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Chapter Text

To say that Irvine Kinneas was amused would've been an understatement.

In fact, the scene at hand was downright hilarious to the cowboy.

Really, it was all he could do to not actually burst into outright laughter.

Some ten or so feet in front of him, he was watching Squall practically flailing erratically in a futile attempt to ward and push away Zidane, who apparently was, yet again, making another attempt at 'stealing' Squall's heart.

Honestly, he had to give the blond thief some credit. He was certainly tenacious and definitely didn't take no for an answer.

Were he the jealous type, Irvine may have felt the slightest bit inclined to put a stop to said antics, but he was not. Besides, it wasn't every day he got to see Squall so out-of-characterly flustered and making such awkward squeaky-squawk noises as he'd try to avoid Zidane's advances.

He was content to let it all escalate until finally Squall's blue eyes turned pleading in his direction. He gave a sigh.

Dammit, Squall. Really, he knew he couldn't resist his eyes.

As much as he idly wanted to try to ignore the look, there was something about the way the shade of colour in Squall's eyes changed slightly, dimming even more than their usual storm grey-blue that changed his mind immediately.

Pushing from the wall he'd been leaning against, the cowboy cleared his throat.

"Give it a rest for the day, would ya, Zidane?"

The blond thief looked his way, pausing in his grab-attempt which gave Squall an opening and allowed him to slap the other's hand away and put several feet between them.

"Aww, but Irvine!" Zidane whined, waving his hands in frantic gesture.

"Mm-mn, no buts, mister." He tsk'd, wagging a finger at the other.

"You've about brought Squall to his limit and I'm pretty sure your head would become the next to join his collection if you don't lay off. I for one, don't want to see that happen again." He bluffed.

Zidane blinked a few times before his eyes widened before his head whipped to look at Squall. "Wh-what? You're kidding!"

Irvine kept his face carefully serious, nodding. "It's probably a good thing we're here and you can't see the collection he has at home. You're pretty lucky, but I wouldn't push it any more, y'know? Karma does come around to bite, after all."

Zidane continued to stare wide-eyed at Squall for a moment longer, who by now had composed himself and had his arms crossed and was staring his typical antisocial blank stare his way.

"Y-yeah, okay... If you say so. I'll just... Be on my way then." He mumbled before he practically beat feet and scrambled away.

Both watched the thief go before Irvine let out a chuckle and relaxed back against the wall.

"I have a skull collection now?" Squall asked, brow raising at the cowboy.

"You may as well." Irvine responded with a careless shrug, giving a faint grin.

Irvine caught the colour of Squall's eyes lightening with humor just moments before the other rolled them before they disappeared behind eyelids.

That was good enough for the cowboy.

-End-

Chapter Text

"We've been going up these staircases for literally hours," Kizu complained loudly, not caring that he sounded like a whiny brat at this very moment because A, it was only him and his Partner on said stairs, and B, he was pretty sure they weren't actually even in the Shinra Bulding anymore and instead were transported into some sub-dimensional version of limbo or hell to torture them--it honestly would not be the first time such a thing has happened, sadly, and in the end it was all Reno's fault for that incident--so he had enough self-justification to let himself be unprofessional.

You try going up however many damned stairs he had been climbing nearly all freaking day and not lose your composure and whine. Either you're inhuman or somehow blessed with the patience and nerves of a Saint.

Speaking of Saint...

"I know, Kizu. What do you want me to do about it, pull some kind of fix-it Materia out of my ass like I'm just made of miracles?" Came the sassy and agitated response from his Partner in crime slash roommate slash boyfriend of sorts I think? Honestly, in their line of work and all, what did you even call someone that was your back-up, your right-hand man, lover, and for all intents and purposes, mother?

Eh, fuck it. Names work fine. Shisun. His name was Shisun. And said partner really was a Saint by all accounts as far as Kizu was concerned because if there actually was a God, then the Turk is pretty damn well sure Shisun was the last gift the Deity ever bothered to grace Gaia with, ever. But even this Saint had his limits and he was nearing it, quite fast. Fast as in oncoming train-wreck at 200 MPH.

