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

I do own my own character – Jalyne

Chapter 18 – The Guardian

"It's quiet again." Reno stated, glancing at the tent flap. "How long do you think nights are here?"

"…" Rude stayed silent a moment. "Shouldn't be too long. It was still warm out."

"What did Solaris say?" he questioned suddenly.

"A lot."

"Care to elaborate?" Reno humored, looking at his partner.

"There's a lot here that is different, but many things that are the same." Rude began. "Lifestreams are throughout all worlds for starters."

"That's…good?"

"…in a way." Rude commented. "Solaria showed me some more of that book she found. It is interesting how the Empire was founded. Seems our calamity is universal. Jalyne is like Aerith, in tune with the Lifestreams."

"And Jalyne is the calamity's daughter with unlimited power."

"Yes. However, she told Sol what our Ancient did to her outside of Nibelheim. Solaria believes Aerith purified her." He stated. "Took away the Jenova cells, born with and what Hojo tried to inject into her. She also said she believes there is change in the future, even more so than Fate originally intended."

"Is that even possible?" Reno theoretically questioned. "I mean if Fate is real. What do you think will happen when we return to Gaia?"

"Not sure. Jalyne is adamant about going up against Sephiroth and he is trying to fight Fate."

"If she chooses to return."

"When are you going to tell her?"

"Tell her what?"

Rude looked pointedly at Reno through his glasses, causing him to run his fingers through his matted hair in embarrassment. "You need to tell her how you feel."

"I pushed her away." Reno admitted. "In my surprise and anger of finding out she's that monstrosity's daughter."

"Do you love her, Reno?" Rude questioned pointedly.

Reno looked at him, then furrowed his brows. "I don't know."

"I think you do." His partner commented. "And I think you don't want to admit it. Same with Jalyne."

"What do you mean?"

"She protected us from all of this." Rude continued, indicating the situation at hand. "She wouldn't do that if there wasn't any love, in any form. Jalyne is finding out that everything she grew up with is not necessarily truth. That's hard to accept." He paused for a moment. "Love and Soul Forge doesn't exist here on Trerran according to Solaria, but it is quite evident in the other worlds. Seems her father was pounding that lie into her head." He hesitated to take a breath. "Solaria also said Jalyne is meant to rule, though it looked like that sorcerer played a role, judging by the script we saw before our conversation."

"Do you think that's why he was searching for her?"

"Yes." Rude fell silent.

"What are you thinking, partner?" Reno asked, peering at Rude.

"I don't understand why he was adamant about the feather. I didn't even know she was missing one."

Reno…My gift to you…I will come for it. Her words after she sank beneath the waves came to Reno's mind and he touched the small box that he had within his inner pocket. His eyes widened at the realization of what Jalyne meant and he extracted the box from his jacket, turning it in his hands. He cracked the lid to look at the iridescent glowing feather and quickly shut it, noticing the guards had suddenly became interested in what they were doing. "Did Solaria explain what a Soul Forge is?"

"She did." Rude explained. "It's as its stated – a forging of two souls. Two that are better together than apart and are meant for one another."

"Anything else?"

"It's rare in their terms." Rude paused. "The last one being eons ago, a true one, anyway."

Rude fell silent and a few moments passed in quiet before Reno spoke again. "I can't stand to think of what she is going through." He lamented.

"Me either." Rude agreed.

The guards walked over to them, grabbing each of them in the arm and hauling them to their feet. The Turks exchanged worried looks as they were ushered out into the waxing morning. The sun has not shown itself as yet and as they were forced to their knees and bent over, they remained silent, wondering what was in store for them now. They chose not to fight at the moment, remembering what Jalyne had said to them. They noticed the black boots with green armor in their vision and looked up. Smirking in triumph, the Sorcerer pointed the tip of his sword under Reno's chin, raising it.

"Hmph." Jurvien stated in Trerran. "I found it."

Reno and Rude looked at him impassively, keeping their faces neutral, as their training dictated. Jurvien tapped Reno's chest with his sword, hitting upon the small box, indicating he wanted to see what was there. Reno hesitated, but in an effort to actually listen to what Jalyne said, he reached in and pulled out the box in question. Jurvien nodded, indicating him to open it.

"Well, this is a hell of a spot we're in, partner." He commented and heard the sorcerer growl in disapproval. Reno opened the box and sighed when the warm glow of light emanated from it.

Jurvien leaned over to inspect the feather, pulsing, and emanating with warm light. "Finally, she is mine." He stated and raised his sword to strike. Reno closed his eyes and brought Jalyne's face into his mind and waited to meet Fate. He reached around for the mag rod that the guards did not take – they would go down fighting.

She opened her eyes slowly and knew she wasn't on Trerran. Jalyne was standing on water and upon looking down at her reflection, she gasped and let the tears flow down her cheeks. Though here she could see simply fine, all of the beautiful colors in the background that looked like a red hued sunset, her eyes were covered white and the burns from the powder radiated outward. Her diamond mark was splotchy with raised skin from the individual burns she had withstood after the brutal rape was complete.

