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

I do own my own character – Jalyne.

Chapter 32 – The Distraction

Monday morning came soon enough and Jalyne walked into the office at exactly eight am. She carried the text that Solaria had given her, hoping she would have time to start reading it.

"Good morning." Elena stated cheerily as Jalyne sat down next to her.

"Moraita goinde." She responded absently lapsing into Trerran.

"Have a good weekend?" the blonde inquired, unawares of yesterday's fiasco.

"Passable." Jalyne looked at her. "What's on the agenda today?"

"Probably just catch up on paperwork." Elena chuckled. "The boys hate it."

Jalyne laughed lightly and opened her text and started glancing at the pages. It was a few minutes when Elena looked over at her, studying the pages that were in front of the princess.

"What is it?" the blonde-haired Turk inquired curiously.

"One of the books from the Temple of Light." Jalyne answered. "Sol gave it to me to try to find answers."

"And are you?"

Jalyne looked at her confused by the statement.

"Finding answers." Elena elaborated.

"Not really." She answered. "Not yet."

Reno and Rude followed into the office shortly after ten and Elena noticed the tension around Jalyne immediately. Her jawline rippled and then she sighed softly to herself.

"Something happened?" Elena whispered to her.

"I suppose. But here is not the place."

Elena nodded and went back to work on the reporting. Jalyne continued to read and despite her best efforts, couldn't concentrate on the writings before her. Most of it was history and truthfully bored her. Reno tried his best to catch her attention, but she just ignored him, trying to concentrate on T'Karvian lore. Finally, with a sigh, Reno placed his hands behind his head, propped his feet on the table and lounged backwards. In the background, Jalyne heard the phone ring, but paid it no mind.

"Jalyne?"

"Yes, Sir?" She automatically answered, raising her head to the Director.

"The President would like to see you after lunch." Tseng told her; his lips pursed tightly together.

"Yes, Sir."

Jalyne continued reading the book, Elena finished paperwork, Reno lounged all morning tossing a pen into the air, and Rude dutifully searched files for any information of value. It was close to lunch time when Jalyne shifted in her chair to recline and when she lifted the writings into her lap, something dropped into her lap.

Reno heard the sharp intake of breath from his partner and snapped his head to her. Jalyne's head was lowered and her hair fell across her face, shielding her eyes, but he swore he saw the darkened swirl of her abilities through the white strands. Jalyne reached behind her, unclipping the shaft to her staff, and extended it, tracing her inscription with her fingertips.

"Binaide i haevart niroi, shoraina litai e sta fergea. Camaleai e calai, faleai e litai." Jalyne whispered quietly, starting to tremble. "Lanadai sorai ecrae i niroi, Lovariae litai hanada e ledoi." Her breathing came fast at what she read, and she raised her eyes, holding the artifact in her hands with her elbows on the table, studying it and trying desperately to hide her reaction. The flash was swift as Jalyne's eyes widened, images and visions floating across her powered eyes. She lowered the book only to see aquamarine eyes staring at her.

Jalyne closed her eyes and shook her head, hoping the images would fade. She traced the rune in her hand lightly, unbelieving what she saw and slid it in her pocket. Her mind was racing, and the foremost thought was – what did it mean?

"Director?" she asked quietly and stood, approaching Tseng's desk. He nodded for her to continue. "Would you mind if I went to lunch now?"

"Not at all." He paused and picked up his phone. "I'll let the President know when to expect you."

"Thank you, Sir." Jalyne whispered and walked out of the door.

It only took a nod and Reno was out the door, following behind Jalyne, despite yesterday's events. He found her leaning against the wall with her eyes mostly closed, waiting for the elevator. There were other Shinra employees milling about around the offices at the far end and Reno ignored the looks from them.

He hesitated, wondering if he should approach. They had to maintain a working status quo, and Reno knew he could do that; but for a reason he couldn't explain, it just felt – weird. Reno had barely heard what she had said in Trerran and it peaked his curiosity immensely and he could see that it bothered her. He only caught a few words, and it didn't make sense to him. Reno also wanted to know what she put in her pocket. It looked familiar, like he had seen it before, perhaps in one of the Jenova files.

Jalyne knew he was there, hesitant on how to proceed. She kept her eyes lightly closed and thought of what her next move should be. The rune in her pocket showed her disturbing images and Jalyne couldn't help feeling that they were the truth. It unnerved her. The inscription she read further irritated her as T'Karvia was known to speak in riddles and this was a puzzle she did not want to figure out.