So it was time to do what Kizu does best when A, he knows he can get away with it and B, Reno and Keiji are nowhere near them.

...And that is to pull his small, blond Saint of a partner backwards from the stair he was just about to ascend back into his arms and proceed to offer up a distraction.

It's a rather physical distraction and most likely would've gotten them put on the lowest escort missions and duties for a month, but hey, if this really was Limbo or whatever, then Hell could afford to wait another fucking hour on them. And if it actually really was still the Shinra Building?

...Shisun will just have to bribe Reeve for the security footage and do a little sweet-talking, ass-kissage up to Tseng and Rufus in order to supercede Reno's greasy slick hands in trying to get copies.

-End-

Chapter Text

To say Shisun was overworked and underpaid was quite the understatement. The shit he dealt with and witnessed on a daily basis outweighed any monetary amount that could be offered to him.

At this point, he was relatively sure Rufus would've had to hand the entire company over to him to even start coming a little close to paying up what he's probably owed.

Today's incident really took the cake, though.

Somehow, somehow despite all precaution and security protocols followed, Zack still managed to get inside their lockdown and get his hands on their still-in-development tech and proceed to wreck over three-quarters of the site, blow up at least six of their vehicles--a chopper, included--and finally accomplish the impossible by somehow causing said tech to implode and create some kind of Distortion in the Linear Time-Space Field.

He was staring bemusedly into equally confused blue eyes of a mirrored face almost exactly like his own.

There was only one problem with this "mirror image", though.

This person was female.

Shisun definitely didn't get paid enough to deal with this bullshit.

Kizu was a simple guy. He always cut to the chase,  gave 200 percent on his missions, and relatively never asked for much in return.  He liked things to be clear cut and defined.

So when the lines of reality itself got blurred, well...

The man wasn't sure how to take it.

Staring in a stupefied silence, this female version of himself was dusting off their jacket with a deep grimace on. 

Damn Zack and his stupidity and his inability to control his urges to play with any new tech they were developing.

"Lemme guess: you hate this, too?" She asked.

Taking a cigarette out of the pack in his pocket and a lighter, he lit the stick, both surprised and not at his counterpart doing the same a moment later.

"Could say that, yeah. There's enough bullshit happening as it is, and Zack addin' on to it just really makes it worse. I hate when all these...reality...time...things happen. Doesn't make sense."

The lady drew a hit from the cigarette, nodding. "I getcha."

To that, she got a wicked grin.  "Since he's not from my world... Want me to punch him?"

And that was the most definitive, clear cut thing he'd heard all day.

He positively grinned. "Absolutely."

-End-

Chapter Text

If someone were to ever ask Squall Leonhart if he ever found entertainment in anything, he would take a long pause before answering in a monotone, bland, "Yes."

And if that someone were to ask him what it was he found entertaining, his eyes would slowly scan the area around them before making one, simple gesture with his hand towards a specific person.

Irvine Kinneas is the person he motions to.

Surprise, maybe a little disbelief, if that someone asked why, Squall would once again make a gesture towards Irvine without a word of explanation.

Was it his looks? His attitude?

Now it was Irvine that turned towards Squall, a half-grin on his face as he proceeds to swish his fingers around in the air as if he were conducting an orchestra in some grand symphony before ending with his fingers tracing a heart pattern in the air followed by a wink and a hat tip before sauntering off.

There's the quietest of sounds, an echoing chuckle and there's a look of plain amusement written in the Commander's eyes. Squall's lips are twisting, as if fighting back the urge to tilt upwards before the man makes one more gesture in the cowboy's direction before pushing from the wall they were leaning against to follow after the other.

Bemused eyes simply watch in disappointment and curiosity.

They round the corner, and it was but a fraction of a moment before they disappeared from sight, but a moment nonetheless, the Commander had grabbed the cowboy's hand.

Squall's voice is audible, but the words are lost from the distance. The only sound in response is Irvine's own voice laughing in reply.

Rinoa's eyes dulled a fraction.

For Squall to say he found someone, not something, entertaining spoke a lot more than Rinoa cared to understand.

But understand, she did.

And it hurt.

