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

I do own my own character – Jalyne and other originals.

Chapter 46 – The Holidays

"What do you think?"

"I'm not sure."

"Are we missing something?"

They were sitting on the floor in Jalyne's bedroom in the late morning, looking over the one of the texts that DarkienLyy had given her on the return trip. She had wrapped Rufus's present and smiled at what the King picked for him. It was the book that Illyandria used to read to her, full of farie tales and lore.

Reno left and returned to his apartment the night before and she suspected something was still weighing on his mind. Jalyne, however, opened the books and soon after, called her friend.

She took a break to start the dinner and decorate the apartment in the traditional white wallows of Litrandan and Trerran. Silver, blue and deep violet decorated the livingroom and common areas with branches of pineaka and wallow overhanging in areas. Jalyne decorated the patio area in the same, lighting up the pool in the cool winter hues of home.

In the corner of the livingroom stood a white snow covered wallow with its branches hanging outward at the top. The bottom showed its trunk and was definitely not in accordance to the evergreens that most people on Gaia used as a tree. It's branches were covered in blue and violet glittering trimmings and near the ceiling, a white orb glowed and rained snow down upon its branches.

"Maybe." Solaria turned to her. "But then we could be reading into this too much."

Jalyne glanced again at the book and sighed. "Perhaps."

"Is that really what the Queen Mother said."

"She called him the Eternal Flame. Not only that, she called him Emperor." Jalyne shook her head and stood with Sol following her into the kitchen. "I felt the shift within him."

"And you're worried…why?" Solaria questioned once they were in the kitchen.

"There's something Reno is thinking about and he won't tell me." Jalyne conceded. "I'm hoping what was said didn't freak him out."

"Oh." Solaria grabbed the cup of tea that Jalyne offered. "You think he'll back out."

"I just don't want him to be afraid."

"You really do love him, Jalyne."

"I do." The princess leveled a look at the Queen. "I just don't want him to think that it changes anything between us. I never wanted the throne."

"I know what you mean." Solaria responded. "Are you sure it's okay that I'm here?"

"Of course it is." Jalyne grinned deviously. "It will be a great surprise. I am glad you could get away for a day or so."

"Me too."

"Will Staerylia be okay?"

Solaria chuckled at the princess heartily. "Are you kidding me? Sis has been waiting forever for me to leave for another adventure." She paused and looked into her tea, her long blonde hair falling gently behind her. "Staerylia did well while I was on Molcter. She is very much fit to be Queen."

"Nothing will happen to you Sol."

"It's not that, Jalyne." Solaria looked around her apartment wistfully. "There are times that I just…"

"Want to be normal." Jalyne supplied.

Sol glanced at her and smiled wanly. "Yes. There are times that adventure just calls to me. Not sitting on a throne all the time, looking pretty."

"I know, Sol." Jalyne moved to look out at the patio, wet with melted snow. "I am not Empress, or princess here. Sometimes…"

Solaria joined her. "Sometimes even we need a break, Jalyne." She looked out to the city. "It is strange, is it not?"

"But it is home." She answered her friend.

"It smells wonderful." Solaria nudged the princess, glancing back at the kitchen. "Who knew you could cook."

Jalyne chuckled and swiped at her friend in jest. "I had to do something to get away from Father." She laughed. "He never thought to find me in the kitchens."

"You should have invited Frae."

"I did." Jalyne smirked at the Queen's look of surprise. "She'll be here later, right before the others arrive."

"Needed girl time?"

Jalyne laughed. "Something like that. Oh the trouble we used to get into." She paused. "Today and tomorrow is special for them here, akin to our Yuletide. I just thought it would be nice to have company."

"That and we needed to get away." Sol stated slyly.

"That too." Jalyne conceded. "The Empire will continue on."

They heard the elevator drop down to the lobby and Jalyne glanced at the clock. It was barely after noon. She wasn't expecting anyone until around four or five. The doors opened and Jalyne's eyes widened at the site. Reno and Rude stepped through, both in casual attire and chatting amongst themselves.

Reno looked at Jalyne and smirked at her. She detected something within him. He was planning something. His turquoise eyes flickered around the room, taking in the decorations.

"Beautiful, yo." He stated coming towards her.

"Y-You're early." She stuttered out. "What's the occasion?"