"It is temporary, Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria."

Jalyne lifted her eyes to search for who spoke. Walking towards her was a burgundy haired, lithe figure dressed in gold archaic armor etched in red flames, and a black tunic embroidered in gold. He was tall and striking and as he neared, Jalyne's widened in surprise and the orange eyes flamed back at her. "My Lord…Faterian." Jalyne bowed fluidly, shock still evident. "Your depiction in the Writings is well done."

He nodded in respect. "I wondered if you would recognize me. Your blindness. It is temporary." He assured her.

"Perhaps." She said disgusted, looking away. "But I doubt the physical appearance will heal." She finished sadly.

"You will heal, Empress."

"I am not Empress." She automatically stated, turning her attention back to him.

"You will be." He asserted.

"Where are we?"

"Trerran's Lifestream." He stated.

"So, Jurvien managed to kill me?" Jalyne asked. He chuckled heartily at the statement. "Trerran Lifestream?"

"No. That sorcerer cannot kill you and he knows it." He paused. "I pulled you here when you closed your mind off from your circumstances."

"Why?"

"Because I wished to speak with you." He stated. "Answers I would like to hear." He raised his arms outward, showing the Lifestream. "All worlds have a Lifestream, whether its inhabitants know it or not. Like the pheonaie, there is birth, life, and death. The Lifestream is the birth, life, and death of a planet. Through it, all things can be possible, and each world's Lifestream is unique with unique abilities." He explained. "That knowledge has been lost here on Trerran and in certain parts of the Empire."

"I don't believe this." She muttered. He chuckled again and she looked closer at him. His burgundy hair fanned outward in spikes and his orange eyes seemed to carry flames within them. She noticed the emblem engraved on his armor but chose not the speak her feelings. "It is not often one meets a god." She commented dryly.

"A god is just a word, Jalyne." He stated nonchalantly. "A word used by living entities to explain that which they cannot comprehend. We were created at the beginning of time, each with our own attributes."

Jalyne raised an eyebrow at him and thought for a moment. "And my path?" she suddenly questioned.

"First you need to get out of your current predicament." He stated, wryly. "And then the choice is yours."

"And which choice would you like me to make?" she lamented. "I've been forced to succumb to everyone else's decisions."

"There is always a choice." He started, creating a bench for them to sit upon. He motioned to her to sit. "But I can no longer see yours."

"What do you mean?"

"Of all of the beings in this universe, I can see all paths, should I choose. Every decision, every outcome, and every consequence and I can interfere when needed…except for you. You are no longer within my vision."

"And what does that mean?" she asked again.

"That you are outside of Fate. Your choices led you outside of my vision. You have done what most would not even comprehend."

She looked confused and raised her eyes to him in question. "I have done nothing but adjust to circumstance. Why am I outside of your vision?"

"Tell me, Jalyne," he ignored her question for the moment. "Why do you help a world not within the Empire?"

"Because Sephiroth is trying to change his destiny. He is trying to kill you, Faterian."

The god of Fate chuckled lightly at that statement. "He is trying to find the one choice that will bring about the outcome that he needs to continue on Jenova's path. He will find it hard to accomplish my death. The Ancient, however, is another issue."

"What do you mean? What's wrong with Aerith?"

"Nothing is wrong with her. She will be the one that gives Sephiroth his ultimate end. It is her that needs protection. You are not there to battle him." He stated.

"Protect Aerith?"

"In a way, yes. Again, I ask, is it worth it to sacrifice yourself for insignificant people that are not part of the Empire?"

Jalyne turned to him, anger rising to her features and her jaw noticeably clenched. "Are not all beings worth it? From the smallest of organisms that I can sense to the greatest of the living mysterious entities in the universe, are they not all worth it? The darkness and evil needs to be stopped."

"Darkness is only the absence of Light, and though Darkness has its place, Light always shines." Faterian reached out and cupped her cheek fondly. "And that is why you will rule." He paused, looking deeply at her. "And him. Would you give up everything, all of your power and become normal, to save him?"

"Yes." She stated instantly.

"Why?" Faterian pushed further. He was goading her on purpose, she knew.

Jalyne hesitated, thoughtfully searching her feelings and memories of their time together. She looked at the God of Fate and spoke quietly, all anger melting away but with resolve in her voice and she lifted her chin haughtily. "Because I love him, My Lord Faterian, and I will be with him, in this life or the next."

Faterian smiled deeper and kissed her forehead. "And that is why your mark is Lovariae." He paused again looking at her. "There is someone that wishes to see you, before you return to Gaia."

"Who?" Jalyne questioned puzzled.

"The Guardian." He answered, mysteriously. "The next Gate you walk through will take you to him. He wishes to show you something." His eyes grew distant for an instance and he sighed.

