Disclaimer: I don't own anything of the Final Fantasy 7 franchise. All I own are my Orginal characters, their powers, origin story, and the magical land they come from.
A/N: This story follows the story of Advent Children the video game as well as Dirge of Cerberus. With my own storyline intertwined. Whenever you see text in [...] and Italisided then these are when people are having a telepathic conversation. I'm a little new to Fanfic .net so bear with me. I'm learning how to write and post stories here.
Esmee's P.O.V
We got back to the bar around 9 pm and we hear a lot of noise from inside the bar. As Vincent opens the door for us to enter, Tifa runs towards him. "Vincent did you find-?" She said but stop mid-sentence as she looks at me. "Hey," I said shyly as I look at her. "You found her. Guys, he found them, Vincent found them!" She cried out as she ran towards the staircase. "What?!" Cried familiar young voices at once. "Vincent found them." Said blunt voices as the sound of many feet come running down the stairs. I look and see everyone comes running down the stairs and runs into the bar. Suddenly I'm pulled into the biggest bear hug I've ever had. When they finally let go, I couldn't help but wonder why. "What's going on? Why are you all here?" I ask as I look back and forth between all the different faces of my friends. "When Tifa told us what happened with Rufus, we all came to help look for you guys." Yuffie explained. "But why?" I ask still surprised. "You guys are our friend. We got worried when Tifa told us you ran away." Yuffie said. "We never leave our friends when they are in need." Red said as he walks up to me and rubs his head against my hand. I couldn't help but smile as I gently run my hand through his soft crimson fur. "I don't know what to say, but thank you all." I said as I feel a stray tear run down my face, so I quickly whip my face. "Don't thank us just yet. We still have a problem if Sephiroth is coming back. We need to be ready to stop him." said an unfamiliar voice. A man in a dark blue business suit with a white shirt and a tie comes walking towards me with Cait Sith at his side. "Good to have you back Esmee." Cait Sith said waving his gloved hand at me. "Thanks, Seth." I said as I bend down and pet his head. "So you must be the mysterious mage that I've heard so much about." Said the mysterious man. "Yes, and who are you?" I ask as I stand up straight and look at the man. "My name is Reeve Tuesti. I'm the president of the World Regenesis Organization." He said. "World Regenes-" I said trying to pronounce the name. This caused him and the other to laugh. "The World Regenesis Organization or W.R.O for short. It's an organization that its primary objective is to help restore and protect the Planet after the events of the Jenova war. That includes the awakening of Sephiroth. Which according to my resources, that's where you come in. Could you please explain who you are?" he asks. I take a deep breath and then I begin. "Well, my name is Esmee of Asriel. I'm an arc Mage in training. Your sources were right about me being a mage, but I'm a bread of mage that is very uncommon to your world. You see, I'm a jewel mage." I explain as I pull out my Aquamarine stone and show it to everyone. "My powers come from the different jewels, crystals, and stones I carry with me. I'm able to connect to the spirits of the jewels and then I can draw their powers and use them." I said as I activated Aquamarine's powers, having it glow along with my eyes. "So it was your magic that cured my pain." Denzel said. "Yes, what I said about me leaving home is true. To become a stronger mage, I have to leave home and use my powers in real-life situations. That's why Lazul and I came to your world." I explain as Lazul jumps on my shoulder while I put my stone away. "Oh, and there's one more thing I need to tell you all." I said and then look at Lazul. [Are you sure Esmee?] Lazul said into my thoughts. [Yes, I believe we can trust them.] I said through his thoughts as I smile at him. Lazul jumps off my shoulder and lands on a nearby table and then he spoke. "I can talk." He said calmly, surprising everyone except Denzel and Marlene. "How come you two aren't surprised as we are?" Yuffie asks. "We kind of already knew." He said shyly looking at me and then at Lazul. "What, when did you find out?" I ask surprised. "It was a few weeks ago when I was watching them while we went into the city. They almost got run over by a speeding car; I had to call out their names as I transformed to rescue them." Lazul