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

I do own my own character – Jalyne

Chapter 21 – The Temple

It had been about two weeks since the Turks gathered in Midgar following the events of Wutai. Reeve was in constant contact with Tseng and Rufus regarding the movements of Avalanche. Reno had visited Jalyne in the medical wing everyday for the first weeks but then became sporadic the rest of the time. Rude and Elena began to have suspicions as to why that was the case and followed him one evening to ascertain the change in their partner.

As it was, Reno was spending his evening at the Goblin's Bar, drinking away his night, mainly to chase the recurring nightmares away so he could sleep in the early morning. He was not coping well with the nightmares as they varied between Sector Seven and what transpired on Trerran with Jalyne. Sometimes, he would stop by her medical ward in the early morning when no one was around, just for the comfort, though he felt distant from her.

Her heartbeat was still weak, and the sound of the ventilator grated on his nerves. The physicians were at a loss as to why she wasn't recovering and even tried Cure infusions to help speed up the healing process. Nothing seemed to work for her. Later in the week, Tseng assembled them to the office.

"What's up, boss?" Reno asked trying to sound like it was just another day in the office.

"There is news from Avalanche." Tseng started to say as all of them sat down. "Avalanche is on their way to the Temple of the Ancients. Our informant will procure the key at a designated time."

"Whoa." Reno stated. "That was quick."

"Indeed." Tseng commented. "I will go there with Elena. Reno, you and Rude will stay airborne on the outskirts in the event that there are issues."

Rude nodded in acceptance. "What's the objective?"

"Rumor is that the Black Materia is inside the Temple." the Director continued. "Our objective is to retrieve it before Sephiroth does."

"What does this Black Materia do?" Elena asked innocently. "I've never heard of it."

"It reportedly summons Meteor." Tseng explained. "Which would wipe out this planet."

Each of them had 'oh' written on their faces with a look of astonishment.

"We cannot let that happen." Tseng concluded. "Prepare as needed. Reno and Rude will tend to the choppers. Elena will gather the necessary Materia. I will confer with Rufus."

They each nodded and stood ready to make the preparation. They walked to the helipad to look over the chopper and ensure it would be ready, each in their own thoughts.

"He's really trying to destroy the planet." Reno lamented sourly. "and we're gonna try to beat him to it, yo."

"Hm."

"Well, let's get started."

Tseng walked into the President's office to confer the current plans on extraction of the key for the Temple. Rufus was standing at the window, gazing outward towards Midgar in contemplation.

"Mr. President." Tseng addressed him. "We are preparing for the Temple excursion."

"Hm"

"Are there any specific directives?"

"No." Rufus stated turning towards the Director. "Reeve states that they are on the way to the Temple. As soon as they are near enough, he will steal the key. You must be ready."

"We will be." Tseng assured, turning to leave, but Rufus stopped him.

"The physicians believe there is nothing more to do with Jalyne."

Tseng's eyes slightly widened in surprise. "Absolutely nothing, Sir?"

"Yes." Rufus shook his head. "They want to take her off of support."

"Will you let them?"

"No." he lamented. "I don't think so. There is more going on, I believe. We will make that determination after this mission."

"Then I hope she pulls through before then." Tseng commented, placing a hand on the President's shoulder in comfort. "I know she means something to you."

"More importantly," he paused. "to Reno. This would probably put him over the edge."

"Maybe, maybe not."

Rufus quirked an eyebrow at Tseng. "What do you mean?"

"He's distanced himself from her." Tseng explained. "He hasn't been visiting her as much."

"Hm. He's burying the emotion."

"Probably."

"Head out." Rufus stated. "We'll decide her fate when you return."

Tseng nodded and made way to the door, deep in thought about Jalyne and what outcomes were possible. He took one last glance at the President before shutting the door. Reno would be devastated, but what of Rufus? Tseng shook the thought from his mind and made his way to the elevators to prepare.

She knew before she opened her eyes that she wasn't on the physical plane and that she was not alone. Jalyne slowly opened her eyes, only to see the green haze all around her. She oriented herself and swung up to a standing position and sighed. The presence she felt was moving and as she focused on the distant plane, she spotted the swaying and swirling motion of a Whisper coming closer. The apparition moved to hover in front of Jalyne, waiting patiently, and Jalyne thought to be courteous.

