Retrieving the Ancient

Reno's POV.

August began and with it, the sun felt merciless upon us.

Namely to those who had to survey the roof, like me. We usually took shifts, but I had to admit today was not my lucky day.

I had four shifts per week scheduled at the Science Division. Turks and SOLDIER took turns on who watched over her.

The woman.

Stevens.

Pretty nice, she was. She always said 'hi', 'good morning' and when she had the chance she apologized for we had to take such boring surveying task over her.

But come on. It was not news that I enjoyed chit-chatting. I hated silence, it made me sleepy - but, what chance did I have?

Stevens, as everybody called her, waved at me most of the times, and our little conversations were merely circumstantial. And short-lived. SOLDIER were - also -there to make sure we didn't talk much than the weather or how the air smelled dry in summer.

I knew she had plenty of talking inside the lab premises. Hell, sometimes I heard them laugh and even smelled the coffee just made.

But no, we were there only to survey - not to socialize. Much to my sadness.

I sighed at the thought, wondering if I shouldn't talk to Veld about it. Come on, what harm could a little talking do? I could go inside the lab for a while, get to know who worked there.

God knew I needed to amplify the females on my radar. I was sick of the same faces, the same stuff outside the company, at the bar. Those girls always wanted the same thing.

Life's unfair, Reno… I thought, as I shook my head - right in the moment my mobile vibrated. I reached for the device in my left pocked and bugged my eyes at the number on screen.

Tseng?

I answered immediately.

"Yo."

"Reno."

"Himself." I declared, a little amused. But Tseng's silence on the other side of the line didn't give me much chance.

"What's your position?"

I narrowed my eyes and got a little surprised with Tseng's question. Why was he asking me that?

"Rooftop. Science Division, 'till midnight." I declared, and decided to dare. "Why?"

My superior's sigh couldn't be a good thing.

"I need a favor."

Oh boy.

Now, I knew I was about to get in trouble.

Elie's POV.

The night was comfortable. The summer breeze was indeed soothing, even through the glass of the only window in my bedroom.

I missed going upstairs to the roof for a while. Summer in this place was so different from the summer where I lived in. In here, it was tropical, purer, and so, so joyful.

No matter the circumstances, I felt very roof-sick. It was the only freedom I had, even if I walked these labs with no strings attached.

John told me it was dangerous and, of course, the General ordered that my little roof walks were suspended for the time being.

Deep down inside I knew he did this to punish me - because I refused to give him the traitor's identity, but I also understood that up there… I was very easy target.

And I, despite everything that had happened, didn't want to die.

I felt like I had a mission, something important to accomplish.

So, reality developed under a very delicate equilibrium: my informational techniques, the events taking place, missions accomplished successfully.

I sighed at my reasoning.

John came to mind almost immediately, and then, the whole word fight we had had weeks ago. He was so bothered with the General and me and that stupid, hormonal thing happening in the middle of the night.

I didn't want to screw things up with John. I didn't. He was the only person in this place in whom I trusted dearly and I couldn't think of losing away his friendship over a silly thing.

Silly.

Right.

I closed my eyes at the memory invading my neurons. The way he smelled, the way his touch felt… his words, so harsh and rasp on my ear.

"You have to tell me."

His words echoed in my mind, and I shivered as I recalled. The need, the obsession of being in control, of knowing everything… I was sure he would open up my head without thinking twice if he knew that way he had access to every little thought and secret my mind held about him.

My heartbeat peaked at the stress the situation posed. Man, I was so tired of it! Nibelheim, it all revolved around it and how to avoid it, how to make sure he didn't get crazy and turn all sociopath.

My fingers massaged my tired eyes.

God, this consumed me. The whole thing, the impending moment that slowly approached… stole all my mental energy.

John told me to take it easy - that things would work out… but I wasn't so sure.

I would only be at rest when I would see the General coming back from the mission in Nibelheim like his usual self. Arrogant, confident and…a total jerk, as always.

"Miss Stevens."

A voice I knew perfectly from a not very real realm woke me up from deep thinking. Reno. I pictured him at once and, as a turned, his persona was a mirror of my mind.

Creepy.

I blinked at him, standing right there by the door of my bedroom, with that look on his face.

"A minute of your time, please."

His seriousness worried me a little. Joker as he was, it couldn't be a good thing - at all. I stood still for a while, not daring to leave. Come on, what was going on, after all?

"What is it?" I dared to ask.

