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

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

Chapter 68- The Bond

He descended the stairs regally, coat draped over his shoulder by one finger and surveyed the scene in his office. He should have dismissed the Turks but there was important guests with them. He genuinely liked the Queens from another world and didn't want to offend them in any way. Rufus reached the bottom and Tseng immediately stood along with the other Turks as the Queens from Litrandan looked on curiously.

"You are all tired." The president commented. "It is time to retire for the night."

Solaria rose and approached him, giving him a bow of respect. "I thank you for your hospitality, Sir." She stated smoothly. "Is Jalyne okay?" she whispered.

He nodded in ascent though his crystal eyes travelled to his red-haired Turk.

Rude came behind the queens, nudging the elbow of the blonde regal to lead her towards the door. Solaria nodded at Rufus, not pressing the issue for she knew there was a dynamic between them and assumed he wouldn't allow anything to harm her. Staerlyia raised an eyebrow but remained silent, following Rude to the door with her sister.

Elena glanced at Tseng, who barely nodded for her to wait outside. The blonde Turk looked curiously at Reno before standing and making her way to the hallway.

Tseng approached Reno with barely a warning look in his brown eyes, silently begging the spit-fire Turk not to press the issue. He stood calmly behind the president, studying his second-in-command.

"Where's Jalyne?" Reno questioned, keeping his tone as neutral as possible.

Crystal blue eyes noticeably hardened and narrowed at the lanky Turk's question. "She is sleeping." Came the curt reply. Rufus could see the ire rise in Reno and smirked. "She will be fine. Let her rest."

"I want to see her, yo."

"No." Rufus asserted. "You will not wake her. She's had a trying day."

"We were there, yo."

"Not for the current predicament that she solved." The president jabbed back. "What she did makes me wonder if she is a 'goddess' sent to us in aid. Her power is that great."

Reno relaxed his stance, but narrowed his eyes at Rufus. "And what did she do, yo?"

"Contacted Frae. She resolved the issue. Fraeztka is on her way to Trerran." He turned to Tseng. "We will be accompanying her to Trerran. Make sure preparations are started."

Tseng nodded but otherwise didn't say anything, staying as pristine as he could at the president's side. Rufus dismissed Reno leaving no question in the directive. The red-headed Turk stewed but in the end knew better than to disobey Rufus. He walked out of the office, slamming the door behind him to head home.

Rufus walked to the window to gaze outward towards the City of Mako. What happened in his bedroom troubled him. He wanted her to be with him, strangely enough, and what occurred made him think otherwise on fate and destiny. The president raised his eyes to the reflection of the window noting the Director coming to stand behind him, awaiting orders. Rufus glanced downward, furrowing his eyebrows in thought.

He pulled back to stare at the woman he held tightly. Tears were streaming down her face and she trembled in his grasp. He reached up to pull a stray strand from her eyes only to have her step back, tripping and stumbling backwards to the wall by the door. He reached for her, steadying her against the wall.

"Please." Jalyne whispered hurriedly, eyes downcast. "Please don't do this to me!"

Rufus looked at her, questions in his blue eyes, moving to get closer to her. Jalyne pushed lightly against him, trying to melt into the wall. She never reacted this way, shrinking from his touch or nearness.

Jalyne trembled. She was exhausted and felt it throughout her body. Opening the Gate, expanding it, and keeping it open between the two worlds drained her more than she wanted to admit. Opening a telepathic link with Frae through the transmission should have rendered her unconscious as it was near impossible. What bothered her was the Forge. She's been hiding its effect on her for a long time. Jalyne slid down the wall to her knees with Rufus stepping back, confused. She shook her head violently, trying to clear her thoughts to no avail and she raised grasped her head.

"Please." she begged him quietly. "I love him. If you take it – it will kill me…or him."

Eyes wide, Rufus listened to his Turk beg him not to force her into this situation. Dominance. He always took what he wanted, though lax when Jalyne was involved. She loved sex – always had and he knew it. So what changed? He knelt in front of her, lifting her chin so her eyes met his, shocked again at what he saw in the green orbs. It wasn't fear, apprehension, or anger. It was pain.

