Warning!: Sexual situations may be present within the chapter
I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol
I do own my own character – Jalyne and other originals.
Chapter 79- The River
"Are you absolutely certain?"
"No." the reply came. "Just a strong pull and feeling, Sir."
The white-haired Turk came to stand with the President at the window. He raised an eyebrow at her with a side-long glance. "And you think there's something happening in the Mideel area?"
"With all due respect, Sir." Reno interjected. "We haven't seen Cloud or Zack in a long while, yo."
Rufus turned to the eccentric Turk with a penetrating gaze before turning thoughtful with a glance at Tseng. "What are your thoughts?" He questioned the Director. "Can we afford to send her?"
Tseng looked at his two Turks with an impartial look, mulling the situation over. After a moment's thought, he nodded at the President. Tseng knew Jalyne all too well and if she had premonitions, visions, or feelings; it would be wise to follow up upon them. Of course, he also knew that she would be guided by her emotions and would take matters into her own hands.
"Jalyne?" The President turned to her. "Are you absolutely sure?"
The Empress nodded looking out to the sun that was just rising over Midgar. "They are lost, Sir." She paused, turning to Tseng and Rufus. "They cannot escape. Something is keeping them within the Lifestream."
"You know that Genesis may still be in the area." Tseng stated.
Jalyne nodded at him. "It is a chance I'll have to take, Sir."
"You won't be alone." Rufus started walking to his desk. "Reno is going with you."
"That's not…"
"My orders." He cut her off. "Don't underestimate that SOLDIER either."
Jalyne wisely shut her mouth and nodded with a glance at her beloved.
"Keep in contact." The president continued as Jalyne glided past him towards the door. "By any means." He added with a light smirk towards her abilities.
She turned quickly with a nod. "I will, Sir."
The ride towards Mideel was uneventful and Reno was glad for the nonexistent amusement or excitement. He needed a few minutes to think upon the wonderfulness of the previous night. Turquoise eyes glanced out of the window of the cockpit to survey the landscape abroad with the rising sun reflecting off of the ground.
Reno glanced at the empress, wondering what she was thinking. She met his gaze with a slight nod and flicked on the communications.
"What are you thinking about, Baelo?" she questioned lightly.
"Everything, yo." He answered.
"All at once?" Jalyne pressed.
Reno turned to her fully and stuck out his tongue with a wink. "You know I do, yo."
She nodded and grinned at him. "Are you ready?"
"Depends on what we're being ready for, yo."
Again, Jalyne nodded. "I am not sure." The empress closed her eyes and reached outward towards the southeast to Mideel. She could feel them, the ex-SOLDIERs that were lost. They were close, but it seemed that they couldn't get a foothold on this plane.
"I should let Tifa and the others know that I may have found them."
"Rufus wants them brought in."
Jalyne stared at him with a brow raised. "And you really thought I would agree to that request, Baelo?"
"Not really, yo." He chuckled lightly. "Still, we have to make like we are trying."
The white-haired Turk snorted before Reno saw her eyes scrunch in concentration. Something caught her attention. She raised her eyes to him after a moment, a devious grin cresting her features. "We may have some fun after all, Baelo."
At his questioning glance, Jalyne continued. "The other SOLDIER is near." She paused. "It seems he is waiting for me.
"Don't be overconfident, Jalyne." Reno warned. "He is just as tough as Sephiroth."
"Maybe." She shrugged lightly. "I am not going there to fight, Reno." Jalyne hesitated. "I'm going there to get Cloud and Zack. Despite what you think, Tifa and Aerith need to know." She reached out and flipped the radio switch to a secure line.
She waited for it to calm down before speaking. "Highwind? This is Midnight." Jalyne paused. "Midnight to Highwind?"
Static came across the line. "This is Highwind." Jalyne heard Cid's voice. "Whaddya want."
"Is that anyway to speak to an empress, yo? Reno calmly questioned.
"Great – the cocky red head Turk is with her." They heard Barret comment sourly. Reno flashed Jalyne a grin with a jovial shrug.
"Barret – where's Tifa and Aerith?" the empress asked quietly.
"We are here." Both the ladies stated in unison.
"How far are you from Mideel, yo?"
"Like we would answer the Turks!" Cid stated.