Jalyne was still frustrated with Reno on the previous day's events. It was compounded by the request to be seen by Rufus. The President had something of hers, she found out over the weekend, and it further contributed to her ire. Every time she perceived her, and Reno would be together, something came up and her emotions took the best of her. Jealousy was not a well-received emotion and she struggled to control it. Reno stepped closer quietly to not disturb her and inwardly Jalyne sighed, not wanting a scene.

"Reno." She began quietly. "I know you are there."

"Are you okay?" he questioned leaning upon the wall next to her. Jalyne turned to him, opening her eyes slightly. She turned away and straightened up and Reno switched sides, blocking her path. Jalyne glared at him for second and then sighed.

"I'm fine." Jalyne answered. "Just need some air."

"What was it you were reading, yo?"

"The text that Solaria gave me."

Reno stared at her exasperated. "I know that. What you said in Trerran is what I'm getting after, yo."

"Just something that was interesting." Jalyne evaded the question, dipping her hand in her pocket grabbing the rune.

"What's in your pocket?" Reno intently asked, narrowing his eyes shrewdly. Jalyne stared at him and pursed her lips tightly.

"An artifact, long thought gone." She stated after a long pause. "Do you know why the President wants to see me?" Reno negatively shook his head. "Hmph." Jalyne huffed and dipped under his arm as the elevator doors opened, walking away from him, and leaving him surprisingly looking after her. Jalyne raised her head in defiance and a corner of her mouth raised just barely in a smirk as the elevator doors closed.

"Lady Jalyne is here, Sir." Cheyanne's voice came across the intercom to Rufus early Monday afternoon. He quirked an eyebrow at the intrusion but didn't outwardly show any more irritation, momentarily forgetting what time it was.

"Send her in, please." Rufus stated politely.

Jalyne walked through the door, head held high and approached his desk. Rufus stood to greet her, idly wondering how to proceed. She looked beautiful, dressed her Turk attire but he noticed her eyes held an emotion he wasn't quite sure he could decipher.

"Sir." Jalyne respectfully said, dipping her head.

"Jalyne." He replied.

"You requested me, Sir?"

"I did."

Jalyne paused, waiting for the President to continue, standing tall and perfect. She waited a few seconds before speaking up. "Were you really afraid I would leave?"

"No." Rufus stated looking at her with narrowed eyes. "It had to do with your technology."

"Ah." Jalyne acknowledged and turned to leave. She heard the president chuckle and glanced back at him with a curious look. "I wasn't aware my question was funny." Jalyne commented coolly.

Taken aback by her tone, he waved for her to sit of which she dutifully complied. "It wasn't. I really thought you would have come Friday night or early Saturday morning with that question when you found out. You are not too upset I hope." He walked around his desk and leaned upon it, looking down at her.

"Not really." Jalyne stared at him a moment, not breaking eye contact. "I would have done the same thing, truthfully."

"What were you after?" the blonde president inquired lightly.

"Reno's gift, Sir. For Yu-Christmas." She looked away and he noticed the pain that crossed her face.

"Anything else?" he asked shrewdly and Jalyne met his gaze just as steely.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a tiny black orb that looked like a very small pearl. "Just a series of these." Jalyne explained, holding it out to him.

Rufus peered at it, confusion apparent on his face and he started reaching for it. "A marble?" he questioned as she dropped it in his hand. Jalyne chuckled lightly at him, lightly leaning forward in the chair.

"It's not a marble."

"What it is, then?" irritation becoming apparent in the presidents voice.

"And if I told you that you were holding an explosive with enough charge to level this continent, what would you do?" she commented innocently but deviously.

Rufus nearly dropped the pebble sized chip as Jalyne chuckled, retrieving the orb within her hand. He narrowed his eyes dangerously at her and made a grab for her of which she flipped over the chair easily.

"Jalyne…" he warned.

"Yes?" she stated dangerously, keeping the chair in between them. "Care to go for another round, Sir?" Jalyne challenged.

Rufus relaxed his stance and leaned against the desk again. "You're upset." He gauged.

"You noticed. When exactly will you trust me?" Jalyne countered sadly and turned to leave.

"I do trust you." The president stated calmly, assessing her shrewdly. Rufus walked to her to stand in front of her with narrowed eyes.

Jalyne raised her head in slight defiance. "Then answer me this if you can." She started trying to keep the edge out of her voice. "How did they manage to access the data banks within my ship?"