Jalyne shuddered a deep breath and shook even more staring at Rufus. It was hard to deny the president because she was genuinely fond of him and even enjoyed sex with him after the initial encounter so many months ago. Her right hand raised to rest over her heart. The Forge, however, was not forgiving.

Rufus glanced downward, noting the glow that was beginning to surround her hand. It was whitish with light lavender and darker purple around the edges. This was curious to him as he had seen her aura a few times and it was blue. He witnessed her take the energy from her on the helipad. This wasn't the same.

"Jalyne?" He questioned.

"I-I can't." she whispered urgently back. "It hurts. It all hurts. I-I don't know what to do with it." She sobbed lightly and shook her head.

Rufus glanced at her hand again. "What is it?" he asked nodding at her hand.

"A bond of sorts." She answered but continued to tremble like she was cold. "Something different."

Rufus urged her to stand of which she complied but swayed on her feet lightly. Jalyne pulled her hand lightly away from her breast to allow the energy to flow. It congealed into a flowing orb that she kept close to her heart. Rufus reached outward to touch it, only to have it accept his fingertips as he laid them upon her hand. It swirled around their hands. His eyes widened in question as Jalyne raised hers to his. Everyone has a distinct feel to me. Even you. Rufus remembered her words.

"It's – It's never happened before." Jalyne unsurely stated. "I-I don't know what to do."

She uncontrollably shook, shaking her head swiftly and scrunching her eyes closed as tears drifted down her cheeks. Rufus stared in consternation that quickly turned to concern. Jalyne opened her eyes to him once more, pain shadowing her features.

"Soryla." she begged of her boss in a whisper. "Soryla. Faltae e mai."

Exhaustion was winning; Rufus could see that clearly within his Turk. Crystal eyes softened slowly as understanding and different scenarios played throughout his mind. He raised a knee, effectively blocking her path, cornering her and slid off his coat.

Jalyne's eyes widened with apprehension at the motion from the president and she trembled even more, slightly pushing against him to let her go, but the blond president held fast. "Plaro! Naio!" the empress begged again. "NAIO!"

He would not be the one to bring her pain. This otherworldly woman he held dearest suffered enough in her life from what he knew. Perhaps that is what the difference was. He held her in the highest regard that he knew how. Rufus glanced at the energy as it slowly retreated back into her body, the darkened purple lightening slightly in swirls.

Jalyne leaned her head against the wall, breathing deeply and fast. He nodded lightly at her, hoping to convey his intent, before threading an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. She struggled against him, until he draped his white leather coat around her shoulders guiding her head to his. Rufus could feel the tears drop and soak through his shirt but he didn't let go.

"You're exhausted, Jalyne." The president whispered to her, lifting her up. His hands slid down and under her ass, forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist.

"I'm sorry!" she pleaded to him, crying softly in his shoulder. "I didn't mean to!" Jalyne fought against him as he placed her on his bed. She scrambled backwards, clutching his coat tighter around her. "I c-can't stop it!"

Her mind snapped. Rufus could see it in her eyes as they darted uncontrollably side-to-side. The exhaustion won. She needed rest. The president listened to her hurried words as they tumbled out her mouth and sat on the edge of his bed.

"The Christmas party, so much pain and anger within." She continued hurriedly. "It is innate. I took it –the pain and hurt that is endured. I don't know how to handle it." Jalyne placed her hands to her head. "But the feeling…"

Rufus stared at her. It made sense as he thought back to the night of the party. He felt lighter when he awoke and found her on the helipad with Fraeztka. Now, he needed to calm her if he wanted answers. The president grabbed her chin and shoulder, forcing her to look at him.

"You're stressed out, Jalyne. You need sleep. You aren't thinking clearly."

