Chapter 4 Reunions and Problems (4:00 PM Sunday. October 1st)

'Who could that be?' I thought as I came down the stairs. The knocking was sounded again. "Hold on! I'm coming!" I opened the door. "Cloud?!" "Hey Danielle. Where's Sephiroth?" "Look, don't fight him," I said, knowing what Cloud wanted to see him about, "Zack was trying to rape me. He did it for my defense." Cloud nodded, reluctantly. "Alright. He told Zack it was an emergency...?" "It is. Come on in." I led him to the living room and sat on the rocking chair while he sat on the couch. "So, what's up?" "Cloud, this is really bad. Jenova is alive... she has brought two other evil beings through portals to help take over the world. I sense her calling... Sephiroth resisted her mind control now she just wants to kill both of us. She brought Lavos and Eve. Unknowingly, she also brought Aya Brea and the legendary Time travellers. They have decided to join with Sephiroth and me to destroy them. We knew we needed help so Sephiroth sent Zack back to you guys," I explained. "This is bad... Ok, we're going to have a meeting to discuss what's going on at 6:00. Can you hold out against Jenova's callings?" he replied. "Yeah. She can't take me because I know who my parents are. She can't use that trick on me. I'll see you later, ok?" "Alright. I'm going to have some words with Zack. I never expected him to do that. I'm sorry. I should never have let him leave the Villa. Later." He stood up and walked out the door. I sighed and went upstairs. ******* Sephiroth sat on his bed in his room and looked at the ring he had bought. It was a gold band with a diamond in the center and aquamarines surrounding it. 'Danni...' He heard me coming up the stairs, closed the black velvet box, and hid it under his pillow. I knocked on the door and walked in. "Hey, who was at the door?" he asked. "Cloud. He came to find out what was going on and he schedueled a meeting later at 6:00," I replied. "Oh.." "Is something wrong, Seph?" I asked him, tilting my head questionally. "No." He stood up and hugged me tightly. "What's this for?" I said, smiling. "Because you're my best friend, right?" "Yup!" I replied. ******* "What do you think is up with Zack?" asked Rufus as he looked around the room at the inn,"That injury was pretty bad. What did he do to make Sephiroth so mad?" "Who knows?" replied Brandy, "I haven't seen my sister around lately...I wonder what happened to her?" "She's probably adrift after Tseng died. The turks will take care of her." He kissed her gently. ******* (5:45 PM Sunday, Oct. 1st) "Danielle...wake up," said Sephiroth, poking his head through the door to my room. "Hmm..?" I said rolling over. "It's time for the meeting, sleepyhead." I sat up. "Alright, alright. I'm up." He shut the door and I got out of bed, changed into a red long-sleeved shirt with sparkles on it, jeans, and my boots. I brushed out my hair and tied it into a high ponytail with a red ribbon. I met Sephiroth downstairs and he handed me my sword. I tied it onto my belt and we left the house. ******* (6:30 PM) "Danielle and Sephiroth have explained what is going on. Now we must all join forces to defeat Jenova, Lavos, and Eve or else they will destroy the world," said Cloud. "I'm in," replied Aya,"Eve must be destroyed. "Us too," added Crono,"Let's take them out!" "Where would they have gone..?" asked Tifa. "We're going to find out," replied Magus. "We're going to need new equipment and materia,"said Yuffie,"That shouldn't be too hard. I'll go with Reeve tomorrow and hit the shops for everyone. Is that ok?" "No problem here," answered Cloud,"Any objections?" No one answered. "Ok, just don't steal anything Yuffie." She nodded. "Well....meeting adjourned." Everyone stood up and began to leave the meeting room. "Danielle..." started Aeris. I turned to Sephiroth, "I'll be right there. Ok?" He nodded and continued to leave. "What's up, Aeris?" I replied. "Danielle, I'm worried about you. You look very pale." "It's probably stress. I'm ok. I'll see you tommorrow, alright?" I hugged her reassurringly and left the inn, following after Sephiroth. ******* The tall dark-haired girl watched as everyone left the room. She noticed Brandy and me. 'So...here they are..I'll continue to follow them and see what's up..' She walked into the inn, the lights glinting on her sniper rifle and the pistols in her belt. She paid for a room and immediately went to bed. ******* (4:00 AM Monday, Oct. 2nd.) I sat up in bed as the Planet sent a warning call to my mind. 'Something's wrong...' I thought. I got out of bed pulling on my robe. As I looked out the window, a strong red glow shone through... 'Oh my God!' I ran into Sephiroth's room and woke him up. He immediately had the Masamune to my neck. "It's ME, Sephiroth! The whole village is on fire!" Sephiroth removed the blade. "Meet me downstairs in two minutes," he replied. I ran back into my room and quickly got dressed, put my sword sheath on my belt and ran downstairs and into the night with Sephiroth at my side. ******* "My God..." I whispered as the whole village burned. Avalanche, Crono's group and Aya came out of the inn. "Sephiroth!" shouted Cloud,"Are you burning another village!? Wasn't Nibelheim enough?" Sephiroth looked like he was going to strangle Cloud as the true cause for the fire floated down from the sky. "Jenova!" I spat. "Well, well...the Cetra bitches and their dogs. Enjoy a firey hell." She used Flamethrower on us and sent another blast at my house! Then she disappeared. "Aqualung!" responded Sephiroth. The flames went out around us and stopped the blast from reaching my house. "Cid, get the Highwind and airlift any survivors to Bone Village! Everyone look for people who need help! Crono, get your team over to the Epoch and get it into the Highwind's cargo bay for safekeeping!" I shouted. They nodded as Sephiroth and I began to extinguish the flames around the village with the Aqualung spell. "Sephiroth...behind you!" I shouted. Sephiroth drew his sword and spun quickly slicing the Bandersnatch in half. "Incoming!" shouted Cloud as a whole pack of them began to attack us. "They had to pick NOW to come attack!?" complained Barret, shooting 2 of them with his Missing Score. I took down another two with my sword as Cloud used an Ultima to take out 3 more. "How many more!?" asked Tifa, taking another out with her Premium Heart. "This is more than one pack!" shouted Red,"This is probably 3 packs banded together!" He used his Cosmo Memory and took down another 2. Vincent shot down another 3 as they tried to sneak up on Cloud. Zack went down as another re-opened the wound on his chest. Aeris ran over to him and was beginning to cast a spell. Cloud used a Shadow Flare to take out another 3 as Sephiroth dispached the last one. By now, the village had burned to the ground. Cloud's PHS began to ring. "Cloud? It's Cid. I managed to get all the survivors over to Kalm including the survivors from the Bone Village accident." "What accident?" he replied. "According to Aya, a horde of Eve's mutations attacked while you were busy over in Icicle Village. I'll be back to pick you guys up in about thirty minutes." "Ok, Cid. Good work. Cloud out." ******* (8:00 AM Oct. 2nd, Highwind Operations room) "The only building left standing is Danielle's house," said Brandy. "Damn Jenova!" cursed Cloud angrily,"It's not bad enough she burned Nibelheim using Sephiroth, now she burns Icicle Village just to ruin Danielle and Aeris's hometown!" Sephiroth looked like he was about to slit Cloud's throat, but I interveined. ''It was all Jenova's fault..." I said holding back my anger. "It's ok, Danielle. We'll get her back. We'll make sure they stay dead too!" replied Sephiroth momentarily forgetting Cloud. I nodded and looked out the window dreaming of revenge. "Why would Jenova do that....there was no goal... and that doesn't make sense," questioned Red. "I don't know but I'm going to kick her ass good!" responded Cid. "I'm with you on that one," added Tifa, "She's going to pay for what she's done." Aeris was taking care of Zack who had recieved that wound from a Bandersnatch. "Now what do we do?" I asked quietly. "We go pick up Crono, Aya, and the others from cleaning up Bone Village and get new equipment for them," replied Cloud.

