Chapter 13: Training

Aeris tossed and turned for about the hundredth time since she'd climbed into her sleeping bag. Jessie and Tifa were fast asleep in their own bags on either side of her.

Jessie's words when Aeris had come back from Gongaga had unearthed something she'd kept buried deep inside for years. And as time passed, she found herself less and less able to deny it any longer.

Her feelings for Sephiroth had slowly begun to change since he'd left for Midgar three years ago. She now realized that no girl's heart would race after her own brother came back from a month-long journey just to spend a few days with his sister.

Unless it's one of those messed-up religious apocalyptic mangas…

Another memory had popped up as well, which she'd deliberately forgotten about due to how humiliating the thought was. A couple years ago, she'd watched Sephiroth practicing his swordplay. It had been hot that day, and he'd removed his shirt. Aeris had found herself fighting the urge to walk up to him and grope his pecs right then and there.

Jessie had forced her to face one important fact: he was not her biological brother.

Like adopted siblings run off together the first chance they get?

Aeris knew it wasn't the same, though. Not since she was seven. True, they'd lived together practically her whole life, but had the dynamics changed with the absence of her parents? What would they even have said? Would she even think about Sephiroth that way if she'd had a more normal social life growing up?

Aeris groaned, not knowing what to think.

No sleep for me tonight…

Rufus walked into the kitchen where everyone was settling down to eat. Unsurprisingly, no one there save for Tseng had bothered to greet him. Unfazed, he sat down at the large table and poured himself a bowl of cereal.

After a few minutes, he noticed Barrett glaring icily at him from across the table.

"Good morning to you too," Rufus deadpanned.

Barrett growled and stormed out.

Aeris trudged sleepily into the room. She had changed out of her usual outfit and was now dressed in a red and white halter top, with dark brown stretch shorts that matched her usual combat boots.

"That shirt looks so cool on you!" Tifa exclaimed.

Zack's hand had dropped to the table, leaving his spoon dangling in his mouth, some milk dribbling down his chin. He quickly removed the spoon and wiped his face.

"Thanks…" Aeris mumbled as she reached for the box of shredded wheat on the table.

"Aside from the change of clothes, you look like hell," Jessie observed, "You sleep on a rock or something?"

"No…" Aeris said as she poured herself some cereal, "Did Medea say what's going on today?"

"She's off with Vincent and Sephiroth studying the world map," Jessie replied, "Then she said she had to start 'training' Sephiroth. Whatever that means,"
"So does that mean the rest of us just get to hang around here doing nothing?" Zack groaned.

"We're just going to have to wait and see," Jessie shrugged.

Aeris ate her breakfast while listening to everyone else chattering around her. After finishing, she excused herself, went outside, grabbed her sword out of her tent, and pulled it out of its sheath.

After practicing a few thrusts, Aeris spun around and raised her sword, preparing to bring it down on its imaginary target.

CLANG!!!

Aeris stared in surprise at Zack's grinning face. Using only one hand, he was easily holding back her attack with his over-sized sword.

"Care to spar?" he asked casually as he turned the blade of his sword around.

Aeris turned her sword around as well, and then sprang back. Wasting no time, she charged at the young soldier and swung. He knocked the attack to the side. Stepping back, Zack slashed at the air near Aeris' shoulder. Aeris stepped to the side casually.

"You're not even trying," she accused as she stabbed at him.

"Geez!" Zack hastily blocked her attack, "You trying to kill me?"

"Isn't that the idea of swordsmanship?" Aeris smirked.

"As if you could ever kill another human being," Zack chuckled.

"That a challenge?"

"I don't mean that in a bad way," Zack looked at her, "I just mean that you're too in love with life to ever deprive another person of it,"

"You immediately assume that from the few times we've interacted?" Aeris looked skeptical, "Or are you making stereotypes now that you know I'm half-Cetra?"

"Actually, it was unavoidable when looking at you and that brother of yours," said Zack, "Night and day, the two of you. That guy wouldn't be afraid to kill a man. I'll bet if he'd been raised differently, he could have easily become a cold-blooded murderer,"

Aeris' eyes narrowed. "Don't talk about Sephy like that,"

"'Sephy'?" Zack snickered.

"Yeah- don't ever repeat that to him," Aeris shook her head, "He barely tolerates me calling him that, let alone anyone else,"

"I suppose you can't see my point of view if you can call a guy like that 'Sephy'," Zack scratched his head.

"What exactly is the point you're trying to make?" Aeris asked.

"My point is that I can't figure you out at all," Zack lowered his sword, "And now that we're apparently on the same side, I don't know what to make of things,"

Aeris lowered her sword as well.

