Author's Note: Hello again. For every story to happen correctly, there must be set-up, so if you were planning on skipping a chapter, don't make it this one. A lot happens with nothing really happening. As for the scene breaks, you'll notice that I added them back in on this chapter, and I'll go back and fix the others soon. In the meantime, read, and even if you don't enjoy, at least review!

Chapter 3

"I'm afraid I don't know anything," Rufus said apologetically.

He looked out over the assortment before him. Four emissaries had come before him seeking help, and only one of them seemed worth listening to. The queen of Alexandria, a young man with a tail, a man closer to his age with a very effeminate figure, and a six or seven year old sat before him. To make this situation even stranger, they were asking about Jenova, of all things.

"Surely you must know something," the effeminate man asked. "We have it on good authority that Jenova originated from this area."

"Not from Midgar, I assure you," he said honestly. It was true, Jenova hadn't originated in Midgar, although Hojo had it moved to a laboratory there.

"Then maybe you know where it did come from?" the one with the tail asked.

Rufus gave him some credit; he was quicker than his appearance let on. He smiled slightly. "Well," he said, his tone emphasizing how displeased he was with the crew in his office, "since it would appear that you're all friends of the queen, I suppose I can let you in on a little information."

He leaned back in his chair, trying to remember everything that he could about Jenova. "All that I know for certain is that Jenova was first discovered in the Northern Crater. Feel free to look around up there for clues. As to what exactly it is…it was never satisfactorily explained to me. I do believe, however, that the Shinra records have been updated. I can give you clearance on the 62nd floor where we have our research libraries. Before I do that, however, I would like to know who each of you are, as the formal introductions were skipped. I do, of course, recognize the queen of Alexandria."

"Zidane Tribal," the tailed one said with pride. "Personal bodyguard to the queen."

"Kuja," the effeminate man said, bowing slightly in his chair. "A sorcerer from Terra."

"Eiko Carol," said the last. "The last summoner of Madain Sari."

Rufus raised an eyebrow at this. Had he been dealing with a summoner this whole time and not realized it? Was that the reason for the horn on her head? "Excellent," he said. "If you'll all file out, one at a time, my secretary would be more than happy to escort you to the research libraries."

They filed out of the room as requested, and Rufus leaned over his intercom and pressed the third button. "Professor?" he said calmly. "It has come to my attention that we have a summoner on the premise."

"Shall I…?"

"Nothing obvious, Professor. We wouldn't want to offend our Alexandrian guests. Inform the head of Materia Development of any progress you make. Garden has cooperated with us enough to provide Materia for Guardian Force summons, but we have no eidolons as of yet."

He let go of the button, then leaned back in his chair and laughed.

"You called, Ms. Trepe?" Rakunya asked politely. He was glad to be out of his SeeD uniform and in his typical garb: A blood red cape resting casually on his shoulders, draped over a casual shirt and denim slacks. His katana was sheathed on his right side, his gunblade on the left.

"I've just been informed of your next SeeD mission," Quistis told him. "Squall thinks that you're better suited for this mission than most, though don't expect to be alone. It would seem that our next employer is the Shinra."

"What do the Shinra want with SeeDs?" he wondered aloud. "SOLDIER should be plenty able."

"It would seem that SOLDIER is being predominantly expended elsewhere. In addition, there are several superstitions about this mission. President Rufus, while taking a public stand of indifference and ignorance, is rather worried about these Jenova attacks. He is therefore sending an expedition into a large crater in the north, where Jenova was reportedly first discovered."

"And he wants SeeD to assist in the mission?"

"Precisely. SeeD is to enter the crater, along with the Shinra and what few SOLDIER members they can bring together. Rufus assured us this morning that the mission is strictly exploratory, and no need should arise for combat skills, but it seems odd that he would request SeeD if he wasn't expecting to find anything."

"I agree," Rakunya nodded. He had already formed a basic plan for the mission, all he needed now was a final piece of information. "Who all is going?"

"Selphie is going to be your squad leader, though in this situation, I suppose that co-captain is a better term. Squall has chosen a handful of new SeeDs to follow you two on this mission, and they're orders are to obey without question."

Rakunya nodded. "Can I ask a favor of you then, Quistis? I know that standard procedure is for me to meet my squad leader in the parking area, but do you think you could have Selphie meet me at the front gate?"

Quistis looked at him strangely, but consented, and it wasn't long before the two of them were headed off.

"Our 'troops' are going to meet us at the Balamb dock," she said casually. When he didn't take the hint, she added, "Which is the other way."

