Callandra browsed the racks, selecting the items she needed. The shop associates eyed her and her twin gunblades warily but a friendly smile and the size of her purchases quickly eased the tensions.
Fingering a light blue skirt, Callie bit her lip. She could count on her fingers the number of times she'd worn a skirt or a dress but she liked it.
"You would look lovely in that," one of the clerks said, "If you'd like I can help you pick out a top."
Why not? "I'd like that. Thank you." Callie added the skirt to the pile and followed the woman.
Twenty minutes later, Callie thanked the woman again and left the shop. Walking across the street, she spotted Zack in line at a hot dog stand. Smiling, she moved to join him, only to freeze as another man walked up behind Zack and laid a hand on his shoulder. Reaching behind her back for Twilight, Callie darted in Zack's direction.
Anxiously, Callandra watched Zack's eyes widen in shocked recognition.
"Kunsel?!"
Zack's brilliant smile eased her anxiety and she slowed her pace as the men embraced, thumping each other on the back.
"Where have you been, Zack?" Kunsel demanded as they parted.
"It's a long story, man," Zack said, still grinning, "It's good to see you again."
"They said you were dead," Kunsel said, "I didn't believe it. What the hell happened in Nibelheim?"
"I can't explain here," Zack said as Callie joined them, "By the way, Kunsel, meet Callandra."
The ex-SOLIDER turned with a friendly grin, which faded quickly when he saw her eyes. "Whoa!" He took a step back.
"It's cool," Zack said, hastily, "But again, this isn't the place."
"Why don't we take this back to Cloud's villa?" Callie suggested calmly, "We need to get back soon anyway."
Her reaction bothered Zack. Callandra was too calm and her features showed no offense. Only now did Zack realize that this was a practiced response. Callandra had faced this reaction enough times that she found it natural and inevitable. She accepted that Sephiroth's shadow hung over her and probably always would.
It wasn't fair and it caused Zack's gentle heart to ache. Sighing he said, "Callie's right. Come with us and I'll explain."
Kunsel hesitated but he trusted Zack. "Sure," he said finally, "It's gotta be one hell of a story."
Wanting to show Kunsel that he trusted Callandra and also to offer the woman some reassurance, Zack placed a hand on the small of her back and urged her to walk beside him.
"So, what's been up with you?" Zack asked.
"Well, I made Second a few months after you disappeared." Kunsel shrugged, "Then I finally made First a couple years later. Didn't last long. I got out just after Shinra dropped the plate. Thanks to AVALANCHE the company was too busy to come after me. I just . . . couldn't stay anymore after that. It was too much. Been moving around place to place ever since. I'm currently on vacation."
"What happened?" Zack sighed, "Everything changed so fast back then."
"No," Callie disagreed softly, "Very little changed. The company simply stopped hiding its secrets as well. With the truth came consequences." Her fist clenched against the pain as she thought of those consequences.
"You were with Shinra?" Kunsel asked, "I figured but . . ."
"For most of my life," she said.
"Turks?" Kunsel guessed.
Pausing at the door of Cloud's beach house, Callandra met Kunsel's gaze with a rueful grin. "No. I was SOLDIER."
"What? There weren't any women SOLDIERS," Kunsel spluttered.
"I promise, Kunsel, I explain everything the best I can," Zack said, "Just let's go inside first. Come on in."
Zack tried the knob and found it unlocked. Cloud and Reno were already there and their relief was obvious. However their expressions stiffened when the saw the man at Zack's side.
"It's okay," Zack assured, "He's a friend. Kunsel meet Cloud Strife and Reno."
"Reno and I have met," Kunsel said distastefully, "Turks? You'd better start explaining, Fair, 'cause none of this makes sense."
Sighing, Zack dropped down on the couch making a mental note to tease Cloud about having his own freakin' villa some more later.
"You'd better have a seat," Reno smirked, "This is gonna take a while."
Together, they did their best to bring Kunsel up to speed. Callandra told of her childhood as one of Hojo's experiments and her bond with Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth. She spoke in a detached voice glossing over many details so that only what Kunsel needed to understand was exposed. The others said nothing, having no desire to make her vulnerable like that.