"It is just us two, Highwind." Jalyne commented. "And we're on a secure line."
"Again, how long would it take you to get to Mideel, yo?"
"Something is happening…" Aerith trailed off.
"Yes." Jalyne confirmed. "I'm going to go get them. I thought it would be good if you two are present."
The Turks could hear the exhale of the Ancient. "There's more." Aerith asked.
Reno and Jalyne looked at each other before responding.
"Yeah, yo."
"Genesis is thought to be in the area." Jalyne finished.
"He's alive?" Tifa questioned. "It was thought that he died around 5 years ago."
"For some reason, the Lifestream kept him alive." The white-haired empress concluded. "But I need you there if something else happens. Cloud and Zack are stuck – I'm going to the river to retrieve them."
"We saw them fall." Tifa started. "Do you think they survived."
"Yes." Jalyne answered shortly. "I do."
"We are coming upon Mideel, yo." Reno whispered. "Well land shortly."
The empress nodded slightly. "We are getting ready to land Highwind. We will see you shortly."
"Do you think they're bluffing?"
The dark-haired woman shook her head. "I don't think so, Barret." They were flying high over the mountains that separated the west from the east just south of Midgar.
"Should we go?" Cid questioned.
Aerith turned to look outward, viewing the rolling landscape beneath them. The Ancient, unconscientiously reached out to the Lifestream in hopes of getting an answer. Her eyes widened as she glanced up to the sky in wonderment.
"We go." The ancient answered slowly. "There will be an event that occurs. We are needed there."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Barret questioned raising an arm in disbelief.
"Good or not – we go." The Ancient answered solemnly.
"If Genesis is in the area, that may prove problematic." Vincent commented. "It may be too much at one time."
"Something tells me there's a reason that Jalyne and Reno will be there." Tifa surmised. "It is only those two. The rest of the Turks aren't there."
"Setting course for Mideel." Cid commented, changing Highwind' s direction. "Let's go see what's happening."
They floated endlessly – their subconscious waning. Both felt exhausted with the efforts of trying to break free from the green haze of their surroundings. The memories melded together, each overlapping one's perception of events.
Nibelheim was paramount and the events were different for the parties floating in the Lifestream. Two sets of bright blue eyes cracked open and wandered the surroundings in confusion.
One saw the object of his affection from an early age tumble down the metal stairs of Nibelheim's reactor core. She slid downwards, lifeless. His scream silently echoed with none to hear. His rage built within, and the blond infantryman charged up the stairs to his adversary, leaving the woman presumed dead. The dark-haired SOLDIER lay not far from the scene.
Remember that feeling.
The other saw the event differently, arriving to see the first SOLDIER at the mako reactor, sword in hand. He confronted the Man in Black, shaking his head in disbelief at what was happening. He remembered Sephiroth in a different manner and recalled his training sessions with him as promotions were granted through the SOLDIER program.
There was a lot that wasn't understood until his involvement in the war with Wutai. Those months went quickly, and his loss of mentor struck him hard. The cloning programs and the understanding of the experiments still did not become clear, but he kept the faith that all would be alright.
Then there was the missing five years and his involvement with escaping Nibelheim with Cloud. Anger began to rise to the surface of his emotion and blue eyes opened to the nothingness around them. Sorrow quickly took over the pain and loss and his memory settled upon the battle with Genesis and Sephiroth.
Remember that feeling.
They touched down in a clearing near Mideel. Jalyne looked outward to the surrounding forest, trying to pinpoint Genesis' location. She knew he was there.
Reno cut the engines, resting his wrists on the controls, and gazed at his love for a moment before speaking. "You can feel him, yo." It wasn't a question.
"Yes." She answered slowly. "I can't ascertain his feelings or whereabouts, though." Jalyne paused. "I don't know why he is here."
"The river is east of here, yo."
"I know." The empress commented. "We'll head that way."
"Are you sure about this?" Reno questioned again.
"They are floating." Jalyne stated. "And stuck." She creased her brows a bit and closed her eyes. "There's something within."
They rose from their seats and made way to exit. Slowly they scanned the small clearing and fanned outward. Reno caught her attention and pointed with his mag rod the direction that they needed to go. Jalyne nodded and followed him into the trees.