"What is it, My Lord?" Jalyne asked him, sensing something was wrong.

"I now give you a gift, daughter. When you awake, his sorcery will be broken, and your power regained. Use your ability to see for the moment, as the powder will take some time to fade." Faterian's eyes flamed in anger. "Azarian's Sorcerer broke his word. His fate is now in your hands."

"What did he do?" all color draining from her face, thinking of the Turks she tried so hard to protect.

"It is time for you to return," Faterian stated, then paused a breath before speaking again. "Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria."

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Think on what your name means."

He heard the clash of metal and felt the rush of wind, which knocked him backwards. Reno opened his eyes and glanced at Rude, who had done the same and Reno could see his raised eyebrows in disbelief, and he followed Rude's gaze. The warriors had let go of them, and the Turks rose to stand, with Reno taking a sharp intake of breath as he picked up the box containing her feather and put it in its place.

She stood in front of them, blocking the sorcerer's sword with her staff, blades attached at the tip. Her hair was matted, and the tips were covered in blood, making her mane look like fire on a frozen snow-covered lake. Her attire was similar but different to when Reno first saw her, high dark blue boots embroidered in silver, with her bodice of the same color, dipped low in the back, and the flowing skirts swayed with her movement. When the wind of her rush pushed her hair aside, he saw the evidence of what she had been through. Every cut, every slice, every whipped gash, every knife mark that touched her pale and perfect skin, and he couldn't hold in the anger and sharp breath that he took.

Jalyne held the sword stroke with one hand and looked over her left shoulder at the sound of Reno's breath. The mask that covered both her eyes fanned outward in an intricate feathered silver design that covered her forehead and led over her head, jewels on the end jingling lightly with movement, and kept her hair away from her eyes. Jalyne looked at him steadily, the light blue color of her power distorting her sight slightly.

Jurvien pushed against her staff and she parried easily, sending him backflipping away from them. He leveled his sword at her.

"How could you, Jalyne?" he sneered angrily. "How could you give your feather to an inferior human, especially when we could have been together to rule. How Fate must be laughing."

"That is not the only thing I have given him, Jurvien." She calmly stated, returning her gaze to Reno. She sighed. "And I guarantee you, Faterian is not laughing."

"You should be unconscious." He commented. "and broken."

"Broken?" Jalyne let a smirk cross her lips. "You honestly thought you could break me? Have you not learned in all of our years how defiant I can be? It is not you who will break me." She stated returning her gaze to Reno, "Nor Trayvor." She glanced to the right, landing her blind eyes on Trayvor, who shrank back to be inconspicuous.

"You betrayed the Empire, Jalyne!" Jurvien yelled at her.

"And you broke your word, Jurvien." She stated deadly, pointing her staff at him, and turned to gaze at him fully. "You know the penalty. Yolata has not begun to rise. Your life is mine for judgement!" Jalyne could feel the anger radiating off of the Turks as they came to stand on either side of her, Reno on the left and Rude on the right.

Jurvien started forward in a rush, sword raised, intent on combat. Jalyne outreached her left hand and stopped him in his tracks. The warriors looked on in horror, taking steps backwards, and Jalyne swept her staff over to Trayvor and grounded him at the same time. "I said your life is now mine!"

Rude stayed impassive as always, watching the scene with interest behind shades. Reno, however, did not hide the deadly grin that crossed his face. Jalyne looked at both of them through distorted eyesight and hesitated in judgement, holding the perpetrators still.

"Reno, Rude?" she asked quietly. "I need your help. They have wrong you, also." Both nodded in agreement. "Shockwave." Jalyne looked at Rude. "Electroburst?" she inquired of Reno, who was grinning and tapping the mag rod on his shoulder.

"You betcha, yo." He commented.

"Do you remember our first battle?" she questioned again, her lips twitching ever so slightly upward.

"Do I ever." He snickered. "At least this time I won't be on the receiving end."

"And I can watch from the front row." Rude commented.

Reno flashed him a grin. "Well put, partner."

Jalyne smiled and then sighed, the weight of what she was about to do weighing upon her shoulders. "I've never done this." She commented in a barely audible tone. I must be strong!

She raised her head and stared at the sorcerer. She gave a slight nod and Reno and Rude sprang into action. Rude leapt into the air and came down with his fist digging into the ground, unleashing the shockwave that rocked the ground under Jurvien's feet. Reno followed, using his speed, and jumping high, crashing at the sorcerer's feet unleashing his electroburst, stunning Jurvien in place. They returned to Jalyne's side, with a satisfied look on their faces. She lifted lightly a few feet off the ground, the nebulous clouds flowing around the trio.

"Jurvienverdesovra e Trerran. You are hereby condemned to roam the Heavens without physical form for all eternity until the Heavens die. No one can break it but me and my death will not lift it. May you find peace and may Faterian have mercy on your soul."

