I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol
I do own my own character – Jalyne
Chapter 16 – The Gate
Reno awoke to Jalyne not there beside him. He looked around the bedroom but didn't see her. He spied a clean uniform waiting for him at the edge of the bed. Slowly he got up and dressed, wondering where his illustrious cohort would have disappeared to. He reached for his phone, which miraculously still worked after being drowned in the pool last night and called the Director for an update though he suspected said cohort had something to do with it. When that conversation ended, he went in search for Jalyne.
She hovered above the patio, deep in concentration. Green tendrils of the Mako reactors glowed around her. Jalyne concentrated on finding one particular person and reached out to her.
Aerith? She called silently. What did you do to me?
After a moment's pause the reply came forward. I healed you…and gave you a gift. One that will be necessary in the future.
You've seen something?
The future is always in motion. Aerith paused. Sephiroth has changed events. He is warping outcomes. We must stop him. Make it right.
How? The voices of the Lifestream started to overwhelm Jalyne. She tried to filter them with little luck. One voice broke through above the others.
Protect my daughter.
Your daughter? Jalyne questioned. The feeling of moving grasped her and she took a deep breath to calm the nausea. When she opened her eyes, Jalyne knew she was seeing the Lifestream. She looked around and could still see her penthouse but interposed on top was a scene she didn't recognize. Jalyne glanced at the woman floating in front of her. She brought her hands up in the customary greeting of respect. The lady returned it fluidly.
Protect Aerith. She said again. She is the last of us. My name is Ifalna.
What did she do the other day? I feel different. Jalyne said nodding in respect to the beautiful lady in front of her. She could see the resemblance between the two.
Unbeknownst to her, she used my gift. The brown-haired woman stated.
She said she 'cured' me. Cured me of what?
In a way, she did. Ifalna said. She gave you what I gave her and used it to purify as much of the darkness that resided within you as she could.
Jalyne looked at the woman full in the face and with question. Ifalna nodded in the affirmative.
Find what you need but please protect my daughter.
After a moment's thought, Jalyne nodded to the woman. I will.
Reno gazed at her hovering above the pool for a long time. He contacted the rest of the Turks and Rufus and was not surprised when they appeared behind him. He looked at his partner and nodded. They watched for a moment the hovering lady above them. Reno was in awe with how natural she looked to him. Though dressed in dark blue, as she was the night before, the way the sun made her glow and the way the embroidered lines glinted just made her look ethereal to him. The group watched as the green glow subsided and waited patiently.
Jalyne opened her eyes, remembering her promise to Ifalna. This trip needed to be quick and the impending frustration of future events began to hang heavy on her. Gaia needed her help. She could hear the screams, feel the pain. She glanced at the group below her, and for the first time, she felt included. This world also needed her, and she would not let her or her people down. To be fully effective, she must understand herself and face the reality that she did not want to admit.
Arching backward in an open-legged flip, Jalyne settled lightly in front of group, throwing them an inquisitive look. Her eyes settled on Reno lastly.
"You called them?" she questioned.
"Of course."
"You didn't think we'd send you off, alone did you?" Elena stated.
"Hm. I guess I really didn't know what to expect." Jalyne commented. She turned to Rufus. "Being that you are here, are you okay with the outcome, Sir?" she mentioned looking pointedly at Reno. "He is being stubborn. Even threw me in the freezing pool."
Rufus didn't bother to hide the smirk that graced his features. "That one will do as he does." The president chuckled. "But yes, he needs to accompany you. You may need it. That's also why Rude is going too."
"Alright, partner!" Reno exclaimed punching Rude in the shoulder. He stopped and looked at Rufus. "Why?"
"To keep YOU out of trouble." Tseng stated straight faced, though his eyes twinkled a bit.
"That reminds me." Reno stated and turned to his partner. "Did you bring it?"
"…" Rude reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a box. It was the same box Reno originally held the necklace the first time he gave it to Jalyne. Holding it for Reno, Rude slowly opened it. "I had the modifications made." He stated.
Reno lifted the emerald necklace and walked over to Jalyne. Her eyes widened in surprise, as she thought it was lost to the depths of the ocean. Reno held it out to her for inspection. Her fingers lightly traced the diamonds and emerald that the necklace had, a look of wonderment crossing her features.
"I thought I'd never see this again." She whispered softly. She looked at Reno and even he was taken aback at the emotions that were in the emerald eyes.