His answer was swift and low.

"Come with me."

What?

"But-"

"In silence."

I gulped at his proposition. But before I could think about it, my legs were taking me towards Reno and, from there, he led the way.

It didn't take much for me to realize something way serious was going on - when I saw no SOLDIER guarding the main door of the lab.

Oh, good God. What had they done, and why?

Why was I needed in such haste and secrecy… in the upper floors? The elevator went up silently, Reno not making a noise and I stressed as hell. All I recalled was John's and the General's orders and how I was breaking them shamelessly, having a Turk in the whole mess with me.

But thankfully, before I could vomit my heart out with anticipation, the elevator paused in the upper floor and, as the door opened, a very familiar face overwhelmed me with recognition. The eyes, the face, the clothes and the hair, to typical.

Tseng?

I blinked at the man as Reno softly pushed me out of the metal box. I was somehow off, surprised with all this.

"Miss Stevens." Tseng complimented, taking my hand. The sensation of his warm skin on mine was something terribly unnerving. The man was a living being and I… I couldn't just believe it. Going from screen to real was very scary. Even after all the time I had been living in their reality. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm-"

"Tseng." I finally said, a sample of smile on my face. "The pleasure is all mine."

Tseng nodded and looked around wearily. So, this was very illegal what we were doing - it was a fact now. I decided to go ahead and ask the man once and for all.

"So, what brings you to me in such secrecy?"

He took his time answering me.

"There's something AVALANCHE is going after. What is it?"

"Who is it, would be more accurate." I affirmed, not knowing how to introduce such delicate theme. Aerith being an Ancient was a matter that required some… cautiousness. People tended to get very greedy over her.

"And?"

Faced with Tseng's insistence, I didn't know if I was supposed to tell him everything or not. Should I? Would it be safe for her?

Eventually, my gut did the deed.

"It's… an Ancient."

Tseng's face changed as he processed my words. It was somehow strange, because I had never seen a Turk - and namely Tseng - being so expressive. So the man was surprised. Way surprised.

"An Ancient. Walking among us? Unprotected?"

He had a point.

"Since longer than you think."

"I don't think the Ancient is safe."

Right.

"She's not."

"Then, what can be done to avoid a disaster?"

Tseng's words were careful - I could see he had chosen the words on purpose. He wanted advice, and he wanted something effective, that would bring recognition to the Turks and… him. Considering that Veld wouldn't last long as the head of the Turks, I decided to give Tseng a little pro bono. He was a cool guy after all.

So I decided to tell him what I thought it would be better for the little Miss Ancient.

"Bring her here. She'll be safe and sound. From AVALANCHE… and from Hojo."

The man in front of me took his time processing my suggestion.

"I see."

"Medina's labs are pretty secure and… since I'm already on guard, she would be too."

Tseng took one step forward, invading my personal space. The action scared me a little, I wasn't very used to that. But then when he talked, I understood why.

"You know where to find her?"

He was in a rush.

"I'll tell you where-"

"You'll come with me."

And that almost made my chin hit the floor. My eyes widened and I took one step back. Okay, okay, okay… that was way too much!

"Ah… I don't think that's a good idea."

"You'll be safe." Tseng reinforced, his hand on my shoulder. Creepy stuff, really. If he meant to reassure me, it did the opposite effect. "And no one will know."

Oh, come on! I wasn't really enjoying where all this was headed!

"John will have to know." I declared, a little panicked.

"I didn't mean him."

"Oh." So, the General. My God, where things were heading! But, either way, it was so not a good idea. "I…"

"I am asking you to come because I don't think the Ancient will react nicely if she sees a bunch of guard around her." Tseng declared, and I had to admit he had a point. "You can make the correct approach and convince her of the best thing to do."

In theory. Yeah.

"What if I can't?" I declared, knowing that Aerith wasn't exactly dumb. "She won't be easily convinced."

Tseng nodded, and eyed me with sincerity.

"You know her better than any of us." He stated. "I'm sure you'll do the right thing."

And considering what he had just said, I was so ready to tell him to go and find Aerith by himself and solve the problem, not involving me in the event.

But something else happened instead.

Reno spoke.

"Tseng."

And the reaction was immediate. Tseng eyed Reno and I knew that, whatever maneuver they had created to take SOLDIER out of place, it was dangerously coming to an end.

"I need an answer now." Tseng said, his eyes hard on mine.

And, then again, my instinct talked first.

"Okay."

