flamebound One was captive for thousands of years. Jalyne released him without a thought to her wellbeing or the danger he could wield. He saw her Light within."

"That's how she is." Reno shrugged.

"Indeed."

Faterian released the image and turned to Reno, deep in thought. "Your choice will help make hers."

"You've said that."

"The calamity will be called soon."

"How soon?" Reno asked.

"I would caution, however, that meteor is one event that cannot be changed. Not even Sephiroth can change it, nor can Jalyne." Reno raised an eyebrow at him but he continued. "You will do something that you've never done before, Reno Sinclair, but whether it is for the correct reasons will be up to you."

"What do you mean?"

"You will need to tell Jalyne how you feel, whether good or ill." Faterian continued, ignoring his question.

"I'm not really good at that."

"She waits to hear it, Reno Sinclair." The god of Fate continued on. "It is the word she longs for."

Reno awoke and stared at the ceiling for a very long time considering the conversation with Faterian. He was so exhausted that he didn't even change out of his Turk uniform. A choice? Reno thought to himself. What choice could I give that would help her? He started to doze as he analyzed his feelings for her. Did he truly love Jalyne? He still wasn't sure. Reno was very much loyal to her as she was a Turk also, but did he love her?

Reno closed his eyes further when he heard whispers outside his door. Sliding his hand underneath his pillow for his gun, he rolled off his bed and crouched low.

"He's in there." He heard a familiar voice state. "I watched him come home."

He waited, wondering if he should go out the window. His mag rod and both coms were across the room on his dresser. Shit.

The crash above him had him diving to the side as an assailant broke the window for entry. Two quick shots ended his life and Reno rolled out of the way as the door slammed open, four more coming through. Reno swept his leg outward, taking the first one off guard and tumbling to the floor. A quick jab with the grip knocked him out. The second assailant grabbed Reno around the neck in an attempt to strangle him. He lifted his gun and with a squeeze of the trigger, dropped him but not before the third punched him in the gut.

Two more came through the window breaking out what was left of it. Reno dove and rolled towards his dresser trying to claim Jalyne's gift only to be yanked by his tail backwards and a rope wrapped around his neck. He shot outward targeting the two across from him at the window; one shot dead center in the forehead and the other missed wide right.

Reno head-butted the one behind him trying to loosen the strangling rope. Finally he got enough of a hold to flip the guy over him and took a deep breath, dodging the assailant who dove at him from the doorway. The window guy vaulted over the bed and slammed Reno into his dressing, knocking the contents everywhere. The Turk swung with a left jab, gun in hand, knocking the guy backwards and a quick shot killed him.

A hulking figure came through the door brandishing a whip of which he flared, catching Reno and gashing his right cheek, sending him to his knees. A quick jab to the back of the head laid Reno on the ground, out cold.

"He's coming around."

Reno recognized the voice but held out from opening his eyes until the wave of nausea passed. It smelled damp to him and was cool and moist. His arms were behind his back and he didn't move knowing they were restrained. He could hear water in the distance and the breathing of at least three other people.

"Open them." She calmly stated. "I know you are awake."

Slowly the turquoise eyes stared into brown ones. She was blond and petite, dressed in brown leather gear with knives placed at her hips. Reno smirked at her lightly. This was the blonde from the Christmas party. A shadow passed over him and he glanced upward seeing one from not too far in the distant past.

"Let me wipe that smirk off his face." The hulking figure pleaded.

"Not yet, Victor." She smiled up at him. "This one has answers to give me first." She stated as she drew a blade from her hip. "My brother is after one particular Turk now and would like to meet her."

The blade entered smoothly just under the right rib cage. Reno didn't make a sound though he inhaled sharply at the pain and sudden struggle of breath. He kept a neutral face, not betraying any emotion as he understood the words that were spoken.

Jalyne.

The blood was on her hands and as she walked with Firharni, Bocktern, the Twins, and Solaria, Jalyne fervently tried to wipe them off. She killed the Traitor, sending him to meet Faterian. The rest of her father's army had demoralized instantly at the reveal of the Princess.

"Make sure planetary defenses don't allow any persons in or out." Jalyne requested. "Until all of these events are over, father will try to take each and every resistance out there."

"We will hold ground, Jalyne." Solaria commented. "The others will be advised."

They reached the throne room of the Citadel when Jalyne paused and turned to Firharni and Bocktern. "Volmerc will assist you when needed. Treat him well." She smiled at them. Jalyne continued to the large table at the far end of the room idly giving recommendations to her stewards.

Her armor glistened in the fire light, splattered with Trayvor's blood and she removed her helm, placing it on the table. As she turned to the others, her eyes widened and she turned pale, dropping to one knee and suddenly breathing heavily. The Gate opened sporadically in front of them, swirling dark with nothingness.

"Jalyne!" Solaria reached for her arm to steady her.

"What's wrong?" Cyferia questioned coming to her other side.

Jalyne closed her eyes tightly, taking deep breaths as the images floated across her mind. When she looked at her team on Molcter, a single tear drifted down her cheek.

She heard his call from across the Heavens.

"My Lord."