THIRTY-THREE

I woke up the next morning more rested and content than I'd been in a long time. What Cloud had told me last night, that I hadn't been to blame for the devastation in Sector 8, had felt so good, so wonderfully liberating. I hadn't realized until then just how down and depressed I'd been lately, always hiding it behind a cheery grin.

But now, my smile was real, and I felt so much lighter. As I blinked the sleep out of my eyes and rolled over, I saw Cloud laying next to me, still asleep, and thought fondly of what we'd shared together last night. He'd been so gentle with me, more than usual, and had helped me hold onto him as we'd made love. I hadn't been able to be as feisty and active as I'd have liked, so I had just laid there and let him in, riding the waves of delicious heat and pleasure he gave me.

My right arm and my legs ached from all the exertion I'd put them through last night, but it had been worth it. For the first time, I'd hadn't had to use our passion to hide from my pain and guilt. Those feelings, they were gone now, and I'd been able to truly enjoy my intimacy with Cloud in a way I never had before. And as for my climax, I'd practically screamed in delight, it had been so good. Sweet fire exploding through me in a blazing rush that was way better than anything Cloud had ever given me before. It was really amazing.

In the midst of it, I'd felt his warmth fill me, going on and on as if it would never run out. When it finally did, he'd collapsed into my arms, his skin as sweaty as mine. Still had plenty of energy though, in spite of how heavily he'd been breathing, and normally I'd have been glad to go another round or three once we'd had some time to rest. But last night, I'd already been worn out by then, my body still not quite where it used to be and already beginning to ache in protest after I'd pushed it so far. So I'd just held Cloud close and kissed him.

The top of his head first, as we'd laid there together in bed, panting for breath. Then his mouth once he'd lifted his face up toward mine. I'd pushed my lips against his, my good hand sliding across his cheek and my heart pounding. And at some point, Cloud had slid off me, but just to lay down next to me and hold me himself. I'd heard his own heart as I'd laid my head on his shoulder. We hadn't said much, and eventually, I'd drifted off into a contented sleep in his arms.

I snuggled up to Cloud, wrapped my arm around him, and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Morning, merc. Sleep well?"

"Yeah, Jessie," he answered. "You?"

I giggled. "Like a baby. You really wore me out last night."

He rolled over to face me. "Sorry about that."

"Are you kidding?" I teased, kissing him. "It was wonderful, Cloud. Makes me wish you weren't leaving today."

"I'd stay if I could," he said.

I smiled. "That's really sweet, merc. But I'll be okay. And like I told you before, you'd better watch out. By the time we see each other again, I oughta be in great shape. And very frisky."

He blushed. "Oh, uh… yeah. Looking forward to it."

"You know, for a guy who's still so adorably awkward about getting it on bed, you're really good at it," I grinned.

"Thanks," Cloud said. "I think…"

I laughed. "Oh, you're welcome, SOLDIER boy. Good thing we got done before the others made it back. They probably would've heard me from downstairs. You know how loud I get."

He gave me a little smirk. "I'm lucky I can still hear."

"Well, as much as I'd love to just lay here with ya all day, I guess we oughta get up," I said. "It's almost that time."

"Kinda tough," Cloud admitted, his lips touching mine.

I shivered with delight. "Oh, don't tempt me…"

He usually wasn't the first of us to show affection, but when he did, it always sent a thrill racing through me. Seeing the little cracks in that tough shell, glimpses of warmth he reserved only for me, always made my heart skip a beat. And every time it did, I fell in love with him a bit more. I returned his kiss eagerly although I knew we couldn't follow up on it right now. But it was still nice just to have this much, this one last moment alone that we could share together.

When I finally came up for air, I lightly touched my index finger to his lips and smiled. "To be continued…"

"Better be," he agreed.

Giggling, I slowly sat up, aching but happy, as Cloud did the same. It didn't take us too long to get dressed and ready—I put on jeans and a white sleeveless top, then let Cloud help me with my ponytail, twisting it and hold it in place while he fastened it with my hair tie. He actually did a pretty good job, and though at first I'd tried to do it all myself, my fingers hadn't wanted to cooperate. So I'd asked Cloud. He tied my red headband next, tugging the knot nice and tight.