"We should go to Wutai. It's the best place," said Yuffie fighting her airsickness. "That's a good idea for once, squirt," smirked Cid. "Shut up Old Man!" "Ol-- why I oughta...." "Enough! Cid, set a course for Bone Village, then Wuati. Yuffie, try not to throw up and everyone else, try to get some rest. I have a feeling something big is going to happen," snapped Cloud. Everyone nodded and left, Yuffie moaning the whole way out. I was exhausted, so I went to my cabin to take a nap. ******* Sephiroth stood next to Vincent on the observation deck watching the scenery. "Have you got her a ring yet?"asked Vincent reading the expression on Sephiroth's face. "She is only a friend from the past, Vincent," he mumbled. "I think there's more to it than that. After you rescued her in Junon, it was obvious." Sephiroth suddenly found the scenery fascinating. "Ahh.. I was right... May I see?" he asked. Sephiroth withdrew the black box from his pack and handed it to the ex-turk. "This is a very beautiful ring. When are you going to ask her..?" "I don't know... She hasn't decided on judgement over her feelings. She is still very confused." "I see your point..." Vincent handed the ring back and he replaced it in his pack. "I'll try to talk to her when she wakes up..." whispered Sephiroth. ******* (Bone Village, 9:00 AM) "Aya, is that the last of them?" asked Lucca. "I think so, Eve can only create a few at a time. She doesn't have much control over that power before she drains her energy." "That's good. Here comes the Highwind," stated Crono. "I'm tired! Let's go rest," said Marle exhausted. She had used nearly all her energy for magic healing and it was taking its toll on her. "Alright. That takes care of everything. Good work everyone," said Aya. They boarded the Highwind and Cid switched course to Wutai. ******* "Cloud? Is something wrong..?" asked Tifa as she stood beside him. "No..I'm just thinking about the future..." he replied. "Relax! Think about the present for a little while or you'll stress yourself to death! Then I won't have anyone!" she scolded, smiling. Cloud smiled too, "So, what's up? Besides the obvious I mean." She laughed. "Well..." ******* (10:00 PM)

"Ayla like Avalanche. Like Aya too. They strong. Help beat Lavos. We kill Jenova too." "You're right. They do seem to be an interesting group of characters." said Crono. "What is Materia, Robo?" asked Marle. "They are little orbs of unknown substance that allow the user to cast very advanced magic and call upon summons in battle. Others allow you to support your magic and make it stronger and different ones can work independently without any magic power used. An example of this one would be the Long Range materia. Cloud told me that even if in the back row or against a monster that floats far away, you can attack it and cause damage. "Woah..." said Lucca thinking about all the scientific theories she could create with such an item.. ******* "Hi," said Aya. "Oh, hello," replied Aeris. "Are you alright?" asked Aya sitting next to the brunette, "What's troubling you?" "Zack. He's being so stupid. He still pines for my sister even though she STILL hasen't decided, although, after that rape attempt, it should be obvious. I have a huge crush on him but...he just ignores me." "Well, men are stupid sometimes. It takes a lot to get them to listen. Tell him how you feel. If that won't get his attention, hit him with your Princess Guard. It always works." Aeris laughed. "Ok, thanks for cheering me up." Aeris picked up her staff and rushed off to find Zack. ******* In this dream, I was in the Lifestream, my mother floating in front of me. "Danielle, I know you are confused, and that you don't know your way." "I am. I don't know what to do anymore! I still can't make my descision because I know I will hurt somebody." "You have my desire to not hurt people, like your sister. I cannot tell you what your future holds, but always know that they will accept whatever desicion you make. As will I." I nodded. "I'm just so confused..." Ifalna smiled. "I must go now, my daughter. Please be careful. I love you." "I love you too, Mom. I will be careful." Suddenly, my vision went black. ******* (12:00, noon) I sat up from my sleep feeling a lot better. I brushed out my tangled hair and went off in search of Sephiroth. I found him on the outside observation deck watching the scenery. "Hello, Sleeping Beauty," he said smiling at the joke. "Oh, very funny," I replied sarcastically, hugging him, "What's up?" "We're almost to Wutai... We should hang out while we're there. Just for a while." "Sounds fun," I replied. 'Maybe I can sort out my feelings too....' I thought.