He flashed her a grin before answering. "Rude and I just thought we'd see if you needed any help. I texted you about an hour ago, yo."

Rude made way to the tree, placing the gifts underneath it when he suddenly straightened up and turned towards his partner. Jalyne stepped aside, showing the full view of Solaria as the Queen of Light smiled even bigger.

"Surprise." Jalyne joked to her silent partner.

Reno sidestepped the princess and grabbed Solaria in a hug as she laughed, spinning her around lightly. As he set her down, he looked at her.

"You look great, Highness."

Sol swatted at him playfully. "No formalities today, please. Or tomorrow for that matter, My Lord Consort."

Reno chuckled and looked at Rude. He was standing there, totally in shock at the surprise. It looked like he was barely breathing. "Partner?"

Solaria was dressed in jeans and a holiday blouse that hung off of the shoulders that Jalyne picked out for her. Her hair was not tied back but hung loosely around her face and back, giving her a ethereal look. Her orange eyes danced mischievously and in a spontaneous move – ran and jumped into Rude's arms.

"Hi." She chuckled at him her face close to his.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered touching his forehead to hers.

"I thought to surprise you, Rude." Jalyne interjected from the patio doors. "As part of your gift."

"Besides." Sol continued as he put her down. "I wanted to see you." She pouted playfully.

Rude walked over to Jalyne and encased her in a bear hug, whispering his thanks for the perfect gift.

"Frae is coming too!" Solaria exclaimed not keeping the secret.

"Whoa, yo." Reno commented. "Really?"

"Yes." Jalyne looked at him. "I just…needed some comfort after yesterday and the ladies wanted a break to enjoy a happier time." She paused looking at Rude. "So what do I owe the pleasure of an early visit?"

"Cooking." Rude shrugged barely a hint of a smile gracing his face.

Jalyne laughed at that. "You want me to divulge the secrets to what I am making?"

"Yes." He stated seriously turning to the kitchen. "It smells wonderful. Are you making Choracti?"

Jalyne chuckled again. "Not this time, Rude." She followed him into the kitchen with Sol and Reno coming behind. "Why?"

"Because it was divine." The silent partner stated once again seriously.

Sol opened the refrigerator and gasped. "Jalyne!" she exclaimed. "You are not!"

The princess lifted her head haughtily and in jest. "I am."

Solaria let out a scream of pure delight. "Oh by the stars…can I help?"

"I was hoping you would, but we got sidetracked before I could ask." Jalyne told her friend. "I need you to formulate it for here. I don't want my guests to be…indisposed for days you know."

"Parner." Reno spoke up. "I think we're missing something, yo."

"Indeed."

"I am making something special as a dessert."

"We're going to make Heavelka!" Solaria clapped excitedly. "You are going to love it!" she squealed.

"What is it, yo?" Reno questioned raising an eyebrow.

"It is a cake – laced with liquor and topped with liquor filled fruit and icing." Jalyne explained simply. "At least that's the closest explanation I can give."

"Keep Elena away from it then, yo." Reno chuckled. The red haired Turk turned to Jalyne and bowed, eyes twinkling and outstretched his hand to her. "I humbly request your presence for a couple of hours for an entertaining afternoon of fun, yo." He winked at Rude who chuckled at him.

Jalyne had to think her way through the request and finally an eyebrow shot up as she looked at her baelo warily. "Are you asking me out on a date, Reno?"

"Yep."

"Then why didn't you just say so?" Jalyne chuckled.

"I'm working on formalities." He jested lightly to her.

Jalyne looked at him crazily and suddenly laughed, walking out of the kitchen to grab her coat.

"You want me to do what?"

"Skate, yo."

"On ice?"

"Yep."

Jalyne looked at Reno wide eyed, unbelieving what she was seeing before her. He had escorted her to the middle of Sector Eight where a large decorated tree stood in the middle of a sheet of thick ice. People were gliding across it on shoes with blades at the bottom of them, laughing and enjoying the cold weather.

"No powers either, yo." Reno smirked.

Jalyne shook her head slightly. "I've never done this, even on Iecidrankta." She looked at him warily as he held up two pairs of ice skates. "No powers?"

"Don't even twitch or flare." He leaned into her and whispered. "Go ahead and try – I'm sure I can think of a suitable reprimand for you."