Once he'd finished pulling on his black merc's outfit, I reached out and, holding onto the dresser and wall with my good arm, slowly made my way to the door. Cloud was only a step behind, ready to catch me if I fell, but I stayed on my feet the whole time. We kept it up once we got into the hall, me heading unsteadily forward and Cloud always there if I ever needed him. I heard the others chatting as I held onto the railing and walked downstairs one halting step at a time.

"Morning, guys!" Tifa smiled.

I stopped to catch my breath at the base of the stairs. "Same to you, Tifa. Whew! Took more outta me than I expected."

She nodded. "You'll get there, Jessie. Just keep it up."

"Will do, big sister," I winked.

"You're in a quite a good mood today," Aerith chuckled.

I laughed and looked at Cloud. "Well…"

He couldn't even begin to hide how red his cheeks went, which just sent the three of us girls into a fit of laughter. When Barret came down the stairs a moment later with Marlene, confusion on his face when he saw us all giggling together, that only made it even worse. It took a few minutes for us to finally compose ourselves.

Aerith's eyes danced. "Oh, I see what you mean. Betcha had a lot of fun last night while we were gone, didn'tcha?"

"Oh, yeah," I smirked.

"Ha, ha! Glad to hear it," Tifa grinned. "Seems as if there's more to it than that, though. Care to tell us?"

I sat down at the table with a little help from Cloud. "The reactors, what happened… it wasn't my fault. Cloud told me what the president said to you guys back in Reactor 5, how they set it all up. Kinda strange to be so happy about something so grim, but… I'd felt terrible about it for so long. I blamed myself, you see."

Barret laid his hand on my shoulder. "You don't need to carry that heavy weight anymore, girl. Jus' let it go."

"I have," I said. "Most of it. But Barret, I…"

"What is it, Jessie?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Nevermind. Ask me again someday."

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't bring myself to tell Barret about Corel yet. I just didn't know how. I'd unwittingly played an indirect role in the town's destruction by developing and supplying the weapons the Shinra soldiers had used to do it even though I'd only authorized them to be deployed against monsters in the nearby mountains to test them. But by the time I'd found out the truth, it had been too late. The village had been wiped out and its people killed.

When I'd discovered not long before I'd first joined Avalanche that Corel was where Barret was from, I had decided that, no matter what it took, I'd do whatever I could for him and Marlene. They'd been caught in the crossfire of what I'd unintentionally brought about, and I owed it to them both to do as much I could to make up for it. And if I did ever find a way to tell him, I hoped he'd forgive me.

In the meantime, we all settled in for breakfast. Aerith and Elmyra had been busy cooking, it seemed, and the aromas filled the air. We ate and talked, Cloud and the others going over their plans for the journey as the rest of us listened. And in the midst of it, there was a light knock on the front door. When Elmyra answered, Biggs, Wedge, and Lena all walked inside and greeted everyone.

"Hey, guys!" Lena waved. "Just thought we'd come over and see you off before you left on your trip."

"And maybe refuel while we're at it?" Wedge asked.

Elmyra laughed. "Of course, Wedge. Help yourself, please."

He didn't waste any time. "Thanks, Missus G!"

When we were finished, we all went outside. Cloud and the others were gonna leave from here—the truck was parked in the same place it had been yesterday, a short distance down the path toward town. Lying comfortably on the front porch, his tail swishing absently around him, was Red, and he stood up when he saw us.

"Missed out on some good chow, Red," Barret said.

"Human food does not always sit well with me," Red explained. "So I went out earlier and caught my own breakfast."

I chuckled. "Not sure I wanna know what it was."

"Nothing that will be missed," he said.

Now came the hard part. Barret and the others had already packed all the supplies in the truck after they'd picked it up the other day, so all that was left to do was to say goodbye. And after a moment of awkward silence, we got started. I was able to stand on my own for a little longer now, though I stayed close to the railing.

"Bye, Jessie," Tifa said, hugging me. "Take care, okay?"

I returned the favor. "You too, Tifa."

Aerith took her place after a moment, a wry grin on her face. "Try to stay outta trouble while we're gone."

"No promises," I laughed.

Barret was next. "Be seein' ya, Jessie."

I slid my arms around him. "Look after everyone, alright?"

"'Course I will," he promised.

After he let go, Red padded over while the others were exchanging goodbyes. "Be well, my friend."

"Thanks, Red," I said, patting his nose.

"Aerith does that, too," he sighed.

I smirked. "I've noticed. But we know ya like it."

