"All I'm asking is that you give her a chance, Cid!" Tifa huffed, placing both hands on her hips where she stood in front of the oven.

"Did ya look at her, Tifa?" Cid snapped, "Did ya see her eyes? She's the fuckin' female version of Sephiroth. She was his lover for Shiva's sake. How can ya just forget everythin' that psychopath did to us?"

"I don't forget, Cid," Tifa said quietly, "It was my hometown he burned and my father that he killed. I loved Aerith as much as anyone else did. I won't ever forget."

Cid's harsh features softened. "I'm sorry, Tif, but I just don't understand how you're so calm about all this."

Sighing, Tifa glanced over at Denzel and Marlene who were quietly doing their homework in the corner. Slowly, she let out her breath and then began to speak. "When . . . when Sephiroth lost it in Nibelheim . . . it was Zack who found me first. H-he wanted to help but. . . I was hurt and had just lost my father. I hated Shinra and everyone in it. I told Zack that I hated him and then . . . well, I didn't know it at the time but he fought Sephiroth and then spent the next four years in a lab. Then he died and Cloud was so damaged by it all. Cloud wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Zack. I know now that Zack would have stopped what happened if he could have. I've spent a lot of years regretting those words, Cid. I'm not about to repeat them by blaming someone else for something they had nothing to do with."

The pilot shook his head. "She may have been the only one who could have stopped all that shit from happening. I just can't accept that she did nothing."

"Could you fight, Shera?" Tifa asked, nodding when the pilot paled. "I don't think I could fight Cloud. In a way, it took a lot of strength for her to stand back and let us do what needed to be done. If she's a strong as I think she is we could never have beaten them both."

"What do you want from me, Tifa?" Cid asked quietly, "Just to let it all go?"

"No, I want you to give her a chance."

"Fine," Cid agreed, "I'll ease up but I'm gonna be keepin' a real close eye on her."

"Fair enough." The timer on the oven went off and Tifa opened the door and used an oven mitt to pull a pan out of the oven. "Marelene? Denzel? Please, set the table. Cid would you take the salad and dressing out for me?"

Grateful to escape, Cid grabbed the salad out of the fridge along with several bottles of dressing. The pilot emerged from the kitchen to the sounds of laughter and couldn't but chuckle a bit himself at the sight. Zack had Cloud in a headlock, which the blonde was valiantly trying to escape from.

"Damn it, Zack," Cloud laughed, "I'm not a chocobo!"

"Sure look like one," Zack teased, ruffling Cloud's hair.

"Ack! Stop that! If I'm a chocobo then you're a porcupine," Cloud smirked triumphantly as he finally broke Zack's hold. "And if you keep it up I'll tell them about a certain limit break of yours."

"There's nothing wrong with the Chocobo Stomp," Zack protested.

"Chocobo Stomp?" Vincent repeated, and above the cape his eyes sparkled with amusement and Yuffie and Callie laughed.

"I'll have you know it's totally kick ass," Zack said indignantly.

"Maybe," Cloud allowed, "But you always looked ridiculous doing it."

Silently, Cid blessed Zack Fair. Cloud had been doing a lot better since he had defeated Kadaj and the resurrected Sephiroth. Tifa had even managed to coax the blonde into a slowly blossoming relationship. But, none of them had been able to put this kind of life into Cloud's troubled eyes. The swordsman's cheeks were flushed with laughter and he smiled fondly at the brunette as they bantered back and forth. In that moment, Cid glimpsed Cloud as he had been before Sephiroth and Hojo's lab. Perhaps still a little wary, but alive with youth and good humor.

As Cid continued to watch, it was clear that Zack was a miracle worker. Vincent seemed bemused by Zack's energy but also genuinely appeared to like the younger man. Yuffie watched him with the beginnings of hero worship and Callandra . . . it caused Cid to catch his breath.