-End-

Chapter Text

Zidane grinned his usual cocky grin as he put his hands on his hips. "So, let me get this straight," He began, amusement tinged in his voice.

"You want me, me, the most notorious skirt-chaser in all of Gaia to not only go gay, but you want me to bed Blank?" His shoulders started shaking and as if he could no longer contain it, he started laughing uncontrollably.

Marcus and Cinna exchanged glances, wondering just how sane their companion was to laugh like that.

Their boss only laughed, too. "Gwahahaha! That's right, Zidane! Blank has been performing poorly as of late and it's my guess that he needs a good partner. Women aren't cutting it for him and he needs someone he can trust! You're gonna find a way to get him to loosen up or else!" Baku said before he gave another belly laugh and trumped off elsewhere.

Zidane calmed down from his laughing to stare at their Boss' retreating back, in an almost stupefied silence. After a moment, he stared at Marcus and Cinna. "...He's serious, isn't he?"

"'Fraid so," Cinna said with a nod.

"Tough luck, Zidane." Marcus snorted. "Betcha can't do it."

Zidane huffed haughtily and flicked his hair. "Don't give me that crap, Marcus. You know well enough I can!"

"But this is Blank we're talking about!" Cinna protested. "Our brother, our friend, and the most stick-up-the-ass person we know!"

Zidane snorted. "If Boss wants it done, consider it done. I have all the skills I need to do it and just watch, he'll be loosened up in no time."

There was silence between the three of them, before Marcus and Cinna looked towards one another before cracking up with laughter.

"...Oi, I didn't mean it like that, you two perverts!" Zidane huffed before he turned, tail flicking at both of them. "Give me one week, and you'll see!"

The blond thief exited the room, shutting the door behind him.

There was silence between the two Tantalus members.

"Ya think he can?" Cinna asked.

"Once the brat puts his mind to it, probably. Blank won't know what hit him." Marcus shrugged.

Cinna snorted. "I almost feel bad for him."

There was another bout of silence as they gained broad grins and then shook their heads. "Nah!"

-End-

Chapter Text

'Here we go again...'

Irvine Kinneas let out a loud sigh as he put his hands on his hips to observe the scene at hand, shaking his head.

It, unfortunately, is not the first time said scenario has happened.

Seifer and Squall are a handful even at the best of times and at the worst? Well, it usually ended up like this.

The two of them writhing around with various status ailments and debuffed to all-hell.

Seifer's swinging Hyperion around, mouth moving but no sound. He apparently has Blind and Silence on him, and perhaps Berserk, Irvine isn't sure at this point, nor does he really care as much as he's currently looking over at Squall.

The other is staggering around as if drunk, eyes almost frantically darting from let to right wincing every so often, but not saying anything. Poison, he assumes, and possibly Silence as well. But the frantic eye movement, and the staggering... Leave it to Squall Leonhart to get Confused. Hyne only knows what the other's hallucinating.

There's some muffled chortles and giggles from others in the group, but he's quick to ignore them lest he lose his cool.

No, now was not the time to get distracted and upset.

He lets out yet another sigh as he begins to make his way towards the two. One hand is already reaching into his item bag at his hip while the other reaches out to steady Seifer.

He's almost expecting the other to take a swing at him in the state he's in, but is also not surprised when the other seems to recognize his touch and fall passively lax, sans the almost impatient hand he reaches out in his direction. He snorts quietly as he all but shoves the Remedy into the blond's hand and is already in mid-cast as he turns towards Squall and uses Treatment on him.

The brunet collapses down to one knee a moment later, heaving some deep breathes, eyes closing.

"'Bout damned time, cowboy." Is the first words out of Seifer's mouth.

Irvine doesn't expect anything different honestly as he waves his hand dismissively. "Sure, sure, no thanks necessary." He deadpans before pulling yet another item from his bag and crouches beside Squall, gently pressing the Hi-Potion into his hand.

Squall's quick to down the liquid before letting the bottle fall uselessly to the ground. "...Thanks." Is all he murmurs in a quiet, tired tone.

"Anytime, darlin'." Is all the cowboy responds with as he stands back up, offering his hand out for the other to take.