Jurvien's eyes widened, realizing that this destiny was worse than death. He moved to speak, only to find he had no voice. Jalyne outstretched her arm to open the Heaven's Gate and push him though, closing the Gate rapidly and sealing his fate. She looked at Trayvor and not speaking a word, opened another Gate to Litrandan's throne room and sent him through to Solaria in bindings, for judgement and imprisonment. Solaria appeared at the entrance of the Gate and nodded.

"Sol." Jalyne said. "Trayvor is in your judgement. He has committed treason against T'Karvian and Litrandan."

"So be it, My Lady." Solaria stated and bowed. "Will you return to Trerran permanently?"

"Not yet." Jalyne answered. "Should anything happen to father, the Empire is in your hands as dictated by succession, until I, if ever, return." Solaria nodded in agreement and held her hand up in goodbye and Jalyne closed the Gate.

As she landed in between the Turks, she sighed, but raised her staff and tapped it on the ground and clenched her free fist, sending Sleepel throughout the area to put the warriors to sleep.

Reno turned to look at her, question in his eyes, when he noticed the two tears slide from beneath her mask. He wondered what would cause her to react in this manner at the series of events, for in his eyes, the judgement was just. Jalyne took a shuddering breath and snapped her head upward to look at the morning light beginning to shine and to peer at something overhead.

"The warriors did not deserve retribution; they were following orders." She explained, looking at both of them.

"Mercy I wouldn't have given them." Reno replied.

"I will not go back on my promise. I will return you home, however, my presence is request elsewhere before I return you." She started forward, heading for cover in the nearby tree line.

"Where are we going?"

"Unfortunately, I do not know. The next Gate I open will take us there. We must leave. Father knows what has happened."

"How?" Rude asked. Jalyne nodded to the sky and they both looked up to see something flying overhead.

"It is not as it seems." She elaborated on the unspoken question. Reno caught up with her and grabbed her elbow to lead her into the trees. Rude stood at the tree line to keep a look out. He led her into the cover a little deeper before he placed both of his hands onto a tree on either side of her head and stared at her a moment.

"Take it off." It wasn't a request.

"No." she replied dropping her gaze, avoiding contact.

"When are you going to stop hiding?" Reno questioned.

"I'm not hiding."

"Then take it off."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I do not wish you to see me like this. I cannot bear your pain." Jalyne stated suddenly dipping under his arms to walk to Rude. "We must go." Reno threw his arms up in frustration.

"When we have a moment that we aren't battling for our lives, you and I are going to talk." He said following her to Rude.

"Clear."

Jalyne kept going, extending her staff to open the Gate. There was nothing visible on the other side from what they could see.

"Are you sure about this?" Reno questioned.

"Not really," Jalyne answered sarcastically. "but Faterian has willed it."

"You met Fate?" Rude asked.

"Yes." She stated and walked into the Gate with her head high.

"Sir? Your orders?"

Rufus was brought out of his thoughts of the otherworldly team by Tseng's voice. He stared blankly for a moment at Tseng before slightly shaking his head to clear his mind. They were in his office, Elena sitting in front of them with Tseng walking around the desk to stand at the president's side.

"You are thinking of them, again." Tseng stated.

"Yes." Rufus replied. "I worry for them. It's been too long."

"I hope they are alright." Elena piped in, standing, and stretching.

"Where are they?" Rufus asked.

"Headed towards Rocket Town." Tseng answered.

"Hmph." The president snorted. "I doubt that bumbling head of the space program will be able to contain them."

"I wouldn't bet on it, Sir." Tseng agreed straight faced while Elena giggled as quietly as she could. "They are tracking Sephiroth. It seems he is searching for a black materia."

"Keep tabs on them." Rufus sighed. "Hopefully, the others will return by then."

Both Turks nodded and headed for their office.

"I wouldn't have thought it would have taken so long." Elena quietly said to Tseng.

"Hm." He replied. "I'm hoping nothing went amiss. They were supposed to go to Trerran and back." He paused as they made it to the elevator. "I can't imagine a conversation with her father would take so long, even if Jalyne has to rest in between Gates."

"We wait then." Elena stated with Tseng nodding in the affirmative.

They were pushed through the Gate by an unknown force and landed with a crash in something soft. Jalyne raised herself sputtering and looked around the baren wasteland. Reno got up and shook the flurries out of his hair and wrapped his arms around himself, shivering. Rude did not fare any better and stood looking around without a trace of emotion crossing his features.

"For the love of all there is…" Jalyne sputtered, shaking the snow from her hair. She turned to the Turks and raised her hand towards them and concentrated.

"I do not have the cold weather gear." Rude dryly commented.

"I still hate the cold." Reno pouted.

Around them the energy shifted creating the royal fur cloaks donned in black and trimmed in silver to keep them warm in this climate. Each wore the Jalyne's Empiric emblem blazoned on the back as a precaution. She also created the thick heavy boots and warm pants to protect them from the soaking snow. Each of them pulled the fur trimmed hood over their heads and looked around. As a final touch, Jalyne reached out and touched both of them in the chest, creating a heating source to keep them warm. Jalyne turned her attention to herself and created a similar look, only in her trademark midnight blue.