Sliding on the bed, the president reached for the white-haired empress, pulling her on top of him. He settled quickly, rubbing the back of her neck and draping his coat over her again for added warmth.

"It is not allowed." She continued. "The Forge won't allow it." Her words continued hurriedly as Rufus tried to calm her. Jalyne shook her head slowly while laying on his chest.

"It affected you more than you thought?" the president calmly stated addressing her first comment.

Jalyne closed her eyes, shaking her white tresses in his chest. "Yes. I won't break the trust – no matter what. Not even for casual pleasure."

Rufus pondered those words. So, Reno held more dominion over this empress than he thought. Jalyne really did love him. He humphed to himself while continuing to rub her neck and lower back to calm her. Rufus could only wonder if he would ever find this type of love. He wished it with Jalyne and understood that it most likely would never happen.

"What was the energy a few minutes ago?" Rufus questioned quietly. Jalyne's breathing started slowing down considerably. She lifted her eyes to look into his and he saw the glow of the Heavens within.

"A bond." She replied slowly, realizing he wouldn't do anything further. Jalyne studied him, eyes glowing softly in the dim light of the room. "Inadvertently forged."

Rufus returned her study, analyzing her eyes. He remembered how well he slept the night of the party and how 'light' he felt upon awakening. He narrowed his eyes at her. "You took my pain."

Jalyne bowed her head and moved to roll away from him but Rufus wouldn't allow it, pulling her upwards to lay on the pillow with him.

"It is my curse." She started to explain. "This innate ability to heal." Her eyes strengthened in glow slightly. "It is my fault that it happened. I didn't stop it." Jalyne closed her eyes as tears drifted downward. "But yes, I took the darkness within you. As much as I could."

"But it affects you, especially when you're exhausted."

"It is still there." Jalyne conceded, raising her hand to show him. "My healing is slowly cleansing it." Her eyes flickered back to him, them lowered.

She started to shake once more as Rufus gazed at her, continuing to massage the nape of her nape. She tensed suddenly, going rigid on top of him.

"What is it?" he whispered.

"I can't stop my mind." She admitted slowly. "It won't stop. The images, the scenarios, the coronation, the books we brought back – everything!"

Stress. He wasn't a stranger to it. The president pulled her fully on top of him bringing her face close to his, forcing her to look at him. He could see her eyes dart around and the glow of the Heavens shifted and moved. The blond took a chance moving just centimeters from her lips.

"Stop it, Jalyne." He whispered. "Take a deep breath."

Jalyne stared at him blankly, breathing continuing to escalate. He studied her, seeing the emotions flow within her eyes. It wasn't that she was hiding anything, but more of that she didn't want to admit something. Rufus realized something in that moment and in an impulse, captured her lips in a kiss.

The president felt the empress relax within his embrace knowing that her mind cleared with the pleasure. She accepted it as he rolled her over, settling lightly on top of her. She looked at him questionably as her reached up, grazing her mark lightly.

"You love unconditionally, Empress." he addressed her quietly. "You cherish all there is. That is what makes you different from any other."

Jalyne took a deep breath as tears escaped her eyes. "But—"

Rufus raised a finger to her lips to silence her. "I promised to protect you." He continued. "I will never harm you." Rufus pulled her back on top of him, raising his finger to eyes to close them. "I will never force you into a situation you don't want." He ran his fingers lightly up and down her back as she calmed. "Jalynemidenovia e Nehaeviendria. My Dearest."

Her breathing slowed considerably as the softer side of the president became apparent. "Meia Dairlei." Jalyne murmured.

Rufus's eyes widened as another whisper filtered through.

"Make sure preparations are complete." Rufus stated to Tseng focusing on his reflection in the window. "She will take us to Trerran."

"Is it wise to leave?" The Director questioned, straightening up at the orders.

"It is only for one day." The president commented. "The Empress of the Heavens needs us there."

"We are subject to the Empire?"

"Of course not." The young man turned to the Director. "But I would rather have her loyalty and…"

Tseng nodded in understanding. "I will oversee the preparations."