Tseng smiled softly and Reno directed me to the elevator again.

"We'll keep in touch." Tseng declared, as the doors opened. "Thank you, miss Stevens."

And with a very quiet Reno standing by my side, we made a silent descent towards my premises.

Medina's POV

Tseng contacted me with a secrecy that worried me the moment his only request was... the General not knowing of our meeting. Having theTurks behaving so mysteriously couldn't be a good thing.

I didn't imagine Elie would be involved in this, much less… an Ancient. As Tseng described me that happened two days ago I had to refrain the will of screaming, for they had been all reckless and irresponsible.

Tricking SOLDIER into having a secret meeting with Elie, asking her delicate questions and then… then, suggesting she had to be involved in the whole 'rescue mission'!?

They had to be out of their damned minds.

Of course my first reaction was terrible. I said no, a thousand times no, that Elie wouldn't leave the premises, no matter what.

But eventually, the good Turk gave me good reasons to reconsider.

Elie's safety was one of them.

He gave me a report of the mission, how things would happen - everything considered in excruciating detail, in a way I couldn't say no, even if I wanted.

The rescue would be safe, anticipating AVALANCHE's tryout in days, so things would happen peacefully. And the plus of all that - I would have the Ancient in my floor. My labs.

Which was something I wouldn't dare to dream of, much less come to terms with that happening for real.

Eventually, after 3 hours of meeting, I end up agreeing with Tseng's proposition.

And I only hoped I wouldn't regret doing this, not only because Elie would leave the safety of our lair… but also because the general and SOLDIER would be kept in the dark.

Oh man. The moment he found I had been conspiring with the Turks behind his back…

Uh, I didn't even want to think about the consequences.

Later, John. Later.

Yeah, later. Later I would deal with his wrath, with his harshness. Now, there was an Ancient to rescue from AVALANCHE. And my dear Elie would be out in the open - trying to convince an Ancient to get inside a lab room for safety.

The thought consumed me with worry.

"I don't like this." I said, as I sat with Elie in her bedroom.

She dressed all in black, with an outfit the Turks had provided. She looked like a crow, lean and sneaky.

"Neither do I." She declared, as she zipped her vest. Malleable, but bulletproof. "But Tseng has a point. He really does. We have to get to the Ancient before AVALANCHE, or things will be much more difficult to manage."

Yes, I knew that.

"It's tonight."

I informed, and Elie widened her eyes at me. She didn't expect it to be just now, even if she was with the outfit on, ready to go. I assumed she was nervous. No wonder, I was nervous as hell myself.

"Oh, boy."

Her worries were vast, I could tell, but I decided to soothe the one that consumed her the most. Yes, I knew her that well already.

"The General is busy. It's the main reason we're planning your exit tonight."

"Busy doing what?"

"I don't know."

Her curiosity about the General's doings disturbed me and I remained in silence as I checked the whole vest she wore. I really hoped everything would be okay, or I wouldn't forgive myself. Thing was, I knew she had the best stuff on, but I had the total notion that if the traitor came up and wanted to kill her, the aim would be her head.

And she would die.

I knew that. Felt that. And it hurt, made me feel bad and a total jerk for letting her go. But what could I do now about it?

Nothing.

"You're ready." I declared, feeling my throat compressed.

Elie eyed me and I felt like hugging her, tell her that I cared for her immensely - and I would have done so if Tseng hadn't come in like a hurricane.

"All set?"

We both nodded at him.

"Be careful, Elie."

I had whispered the words at her, but Tseng decided to talk, breaking the ice.

"We'll bring her back alive, Medina." Confidence was all over his voice. "Just relax."

And as I watched them leave the premises, I thought to myself:

I hope so, Tseng. I honestly hope so.

Elie's POV

We were six in number.

All dressed in black, I was surrounded by muted Turks, only the sound of our footsteps echoing in the hall. The place was deserted, and once the elevator ride was over, the metallic doors opened to a concrete parking lot with 3 black vans plus a stupid number of Turks around it.

So, the guard was heavy as hell.

I took a deep breath at the sight, Tseng grabbing my arm, urging me to walk as his shadow.

"This is serious." I admitted, verbalizing my thoughts.

"It's always serious." He said, with a soft tone. "I don't do un-serious."

I smirked at little, trying to ease up the tension I felt, as I walked inside the van. Reno, Rude and other faces I didn't recognize sat around me, the leather of the seats inundating the air.