"I added something to it last weekend." He said, showing the clasp to the necklace. On the ends of the silver chain, swung two small green glowing orbs. Jalyne instinctively reached for them to look closer. They were calling to her. She flickered her eyes to Reno, and he nodded. "I'm hoping I'm correct."
Jalyne balanced the orbs in the palm of her hand and took a deep breath. She felt it, the magic calling her. Breathing slowly, she let it flow through her. Barrier. MBarrier. Reflect. She concentrated on the other orb. Shield. She opened her eyes and looked at the red-headed Turk.
"Barrier spells?" she asked.
"Of course."
"You never know when you may need them." Tseng commented. "They're useful in tight situations. We have no idea what it is like on your world but it's good to be prepared."
"Very true, Sir." She stated thankfully. "They're not normal size, from what I've seen here."
"Fragments." Rude said cryptically. Elena elbowed him lightly and chuckled.
"You still need to learn to explain, Rude." She giggled lightly. "They come from a broken Materia. We had them molded into orbs. Reno was hoping the smaller size wouldn't tire you out like the Lightning did. We thought just enough for you to sense but not be overwhelming."
"You were right." Jalyne nodded at Reno. "I'm perfectly fine." Jalyne paused and looked at the Director and the President. "Are you sure you don't wish to come?" she joked lightly.
Rufus chuckled and shook his head. "I still have a company to run."
"And we will stay behind to keep tabs on Cloud and the group." Tseng said.
"And keep Rufus protected and out of trouble." Elena chimed in. "But maybe one day?" she asked hopefully.
Jalyne chuckled at the thought of Elena running rampant in the Empire. "I can arrange it." She commented.
Reno walked behind her and clasped the necklace around her neck, coming to stand in front of her and adjusted it on her collarbone. Jalyne looked down and traced the jewels around her neck, raising her eyes to Reno, feeling a different pulse coming from the emerald in the center. Jalyne closed her eyes and concentrated. Impossible! She thought. How did he do it? Within the emerald, Jalyne could sense a part of him. When she opened her eyes, the look that was on her face was all that he needed. Her eyes swam with so many colors and emotions that he reached out and brushed her hair away from the mark that covered her left eye and cupped her cheek.
"Thank you." She whispered for only him to hear, trying not to make a scene. Reno nodded and winked, giving her a smile in response.
Jalyne turned and walked to the President and stood in front of him. Bringing her hands to her abdomen, right one up, left one down with palms together, she bowed formally. "I will bring them home."
"But you will return also?" Rufus quietly asked.
Jalyne gazed and studied his eyes for moment before answering. "You've seen something." She whispered back.
Rufus guided her inside the penthouse while the others looked on with confused expressions.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I believe I know what you will become." He started.
"As I have said, I will become what I choose."
"As much as I believe that" he paused, "there may be forces out there that think otherwise. I wouldn't temp Fate, Jalyne."
"Fate has done me no favors as late." She commented. "I owe Faterian nothing."
"Don't let the anger rule you." Rufus reached out put his hand around her neck guiding her head to his. "I ask that because you are an Emperor's daughter. That comes with responsibility."
"I was exiled, Rufus." Jalyne stated, lightly shaking her head. "My responsibilities are null and void at the moment. Besides, I detect a little selfishness in my request to return." Her lips twitched upward.
"Of course, there is." He replied flippantly. "You ought to know that by now."
"We won't be long, Sir." Jalyne turned his head slightly and kissed his cheek warmly. "I will take care of them…well if I don't kill Reno first, that is, at least for throwing me in the pool last night."
Rufus chuckled deep in his chest at that thought and pulled her in an embrace, returning her kiss to her cheek. "Come back to us, Jalyne."
She nodded and turned to gather with the others, wondering why his change of heart was so sudden. Jalyne knew, however, that he was comfortable enough to only show this side in privacy. She nodded at Tseng in accord and he outstretched his hand. Jalyne extended hers, of which he grasped in farewell. Elena didn't wait, and pulled her in hug, wishing her well travels.
"I better get tons of stories when you return." She giggled and winked.
"Oh, I'm sure there will be a lot." Jalyne laughed. She turned to Reno and Rude and nodded. "There will be an instant, a heartbeat, that you are in between, so to speak."
"And what can happen?" Rude asked.
"Just letting you know. Disorientation can occur. Stay focused." She motioned them to come inside and stand behind her. Jalyne would use the patio doors as a frame for stability. "And do not hesitate."