Rufus nodded to his closest friend. "And ask Reno to come back and see me. We have a matter to discuss."

Rude escorted the Queens to his place, offering refuge after the long encounter. Solaria had seen some of the City of Mako during the holidays but this was Staerlyia's first time here. The silent Turk dutifully pointed out sites to the youngest auburn hair queen as he drove to the apartment complex.

"Are you sure this is okay, Liave?"

"Yes. As soon as you tell me what Liave means." Rude stated seriously.

Staerlyia leaned forward from the back seat. "I don't know, Rude. You're taking two queens to your home. There's all manner of things that could happen!"

Solaria turned to stare at her sister. "You've been on Litrandan for too long, Sis."

"Ugghh." Staer pouted reclining back. "What's there to do for fun?" She glared at her sister. "I better not hear anything!"

"I'll be sleeping on the couch." Rude elaborated. "You can have the spare bedroom and Sol can take mine." He paused. "As for fun, that depends on what the president needs."

"Will Jalyne be okay?" Solaria suddenly asked a he pulled into a large building parking lot.

Rude nodded in response. "Rufus won't harm her."

"He likes her." Staerlyia stated getting out of the car. "I can see it."

"I suspect so."

"Interesting dynamics." The elder queen said looking pointedly at the silent Turk as he came around to offer her his arm. "Will the Lord Consort be okay?"

"Yeah, he looked kind of pissed when he walked out." The younger queen stated.

"Reno will be okay." The bald man indicated as he lead the queens to his place. He opened the door, allowing them to stroll through with wide eyes in wonderment.

"How exquisite!" Staerlyia said running her hand over the hard woods in the apartment. "It's wonderful, Rude!"

Rude showed them around his place to acquaint them to the specific with Staerlyia commenting instantly upon the showing of the bathing facilities that she would take part immediately. Her sister chuckled as Rude dutifully assembled the towels and a robe for her to partake as Sol lounged on the couch after grabbing a drink.

Rude sat with Sol as Staer began cleaning up. The sound of running water muffled the younger queen singing voice as his eyes widened, listening to the foreign language. Her voice was as beautiful as Jalyne's. Solaria leaned back and closed her eyes, sighing lightly.

"What's she singing?" Rude finally asked the queen.

Solaria straightened up with a chuckle and gazed at him. "It is a love affair tune." She reached out lightly to touch his hand. "May I ask you something?"

Rude nodded in accent wondering what could be on this queen's mind.

"I like it here, Rude." Solaria started. "It is so different than Litrandan. Or even Trerran." The blond queen took a deep breath. "I would like to continue…" she spread her hands between the two of them. "whatever we make of this." She lowered her golden eyes to the floor.

Rude's eyes widened behind his glasses, unsure of what the queen was really asking but his gut instinct told him, she wanted a relationship. He exhaled the breath he was holding, leaning back on the couch. "What would you like?"

Solaria surprised him when she leaned upon his shoulder, snuggling up to him. "Liave is Litrandan for Love – the formal endearment title." She took a deep breath to continue. "I am really comfortable around you, Rude. I enjoyed the time we spent on Litrandan. I don't have to be 'queen' when speaking and interacting with you."

In a rare move, Rude removed his glasses, turning his impassive chocolate eyes to look into the golden orbs of the Queen of Litrandan. Her eyes slowly starting closing as he knew she was tired from battle and research.

"It is wondrous." She breathed. "Call it infatuation if you want, call it young wildness – I don't care." Solaria paused as the sound of water stopped. "I do know that my thoughts turn to you often and I wish to become – more formal." Her hand grazed his abdomen and lit up with yellow light. "It is here that I feel it."

The quiet Turk studied the queen's sleepy eyes not hiding the shock at her words. She smiled softly at him. His hand unconsciously found hers as his other arm wrapped around her. Solaria snuggled into his shoulder as her eyes closed and her breathing indicated she was sleeping.

He answered her. "I would be honored."