I looked around, realizing I didn't see a thing through the windows.

"It's bullet proof. All if it." Reno said, and I nodded at him, trying to relax a little on my seat, only to realize a couple of minutes later that I couldn't. I was feeling too damn stressed to relax.

"Are you afraid?"

Tseng's voice startled me and it took me a moment to realize he was talking to me.

"That depends." I answered, knowing my answer was a little biased. To be honest I didn't know what Tseng was referring to. It was a fact I was afraid of many things, but I couldn't just guess up to what he was referring to just like that.

But Tseng only had to look at me and make a face, for me to know what he meant. Or, better said, who he meant.

"You know this is not right." I declared, as if that made me feel less bad for breaking an express rule. "He will be very angry."

Right, he would be angry and who knew what he would do. The General - when he found out I was out in the open with the Turks?

Good God.

"We had no other chance. You had to come with us or this mission wouldn't be viable."

My eyes met Tseng's again. As I processed his words, I understood how important all this was… my part in this whole mess, but at the same time, the price to pay was simply huge.

Disobeying direct orders. Me, John, the Turks.

Hell, we had all conjured against SOLDIER.

"I guess not." I said, felling terrible.

"You know it wouldn't succeed otherwise. This way, at least we have a chance."

I took a deep breath again, trying to get some comfort in Tseng's words. He was right, the man was very right… but then again, why did I feel so guilty?

A voice somewhere inside the van made me focus on the words.

"Where to, Miss Stevens?"

I gulped, as I recalled the place where Aerith lived. And the church where she passed most of her time.

Silence invaded the van as everybody expected me to say something.

An address, like a bloody GPS.

My stare met Tseng's again - and when I found there only but reassurance, the words were out.

And then, speed was all I knew.

-/-

The 15 minute drive was swift and fast.

As we stopped, I realized we had just arrived - and my heart peaked at once. So, this was it. The moment of the truth.

I took a deep breath, praying for self-control.

You're doing this. It's fine.

"It'll be okay." Tseng reassured me, as I rested my hand on the door handle. "She's inside, and no one will invade your perimeter unless you say so."

I blinked at Tseng, not knowing what to say.

"Just say the words when you're done and we'll be there. Calmly. "

I shook my head, not getting what Tseng meant with 'words'. So I just had to ask.

"What words?"

"Whatever you consider adequate." Tseng smiled, as he opened the door. "The audio will be on all the time."

I didn't have time to say a thing against.

In a moment I was out of the van, on the street, that massive church way ahead of me.

So, I would have to walk to reach the place where Aerith was.

The door closed behind me and I realized there was only one van - the one that had transported me - here. But then again, before I could bother myself with the whereabouts of the other vans, something caught my attention.

The smell.

Midgar, and more specifically this suburbia area where Aerith tended to hide growing her flowers had a specific smell. It was something I'd never smelled in life, the aroma of this part of the city felt absolutely overwhelming.

And so different from the sterilizing walls of the lab, even from the roof, the air didn't smell like this. I couldn't classify it. I had nothing to compare it to.

It took me some moments to refocus and start walking.

The van remained parked, black and silent in that half-hidden alley, and I knew they were watching over me.

"Everything's okay?"

Tseng's voice echoed in my left ear and I blinked, surprised.

Gosh. I had forgotten I had an ear plug on. Wasn't Midgar absorbing?

"Fine." I whispered, not recalling where the microphone would be, in which part of my garment. "Just… acknowledging the surroundings."

"Take the main avenue and you'll find what you're looking for."

Yeah, right. Aerith. She was my main worry her. I had to rush, if I wanted to get back to the lab safe and sound.

So I started walking.

My boots were comfortable and made me walk fast. I wore my hair up today, so my wavy brown hair rested elegantly on my mid-back, my face and eyes unhidden in a way I wasn't used to in years.

Sooner than later I reached the church, and my stride softened.

"I'm going in." I informed, hoping Tseng would reassure me - which he did.

"She's inside. Go for it."

I took a deep breath before daring to step in Aerith's ground. It was a fact she didn't own the abandoned church per se, but… I was so used to see her and interact with her in such place, that I considered it hers.

It was a silly thought and my heart peaked as the moment arrived - that impending moment where I would see, flesh and bone, a character whose life cycle I knew by heart, her past, her future, her feelings and goals in life and the way… Sephiroth would take her life.