When he does, Irvine pulls him upright before putting a steadying hand on their shoulder when the other begins to stumble off balance.

"Slow there," He mumbles to them with a gentle smile before turning towards Seifer who's frowning in their direction and looking like he's about to make some barbed comment but Irvine speaks first. "When're you two gonna learn not to challenge the first big thing that heads our way?"

"Because I like the challenge, Kinneas." Seifer responds back, frowning deeper before pointing a finger towards Squall. "And you know damned well he can't resist a challenge, either."

Squall grunts a quiet affirmative and Irvine's rolling his eyes. "Right, right. How could I forget. One of these days I'm not going to bother undoing all of your stupid ailments and healing your dumb asses. It's like throwing things into a black hole. No return gain and lost items." He teased, waving his hand again before turning on his heel and taking a few steps.

"Well, that's that. I'll let you two continue your 'Challenge'." He once again waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head with a shrug and headed off back towards their Encampment.

Seifer and Squall exchange a look behind the cowboy's back.

A few hours later finds Irvine pleasantly surprised when he's pulled back against Seifer's chest with Squall deciding to put on his kitten act as he presses nto his side and buries his face into his neck.

Surprised he may be, he's not going to complain since it's so few and far between he actually gets to enjoy both of their company for a night when both seem to operate on opposing hours except for battle.

It's as his eyes are fluttering closed some time later with his arms around Squall, his head tucked under his chin that he feels Seifer's cheek come to rest right beside his ear. He shivers a little when he feels the other's breaths against said ear, but the quiet voice the blond speaks in is unmistakable. "Thanks, cowboy."

His lips quirk just a little as he lets out a soft hum. "Yer welcome, angel."

He hears the scoff at the nickname and fully lets the smile rise up to his face.

The next day, it's back to the usual.

Irvine Kinneas once again lets out a loud sigh as he watches the two charge off yet again in search of Hyne-knows-what this time in their unending Quest to find Challenges.

'Here we go again...' He thinks, wry grin rising to his face as he sets off after them with a much slower pace, slinging Exeter onto one shoulder, other hand resting atop his trusty Item Bag as he goes.

-End-

Chapter Text

"Gabriel, how long has it been since you've removed your Crystal?" Demosthenes asked, placing a hand on her hip, other hand reaching out to tap a finger to the bright crest that adorned the Warrior of Light's chest.

To that, the white haired warrior paused, blinking in a thoughtful manner, adopting a thinking stance. He was silent for a long while before responding. "I... Honestly am not sure." He admitted, before shaking his head.

"But it does not merit much concern, does it?" He questioned.

To that, the Red Wizard heaved a loud sigh before huffing, rolling their eyes. "Of course it merits my concern, you dolt." She murmured. "If you can't even remember how long it's been since you were last human, that's a big deal."

"What do you mean? I am perfectly human still, I have not ascended to any Godhood in the time we've been apart." He replied, frowning a little.

"That's not what I meant." Demosthenes responded.

To the others that were observing them, they were blinking in mild confusion as to what was going on.

"Then elaborate, please." Gabriel responded, once again blinking.

"The Crystal, you idiot. You've had it in you for too long." The Red Wizard stated. And as they finished speaking, they reached out and snatched the crest on the other's chest.

Eyes widened in surprise and Gabriel's mouth opened. "Demothenes--"

A bright flash happened, and when it cleared, the Warrior standing there was completely different.

No longer were they wearing their usual armor, but now wore brilliant azure armor. What was most startling though was that their appearance had changed, too. Where they once had long, silvery-white hair and narrowed golden-brown eyes, was now a short redhaired person with crystalline blue eyes.

"Tbat's better." Demothenes stated, sounding pleased and gave a nod.

"Wh... What just happened? Why does Gabriel look like that?" Asked Cecil.

Gabriel was looking down at himself, looking surprised and flustered all at once. It was more emotion than most had ever seen come from the Warrior of Light.

"The Crystals' power is great," Demosthenes began. "It can contain the darkness of Chaos and give us tremendous powers, but it comes with a downside."

"What's that?" Asked Zidane curiously.