"There's a stop that I need to make first," Rakunya said calmly. "I like to be quite knowledgeable in my mission before I dive into it. Here we are," he said, stopping suddenly at a shabby looking house constructed right next to Fire Cavern.

"What can we learn here?" she asked, puzzled.

"Open up, Yuffie!" Rakunya shouted, knocking on her door.

There was a brief pause, but Yuffie did indeed answer. Selphie looked over the ninja with much curiosity; she had never seen anyone dressed quite like her before. A brief look into the house revealed several shurikens hanging on the walls.

"What are you here for?" said Yuffie, who was as confused at their presence as Selphie was.

"Can we come in?" Rakunya asked. "We won't be long, I promise."

She seemed to hesitate a little, but surely enough she led them into her living room. All three of them took a separate chair. "What can I do for you?" Yuffie asked, trying as hard as she could to sound casual.

"First off, introductions," Rakunya said, "although I think you two have seen each other before, isn't that right?"

"Once," Selphie admitted. "The two of you were hanging out around Balamb Garden just before you got your SeeD endorsement."

Rakunya nodded. "Yuffie, this is Selphie, my good friend from Garden and my squad leader on this next mission. Selphie, this is Yuffie, one of the best friends I've ever had, despite a few…er…incidents."

Selhpie raised an eyebrow, but the other two laughed the comment away. "Anyway," Rakunya started again, "as I hinted, I'm about to head out for a SeeD mission, and you'll never guess who the employer is."

"AVALANCHE?"

"Better. Shinra themselves."

Yuffie raised an eyebrow, although she couldn't quite pull it off and it gave her a rather comical appearance. "What does the Shinra want with SeeD? They have SOLDIER!"

Rakunya leaned forward. "That's where you come in, Yuffie. You're going to help me figure it out. Do you remember when the worlds first merged and you told me all about your experiences with AVALANCHE in the Northern Crater? What's up there that the Shinra might be after?"

Yuffie sat straight up, a look of fear on her face. "They're going into Northern Crater?"

"To investigate Jenova," Selphie nodded. "They say they need SeeD because there's a lack of SOLDIER officers right now."

"I'm sure there is, for a mission like that at least!" Yuffie sighed. "Everytime someone enters Northern Crater, something worse is found. The first time, Professor Hojo discovered Jenova. The second, Sephiroth was found. In fact, that's where he called Meteor from…Take me with you!"

Before Selphie could object, Rakunya was laughing. "You don't want to go," he said, still chuckling. "We're going to Junon by boat, and then by airship to Midgar. Besides which, it's against SeeD policy. Of course, if you wanted to meet us there…"

Yuffie nodded. "Alright. But if you get there before me…save me some Materia!"

"Let's hope Materia is all we find," Rakunya said darkly.

The SeeDs left, and Selphie found herself both confused and a little scared. "What did that tell us?"

"It told us why SOLDIER won't go anywhere near that thing," Rakunya explained. "I'm not sure how familiar you are with Sephiroth, but from what I've been told…he's no standard enemy, that's for sure."

"You don't think…"

"Sephiroth is dead. Cloud assured me that he killed him."

Selphie was silent for a minute. "You…You've spoken to Cloud?"

"Only once. Yuffie introduced us during my last trip to Midgar. I also wondered a couple of times if maybe Sephiroth could be responsible for the Jenova attacks, but it doesn't seem likely."

They managed to get to Balamb without incident. It was when they entered the town, however, that things began to change. Selphie saw the bar, and a change came over her. It was slight, and most people wouldn't have noticed it, but Rakunya was incredibly perceptive. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she said, shaking her head. Then, "I'll bet Irvine's in there, trying to find some more women."

"Is that what split you two apart?"

She nodded, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Another one. I guess I let him get away with it to many times. I can't believe that I believed him when he said that I was the only one for him!"

Rakunya put his arm around her shoulder. "You'll get past it, Selphie. Trust me. You're a strong woman."

She leaned into him a little, thankful for his support. "I guess," she sighed. "I just thought that maybe, just maybe, I'd found someone…but just when I thought I had…"

"Not everyone's like him, Selphie. You'll find someone, I'm sure of it."

She raised her teary eyes until they met his. "How can you be so sure?"

He smiled down at her. "Because it would be a crime against humanity for someone as wonderful as you to not find somebody."

"Awww………thank you, Rakunya. That means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Selphie."

They approached the Balamb dock and saw their fellow SeeDs, several of which Rakunya knew by name. "Load up!" Selphie ordered. They saluted and filed into the ships, completely unsure of what laid ahead of them.