Her senses were alert. She could feel the SOLDIERs nearing within the river. She hoped to rescue them with little impediments and timing was everything. Jalyne glanced at Reno as they were nearing a small clearing by the turquoise Lifestream.
As she walked into the clearing, Jalyne stopped abruptly, eyes narrowing.
He hid himself well.
Reno slowly emerged on her left, fully extending his weapon and ready for a fight. Jalyne did the same, pulling her swords from behind her back.
The auburn-haired SOLDIER First Class turned to greet them. He was about to say something when his eyes widened curiously at Jalyne.
"You have come." Genesis bowed lightly. "The goddess said you would."
"Goddess?" Jalyne inquired politely, hoping to diffuse the situation and avoid a confrontation.
"She is beautiful." He paused. "She guided me here to meet you – the goddess from the sky."
Reno hmphed and Jalyne stayed calm. "Goddess from the sky?" she asked curiously.
"You." The SOLDIER elaborated with a poetic smile on his face. "You are not from Gaia. She warned me of you."
Genesis walked to them, drawing his sword, and keeping it low. Jalyne narrowed her eyes at him, sliding her swords in an attack ready position. He stopped just a few feet from them, barely acknowledging Reno and raised his sword to Jalyne.
"I am Gaia's defender." he commented. "And I will protect her."
Genesis sped forward trying to catch Jalyne off guard, but she was ready. The SOLDIER slashed at Reno with a snarl, who aimed a shot at his right side and stepped out of the way. The Turk surveyed the situation.
Jalyne was ready, clashing her right sword across her body with his. "You're insane." She whispered to the SOLDIER. He smirked at her with eyes threateningly glowing.
"Maybe." He replied, breaking the swords, and spun, sweeping magic outward to catch both Turks.
The blast took Reno off guard, pushing him backwards. Jalyne held her ground going on the offense and lashing back at Genesis. She caught her right sword with his and swept across the body with her left. Genesis evaded and leapt into the air for avoidance.
Jalyne followed, leaving Reno to observe from the ground. They danced within the clouds, energy blasts trying to hit one another.
"I didn't come here to fight, Genesis." The white-haired Turk stated. "I will break the two SOLDIERs from the bonds."
"SHE doesn't want that." He responded, sweeping his sword outward across Jalyne's body.
Jalyne easily evaded, dipping below him within clouds. She kept her eyes on him through the mist but her mind wandered on his words. Who was SHE? Jalyne surmised it was the goddess of this world, but why wouldn't she want to save the lives of two of her protectors.
As her mind took over her senses, Genesis struck, colliding energy directly to Jalyne. The empress plummeted to the ground, creating a crater. Reno rushed to her as the SOLDIER descended.
"Jalyne, yo?" the red head questioned. "are you okay?"
She grunted, displeased at her mistake. "Jya." Jalyne struggled to rise as she felt Genesis land in front of them. She raised her eyes to Reno, whose expression rapidly turned from concern to a smirk.
"You're pissed, yo?" he challenged.
"Jya."
"Our move?"
"Neutralize him."
"And here I thought we'd get to have real fun, yo."
"No need to kill him, Reno." Jalyne paused looking at the auburn-haired SOLDIER. "He still has a part to play in this."
Jalyne stood, extending her staff and placing her swords on top. She could feel the magic emanating from Genesis. He was planning something.
Reno?
The Second looked to his love and nodded. He was ready for her guidance.
Is Genesis proficient in hand-to-hand combat?
With his sword, yes, yo.
Can you distract him with close contact?
You're planning something?
Of course. Jalyne stated, the corner of her mouth lifting lightly.
Reno darted forward using his speed to engage the former SOLDIER. Genesis was ready for him, sweeping his sword downward in an arc to catch the strike of the rod. Reno grabbed his wrist with his free hand, twisting as much as he could with the force of the rod. Genesis snarled at the distraction as the Turk swept his leg to catch him off guard.
Genesis stumbled backward but not before swinging his blade upward catching the mag rod and forcing Reno to defend. Reno reacted quickly speeding forward to keep the momentum, throwing a glance at his partner.
Jalyne was struggling to find what she needed within. She glanced through the trees at the sparkling river flowing nearby. Was it the river blocking her or something else? She watched her love distract the auburn-haired SOLDIER. He was holding his own. She closed her eyes in concentration, slowly bringing her hands in front of her.