I stopped and closed my eyes, trying to erase those thoughts and trying to hold on to the fact I was here - I was actually here to avoid all that from happening.

Right?

"Hi."

A soft, ethereal voice sounded right in front of me. My eyes met bright green and I couldn't say a thing in response.

Aerith. It was her, right there. I took my time processing her small figure, about my height, her perfect complexion and shiny hair, so perfectly braided it hurt. Elegant, so lean and simple, she was the exact living parallel of her virtual self.

There was nothing extra about her, except her tri-dimensionality.

My muted state didn't prevent her to ask me further questions with a naïve smile on her face, as if I was an innocent by-stander.

"Are you here to buy flowers?"

I blinked at her and smiled a little, trying to ease up my own stress. Geez, how unaware a girl could be - of the constant danger she was in? An ancient, wandering in an old, abandoned place without protection, without… a guardian angel.

My thoughts flew to Gast all of the sudden. What would he say, what would he tell her, as her father, to advise her? Eventually, her voice took me out of my reverie.

"You aren't here to buy flowers."

Aerith's tone, disappointed and wary, warned me of the imperious need of say something, do my job - for that was my purpose here. That was why I was out in the open as well, most likely taking risks to prevent the only Ancient in this world from fading.

"No." I admitted, my lips a thin line. "But they're beautiful."

Aerith walked towards her sample of flowery landscape and I followed her, not invading her personal space. I could feel she was wary of me - and I didn't want that. I wanted, needed her to trust in me and my words. And I was willing to do whatever I deemed necessary to have her safe.

"What brings you here?"

The question popped out, as the Ancient in front of me caressed some random petals. Her long braid moved slowly, accompanying her body movements.

So, it was time for me to begin.

"You can do it. Just breathe in and tell her what you feel."

Tseng's voice advised me, a whisper that easily would mingle with my own mental voice. I remained silent as I focused.

"Who's talking to you?"

Aerith's stare met mine, demanding sincerity from me. Her gaze spoke volumes, as she let me see how confused and, to a point, scared of my doings in her church. Her sanctuary.

"No one that will harm you… or me." I admitted, and tried to ease her worries. I had a feeling it would get difficult to convince her if I didn't act fast.

"I need to ask something of you." I said, my tone soft. "I know who you are. Your father… your adoptive parents."

Her gaze changed as she processed my words. She narrowed her eyes and I took my chance to speak again - or she would run. It was all over her, her will to flee and disappear from her own truth, her real self.

"It's okay, I am not here to hurt you. And I don't want anything from you. "

She stood still, as she studied me.

"Have you heard of AVALANCHE? They'll try to reach out, speak to you and trick you into telling them about the Promised Land."

"Why?"

"People get greedy."

"And if I refuse?"

I gulped dry as the dreaded answer exited my mouth.

"They'll try to take you by force if you won't cooperate." I declared, and decided to strike back at once. "I suggest you take hold in the only place they cannot reach you."

Aerith took her time answering me.

"And where would that be?"

"The same place where I stay. Shinra HD."

"You stay there?"

I nodded, watching Aerith blink, clearly deep in thinking. I only hoped her logics would coincide with mine or the mission would be a disaster.

"Are you their prisoner?"

What? No!

"No." I smiled at her, hoping my action would reassure her. "I am there on my own accord and… it's the safest place to be. For me and for you. Trust me."

"How do I know you're not lying?"

Right. Good question.

I reached my hand to her and gave her permission to do whatever she wanted. Sense all the things I knew and who knew, maybe she would understand how feeble her situation was, despite being an Ancient.

Aerith eyed me warily, and I knew she was wondering how I knew she was able to do what she did, considering I was a total stranger and she kept her powers and abilities very well hidden.

"I am an open book to you." I said, with a smiley face. "Here." I insisted, urging her to grab my hand.

Which she did.

And as her hand touched my skin, my body warmed and I relaxed, feeling totally off. It was Aerith's serious voice that took me out of such comfort zone. I had no idea of what she had seen, and how. Nonetheless, it all happened exceedingly fast, much faster than I expected.

"How do you know that much?"

"I'm from another place. Different from this, different from yours."

She blinked at me, curiosity in her stare.

"I've seen it, yes."

But then, something in her facial features changed, and I sensed she was processing the future we were - actually - trying to avoid.

"Was that the future?"

"It's the reality that will happen if I - we - don't change it."

A brief pause was all she needed to do the math.

"And If I go with you… will it change?"

"Hopefully."