Rufus turned away and stared out of the window behind his desk. "I really don't know." He answered. "Why?"

"Because I know they were there, Rufus, even Tseng." She stated. "After the initial crash, I should clarify."

"How did you know?" Rufus asked turning to her again.

Jalyne sighed. "My fighter is biometric, for lack of a better term. It responds only to me." She glared at him a moment, frustrated, and hovered the orb above her palm. "Reno accessed the data, somehow."

"I know he did after your first battle with Sephiroth."

"Tseng and Elena managed to open and rummaged through the containers afterwards. There is something missing, Rufus, and I would like it back."

"How do you know they were there?"

"Their auras." She snarled at him. "Everyone has a distinct feel to me. Even you." Jalyne approached him to stand toe to toe with him, glaring into his eyes.

Rufus grabbed her chin and narrowed his eyes at her. "Do not even think of threatening me, Jalyne."

"It is not a threat, Sir." Jalyne commented deadly. "Just as I know it is here, somewhere."

The look of surprise crossed his face and he turned to his desk to sit down in the chair, tapping his finger upon it. "And what exactly will you do to get it?" He bargained, intentionally goading her.

"I've already requested amicably." She whispered to him quietly but perilously. "As I have promised to never lie to you. Please do me the courtesy of not doing the same to me." Jalyne requested quietly and stood up in front of him.

She was about to turn from him when she heard the click of his gun. "Damn you." He barely audibly muttered.

"I'm already damned." Jalyne commented but then stared at him seriously. "Rufus, if you had questions, all you had to do was ask." She paused. "I would have truthfully answered you. Having an alien drop into your lap couldn't have been easy either, given the history of my mother."

Rufus brushed a stray hair away from his eyes and glanced at what was in her hand and back to her eyes. He saw the swirl within them pulse and raised an eyebrow. "My offer still stands."

Jalyne looked at him confused, standing still to not exasperate the situation. "Is it that noticeable?"

"Probably not to anyone else." He commented raising out of his chair to stand with her. "But I can tell."

He watched her for a moment, the swirl of emotions crossing her eyes, with his mind running wild and calculating his next move with the beautiful woman in front of him.

"By your leave, Sir?" She broke into his thoughts and asked through grinding teeth. "I really should return to the Turks."

"No." Rufus said as he raised his shotgun from underneath his desk to her head and Jalyne's curious eyes met his, wondering why he would want to know. "Not until you tell me what happened."

Jalyne turned her head away. "Nothing happened, Sir."

"Your mood is greatly shifted, Jalyne." His shotgun went off, missing her intentionally to the left, shattering the glass behind his desk.

Jalyne reacted instantly to the threat, fluidly grabbing the shotgun to wrench it from him, only he held his ground, grabbing her wrist with his free hand. He threw her backwards with all of his strength and she landed in front of the shattered glass, confused at the attack.

Rufus tapped his wrists, locking the office down from any outside disruptions, though he had told Cheyanne to leave after Jalyne arrived. Quickly, he dislodged the smaller gun and reloaded, sending a ringing shot above her head, the round embedded into the bulletproof shielding that descended to cover the glass as a security measure. Jalyne froze, staring at the President wide-eyed in shock. Rufus shrugged out of his jacket while she was stunned and raised the smaller gun again to her.

The blonde watched her eyes dart around the room, assessing the situation as he calmly held his stance. Jalyne pushed off the ground, twisting in a spin and when she landed, fluidly slid across the marble to take his legs out. Rufus side-stepped the desk to keep it between them. He couldn't get another shot off, at least not without damaging more of his office.

Jalyne glared at him from the floor, pushing the chair out of the way sending it across the smooth floor. She grabbed the top of the desk, pushing with her left hand and twisted backwards at him, leveling a right-legged kick towards Rufus in which he stepped back. The flow of motion carried her to turn fully and when she came out of it, her sword clashed with the shotgun.

Rufus did not hesitate in backhanding her, pulling her sword free from her right hand, and discarding it across the room as she fell to the ground. He saw her ire rise across her body and he placed the gun on his desk, switching to hand-to-hand combat. The President preferred never to get close enough to an adversary to go to hand-to-hand, but this was a special occasion.

Jalyne rushed him, engaging him as he expected and pushing the blonde to be on the defense. Her mind was in chaos, trying to understand why he would do this to her, and Jalyne felt her power becoming uncontrollable. She jabbed with her right arm only for it to be wrapped up by the crook of his elbow and he spun her around, using her force, throwing her towards the door at the far end.