Then he went off to talk to Biggs, Wedge, and Lena, who were busy sharing a few parting words and hugs with Aerith and Tifa. I smiled as Biggs and Tifa said their goodbyes, their gazes locked on each other as they slowly let go from their embrace. She was wearing the new gloves he'd gotten her yesterday, the morning sunlight reflecting off the shiny mythril backing. It was a sweet gift he'd given her.

At the same time, Barret hugged Marlene tight. "You be a good girl now, ya hear? Listen to Miss Elmyra an' the others."

"I will, Daddy," she said. "You're gonna save the planet?"

He nodded. "That's right. Some bad people wanna hurt her, but me an' Tifa and the others, we gonna stop 'em. An' I promise I'll come back one day. So don't you worry 'bout that."

Marlene nodded. "Okay, Daddy. I love you."

"An' I love you, too, sweetie," Barret replied, picking her up for just a moment to hold her close. "Always."

While they shared a last moment together, Aerith and Elmyra had one as well, embracing each other for a long time. Neither of them said anything at first. They just clung to one another for a while. But finally, Aerith looked up at her mom, though she didn't let go of her yet. And I saw that her eyes weren't entirely dry. Neither were Elmyra's. They were full of unshed tears. Had they known, even then?

At the time, I'd thought it was only because Aerith was going away on a long trip without any way of knowing when she'd be back and that she and Elmyra would really miss each other. They'd always been close, after all. And I was sure that was part of it—Barret's eyes had been wet, too, when he'd had his last moment with Marlene.

"Goodbye, Mom," Aerith murmured.

Elmyra's voice was unsteady when she replied. "Goodbye, baby. Be safe, and come back when it's all over."

Aerith nodded. "I will."

"I love you so much, Aerith," Elmyra said.

She hugged her tight, her own voice close to breaking. "I love you, too, Mom. Don't forget that, okay?"

Elmyra held her close. "Of course. I know you do."

Eventually, they finally let go of each other. As Aerith stepped away from her, she kept her eyes on Elmyra for a long moment, as if she was memorizing the image to take it with her. And her mom was doing the same thing, her gaze locked firmly on her daughter until eventually she and Aerith both looked away from each other.

Marlene went to Aerith as soon as Barret set her down. "Goodbye, Aerith! I'll take care of your flowers, okay?"

She knelt down and hugged her tight. "You bet, Marlene. That's the big girl I know. And whenever you water them, just think of me and of your daddy and the rest us. We'll all miss you."

"Even Cloud?" Marlene giggled.

He blinked. "Uh… yeah."

Aerith laughed. "Yep. Even Cloud. Now go on, okay?"

Marlene let go and waved. "Okay. Bye!"

She sped over to Tifa next, who scooped her right up into her arms as Barret shook hands with Wedge, clapped Biggs on the shoulder, and hugged Lena for a moment. We were all gonna miss him—it'd be kinda strange to have him and Tifa gone. They'd been such a significant part of our lives for the past few years. Biggs and Wedge had known them a lot longer than me and Lena, but we were all close, all a family of sorts. Tifa planted a light kiss on top of Marlene's head, held her for a second, and then carefully put her back down again.

Barret went to Elmyra next. "Thank you again for all you done for us, Elmyra. Like I said before, we here for ya."

"It was my pleasure," she smiled.

"You might wanna think 'bout leavin' Midgar yourself before long," Barret went on. "It ain't safe here no more."

Elmyra sighed. "I'm afraid you're right, Barret. But remember what I told you before. Don't go getting yourself killed out there. Come back to your daughter in one piece. I mean it."

Barret nodded. "I will, Elmyra. An' that's a promise."

"Alright, guys," Cloud said. "Time to go."

His farewells to the others had been short and to the point. Typical Cloud, of course. But I knew he'd miss them, even if he'd never admit it to anyone, even himself. We hadn't said our goodbyes yet—that was all that was left—and as Barret and Red hopped in the truck bed and Tifa and Aerith got in the cab, he came over to me. Lena elbowed Biggs and got him to lead the others inside to give us a little privacy. As she went inside, I flashed her a grateful smile.

Then I turned to Cloud. "Well, I guess this is it, merc."

"Yeah," he said. "I'll come back when I can."

I giggled. "I don't doubt it. Of course, you never know. I just might catch up to you out there somewhere."

"Can't really say I'd mind," Cloud admitted.

"You aren't getting rid of me this easy, SOLDIER boy," I quipped as I pulled him to me. "Not a chance."

