*Warning! * - Sex, language, violence, nudity, and torture present.

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

I do own my own character – Jalyne.

Chapter 26 – The Preparation

Jalyne and Rude departed first thing in the morning for Litrandan, opening the gate at her apartment. Tseng continued assembling information and Elena went shopping for a wig to learn to fight with long hair. Reno was left to meet with Adrian at the club to place the cameras and set up the link for surveillance. As he drove through the city, the Turk allowed his thoughts to drift to the night before, thinking on the comments that Jalyne had said.

Reno had embraced her for a long while last night, trailing circles on her lower back to calm her. Jalyne didn't speak after the comment about darkness and he wasn't going to push her detecting no lie in her about Rufus. Why his boss held her back, Reno did not know, but in that moment, he felt not to push the issue. They were not formally together but Reno was conflicted on his own emotions and he didn't know how to ask her. The confidence for dating, simply was not a part of him. They were from two different worlds – was it even possible to make it work?

Reno pulled in the rear of the building to a waiting bartender/owner who sported a huge grin. He exited the car with a curious look at Adrian, though the owner's smile faded a little when Jalyne didn't appear. Reno extended his hand in respect of which Adrian readily took it.

"Where's Jalyne?"

"She…was assigned another duty for today, yo." Reno stated. "She'll be back later. If I'm still here, I'll have her drop by before you open, yo."

Adrian's grin returned. "Why don't you both come by after opening, on the house."

Reno quirked an eyebrow. "Really? What has you so happy?"

Adrian chuckled as he led Reno through the back door. "Your President kept his word. You and Jalyne did excellent in my fee."

"You're…" Reno paused confused. "…welcome?"

"Rufus paid triple my normal fee." Adrian stated smugly. "I have you and Jalyne to thank for that. I can upgrade both clubs and possibly open a third one."

"Here in Midgar?"

"I was thinking Junon, truthfully." He winked at Reno. "You know, help ease the burden of the soldiers."

Reno chuckled. "I'd have a place to go when I'm there, yo."

"Always welcome." Clapping Reno on the shoulder. Adrian showed him the two rooms that he would need to wire while Reno lugged the equipment in a rolling case behind him. It was after ten and Reno proceeded to diligently work. Around one, Adrian brought him a glass of whiskey.

"Thanks, yo." Reno said accepting the proffered glass. Adrian leaned up against the door to the first room, shaking out his shoulder length black hair and waiting patiently for Reno to notice with a smirk on his lips. Finally, the Turk looked up after finishing the camera install and wiring.

"What?"

"Seriously," Adrian started, "Tell me you've slept with Jalyne. Just between friends."

"A gentleman does not tell, yo." Reno got up not withholding the light in his eyes and the grin on his face, dusting off his hands.

"What is she like? I can't place her accent." The bartender pushed leading the Turk to the bar.

"Well, she's…" Reno paused looking for the correct word. "…complicated."

"Reno, that is not a word I would use to describe her."

"You really like her?" Reno chuckled tapping Adrian on the shoulder in jest.

"And you don't?" came the reply.

"I didn't say that." The Turk defended himself, lifting his arms upward.

"I don't know." Adrian said wistfully. "She's special."

"You have no idea." Reno muttered and Adrian shot him a look with his reddish eyes. Reno extended his hand in farewell. "Time to go. All finished."

Adrian returned the handshake then raised an eyebrow at the Turk. "See you later?" he asked presenting a card to Reno. "If you and Jalyne stop by, give this to Bruce at the door and he'll let you in."

Reno took the card and winked at the owner making his way out the door. He reached the car and realized Jalyne should have returned. His reached for his phone only to be surprised that it buzzed in his hand. Flipping it open he read the messages and groaned. The President just diverted him with extraneous duties which would put him getting back to headquarters until later. Reno turned the car on, musing on why he suddenly wanted to see if Jalyne returned, threw it into drive and sped off.

Elena looked through multiple wigs in a shop in Sector Eight. She ran her fingers through each one, feeling the silky synthetic strands and wondered if she should grow her blond hair out like it was a few years ago. She idly thought that maybe Tseng would like it if she wore a more traditional Wutain style. She laughed to herself and picked out a brunette long stranded wig to train with.

She reached the cashier and paid for the wig and walked out into the streets, taking a deep breath in the colder late fall air. Jalyne should have returned with Rude and Elena was anxious to have a training session with her. So lost in her own thoughts, she didn't see the sleek black car parked in front of the shop or the red-headed driver relaxing on the hood until he reached out and grabbed her. Elena dropped her bags and struck out with an elbow backwards which was blocked effortlessly.

"Watch where you're walking, yo!" Reno exclaimed blocking her elbow.

Elena turned around and slapped him in the chest. "Reno! You scared me half to death!"

"Always watch your back, yo." He admonished lightly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked shrewdly, narrowing her eyes at her superior.

"Well…" he started to explain. "Boss wanted me to pick you up. He has something he wants us to do." He replied disgusted.

"You aren't happy with the assignment." Elena surmised.

"I hate shopping." Reno spat. "Especially food shopping."

Elena laughed out loud at the statement. "I would guess that Rude and Jalyne aren't back yet."

"No." he said sourly.

"What does boss want?"

"The stuff for the feast."

"Oh." Elena commented retreating to the passenger door and sliding in the seat. Reno started the car and headed to the market for their assignment.

"What are we doing this year?" Elena asked as he pulled onto the highway.

"The usual." Reno commented. "With all the fixings, yo."

Elena fell silent, wondering what that meant as this was the first Thanksgiving as a Turk. It was a little different when one was in training for most academy personnel went home for the holidays. She spied him out of the corner of her eyes, noticing that he was unusually quiet.

"What's wrong?" she asked quietly.

"Nothing, why?"

"You're very quiet." Elena commented. "That's unlike you."

Reno sighed and took a right onto the market street looking for a parking spot. "Just thinking all the crazy reasons why Jalyne and Rude are late. They were only to be gone a couple of hours."

Elena looked out the window in thought. "Anything, I suppose. Maybe Jalyne lost track of time shopping."

Reno snorted. "She hates shopping."

"Really?" Elena exclaimed. "It never seemed to bother her when we went together."

"Because she likes girl time, yo." Reno commented pulling into a parking spot. "I get the impression that she didn't really have that growing up. Sol was the closest girlfriend she had."

"Maybe Rude held them up?" she offered, and Reno fell silent and looked at his fellow Turk curiously.

"Possibly." He conceded. "He really enjoyed Litrandan."

"What was it like, Reno?" came the question as she got out of the car.

"Like nothing we would ever see here." Reno commented following her into the food store. "The leaves on the trees alone are…" he stopped thinking of the correct adjective. "…magical. The colors that reflect the light is breathtaking."

"Maybe I could see it sometime." Elena asked wistfully.

"If you can make it through the Gate."

"Is it that bad?" she asked nervously.

"I think Jalyne's gotten the hang of it." Reno stated picking out the produce and putting it in the cart. "It has something to do with time and distance." He finished thinking on the events of coming to Gaia and Jalyne's mumbled words.

They slowly picked out the rest of what was on Tseng's and Rufus's list and packed the groceries in his car. Reno was about to get in when something caught his eye. Turning around, he looked towards one of the other stores and paused. Elena caught his eye and he nodded towards the street.

Elena saw the store where he was headed and grinned, following behind. Some of the street side stands were open and his eyes glanced around, intaking all that was offered.

"You know, it's going to be hard to beat the necklace." Elena quietly commented to him as they entered into the jewelry store."

"What do you think she would like, yo?" Reno asked her opinion. "You're a girl. Ideas?"

"Gee, thanks." Elena chuckled placing her hands on her hips. "How nice of you to notice."

"I'm serious." He smirked rubbing the back of his neck. Elena narrowed her eyes.

"You really like her, don't you?"

Reno sighed again with his eyes downcast. "Yeah." He finally admitted. "But don't go spouting it around." He threatened lightly.

"You haven't said anything to her, have you?" Elena guessed.

"No." he paused looking at the cases though nothing screamed out to him. "I can't help but think there is no way we can be together."

"Reno?" Elena placed a hand on his arm and looking at him curiously. "Why would you think that?"

"Look at her." He lamented. "She's an Empress. How can lowly me compete with that?"

"Maybe that's why she likes you so much."

"What?" Reno snapped his head to her as Elena put both hands over her mouth at her slip as they walked out of the store emptyhanded. "Elena?"

She shook her head rapidly, her blond tresses blowing in the light fall breeze. "I didn't say anything!" she exclaimed. "You didn't hear anything. It was just the wind." Elena claimed walking faster towards his car.

"Elena!" Reno called jogging after her. "What did she say?" catching up to her in the middle of the street and turning her around to face him.

Elena sighed. "I didn't tell you anything." She started. "Jalyne quite fond of you and she's waiting for you to make 'a move'." She explained mimicking air quotations.

"When did she tell you that?"

"A while back." Elena said. "She's unsure what the protocol is. She is new to this world, but she likes that you don't treat her as royalty and that you consider her like an equal."

Reno thought hard on those words for a moment until a flash caught his eye. Looking to his right, he spied the source and grinned, pointing it out to Elena, who smiled when she looked in that direction.

"That is perfect."

Jalyne sat on the divan in front of the fireplace with Solaris, sipping chaka as the morning sun shone through the balcony windows. Rude was flipping through a text that the Queen had given him. She looked idly at the blues hues of winter leaves that Litrandan offered through the balcony doors in Solaris's apartments, missing this particular aspect of her former life. Jalyne was glad to be here, the pull of power from the Black Materia was not present and she felt relief at being normal for a moment. She glanced at Sol who was watching the silent Turk appraisingly and smiled. Finally catching her attention, Jalyne spoke quietly.

"The traitor is still here?"

"Yes." Solaris replied. "Locked away until judgement."

"I thought I made that clear on my last trip."

Sol looked at her bemused. "You know it doesn't work that way, Jalyne."

Jalyne chuckled lightly. "For everyone saying I'm Empress, the power isn't there." Sol looked at her intently.

"It won't be long."

Jalyne raised an eyebrow in question. "What is he doing now?"

The Queen sighed. "Mutating, evidently. It's getting harder and harder to keep it quiet."

"I have a feeling that when events on Gaia are complete, he will no longer be here." Jalyne replied quietly raising the cup to her lips. "I need to speak with the traitor."

"You're thinking something."

"I would like to find out the why." Jalyne replied steadily. "There is a reason why Jurvien put plans in motion. I need to find out what those plans were."

"When?" the Queen questioned.

"Now's a good a time as any."

Solaris flicked her eyes to the Turk who was reading in-depth and concentrating on the books in front of him. Jalyne smiled at her friend of which she caught the expression on the Solaris's face. When the Queen glanced back, a slight blush crossed her pale cheeks.

"What?" she questioned.

"Nothing, Sol." Jalyne lightly replied.

"And why did that gorgeous red-head not accompany you?" Solaris jabbed at her. Jalyne laughed and then held a steady gaze.

"Rufus had other plans for him. We have a mission tomorrow – that's why this trip is so short."

"Oh…" Sol pouted. "Do you want us to accompany you down to the dungeon rooms?"

"Yes." Jalyne replied after a moment's thought. "Witnesses." And stood up, brushing off her Turk outfit. "I'd better change into…something more Trerran." She finished wryly, heading to Sol dressing room. It would only take a moment for her to change but the question was, into what? When Jalyne emerged a few minutes later, even Rude looked up, hearing the click of footsteps. Sol stood immediately and bowed. "Your Highness."

Jalyne returned the bow fluidly and turned around to show Sol her outfit. "Will this do?" she questioned. The midnight blue form fitting silky pants were slit up the middle to high thigh, showing off her toned legs with heeled silver thigh high boots with blue embroidered accents. Her bodice was silver and embroidered blue that clasped arounder her neck, leaving a diamond cutout exposed just above her breasts where the emerald and diamond necklace Jalyne cherished so much, hung beautifully. The midnight blue sleeved velvet cloak left her shoulders bare and dipped low in the back, baring her markings, and carrying her Empire emblem on the outside.

It was her headdress and staff that made the others look closely at her. The blue crystal and silver headdress rested on her head perfectly. The silver dragon spread its wings backwards over her hair on her left side and the silver pheonaie repeated the gesture on the right. The two mythical creature's heads met in the center where a dark blue orb glowed and swirled. Jalyne's hair was intricately swept up and cascaded down her back. The silver staff she held was polished and a woven design inscribed along its length made Solaris's eyes widen. Jalyne's blades were attached at the top, though now a silver orbs was suspended between them.

"Jalyne?" Solaris asked, nodding at the staff's inscription and Rude raised an eyebrow, walking towards the ladies.

"As darkness binds the heart within, Light shines and the Forge begins."

"I know what it says, Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria." Sol stated narrowing her eyes at her. "Why did you choose that inscription?"

"Because it is true." Jalyne answered holding her gaze. "Why?"

Sol led her over to the table where Rude was previously looking at the texts. She looked for a moment and pulled one out, flipping through the pages. "This is why."

Jalyne read the page, eyes widening and then narrowing. She had seen this before, but not in the Empire. Jalyne shook her head and turned to Rude. "Will you come with us? There is someone we need to speak to."

"Of course." He replied and took her hand, raising it to his lips in respect while Jalyne smiled sheepishly at him. The Turks did not have to succumb to the formalities of the Empire, though she was endeared and a little shocked by Rude's display. Sol hid her amusement behind her hand and walked to the door.

"Let's get this over with." She commented. "I really don't want to see or spend any more time than I need to with that traitor."

Tseng was looking through the files on Jalyne's ship and the images associated with it. On his desk were files on Jenova and Project S. As he compared notes and images, he couldn't help but think that events have been linked for long time and there were outside forces at play. To what end, he wasn't sure, but Tseng knew that they should do everything they could to be on the winning side. Jalyne was an outsider, but he had instantly trusted her and that was something he wouldn't tell anyone. That was what led him to be stern with Rufus while Reno battled her for the first time. That was why his solution was to make her a Turk despite Rufus' ulterior motives. Rufus quietly entered the room and made his way to the desk and looked over the Directors shoulder.

"Anything of interest?" the President questioned him.

"Many things are interesting." Came the reply from the Director to which Rufus grunted lightly.

"She is late."

"They will return. Perhaps she had trouble finding what she needed." Tseng said confidently.

"I need this to off without a hitch, Tseng." Rufus stated sourly sitting in front of the desk. "I need to know what Solarna is doing. He jeopardizes this company."

Tseng raised his head narrowed his eyes at the President. "There's more, isn't there, Sir?"

Rufus sighed. "The beginning of the end is near, I fear. I am uneasy about Sephiroth. He hasn't come for the Black Materia that she possesses, and I would rather have her here."

"They'll be here. It's only mid-day."

"What have you found?" the President impatiently questioned the Director.

"The markings are the similar." Tseng pointed to the images. "It at confirms that she is indeed Jenova's daughter." Tseng paused then. "We could always ask her to translate."

"But then she would surmise what we are doing." Rufus commented shaking his head. "I don't want her to know how hard we are looking into this."

Tseng smirk. "And you don't think she already knows, Sir?" he replied. "You don't give her enough trust. From what I've gathered from Reno, she's putting pieces together herself, though at what cost – that remains to be seen."

"That's what I'm afraid of." The President stated. "Is she strong enough to withstand Sephiroth?"

"We will assist, Sir." Tseng looked at him. "She is still growing and learning. I believe there is a lot that was hidden from her for whatever reason."

"Will she be able to handle the mission tomorrow?"

Tseng slowly put his pen down and folded his hands, looking intently at the President. "She will be just fine. If anything, she's the best one for it. Now, what is really on your mind."

"The Christmas charity ball is coming up."

"Yes, I know. Three weeks from now, two weeks before the holiday."

"Solarna will be there."

Tseng quirked an eyebrow at Rufus. "Is that wise?"

"Invitations went out prior to us learning of his deviousness. Can we try not to kill him tomorrow?"

Tseng chuckled. "We will do our best."

The door opened with Reno and Elena walking through, carrying something large wrapped in paper. Tseng and Rufus looked at the curiously.

"My Christmas gift for Jalyne." Reno answered the looks and glancing around. "She's not here yet? I suppose that good, I've got to hide this.

"What is it?" Rufus questioned, standing to remove the wrapping.

"Something special for her." The Second said, gingerly removing the wrapping and lifting it up. "The rest is being specially made."

Tseng made his way to the group, inspecting the object and smiled as Rufus lifted it up. "You're unpredictable, Reno."

"But do you think she'll like it?"

"If it is what I think it is – She'll love it."

They stood in front of the stone room barred with the strongest metal Litrandan made, looking at the pitiful looking traitor slumped on the ground. The guards were surprised that the Queen had graced them with her presence and was nervous to see the Princess accompanying her. The fireplace in the corner kept the rooms comfortable and Jalyne couldn't understand why he would let himself go. She looked at the guards and nodded for them to leave as this conversation was not to be overheard. They looked at Solaris for confirmation who nodded briefly.

"Maintain guardship at the far end, please." Solaris commanded politely.

"Yes, Queen."

"And unlock the door."

"Is that wise, Queen." The Captain questioned. "Even though he is chained, he can be dangerous."

"It will be fine." Jalyne interjected while Rude adjusted his gloves.

"Are you sure, Jalyne?" the Turk whispered.

"I have to do this." She whispered back. The guards moved to the far end, near the stairwell entrance after unlocking the cell, giving the royals room. Jalyne reached to swing the door open and his head snapped up, showing the madness within the eyes. "Trayvor." Jalyne acknowledged.

"So, the whore wishes to speak to me." He sneered and stood up, giving an obscure bow that Rude didn't recognize but noticed Jalyne bristle at the gesture.

"I wanted to thank you for the gift you gave me."

"If it would have worked." He stated running a hand through his matted hair. Trayvor had lost weight, being held in captivity, and his clothes hung on him. He took a step forward; chains rustling behind him and scrutinized the Princess with narrowed eyes.

"What was Jurvien's plan, Trayvor?" Jalyne asked with no hesitation, standing tall and lifting her chin. She took a step through the metal door, staff resting at her side.

"Shut the door and dismiss the Queen and your lackey and maybe I'll tell you."

Jalyne smiled though no laughter reached her eyes as she glared at him. "Would you like another round?" she questioned.

"To break the unbreakable. Yes."

"As I've said before – There is only one who will break me, and you are not him. Even Jurvien had to drug me, blind me and torture me."

"Ah, Jurvien. His plan was masterful."

"To what end?"

"He loved you, Jalyne." He started. "He wanted you and you alone to rule."

"His method leaves much to be desired." Jalyne responded standing her ground.

Trayvor chuckled and stared her down. "He will return, Empress." He stated in contempt. "And with him, Azarian's Opal."

"He cannot return, Trayvor." Jalyne stated coolly as Rude shifted his weight. "I condemned him to a life of wandering without physical form, if you remember."

He shot forward coming toe to toe with Jalyne, staring at her eyes and sneering. "Oh, he can, Princess, and will. Jurvien will return with the help of your mother's chaotic power. And here you are, sporting the emblems of the dragon and pheonaie, but without your own wings to ascend to power." He reached out and brushed her headdress lightly, stepped back and flared his wings.

For the first time since coming to Litrandan, Jalyne felt the pull of her mother's power. She took a slow breath to calm herself and raised her chin, glaring at the trailer. "How little you know, Traitor." Jalyne stepped back and rolled her shoulders. Her double wings on the left side sprang into view, illuminating the room brightly and his eyes widened as he stared at her.

Rude took a step back resisting the urge to reach out to Jalyne. He turned and whispered to Solaria. "I am not alone in seeing this, am I?"

"Not at all." Solaria whispered back in awe. "This is very, very interesting."

"But what does it mean?" the normally silent Turk asked.

"That our Empress will make it right." Rude snapped his head to Queen in incredulity.

Jalyne felt it deep within her, and as she flared her wings backwards and turned to her friends, she tried her best to accept the change. As she looked at Solaria and Rude, each of whom bowed in respect, she nodded sternly. "Death will become him." And glided past her friends, being conscientious of the feathers. "We must return." Jalyne quietly stated. As she neared the guards, each one bowed the empiric bow and stepped aside.

When the trio reached Sol's apartment, Jalyne turned to her friend who was grinning at her. "We must return, Sol. I'm sorry we couldn't stay longer." The Princess stated seriously.

Solaria hugged her friend, chuckling. "It's okay, Jalyne. I enjoyed the time." The Queen looked deeply at her then went to the table to retrieve a book. "I found this within the Temple. I will send word to our allies."

"You think Faterian is pulling strings?"

"He is setting the game board, Jalyne." She smiled. "The choices are ours. The time is approaching when balance will be achieved."

Jalyne accepted the text and turned to Rude who had grabbed the packages. Solaria had bowed, hugged him, and kissed him intimately as Jalyne smiled. The Princess surmised that the Queen of Light was falling for the silent Turk and it warmed her heart immensely. "Ready?" and with his nod, Jalyne opened the Gate. Rude stepped through, heading home to Gaia and Jalyne turned to the Queen. "The question will be, can I do what is necessary."

"When you accept fully who you are to become, Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria, and allow the one that you love to share your burdens – all things are possible." Solaria said formally, hugging her friend fiercely. "I will alert the allies. They will be in contact." Jalyne nodded then and walked through the Gate, head held high, but her soul warred within her.

The door was replaced with the shimmering trimmed deep blue glow with darkness that was trademarked for the Gate, bringing three Turks and the President to their feet. Rude walked calmly through and placed the packages on the tables, not saying a word to the others, though his eyes behind his shades showed the emotion of mirth that Reno instantly picked up. Rude turned around, looking at his coworkers and then to the Gate expectantly.

"Well?" Reno asked impatiently. "Where's Jalyne?"

"She's coming." He stated, nodding at the Gate. "Saying goodbye to Solaria."

The five of them waited for the sixth member of their team to emerge. They were not disappointed. Jalyne walked through the Gate, head held high. Reno's eyes widened when he looked at her and what she was wearing, his heartbeat increasing. He had never seen her dressed quite like that, with the headdress and the staff within her grasp, different from the original ones he had seen.

The sharp intake of breaths around the room, snapped the red-headed Turk's attention to what followed behind her. Shimmering in light was her double silver iridescent wings but he peered curiously at Jalyne.

Jalyne walked through, head held confident, though she felt anything but strong. As she closed the Gate, she felt the whispers of darkness tugging from the Black Materia and infiltrating her mind. She dropped her staff, which clattered to the black marble tile loudly within the silent room and glanced around at her family on Gaia.

She crumbled to her knees, placing her hands to her face, and sobbed.