Rufus maintained his calm demeanor as he ran a hand through his hair, tapping his wrist again to unlock his office. He was guiding her on purpose and as the young man stared at her, he saw Jalyne's eyes darken. Rufus also witnessed the pulse and flicker within her. Good. She's trying, though just a little more.

Jalyne stood warily staring her 'boss' down, fighting the urge to lash out in anger. She darted forward at the same moment he did, and they met in the middle. Rufus side stepped her gracefully, grabbing her arm and jarring her to a stop, the force pulling her shoulder painfully.

Rufus pulled her to him, pinning the other arm behind her back. "Clumsy." He berated, but Jalyne was ready, sweeping her leg in between his and clipping his left leg, pushing him towards the floor. The blonde let go to brace the fall with Jalyne landing just off to the slide him.

She rolled away and flipping over, coming to a standing position just out of his reach and rubbed her aching shoulder. Jalyne was angry now and as the president picked himself off the floor to face her, she backflipped, kicking her legs outward, clipping his chin.

Rufus stumbled back in the rare occurrence of being caught off guard. Jalyne didn't connect hard, but he was quite sure that he would feel it in the morning. He glanced at her, sapphire eyes dangerously narrowed and smirked.

Watching Rufus smirk at her was the last straw. Now, Jalyne was enraged and darted forward bringing a series of punches and jabs at the President. He blocked each one until she feinted, and her leg darted outward in a high kick, connecting with his shoulder, sending him to the side and to the floor. Jalyne moved to stand over him and Rufus kicked outward, making her stumble back.

He darted forward with a speed Jalyne had never seen, and pushed her back towards the door, making her stumble even more. Rufus slammed his hand on the left side of the door jam followed by the right, trapping her with her back up against it. He glowered into her emerald orbs and the corners barely lifted in a sneer as Jalyne snarled back at him.

Startled, Jalyne's hand brushed the doorknob, and opening it, she lurched backwards, backing all the way to the staircase, breathing hard. It irritated her that Rufus was still calm. She slowly climbed the stairwell, never turning from the President, and stepped onto the landing, raising her fists.

Rufus watched her idly, the indecision, confusion and anger crossing her face. Jalyne walked backwards up the stairs and he followed. The moment her foot stepped on the landing, he struck, taking the last half dozen of them two at a time. Rufus knocked her fists aside and lowered his shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her enough to move her, and slammed her into the back wall.

Jalyne grunted as the air was knocked out of her and forcibly turned Rufus around and jabbed at his forehead, tapping it again the wall to stun him. He stepped forward, dazed, and struck out at her head of which she blocked and sidestepped him. Rufus went on the offensive, pushing her through an open doorway.

The President snarled as Jalyne connected a strike to his abdomen, making him hesitate. He scanned her quickly, assessing a weakness and growled lightly as he watched her power seep into her hands. It was now or never for him to stop this. Rufus ran to her and feinted jumping, causing her to glance upward. He pushed her back into the open doorway, knowing what was beyond.

Jalyne fell for the distraction and glanced upward just enough for Rufus to push her through the doorway. She stumbled and her legs were clipped at the knee, causing her to fall backwards onto something cushioned. Quickly glancing around, the princess rolled over the other end of the sofa and surveyed the room. Jalyne spied the fireplace as Rufus came through the door.

She grabbed the coal shovel as he snatched the stoke from the fireplace. Weapons in hand, they trailed through his living quarters, clashing iron ringing through the area. He maneuvered her through the bedroom door and swung wide with the stoke, slashing her black blazer and stinging her hand, causing her to drop her weapon and giving him the opening he was waiting calmly for.

Rufus struck her jaw hard enough to stun her and pushed her back. Jalyne hastily tried to recover, but he pushed her again towards the bed. Watching her power flare around her, the president took a big risk of which he hoped would pay off. He grabbed the smaller woman and slammed her to the mattress. Sliding her upwards, he grabbed both wrists and secured them within his grasp above her head.

Jalyne let out a growl of frustration as Rufus slammed her on the bed, her power flaring dangerously and eyes turning darker. She struggled as he pinned her right leg so she couldn't move it. He pressed his other hand down on her left thigh as she moved to raise it. Jalyne was breathing hard, and she struggled some more within his grasp, snarling and glaring at him. Her power intensified, encompassing them both. Rufus reached up and grabbed her by the throat and squeezed just enough to make her gasp.