The redhead was radiant with laughter. The creature before him was very different from the defensive and emotionally distraught young woman of that morning. Her eyes sparkled and there was nothing sinister in their depths. The pilot would never have believed she was capable of such unbridled joy. Damn it all. Maybe Tifa is right. He was saddened a moment later when Callandra spotted him and the laughter faded from her eyes to be replaced with their earlier wariness. That sadness deepened when Fair's eyes hardened as the First Class realized the cause of Callie's sudden discomfort.

"Tifa said to tell ya dinner's ready," Cid said gruffly as Marlene and Denzel appeared arms laden with plates, silverware, and glasses.

Marlene shuffled forward, having a hard time balancing her plates and silverware the pile teetering dangerously.

"Here," Callie stepped closer, "Let me help."

"Thanks!" Marlene beamed as the woman relieved her of the top three plates and the silverware.

Denzel, carefully carrying his tray of glasses had tensed as Callie approached the hazel-eyed girl but now relaxed and gave the woman a tentative smile, which she returned.

Tifa entered with a pan of lasagna effectively breaking the tension.

"All right!" Zack cheered, "You totally rock, Tifa."

Giggling, Tifa gestured for everyone to sit down. "Thanks. Okay, everyone. Let's eat."

Eagerly, everyone took their places at the table though the seating was carefully arranged. Marlene sat next to Cloud and Denzel who sat next to Tifa. Zack sat next to Cloud and Callandra who slid in quickly between the First Class and the ninja. Vincent came next and then finally Cid on Tifa's other side.

Zack kept conversation light, smoothly steering them away from touchy subjects. The meal was filled with laughter and noisy conversation; sometimes more than one conversation took place at once. Callandra ate and watched quietly unused to such boisterous meals. Because of their duties, it was rare when Angeal, Genesis, Sephiroth, and herself found time to all sit down to a meal together. When they had managed it, conversation was pleasant and with Genesis around never boring but it had lacked the unrestrained energy of this gathering.

Feeling eyes on her, Callie looked up to find Tifa watching her with a kind but searching look in her wine colored eyes.

"I wanted to thank you for letting me use your bathroom," Callie said, "And for fixing my clothes. You did a great job."

"I was afraid that you would be upset that I couldn't fix the shirt exactly the way it was," Tifa said, smiling, "I'm glad that you like it."

"Do you and Cloud run this bar together?" Callie asked. It was a way to gain information but she also found that she wanted to talk to the other woman.

"Sometimes," Tifa said after swallowing another bite of lasagna, "Cloud also runs a delivery service, and he spends a lot of time on the road."

"That sword's amazing!" Denzel's voice rose above the rest. The boy was pointing at the Buster Sword that rested against the bar. "Where did you get it?"

For a long moment, Zack gazed wistfully at his sword. When he answered, his voice was soft. "It used to belong to a friend of mine. He called it the Buster Sword. When he . . . died, he left it to me. It's a symbol of my dreams and honor."

Cloud frowned, remembering the two times that Zack had spoken those words to him. First, was before Sephiroth burned Nibelheim and the second was on the cliff where the brunette had died.

"What was his name?" Marlene asked.

"Angeal." Zack met Callandra's gaze across the table.

"What was he like?" Denzel prodded.

Zack found himself unable to speak around the lump in his throat. Though he and Angeal had been reunited within the life stream he had lost his mentor a second time because of Koyoto's interference. He glanced helplessly at Cloud. It was Callandra who finally broke the silence.

"Angeal, was a good man," she told the boy softly.

"You knew him too?" Marlene asked in wonder.

"Yes," Callie said, rising and walking over to the sword. She glanced at Zack for permission and upon receiving a short nod, lifted the sword. "The only things that Angeal loved more than this sword were his friends. Angeal was a quiet man but he didn't need words. His actions showed what kind of man he was. He was a great mentor . . .," her eyes locked with Zack's, "And an even better friend."

"Do you have a sword?" Denzel asked.

"She has two," Zack replied, "They're katanas. Gunblades actually. She's pretty good with them."

"Can we see?" The children asked in unison.