explained. "I had no chose to tell them the truth." He said as he looks at me disappointedly. "And you didn't tell me. Lazul, you keep telling me to be careful. I think you should be taking your advice." I said scolding him. "We promised that we wouldn't tell anyone. So please don't be mad at him." Marlene said defending him. "But still he should have told me afterward." I said sternly. "I'm sorry Esmee," Lazul said then suddenly he turned into a cute little kitten. "Please don't be angry at me." he said as he looks up at me with those big pleading eyes. Knowing all too well that face it is my weakness. "Oh, you are so lucky you're so cute." I said as I scratch behind his ears making him purr, causing everyone to laugh. I couldn't help but laugh too. "Hey Esmee, can we see your forehead?" Yuffie asks suddenly. I nod my head and pull my hood off. When it's fully off everyone crowds around me so they can get a better look. I step back and accidentally bump into someone, I look up and see Vincent. "Don't crowd her." He said as he places his hands on my shoulders, telling me that everything is alright. "So is this The Stone of Amethyst that Kadaj and his gang are after?" Reeve asks as he looks closely at my forehead, making me slightly nervous. I guess Vincent sensed my nervousness and I feel a little pat on my back. "No this jewel is called the Soul's Gem. This Gem is the source of my life energy. The Stone of Amethyst is hidden somewhere only Lazul and I know." I said. "I see." Reeve said as he thinks for a moment. "What does the Stone of Amethyst do?" he asks. "It's a stone that not only gives power to whoever is in the position of it; it also connects me to my gemstones and it also keeps the magic that flows inside me in balance." I explain. "Wow." Yuffie said surprised. "Damn Girl, you're full of surprises." Barrett said impressed. "No kidding." Cid said. "How many jewels are in your possession?" Red asks. "I have twelve. Each has different powers and abilities." I explain. "Cool." Denzel said amazed. "Well, I think your Souls gem is pretty. I don't see why you call it a scar." Yuffie said surprising me. "I guess." I said as a blush appears on my face. "It is. It's a shame that you have to hide something as beautiful as that." Yuffie said honestly making me blush even more. No one but my mother ever told me my gem was pretty let alone beautiful. "Thanks, but it doesn't matter. I still have to hide my Gem." I said. "Esmee is right. Kadaj and his gang know that she's not from our world, so they will be looking for a girl with a strange mark." Reeve said. "Right, so I'll just keep on wearing my hood." I said understanding. "No, it'll be obvious that you're hiding something." Vincent said suddenly. "That makes sense." I said understanding his point too. 'So much for that idea.' I thought sadly. "So what do we do?" Yuffie asks as everyone begins to think ideas. "They're looking for a girl from another world right?" Tifa said suddenly. "Yes," Reeve said as we all look at her as she continues to think. They have an idea. "So then we'll just have to make you look like you're from our world." She explained. "Okay, so how are we going to do that?" I ask, not sure what she means. A smile appears on her face as she looks at Yuffie. Then suddenly she smiles along with her, this made me even more confused. "Come with us Esmee." Tifa said as she and Yuffie grab one of my hands and gently drag me upstairs into Tifa's room.
At Tifa's room
When we get inside, Yuffie pulls Tifa's footrest and sets in front of her full-length mirror. "Sit here Esmee," Tifa said as she gently sits me down on the footrest with my back facing the mirror. "Okay," I said slightly nervous and curious about what they are going to do. Tifa digs through her drawers for a few minutes until pulls out a pair of scissors. "W-what are those for?" I said scared as she approaches me with the sharp blade. "It's alright; we're just going to fix your hair," Yuffie said as she trying to relax me. "What's wrong with my hair? I thought this is a common hairstyle of your world." I ask shyly as I touch my hair. "Nothing, it's just that this is last year's hairstyle. We want to give you a whole new look." Tifa explained as she undoes my ponytail. I thought about it for a moment and then let out a sigh. "Alright then. Let's do it." I said as I sit upright and close my eyes. "Great," Yuffie said sounding excited. "Okay Esmee, you're going to love your new look," Tifa said as I feel her gently take a lock of my hair and hear the sound of the scissors clip at my hair.