"No." he sternly whispered, tugging on her wrists. It was not commanding or a play for dominance, but strangely gentle. Rufus leaned down, staring into power filled eyes. "Control it."

Jalyne's chest heaved in frustration and she closed her eyes tightly. "I…I…cannot." She grated out.

"Open them." Rufus commanded. He stared at her as she did as she was told, noting the brief flash of fear that appeared. Jalyne struggled again and her power flared until he squeezed just a bit more. "Control it."

"Rufus…I…can't…" she pleadingly whispered. "It…is…innate."

"No it isn't. Focus." Rufus replied. "Your power is tied to your emotions. Control them and you will control your power within, innate or not." He studied her as she clenched her jaw and stared back. "It is okay to feel, Jalyne, but learning when to bury them versus when to release those feelings, any of them, is key." Rufus whispered tilting closer to her.

Jalyne stared at him for a long while with furrowed brows, thinking hard on the words he spoke, as her power lashed around them. Finally, she closed her eyes and felt his hand loosen on her throat. Taking a struggling breath, she concentrated on something peaceful and serene. Deep within, she found her light and concentrated on it, remembering the feelings she carried at assorted calm situations on Trerran or Litrandan. Even the fond times with Reno crept into her thoughts. The shopping trip last week with Elena was high on her list.

Rufus watched as her power slowly faded from them and released the strength of his hand at her throat, seeing Jalyne start to calm. When she opened her eyes, Jalyne's beautiful emeralds stared back at him intently with a hint of questioning. A single tear dropped from her left eye and Rufus slowly brushed it away with his thumb.

"There you are." Rufus smugly whispered and dropped his lips to hers, releasing her wrists and sliding his other hand to the base of her neck. Jalyne gasped at the sudden shift in moods but didn't resist him. When he released her, Rufus gazed softly at her. "We are people of power, Jalyne. Though different from Trerran, we must always maintain a dignified and calm exterior, no matter how upset or angry we may be. In private, we must learn how to cope with those darker emotions to be able to fully understand them."

Jalyne brushed a stray strand away from his face, still watching the president with wide eyes. She didn't say anything, but then she didn't have to as her eyes betrayed her to him.

"Learning to control your emotions, especially in public will help you learn your power. There are instances where it is overwhelming and there is nothing to be done of it, but those should be rare." He kissed her lightly at the jawline making her gasp yet again. Rufus stood, walking to the wall by the door but continued to speak.

"You must learn to control your power, Jalyne."

Jalyne sat up and crossed her legs on the bed, watching the President curiously. He slid the wall aside to reveal a safe of which he opened and removed a book. When he turned to her again, Jalyne gasped. Rufus handed her the text of which she accepted whole-heartily but narrowed her eyes at him.

"It is time for both of us to learn how to trust." Rufus continued. "I will tell you what this world knows in terms of your mother and what we deciphered if you would help me understand the inscriptions." He finished, looking down at her sitting on the bed.

Jalyne ran her hand over the book in her lap and peered at him through her long bangs as he knelt in front of her, capturing her attention and waiting patiently for her response.

"Do not be angry with Tseng and Elena for bringing that back. They did it at my request."

Jalyne sighed lightly but nodded her head in acceptance and traced the inscriptions on the text, raising her head to him. "I understand, Sir." She paused lightly smiling at Rufus. "Is this why you requested me?"

He chuckled lightly rubbing his shoulder. "No. You pack a punch, Jalyne." He commented, standing up. "I have a mission solely for you."

"Really?" Jalyne asked raising her eyes to him incredulously.

"You are still my Turk, Jalyne. And a special one at that." Rufus stated.

Jalyne opened the book, flipping through the pages until she came to a specific one. She raised the object snuggled within the pages to look at it closer. The same flash that occurred in the Turk office, occurred in Rufus's presence and the images she witnessed made her tense in fear. Jalyne looked at Rufus who was rubbing the soreness out of his shoulder when she stood. She stood up suddenly, sliding the rune in her pocket and placed her hands on the president's shoulders.

"This is my doing. At least let me rectify it." She commented and before Rufus could object, Jalyne closed her eyes and let the warmth of healing spread through him. When she opened them and looked at her boss, she lowered her eyes and bit her lip lightly but not before he caught the trace of fear flicker through them.

Rufus wrapped his arms around her, not betraying the shock of the image that he witness, for in truth he would have to comply with Jalyne's request if that possibility became a reality. He questioned whether he would be able too.

Dearest.