"Hello." Jalyne nodded in recognition to the Whisper. It nodded with its greenish glow coming from underneath its hood. It moved to be at her side and waited as the scene shifted to one that she has seen before – her first awakening when she destroyed part of the city. "You do not need to show me the past."

The viewpoint shifted to closer to Jalyne as she was starting to lose her power. Jalyne witnessed a shift in the air behind her and her eyes showed surprise at what she saw. Behind her, Jurvien hovered, and before she lost control, he knocked her out with the butt of his sword, rendering her unconscious. As she fell towards Trerran, the sorcerer unleashed a devastating destructive power towards the city. As power coursed through the city, Jurvien caught her, and delivered her to Trayvor.

"It wasn't me?" she questioned incredulously, turning towards the ghost. It looked at her full in the face and nodded in affirmative. "I've-I've always believed it was me." The scene changed again to show her strapped to the bed in the medical facilities at Trerran, with workers buzzing around, much like she remembered here on Gaia. "Ah," Jalyne commented. "They altered my memories before exile." The Whisper nodded again.

The scene shifted again, this time flittering through various scenarios of which outlined possible paths from choices that would be made by Jalyne. She watched intently, but the end result was always the same. Jalyne shook her head lightly, resigning herself to who and what she is. She looked intently at the Whisper before she asked it another question.

"What has happened recently?"

Jalyne looked outward in the sea of green as the vision shifted again. Her jaw clenched noticeably as she witnessed the next scene. She saw him at the bar, one that she hadn't been to or noticed in Midgar. He looked a bit haggard, as if the days weren't treating him well. It was the actions that occurred that set her teeth on edge. The scene quickly shifted to another day, the light was still shining in the bar and there weren't many patrons and Jalyne surmised it was another instance, and yet again it shifted.

"Too much is happening at the moment," She commented. "for me to dwell on this, now. We will just have to work this out if that is possible."

Again, the Whisper nodded and turned back to the green glow of the Lifestream. Jalyne saw Cait Sith running, or what passes for running by an inanimate electronic object. She only vaguely remembered him in Nibelheim. Jalyne looked curiously at the object he was carrying, trying to discern it purpose. The scene shifted and she saw the architecture of a great Temple, which oddly reminded her of some of the shrines and temples she has seen in her travels. Jalyne looked at the entrance to see two in black emerge, one with long dark hair and the other with short, blond hair and then retreat back into the structure. She kept watch, knowing the apparition was trying to show her something, and soon she witnessed the temple crumbling.

"Is this happening now?" she questioned the Whisper, eyes widening at the sight. It shook its head lightly, indicating it was a possible reality.

Jalyne watched and watched as various outcomes were possible. Finally, it settled on the battle at the edge of creation, and she watched and now heard, Sephiroth confront and overcome Cloud. Her eyes narrowed as she listened intently, and she didn't speak for a long while. Jalyne turned to the Whisper.

"Can you show what is happening at this moment?"

Rufus paced back and forth in his after Tseng left to prepare. Making an impromptu decision as he watched Reno and Rude land the helicopter on the landing platform, he turned to retrieve his guns. When he returned, he waited at the doorway to outside for Tseng and Elena. As the two Turks entered his office, Tseng quirked and eyebrow at him, silently inquiring on his stance and weapon in his hand.

"I take it you decided to accompany us?" Tseng inquired.

"Yes."

As they walked out to the chopper, Reno opened the door from inside, a grin crossing his features. "Coming with us, Boss?"

Rufus nodded and climbed into the back, while Tseng hopped in and helped Elena climb aboard. Reno settled into the cockpit and began the sequences for liftoff, Rude glancing at him and nodding.

"And…we're off, yo!" Reno stated exuberantly and lifted into the air on their way to the Temple of the Ancients. They travelled in silent, each in their own worlds, for a long while before the Temple was spotted off in the distance. Rude circled the area, trying to find a good place to land that would put them in position to make their way to the entrance in wait for Cait Sith. They knew Cloud and the others were coming from the west side of the Temple and Rude wanted to land on the eastern side to hide their presence.