"Danielle, are you listening...?" asked Sephiroth a few minutes later. "Sorry Seph, I blanked out. What?" "I said, maybe we could try to climb the Pagoda. I heard Yuffie did it. If she can, we can. It'll be fun." "Well.... ok. I know Godo from when I was on the run from Shinra a few years ago. I think we'll be allowed." Sephiroth smiled.

Around the corner, Zack could hear every word. 'I don't think so, Sephiroth. She'll be MINE.' He smiled and walked away to think up a plan.

"I hate it that you always stand alone, Seph. I mean, you could at least TRY to talk to some of the others." "True, but most of them still hate me." "That doesn't mean you can't be a little more open with your feelings. Talk to Vincent. You and him have a lot more in common than you think." "How is that?" "That isn't for me to say. It's up to him to decide if he wants to tell you." "I see," he replied. "Aeris is someone good to talk to as well. She's always willing to lend a hand if you need help. So am I. As for the others, It'll take them a little while to let go of the past. Eventually, they will accept you. I promise." "Alright, I'll take your word on it." ******* Cloud stood at his place at the window, watching Sephiroth and I talk. Tifa came up behind him. "You know, I still find it hard to believe that Sephiroth is changed. He is still so cold and distant. It's very hard for me to sit in a meeting and see him there without drawing my sword." "I know what you mean. I'm still mad at him....but Aeris is right. He was just as much a victim of Jenova as you were. You're practically brothers." "Don't even SAY that Tifa, it's not true. I'm nothing like HIM." "You're both more alike than you think. Anyway, I was thinking. Maybe it's time to let go...I mean, true, he destroyed our hometown, but still, he has changed. I can see it in his eyes when he talks to Danielle. If he could get his hands on Jenova, I guess he'd tear her limb from limb if he got the slightest chance." "I know what you're saying.... but it's just so hard. Almost a month ago, he tried to destroy the Planet, now, he's fighting WITH the people who killed him AND is falling in love with the sister of the woman he KILLED." "See, he has changed. You just said it yourself." Cloud smiled at the trap she caught him in. "Alright... I'll try to be a little nicer to him. I think it's finally time to close that chapter of the past, and open the next chapter of the future." Tifa smiled and hugged him as they both watched our conversation. ******* (Wutai, 2:00 PM) "Come on! I'll race you to the Pagoda!" I said, challenging him. "Danielle, you could never beat me in a race when we were children. How do you expect to beat me now?" he replied. While his back was turned, I swallowed a Speed Source. I walked up next to him. "Ready, set....GO!" I shouted. We took off through the town like bullets. Anyone who saw us only saw a black and red blur. "So, you CAN keep up!" he shouted. The race stayed neck and neck up until we were a block away from the Pagoda. I put on an extra burst of speed and beat Sephiroth by two steps. "You have gotten better," I panted. "So have you. How did you beat me?" he replied. "Talent," I answered as we walked inside.

"Hey Gorkii!" I said. "Miss Danielle! You have returned to Wutai!" "I'm just visiting with Avalanche. My friend and I wish to climb the Pagoda. Can we?" "Yes. You know it is one- on-one. You will have to take turns." "I know. I'll go up first. Then my friend will go." "Very well." Shake came downstairs. "Hey, Danielle. Climbing the Pagoda?" I nodded. "Alright." Gorkii walked forward. He transformed into the winged creature and began to attack. "Oh no you don't!" I said, using a barrier spell. It appeared and the blows were blocked. I unsheathed my sword and jumped up into the air. "Shing Sword!" I shouted. I flipped in the air and came down at Gorkii, sword first. I slashed him a good one and jumped back. He changed back, panting. "Very good, Miss Danielle! Here I am!" "Yes. Are you alright?" "Yes. Go on upstairs." I smiled and followed Sephiroth and Shake upstairs.

As I got ready for the next battle, Chektov came downstairs. "Hey! No one's gotten past Gorkii since Yuffie came! What's up, Danielle?" "Hi Chektov." "Alright, Danielle! You'll have a hard time getting past me!" said Shake. "Not today!" I replied. He stepped forward and transformed into his penguin like form. I set up a barrier and blocked his rage bomber attack. "DeBarrier!" he replied. My barrier shattered. He used his rage bomber again and slammed into me. Sephiroth started forward but Chektov held him back. "She has to do this alone," he whispered. Sephiroth nodded and watched as I got up. He saw the anger in my eyes. "Uh oh...." he whispered. I jumped up into the air again. "Ultima Shower!" I threw my hands forward and an Ultima spell flew from my body and rained down hard on Shake. He fell down and changed back. I landed on my feet. I helped him up and used a Cure spell on him. "Are you alright?" "Yeah. That is an awesome Limit! I think Godo better watch out." I smiled. "Go on upstairs." I nodded and went up, Sephiroth following.

Staniv came downstairs a few moments later. "So, now I get to watch... Good luck, Danielle!" "Thanks." "Alright Danielle, you'll enjoy this fight. I won't go easy on you," said Chektov. "Good," I replied. He transformed into a four armed monster. I didn't bother with my barrier, instead, drawing my sword, I ran forward and slashed him a couple of times. He countered by using a poison attack. I ignored it and summoned Alexander. A giant robot like thing appeared overhead and landed behind me. It's helmet opened and a laser of Holy energy lashed around him. Then the energy exploded, sending him flying. The poison sapped some of my strength as one of his pincers tried to stab me. I dodged and used a Comet spell. It slammed into him and he fell down, transforming back. "You have gotten better," he said, standing up. "Of course!" I cured the poison and turned to see Sephiroth smiling. "You're doing great. Come on, let's go." I smiled back and we went upstairs.