Reno snorted at the SOLDIER in front of him, keeping up the attack for as long as he needed. He knew Jalyne was planning something, though their link didn't tell him what that something was. Genesis stood proud and his eyes traveled the scene, locating the other Turk deep in concentration.
He darted forward to bypass Reno and attacked the seemingly unsuspecting Turk, only to have the fire-haired Turk block him, unleashing pyramid. Genesis easily swept it aside but didn't see the second attack from the Turk.
Reno's eyes fell upon his partner. Jalyne?
Just a little longer. There's something blocking me. Jalyne paused. The SOLDIERs are nearing within.
Alright, yo. A little longer then.
Genesis snarled at Reno as he stood slowly from the attack. Seeing the Turk distracted, he darted forward. Genesis grabbed Reno by the throat before tossing the Turk aside. Reno crashed into a nearby tree, breathing heavy and shaking his head.
Genesis aimed at Jalyne, who still had her eyes closed in concentration, and slashed his blade, releasing flare toward the Empress. Reno cast fire to deflect the attack only to have the power SOLDER's magic overwhelm the flames.
"Jalyne!"
Her eyes snapped open as she brought her hands down and behind her. Genesis slashed at the Turk, thinking to take her off guard and exhaled in surprise as she blocked with her staff. Jalyne smirked at him; eyes alight.
"You aren't going anywhere." He stated silkily.
"I beg to differ." She answered.
Jalyne forced his sword downward, embedding it into the ground. She followed with a fist, only for Genesis to recover quickly and block. He stepped back bringing his sword up to jab. Jalyne side-stepped him, sliding behind.
Reno stood and watched the dance that was starting. He rushed to assist, coming behind Genesis on the other side. Jalyne nodded lightly at him as Genesis turned to face them.
Jalyne feinted left while Reno struck right. Genesis parried easily pushing Reno slightly as Jalyne came around him. She struck softly as they only needed to subdue the SOLDIER, not kill him. Reno noticed the softer strike and raised a brow.
We only need to subdue him. Jalyne silently answered. He still has a part to play.
Gotcha, yo. Reno winked at her. You need to get to the river.
I do. Time is…
Jalyne stopped in mid-strike and stepped back leaving Reno to take the lead. Her love struck quickly, pushing Genesis back towards the tree line.
Jalyne concentrated, trying to break the barrier that was blocking her. She huffed in frustration, turning to look at the blue waters flowing in the near distance. She furrowed her brow as Reno kept Genesis distracted.
Can you control Time?
Jalyne heard a voice. It is not whether one can, it is whether one should. Jalyne answered. And I am out of time.
She extended her hand towards the river, silently pleading with Gaia to assist her. Turquoise orbs slowly sprang from the waves. Jalyne could feel Cloud and Zack approaching. She had to reach them.
"No!" Genesis exclaimed, swatting Reno aside and charging at Jalyne.
Jalyne turned and opened her eyes wider, causing Genesis to greatly slow his advance. His eyes widened further when he saw the Light of the Heavens.
"Goddess." He murmured.
"Haperse." She commented as Reno joined her at her side. "Haperse na."
Jalyne jammed her staff into the ground, releasing the energy within. Genesis froze without expression. Reno chuckled lightly.
"Somehow, I knew you were going to do that, yo." He commented, brushing off his jacket.
"That wasn't my plan, Baelo." Jalyne shrugged, turning to the river. "But I am out of time and there is something within."
"In the river?"
"Yes." She started to the water and stopped, turning back to her beau. "If you would, please make sure nothing happens to him. The others should be here soon." She added respectfully.
"You're goin' to retrieve them, yo?
Jalyne nodded. "They are stuck and need help. I must intervene."
"There's usually consequences to intervention." Reno commented.
"There are always consequences." She replied solemnly. "But I cannot stand by and let this happen. Their stories are not finished."
"I know, yo." Reno reached out, pulled her close and kissed her. "That's why I love ya, yo."
Jalyne smiled at him with a nod. The red-haired Turk nodded at the river. "I'll be here when you get back, yo."
"I know." She replied cupping his cheek. "That's why I love you."
Jalyne winked, turned and sprinted through the trees to the river. Reno watched as she leapt into the air to dive into the river at Mideel.