They landed within a clearing in the trees and Tseng and Elena hurriedly vacated the chopper. Tseng turned to the President who was standing in the doorway.

"We'll notify you when we're ready to return." And with a nod, jogged with Elena towards the entrance to wait on Cait Sith, slinking through the trees and underbrush stealthily.

Reno lifted the chopper off the ground and made further outward to hover and await the Directors return. Rufus was silently gazing out the side window and with a look from Rude, Reno pointedly decided not to break the silence.

Tseng was startled out of his silent reverie by Cait Sith bounding out of the tree line towards them. The animatronic cat stopped just short of them, extending the moogle's arm and producing the key to the temple. Tseng took it with a nod to him and turned to the doorway, finding the keyhole, and opening the Temple. The others in the group appeared as Tseng and Elena were entering the structure and rushed to trail after them.

As the Turks made their way through the twisting and turning paths, Elena marveled at the structures and hieroglyphs that were present on the walls, stopping occasionally to inspect them further. More than once, Tseng had to issue the directive to keep moving.

"Tseng, look at this." Elena stated, running her fingers along the etching within the wall. "What do you think this means?"

Tseng peered at the picture for a moment, coming to stand behind the petite lady. "I'm not entirely sure." He commented, taking out his phone to snap a picture of it. They were near the opening into a larger room and Tseng nudged her to keep moving for he could hear the others moving around in the distance behind them. "We must keep moving."

As they entered the larger area, Tseng stopped and turned to Elena, the sudden motion causing the small woman to walk right into him. She stumbled and he caught her, helping her to stand back up and lightly brushing a stray strand behind her ear. Elena gazed at him, rather sheepishly because she wasn't paying attention, and looked away. Tseng paused and lightly cleared his throat, tapping the coms in his ear to turn it off. Elena followed his motion.

"Elena?"

"Y-Yes, Sir?" she stuttered hurriedly.

"I was wondering," he paused and took a deep breath. "Would you like to go to dinner with me sometime?"

Elena's eyes widening with noticeable surprise and she blinked a few times, dumbfounded. "Of-Of course, Sir." She stated exuberantly. "I would love too."

"Tseng." He smiled. Elena looked at him, confused. "Call me Tseng when we are in private." He smiled again at her nod of acceptance.

A shadow passed over them which drew their attention upward.

How touching.

She snapped her eyes open and tried to scream, only to see darkness and be gagged. Jalyne pulled her hands to her face, feeling around for she couldn't breathe, and something was obstructing her throat. Slowly, the sounds of the room reached her ears and she remembered what had happened. Finding the apparatus, she pulled the contraption from her throat and sat up, heaving for air as her throat burned. Jalyne immediately went to the bandages around her eyes and tore them off. There was no time to waste and she had to reach them before too late. Jalyne looked around the room and saw…very little with her sight. The powder still held some effect, though the edges of her vision were coming back. Concentrating rapidly, she bypassed it and looked around. She was in the hospital ward and various electronics were beginning to sound.

She glanced down at her wrapped chest and waist and tore them off, hoping beyond hope that she was at least healed from those wounds. Jalyne was not disappointed. She moved to get off the bed, but her legs would support her yet and she tumbled to the ground, knocking over a monitor. Her eyes moved to the door, expecting someone to enter and was relieved when no one did. Jalyne spied her clothes under her bed and pulled them out, achingly standing at the bedside. She pulled out her phone and commlink, placing them on the bed and surveyed her attire.

This won't do. She thought, eyeing the blood stains and with a flick of her wrist, molded new attire to her body. Moving her legs around to bring the feeling back, she turned to the window and looked out over Midgar. I need a guide. She threw out her thought.

I am here. Replied the girlish voice.

Perfect.

Bzzt-Bzzt… Reno?

"What the-?"

Bring the chopper to the southern side.

"Jalyne?" Rufus incredulously asked.

Enough of that. Time is of essence. Elena is gravely injured. We have to get them out now.

"There's been no contact." Rufus explained. He heard the sigh.

Because there is interference and Sephiroth ambushed them. They can't make contact. I need the chopper on the southern end, I'll Gate them out. Reno and Rude…the chopper must stay as still as possible. Tseng will need help with Elena. Let me know when you're ready.