"Oh, that's comforting." Reno quipped. "Very comforting."
Jalyne brought her hands to her face, right hand up and left down palms together, with her right index finger touching her temple and concentrated. She concentrated on one of her favorite grassy fields on Trerran and pushed her hands outwards, creating the Gate. As the crackle of air hummed around them the view of the plains of Trerran appeared between the patio doors. She glanced at Rufus, Tseng, and Elena. Each wore an expression of wonderment and awe, though with Tseng, you had to look closely.
"That is the outskirts of Trerran Proper." Jalyne explained. "My home world."
"It's beautiful, Jalyne." Elena marveled. "I would love to see it sometime."
"Perhaps when it is not in turmoil." With a nod to each of the three left behind, Jalyne motioned for them to walk through. "It is only an instant but keep eyes on the Gate. I will follow."
Reno and Rude nodded at their co workers and walked to the Gate, hesitant at first and then stepped through. Jalyne followed, glancing backwards with a nod, and proceeded to collapse the gate on Gaia's end.
"What do you think will happen?" Rufus questioned watching the pool shimmer back into view.
"I do not know, Sir." Tseng answered, turning to leave.
"Keep tabs on Cloud and the Ancient. Let me know their whereabouts." Rufus stated. "We will need to keep everything status quo for the meantime."
"Yes, Sir." Both of them answered.
"Find the errant scientist while you are at it." Rufus paused. "And search Nibelheim. See if there are any remnants of research available. Try to match the inscriptions with what you have found at the Jalyne's ship. There's a connection somewhere. She grows stronger."
Tseng nodded and made way to depart, leaving the President to gaze around his former home, deep in thought for the next chess move to make.
The moment Jalyne collapsed the Gate to Gaia, she knew something was wrong. A heartbeat was all she had as she felt the change. Reaching out with her power, she pushed the Turks through the portal in hopes she beat the change. Reno tumbled through the Gate, taken by surprise at the nudge. Rude went through headfirst in a dive but followed his partner in a tumble. Jalyne dove through, somersaulting and landing hard, knocking out her breath for a moment. She shook her head and quickly glanced around, noting instantly that this wasn't Trerran. Golden high grass was around them, and the trees had varying orange hued colored leaves on their branches.
The sound of Reno's yelp of pain brought her out of her reverie and she snapped her head towards the Turks. Reno was on his back, splayed out with an arrow lodged in his right shoulder.
"Naio!" Jalyne screamed and heard the rustle of the golden leaves and sprang into action, vaulting over to Reno and pulling Rude closer. She straddled Reno on one knee with her back to him, glancing over her shoulder quickly.
Jalyne twin blades sprang from her back to be raised, crossing them over her head as a barrage of arrows whistled through the air and Rude scrambled closer to them, checking on his partner. The clank of the arrows hitting her swords created an unnerving sound and as Rude looked on, Jalyne was muttering softly. The shimmer of power encircled them, allowing the arrows to bounce to the ground.
Reno grunted on the ground, but watched Jalyne raise the shield, grasping the shaft to the arrow lodged in his shoulder. As he stared at her back, the emblem of a silver dragon encircling the cosmos was apparent as her cloak billowed lightly. Jalyne finished the spell though kept the swords in place above her head.
"Whatever you do," she started to say when she heard Reno swear and the tearing of skin and fabric. "Don't pull it out." She finished putting her swords away as the shield was intact. Jalyne turned around to look Reno and knelt closer, inspecting the wound. She moved his jacket out of the way and swore. "Poison."
"You're carrying an antidote aren't you, partner?"
Rude instantly dipped a hand in his coat and produced a vial.
"Save it. Gaian antidotes won't work on this particular poison. It's custom made." Jalyne retorted shaking her head at Rude. "I'm gonna kill her if I see her."
A barrage of arrows clattered the shield and Rude raised an eyebrow at Jalyne. "Next move."
"Heal Reno." Jalyne placed a hand over the wound and closed her eyes while the blue tendrils slowly sprang forth. Jalyne was straddled over Reno and felt his arousal starting to take hold. "I'm really gonna kill Solaria." She muttered.
"And why would that be?" Rude asked glancing at the shield. Jalyne looked at him.
"The shield will hold perfectly. Nothing will break it unless you kill me." Jalyne stated slapping Reno's hand away from her ass. "Stop it!" she reprimanded. "Rude, keep his shoulders still and keep his arms immobile." Jalyne concentrated harder searching within the wound. "Found it. It is much more potent than I remember."