Vincent's POV
After Esmee left with Yuffie and Tifa
"So what do you think they're going to do?" Lazul asks aloud as he tilts his head sideways. "Your guess is as good as mine?" I said as I watch them disappear up the stairs. Suddenly the door opens, causing everyone to look and see cloud walking inside. As he looks around, his eyes spot Lazul. "So, I take it that you found them Vincent." He said with a smirk as he walks towards us. "Yes, and you've missed a lot Cloud." Lazul said, scaring him. "Okay, I'm not the only one that heard Lazul talk right?" He said surprised. "Yes, like the creature said. You missed a lot." Cid said. "I can tell." Cloud said sarcastically. "Think you can catch me up on what I've missed." He asks as he sits down on one of the stools. After a few minutes Lazul explains everything to Cloud, so now he's up to speed with everything. "So what are we going to do now?" he asks. "We'll we don't know when they will strike, so for now we just wait." Reeve said. "So we just wait?" Barrett said bluntly as he holds Marlene on his lap. "Yes, until we know what their plain is." Reeve said reassuring everyone. "Alright." Cloud said with a deep sigh. "So for the time being, I'll find as much as I can about Kadaj and his gang." Reeve said. "I'll do the same. I'll look around the shadows and see what I can find." I said as I lean against the wall like I always do. "Sound like a plan to me." Cid said happily as he lights up a siguret. "Fool, put that out, there are kids here." Barret busted out suddenly yelling at Cid. "Whoops, sorry about that." He said as he quickly puts it out, causing everyone to laugh. "Alright then, I'll be taking my leave. Good night everyone." Reeve said as we bid him goodnight as he leaves.
Five minutes Later
"Did they take the girl shopping or what? They're taking so dang long." Cid irritated as we all still haven't heard anything from the girls. "I agree. Why does it take girls so long to do these things?" Cloud said irritated. 'Hope they didn't change too much of her.' I thought slightly irritated myself. Suddenly we hear the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. We all look and see Yuffie, followed shortly by Tifa but I didn't see Esmee. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but wait until you see Esmee's new look." Yuffie said excited. "Come on out Esmee." Tifa called out. After a few minutes, she walks in, but she has her hood on. "So, what did you do?" Denzel asks wondering the thing we're all thinking. "What?" Yuffie said. She and Tifa turn around and see her with her hood on. "Aw, Esmee why did you put your hood on?" Tifa said as they walk towards her. "I'm sorry. I'm just-" she said as she holds onto her hood but is stopped as Yuffie quickly tugs her hood, causing her to have her back face us. "Don't be shy. Now show everyone your new look." Yuffie said as she gently grabbed her shoulders and turn her to show her new . The moment she turned around, time seemed to stand still for a moment as I gazed at her. The sight of her made my heart skip a beat, which confused me. I've only known her for a short time, and yet she has this great effect on me. I pushed that thought to the back of my mind as Marlene squeals in delight. "You look so pretty Esmee." She said as she runs up to her and hugs her. "I'll say. Doesn't she look cute?" Yuffie said cheerfully hugging Esmee's arm, making a blush appear on her face. "Yeah, I barely recognized her, and I've known her all my life." Lazul said as he and the others crowd around her again. "Damn. There's no way this is our Esmee, she's too cute to be her." Barret said teasingly, causing Esmee to blush even more. [Now she looks even cuter than before, wouldn't you say Vinny?] Chaos said suddenly into my thoughts teasingly. 'Shut up." I said bluntly as I shove his thoughts in the back of my mind. "Wait there's more." Tifa said with a wink as she unclips Esmee's cloak revealing her in a different than her other clothes. "I remember that outfit." Cloud said with a smirk on his face. "I thought you would, I used to wear it when I was her age. It's a perfect fit wouldn't you say?" Tifa said with a smile on her face. "Whoa girl, you look fine girl." Barret said teasingly. "Very cute." Cloud said with a smirk on his face as he joins the others complimenting her. I had to admit myself; she does look even cuter than she did before. "Please stop guys, I'm so embraced." Esmee said as she tries to hide her now even redder