Twin Stinger bounced off of Masamune in a parry that sent Cloud flipping backwards. Using speed, he zipped around Sephiroth to catch him off guard while Aerith flung draining spells towards him. Tifa tried her best to get close to him with Barret and Vincent providing long range cover. Cid and Yuffie held back, covering the rear and escape route.

"You will not reach it in time." Cloud grated. "We will stop you from having the Black Materia."

"Oh?" Sephiroth sneered with an outward swipe of Masamune. "I beg to differ."

Aerith had stopped her assault and stared at him intently. A SOLDIER with black hair came to stand next to her, the big hulking sword resting on his shoulder. Sephiroth's eyes widened as he saw an old comrade. "We will make it right, Sephiroth." Aerith commented.

"It is already right." He sneered. "Nothing will stop the calamity from returning."

They were stalling him on purpose as Cait Sith was bounding its way to the center of the Temple to gather the Black Materia. Once obtained, the group had figured out that the Temple itself would collapse inward, preventing any from escaping and maintaining protection against the Calamity.

Sephiroth struck out, charging Cloud through the air with speed. Cloud blocked easily, side stepping the sword and pivoting around. The second SOLDIER charged, Buster Blade creating a wide arch to deflect Masamune.

"I called you friend, Sephiroth." Zack spat. "How could you do this?"

"And you are misguided and blind." He replied haughtily. "I beat you once. I will do so again."

"Not this time." The SOLDIER vowed.

Sephiroth waited patiently for the two SOLDIERs to attack, blocked each's blade easily and swiftly. A large explosion shook the structure and when all parties looked towards the source, the Black Materia lay exposed in the center. Sephiroth smirked and raised Masamune to strike down Cloud and Zack, who were set to block. The sound of steel rang throughout the area and Sephiroth let his mask slip to astonishment at the sight he saw. Two blades clashed with Masamune, one under the other, but near the end of the long blade, a staff prevented him from following the strike to its end with the gate snapping closed behind her.

Jalyne pushed upward, channeling her energy to her hands, sending Sephiroth backflipping backwards. She whisked an energy bolt to knock him backwards and catching him off guard. He settled to hover away from them and narrowed his eyes at the trio of fighters.

"Can you keep him occupied for a moment?" Jalyne whispered to Cloud, her headdress jingling lightly. "I need to get the rest to safety. I will return in a moment." She backed a few steps then turned to run, allowing Cloud to begin the diversion.

"Who is that?" Zack asked.

"Tell ya later." Cloud answered. "We have a job to do."

Jalyne ran towards Aerith, grabbing her hand and leading her away from the battle. She nodded at Tifa and Barret to follow. She led them to the outskirt room where Vincent and Cid were guarding the exit. They raised their weapons in defense but at Aerith's quick nod, lowered them.

"You need to get out of here." Jalyne commented as they broke the plain of the room. "The Temple is not stable and will collapse. I am not sure you will make it even with leaving now."

"You have an idea." Vincent commented, eyeing her lightly. She nodded at him, remembering her conversation with Chaos.

"I'll Gate you to the outskirts. It's easier and faster."

"Are you sure?" Tifa questioned warily.

"Yes." Jalyne asserted. "I'll send Cloud and the other SOLDIER in a moment."

"The Black Materia?" Barret asked.

Jalyne led Aerith away from the group, to speak with her quietly.

"You haven't told them that it will happen regardless of what we do."

"No. They need to believe."

"I can stall but not much else."

"That's all we need. I will take care of the rest."

They joined the others, hearing the sounds of crossing blades in the distance. Jalyne flung her arm outward, opening the Gate to the outside. Aerith bent her head in respect and motioned the others to go through and turned to the Turk.

"I will meet you there, but there is something I must do now." Jalyne answered her inquiringly look.

Jalyne moved to the entrance of the main room, observing the SOLDIERs keeping Sephiroth occupied. She glanced at the Black Materia on the alter. The Temple shook and Jalyne heard the stone start to tumble on the outside. They did not have time. Jalyne jumped into the foray with her double blades, coming up behind Sephiroth. He blocked easily, though Jalyne smirked through the clash of the blades. He pushed her off easily and sent a wave of energy towards the trio.