Next, Zack and Cloud spoke hesitantly of Sephiroth's fall in the reactor, touching only briefly on their time in the lab, and then moving quickly on to their time on the run and Zack's death on the cliffs. Together, Zack and Callie told of Zack's resurrection and their flight across the wastelands.
Kunsel listened carefully. Though Kunsel suspected Callandra kept many things back, he was not without sympathy for her. He'd seen what Angeal's loss had done to Zack. She'd lost the only family she'd known and had no one to turn to. Yet, it was Zack's tale that caused his jaw to clench as he fought back bitter tears. Shinra had imprisoned, experimented on, and then hunted down like an animal the best person he'd ever known. All this done by the company Kunsel had continued to work for. His eyes shifted to Cloud. This was the boy Zack had given his life to protect. Cloud returned his gaze and Kunsel was satisfied with what he saw in the blonde's eyes. Cloud felt the full weight of what Zack had sacrificed. The blonde's eyes shifted to the raven-haired man and Kunsel saw the affection and the bond of a deep friendship.
"Four years in a lab and then . . ." Kunsel trailed off and shook his head. He looked up guiltily at Zack. "I'm sorry, Zack. I don't know how to make it up to you."
"What?" Zack asked.
"You went through all that and the whole time I was working for the bastards responsible," Kunsel growled.
"It's not your fault," Zack frowned.
"There wasn't anything you coulda done," Reno spoke up, "The Turks tried."
"Damn it, Zack," Kunsel stood restlessly, "You died! You were my best friend and I didn't do a damn thing to help you."
"You didn't know," Zack rose, laying a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I don't blame you. Got that?"
Kunsel nodded as he tried to absorb everything "Still. . . the things we did . . ."
"None of our hands are clean," Callandra said softly, her eyes sad, "We've all done things because of Shinra that we regret."
Their gazes held for several heartbeats then Kunsel nodded. He turned to look at Zack again. "What can I do? I wanna help."
"It's going to be dangerous," Cloud said.
Kunsel grinned, "I was SOLDIER. I can handle it."
"What about your family," Zack asked, "Koyoto won't hesitate to use them against you."
"It's fine. You know my dad died when I was a kid. Mom died of cancer a few years ago," Kunsel said, "There's no one they can use against me."
Zack hesitated and Kunsel looked at his friend solemnly. "I need to do this, Zack. No one wants to see another force like that rise again. I couldn't be there for you then. Let me help you now."
"Thanks," Zack nodded slowly.
"So what now?" Kunsel pressed.
"We're going to visit Zack's parents," Callie said, coming closer. She was aware of the way Kunsel watched her. She accepted it. It would take time for him to come to trust her. "After that . . . well we haven't got that far."
"That's less than reassuring," Kunsel frowned.
"The President and the Director are working on that part," Reno explained, "We're heading back to Edge in a few days and we'll see what they've found out. We'll go from there."
"It'll be good to have another fighter," Cloud added.
"Cloud?" Callie said.
"Yeah?" he replied.
"I know Cid's waiting but would you mind if I used the shower first?" Callie asked.
"Help yourself," Cloud nodded, "There should be towels in the closet. Bathroom's right through there."
"Thanks," Callie grabbed her bags and headed in the direction indicated.
"Are you sure about her?" Kunsel pressed as soon as they heard the click of the bathroom door.
"Callandra saved my ass," Zack reminded him.
"She's not what you think," Cloud added.
"Trust me," Zack pleaded, "You don't have to worry about her."
"Hell," Reno chuckled, "If you can handle me you shouldn't have any problem with her."
"Yeah," Kunsel smirked, "But only because I trust your judgment Zack."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Entering the bathroom, Callie spied a radio on the bathroom counter. She quickly switched it on hoping to block out the conversation she knew was happening in her absence.
As often as she argued that she was more than the sum of Hojo's experiments, Callandra still found the suspicious, frightened reaction difficult to bear. They made her feel like the monsters others feared her to be. She didn't hold it against them. Yet that didn't mean it didn't hurt. She just refused to show it. Sighing, she set out her shampoo and body wash and dug a couple of towels out of the closet.