He gave me a faint smile. "Good. See you soon."

I kissed him, long and deep. "Oh, you will. Believe it."

"I do, Jessie," Cloud said. "I do."

We shared a last embrace together for a moment, one I didn't want to end. My heart hammered in my chest as Cloud held me and we kept kissing, our lips locking and unlocking again and again. Then, after we finally came up for air, I just stayed there in his arms and clung to him, missing him already. But we both knew he had to go, so after a minute or two, we reluctantly let go of each other.

Then I held my arm out in front of me for a fist bump. "Sephiroth's waiting for ya, Cloud. Go kick his ass."

"With pleasure," he said, pressing his fist against mine.

"I love you, merc," I told him.

Cloud opened his mouth but couldn't quite say it back to me yet. I knew it was hard for him, though, so I didn't mind. He'd done so much to show it that I didn't have any doubt about his feelings for me. I knew the words would come eventually. There was just so much he had to do in the meantime, things in his mind that had to be set right before he'd be able to take that step. And I understood.

"Goodbye, Jessie," he said instead. "You'll see me again."

I grinned. "Not a doubt in my mind."

As Cloud walked away toward the truck, he looked back at me one more time. I waved and blew him a kiss, and he nodded. I wished more than anything that I could've gone with him, but I knew I wasn't in the best shape yet and still needed time to finish my recovery. Once I had, though, I was gonna catch up as soon as I could. Cloud had been there for me, and I was gonna be there for him, too.

The others all came back outside once Cloud had gotten in the cab with the girls, and we watched as he turned it on and the engine roared to life. They slowly pulled out, Barret waving to us from his seat next to Red in the truck bed, and I waved back as they drove away. None of us moved at first. We just stood there and watched our friends go. And as they did, I finally sat down, my energy spent.

"Be safe, guys," I whispered.

When we drove through the gate and past the wall that marked the outer boundary of the slums, I brought the truck to a stop and got out. Aerith and Tifa did the same, and when Barret and Red saw us outside, they hopped off the truck bed and joined us as we gazed for a moment at the dusty badlands stretching to the south and west. Kalm was to the northeast and a good distance from here, so we'd have to circle halfway around Midgar to get there. Not really the straight shot I'd wanted, and it would add a few hours to the trip, but it would do.

Barret glanced at me. "Elmyra and Marlene… they'll be okay, won't they, Cloud? We told 'em to find a safe spot."

"Oughta be," I agreed.

"It's probably for the best," Aerith added. "Mom told me a few days ago that she didn't wanna stay in Midgar anymore. I still worry for her sometimes, though. I hope she'll be okay."

I took her shoulder. "She will, Aerith. Jessie, Lena, and the others'll look after her. Your mom's in good hands."

"Thanks, Cloud," she replied. "You know, this is my first time away from Midgar. I've never left it before."

"You worried?" I asked.

She shrugged. "A little, I guess. No, that's not right… actually, a lot. I'm kinda nervous about it, to be honest. But I've got my bodyguard to protect me and keep me safe, don't I?"

"You bet," I assured her.

Aerith grinned. "Knew I could count on you!"

Tifa's reddish-brown eyes were still on the horizon. "Looks like this is the start of our long journey…"

"It'll be dangerous," I reminded her. "You up for it?"

She smiled. "Of course, Cloud. And besides, I'm sure everything'll be fine as long as you keep your promise."

I nodded. "Count on it."

"As for me," Red said, padding ahead of us a few steps. "I'll go with you as far as my hometown. That's my destination, but I will aid you as much as I can on the way. It's all I can offer."

"Fair enough," I agreed.

After a moment, we started to head back to the truck to get going, but I'd only gone maybe a step or two when I saw something small and black fluttering down from the sky as if tossed about by the wind. Only there wasn't one, not even the faintest hint of a breeze. And as I looked at it and the others watched, I realized it was a feather, just like the one I'd seen back in Reactor 1. It landed lightly onto my gloved palm, and I just stared at it uneasily for a moment.

"The hell's that?" Barret asked, scratching his head.

I blinked. "You can see it?"

Tifa nodded. "We all can, Cloud. What is it?"

"Something I saw only once before," I said. "Dunno what it means, but I'm sure it's connected to Sephiroth."

"We gonna beat him, ain't we?" Barret wondered.