"Where in the worlds are we?" Reno asked, turning his gaze to Jalyne.

"I only know of two worlds that are like this, and the one I have visited – this isn't it." Jalyne replied. "The other is only myth."

"Oh, that's just great." He soured. "Any idea which way to go?"

"Towards the mountains." She replied pointing towards the ridge lines out in the distance. "There will be cover there." Jalyne paused, frustration crossing her features. "I hate you Faterian!" she suddenly screamed into the nothingness around them, taking the Turks off guard with the display of emotion. "You could have warned me where we were headed, so I could prepare!" she huffed again. "Who in their right minds would live on this frozen tundra of a planet!"

Tell that to the dragon. A voice chuckled in mirth.

The ground moved beneath the trio, taking Jalyne off balance and throwing her into Reno and Rude, who caught her gingerly and all fell to the snow. Reno cradled her gently, being conscientious of her recent wounds with Rude bracing her from behind. Jalyne shook her head again as the ground shook violently and she turned her head towards the scene unfolding behind her.

The snow fell way to massive wings unfolding and stretching outwards. The lithe serpentine body arched upward and shivered, breaking boulders off of its body. The claws grappled the ground to steady its massive body as the silver scaled tail moved side to side. Lasty the head reared up and silver iridescent eyes moved to peer at the trio below.

"Oh, boy." Rude commented, lowering his glasses a bit to peer at the exceptionally large dragon looking at them.

"Holy Bahamut." Reno stated, eyes widening in disbelief.

"Oh?" the silver dragon commented. "You know my son?"

Reno closed his mouth that he realized was open at the sight. "Um, yeah?"

A great rumble went through the area as the silver dragon chuckled. "He was always the traveler."

"I can't take this." Jalyne whispered, turning, and lifting into the air to hover in front of the dragon's face. The two Turks stared on in disbelief, but hurriedly stood to gaze at the large beast.

"Empress." The dragon formally stated and dipped his head, scales shaking within the mind.

"I am NOT Empress." Jalyne said, lifting her chin, as her cloak bellowed in the cold air.

"You will be, Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria." The dragon commented, pulling his snout backwards in a grin.

"I was led here." Jalyne started. "I would presume you are the Guardian that wished to see me."

"I am." The dragon chuckled deep in his chest that puffed out slightly.

"I remember you from what I've seen in the Lifestream." Jalyne continued.

"I am SilDrokta." He continued. "Call me Sil."

Jalyne nodded in respect.

"We need to get out of the cold." Sil chucked. "Before the Gaians freeze to death. The ridgeline yonder is our destination. There you will find amenities." He looked at Jalyne with mirth in his eyes. "I will race you there."

The silver white dragon lifted into the air, sending a gust of air which barreled Jalyne backwards in the air and sent the Turks to the ground. Jalyne landed in front of them.

"I can't take this." She whispered again, spying the losing of light. "I'm at the end of my ropes." She looked off to where Sil was flying low and sighed.

"Follow." Rude commented, dusting off the snow.

"I suppose." Jalyne stated extending her hands to both of them. Reno raised an eyebrow to her. "Unless you care to walk." She responded. "I'd just as soon get out of this goodness forsaken ice and snow torture."

They grabbed her hands, and Jalyne lifted into the air, flying low and following SilDrokta's path. As she picked up speed, Rude grabbed tighter along her wrist and she looked at him as the snow fell away quickly beneath them. She glanced at Reno, who wore a wide grin on his face, obviously enjoying the flight. As they neared the ridge, she unconsciously gripped Reno's hand harder, a pain in her left shoulder distracting her. She dropped them near the entrance in which they landed and rolled. Reno came up first, turning fast to face Jalyne who dropped to her knees, holding her shoulder. Any anger dissipated when he saw her pain, and he rushed over to her, noticing the red within snow below her.

"You're hurt." He whispered, helping her to stand.

"I'll be fine." She stated as she adjusted her cloak and made way into the mountain. The barrier hummed as they entered, and it was actually comfortable within the high cavern. They looked around in wonder, noticing the blue, white light that the ice within the caverns reflected.

"Cozy." The silent Turk stated.

"If you like to freeze." Reno sarcastically said. "And prefer monochromatic color."

Jalyne walked down the path a way, a burst of color catching her attention. She rounded the corner to see the landing overseeing the tundra frozen plains, only there wasn't any cold coming from the wind. Inset withing the landing, a fire burned brightly and welcoming, with comfortable seating all around. Jalyne glanced down the pathway to see its branched trails and she smelled water in the distance.