Still able to hear the others and smiling slightly at Zack's defense of her, Callie stripped quickly and stepped under the spray allowing the water to drown out everything else.
Pouring some shampoo into her hand, Callie sought shelter in her memory as she scrubbed her scalp.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Twelve year old Callandra sat quietly in the chair as the Technician prepared her routine injection of mako. As she waited, she studied the man. He had light brown hair and eyes and seemed to be in his early twenties. He must be new, as she had not seen him before.
"Ready?" the man asked rhetorically as he swabbed a spot on her arm.
Callie nodded, and took a deep breath as the needle pierced the skin. She knew something was wrong as soon as the substance entered her vein. The mako-fire burning her was too intense, and the stomach cramps were too sharp and came too quickly.
"W-wait!," she cried jerking away.
Alarmed, the technician pulled away but it was too late. The mako was already racing through her system, pushed forward with every beat of her heart. The technician watched helplessly as Callandra screamed and clawed at her arm.
"Something's wrong!" she said, her cry strangled as she vomited blood and mako onto the floor.
"What is going on here!" Hojo demanded drawn by the noise. Callandra never fussed during her treatments. He wished all his experiments were so poised.
The scientist quickly assessed the girl's condition. "You fool! You've overdosed her. Get a gurney in here. We have to get her stabilized." As the other scientists and technicians scrambled to obey Hojo's instructions, the scientist glared at the technician who'd delivered the injection. "If I lose my experiment because of your incompetence there'll be hell to pay."
Callandra cried out again and Hojo scowled. "What are you idiots waiting for? Get her on the gurney!"
One of the techs took the girl's arm to lift her but she growled and pulled away.
"Don't touch me," she yelled.
She lifted her head and the mako flared so brightly that her jade eyes shifted to silver.
Another, burlier man reached for her and she snarled lashing out with her small fist. Already stronger than normal humans, the blow sent the man zipping back into a nearby cart sending syringes, scalpels and other equipment spinning dangerously through the air.
"I said don't touch me," Callandra shrieked. She grabbed a lamp and hurled it at one of the scientists, "Get out. Get away from me."
"Everyone out," Hojo ordered, "Get Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis in here. Now."
The room's occupants backed away as Callandra continued to rage. The pain left little room for thought. All she knew was that the pain was excruciating and that these people were responsible.
Hojo scowled as Callandra cried out again before slamming her fists into some very sensitive equipment. The panel sparked then exploded.
The fit continued for fifteen more minutes until the three Firsts skidded into the lab.
"It's about time," Hojo huffed. "One of the imbecile technicians accidently overdosed her." Hojo shoved a capped syringe into Sephiroth's hand. "We must sedate her before we can fix this mess. She won't let anyone near her."
Nodding, Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis stepped carefully into the room where Callandra continued her tantrum. One arm wrapped around her stomach as she vomited more blood and mako onto the white tiles. When she finished she sent another cart crashing into the wall.
"Callandra. Stop. We're here to help you, little one," Sephiroth called soothingly.
The girl's head snapped up and the anger drained from her face when she saw the familiar faces. "Seph? Angeal? Gen?"
"We're here, sweet," Genesis called, pitching his lyrical voice to be as reassuring as possible.
"It hurts," she whimpered, "I – I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You've been overdosed, kitten," Angeal said, "But we can fix it. We need you to calm down though and allow the scientists to help you."
"No," Callandra shook her head violently, "I don't want them near me."
"Callandra, you're sick," Sephiroth scolded gently, "You must be reasonable. This was an accident. The technician didn't mean to do this to you. Would we let anyone hurt you?"
"No," Callandra whispered, "I trust you." She shuddered and vomited again. Weakly, she sank back against the wall.
Now that she was calmer, the three men approached. Angeal quickly took the disoriented, frightened girl in his arms. "We've got you," he murmured.
"I'm going to give you a shot," Sephiroth told her, "It'll help you relax."
"Okay," Callandra agreed wearily. She was so glad they were here. She couldn't think anymore and there wasn't anyone she trusted more. Genesis ran a hand over her hair and she sighed leaning into the touch.