"God, when did things get so complicated?" Zack sighed, "I'm a Shinra man, and I'm working with terrorists,"

"You seemed excited about it before," Aeris peered at the soldier curiously.

"Part of me is," Zack nodded, "But come on- even you have to admit that things have just gone to hell in a hand basket!"

"Jenova's re-awakening is cause for panic," Aeris admitted, "But I'm not worried. We know a lot more than my ancestors did the first time they dealt with her,"

"I should stay as positive as you do," Zack smiled at her. "Makes things a lot easier,"

"Am I interrupting?"

Zack and Aeris spun around to see Cloud standing behind them, still wearing his Troopers' helmet.

"Hey, buddy," Zack greeted him.

"Is your helmet stuck or something?" Aeris giggled, "You haven't taken it off since we came here,"

"I…uh…" Cloud looked away.

"Just let it go," Zack waved his hand dismissively.

"Did you sleep in that helmet?" Aeris teased, "What are you trying to hide?"

"Fine," Cloud took off the helmet, "Happy?"

"Good," Zack immediately snatched the helmet from Cloud.

"Give that back!" Cloud tried to reach for the helmet, but the taller Zack held it above his head, out of the younger boy's reach.

"Oh, hey, Tifa!" Aeris waved.

Cloud immediately ducked and covered his head with his arms.

"Hah! Fooled ya," Aeris pointed at Cloud.

"So you figured it out, huh?" Zack chuckled.

Cloud shot Aeris an irritated look.

"You that shy around girls?" Aeris asked, "And I thought you were just playing it cool at the show,"

"All right," Zack chided her with a grin, "That's enough of tormenting Cloud…though it's easy to do,"

"Then I'm off," Aeris smiled, "Thanks for the sparring, Zack,"

"You both suck," Cloud grumbled as he watched her walk away.

"Be a man, Strife," Zack's easygoing demeanor suddenly became strict, "You can't expect to get into SOLDIER if you're gonna act like a baby around some crush of yours. Why do you even want to be in SOLDIER anyway? Is it all just to impress that chick?"

Cloud shook his head.

"What, then? You're totally trying to prove yourself all the time. I could always see that. You work hard to get into SOLDIER, but you're not focused. And until that happens…well, I hope you like guns. Because they won't ever give you one of these…" Zack held up his Buster sword, "…at the rate you're going. I know you don't wanna hear that, but as your superior officer, and your friend, I know what I'm talking about. And a good SOLDIER should at least be able to try and get the girl he's after,"

"Oh, like you've done so far?" Cloud raised an eyebrow, "You're totally hot for Aeris,"

"And I'm working on it!" Zack smirked, "Just kinda playing it cool for now. This is the perfect place to work the ole' magic. We're in an isolated area, with no possible competition from what I can see,"

"What about Sephiroth?"

Zack looked at his subordinate. "He's her brother,"

"Actually, he's not," Cloud shook his head, "I was talking to that big guy, Barrett, after breakfast. The two were raised together, but they're not related at all,"

"So that's why they looked nothing at all alike," Zack murmured. "Whatever. He's had more time to make her his than I have. If he didn't take advantage of that, he's obviously not interested,"

"The Pit Bull strikes again…" Cloud muttered, "Once you've got your eye on a girl, you never let go, do you?"

"Hah! It's that kind of pit bull mentality that makes a First-Class SOLDIER," Zack laughed, "Come on, let's go work on our drills…"

"It's as simple as envisioning a wall," Medea explained to Sephiroth as they sat alone in the fields. This wall muffles the thoughts. Don't put all of your focus into what you're thinking. Eventually, you'll hardly notice the wall yourself. And you will be able to communicate telepathically with me, and with any other Seraph, but without allowing them to see what's private,"

Sephiroth closed his eyes and began to concentrate.

"Keep your eyes open," Medea told him, "Filtering your thoughts is something you have to do all your waking hours. You can't expect to spend the entire day with your eyes shut,"

Sephiroth opened his eyes and continued to focus.

"Think of something," Medea instructed, "But don't let me find out what it is you're thinking. Remember the wall,"

Sephiroth kept staring ahead of him.

"You're thinking…about…something about the Shinra company," Medea glanced at Sephiroth, "Not bad. I could only pick up the general idea,"

I was wondering how long it would be before Rufus' father sends out dozens of helicopters to search the world for his kid.

Medea smiled. Good job. You learn fast. You've got a wall, but it has several holes. You need to envision this wall all the time. Imagine that everyone you're around could read your mind as easily as I can. Nobody wants people to know what's going on in their head all the time. And you especially don't want Jenova to know what's going on in your head. Due to the fact that you share her own DNA, you two have a much stronger telepathic link, just as any Seraph parent would have with their child. It's probably the reason why she occasionally calls you her son. She'd use the anger your harbor toward Shinra, and the feelings you have, not just for Aeris, but for your comrades, and your father.