Callandra smiled and shrugged. "Okay. Hold on a minute." The redhead handed Zack his sword then dashed up the stairs.

Marlene was watching Zack. "What is it?" he asked.

"Talking about your friend makes you sad," the little girl replied, "We didn't mean to make you sad."

Zack smiled gently. "Naw. It's okay. It's good for me to remember Angeal. He taught me a lot. The good memories are worth the pain. And, I know I'll see him again."

Footsteps drew all eyes to the stairs. Callandra stopped at the foot of the steps holding a gunblade in each hand. For the first time, Zack realized that the hilts of the blades were different colors. One was a gleaming black interwoven with gold engravings while the other was a brilliant gold interwoven with black engravings. "They're called Dawn and Twilight," Callandra said as she lifted the blades for the children to see. The woman twirled the blades in her hands causing the children to squeal with glee.

"Why call them that?" Yuffie asked.

"I've found that the world is filled with dualities," Callie explained, coming closer to the table. "Everything is centered on a series of opposites that balance each other. Good and evil. Love and hate. While opposite, these things are also connected and cannot exist without the other. Dawn cannot exist without Twilight just as things of light cannot exist without darkness." Her eyes became sad. "If we cannot maintain the balance, disaster is usually the result."

"A lesson that Sephiroth taught all too well."

The room's occupant spun around to find Rufus Shinra standing in the doorway all four of his Turks in attendance. "It's been a while, Callandra."

For several seconds Callie's face seemed frozen as she struggled with her emotions. She had known Rufus since they were children. When the President had been out, she would sneak away from the labs and the two would play hide-and-seek in the President's office suite. He had been kind to her but when he had taken over the company had proven to be more ruthless than his father. Finally, she smirked.

"You know," Callandra cocked her head. "I'm not quite sure how to feel at this moment, Rufus. I'm not sure if some part of me is happy you're alive or sorry that you're not rotting with your father."

The blonde's smile was genuine for a moment. "While, on the other hand, I'm not sure if I'm pleased to see that you were stubborn enough to survive or regretting the complications your presence will cause."

"You could always jump off a cliff," Callie offered.

"Perhaps another time. So it's true," Rufus said, calculating blue eyes shifting, "SOLDIER First Class Zack Fair has been resurrected."

Zack stood slowly, Buster Sword clutched tightly in his hand. "Disappointed? After all, the company went through a lot of trouble to kill me." Violet eyes shifted to the head Turk. "Tseng. It's been a while. I see you lost the pony tail."

"I needed a change." Tseng shrugged, "I believe that you and I have much to talk about when there is time."

"You got that right, buddy," Zack agreed. "Where's Cisssnei?"

"Cissnei left the Turks shortly after . . . after we received news of your death," Reno answered, some vague emotion briefly flashing in his eyes. "She's living in Gongaga with your parents." Reno's eyes locked with Zack's, "Ciss said it was the least that she owed you. I think she's what kept them sane all this time."

Sky blue eyes shimmered with tears as Zack swallowed. "Cissnei's a good friend," Zack whispered hoarsely, "I hope she's well."

"She is. They all are," Tseng soothed before his lips lifted in an odd smirk, "Callandra, it's rather ironic that you would find your way into this rascal's company."

"Maybe I like rascals," her eyes lit with the tease, "That's your problem, Tseng. You're just too serious."

"What about me, Red," Reno drawled, his EMR tapping gently against his shoulder, "Aren't you going to say hello?"

"Hello, Reno," Callandra sniffed, "I see you've managed not to crash into a mountain yet."

"Well ain't this just a fuckin' wonderful little reunion," Cid cracked, "Anyone care to tell me just what the hell's going on here?"

"What are you doing here, Rufus?" Cloud demanded, rising to stand at Zack's side. Callie eased forward to Zack's other side, gun blades gripped tightly in her hands. The other members of Avalanche rose slowly to their feet. True, the Turks and Rufus had helped them during the Reunion but they had been through too much to trust a Shinra completely. The Turks sometimes stopped by the bar for lunch but Rufus almost never had any direct contact with them. It made Cloud uneasy that something had Rufus concerned enough to come himself.