Quickly, Sephiroth slid the needle into a vein. Callandra didn't flinch. "There," he said, "You should feel better soon."
"We're going to let the scientists back in now so they can help you," Angeal said as she relaxed into his arms.
"Okay," Callandra agreed sleepily, "Stay with me?"
"Of course," Genesis promised as Sephiroth gestured Hojo and the others in.
Angeal lifted Callandra and placed her gently on the gurney. As the scientists warily surrounded them, Sephiroth squeezed her hand. "One of us will always be near," he said, "There's no need to be afraid."
Sleepily, Callandra nodded as the gurney was pushed down the hall. Angeal, Sephiroth, and Genesis followed closely. Their murmured assurances were the last thing she heard before the darkness took her.
It was two days before Callandra woke up. The men kept their promise and one of them was always with her. Sephiroth could not be there as often as he wished, for he was the General of the armies and had responsibilities that no one else could perform. Yet, he was with her as often as he could be and had all his calls forwarded to the lab. Angeal and Genesis took turns sitting by the bed and Genesis often read Loveless to her hoping she found the verses as soothing as he did.
When consciousness returned, it did so painfully and slowly. She felt strong arms around her and heard Genesis voice reading the familiar passages. To the left, she heard the barely detectable falls of Sephiroth's feet. Her eyes slid open and she glanced around her in confusion.
"She's awake," Angeal's voice came from above her. She quickly realized that he was next to her on the bed and it was his chest she was leaning against. Sephiroth and Genesis faces appeared in seconds.
Sephiroth brushed his thumb across her cheek. "Welcome back," he said, "We've missed you."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Blinking her way back to the present, Callandra leaned her head against the shower wall.
"What happened to us?" she whispered. Clenching her jaw against the ache, she quickly finished her shower. Turning off the water and wrapping a towel around her body, she stepped out onto the soft rug. Grabbing a brush, she quickly smoothed the tangles from her hair before twisting it into a braid. Fifteen minutes later, once again dressed in her uniform, Callandra emerged from the bathroom.
The boys were lazily sprawled on the couch and in chairs, watching TV while they waited.
"Feel better?" Zack asked when he noticed her.
"Yeah," Callie nodded, "I guess I'm ready when you are."
"Let's get going then," Reno said, standing, "I told Cissnei we'd be there sometime this afternoon. She said she'd kill me if we were late."
"I just need to get my things from the hotel," Kunsel said, "Shouldn't take long."
"Let's go," Zack said, "My parents have waited a long time."
Fortunately, the hotel where Kunsel was staying was only a few blocks from Cloud's beach house. As they walked, Kunsel took the opportunity to observe Callandra. The woman's presence instinctively made him nervous. Yet, as he watched, he found little or nothing of Sephiroth in her. She joked easily with Zack and Reno and seemed to be warming up to the quieter Cloud. He'd just keep an eye on her, Kunsel decided. After all, everyone deserved a chance.
When the group entered the lobby of Kunsel's hotel the ex-SOLDIER turned to his companions. "Just wait here. I shouldn't be long."
Kunsel stepped into the elevator while the others took seats in the lounge. Reno sat in an armchair while Callandra sat between Cloud and Zack on the sofa.
"Nervous yet, Fair?" Reno asked idly.
"Only a lot," Zack admitted.
"It'll be fine," Cloud soothed.
"They never liked it that I joined SOLDIER," Zack sighed, "And look what happened. I can't begin to guess what they'll think."
"They'll think that you're their son," Callie said softly, "I'm sure that in the end that's all that will matter."
"Right," Zack gave the girl a grateful grin, "Thanks."
Soon after, Kunsel came back down the elevator and ten minutes after that they were leaving town. When the group reached the Shera, Cid was waiting impatiently on the ramp smoking a cigarette.
"Hell, I thought ya took up residence," Cid grumped, "Where the hell ya been? And who the hell is that?"
"Sorry," Zack said, "We got sidetracked. Ran into an old friend of mine. Ex-SOLDIER like me. Cid meet Kunsel."