face, causing everyone to break out laughing. "Aww, don't be shy Esmee." Yuffie said teasing her making her blush even more as well as making everyone laughs even more. "Alright everyone, it's getting late." Tifa said breaking the laughter. "Tifa's right. It's time for the little ones bed." Barrett said as he gently pets Marlene on her head. "We'll night Yawl." Cid said as he and Barrett leave the bar. "I think I'll hit the hay too. Night everyone." Yuffie said shortly following Barret and Cid out the door. "Alright you too, off to bed." Esmee said as she and Tifa take the kids upstairs to their rooms. As they leave I turn my head away and noticed Cloud smiling at me. "What's the look for?" I said as I raise an eyebrow. "I can't help but wonder." He said calmly. "Wonder what?" I ask, not understanding what he's getting at. "You're drawn to her, Vincent. You wouldn't go out of your way like that for her unless you cared about her." He said with a smirk. His words resulted in my silence. How can I come to care for someone who's only been here for such a short time? "Hmm. Maybe I do a little." I said as I stand up straight. "Alright, I'll see you later Vincent. Night." He said as he walks out of the bar. "What is going on with me?" I said softly as I walk towards my room.
Esmee's POV
"See I told you would like your new look." Tifa said as she handed me my cloak back while we take Denzel and Marlene up to their new room, we recently put them together in one room. "I know." I said shyly. "I think even Vincent liked your new look." She said slyly making me blush again. "Tifa," I said surprised, "Not in front of the kids." I said embraced that now Denzel and Marlene heard. "What's wrong, I thought you like him?" Denzel said suddenly as we walk inside their room. "I don't know...it's just." I said trying to get my thoughts together. "I think Mr. Vincent likes you too Esmee." Marlene said innocently as she holds Lazul in her arms. "Why do you say that?" I ask as I help her nightgown on and then sit in front of me on her bed. "You make him happy. He acts different than he did before you came here." She explains sweetly as I brush her chocolate brown hair. "I don't know about that." I said as I feel my face heat up a little. 'What does he think of me? I wonder-' I thought but my thoughts are cut short by Marlene voice. "Esmee, How come your face is red?" She asks. "She's blushing." Tifa said smiling as she tucks Denzel into his bed. "I bet she's thinking about Vincent." Lazul said in a faint but loud enough whisper for me to hear. "I wasn't." I said sternly as I pick up Marlene and carry her to her bed. "Alright, time for bed. And you two, cannot tell a soul about what you just heard." I said as I tuck Marlene into her bed and look back and forth between the two of them. "But do you?" Denzel asks. I close my eyes for a moment then I open them and smile and say, "Yes, I do." I said as I feel my face heat up a little. "I knew it." Marlene said with a big smile as she snuggles up in her blankets. "Okay, now promise me you won't tell anyone about this. This is our little secret." I said looking back and forth between them. "We promise." They said at the same time and then they stick their pinkies out. I smile as I stick out my pinkies and intertwined mine with theirs. "Alright, Goodnight you two." I said as walk towards Marlene and kiss her head and then do the same for Denzel. "Sweet dreams." Tifa said as she does the same and turn off the light as we leave. "Well it's time for us to get some sleep. I'm planning on take the kids to Aerith's church, do you guys want to join us?" she said as we walk up the hallway towards our rooms. "Sure, Marlene told us so much about it." I said as Lazul climbs up my shoulder. "She said it was her favorite place in the whole city." Lazul said. "Yes, which I why I thought it would be nice to take them there. I figured it would cheer them up." Tifa explained as we reached her room. "That sounds like a great idea. I think they'll like that a lot." I said as we stop in front of her door. "I thought so too. Well goodnight you two." She said with a smile. "Goodnight Tifa." I said as I turn to walk away, but I stop mid-way and look at her. "Tifa." I said getting her attention. When she turns to face me, I quickly give her a hug. She's surprised by my sudden action but recovers and hugs me back. "I just want to say thank you, if I hadn't said it." I said as I pull away to look at her. "Don't mention it. It's