"I merely came to confirm the rumors," Rufus shrugged, "It's not every day that the dead come back to life. Though, I must admit I'm surprised to find Callandra here." Cold blue swerved to study the female SOLDIER. "You proved very hard to find, my dear. It was most vexing for my father."

"I'm touched that he looked, Rufus," Callie sneered, "I'm sure Hojo was so disappointed in his failure."

Rufus' frosty eyes became glacial. "You know I hated that bastard just as much as you did, Callandra. The pits of Ifrit are too good for that slime."

"What do you want, Rufus?" Callie sighed tiredly, "No bullshit. Get to the point."

"Very well," Rufus said, "I want your help tracking down Koyoto."

"What do you know about that asshole?" Zack demanded, "And why would I want your help dealing with him? I don't exactly have the best history with Shinra if you'll remember."

"Despite the unpleasant . . . termination of your position, you were one of our best, Zack," Rufus reminded him, "Surely, not all the memories are bad."

Pain and anger warred in Zack's eyes. "You know nothing about it. You have two seconds to tell me what you want or so help me . . ."

"Zack," Callie murmured, grabbing his arm lightly, "Maybe we should hear him out? We might learn something useful."

"I want nothing to do with Shinra," Zack growled, blazing blue eyes locking with hers.

"Neither do I," Callie said evenly, "But we can't pass up an opportunity to learn more about our enemy. Besides," she glared at Rufus and his Turks, "I can always kill them if I think they're lying."

"Hold up a minute," Reno interjected lazily, hold his hands up soothingly, "I think we're getting off track. We got a lot to talk about but I don't think this is a subject for the kiddies, yo," Reno gestured towards Marlene and Denzel who watched the confrontation with wide eyes.

"Reno's right," Tifa said, laying a soothing hand on Cloud's arm. His hands had balled into fists but relaxed under her touch. "Let's just calm down and talk about this, okay? Marlene and Denzel, please go upstairs. Stay there until we come and get you."

"But Tifa!" both children whined.

"Do what Tifa told you," Cloud said firmly, "You can watch TV in my room. No eavesdropping either."

Sighing, Marlene and Denzel nodded and stomped up the stairs. Despite the tense atmosphere in the room, the adults couldn't help but be amused. Elena let out a giggle from her position behind Rufus.

Diplomatically, Tseng gestured towards one of the tables. "May we sit, Tifa?"

Flashing the head Turk a grateful look she nodded. "Of course. I'll get us something to drink. I think we'll need it."

One by one, the others sat down, thanking the brunette absently as she placed their favorite drinks in front of them. For Yuffie she provided Sake. Cloud usually drank Rum and Zack and Callandra indicated that they'd take the same. Vincent mutely accepted his glass of bourbon and Cid just grabbed the bottle of Corellian whiskey. Tifa hesitated then looked over at Rufus. "I know Rude, Elena and Reno prefer whiskey but what about you, Rufus?"

"Scotch will suffice," Rufus replied. After delivering a glass of scotch for Rufus and Reno, Elena and Rude's whiskey, Tifa served Tseng's Sake last. Reminded of Tseng's Wutain ancestry, Yuffie and the Turk shared a look across the table.

Yuffie stuck out her tongue. "Damned Turkey," she muttered.

Chuckling, Tseng lifted his glass, "Always a pleasure, Princess."

Tifa took her seat next to Cloud and the blonde glared over at Rufus. "Okay, Rufus, tell us why you give a damn about Koyoto."

Taking a sip of his scotch Rufus met Cloud's glare calmly. "It recently came to my attention that one of Shinra's former scientist had started gathering all of Hojo's notes that he could."

"And you cared because . . ." Cloud pressed.