A figure appeared suddenly, with the swirl of magic encompassing the area. When it passed, Jalyne's eyes widened within her headdress as she studied the form in front of her. Ancient, scaled armor graced the figure with the emblems of dragons scattered about. The silver mane trailed long down his back and when he turned to face her, Jalyne couldn't help but to show surprise. His headdress was of a dragon, scaled and extended outward, much like hers and his silver eyes glittered at them. Reno and Rude came up beside her, astonishment on their faces also.

The dragon laughed. "Did you think that I actually could fit within these walls?" he jested.

"You have a 'human' form, Sil?" Jalyne finally sputtered out.

"We all do, when we wish it." Sil explained. "All of the Ancients, even Faterian. Just as we have our other forms, also."

"I've met Faterian." Jalyne commented, sitting on the pillow lined bench. "He is quite…striking. As you are."

Reno sent a sidelong glance at her, but sat down next to her, removing his cloak. The fire burned bright and gave off warmth of which he was grateful for. Rude joined him on his other side, sitting back within the pillows.

"Why are we here?" Reno finally asked after a few minutes.

"You are here so that I can finally meet my ward and impart information that may be useful."

"So, you are the one that was to watch over me?" Jalyne questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"I can watch and only interfere when no other option is available." Sil stated reading her thoughts. "Your choices are your own, as are the consequences."

Jalyne sat there in thought and after a few moments she raised her head. "What do you need to show me? We must return to Gaia. Soon."

SilDrokta looked intently at her for a moment and his gaze shifted to the Turks. "I will return. In the meantime, follow the right bath to your quarters. The left path leads to the springs. I will only be a moment." And he turned and leapt off the landing to the caverns below.

Reno looked at Jalyne and caught her gaze, motioning her to the trail of ice. She stood and followed him, apprehensive of what he wanted. When they rounded the corner of the path, Reno suddenly stopped, cornering her. Jalyne lowered her chin and waited. He hooked a finger under it to have her look at him.

"Let me see." He questioned.

"No." she stated quietly. Reno held her chin in place.

"When are you going to learn that we take care of own." He said quietly. "You're one of us, irregardless of which world we're on."

"I-I can't." she sighed.

"Why not?" Reno pushed.

"Because I can't bear your pain at the sight."

"When will you trust me?" He grated, and Jalyne could feel the frustration coming from him.

"I trust you." She whispered.

"Really?" Reno grounded out, moving just a bit more towards her. "You wouldn't think so the way you've been avoiding me."

Jalyne looked at him and sighed in defeat. "Fine." She grated out. He moved back to give her room as she moved to remove the headdress. Slowly, she removed the ornate mask with a jingle and raised her blank eyes in his direction, subduing her power so he could see her. Across her eyes, the burns of the blinding powder fanned outward from her eyes and the blistered diamond mark was ugly and raised over her left eye. The film from the powder, covered her green irises and pupils, leaving her to see nothing but black darkness. She heard Sil speaking with Rude, and at the sharp intake of breath from Reno, she ducked under his arm to make her way back to the main area.

"That is what I feared." She whispered as she walked away, misinterpreting Reno's reaction.

"Jalyne-," he started to say. "Wait."

She made her way to the main area, replacing the headdress and nodding at SilDrokta. He paused as Reno came up the path behind her but motioned for Jalyne to look into the ice mirror he presented.

"What is it?" Jalyne questioned, coming to stand in front of Sil.

"A mirror."

"And what will it show me?"

"The truth." He said. "It is time you learned what had happened and what possibly will happen."

Raising an eyebrow underneath the headdress, Jalyne peered into the ice smooth contraption. The mirror swirled with color, depicting various scenes throughout T'Karvian and Gaian history. Jalyne stood there, mesmerized at what was being shown to her. Much of what the Lifestream and her Mother showed her was truth. Her father had twisted history, weaving lies into her head that she just couldn't comprehend. Everything she had been taught, was a lie. Her breathing escalated and panic set in, for the information was overwhelming. The final image was too much for her handle and she stepped back in shock.

"I do not want it!" she exclaimed. Reno had come up behind her, the mirror sensing his presence and altered the final image to include him. Jalyne looked over her shoulder at him in disbelief. Her eyes flickered to Sil, and she turned abruptly to leave. "This is too much, even for me." She stated whisking past the Turks to go down the path.

Reno looked after her in consternation, wondering what upset her so much as he didn't really see anything within the mirror but flames.

"She is hurting." SilDrokta spoke quietly. "Even with the truth, she fears what is to come."

"I didn't see anything." Reno stated. "But flames."

"Within those flames lies your destiny."

"Oh, great." He commented. "But what upset her so?"

"The outcome of all that she is – and all that she will become." Sil said solemnly. "She fears the choices that she has to make and the consequences that are possible. Though the future is ever changing, the possibilities are what was shown."

Reno thought on those words and looked at his partner for help. Rude shrugged his shoulders and nodded towards the paths. "She went towards the hot springs."

"I'll wait, thanks."