"It suppresses a lot of our humanity and emotions to an extent. To become the true Warriors of Light, we must become Perfect. Or, rather, as Perfect as a human can get. To that end, the crystal subdues any unwanted personality traits and feelings and enhances our virtues to a fault. I know more than one of you has praised Gabriel's exemplary form and bravery. These are simply enhanced virtues of his, but none of you really know how he really is like I do." Demothenes said.

"Please don't--" Gabriel tried to say, his voice coming out a lot less confidant and firm sounding.

"In truth: he's honestly a big, hot-headed idiot who rushes in head first without a care to his own safety." She stated.

"..." Gabriel's face flushed again. "I-I am not! So what if I'm a little impulsive? It's not a bad thing!"

And everyone there bore witness to the Warrior of Light's humanity emerging.

Demosthenes snorted. "Right, all the times you ran in and nearly got killed and had to have Kyra or I mend you up were just you making sure the floor was safe, right?" She teased.

That got several snickers from the group and Gabriel's face was flushed brighter if possible.

"E-Enough, Demosthenes! Give it back--" He tried to reach for his Crystal again but the other sidestepped out of the way and tucked it away.

"No, I don't think so. You've been without your humanity for far too long. Breathe, take a while to remember what it's like to really feel and exist again." She scolded.

"But, Demoesthenes--What if, what if--" The other tried to argue.

The Red Wizard shook her head. "Enough, Gabriel. If you're so worried about danger and the like, then here." She reached into her robes and withdrew a different looking Crystal.

"But, that's--!!"

Demosthenes held the Crystal close and in another bright flash, it fused with their being and when it cleared, the normally purple-haired woman that once stood there now had long flowing silvery-white hair and their Red Wizard robes were now practically gleaming a brilliant crimson, the rapiers at her sides had changed from typical silver to a brilliant shining mythril and adamantine. The feather in their hat changed from a pristine white Griffin feather to that of a vermillion Phoenix feather.

"This will suffice, will it not?" She asked. Where her voice had always been filled with a sort of charming teasing tone, it now sounded similar to Gabriel's former voice. Calm and composed, lacking much tone.

"W-wow..." Bartz murmured. "It's like they become completely different people."

Gabriel frowned at his friend and companion for a long moment. "You hate using the Crystal though, are you sure?"

The other merely gazed back at him before nodding. "I don't feel the hate right now, and it was my own idea. I will be fine. Besides, one knows you would worry too much if both of us were out of Form. I would have you take the opportunity given to you to be free of worry from your duty to the Light. Breathe easy, and live again, Gabriel."

Holding their stare for a moment, the redhead gave a nod, a small grin rising to their face, surprising the rest. "Got it. I'll leave it to you, Demosthenes."

The woman nodded her head. "Yes. I'll not let you down."

To that, she turned towards the others and gave a short bow from the waist. "Please watch over my wayward companion and help him re-learn his humanity again. He may be a trifling bit of handful, but you'll not find a more caring being."

Gabriel flushed brightly and the rest of the group were once again blinking at the change of demeanor in the other.

Terra seemed to recover first and gave a gentle smile to the woman. "Leave it to us!"

A small, minute smile made it to the Red Wizard's lips--a ghosting of her humanity showing through with it.

"May the Blessing of the Light protect you all." She said, before turning and with her expression evening out once more, she strode at a confidant pace towards the Tower.

Gabriel watched her go, a various mix of emotions playing out across his face.

Vaan strode up, hands behind his head before he tossed one arm around the redhead's shoulders. "You gonna be okay?"

Gabriel glanced over towards the other in surprise, then back towards Demosthenes' form. "...Yeah. Yeah, I believe so. Sorry, it's just been a long time since I've felt this much emotion inside of me."

Luneth took that moment to walk up, grinning up at the elder Warrior of Light. "No worries, you're in good hands."

With a nod of affirmation from the majority of those around, Gabriel found a grin of his own rising up. "Thanks, friends."

Bartz and Zidane took that moment to grab both of his hands and began to tug at him eagerly. "Let's go!"

The rest of the group got to watch in various states of amusement and bemusement at Gabriel stumbling and staggering, while sputtering with surprise, but more or less allowing the two to pull him away.