"Heya," Kunsel grinned up at the pilot.
"Howdy," Cid acknowledged, "Now get your asses on board."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The closer they came to Gongaga, the more nervous Zack became. Soon he was pacing across the bridge.
"Settle the hell down," Cid snapped, "You're driving me nuts."
"Sorry," Zack sighed, running a hand through his spikes, "How long 'till we get there?" Cid glowered and forced himself to stand still.
"'Bout an hour and a half," Cid said, "Look, kid, I can understand why you're nervous but ya gotta stop before ya wear a damn hole in my floor."
"Come on," Callie said, taking Zack's arm, "Let's go up to the deck. The air will do you good."
"That's a good idea," Cloud encouraged, "I could use some air too."
"Okay," Zack agreed, "Sounds good. At least I won't take Cid with me on my trip to crazy."
"Short trip on both accounts," Reno chuckled.
"Listen here ya little shit," Cid growled.
Zack, Callie, and Cloud quickly left the room while Kunsel smirked and leaned against the wall to watch the show.
"At it again," Callie laughed as the door closed behind them.
"Reno just likes to push Cid's buttons," Cloud grinned.
Laughing, they ascended to the deck. Callie and Cloud kept the conversation light as they gazed at the earth below. Though his anxiety did not disappear, Zack was able to push it to the back of his mind.
"Remind me to call Tifa when we get there," Cloud said, "She'll worry otherwise."
"It won't be long now," Zack said, looking down at the passing landscape. "I can't believe it. I'm really going home. We were here before," Zack looked over at Cloud, ". . . while we were running. But, the Turks were here too and I never got the chance to see them. And then . . . well, you know what happened."
The ship started to drop as Cid prepared to land. "Oh Gaia," Zack whispered, near panicking.
"C'mon," Cloud laid a hand on his friend's shoulder, "We should go in."
Zack nodded and forced himself away from the rail. "Right."
Reno and Kunsel were waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. "Was just comin' to look for ya," the Turk said, "Ciss is supposed to meet us at the designated landing point."
Though still scared, Zack found his heart warming at the idea of seeing the former Turk again. Cissnei had been a good friend and Zack was very fond of her. "Yeah," he said, taking a deep breath, "Let's go."
Cid joined them and then ordered the ramp lowered. Cissnei waited for them at the bottom. Zack squared his shoulders and led the way pausing just three steps away from his friend.
Cissnei stared up at him for a long moment. Slowly, a smile lit her face and she lifted a trembling hand to his, running fingers lightly over the X-shaped scar on his jaw.
"Hey, Cissnei," Zack whispered with a sheepish grin. He let out a startled "Oof" when the girl threw her body into his, hugging him tightly.
"It really is you," Cissnie whispered and Zack felt her tears wet the front of his shirt.
"It's me," Zack confirmed, wrapping his arms around her slender body completing the embrace. He waited until Cissnei sniffled and pulled back, quickly wiping away her tears.
"I'm so glad you're back," Cissnei said, "I just couldn't believe it."
"I'm hurt," Reno teased, walking forward, "Ya outta know I wouldn't lie to ya about somethin' like this."
"Yeah," Cissnei grinned, accepting a one armed hugged from the redhead, "Even you aren't crazy enough to dream something like this up."
"Damn straight," Reno chuckled.
"So," Cissnei said, turning sharp eyes to the others, "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"
"Uh, yeah," Zack scratched the back of his neck, "This is my buddy, Cloud, I'm sure you remember him."
"Yes," Cissnei nodded, "It's nice to finally meet you, Cloud."
Cloud nodded.
"This is Cid Highwind," Zack gestured at the pilot.
"Hi," Cid said, lighting a cigarette.
"This is Kunsel," Zack shrugged, "He was in SOLDIER. You may remember him."
"I think we'd seen each other around," Kunsel agreed.
"And this is Callandra," Zack said, holding his breath as he waited for Cissnei's reaction.
The girl's eyes widened and she sucked in a tiny breath.
"Long story," Reno murmured, "Need to know and all that shit. We'll talk later but it's all cool. Trust me."