He led her over to a bench where they started to slip on the skates. He watched her lithe form as she bent over to tie them tight and lightly grunted.

As they moved to the skating rink, Jalyne hesitated to step onto the ice. Reno turned to her and grabbed her hand, yanking her to the ice with him. Her legs slid strangely on the ice and she couldn't keep her balance, falling into his arms.

"It's about balance." He chuckled and pushed off taking her struggling form with him.

"Will you wait a minute!" She exclaimed and laughed. "Have mercy on one that's never done this!"

Reno laughed and pulled her close. "Mercy, huh?"

"Uh-huh" she whispered drowning in his turquoise eyes. "Please."

He grumbled lightly sliding his hand down to her ass, pulling her even tighter to his body and digging the toe of his skate in the ice. "Begging me for mercy?" Reno whispered to her and nipped behind her ear, pleased to hear her moan. He slid his other hand to hers. "Turks rarely give mercy." And with a devilish grin, took off with Jalyne in tow.

She stumbled along the ice, laughing at how ridiculous she must look. Here she was, princess of an empire – who didn't know how to ice skate. She stumbled but Reno caught her, slowing down slightly.

Reno enjoyed hearing her laugh. It was the pure enjoyment from her that made him smile even more, in light of losing her Autielle, which he surmised still weighed heavily upon her. He glanced behind and watched her green eyes light up like a child. He had a feeling she never really had a chance to experience the smaller and littler things in life that make it fun.

Jalyne took a deep breath in between the chuckles and laughter. The ice was not going to beat her. She tugged for Reno to stop, of which he complied. "I need a moment to breathe." She laughed bending over to grasp her thighs.

Jalyne closed her eyes and felt something…strange. She started hearing the laughter and voices all around her but more importantly she started hearing unspoken thoughts. Slowly she concentrated, bringing up more barriers to block them out.

"Jalyne?" Reno bent over to her.

"I'm okay." She chuckled, straightening up and smiling at him. She took another deep breath and tried to balance on the skates.

Reno reached for her hand, ready to continue on when she moved just out of his grasp, unsteady on her feet. He raised a brow and smirked, watching the determination of his beloved take over.

Jalyne balanced on her skates and pushed off to circle around him only to lose her balance and land on her ass in a humph. Reno turned and laughed at her, extending a hand to help her up as she rubbed her bottom. This time he didn't let go and took off with her again.

They circled around the tree and Jalyne slowly began to skate and gain her balance. They coasted along with Reno pointed out sites outward along Sector Eight as they circled the large tree.

"I suppose we should return, yo." He finally stated slowing down even more. Jalyne nodded in agreement.

"I have to Gate Frae soon anyway."

A child zipped by, causing Jalyne to be unsteady. Another came with the same speed, clipping her foot and she went down. Holding onto Reno, he fell on top of her with a thud. He rolled on top of Jalyne, keeping her on the ice as she laughed.

Jalyne gazed at him and smiled. Reno reached up, pushing her hair out of her eyes.

"Did you have fun at least, yo?" he whispered leaning closer.

"I did." Jalyne smiled warmly at him. "Thank you. But now I'm cold." She giggled.

"I'll warm you up, yo." He stated kissing her.

Tseng and Elena arrived shortly after four as Rude and Jalyne were putting the Heavelka in the oven. Reno swooped in grabbing Elena in a tight hug, shaking his still wet hair teasingly at her of which she laughed heartily and giggled. Tseng popped his head into the kitchen and raised his brows in question when he spotted the blonde queen assisting his silent partner who incidentally looked entirely different without the formal attire and hair swept up.

Sol glanced backwards feeling eyes upon her and noting it was the boss, paused and nodded lightly to him. At Tseng's inquiring look she turned, hugging him of which he smiled lightly at her, returning the hug.

"A great surprise, Highness." He whispered to her.

"Sol, Tseng." She stated raising a finger to her lips with a smile. "We are NOT on Litrandan, thank goodness." She winked at him. "It is good to get away and be normal." She giggled lightly turning towards his Turk and resuming the duties she was assigned.

Rufus arrived a few minutes after them and placed gifts under the tree, noting the unusual wrapping paper that accompanied some of them. He was surprised to see the Queen of Litrandan in the kitchen with Rude and they made the formal introductions.