Sephiroth stiffened.

I'm seeing less holes in the wall. You're a private man, I can tell that even without telepathy. Just remember- Jenova is probably feeding off of your thoughts right now. All of your thoughts- she'll use them to manipulate you into carrying out her wishes. It's part of the sickness. Nihilistic, narcissistic, hedonism. Seraphim with the virus lose all sense of boundaries. They only want one thing: quick pleasure. And they do dangerous things to achieve it. One habit they engage in is the feeding off of the lifestream itself. Yes, there is a lifestream on Beud A'evori as well. She may very well attempt to feed off the one here, which is why the spirit of your planet is distressed. When it's distressed, Aeris will feel it. That is why she collapsed yesterday.

Sephiroth looked at Medea. You talk a lot.

"Are you at least listening?" Medea spoke aloud, "My words are what may very well save you and the people you care about. If you let your guard down, you will eventually link to Jenova's mind completely- virus and all. You'll be just as insane as she is,"

"I understand," Sephiroth closed his eyes and rubbed at his temple, "I appreciate this, Ms. Medea,"

"Just Medea is fine," the woman said, "Anything else makes me feel old. I'm not even thirty-five, you know,"

"What will happen after this 'wall' is complete?"

"I can't tell you the answer right now," Medea shook her head, "Not until you can hide it from Jenova,"

"Are there any other abilities I may have that you haven't told me about?" Sephiroth asked her, "How did you get away from me so quickly on the ship?"

"Close your eyes," Medea's own eyes twinkled.

"What for?"

"Humor me,"

Sephiroth obeyed.

"Who says I got away?" a man's voice asked him.

Sephiroth's eyes shot open in surprise. Standing before him was the sailor he'd seen mopping the deck after Medea had left.

The woman then shifted back to her original appearance.

"This was how I rescued Professor Gast," she explained, "I changed my appearance to match that of a SOLDIER I'd manipulated into leaving the area. I took his place and simply walked up to the cell and opened the door. Have you never tried it?"

"I wasn't aware that I could," Sephiroth looked extremely interested.

"I'm not completely sure that you'd be able to," Medea looked thoughtful, "Professor Gast told me he was the one who delivered you. He said you had been born with a human body,"

"You weren't born with that body?" Sephiroth scowled.

"Jenova's appearance is closer to the true form of the Seraphim, save for the blue skin, which is another symptom of the virus," said Medea, "Beud A'evori is mostly mountains. Upon her arrival here, she assimilated into the body of a Cetra to get around easier. Believe me- it's very difficult to walk around on land with wings instead of legs,"

"So your livelihood is based on being able to completely adapt to nature," Sephiroth remarked, "Interesting,"

"There's so much you don't know yet," Medea looked at the sky, "It's going to be a while before we're all ready to leave. I hope the others are using their time well…"

Not bad…Rufus thought as he watched the others around him.

Barrett, Biggs, and Vincent were engaged in target practice aiming at random junk found in the old couple's basement. The couple had been remarkably generous with their guests.

Rufus marveled at how focused the three men were. He then spotted Tifa off to the side, practicing her martial arts. In the distance, Zack was still drilling Cloud. Nearby, Tseng and Reno seemed to be busy cleaning and maintaining their respective weapons.

The only people Rufus had ever known that had ever taken sufficient action involving anything were members of SOLDIER. The executives in the company were indecisive morons, and the Turks, with the exception of Tseng and possibly Reno, were only interested in their paychecks, much like the rest of the world.

Yet, these people he was with had been presented with a rather large problem, and here they were immediately taking steps to solve it. Even during this lull, they were still trying to keep their wits about them. Most people would either whine, or look for someone else to solve the problem.

Looking around, he could see Sephiroth and Medea making their way back to the house.

"Mr. Vice President," Medea greeted him.

Rufus nodded politely. "Are you ready to help come up with a plan?"

"Come to the guest room in ten minutes," Medea told him, "Vincent and I will join you there,"

She went on her way. Rufus watched her for a moment before turning around and heading back inside the house.

"Stupid boss!" Jessie yelled as she sat on the sofa playing a handheld game. Aeris sat next to her watching. "None of these spells work!"

"Uh…keep pounding on those little red buttons?" Aeris suggested with a shrug.

Jessie flashed Aeris an annoyed look.

"What?" Aeris held up her hands, "I was eleven the last time I played one of those things! They're way too confusing,"

Neither girl seemed to notice Rufus standing over Jessie's shoulder watching her play."Regular attacks won't work on that boss," he said finally, "He's a zombie. You have to use healing spells,"

Jessie paused the game and looked up at the vice president, somewhat surprised, and slightly annoyed.

"I'm supposed to take gaming advice from you?" she asked sarcastically.

"Fine," Rufus shrugged, "Do it the hard way. No one ever listens to reason, do they?"

Jessie un-paused her game and continued to play. Rufus stepped back a bit, but continued to watch, though he himself didn't know why.

"Oh, wow!" Jessie exclaimed, "It worked!"

"So you did listen," Rufus looked at her.

"Erm…thanks…I guess," Jessie looked away.

"Not many people I've met who can get that far in that game," Rufus remarked as he walked away.

"Didn't know some big-shot like him was into video games," Aeris mused.

"Now I'll never be able to enjoy this game," Jessie grumbled as she handed the device to Aeris, "Have a ball,"

Aeris took the game and stared at the screen as she began mashing the buttons. "Um…I can't make any of the characters move,"

Jessie glanced at the game. "It's a cut-scene," she said, "You don't need to do anything now. Just sit back and watch the story play out…"

"The Northern Crater is where Jenova was found by Professor Gast over twenty-five years ago," Vincent pointed at a spot on the map laid out on the bed, "It's also thought to be the site where she first landed,"

"Are there any pictures I could see of the site?" Medea asked.

Rufus reached under the bed and pulled out his laptop. He then pulled his PHS out of his pocket.

"This may take a while," he explained as he prepared to plug the phone into the computer, "Anyway, ten years ago, Professor Hojo had begun a report on the location of the Promised Land. Ifalna Gast had informed him that the area in the Northern Crater had high concentrations of mako, in response to the collision. Since then, my father has always had people investigating not only the crater, but the entire Northern Continent. Hojo's death and the Ancient's disappearance were two huge setbacks for the president's plans,"

"All's well that ends well…" Vincent droned.

"Doesn't make a difference to me," Rufus shrugged as he turned on the computer and set it on the dresser, "I personally thought my father was wrong in putting so much trust into an idiot like Hojo. And here we are, putting similar faith into his son,"

"Sephiroth is my son," Vincent said coldly, "And there's nothing wrong with him,"

Rufus smirked derisively. "You mean you knocked up the late Mrs. Hojo? Wow…no wonder Sephiroth looked like such a basket-case back at the reactor. A terrorist for a father, a slut for a mother, and a nutcase for a step-daddy…"

Vincent shot out of his seat and grabbed Rufus by the back of his jacket. He then lightly grasped the young man's head in his claw-like left hand.

"I could crush that smart-mouthed head of yours in one little movement," Vincent hissed, "You can insult me all you want, but if you ever speak of Sephiroth's mother that way again, I'll make your journey back to the lifestream as painful as possible!"

"That's enough, Vincent," Medea reproached him calmly, "Your original idea was not to harm the boy. Let's keep it that way,"

Vincent shoved Rufus' head forward, causing the young man to lose his balance and fall to the floor. He then walked over to the other side of Medea.

"So a Turk can fall in love, huh?" Rufus got to his feet and brushed off his clothes. "Who knew?"

"Is the computer ready yet?" Medea asked impatiently.

Rufus clicked on the mouse button a couple times. "Should be a couple minutes to connect. Not much for internet out here, but once I'm on, we'll be able to find as many photographs as you need,"

"Thank you, Rufus," Medea smiled.

"Just trying to one-up the old man," Rufus told her, "Nothing more,"

"I don't care what your motives are," Medea leaned over Rufus' shoulder and looked at the computer screen.

Rufus stared at the screen for a minute until the "welcome" sign flashed.

"Here we go…" Rufus began typing.

Vincent stood back, watching warily.

"There," Rufus stood back and allowed Medea to look at the pictures on the screen.

"…Interesting," Medea remarked after a couple minutes, "This crater…doesn't look like the kind made by even the most rudimentary spacecraft. I'm imagining there must have been quite the explosion involved for such a deep hole to appear,"

"I was on the mission where Jenova was uncovered," Vincent said, "We never did find anything else. Of course, since she was immediately mistaken for an Ancient, there would be no need to locate the parts for a spaceship,"

"Despite the threat she presents, I'm extremely curious to find out who Jenova really was," Medea mused, "No matter. Mr. Shinra, can you check the news for reports on any possible sightings…?"

By the time Rufus left the bedroom, two hours had passed. While Medea and Vincent walked out the back door, the young VP went back into the living room. Jessie and Aeris hadn't moved from the couch, and Tifa had since joined them. Tifa now held the game, and all three girls were bawling incoherently.

They must have finished the first disc…Rufus shook his head and chuckled lightly as he went into the kitchen.