"Don't be a fool," Rufus snorted, "We've all seen the dangers that mixing mako with humans can bring. The Stigma drove out any lingering doubts in my head. So," Rufus leaned back in his chair, "I sent my Turks to investigate." Taking another sip of his drink, he sighed. "It seems the man is intent on recreating his own version of SOLDIER . . . with men engineered to be as close to Sephiroth as possible."

"What?" Vincent hissed, "The people of this planet did not got through so much suffering to overthrow one tyrant to witness the rise of another."

"Over my dead body," Cid barked.

Smirking at Vincent's use of the word "tyrant" in reference to Shinra, Rufus nodded in agreement. "I think we've all had enough of the past . . . unpleasantness."

"Then why were you looking for Jenova's head?" Cloud demanded, "I let it slide then because you guys helped us with the Remnants but now I need to know."

"I was searching for a cure for Geostigma," the blonde said calmly.

"If Jenova cells were at the root of the stigma," Tseng said, "It was likely that they could also show us a way through the problem."

"Yeah," Reno drawled, "Not everyone was ready to just roll over and die."

Frowning, Cloud whipped him the finger. It bothered him to think of how ready he was to give up at the time.

Sensing his friend's unease, Zack turned the subject from Cloud, "So, what are you getting at? What do you want from us?"

"I propose that we join forces," Rufus said, "I'll have my Turks help keep Koyoto's men off you and provide information in exchange for your help dismantling their operation."

"Sounds reasonable," Cloud admitted, eyeing Rufus suspiciously. There's something he's not saying.

"Ouside, Rufus," Callandra stood, startling everyone.

The ex-president shot her a glare. "Pardon?"

"I want to speak to you outside," she repeated, gesturing to the door impatiently.

The Turks started to stand as Rufus did so grudgingly but Callie shook her head.

"No. Tseng only since he's permanently attached anyway."

"Reno will accompany us as well," Rufus insisted, "But the rest will remain here."

Considering a moment, Callie nodded. "Fine."

"Yer goin' by yerself?" Cid asked suspiciously.

Jade eyes hardened to green diamonds. She understood Cid's suspicion but that didn't mean it didn't irritate her. "Fine. I'll ask Cloud and Zack to go with me. Wouldn't want me striking a deal with the devil that destroyed my entire life after all." A scathing snort issued a patrician nose. "Unless you don't trust them?"

"Fine. Suits me," Cid growled, "And don't put words in my mouth."

Rolling her eyes, Callandra, Rufus and the others stepped out in the early evening air.

"What is it?" Rufus snapped once they were outside.

"I know you better than this," Callandra crossed her arms, "You're hiding something. You're not being completely honest about your reasons for getting involved."

Frosty blue eyes calculated then became resigned. Even after all this time she knew him well. "Three days ago, Koyoto's men attempted to abduct me. The Turks drove them off but I assume they'll try again."

"Wait a minute," Cloud shook his head, "They tried to kidnap you, and then they bring Zack back from the life stream. Why?"

"Don't you get it, yo?" Reno sighed impatiently. "The boss was injected with mako and Jenova cells. SOLDIER boy here was one of the best there was. He's been injected with S-Cells according to Hojo's files and so have you. It's safe to assume that you're next on Koyoto's hit list. If he captured any or all of you, he'd be able to get a lot more insight into Hojo's work. Plus, if he could find a way to control you the whack job'd have a lot a fire power at his disposal."

"But," Zack glanced anxiously at Callandra, "What about Callandra. Isn't she . . . " Zack trailed off uneasily.

"I'm as close to Sephiroth as he'll ever get," Callandra whispered, her face ashen.

"He's going to come after you," Rufus predicted, "He's already got some mako enhanced goons working for him. We haven't been able to determine where he's getting the mako from. His base of operations is probably located near one of the old reactors but we haven't been able to find it."

"And there's safety in numbers," Cloud deduced.

"Correct," Tseng said, "We all want the same thing here."

"I don't see that we have a choice," Cloud sighed.