The rest of them gathered around in the livingroom awaiting the meal and staying out of the way of the cooks. Jalyne started setting the table and bringing the food out to the patiently waiting assortment of guests. Reno was entertaining with jokes and lightheartedness making the group laugh and relax.

"For the love of all there is…" Jalyne muttered and called to the back of the apartment. "Get out here Frae! You're missing all of the fun!"

"Come again?" Rufus's head snapped up and turned to the hallway but not before catching Jalyne's smug look.

Fraeztka appeared at hallway's end looking timid and dressed in Gaian attire. Her violet hair was without her buns and hung down, framing her features. She was without her crown and her crystal violet eyes twinkled with the snowflake on her forehead glinting within the apartment's light. Her trousers were cut to her frame with the three quarter length cardigan hanging around her violet corset.

"I'm sorry I took so long." She smiled at the group. "I am not used to this attire." She stated turning and indicating her wardrobe.

"Comfortable, isn't it though?" Jalyne smugly stated.

Frae nodded and entered the livingroom when Rufus stood and met her halfway and bowed. Frae blushed lightly and smiled reaching to him to give the formal greeting.

"You look great Frae." He whispered. "Welcome to Gaia, on not official business." He smirked at her.

Jalyne coughed to gather their attention and all eyes looked at her as she stood in front of the table. "Dinner is served." She chuckled side stepping and flourishly sweeping her arm in a bow.

They gathered around after dinner in the livingroom, drinking and eating the Heavelka and exchanged gifts. Jalyne kept a close eye on the Turks and the President as Heavelka could be quite strong. Soon all of them were laughing and joking with each other as if they've known each other for a lifetime. They sat around the fireplace sipping drinks when Rufus finally spoke up.

"How long are you staying?" he asked lightly looking at Frae and Sol.

"A couple of days?" Sol answered looking at Jalyne.

"I don't care." Jalyne chuckled. "Christmas is tomorrow. It's really up to you how long you can be away. I'll gate you anytime you want."

"This is wonderful." Frae spoke up and then directed her attention at Rufus. "If I may impose, do you think I could see the city?"

Rufus chuckled at her the alcohol affecting him slightly. "There isn't any imposition. I will do so."

She nodded her thanks. "It is so different than Iecindrankta. I am ever curious. Thank you."

Jalyne slipped away as the evening hours progressed, taking her drink with her to the patio. As she leaned on the railing, looking at the cold night sky, she felt an arm lightly graze her hip. Coming out of her reverie, she didn't hide the shock of who it was.

"Are you okay?"

Jalyne bowed her head in thought. "I'm not sure." She said honestly bringing her hand around and lifting it up to him. Dark blue-black tendrils of her power emanted from within and she sighed lightly. "It won't be long, I don't think, Rufus."

He quirked his brow at her of which she elaborated. "This darkness. Even today, my telepathy went haywire while Reno and I went out."

Rufus reached up and cupped her cheek fondly. "It will be okay. I promise."

Jalyne shook her head slowly within his grasp and raised her eyes to his. Rufus noted instantly how dark her green orbs seemed. Instead of the vibrant emeralds he was used to, they seemed like a dark forest even with the lights on the deck.

"Please promise me you will carry out my request."

Rufus didn't hide the shock and shook his head lightly. "I'm not sure I can, Dearest." He replied solemnly.

Jalyne closed her eyes in sadness as the leaned his head against hers. "I am afraid."

"We will be here for you, Jalyne." He replied and kissed her forehead. "We won't let anything happen to you."

"Thank you for everything you all have given me." Jalyne replied.

Reno watched the exchange on the deck, not believing the jealousy was rearing its ugly head. He watched as her power darkened an the softness the president was giving to his beloved. A light growl came out when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"It is coming soon, I fear." Frae whispered to him. "We all know it."

"What is coming, yo?"

"The Choice." They stood there a moment watching the duo when Frae felt the shift in Reno and turned to him. "Rufus will not do anything or actively pursue her." Reno raised an eyebrow at the queen. "I am a telepath also, Reno."

"That would have been nice to know, yo." He smirked to hide his rage.

Frae looked at him seriously. "Jalyne's darkness is growing." She stated as she watched Reno's eyes flicker to the wall. "She is having a hard time controlling it. That is what they are discussing."

"What am I to do, yo?" he asked the queen seriously.

"You will be the one to save her."