"We can, and we sure as hell will," Aerith answered, the firmness in her voice not allowing any doubts about it.

I watched, not really surprised, as the feather slowly disappeared in a puff of black ash. "Aerith's right. We're gonna take him down, sooner or later. So let's move. We've got a long way to go."

We went on back to the truck and started to get in, Barret and Red in the back like before as Tifa slid into the middle up front while I went to the driver's side. But just before I got in, I heard Aerith talking again, to herself this time, as she stood by the passenger door. Her green eyes were on the puffy gray clouds floating lazily far above us. It looked like we'd be in for some rain before long.

"The steel sky…" she murmured. "I miss it."

"Understood," I said. "I'll be there at once."

After ending the call, I stood up, slipped my phone into my pocket, and tugged on the bottom of my suit jacket to straighten it. Then I left my office, closing the door quietly behind me. Janice, as always, was at her own desk, her presence reassuringly familiar in the midst of all the changes that had happened here recently.

"Going to a meeting, Director Tuesti?" she wondered.

I nodded. "Yes. The new president wants to see all of us right away. You'll watch things here while I'm gone?"

She smiled. "Of course."

"I'll be back soon, Janice," I assured her.

"Do you think they know?" she asked. "About her?"

She meant Jessica, of course. Marissa had given me the news a few days ago, and it had been a great relief to me to know my goddaughter was alive and recovering. I'd spoken to her myself for a short time later on, the sound of her voice on the other end the most wonderful thing I could remember hearing in a long time. She'd been hurt and weak, but I knew that would pass with time and rest.

I shook my head. "No, I don't think so. And the president wouldn't call such a meeting if it was only about that."

"I hope you're right, sir," she said.

"So do I, Janice," I sighed as I left. "So do I."

A few minutes later, after taking the main elevator to the 70th floor, I walked slowly into the president's office. He wasn't there yet, but Hojo and the other directors were. They were all in front of the massive desk with its shining black marble and the Shinra logo emblazoned high on the wall behind it. Scarlet and Heidegger were casting ugly looks at one another, as usual, and the jagged red line going down the general's face from his forehead to just beneath his right eye was a vivid reminder of his recent failure, one I'd gladly helped create.

"So what's this meeting all about?" he grumbled.

Scarlet sneered icily at him. "If I'm lucky, he'll finally have you put out of my misery and replaced with someone competent. After all, you did let those Avalanche terrorists escape."

Heidegger glared at her. "Only because those pathetic machines of yours couldn't stop a handful of sewer rats."

"Neither could your troops," she reminded him.

"Hmph!" he muttered. "Bitch…"

Scarlet gleefully twisted the knife. "Oh, come now, Scarface. We all know you were there that night."

"What did you call me!?" Heidegger barked.

"What I don't understand is, why a spoon?" she asked. "When you swore you'd carve Strife's heart out, I assumed you'd choose something sharper than your vastly underused intellect. Like a sword or an axe… even a kitchen knife would've worked. So, why?"

He snorted. "Because it's dull, you twit! It'll hurt more!"

"That would be painful…" Palmer gulped.

"Also physiologically impossible," Hojo added. "Although I suspect you would attempt it anyway, General."

Heidegger clenched his fist. "Oh, I will, Professor."

Just then, Rufus walked in from the rooftop balcony outside, Tseng just a step behind him. The rest of us all stood in a row before the desk as Rufus casually sat down in his father's large chair, put his booted feet up on the desk, and rested his chin on one gloved hand. His gaze, even colder than Scarlet's, swept over us one at a time, and I doubted he'd be an improvement from his late father.

In fact, I feared he would be much worse.

"Now, then," he said. "To business. As you all know by now, I have taken over leadership of Shinra. We will do things my way, or not at all. Do I make myself perfectly, crystal clear?"

When we all nodded, he continued. "Very well. We have a number of priorities to address. The first is Avalanche."

"Will we pursue?" Tseng asked.

"By all means," Rufus answered. "But as they've been keeping a low profile since their escape, they won't be easy to find. It's possible they'll even leave the city, if they haven't already."

Heidegger's eyes narrowed. "I'll double the patrols along the roads and at the mountain tunnels. If you're right, Mr. Vice President, they'll likely head toward Junon and the harbor."