The trio passed the time, nibbling on the food SilDrokta had provided, each in their own thoughts. Reno looked out to see the four full moons setting, the first two sinking below the horizon and the sparkle of the frozen snow-covered planet dimmed just a little more. The flame-hair Turk rose and stood to look at the world below, glistening silver sparkles throughout the landscape.

They were brought out of their reverie by the most beautiful musical voice echoing off the caverns. It was sorrowful and mournful, and the words were in a language Reno didn't understand. They listened for a few moments before Reno turned to Sil in question.

"What is she saying?"

"It is an ancient melody, one used in heartache. She is conflicted Gaian."

"Conflicted about what exactly?"

"Go to her, Gaian." Sil urged to Reno. "Jalyne needs you and only you can help her."

Rude waited until Reno was out of sight before turning his gaze to the dragon. SilDrokta returned his look evenly before he spoke.

"They are stronger together than apart." The dragon Lord stated calmly. "Very soon they will realize that."

"Hm." Rude grunted. "Jalyne is…different."

Sil chuckled at that statement. "You can tell. She is not like other Trerrans or even those of the Empire."

"You had something to do with that?" Rude asked. SilDrokta nodded in the affirmative.

"In an effort to seal the darker side of her mother's power, Faterian removed the black wing from her, transformed it, and hid it away." The dragon explained. "That is part of what she saw."

Rude waited patiently for the dragon Lord to continue, processing all of the information that he had learned. "And Gaia?"

Sil came and sat with the silent Turk on the bench. "She is needed there, your Ancient called her. The Man in Black is attempting to find the one choice that would alter his path and succeed. Gaia screams through its Lifestream, the souls trying to heal the planet. I would not be surprised if Jalyne can hear it also."

"Her wounds?" Rude commented. "They are horrible."

SilDrokta sighed. "What the sorcerer did was far beyond what was needed, and he was punished according to the rules. However, Jalyne struggles mentally with its consequences, both in the act and the punishment. That is where your partner will help. She is not alone, as she believes, and when she learns to open up fully, all things will be possible to her."

Rude sat there in contemplation, hand to his chin in thought.

"She will heal, though at what cost, we do not know."

Reno made his way to the hot spring within the caverns, frustrated that Jalyne was side skirting the issues. Oh, he knew she was emotionally closed off, hurting even, and he was determined to get to the core of her emotions and help her through it, though he had no idea what was driving this force. He ignored his own distress, knowing that it centered on hers. As he walked to the end of the path, it opened up to look outwards to the frozen plains, a barrier like the main room shielding the spring from the frozen air. The moons were setting, the third one already dipped below the snow-covered horizon and the last one low on the ecliptic.

As the light was dimming across the heated water and he spied the princess towards the middle of the pool, head bowed. On the other side of her, lay plush towels and blankets in the warmest colors and looked very much inviting. Reno didn't realize how tired he was, exhausted even, from the last few days. He stripped silently, not to alert her, and slipped into the water without making a ripple.

She finished her melody softly and bowed her head as the last moon dipped below the frozen tundra, bathing the world in total darkness. Her shoulders slumped and she closed her eyes in thought. What does your name mean? The voice of Fate rang in her ears as she remembered the conversation.

Reno squinted trying to keep tabs on Jalyne and have his eyes adjust to the darkness that befell them. He heard the rustle of water and a hushed voice.

"I hate the darkness." She whispered unaware that her Turk was there.

Then shine.

Jalyne darted through the air raising above the pool and the shield. With a scream, she arched her back, the wing materializing on her left, though it felt weird, and unleashed the warm light from within, lighting the area. Reno looked upward in awe, seeing her ablaze and not just because she was naked. Jalyne brought her hands together and lifted them over her head, creating explosions of fireworks, though normally would dissipate, these hung in the air, lighting the spring below.

She could feel everything, all of her emotions came crashing within her, rising, and fluctuating in tune with her heartbeat. Jalyne looked to the Heavens, allowing her sight to reach the stars above and witnessing the grand beauty that it beheld. She screamed again, sending a wave of light into the atmosphere, which lit up the world of Drogavor with an aurora of orange. Wave after wave, Jalyne screamed and pulsed light, each a different color on the spectrum to mimic her feelings as she came to terms of recent events. The lone woman glanced over her shoulder at the newly formed double wings and gasped in astonishment at the twin iridescent wings that flowed outward, longer, and fuller. She closed her eyes.

Heal the connection, Jalyne.

It hurts, Faterian. The heartache, the pain. I am damaged.

You will heal, Jalyne, with time.

I am not so sure, My Lord.

You're heart, however, yearns.

I will return them home and then… She opened her eyes to stare into the fiery flames of a pheonaie's eyes. Sadness graced her eyes as she looked at him. He has moved on.

Are you sure of that, Jalyne? Has Reno said so? Perhaps you need to let him make that decision. Faterian chuckled lightly, staring at her with flaming eyes. He waits for you. Dipping a flamed wing down towards the springs. Her eyes widened slightly, glancing downward.