Jalyne? We're here.

"Chopper hovering?" She asked Rufus.

… she smiled at Rude's huff.

"Reno keep it as steady as possible." Sephiroth had charged at her, Masamune tightly controlled in its thrusts. Jalyne blocked, side stepping and swatting the blade away. He followed it with a wide stroke trying to catch her unaware.

Jalyne, what's going on?

"I'm a little busy right now…I need more…time." She stated, pausing in mid strike, and zipping away. She glanced at Cloud and Zack and nodded, throwing her thought out to Cloud. I'll open it…both of you go. I'll handle Sephiroth.

And the Black Materia? Cloud threw back.

I'll take care of it. I'll meet you afterward.

He nodded and backed away, coming to his stance beside Zack and relaying the plan, quietly. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes at the three of them, flipping his sword in the reverse.

Tseng?

Jalyne?

Concentrate on me please.

Elena is not doing well. Sephiroth –

I know, Tseng. We're coming for you. Keep healing her as best you can.

How?

I can feel the energy you are exerting through the Lifestream. The Gate will open in a moment but keep your thoughts on me so I can pinpoint your location.

Jalyne looked at the former SOLDIER First Class, studying him intently for a moment.

"You should reconsider." Sephiroth spoke, extending a hand to her.

"I don't think so, Sephiroth."

"Then so be it." He raised his sword to begin calling his Fallen Angel, the black wing extending from his back but Jalyne was ready.

On my mark… Jalyne stated, watching Sephiroth.

Jalyne, what are you going to do? She heard Reno's question.

Stop Time.

Wha-?

NOW!

She crossed her blades sending a wave that encompassed the entire area…stopping Sephiroth and suspending time throughout the area, minus those she wanted mobile. Jalyne glided behind Sephiroth and extended her arms outward, opening three Gates. She nodded at Cloud and Zack and glanced through the Gate at Aerith and the others.

"Go!" with a nod, the ex-SOLDIERs ran through the Gate with Jalyne snapping it shut.

Jalyne gazed through her Gate at the Turks and the President, but she could feel Sephiroth struggling within Time.

Rude threw open the chopper door open as the wave flew past them. She watched Rufus and Rude peer through the Gate at Tseng, who was rapidly losing strength from using Cure 3 and Regen. Jalyne concentrated to shrink the distance as much as possible and make the transition easy.

"Reach through it." She instructed, glancing at Sephiroth, and clenching her jaw. Her hair flowed outward covered in her power as she pulled even more from the Lifestream. "Do not hesitate and act like the Gate is not there."

They loaded Elena quickly with Rufus taking her to the bed in the back. Tseng stumbled to stand, arm outstretched and Rude grabbed his wrist and pulled him through. Reno caught a glance at Jalyne and noticed her eyes covered in power and wondered if she was still blinded by her ordeals. She closed the second Gate when they were clear and looked at Reno with a nod.

"I cannot hold it." She whispered and felt Sephiroth break the spell, charging towards her, blade ready to strike. "I will meet you there."

Reno's eyes widened as he saw Sephiroth connect with her and the Gate closed.

"Head home, Reno." Rufus commanded.

"On it, boss." And swung the chopper towards Midgar.

Jalyne slammed into the back wall and fell to the ground, slowly shaking her head, grateful for him not using the sword. He was on her in seconds, taking her by the throat and pinning her to stone structure.

"You have interfered long enough." He whispered deadly. "You cannot keep up with me. I will obtain the Black Materia."

"We will see, won't we?" she struggled to say. She took a deep breath and started to raise her knees to push Sephiroth off, but he realized what she was doing. He pulled her slightly off the wall, slammed her back to it and pressed into her, eyes studying her features. Jalyne opened them wide, breath taken from her, only to see haze at the edges of her vision. Sephiroth pressed further and she hooked her right leg around his hip, relieving her weight from his dangling grasp.

"You're blinded." He silkily stated, inching closer to her. She heard Masamune dig into the ground next to her and she tensed noticeably. Sephiroth relaxed his grip around her throat, allowing her to take a breath.