Rufus ignored him and didn't even look at him, clearly annoyed at him not using his new title. Heidegger blinked in confusion, obviously not getting the message yet. He'd always been a little slow. It was one of the few things Scarlet and I agreed on. And I had to admit, seeing him get deflated like that was rather satisfying, especially after all he'd done to Jessica and so many other innocent people.

Tseng looked at Rufus, his hands folded behind his back. "I think it might be wise to increase the patrols, Mr. President. And also to keep a close eye on Junon in the coming weeks, especially with the celebration you plan to hold there next month."

"Agreed," Rufus nodded. Then he did look at Heidegger, his gaze as chilly as ice. "See to it, General."

He saluted. "Yes, Mr. V—er, Mr. President."

"Our next priority is Sephiroth," Rufus continued.

"What are our orders?" Tseng asked.

The president thought for a moment. "We know he's returned, but we must find out what he intends to do. I won't allow him to get in the way of my plans for Shinra and the world. He'll show himself sooner or later. We'll need to be ready when he does."

Hojo cackled softly. "You can never be ready for him. But I believe I may have a theory as to his goals. I must be away from this place for a while to verify it, however. I can't do that here."

"Do you what you must, Professor," Rufus answered. "Just find out the answers we need, and as soon as you can."

"I'll leave at once, Mr. President," he promised.

I glanced at him. "And how will the company explain your sudden departure? That's not likely to go unnoticed."

Hojo shrugged. "Say I resigned because of all the damage to the lab and the specimens I have worked so hard to create and perfect. I think that should be all the explanation necessary."

"It'll do," Rufus agreed. "Now, moving on, our final priority is Fort Condor. I want it taken by the end of the month, is that clear? You have Shinra's forces at your command, General. Now make it happen. And I want you there to oversee the battle. Personally."

"P-Personally?" Heidegger gaped.

Rufus leaned forward. "Yes, General. You might want to bring that blade of yours with you in case things go the way they did here. I trust you can still remember how to use it."

He scowled. "Of course I do, sir! But don't worry. My men will take that pathetic bit of dirt, rock, and scrap metal easily. Their defenses are old—secondhand weapons and gear left over from our war with Wutai. Nothing that can stop Shinra's forces."

"You had better be right about that," Rufus glared. "I'll be in Junon, awaiting your report. Make sure it's favorable."

"Yes, sir," Heidegger said.

I wasn't surprised about Rufus' timetable for the battle—I'd already had Cait Sith sneak in here a few days ago and secure that information for me. And then I'd sent it to Marissa, who'd shared it with Jessica and her friends before returning to the plate. Since it would take some time for Heidegger to get his forces in place—Shinra's armies were scattered all across the continent in outposts from here to Junon—it would allow Cloud and the others the chance to reach Fort Condor before they did and aid in its defense. Which was badly needed.

Rufus sat back in his chair. "That'll be all. For now."

Heidegger saluted, then turned and left, Scarlet sauntering along a little behind him. Hojo went next, barely even acknowledging any of us as he headed for the stairs, although that was hardly unusual for him. I don't think he ever saw any of us as anything more than a means to an end. Palmer just whimpered nervously to himself, took a sip of his tea, and waddled off across the room. I was about to leave myself, but then I stopped when I heard Rufus again.

"Reeve, a moment of your time," he said.

I turned back to face him. "Yes, Mr. President?"

He gazed thoughtfully at me. "I may have a task for you to perform later on, one that requires your unique skills. We'll see how things go at Fort Condor for now, but assuming they go the way I suspect they will, I'll need your assistance—and the eyes and ears of your little agent—to keep things on track. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," I said. "I'll be ready."

Inwardly, I shuddered at what I suspected he was asking of me. But I couldn't let him see that, so outwardly I was calm and deferential. Not overly so, but enough to keep him from growing suspicious. What he'd said, what he wanted me to do, probably wouldn't have bothered me as much if Jessica hadn't survived the plate collapse. I'd have likely blamed Avalanche for her death and set Rufus' clever plan in motion without a second thought, eager to punish them.

But things hadn't turned out that way. Jessica was injured but alive, and it was Avalanche who had saved her. That complicated things, but I could deal with that. What mattered was that I'd have lost her forever if it hadn't been for the very people Shinra had branded as traitors and terrorists, a group she herself was a willing part of. I owed them a great debt, more than I knew I could ever hope to repay. But I would do all I could to help them, even in spite of Rufus' plan. He no doubt intended for me to use Cait Sith as a spy. And I would.

Just not the way he thought.