Can he see us? She questioned the Lord of Fate.

No. He is only watching you hover above him.

Jalyne's eyes softened, looking at the Turk she loved and the first friend she really made on Gaia. How will I know?

The pheonaie laughed. Jalyne, some things are not in your control. Allow him within your boundaries, and do not be afraid. Start the healing process.

Will I be able to say goodbye, Faterian? She mused.

Why would you say goodbye? Take each decision as they come.

I am no longer the beauty that he deserves.

Do you think that is all he looks at, Jalyne? Low self-esteem does not becomes you.

I cannot rule and stay on Gaia. She fretted. The Empire is in need.

Why not? She looked at him quizzically and he chuckled. Of all the people, Jalyne, you will find a way. All things are possible. She remained silent. Never be afraid of who you are, Jalyne. Embrace your dreams. And lastly – you are not alone.

My dreams. I have never had a dream. She sighed and felt his presence leave her, mulling his words within her mind. Looking at the red-haired Turk staring at her from below, she decided to take Faterian's advice and slowly glided down towards the edge of the hot spring. She landed on top of the water at the edge, making it look like she was walking on water. Her head was bowed and when she brought it up, the headdress's crystals and gems jingled lightly with the movement, but it was without the mask. The newly formed twin wings flexed outward and glowed brightly with the overhead orbs reflecting warm light. Jalyne folded them into her back and stepped off the ledge, head high, to meet Reno, who was now in the middle of the pool.

Reno watched as she descended, heart in his throat, at the beauty of this strange and alluring woman. As he looked at her, he noticed one thing; she wore only the necklace that he had given her. He remembered his partners words, not hours before, and he made his decision. He would never leave her and though she was stubborn and defiant, he loved all of her, and was determined to break her walls. He understood her pain and knew that she was hurting exceptionally with the current events of the last few days, but he would be there.

Jalyne walked slowly to him, the red-haired Turk that somehow captured her heart, though she wouldn't admit, until now. Her vision was distorted by her power and she could only imagine the colors that swirled within his eyes. She came to stand in front of him and raised her eyes to his questioning his next move.

Reno looked at Jalyne, seeing the blue tendrils crossing her eyes, knowing she was still blinded by the powder that Jurvien cast upon her. He studied her for a moment, seeing the strength within her start to crumble. Jalyne's breathing started to escalate as she held her stance, waiting. Reno slowly raised his hand to caress the marks upon her eyes when she bit her lower lip and crumbled.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she slowly released her sight, scared to see his reaction to the horrendous marks upon her face and eyes. Jalyne bowed her head and when she felt his fingers caress her mark and lift her chin, she broke. No longer in this moment was she royalty, but a simple woman who was fragile, broken and needed not to be alone.

Reno grabbed her in a fierce embrace that took both of them off guard. He guided her head to her shoulder and Jalyne cried, letting all of it out and wailing softly in the crook of his neck. Reno stroked her hair calmly, but would not let her go, strengthening his hold. Finally, he led her over to the edge as she took deep breaths to calm herself and stood behind her, running his fingers through her hair, trying to take out the blood that was still within her strands. He noticed her back, and traced the wounds lightly, feeling her tense.

"Jalyne?" Reno whispered. "What did they do to you?"

Jalyne turned within his grasp, eyes focusing on his. Reno reached out and lifted her to sit on the edge with the towels underneath her. She looked at him intently before answering.

"It is not easy to say." She started. "I wish to spare you the pain of knowing."

"And I would always wonder." He replied. Jalyne sighed and placed her forehead against his and closed her eyes. "Will you tell me?"

Jalyne sighed and took a deep breath. "I will tell you, though it is not easy to say." She resigned. She began slowly, the images of what she remembered and the words coming haltingly. As Jalyne spoke, Reno listened patiently, holding her tightly to let her know he was there. She realized this was what she needed, to allow him within her barrier, to be able to speak freely and let her emotions be free. Jalyne teared frequently, the drops flowing sporadically down her cheeks.

"It," she paused. "was even more than it should have been. It was brutal." She concluded sadly. "And sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this path." Jalyne shook her head sadly.

Reno got out of the hot water, bent down, picked her up, and set her lightly upon the blankets. He settled propped up above her to look at her, noticing her eyes weren't as covered in film as he first saw. She was beginning to heal.

"Jalyne?" She raised her head in response to her name, pulling Reno slightly towards her. "I've heard you ask this twice, so it seems to be important for you." He paused, taking a deep breath, and touching his lips to her in a sensual kiss, shaking lightly with anticipation and possibly nerves. When he broke from her, he studied her before his question escaped, caressing her jawline. "What is it you want?"

Jalyne's eyes widened in surprise. "No one has ever asked me." She commented.

"No one?"

Jalyne nodded and her brows furrowed in thought. Finally, she raised her eyes to look at him and the light blue tendrils returned, gauging his reaction as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.

"To be loved."