Jalyne looked at Reno and narrowed her eyes slightly as she felt some of his emotions coming through. Leaning down to stare at him and capture his attention, she waited for the right moment. "Reno?"
"Jalyne?"
"This will sting."
"What is it?" he asked, eyes half lidded and sweat starting above his brows.
"I will show you in a minute, but you are greatly reacting to the poison." Jalyne nodded at Rude to keep him still. In one motion she flared her power around the object and pulled it out of his shoulder. Rude's eyes widened behind his glasses as he saw her work. Keeping one hand on his shoulder and closing the wound, she encased the tiny orb in a barrier with the other. Finally, Jalyne sat back on her heels, allowing Reno to get to a sitting position.
"Yo," Reno said, shaking his head to clear his mind. "The fog lifted." He looked at Jalyne who still balanced the tiny orb above her palm.
"This," she started, "is passia. A custom-made poison that creates undeniable, uncontrollable, passionate sex drive. The only cure when the orb breaks, is sex, and depending on the dose – depends on how much is needed. When none is available – the pain is unbearable and usually one will lose one's mind. And no, masturbation is does not cure. The cure is passion between two people."
The Turks raised their eyes at Jalyne's explanation. She looked at both of them with a slight smirk on her face. "You are not on Gaia any longer. These games are far more treacherous."
"Used as a weapon?" Rude commented. "That's new."
Jalyne shook her head. "I've told Reno before – our weapons are far more exotic."
"Why?" Reno asked. "What is the point of inciting that type of reaction in your enemy?"
"Because subduing a person this way makes them much more pliable to handle. The first effect, you've mentioned – it fogs the mind, which makes one more susceptible to…persuasive and suggestive means." Jalyne shrugged. "This particular little gem, though, is laced and coated with a higher dose causing a quicker reaction. This is only found here on Litrandan."
"Not on Trerran?" Rude asked.
Jalyne's features hardened and she glared. "That heartbeat. The instant between Gates. Someone interfered."
"The arrows stopped."
"We're already surrounded." Jalyne handed Reno and Rude each a blade and reached around to unhook her staff shaft. Extending it, she retrieved her blades from them and affixed them to it. She tied her cloak back so as not to get tangled and hide the emblem. "You just can't see them, yet." Jalyne stood and outstretched a hand, helping Reno to stand and then Rude, turning to support Reno a little better.
"Are you okay?" she whispered to him.
"Shoulder's sore," he smirked, "but I'll live."
"We can't see them why?" Rude asked.
"Their shields." Jalyne quietly explained to the Turks. "They're reflective of the area around them. Essentially you see right through them."
"That's interesting." Rude commented. "Cloak?"
Jalyne thought for a moment. "Sort of. But truthfully, the shields bend light around them. It fools the eyes, I suppose." She handed Reno to Rude and nodded. "I'll handle this. Please stay impassive in your movements. Don't be impulsive." She added raising an eyebrow at Reno.
"Shialda. Shialda elowar!" the trio heard a voice call. Jalyne turned from the Turks and placed her staff in the ground.
"Naio. Eshoar selyo." She calmly called.
"That's not Trerran." Reno muttered. Jalyne looked over her shoulder, throwing him a glare.
The voice chuckled. All around them, the shields broke, and the trio was surrounded by warriors, each having their weapons directed at them. Jalyne sighed quietly. This was going to be harder than she wanted.
"Mena oo?"
"Quer Solaria, plaro." Jalyne responded, holding the shield in place.
"Shialda elowar. Horta naio u wena."
Jalyne slowly started to lower the shield around them.
"Umm…Jalyne?" Reno asked surprised. "Is this wise?" Jalyne turned around, unhooking her cloak in the process so it showed the emblem. She trailed her eyes to his hand, where his finger was lightly pointed at a suspended insect of some sort.
"Really, Reno?" she hissed, though her lips held a slight grin. "You want to ask me that now?" Jalyne closed her eyes a moment concentrating but listening to the surroundings. A few of the guards started to rustle as they noticed her emblem.
Solaria
"Mena oo?"
Jalyne turned around and stepped forward, raising her staff and her chin. "Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria." She paused. "Solaria Quer, plaro." She requested again.