As Staniv and I prepared to duel, The others came through and went upstairs. "No one will watch our duel?" I asked. "No. They go to await at the top of the Pagoda. This may be a 5 storied Pagoda, but this floor is the highest you'll go." "Not today, Staniv!" He transformed into a creature swinging an iron ball. He whacked me with it. I let him have it with my sword for a counter attack. I then launched into a version of Yuffie's Bloodfest, slashing like crazy. I finally finished and jumped away. He whacked me one last time and changed back. "Very good. Miss Yuffie used that move on me. I couldn't handle it. Go on upstairs." Then we all went upstairs, preparing for a good fight.

"Danielle, you have grown much since I last saw you," said Godo, bowing. "It is good to see you again, Lord Godo," I replied. "So, you have climbed the Pagoda. I am suprised, but you'll not get past me." "It's not over til I say it's over, Godo," I answered. "We shall see... Omni Change!" He transformed into a three-faced creature holding a BIG sword. I looked at Sephiroth who only nodded. I turned back. I focused on his attack. He used his Beast Sword. It caused a big explosion and knocked me off my feet. I countered with a Wall and an Ultima. The explosion rocked Godo, but he still stood strong. He began to drain some of my energy and used it for his own. I used an enemy skill called Magic Hammer, to take away most of his magic power so he wouldn't be able to use his spells. I jumped up and slashed him. He used his Trine spell. I took the brunt of the damage and used my Ultimate Limit. "Sword of Life!" I raised my sword to the sky and a giant beam of energy came out of it and into the heavens. I jumped into the air and brought my sword down, the beam hitting Godo. I then slashed him about 10 times and jumped away. He changed back and fell to the floor panting. I fell to my knees, breathing hard myself. "You... have gotten... better," wheezed Godo. "What... did...you expect?" I answered. Then we both started laughing. Eventually, we stood up, wiping tears from our eyes. He hugged me and smiled. "You have gotten much stronger since you left here. I am proud to admit defeat to someone so talented." Everyone began clapping. "Thanks everyone. It was fun. I needed more practice anyway. I got what I wanted, and I saw my friends again," I replied hugging everyone. "Do you still want to climb?" I asked Sephiroth. "No, Cloud just paged me. He said we need to get back to the Highwind, quickly." "Alright." "Danielle, here take this," said Godo. He handed me a pendant. "It's not much, but it's a gift. You are now a member of the Pagoda." I was shocked. "Maybe, when the fight against Jenova is over, you'll come back here," he said, "This is also a sign that you'll always be welcome here in Wutai." "Thank you, Godo," I said bowing. "Come on, Danielle." I nodded and we left the room. "She will be a strong woman," said Godo. "Nothing will stand in the way of her dreams..." ******* "What's the rush Cloud?" I asked when we returned to the airship. "Bugenhaegen called us on PHS. He said that we may find something that will help in the Ancient City. So, I want you, Red, and Sephiroth to go check it out. I looked at Sephiroth. "Alright. I think I know what Bugenhaegen was talking about. We'll do it," I replied. Red padded over to me. "We're going to look for the hidden libraries seprately," he whispered, "It'll give you time to think." "Thanks," I replied. Sephiroth raised a silver eyebrow, but I just smiled and looked innocent. "The rest of us are going to stay here in Wutai and get Crono's team and Aya some new equipment. Agreed?" asked Cloud. Everyone nodded. Sephiroth and I went to get our chocobos and rig up something for Red. ******* (Wutai Ocean, 4:30 PM) "You ok over there, Red???" I asked over the sound of the waves. We had tied a raft to our chocobos which he stood on. "I'll be ok, just get us to the City without me falling off!" I smiled and looked at Sephiroth. "It'll be another couple of hours til we get there," he said. I nodded, and returned to watching out for monsters. ******* (Highwind, same time) "Cloud! You sent SEPHIROTH with Danielle and not ME?! Why???" exclaimed Zack. "Because, you are on probation. You are not to go anywhere near her until I say otherwise. That was unexcusable what you tried to do to her. It's a wonder she hasn't beaten you to a pulp by now." Zack looked astonished and then angry. "I can't believe this! I thought you were my best friend!" "I AM, but I also have to look out for this team. So, I have passed judgement. Stay away from her." Zack stormed out of the room. ******* "Ahh, I see one of my 'sons' is near his limit... maybe I should..." whispered Jenova," I'll take him... when the time is just right. Then that Cetra bitch won't stand a chance." ******* (City of the Ancients, 6:30 PM) Red, Sephiroth, and I walked into the city. "Glad to be off the raft?" I asked teasingly. "That wasn't fair! I was almost seasick and there you two were just laughing and gazing at each other! Oops..." he said. I waved off the comment. "I say we explore for a little while. It's almost dark anyway. We'd never be able to see anything. I want to see more of this place," I said. "Well...." started Red. "Please....?" I asked, pouting halfway. Sephiroth smiled. "Oh fine," commented Red, "Enough with the pouting face!" I started giggling as he took the lead. "You still know how to get your way, don't you?" Sephiroth asked me quietly. I was too overcome with laughter to speak so I just nodded. He led us into a cave with a lot of water rushing from somewhere up above. "This is where Cloud and the rest of us discovered what Aeris was praying for....before.... the accident," he said, looking at Sephiroth apologetically. Sephiroth just waved off the comment. I walked forward alone into the water room with the vision crystal. I gasped as the normal pictures of Aeris were replaced by pictures of me, in what seemed like the crater. "Danielle, are you alright?" shouted Sephiroth. "Guys! Come see this!" I answered. Red and Sephiroth suddenly ran in and stood next to me, looking at the pictures. "My word..." whispered Red. "That's the crater..." said Sephiroth to himself. Suddenly, I saw something stab through my chest in the images. The picture faded and was replaced by the normal scenes of Aeris. I looked into Sephiroth's eyes and saw quiet alarm there. Soon, I heard the voices of the Cetra in my ears. What they said shocked me so much, I fainted. ******* (Junon, 6:45 PM) Zack found himself in the office of the Turks. "What do you want, Avalancher?" asked Reno. "A target taken out. Permanately." Reno sat up in his chair. "Depends on who, and how much cash we get." "Sephiroth Alexandros." "Sephiroth!?!? What are you, insane?" "I'm getting that way. How about 10,000,000 gil for your trouble?" Reno looked thoughtful. I'll have to talk this over with the others. Leave me your PHS number and I'll call you with our descision." Zack wrote it down, and left. ******* (Ancient City, 7:30 PM) I woke up facing the roof of one of the shell houses. While I slept, I had another dream. It was so disturbing... I was finally able to see what my heart was telling me and actually figured out who I wanted. I sat up coming face to face with Red. "Where's Sephiroth?" I asked. "He went out. He said he'd be back later. I think he headed for the Forgotten Capital. I saw such turmoil on your face while you slept. Then peace. Did you have a bad dream?" he asked. "Yes, but it helped me choose. I've decided my judgement. Thanks for telling me where he went. I've got to find him." I threw off the sheets and pulled on my boots. I looked at the sky, grabbed my fire materia, and ran outside.

I simply followed my senses to a house with a crystal staircase. As I walked down, I was really quiet, but I was amazed at the place I had found. I finally found Sephiroth on an altar in the middle of a crystal clear lake. His eyes were closed as if something was hurting him. I hopped across the columns quietly and came up beside him. "I see you're awake," he said distantly without turning. "Yeah..." "This place holds many memories... all horrible." "Then why are you here?" "To get away from other pain..." he whispered. I turned to him and clasped his hands in mine. "Is it...because of me...?" I asked quietly. He just looked out at the water refusing to answer me. "Sephiroth, if you don't want me here... I'll go..." "Stay, please. Your presence is comforting." "Are you sure...?" He nodded. 'I miss holding you in my arms... like that night at the dock...' he thought sadly. "Seph, talk to me.... tell me what's wrong." "Danielle, I'm not sure how much more of this life I can take. You hold the key to my future, and my past. Zack is almost ready to go to any means to get you and I don't want to see you hurt.

Sephiroth stopped, closing his eyes again and gently holding onto my hands. "My hands are so stained now with blood, I don't deserve to even touch you....and yet, here I am. Even then...I'm still wearing these cursed gloves." I picked up his left hand and began to pull off the glove. "What are you doing? On that hand is..." "Your #1 tatoo. I know. No matter what kind of curse it is you think you carry in your hands, I'm going to prove it to you that you don't." I pulled off the glove completely and clasped his hand within mine. "Have I turned into a frog?" I asked. He shook his head no. I pulled off the other glove and held that hand too. "Do I look poisoned?" Again, he shook his head no. Suddenly, I kissed him. "Do I look like I'm going to die...?" I asked, smiling. He stood amazed for a moment then said, "I'm not sure. I need to test again." He smiled and kissed me again, with just as much passion like he had at the dock. I was breathless when he released me. "Now am I to die?" I asked. He smiled warmly. "No... I think you just became even more beautiful in my eyes," he answered. I smiled again. "I take it I've just figured out what you came down here to tell me?" I nodded. "I don't want to think of life without you, Sephiroth. I love you." "I've loved you since the day I rescued you from Hojo." He hugged me tightly. "I'm so sorry it took me so long... things are always hard for me. Thanks to a dream, I finally understand what my heart was trying to tell me..." "It's alright... I understand," he replied, running his hand through my hair.

"We'd better get back to Red before he starts a one beast search party," I said after a few minutes. Suddenly, something disturbed the calm water. "Let's go. Something's fishy. We're not alone." He nodded and tucked his gloves in his pocket. He held my hand and we left the place of the past. Finally, a horrible chapter in Sephiroth's life, was at rest. ******* Zack's PHS began to vibrate as he sat in his room on the Highwind. Cloud had told him to stay in there until it was time to go out for equipment. "Hello?" "Zack? This is Reno. We've talked it over and decided your offer is most generous. We'll take the job, but you'll have to ditch Avalanche. We can't take the chance you'll squeal to Vincent Valentine or Danielle Gast." "The reason I'm hiring you is so that Sephiroth will be out of my way and I can have Danielle. I will not quit Avalanche, but I won't squeal to anyone either. Take it or leave it Turk." ******* Yuffie straightened from over the toilet. She heard everything Zack was saying. Fighting her nausea, she climbed on top of it to get closer to the air duct. "Listen Reno, I'll up the price to 12,000,000 gil if you'll just take him out and leave Avalanche to me, especially Danielle and Vincent." Yuffie's eyes widened. "Oh no you don't, Zack..." she whispered. She ran out of the room and ran to find Cloud and Vincent. ******* "Cloud, Vincent, Sephiroth's in danger. So is Danielle. Zack's hired the Turks to take out Sephiroth just so he'll get Danni. I don't know about you, but I'm not letting Zack get away with this. He said he'd take care of you in the future, Vincent. He doesn't care about Danielle, he only lusts for her. I guessed that from his attitude toward his punishment," said Yuffie, short of panicing. "Relax, Yuffie. Vincent, get up to the Ancient City. Quickly. I know your hearing is better than Danielle's and Red's, I need you to make sure the Turks don't get away with their job." Vincent nodded. "Take Brandy with you. She'll be able to help since she used to be a Turk herself." Vincent walked out of the room to find Brandy. "Yuffie, get Cid, Barret, and Aeris immediately. Thanks, I'm glad you were in the right place at the right time. Danielle would never forgive me if something happened before she made her decision." Yuffie smiled and nodded, running to complete her orders. ******* "There you two are! You'll never believe this, but when I was looking around the house, I stepped on a rock and found one of the hidden libraries!" exclaimed Red. "Are you serious!?" I answered, excited. I still held Seph's hand. Red noticed and smiled. "I'm very serious. Come, I'll show you." He turned and padded away. It suddenly dawned on me WHO was in the Forgotten Capital besides us. "RED GET BACK HERE!!!" I shouted, running after him. Sephiroth looked confused then realized why I was after him. "Nanaki!" he shouted, taking chase as well. ******* "Hey Zack, we're going for the Turtle's Paradise buffet. You're coming, right?" asked Aeris. "Yeah yeah, I'm coming. Let's go find Cloud."