like what Red said; we never leave our friends when they are in need. You and Lazul are one of us and we look out for our friends. Remember that." She said as she pets mine and Lazul's head. I couldn't help but smile, I've never been so happy before. "Thank you Tifa, that means a lot." I said smiling up at her. "I'm glad to help. Now get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow." She said with a wink and then walks inside her room. "Goodnight Tifa." I said back and then Lazul and I walk towards our room. When we go inside, I place my cloak on the bed and let out a sigh. "What's wrong?" Lazul said as he looks up at me. "I'm going to miss wearing mother's cloak." I said as I let out a sad sigh. "It's only for a little while. Besides, I know of a way to where you can wear your cloak and wear the hoodie." He said as he jumps on my shoulder. "How?" I ask as look at him. "Alright, put your cloak on top of the hoodie." He instructed as he jumps off my shoulder and sits on the night stand. I follow his instructions and take off the hoodie and place it on the bed and then place my cloak on top. "Now summon your magic and place your hand on top of the cloths. "Okay." I said. I close my eyes and summon my power. When I feel my flow throughout my body, I place my hand on the cloths. "Now repeat after me." he said as jumps back onto my shoulder. "Wanu" he said into my ear. "Wanu" I repeated, and then suddenly my cloak and hoodie begin to glow as they levitate off the bed. Then suddenly the cloak and the hoodie merged together. The glow begins to fade revealing the hoodie gently float back down on the bed. "What just happened?" I ask as I pick up the hoodie. "The cloak and the hoodie became one. So now you can walk around with your new hoodie, but when you are in battle, just say 'Wanu' and your hoodie will transform into your hoodie." Lazul explained. "Cool." I said excitedly as I put my hoodie back on and sit on my bed. I plop onto our bed with a sigh. "What a day." Lazul said as he jumps on stomach. "I'll say, but in a way I'm glad things turned out the way they did." I said as I sit up. "Why?" Lazul asks wondering what I mean. "Now we can truly be ourselves and not have to hide anything. We can now freely trust someone again." I said with a smile. "And by we; you mean me." Lazul said sarcastically as he gets off my stomach. "Duh, you are so uptight. I'm glad that you've been able to open up to someone besides me." I explain as I lie down on the bed facing him. "I want you to live a comfortable life too Azure." I said softly as I gently run my hand through his sandy fur. "Okay, I'll admit that. Those two have grown on me and I want to look after them, like I did when you were a child. They've been through alot and I want to make them happy." He said as a sweet smile appears on his furry face. It's been a long time since I've seen him smile. For a moment it becomes quiet and he looks at me. "Esmee, if it's alright with you, I want to spend the night with the kids in their room. May I?" he asks. I couldn't help but think how sweet it is that Lazul cares so much for these kids. "Sure, I was going to ask you to watch over them again. Especially Denzel, I want to you to come and get me if his stigma acts up during the night." I said as we sit up on the bed. "I will thank you Esmee." He said as he changes into his much smaller cat form and licks my face. "Goodnight Esmee." He said then steps back and changes back into his true form. "Goodnight Azure." I said softly as I pull out Líoch {Her Blue Zircon}. I place it on the bed in front of him and began my spell, causing his souls gem to glow along with my stone. "Sama" {Transport} I cast my spell and sent him to be with the kids. I turn to the side and take my shoes off and then I decide to take my hoodie off too. As I do, I look out the window thought about going out onto my balcony. I open the door and the cool night air blew over my exposed skin that isn't covered by my white spaghetti strap shirt, sending a small shiver run through my skin. I can't believe all that has happened since the day we've come to live here. 'We meet new people that have become something of another family to me, I'm beginning to fall in love with a man whose past is similar to mine, and I became a target to a gang of men that will do anything to get my powers.' I thought as I look out into the sleepy city. Then my eyes caught a glimpse of the moon. 