"Okay then."

My eyes widened at her, amazed. I hadn't expected it to be easy, but come on, that easy? No way.

"Are you serious?" I asked, a little appalled at her sudden decision.

"I am."

I looked around, feeling a little off. Okay, so, what was I supposed to do now?

"Go on, call them." She smiled at me, and I felt my cheeks burn.

God, was I so clumsy?

"Tseng." I said, my tone low. "We're ready." And then I turned to face Aerith and told her what to expect. "Turks will take us to HD. We'll see each other there again, ok?"

She nodded and I did the same.

"Thanks for coming with me." I said, feeling so relieved that all my muscles ached. I didn't realize I was so tense to the point of feeling achy all over.

"I believe you." She declared, right before the Turks invaded the place and surround us.

We looked around, and I searched for Tseng. Reno was next to me and he blinked at me, mouthing a silent 'Nicely done', what made me smile widely.

"Good evening. Miss." Tseng greeted, and I realized how honored the man was to meet face-to-face the one and only Ancient alive in the world. "Let's get going, shall we?"

Aerith nodded and we exited the abandoned church in a thin line, surrounded by guard.

Outside, the vans were prepared and I felt too relaxed - in a way I didn't notice Aerith wasn't next to me anymore.

Tseng walked her to a van in the left, and I felt a shiver all over me as I processed the events. My eyes searched for Reno and I grabbed his arm, urging him to face me.

"Why can't I travel with her?"

My voice came out a little strangled, deep inside my mind I considered if I could have fallen in a trick prepared by the Turks. The thought consumed me, as I hoped Reno would tell me otherwise.

"Just safety protocol." He answered me, as we got inside a van. He closed the doors, and I was surrounded by two Turks, each one seated both by my left and right.

Oh-uh.

"Says who?" I said, my eyes on Reno. "I trusted you." My tone had changed and Reno didn't like it, but I couldn't refrain my revolt.

"Tseng's orders." The red-haired answered, and I felt my heart sank. "Our honor is incorruptible, Stevens. Remember that."

I didn't know if he was trying to ease my worries, but it didn't work.

"I hope so, Reno." I declared, my heart heavy. "I honestly hope so."

No further words were exchanged until I reached my destination.

-/-

I couldn't wait to get to the labs.

The Turks discharged me next to the building inside the HD - and I had to admit I felt very relieved to see the Science Division again. Namely, because I wanted to check if Aerith was there or not.

I rushed through the stars, with no patience to wait for the elevator.

Climbing in pairs, up I went, until I reached those doors I was so familiar with. I noticed no one was there, which meant SOLDIER weren't around - which also meant everything was okay. I took a deep breath, considering my priorities.

Aerith's safety was my priority now. I wanted to make sure Tseng remained true to his word.

The heavy door closed right behind me and I caught a glimpse of John by the end of the hall, next to a lab door - just there, standing like he had seen the boogeyman or something.

Geez, so little faith, I thought.

"As you can see, I'm back in one piece." I declared, with a faint smile. And as I walked towards him, my face grew sterner. There were important things to talk about, for instance, the whereabouts of the recently-retrieved Ancient. "Is she here?"

My tone had been urgent, contrasting with John's stiff answer.

"Yes."

My worries vanished and I relaxed at once. So, everything was okay and my worries had been unfounded, but then again, there was John right there, who looked like he had a stick up his ass or something.

Maybe he needs a hug. I smiled at my reasoning and walked slowly towards John.

"That's a relief." I said, with a chuckle. "I have to admit, with that van switch thing I was afraid I'd screwed the whole thing up."

I had been honest and I hoped to see John smile at me.

However, that didn't happen. He didn't smile, he didn't say a word - but someone spoke right next to John, half-hidden by the door.

My insides froze when I heard his voice.

"I could say the same thing."

A/N - Hope you liked this one! I felt like I had to add some of Tseng and Aerith to this story, what do you think? It was a cool ride to this part of the plot and I honestly hope you're enjoying it :) And now the General busted them and Elie is in trouble. LOL! Things are getting very cool as the plot moves.

Oh and about the 'hand-thing' between Elie and Aerith: I tried to focus on Aerith's spiritual capacity, not resuming her to a cheap 'mind-reader'. I wanted her to analyze Elie's spirit and make her own conclusions, of course seeing and sensing a lot of Elie's own emotions on the way.

Anyways, read and Review, you're most than welcome ^_^