After they left, Cid and Barret walked in and began setting up bugging equipment. "Trying to steal Danni, are ya? I don't think so..." whispered Cid. "Hurry it up, or Zack will notice we're not at the buffet. That's unusual for me!" "Almost done..." he said, using his screwdriver to put the recorder in place, "Gotcha! Let's go." He turned it on and they left. ******* Sephiroth and I walked into the hidden room, looking around at all the dust. "Wow, this place hasn't been opened in centuries..." I whispered. "That's correct. I believe these books will have something about Jenova and the Cetra in them," said Red. "Hey, this book isn't written in Cetra..." I said, picking a small book off the shelf. Sephiroth came to stand next to me. "If I'm correct.... That's Jenova's language... Red, is this correct?" he asked. I held the book out to the fire red beast. His eyes widened as he scanned the title. "It's Jenova's Diary!" I handed it to Sephiroth who opened it. I went over to the shelves and looked at the other titles. 'The Ultimate Summon...?' I picked it up off the shelf and began reading. "What did you find, Danni?" asked Red, as I sat on the floor. "Something about an Ultimate Summon. I'm having a little trouble translating it. It will take me a while." "Take all the time you need." I nodded and continued to translate. ******* "Sorry we're late Cloud. Cid was watching Dukes of Hazard again. I had to practically drag him away from the TV," explained Barret. "Yeah! I didn't even get to see what happens!" complained Cid. "It's alright. Come on, let's eat!" said Yuffie. 'My son.... return to me....' snaked Jenova's voice in Zack's head. 'Jenova...?' 'Yes... The Cetra is incapable to loving you, but I know what you really want with her. It's all here in your head. I can help you... Return to me...' 'Yes, mother... I will help you find the Promised Land...' Zack suddenly stood up and unsheathed his sword. "Zack...? What are you doing...?" asked Cloud, cautiously. "I am returning to my mother. I'll send you all into the Lifestream for her!!!" "Jenova! You F%^$#&* B*^&$ You won't get away with this!!!" cursed Cid. "Come out and fight me, Jenova! If you have the nerve to face me again!" shouted Aeris. "In due time.... In due time.... Until then, I must deal with something that stands in my way. Come Zack." Zack suddenly vanished in a bright light. Cloud looked at Aeris and Barret. "She's going after Danielle and Sephiroth! Cid, forget the Buffet! Get the Highwind ready to fly, NOW! Everyone, back to the airship! We'll have to leave Crono's team and Aya here for this time, Let's Move it!" Cid nodded and got out his PHS as they ran out of the resturant and back toward the Highwind. ******* As I sat on the floor reading, I heard a slight noise. Red's ears perked up and Sephiroth looked up from Jenova's diary. "You heard it too?" I whispered. They nodded and Sephiroth closed his book. Sephiroth stood up and silently went to the door. He looked out and I saw him visably relax. "It's just Vincent and Brandy," he said. "Why are they here?" I asked as my PHS began to ring. I sighed in annoyance and turned it on. "Hello?" "Danielle? Good, I got ahold of you. Listen, grab any books you need, get Red and Sephiroth and get out of the Ancient City and into the forest. NOW," said Cloud. "The forest...? Why?" "I don't have time to explain. Get Vincent and Brandy if they are with you. Go quickly." "Ok, Cloud." I hung up. "Guys, Cloud says that we need to grab any books we need, seal the library, and get into the woods, ASAP." "Why?" asked Red. "I dunno. He wouldn't tell me. He said it was urgent. We need to get Vincent and Brandy too." Red ran off to seal the library and I put both the books we had found in my backpack.

"Jenova's coming...." stated Sephiroth. "No wonder we need to get into the forest. Let's move!" I said. Sephiroth nodded, grabbed my hand, and with Red, Vincent, Brandy, and the chocobos, we ran into the forest. ******* "Ahh, the Ancient City.... where I once called home... Torch it. If that Cetra bitch is here, she'll give away her location to save it." "Yes Mother." Zack pulled out a mastered Fire materia and began casting Fire 3 all over the city. It immediately bust into flames. ******* When I looked back I saw the first of the shell houses ignite. "No!" I said. I began to turn back, but Sephiroth grabbed my arm again. "No, it's a trap!" I then heard a voice in my head,

'Little Cetra come out to play, I wish to see your blood. I am destroying your home by flame, Won't you come to save it all the same? Little Cetra come out to play, my son is here waiting for you...'

I stopped suddenly. "Danielle! Come on!" said Vincent, helping Sephiroth pull me along. In a voice completely different from my own, I replied, "This Cetra has a different destiny. She must face Jenova and her son to save that which she treasures most. You, as guardians, may help her....or desert her and leave her to fight alone. Either way, she will fight. The other guardians and the other Cetra are coming as well. The time to choose is now." "I will never desert Danielle again!" said Sephiroth. Brandy nodded, Red howled, and Vincent cocked his gun in agreement. "Thanks you guys," I said in my normal voice. "What was that?" asked Red. "The Planet spoke through me. Now, let's face our destiny!" ******* Zack had set fire to only about 4 of the houses before Jenova sensed my presence. "Enough Zack." Zack stopped in the middle of the incantation. "I sense her too Mother." "Aqualung!" I screamed, my Enemy Skill materia glowing bright yellow as I unleashed the massive water spell upon the burning buildings. The fires ceased immedaitely but in my concentration, I had failed to notice Zack flying behind me, attempting to grab me.