'Why is it that I endanger anyone who is close to me, because of the powers I possess.' I thought as I let out a deep sigh. I pull out my pouch and take Tenar {Her moon stone} out and hold it up and point it to the full moon. "By the dragons light, on this night, I call to thee to give me your might, by the power of three, I conjure thee, to protect all that, Surrounds me, So mote it be, So mote it be!!!" I chanted as I place my hand over my heart. When finished, I let out a sigh as I look back out into the city. As I put my stone away, I sense something very familiar from above me, but I relax as I realized who it is. "So much has happened in one day. Wouldn't you say so, Vincent?" I said. "Why don't you join me down here?" I said as I look above me. All is quiet until something red falls from the roof and lands on the railing. "How did you know it was me?" he asks as he gets off and stands in front of me and leans on against the rail. "It's a mage thing." I stated. He gives me the 'Oh really,' look. I couldn't help but giggle at his expression. "I sensed a presence similar to the one I sensed my first night here." I explain as stand beside him and put my hands on the rail. "As time passed I've come to realize that the presence I sensed that day was you." I said as I turn to look at him. "I'm impressed, not just anyone can sense my presence." He said impressed. "Thanks, well I am a mage in training. So it's only natural that my senses would be sharp." I said as I feel my face warm up a little. "What was that chant that you said?" He asks as he turned around to face me.
Author's P.O.V ᴥ
"What was that chant that you said?" Vincent asks as he turned around to face Esmee. "It's a prayer for protection. I thought I should say one." Esmee said as she looks from Vincent and then leans against the rail as she looks back out into the city. "You didn't have to. We can protect you from Kadaj and his gang, you know that right." He said looking at her. "That prayer wasn't for me," Esmee said as stands up straight. "I appreciate the thought Vincent, but it's my battle." She said as she looks at him. "So you don't care about what can happen to you, Esmee? You could die." He said as he looks into her eyes. "I know the risks; he's only after me and the power I possess. Anyone who I call a friend will be used as a way to get to me. The last thing I ever want is to get you, the children, or the others involved." She looked at him with a fierce look in her eyes. "What if I want to be?" He said in his normal voice as he looks up at the moon. "Then I'm glad to have someone like you on my side." She said with a smile as raised her hand, softly placing it on his arm. He looks at her surprised by her action, causing Esmee to smile. "I just want what's best for you, Esmee. We all do." He said as he places his gloved hand on hers and gently squeezes it. "Thank you." She said smiling at him. He returns the smile and then they both look out into the city. "It'll be a tough battle, but I'll gladly help out if you need it," Vincent said as he wraps his clawed hand around her bare arms, he smirks as he felt her shiver slightly by his touch. "That means a lot coming from you, Vincent. Thank you." She said as she leans her head on his shoulder, then suddenly she begins to yawn. "It's late, you should get some sleep. It's been a long day." He said as he lets go of her hand and climbs on the rail in a crouching position. "You're right. Goodnight, Vincent." Esmee said. Just as she is about to turn around to leave, Vincent gently places his clawed hand on her cheek. "You look beautiful by the way. This looks suits you well." He said softly as he runs his hand through her bangs, causing her to blush a rosy red on her cheeks. He gently pulls back his hand and faces forward. "Goodnight Esmee." He said and then he grabs the top of the balcony and flipped onto the roof, leaving a surprised Esmee. 'Did he just say what I think he said?' she thought as she gently touches her cheek, still feeling the cool sensation of his gold claw. "Did I dream that?" she said as she looks out to the horizon. A smile appears on Esmee's face as she turns and walks back inside her room. She turns off her light and slips into her bed. "Maybe, just maybe." She said as she snuggles into her blanket.
thank you all for making it this far.
things are beginning to unfold. I really hope I'm not making any of the characters OOC. if I am please let me know in the comments below. then I can come back and change things around.