And Cissnei did for she offered the other woman a pleasant smile. "It's nice to meet you," she said.
"Likewise," Callie returned the smile.
"Now," Cissnei said, "We'd better get going. Your parents are waiting, Zack."
The ex-SOLDIER swallowed and Cissnei laid a comforting hand on his arm. "It's okay, Zack. You don't have anything to be afraid of."
Searching her whiskey colored eyes, Zack found only truth and affection. "Yeah, I'm just being silly."
As they walked through the jungle to the village, Zack breathed deeply of the thick Gongagan air. There was a taint of mako though it had faded sharply in the years since the reactor had exploded.
"Cissnei," Zack began haltingly, "The reactor . . . and the town."
"It's fine," Cissnei said, "It was rough for a few years after the explosion but then the WRO stepped in and helped us rebuild. A lot of people died and it isn't what it was yet but we're getting there."
"'We', huh?" Zack teased, though he liked how Cissnei identified herself with his people now.
"This is my home," Cissnei said simply.
Breaking through the trees, Zack stepped onto the dirt roads of his home. It wasn't nearly as bad he had feared. The people bustled through the town and the children played in the streets just as he had. The smell of freshly baked bread and sweets floated in the air. The town's population was smaller and the cemetery was larger than he remembered bearing testament to the tragedy the people had endured. But they had survived and it filled Zack with pride. These were his people and this was his home.
The townspeople watched them curiously but did not approach. They waved to Cissnei and smiled but seemed to understand that this wasn't the time. Zack recognized many of the faces. There was Mrs. White who used to give him cookies and cakes. There was gruff Mr. Plains who had chased Zack and his friends from his yard daily.
Cissnei led them to a house on the same plot of land which he remembered from his childhood. As they stepped into the yard, the door opened and an older couple stepped out. His mother came first, her dark hair dappled with spots of gray but still beautiful. His father came next, older but he stood straight and strong and his blue eyes sparkled with tearful joy.
"Zack?" Mrs. Fair whispered, "Oh Gaia. You're really home."
"Yeah, Mama," Zack said through a tight throat, "I'm home."
Mrs. Fair opened her arms and Zack eagerly stepped into the embrace. His father's arms quickly joined hers and the tears flowed freely from their eyes.
Cloud and the others stood back, smiling with joy that this family had been reunited. Callandra and Cissnei shared a look and their smiles widened as they each wiped away a tear.
Face buried in his mother's hair, Zack cried tears of pain and joy, of discovery and loss, and his heart sang over and over, I'm home.
Well, there ya go another chapter. I'm feeling pretty inspired right now. My FFVII muses are cooperating nicely. I wish my DMC muses were behaving half as well. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and as always thanks for the reviews and support.
KajiMori: I know I always did love Kunsel. Now Luxiere, I think that was his name was creepy and a little scuzbag. But Kunsel was a good friend to Zack. If he could have helped him he would have. I hope you found this chapter to be enjoyable. Thanks for reviewing!
Sadisticxdemon: I'm very, very flattered. I'm really very happy that you're enjoying this so much and hope you continue to do so. Thanks for the review!
Shade the Bat: Kunsel was definitely cool and I'm sure my opinion of him is obvious after this chapter. And you gotta love Reno . . . even when you want to strangle him. LOL. Thanks!
HowCynaminRolls: Hmmm. I think you're confusing Kunsel with Luxiere who was a total creep. He was all "Let me catch you Zack so that I can reap the glory and I'll see if I can help you out afterward. I totally disliked him. Kunsel was a much better friend. Now, if you stabbed Luxiere I would totally support that action. LOL. Thanks for the review.
Oddball167: Puppy eyes can excuse almost anything. LOL. I personally had a wonderful July 4th so thank you. I'm glad that you feel the character interaction is natural as I put a lot of effort into it. Thanks so much for the encouragement and the review!
TigerRaiken: Cid has his moments. And I got your flashback in there so I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review!
Mauve Rune: I'm glad you like her. She's very complex in her own way and I'm trying to make her as unique as possible. I want her to seem like a real person. Thanks so much for the review!!