I heard a roar and a thud. Obviously, Red had tackled him. I shot forward at Jenova, Sephiroth at my side. Vincent, Brandy and Red were fighting with Zack. "Meddling Cetra Bitch!" she shouted. "What a perfect way to describe yourself!" I said. I jumped up into the air. "Ultima Shower!" I sent a huge volley of Ultima spells at Jenova. "Shang sword!" shouted Sephiroth. He did an exact copy of my Shing Sword adding an Ice spell to the blade. Jenova cursed and used her tenticles and slapped me, knocking me off my feet. Zack cast his Fire 3 spell at the others and gliding over to Jenova, they dissappeared after leaving a parting Ultima shot. I passed out. ******* "Danni!" said Sephiroth as I passed out from the spell. He caught me before I hit the ground. Suddenly, there was a gunshot. Sephiroth immediately shielded me with his body, feeling the bullet go into his shoulder. He grit his teeth and held on to me as Vincent, Brandy, and Red chased after the Turks. Sephiroth passed out too, landing at my side, holding my unconsious form. ******* "Dammit Elena! You missed!" scolded Reno as they ran through the forest toward their chopper. "I did not, I hit him...I just missed the vital organs," she explained. "We won't get paid til he's dead. We'll have to try something else. They knew we were coming," Reno replied. Rude said nothing but aimed a few shots at Vincent and Brandy. Brandy drew her gun which she used in emergencies and fired. 'That's Brandy's gun... I'd know it anywhere...' thought Elena as she jumped into the helecopter and they took off. "Damn! They got away," cursed Brandy. "Come on. Let's get back." ******* "They're both alive, just passed out," said Vincent after checking our pulses. "The Highwind will be here soon. I wouldn't move them til then." Red called Cloud on PHS and told him to have a medic team ready when they got here. Brandy bit her lower lip and looked at Sephiroth's bullet wound. "Damn, it's in there deep. We gotta get it out or I can't seal it," she said. Red cured my wounds and let me sleep. "Here comes the Highwind," commented Vincent. Cloud, Barret, and Cid ran over. "What happened?" Cloud asked. "Jenova left us with a parting Ultima shot and the Turks nearly accomplished their goal. Luckily, Elena was always a bad shot. The bullet is in his shoulder deep," explained Red. Barret, Cloud, and Cid picked up Sephiroth and carried him back to the ship's infirmary. Vincent picked me up and carried me as well. ******* (2 hrs later) I woke up groggy, my arms and legs stiff from sleeping on the hard beds of the infirmary. I sat up and noticed Sephiroth sleeping on the next bed over. I quietly got out of bed and went on the above deck to see Cloud and Tifa speaking with Vincent. "Hey," I said stretching my arms, "What's up?" "Cloud was just telling me what happened with Zack. When he found out about being on probation, he went to the Turks and tried to have Sephiroth taken out. During the buffet, Jenova summoned him and he snapped," explained Vincent. "I thought so. He would definately have snapped when I returned. I made up my mind. He wouldn't have liked it," I said, shaking my head. "We're on our way back to Wutai. We're going to check into the inn and decide what to do tomorrow." I nodded and looked over at the sleeping Sephiroth through a window. "What..." "He took a bullet to the shoulder. He'll be alright," said Vincent. I nodded and turned to Cloud. "Why would Zack hire the Turks...?" I wondered aloud. "You need to ask Yuffie. She's the one who found out," said Cloud. I nodded and left to search for the airsick ninja. ******* I found Yuffie on the outer decks, losing her lunch as we flew over the crystal ocean. "You know, there's a way to stop that," I said smirking. "What? Come on Danni, I saved your butt from the Turks and Zack's plan. Please tell me how." I smiled and walked up to her. "Relax, and trust me. Ok?" She nodded. I concentrated and pushed on a point on her neck. "Feel better?" I asked. Yuffie's color changed from green to her natural color slowly. "Yeah... Thanks!" "Tell me. Why did Zack ask the Turks to do this...?" Yuffie frowned. "Well, judging by his reaction to his punishment, I believe that he was blinded by lust. It's probably got something to do with that bastard Hojo. He lost sight of the love you once had and was willing to take any means to get you to his bed..." "I see.... Now that I think about it... I really don't think it was love... probably just infatuation..." I said. I hugged the ninja. "Thank you, Yuffie. I'm glad you're around." She smiled and walked down into the bowels of the airship. I saw Wutai coming up and went back to the Infirmary to check on Sephiroth.

When I walked in, he was sitting up and pulling on his boots. "There you are. I was worried." "I woke up a little while ago. We're almost back to Wutai." "I have a thought. Will you go out on a date with me while we're there? Just this once?" he asked. I smiled. "Oh, alright. but you know I hate wearing dresses so this is the only exception!" He smiled and we left the infirmary. I thought of something and went to find the Avalanche girls. (12:00 Noon) "Girls... I have a date later and I need HELP! I don't own a dress!" I said desperately. "With who?" asked Yuffie mischeviously. "That's for me to know and you to find out," I replied. "Where are you going?" asked Tifa. "The Golden Dragon," I replied. Yuffie whistled, "That's a VERY fancy resturant...you're going to need an awesome dress." "You know what this means..." started Brandy smiling. "SHOPPING TRIP!" they finished in unison. I groaned. 'The things I do for Sephiroth...' I thought. The Highwind touched down outside of Wutai and they grabbed me by the arms and dragged me down the ramp toward Madam Yang's dress shop. From the observation deck, Sephiroth watched in amusement and proceeded down the ramp himself. ******* (3:00 PM) "How about this one?" asked Yuffie holding up a jade green dress. "Nah.." I replied bored out of my mind. Tifa held up a light blue silk one. "This one?" I shook my head. "Stop being so picky! You only have 3 more hours until it's time! Will you pick one already!?" complained Brandy. I stood up and and went to a rack. I withdrew a dress with a black vest top part and a gold satin skirt. "Can everyone agree with THIS ONE?" I asked. They nodded and I went to try it on. "We've been here for three hours and the perfect dress was there the whole time!" said Yuffie. It fit me perfectly. I came out of the small dressing room. The skirt flowed around me in waves. "That's an awesome dress," said Tifa. "Madam Yang! We'll take this one!" shouted Yuffie. The woman jerked awake having dozed off about an hour ago. "About time Yuffie!" she replied. I went and changed back into my normal clothes. '350 gil!?' I thought as I looked at the tag. Yuffie had talked the older woman into adding in a pair of black high heels and a gold shawl for me. "Since you're a friend of Yuffie's, I'll let that one go for 215 gil." I nodded and handed over the money. She put the items in a large dress box and we left. I returned to our room at the Leviathan Inn to get ready. ******* (6:00 PM) Sephiroth stood outside the door holding a large boquet of roses behind his back and ringing the buzzer. He wore a black tux and his long silver hair flowed down his back in shining silver waves. I opened the door and smiled at him. "Hi," he said amazed. "Hi," I replied smiling, "What..? Do I look bad?" Sephiroth broke off his stare and held out the boquet. "How lovely!" I said smelling the scent, "Thank you." I quickly went inside and put them in a vase of water and left arm in arm with Sephiroth. ******* Yuffie, Brandy, Tifa, and Aeris left the inn about 2 minutes after we did carrying a video camera. "Should we be following them?" asked Aeris. "YES!" they replied. Brandy turned on the video camera and began filming. "Hello, this is Yuffie Kisaragi for Avalanche Girls News. We are here tonight to whitness the date between Sephiroth Alexandros and Danielle Gast. Let's see what will happen on this magical night," started Yuffie looking at the camera as Tifa laughed at the crafty name for the new video. ******* (10 mins later) We stepped into the resturant and I folded my shawl and put it over my arm. "Names please," said a waiter behind a podium. "Sephiroth Alexandros, party of two." "Right this way, sir." He began to lead us toward the back of the resturant. Sephiroth noticed that I was getting a lot of attention from the men in the resturant. Sephiroth pulled out my chair for me and then sat down himself. "Thank you." I said. The waiter laid down 2 menus and left. "Sephiroth... how can you afford this? It's all so expensive..." "I have my ways," he replied, "You look absolutely beautiful tonight." I blushed. "Thanks. You look great, I've never seen you wear a tux before." "I don't like them really, but I made an exception for you." he replied as I smiled. ******* Brandy filmed through the window of the resturant as Yuffie continued to comment. "We spent 3 hours in Madam Yang's dress shop looking for that dress and it turns out that the Great Sephiroth also went to a great means to impress Aeris's little sister. I wonder what's going to happen...?" she said. "We can't hear anything!" complained Aeris. "We'll have to make due. It's the best we've got," replied Tifa. ******* (7:30 PM) "This is all so wonderful, Sephiroth." I took a final bite of my steak. "I can't eat anymore..." I said pushing the plate away. "You can't eat much can you?" he replied laughing. I shook my head. "Well, I have one more thing for you..." he said reaching in his pocket. "No," I said, "Take it back. This has been way too expensive already." "I can't take this back, besides, you're worth it." He knelt beside my chair in perfect view of the window. "Danielle, I love you with all my heart...." ******* "Oh my God! He's gonna propose!" said Brandy excitedly. "We've gotta hear her answer!" said Tifa. "I don't believe it!" exclaimed Yuffie. ******* Sephiroth pulled the velvet box from his pocket. "Danielle, you are the core of my being. I can't live without you and I don't want to have to. Would you make me the happiest man alive...and marry me?" He said opening the box. I gasped as the diamond and aquamarines shone in the light. "Sephiroth...I don't know what to say..." "Say yes. I hope." The whole resturant had gone quiet to see what I would say. I nodded gently. "Then, yes. I will marry you." He smiled, put the ring on my finger, and kissed me. ******* "I think we have our answer," said Brandy taping everything. "I think we should get out of here," said Aeris, "They're about to leave." "This concludes the date between Danielle and Sephiroth. Until next we meet, this is Yuffie Kisaragi, Avalanche Girls News." Tifa laughed as Brandy turned off the camera and they ran off. ******* (9:30 PM) Sephiroth was paying the check when they ran off. I looked out the window and saw Brandy, Tifa, and Aeris round the corner. 'So..They WERE here...' I thought smugly. Sephiroth came back and I put on my shawl as we stepped out into the night to return to the inn. "It's beautiful tonight..." I said as we continued to walk. Sephiroth looked at the heavens. The sky was filled with stars and a crescent moon. "It is beautiful tonight..." he replied, "...but you are more beautiful than any star." I blushed and continued to walk by his side. Sephiroth walked me back to the door of the room I shared with the Avalanche girls and kissed me. "Good-night Danni." "Good-night, Seph." He smiled, turned, and walked down the hall. I opened the door and shut it quietly hearing the girls in the living room watching the tape. "Here is where they are finishing.." commented Yuffie on the tape. "Oh my God! He's gonna propose!" said Brandy excitedly. They obviously hadn't noticed me yet. "So... you guys followed us," I said loudly, turning on the lights. They jumped at the sudden glare. "Damn! She caught us! I wanted to use this at the wedding!" complained Yuffie. "Oh, I knew you were there. I felt your presence all night, I just couldn't locate you without Sephiroth knowing something was wrong. I didn't know you had a video camera," I replied. "Can we see your ring?" asked Brandy. I held out my hand. The gems on my ring sparkled in the light. "I remember this ring!" said Tifa, "We saw it when we stopped in Icicle Village during the fight with Sephiroth. Remember, Yuffie?" "Yeah! It was the most expensive one in the shop!" the ninja replied. "He's had this since before the accident..." said Brandy. I went into my room and took off my dress and put on my dragon pajamas. I hung up my dress and shawl and put my shoes in the closet. I went back into the other room and sat on the couch watching the tape with them. I soon fell alseep. ******* ''10 gil says Cloud and Barret freak out when they find out Sephiroth and Danielle are getting married," said Yuffie. "My money's on Cloud for the biggest freakout," replied Brandy quickly. "I'll take that bet." "Shut up guys!" said Aeris, "She's sleeping." "Help me put her in bed," said Tifa. They gently picked me up and placed me in my bed. They left and went to bed themselves.