The guard chuckled and started laughing. "Ralla? Plaro minea e batr liya." One of the other guardsmen whispered something in the General's ear. The General shook his head still chuckling. "Hara e ravana, nao blanka."
"Jalyne?" Rude whispered. "There's more coming."
"I know." She whispered back. "I was counting on it."
"Mava! Mava! Vadal Ralga? Ido yelo." a musical voice commanded. The guards started to part away and Jalyne saw what she was hoping for. The young lady stopped in front of Jalyne and appraised her. She was pale skinned but her flaxen hued hair stood out greatly, along with the golden eyes. Her bodice was black, embroidered with sunbursts in gold and the pants were done in the same pattern, though tightly hugged her body. The golden cloak swayed lightly behind her adorned with the Litrandan emblem of the three suns rotation around a golden planet with the same design in black trimming the velvet. Her high gold leather boots reached mid-thigh and she balanced on one hip, with a smirk playing on her lips. "Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria."
"Solaria Quer." Jalyne nodded in respect. Suddenly the blonde hugged her, chuckling. Jalyne reached up and touched her temple. When they parted, golden eyes widened. "It is easier if I impart the language to you, Sol." Jalyne commented.
"Wh-Where have you been? Y-you were exiled." Solaria stuttered, trying out the language haltingly. She turned and waved to the guards to stand down.
"Gaia." Jalyne said, giving the customary kiss on each of Solaria's cheeks in greeting. "That's where I landed."
"But how did you get here? I didn't see your ship."
"Gated."
"You're not serious!" the queen exclaimed giddily. "You're able to open a gate? Do you know when the last time someone opened a gate was?" She paused a minute. "Where are you going?"
"To see Father." Jalyne stated. "Someone interfered with the Gate and I landed here."
"Jalyne." Solaria stated seriously. "You really don't want to go back. The Emperor has been dabbling in arcane habits. I fear he won't be around much longer."
"He has an answer that I need to know."
"We will discuss this a bit later. I found something recently that may be of interest to you in this quest." Solaria shook her head slightly. "Where is Gaia?"
"I'd need a star chart, Sol, to show you."
"Ah." She commented. "You must be hungry. Come, the citadel isn't far."
Jalyne stood aside to show Rude and Reno, who still was supported by Rude. Solaria's eyes widened and a devious look crossed her face. She looked at Jalyne and grinned.
"Jalyne…" she cooed. "why would you hide such delicious gentlemen." Solaria walked to Reno. "Such gorgeous flaming hair. Such a rarity here in the Empire." She reached out to touch Reno's spikes, of which he held still and grinned lightly at the queen, eyes flirtatious. "And this one…" she circled to Rude. "so handsome and perfect. And both are soooo lithe. Gaians?"
Jalyne hid her smirk behind a hand. "They're off limits, Sol." She chuckled. "Meet Reno and Rude. They've been helping me find my path. Reno and Rude – meet Queen Solaria of Litrandan."
Each nodded in respect to the queen, though Reno winced as Rude adjusted his weight. Solaria looked at both of them studying their eyes.
"Tia o mana u." Solaria stated. Jalyne snapped her head to her.
"Vatia?"
"I'll tell you later, maybe." She teased lightly. "He's injured. Let's get him to the citadel and we can catch up. My healers will help him." Solaria motioned to the guards and Jalyne fell back to stand with the Turks. The skiff arrived and each made their way on and took directed seats with Solaria taking one up front. As they started to the citadel, Jalyne motioned to Reno to stretch out and lay down, patting her lap. He looked at her questionably but did as requested. Rude sat at her right and raised an eyebrow.
"Enjoy the scenery." Jalyne stated, raising her eyes to the beautiful leaves adorning the trees. "Litrandan is like no other place." She threaded her hand through Reno's hair to calm him as his eyes widened slightly at the beautiful scenery passing them by. Her other hand made its way to his wound, her healing power slowly emanating to ease the pain and finish the process.
"Wonderful." Rude commented looking to the west at the suns beginning to set.
"It is." Jalyne responded. "Litrandan is the world of light. Three suns encircle its path, giving off various lighting." Jalyne looked to the east, spying the first of four moons beginning to rise. The air started to get chillier.
"You know the Queen?" Rude asked again.
"We grew up together." Jalyne paused.
"She's young."
"Yes." She stated. "We're only a couple years apart. She ascended the this throne before I started training. She sits on the Council." Jalyne thought for a moment. "Though it is strange that she is here and not on Trerran."
"Fortunate, though." Reno lazily commented. "What gives the leaves this golden color? I've never seen anything quite so…abnormal."
"It is the way they process the light for food. You should see the winter blue hues."
Reno grunted. "I hate the cold."
"I'm not fond of it either." Jalyne laughed. They entered through the high stone walls to the main citadel and the skiff stopped within the market square. Reno raised to a sitting position and flexed his shoulder.
"Thanks."
Jalyne nodded. She stood to exit, knowing both of them would follow. As she stepped off the stairs, a ball whizzed at her, catching her on the shoulder and bouncing upward in the air. Jalyne caught it and looked around. Nearby a mother and child were looking onward, wide eyed. She walked over to them, with Reno and Rude not far behind, curiously watching. Holding the ball a few inches above her palm, she outstretched it to the pair.
Their eyes surprised, the mother immediately dropped to her knees, forcing the child to do so also. Jalyne dropped to one knee to maintain eye level.
"Sorrei, Empierra. Sorrei." The mother hurriedly apologized.
"Naiota e. Rasia plaro." Jalyne looked curiously at the child, noticing a lag within his features. "Hapans Vatia?"
"Yonga acend e." the mother replied. "I bokiandra e."
Jalyne looked at the child once more, reaching out to cup his cheek. She sensed something within him. Something different. "Naio. Bokiandra ne. Deffund." Jalyne concentrated, lightly tapping the child's mind, searching. When she found it, she winked at the child, allowing the light touch of her power enter and flow within the child's mind, awakening it. "Mahha protegia?"
The child's eyes widened as comprehension graced his features. "Yao!" he exclaimed. Jalyne held the ball out to him and when he took it, she hugged him and ruffled his hair.
The mother stood and bowed deeply. "Empierra! Grattaeo! Empierra!"
"Caria e tus." Jalyne formally bowed and turned to the Queen who was waiting patiently behind them.
"I do hope you weren't trying to stay inconspicuous, Jalyne, because that is not the way to do so." Solaria laughed and continued on into the citadel. "What you just did will travel as fast as light."
"Why do they keep calling me Empress, Sol." Jalyne questioned. "I am not Empress."
"You have more alliances than you think, my friend. The outer regions are in chaos, because of what your father has done. Many believe you will return from exile to make it right."
Jalyne snapped her head to the Queen. Make it right?
"We will eat first." Solaria continued. "You all must be hungry."
"I know I am." Reno piped in. Solaria turned and smiled warmly at him, chuckling lightly.
"I can tell you appreciate good cuisine." She flirted with him. Rude elbowed Reno lightly. "And that you have a wonderful humor to you. It is much appreciated here." Sol chuckled and continued up the stairs, leading them to the great room.
Jalyne rolled her eyes at her friend and continued on, laughing at Reno, and seeing his eyes glimmer in mirth. It was nice to see him relax some.
"I see you already took care of his injury, Jalyne. My healers will be upset." Sol laughed. "It is not often we get to see and interact with foreigners." The Queen paused. "They will introduce you. Do not be surprised of the titles. They are excited. It has been a while since we've entertained. Do you remember where your apartment is?"
"You didn't keep it, did you?" Jalyne asked astonished.
"Jalyne," Sol exasperated. "Whether you like it or not, you are Royalty of the Empire. The sooner you accept that, the better time you will have. Of course, I kept them, it is mandated."
"I told ya." Reno whispered. "Never be afraid of who you are."
"You may not like who I am, when all is done." Jalyne admonished.
"An hour after the festivities end, we will meet." Solaria turned serious. "You need to know what has happened."
INTRODUCING QUEEN SOLARIA
Solaria entered the great room and made her way to the head of the table to stand. It was all too formal for Jalyne, though she waited patiently for them to be received. She turned to Rude and lightly adjusted his tie, giving him a smile and grin.
"Hey now, yo." Reno quipped. "Don't forget about me!"
Jalyne turned to him and smirked. "Who could forget?" she teased, smiling even more warmly.
"And don't you forget it." He smirked back as she adjusted his collar briefly and paused, reaching out to cup her cheek. "You're positively beautiful when you genuinely smile." He whispered.
INTRODUCING EMPRESS JALYNEMIDENOVIA E T'KARVRIANDRIA AND THE LORDS OF GAIA, LORD AND CONSORT RENO AND LORD RUDE
Jalyne looked at them, barely suppressing the laugh. They returned her gaze with mirth and raised eyebrows.
"Solaria likes to make surprises." She laughed. "C'mon, let's get this over with."
Jalyne stood on the balcony of her appointed apartments after the festivities, overlooking the surrounding areas bathed in the light of the four moons. In the east she saw another object immerging on the horizon and smiled. She sensed Reno approaching and turned to greet him.
"Feel better?" she asked.
"Oh my, yes." He answered. He was dressed in common royal lounge attire and Jalyne thought he looked just positively handsome. "What?" he said, turning for her appraisal.
"You're handsome, Reno." She stated, not thinking about anything else. "I'm sorry." She stated taking his hands in hers. "I should have prepared you a little more." She looked past him to Rude who just entered.
"Why?" Reno asked. "I'm enjoying it. What about you, partner?"
"…" Rude nodded in affirmative. "The Queen is quite interesting."
Jalyne turned to the balcony again, smiling as the Turks joined her.
"Holy Shit!" Reno exclaimed, pointing to the east. "Is the sky falling, now?" Jalyne couldn't contain her laughter, letting out a pure, blissful, hearty, chortle. Reno narrowed his eyes to her. "You planned this, yo?"
Wiping the tears from her eyes, she nodded slightly. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist." Jalyne chuckled and then straightened, waving to the east. "That is Litrandan Prime. Litrandan is actually on one of its moons."
"Remember what I said about payback, Your Highness." Reno drawled. "Your bill is coming due to pay." Rude chuckled and took in the scenery.
"You should have heard my scream the first time I saw Litrandan Prime." She laughed lightly.
"You screamed?" Rude questioned. "You?"
"Hey, I was 3 and it was my first trip here. Father loved it, though." Jalyne said sadly.
"Jalyne?"
The trio turned to find the Queen holding a tray with a book and a bottle with glasses. Jalyne rushed to help her, taking the glasses, and handing them to the boys. Solaria picked the book up and set the tray aside, heading over to the ornate table in the guest room. She flipped a switch and the hologram star chart appeared.
Reno and Rude poured themselves and the ladies a drink, bringing the glasses over to them. It was time to get down to business.
"Sol?" Jalyne started as the Turks came over to the table. "What was my path to be?"
Solaria sighed and shook her head. "There is no was, Jalyne. Your father commanded me to chart a specific path. It was me that programmed your ship." She stated quietly and pushed a button, showing the path of Jalyne travels for exile. "He specifically wanted the same path as your mother."
"Mother?" Jalyne's face hardened. "Why would he do that?"
"I don't know. At least not then." She pulled the book to the forefront. "Until I found this."
"So where is Gaia?" Reno asked, looking intently at chart. "This is so wild." He marveled. Jalyne studied the map a minute before finally finding what she was looking for.
"It is here."
"There's nothing there." Rude commented.
"Yes, there is." Jalyne reiterated. "Gaia is not of T'Karvian. Most likely, no one knows it is there."
"And so, we are forgotten." Reno quipped jokingly.
"That's to our advantage, you know." Solaria stated. Rude nodded at her in affirmative.
"We know. Surprise." He said. Solaria looked at him enquiringly.
"You'll get used to him, Sol." Jalyne said. "Rude doesn't waste words."
"Jalyne, do you believe in destiny?" Sol questioned, looking intently at the young lady.
"Do you mean, Fate? Or Faterian?" Jalyne responded.
"Both." Solaria opened the text to a certain page and showed her a drawing. Jalyne's eyes widened.
"I have seen this before." She angrily stated. "In Gaia's Lifestream."
Reno looked over her shoulder taking in the drawing on the page and his eyes widened. "A phoenix?"
Solaria turned the page and Reno felt Jalyne's anger rise. She trailed her fingers over the drawing.
"Where did you get this, Sol?" Jalyne asked through clenched teeth. On the page, three figures were depicted, one in the robes of the empire with the Crown of Heavens adorning her head, and the other, wearing the Crown of Flames. Behind them was the depiction of Fate with hands outstretched. Below them, was two worlds, both of which Jalyne recognized.
"The Great Temple of Light." She solemnly replied. "I returned here to make ready for war. Shortly after your exile, your father changed. Order and Perfection is no longer relevant. The people are hurting, dying in the streets. Avrian started experimenting with an unknown source." She placed a hand on Jalyne's shoulder. "Jurvien is searching for you on Trerran. He's made it known he requests your presence." She whispered.
"I will not bend to that sorcerer. He will not have my throne!" Jalyne backed away from the table and stormed to the balcony. Solaria nodded at Reno to follow. Rude stayed with the Queen, studying the charts in the holographs.
"We haven't proved it, but the experiments are involving injecting foreign substances." She called out to Jalyne. "When I came home, I had an unbearable pull to the Temple. In searching, I found this on the alter. A book that has been lost for ages."
Reno stood behind Jalyne, placing his hands on her shoulders, and rubbing them. "Take a deep breath, beloved." He whispered. She was so upset that she almost she swore she misheard him, though she chose not to clarify it. Jalyne leaned into him, taking comfort within his grasp.
"We go to Trerran, tomorrow." She paused, staring outward. The resemblance between Jurvien and Faterian was uncanny and as she thought of it, the angrier she became. The drawings were not in color, but there was no mistaking the scene. "Sol? Do you have a recent scan of Trerran Proper?"
"Sure." Solaria took a drink and pushed a couple buttons, changing the hologram. Jalyne and Reno joined them with each of them looking at Rude, who was swaying slightly on his feet.
"Sol?" Jalyne raised her eyebrows. "What did you do to him?"
"Nothing." She answered innocently.
"Packs a punch." Rude commented setting his glass down. "I agree with you." He turned to Reno. "I'll stick with whiskey."
Reno chortled, remembering the night at the club. Jalyne couldn't help but chuckle and looked at her fellow Turk.
"You're still standing, Rude." She laughed. "That's something."
The four of them turned their attention to the hologram. Jalyne looked at her home city and the outskirts, trying to determine the best place to gate into. She touched the hologram and zoomed into the central city, where the palace courtyard was displayed.
"You are not seriously thinking of gating into the palace, are you?" Solaria questioned. "Because if you are, you are crazy."
"Just thinking of the best route. If we gate to the outskirts, how much trouble will be have getting into the city?"
"Depends. The ruins would be the easiest." Solaria pointed at them on the north of the city. Jalyne's eyes shadowed in remembrance and Reno knew what she was thinking. The ruins were what she destroyed. The guilt was evident in her entire body. "You could slip into the palace by the servant's route. I can give you shields. They'll help in cover."
"Why not just use those?" Rude asked.
"Because they are dependent on light for their reflective abilities. There's only so much that is stored within the Solar cells. They'll fade in the palace shadows."
Reno studied the landscape, looking for possibilities. The mountains were too far off in the distance to make sense to gate there. Rude came to stand beside him. Reno outreached his hand and moved the hologram, deep in thought.
"Thinking."
"Here?" Reno pointed at the hills surrounding the ruins. "This leads directly through them and through the streets leading to the walls. The question will be, will we be detected?"
"No." Jalyne stated. "That area is deserted. After the…incident, many chose not to rebuild. Very few should be there."
"Better and better." Reno moved the template to the castle walls and muttered. "This is as bad as the Shinra building."
Rude was scrutinizing the hologram, raising a hand to his chin, deep in thought. "What is this passage?" he pointed at the map.
"I don't know." Solaria stated, peering at the passage. "I've never used it."
Reno enlarged the area, tracing the path through the palace. It wound through various parts of the palace, though to look at the structure, one wouldn't see it. "What is this area?" he pointed to the passage's end, highlighting it, and expanding the map. He looked at Rude then at Jalyne, who wore a curious look upon her face.
"That would make sense in ancient times." She said. "That is father's chambers. The passage must be an escape route to get out of the city under dismal times. I wonder if he knows of it."
"Guards." Rude commented. Solaria looked quizzically at him again.
"I wouldn't think so, Rude. I didn't even know that hidden area existed." Jalyne chuckled.
"You should have." Solaria laughed. "The way we got lost all over the place."
"True."
"So, if we gate into the hills outside the ruins, we should be able to get through the wall and into the castle." Reno started to explain. "How much resistance?"
"Shouldn't be too bad." Solaria commented. "Avrian pretty much leaves a skeleton guard just for protection."
"Shields."
"That's my thinking, partner."
"May I steal your Lord?" Solaria suddenly asked nodding at Rude. "I have need of him for a moment."
"Just a moment, Sol?" Jalyne jested. "I would think you may need him for longer than that." She paused. "As long as Rude wishes it, Sol."
Rude raised an eyebrow but nodded in agreement.
"Tomorrow, I will meet Fate."