Zack frowned not liking the situation but agreeing with Cloud. "Our best bet is if we all watch each other's backs."

"I'm warning you, Rufus," Callie's face was grave, "Don't cross us."

"It's always the same with you," he drawled, "However I am surprised that you'd latch onto the group the killed your precious Sephiroth."

Flinching, any remaining color drained from Callandra's already pale skin. Zack touched her arm reassuringly, glared at Rufus and growled, "That was low."

"It was only the truth," Rufus taunted.

Feeling the arm under his hand tremble, Zack took a step towards the ex-President. Reno and Tseng tensed as did Cloud.

"Wait," Callandra choked then took a deep steadying breath. She allowed the pain to show in her eyes as she looked up into the glacial eyes.

"We were friends once, weren't we?" she asked quietly.

Eyes softening slightly, Rufus said, "We were."

"Then trust me now. Walk with me?"

"Callie . . ." Zack protested.

"It's fine," she said "I'm fine. Well?"

"Very well. We won't go far," Rufus reassured Tseng when the man started to protest. He turned his gaze back to the redhead. "Callandra has always been a woman of her word."

They walked together in silence until they were out of the mako-enhanced hearing range of the others. Sighing, Callandra stopped walking and turned to face her former friend. "I know very well who they are," she began, "And what they've done. I thought I'd hate them for it but I don't. My reasons are my own. I don't understand them myself but I won't let you hurt them, Rufus. If you betray them I will stand with them."

A heavy silence stretched between the two as Rufus gauged her sincerity. Finally, he nodded solemnly. "Despite all my sins, Callandra, I swear that this time I have no intentions to harm or betray. I have much to atone for. I've start to make amends in various ways but I doubt it will ever be sufficient."

"Don't disappoint me, Rufus," Callie pleaded.

"I won't," the words were a solemn pledge. After a moment he tilted his head quizzically. "How did you become involved with this bunch?"

Sweet laughter filled the air. "It's a long story but I'll give you the abridged version." As they walked slowly back to the others she filled him on the last few days.

The spectators sighed in relief as the air danced on Callandra's laughter and the pair turned back towards them conversing amiably. There had been a few tense moments as the two had stopped just out of their hearing range but then Rufus had nodded and the tension had leaked from the air. As Rufus and Callandra rejoined them, the redhead gave Zack and Cloud a reassuring smile. "It's okay. I think we understand each other."

"Perfectly," Rufus agreed rolling his eyes, "So where should be begin?"

"I don't know about you guys," Zack said, "But I'm going home. I need to see my parents. That hasn't changed."

"You're not going alone are you?" Rufus frowned, "That would be unwise."

"Me, Cid, and Callandra are going too," Cloud informed him.

"Can you call Cissnei for me?" Zack asked, "It'd probably be better if they had some warning."

"No problem," Reno nodded.

"I'll do better," Rufus added, "If it is acceptable, Reno and Rude will accompany you. I'm sure they'd like to see Cissnei and it will provide additional protection."

"What about Tifa and the kids?" Zack pointed out, "Yuffie and Vincent are staying but still . . ."

"I'll call Barrett and Nanaki. I'm sure they could come and stay until we get back," Cloud decided, "I'll contact Reeve too. It's time the WRO got involved."

"Tseng and Elena will also help keep an eye out for trouble around here," Rufus offered.

"Thanks," Cloud said, after a brief hesitation. He turned back for the bar. "Come on. We've got a lot to do before we leave tomorrow."

Violet eyes lit up at the thought of returning home so soon. "Thanks, Cloud," Zack said softly.

A rare, brilliant smile lit Cloud's face as he put his arm around Zack's shoulder and lead him inside with the others following. "Don't mention it."

Well, there ya go guys. It took a while but here it is. Sorry it took so long but the holidays kicked my butt and then this chapter just really gave me a hard time. Let me know what you think.

RobynxGraves: Thanks. This chapter was more serious but I hope you still like it.

Shade the bat: Glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing!