Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Final Fantasy (any of the titles), that right belongs to the game developers, Artist, storyboard writers and Sony/Square soft!

Author's Notes: I am stating this now, here is who Kagome will not be paired with. President Shinra, Hojo, Angeal, Cloud Strife, Veld, Vincent Valentine, anyone on the ShinRa Board of Directors, Shippo or Sesshomaru (I mean Fucking really, he is in another world!). As of right now, those are the only ones I am able to list. And still have no idea of the end pairing. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you toturn around and leave now. Because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.


Month 4, Week 3, Day 3

3rd week of S.O.L.D.I.E.R. Training

Shippo, or Kogame, was sitting on his bunk and staring at the back of the barracks he shared with his battle buddy. The boy was rather interesting for a fifteen-year-old human. Then again, he had his thoughts as he heard the water shut off in the bathroom. It was averagely sized for when they had more recruits. But it was closed off because he was a part of Hojo's pet project. Earlier in the day, they'd have a display of what their current training results — frowning as he narrowed his brown-green eyes.

The President himself had come down with a few of his CEOs and Wife in tow. It took everything in him to not make a snarky reply to the man. Since he was so hyper-focused on him instead of everyone else. The conversation he had had with Kagome let him know that this would be the norm. It left a bad taste in his mouth since Hojo could not protect both of them. And for the most part, he was practically human with distinctive demon traits, which was due to the spell and his soul and some of Sesshomaru's demonic essences mixing. And at times, he wondered if this was how Inuyasha had felt being a half-demon. The best of both worlds, yet the worst of both.

Sighing as Cloud came out, his towel wrapped low around his hips. Water is still dripping from his spiky blond locks. Shifting on the bunk, Shippo smiled at the young boy. They had talked a lot over the last three weeks. He was learning about each other and finding a form of communication that worked for them. And Shippo was rather smug at how far Cloud had come since he had picked him as a partner though there was more than enough room for improvement.

"Are you two ready to bunk down for the night!?"

He was whipping his head around after catching the slight flush to Cloud's pale cheeks. Shippo knew that voice. It was the man who was their instructor for another nine weeks. Someone who had talked to him and Cloud in private after going out on a Saturday night after everyone was safely tucked into bed. Recalling the whole incident that had woken him from sleep and him telling Kagome to be nice. His commanding officer and instructor now had a thing for Kagome. They were leaving him torn on how to feel.

"Sir," Cloud said, voice cracking from being nervous. Something Shippo was determined to break him of.

"Ai! We will be hitting the rack soon, Officer Fair," Shippo said as he met those blue eyes.

The way one black eyebrow arched, Shippo just smiled easily. He had sparred with swords with the man. It had been something else. Zachary kept up with him fairly easily and hit like a bull demon at full speed. Though, it was more fun to spar with Kagome, who could push him and threaten him with her Reiki.

"Good. You two report at oh nine hundred in Hojo's office tomorrow for your weekly Mako injections and testing," Zachary stated. "And, I have been informed to tell you that your older sister will be there for the testing tomorrow."

The bitter note of jealousy in his Commanding Officer's tone of voice said a lot. While Cloud gasped, he was smiling widely as he kept his eyes locked with the dark-haired man. Shippo wiggled his eyebrows.

"I dunno, maybe I will try and hook Cloud up with her. I think they'd be a perfect fit, don't you, Sir?" Shippo teased. Enjoying the sharp smell of irritation from Zachary, who was doing his best to remain passive.

"If you say so, recruit. Now, get to sleep!" Zachary commanded before turning and marching (stomping) out of the barracks.

There was silence for a minute before Cloud spoke up, "I don't think it was nice to tease him, Kogame. It is obvious he likes your sister after meeting her."

Turning his attention back to his bunkmate, Shippo threw his head back and just laughed before laying down. Signaling, he wouldn't be replying as he let his mind slip into a light doze, meditating since he didn't sleep much compared to an average human. Hearing Cloud sigh as he walked to turn to get into his sleep ware and go to bed after turning out the lights.


"I am just saying Princess, that maybe you should just accept my offer," Reno said as he leaned forward.

Kagome just arched an eyebrow and leaned forward so that their faces were only inches apart. She looked into his blue eyes, not impressed with him at the moment. He was pressing an issue he shouldn't be. And it didn't help that in less than thirty minutes. She adored him. Loved his cocky attitude, but at times he just didn't get the hint and took no for an answer.

"I do believe she told you no, Turk," Hojo said from behind her. "And she will be busy here in a few minutes. Besides today is her day to be in the tank as well. Or is her agreement suddenly null and void?"

Kagome visibly flinched as Reno paled, his blue eyes snapping from her to Hojo. Though she was silently grateful and sent that feeling to the man behind her. A date with him was not what she wanted. Or anyone at the moment. Though, she enjoyed the easy friendship she shared with him, Rude, Tseng, and a few others in the building. But by accepting a date, it would take things to a different level, and she didn't want that. Romance was not on her list of things to do at the moment.

"Man, Hojo, playing Mister Mom a bit much?" Reno muttered as he leaned back and took a step away from the desk.

Kagome gave him an apologetic smile, which he returned with a half-hearted one of his own. It was neutral grounds again.

"I will call you late to see if you are free to go out at least and have a drink with the group and me then?" he said, more asking then stating.

"That sounds much more amenable. Besides, If you don't get yourself back to the office, either Tseng or Lady Shinra will skin you, Reno," Kagome said, teasing him.

The visible shudder he gave at the idea of Lady Shinra following through on her threat to make a decorative skin rug out of him for slacking. Mentally she sent the image to Hojo, who snickered openly. The man worked with the woman, who was currently pregnant for the second time, thanks to Hojo. And herself. Though it wasn't known that she had a hand in it.

"You know at some point, Kagome, you will have to make a choice or constantly beset upon with those wishing to acquire your attention," Hojo snapped at her.

She was turning around to shoot a dark glare at him. Kagome saw the truth in his flat, black eyes. The soft laughter of Jenova made her purse her lips before she snorted and turned back to the computer to finish up the extra paperwork since she was in on a Sunday. Instead of sleeping in and enjoying reading and a hot cup of extra chocolate hot cocoa. Though, the lure was getting to see Shippo and meet the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy that had caught her attention from the beginning.


He walked into the lab, knowing who he was looking for was there. What he had not expected was to see the girl there on a Sunday. Let alone her male clone and the blond boy who was attached. The sight of them floating in the Mako Tanks, eyes shut as lab attendants were watching the monitor that was hooked up to the blond's tank.

"Quit staring and get over here, so you don't interrupt," Hojo snapped at him.

Feeling the corners of his lips twitch as he walked over to where the 'esteemed' professor was watching the monitor for the other two tanks. He looked down to see steady heartbeats, as well as slightly erratic brainwaves. Of which there were three to four lines instead of two like normal, on both of the monitors for both tanks. Making him feel curious, then again, he chalked it up to the fact that neither of the two 'siblings' was normal.

"So, you finally caved and let her be here for their Mako baths?" he asked.

"It is refreshing that you can state the obvious Vincent," Hojo groused at him, not even looking away as one of the brain waves spiked before an evening out.

It was rather intriguing. Hojo had talked with both Kagome and Kogame (Shippo) at length before the latter was taken to basic training for S.O.L.D.I.E.R. Then he'd come over one night and Kagome just started to talk to Hojo about what happened at the boot camp for the day, while Hojo took notes. Before both realized he was there and then it was explained that they had a stable Psychic connection due to the nature of how Kagome brought her 'brother' to her side.

"I am glad to be so enlightening to you," Vincent stated, giving a soft snort. "Lucretia has gone missing."

At his word, Hojo stopped and looked. Their dark eyes meet in a silent conversation. Before Vincent had to blink at Hojo's loud and very rude snort, she was still his wife, even though she chased anything young and fresh. Though what was concerning was she had vanished while there were still recruits in Basic Training. It was out of her normal.

"She will turn up. But until then, I will take over her load of newbies to be showered in Mako," Hojo said, his voice quiet, assuring and all while sounding tired and annoyed.


When he had learned that he'd be meeting his buddies' older sister, he had not expected a petite bubbly girl who looked almost like an exact copy. Though other than being female, her eyes were blue like his own, and her hair was wavy and curly. She was indeed a delightful person that set him at ease. And Cloud now knew why their commanding officer seemed to be taken with the woman. She was beautiful in an unconventional manner.

"Now, you both are done. Statistics are all normal. If either of you two experience any nausea, dizziness, or weakness, you immediately tell your commanding officer and then get your skinny asses back to the lab," The woman, Kagome said to them.

Her choice of words and tone left him a bit shocked. While she was bubbly and very friendly, she used harsh language and gave a hard glare as a one-eighty from what she had shown upon their arrival. Which was a smile, a squeal of delight, and a hug for Kogame, her brother, and then one for him as well? Shocking him stiff as Kogame and Hojo laughed at his expense.

"Yes, Ma'am," Kogame stated before elbowing him.

Quickly nodding his head in agreeance, Cloud saw the clock and knew they had to get to the lobby. Their ride would be there, and they needed to report back before chow time. So, giving a polite bow, Cloud turned and began to leave, wanting to give the two a few moments of privacy. He missed his mother, though she had accepted this was what he had wanted to do. When he reached the elevator, Cloud stopped and waited.

"So, what did you think of my sister?"

He was turning to look at Kogame (shippo), who was grinning mischievously. Cloud just rolled his shoulders in a shrug. Making his friend pout.

"What are you, to good for her?" he asked.

"Nope, not my type..." Cloud stated before turning to face the elevator as it dinged and opened.

"Oh? Then what is your type?" Kogame asked him.

"I like girls who can fight and hold their own. But then again, I also... like... men who are strong and confident," Cloud stated slowly after the door shut behind them, and the elevator started to move.

"Ah, cool," Kogame replied. "And just so you know, my sister can kick both our asses. She spars with a few Turks at random. And in fact, it was Kagome who got that new tactical long-range fighting implemented to our basic training."

Cloud felt his jaw drop as he stared at his friend in shock. He just couldn't believe that tiny little woman could hold her own against the Turks. Shinra's assassins essentially. And that she came up with that new tactical training segment. It left him with many questions he would not be asking.


They were sitting at their usual spot at the bar, talking as music played softly over the din. Genesis was not sure what to say as he watched the way his little bird interacted slightly stiffly with one of his two best friends. And since his little bird was usually a vivacious woman that was friendly with everyone, he had hoped that her reaction to Sephiroth at their first meeting was a literal fluke. But now, he didn't think it was. Something about the gorgeous silver-haired man just set his little bird on edge.

"I am just saying that your brother is something else," Zachary Fair stated as he lifted his mug to his lips.

"He is. But he has a good heart and is just as protective of what he cares about, Mister Fair!" Kagome chirped in reply.

Having had the pleasure of meeting Kogame, right after having a session, he'd stumbled right into the young man and instantly mistaken him for Kagome and had been very friendly in his slightly drugged state of mind. Before, a deep chuckle drew him to focus as he realized that this person, while similar in appearance, was all male. And he was not rejecting his advances. Then Kagome appeared and looked shocked at the scene.

The flush on her face as her eyes glazed over had been very telling. That she had a filthy mind, something Genesis knew, before the man in his arms introduced himself as her younger twin brother. She was making Genesis extract himself and want to vomit as the world has spun. Causing both of them to worry about him and pamper him. It was nice to be spoilt like that.

"Yeah, so did he try to set you up with his chosen partner for Basic?" Zach asked her.

This had Genesis' attention. And as he gave a superstitious look, Angeals and Sephiroth's attention as well since he knew for a fact that Reno and Tseng both had a thing for Kagome as well. Though she was always turning down all offers for more. Which was going to come to a head? The poor woman had no clue about her charm and sex appeal, even if it were to appear and beat the living shit out of her, itself.

"uhwah!?" was her ever so elegant reply. "No... and he is just a boy... I am just... Do you think I am some cougar? Or a wannabe pedophile?"

He couldn't help it and burst out laughing at the amount of indignation in her voice and earning several dark glares from their fellow companions. Though the wry smile Kagome shot him was worth it. He knew she was untouched. And didn't want anything romantic, or steady. It was as if she feared it. Considering she still partially had amnesia, it was understandable.

"Then, what do you want in a man?" Angeal asked.

Narrowing his eyes gray eyes, not missing Angeal leaning in a bit closer to Zachary as he asked his little bird that question. Angeal had taken to mentoring the young man. But he could tell it was a bit more than that. Having been more than just friends with both Angeal and Sephiroth for a few years now, a small wave of jealousy welled up in him.

"Well, let's see... someone who will respect the fact that I am not the type to put out. That I like my space. And the best part allows me to be me without pressuring me with stupid questions that have been answered straightforwardly," Kagome stated.

When she turned on the stool, her blue eyes meeting his, Genesis smiled widely and opened his eyes. To which she hoped down from it wobbling just a bit before flying to him and hugging him tightly.

"Someone like Gen here. Too bad, I am not your type," She said as the others groaned, knowing she had just played them. "And Gen, no hitting on my brother. He may swing both ways, but just fucking no or I will take your twig and berries as a trophy, do you understand me?"

He blanched, just as he watched the others did. Very well aware that Kagome was more than capable. Having viewed her sparring matches with Reno and Rude a few times as well as Vincent, who was a legend even amongst the S.O.L.D.I.E.R.S.

"Yes, my little bird, I promise. No stalking your little brother. But... what if he comes onto me? Is it alright then?" he asked, openly teasing her.

When she looked up at him, her eyes flashing before she laughed and let him go. Genesis knew that she knew; he would never chase her brother. She was like family to him, thus so was her brother.

"Another round of Tequila on me, Boys!" Kagome shouted as she climbed back into her stool.


Having decided that he'd escort her back home because he wanted to try and figure her out a bit more, Sephiroth walked in silence next to her. She could put it away with the best of them. Hell, he was sure that she had consumed more than Reno, Genesis, and Angeal together. And she was barely wobbling as she walked. He still hadn't gotten out of her what that strange power was that one day. That power that put him on his ass and made his skin crawl and fine hairs stand on end for hours.

"Just ask your damn questions. That was the reason you offered to walk me back to your dad's townhouse," she muttered.

Hiding his shock at her tone, Sephiroth narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the top of her head.

"I'd like to know what that energy you exude in the lab that day you crashed the Mako tank and the computer's," he bluntly asked.

"None of your damn business," she muttered.

Annoyed at being denied, he figured she had the right to withhold that information from him. It was not like he had gone out of his way to try and get to know the woman. She was uncomfortable around him. Which he attributed to what her brother had told him.

"Okay, I'll accept that answer... for now," He replied, getting rude snort from her. "I talked with your brother one day before he went to basic. He said that I looked like someone who is long gone. And that was why you didn't seem to like me."

It took him a few seconds to realize that she had stopped. Coming to a halt and turning around, he saw her looking up at him, analyzing him comprehensively and critically. It was somewhat disconcerting because she was no longer flushed, eyes clear and bright as she pursed her lips as she looked him over.

"You do. Someone very close and special to both my brother and I. Except for a few differences and taste in clothing, you two could pass as siblings," she said, her voice almost too soft to be heard.

It was clear that she missed whoever this person was. And he was now getting to see a new side of her. A side he wondered if the others got to see. A woman who was insecure and wistful. It had his heart feeling as if something invisible was tugging on it. It was telling him to go to her and offer comfort. A thing that was almost foreign to him.

"I am sorry that I am causing you such discomfort. Considering I look nothing like either of my parents since I have been nothing but a genetic experiment from the time they took to conceive me," he stated.

The way her face softened as she looked up at him. There was no pity or sympathy in her gaze. Just an understanding. How she could understand he didn't know. But it was genuine understanding, and he was not going to question it from this strange little woman.

"It is okay. And I guess I am being a total bitch to you for no real good reason," she said.

"Yes," was all he replied, earning a dark glare and amused smile from her.

"Let's start over. I am Higurashi, Kagome. Nice to meet you," she said to him, thrusting out a hand towards him.

Stunned by this, he lifted his hand and grasped hers and shook it. "Nice to meet you as well. My name is Sephiroth, no last name," he stated.

His words had her smiling as she let his hand go. Which instantly felt cold. Though it tingled as well, he figured that it was from whatever her strange power was.


Hojo stared at Vincent. His wife had been found, and he was less than pleased to find out where. It meant that she was becoming unstable. Briefly, he entertained the idea of letting Kagome loose on her but knew that one while she would gladly do it, it would make her sad and depressed. And then there would be questions he didn't answer when asked about why she just completely vanished off of Gaia.

"What do you want me to do, Hojo?" Vincent asked him, putting a cigarette in his lips, though not lighting it.

"I guess you can bring her here. It will be tense for a while as she recovers. But Kagome can deal. She is a paragon of patience, most times. I mean, she puts up with me and my ways," he replied.

The smile that curled Vincent's lips had Hojo narrowing his eyes as Jenova hissed in the back of his head. She didn't like the man before them. And he could feel Kagome just outside the house, with his son of all people. This could be interesting. Since she always kept away from his son, or was stiff and awkward around him. There was nothing romantic. But the possibility wasn't non-existent.

"Don't you dare. He has a destiny that is not aligned with what she wants to do, Hojo," Jenova hissed in his mind.

He knew that she was right. But Kagome was a different type of person. And frankly, if he could keep her as his own, he would. Whether offing his wife and making her his, or her being with his son. Their children would have the best of Jenova and Kagome potentially. Mixing the two types of blood and powers and creating a genuinely sublime being in his mind.

"Hojo? Is something wrong?" Vincent spoke up, drawing him from his musings.

Frowning, he pointed his finger to the door as it opened. In walked Kagome and Sephiroth. Both of whom just went still at the sight of him with Vincent. Though each for different reasons as Hojo counted silently to himself before Kagome bolted from his son's side and threw herself at Vincent. Her pale arms were wrapping around the Turk's neck and hugging him tightly while his son glare got harder and colder as Vincent returned the hug.

It was amusing to see his son exhibit any form of emotion openly. And this was a grand display. And he knew Vincent wasn't reacting to piss off Sephiroth, but because he (like every other fucking person) adored Kagome. More so since she had popped him a good one and left his eye black and swollen for a few weeks.

"Thank you for bringing her home, Sephiroth. Is there anything you need?" he asked in a rare show of acting like a father to the man before him.

When all he got was a curt nod no before those aquamarine eyes turned back to Kagome and Vincent, who were chattering happily in Wuatian, before leaving silently. Oh, Hojo knew that shit was going to be interesting. With the already tense relationship between Sephiroth and Vincent, due to Lucretia. And now Kagome, who didn't have a clue. Though she was like a sister figure to Vincent anyways, nothing romantic.

"You want to play with fire?" Jenova asked him.

"No, I don't want to play with it. I want to see what I can do to make it burn bright and hot as I control it," Hojo stated to the alien inhabiting his body with him.

TBC!