"It…happens." Jalyne stated between breaths. She placed her hands on his shoulders in a weak attempt to shrug him off. He flexed his right hand, causing her to turn her head slightly. Jalyne could feel his thoughts as he forcibly tried to take her off guard.

Sephiroth reached up and brushed her diamond mark, following the light scarring of the powder to the jeweled silver headdress. Jalyne squirmed lightly and could feel the intrusion upon her mind, unconscious tightening the grip of her leg around his waist. She leaned back and took a deep breath, calming her mind.

Sephiroth's intake of breath at her move did not go unnoticed by her and she cleared her mind, forcing her body to relax. He leaned in and nipped her lightly behind the ear. "Tell me what you fear." He commanded watching her relax a little within his grasp.

Jalyne allowed the images that he was projecting to flow naturally, offering no resistance or no struggle. She had seen this before, though whether this outcome would be true or not, remained to be seen. The future belonged to no one. Seeing the illusions gave her an idea. Please, let me be able to call it.

She opened her eyes to stare into slitted ones, and studied him intently for a moment, the blue haze returning to her eyes. Something called to her, but she did not show it. He quirked an eyebrow at her in question but didn't utter a word. Jalyne moved her hands from his shoulders to the back of his neck, threading them through his silky strands. She heaved herself with all the strength she could muster, bringing her lips to his ear as he released his grip from her throat.

Jalyne placed a light kiss on his ear and chuckled when he grasped her around the waist. "Fear can be overcome." She whispered to him.

Jalyne pushed Sephiroth away from her, trapping him and lifting him higher. She called her blades to her hands and outstretched them to the side, pulling her power and letting it flow. Clouds erupted around them and swirled, twinkling with little pulsing orbs. His eyes widened when he realized he couldn't move, and she leveled a sword at him.

"I will always interfere, Sephiroth." Jalyne stated. The Temple crumbled around them, stone falling from above. She glanced at the Black Materia, just as he did, and smirked. "You will not have it."

"We will see."

Jalyne swirled around him, creating trails in clouds. The dust from the destruction of the Temple was beginning to rise from below as larger and larger chunks fell to the ground. She released him but appeared behind him to keep his attention. He flew down to reclaim Masamune and charged her, lifting into the air with ease. It was getting harder to see with the rising dusts and the clouds Jalyne was creating around them.

Jalyne watched from below, her illusion keeping Sephiroth occupied in the air above. She walked over to the alter and looked at the Black Materia, its darkness reaching to infiltrate her mind. She unconsciously started to reach for it and stopped, the memories of Jurvien flooding her mind. It was whispering to her to use it, to call the calamity down from the heavens. Light flooded the area as the ceiling finally exposed the sky above them.

Jalyne reached out, using her ability and lifted the Black Materia to float above her palm and opening a Gate to where she sent the others. She created a barrier quickly and slid the orb into her inner pocket.

Sephiroth snarled as light exposed the real Jalyne down at the altar, seeing and hearing the crackling of power open behind her. She turned in time to see him softly land a few feet away from her, raising Masamune. She raised her sword and pointed it at him, snapping the Gate closed to prevent him from seeing where she was going.

"You will never have her full power." Jalyne commented, lifting her chin haughtily. Sephiroth relaxed his stance, bringing Masamune to rest at his side. He narrowed his eyes at her deadly. "She did not tell you who I am, did she?"

"You are nothing." He spat. "In comparison to me becoming a god." His wing flared outward dangerously.

Jalyne moved her sword hand to pull up and move down her gloved left hand, exposing her other mark on her wrist. His eyes widened then narrowed dangerously. "You may want to rethink that theory."

"I will destroy you."

"You can try." Jalyne commented. She turned to leave, preparing to open the Gate when he moved forward to intercept her. She raised her sword to him again, stopping him in his tracks.

"This world is mine." He sneered.

"Seven seconds until the end, Sephiroth." Jalyne commented, remembering the words he spoke to Cloud at the edge of creation. She flexed her left shoulder, allowing the double iridescent white wings to flare outward and glanced away in thought. Sephiroth noticeably clenched his jaw in frustration. Jalyne raised her lashes to meet his eyes and spoke softly to him. "But one can last an eternity."

With that, Jalyne turned and opened the Gate, walking into the darkness.