-End-

Chapter Text

"What is love? Mayhap it is what you feel when you care about someone more than yourself..."

Meliadoul contemplated these thoughts to herself as she was checking over her equipment and gear in preparation for the coming battle.

Since Ramza had shown her the truth behind the Zodiac Stones, and seeing their corrupted effects firsthand, her mindset had been irrevocably shifted and she knew the Beoulve was right.

Her heart only grew more and more fond as time passed with her journeying alongside the man, fighting at his side on the battlefield and sharing in his company after.

Too many times had death come close to claiming him, and Meliadoul's heart had clenched with fear.

As she stepped out to meet Ramza after finishing her check and met his kindly gaze and felt her heart beat a little faster, a little harder, and a cry inside herself to keep him close...

Yes, she decided.

This was love.

-End-

Chapter Text

"Hey, you asshole. I know you're trying to cheat me." Reno hissed, narrowing his green eyes in accusation toward the Sky Pirate.

Balthier cocked an eyebrow back at the Turk and feigned innocence. "I would never do such a thing."

Reno snorted. "Don't even start with that bullshit, we agreed fifty-fifty in everything looted and you only gave me thirty of it, so pay up you fuckin' stingy bastard. I won't be conned by you."

The redhead held one hand out towards the brunet, other hand tapping his odd (to Batlthier, at least, who'd never seen such a thing in all his travels) metallic weapon that somehow conducted electricity without Magick or Auracite against his shoulder with a dangerous look to his eyes.

"You spoil all the fun." Balthier replied calmly, not the least bit phased as he tossed the redhead a satchel filled with coin and other loot.

The redhead caught it and snorted again. "Oh, I'm plenty of fun, or do I need to prove that to you again?"

Balthier smirked. "That's hardly necessary, but I'm not one to turn away an offer."

Reno tossed the bag of loot behind himself as he advanced towards the Sky Pirate and pushed up against him.

"As long as we have an understanding about that, then you've got nothin' to worry about, yo~" The Turk murmured before kissing the other man for all his worth--and believe you me, he's worth quite a bit.

-End-

Chapter Text

When Faris played, Bartz danced.

Be it their flute, lute, tambourine, or their voice breaking out into song, any time the Pirate carried a melody, Bartz was always the first to follow it along with his feet; twirling and tapping to the rhythm as his body twisted and wove his arms with little effort.

Sometimes it was graceful, sometimes it was like a dizzying dervish, and sometimes it was so quirky and odd it could barely be constituted as actual dance but no matter what kind of tune or song the purple haired Bard played, Bartz danced.

And then there were times, rare as they were like this moment, that the two seemed to be in a world of their own.

Faris played, fingers deftly plucking the strings of their lute, voice carrying a gentle but soulful melody.

Bartz danced, swaying and moving in time to the song with such care and poise that his very movements seemed near ethereal.

With the crescendo of Faris' voice, their notes rising in strength and tone, did Bartz's dance pick up in strength and motion.

It was as if they were performing not only together, but towards one another as well.

And when it's over, Faris' voice slowly fading, their last note trembling and Bartz posed in a beautiful arc, that it feels almost magical--as if time had stalled for just a breath.

And then it's over, broken by the sound of applause from all there in the Inn.

Faris gives a lavish wave and Bartz, a cheerful bow.

As the Dancer hops off the stage, however, there's one more small act.

Bartz offers the Bard a single red rose and a smile.

There's a quiet sound from Faris, their eyes softening as they accept the Dancer's gift.

No words are spoken, but the language palpable enough between them.

Bartz's hand offers out to Faris, and the pirate accepts wordlessly, allowing themselves to be led off towards their Inn room.

-End-

Chapter Text

Llednar twitched.

Mewt was pouting. He could feel it.

The ghost sensation on his own lower lip that kept maddeningly urging his own to jut out annoyed the Runeseeker to no end.

Much as he wished to tell the Prince to stop that immediately, he knew his words would do no good and fall on deaf ears.

Damn Marche.

His eyes narrowed in annoyance.

It was always Marche's fault.

Anything at all that he did, Mewt was trailing along behind like a starry-eyed lost puppy.

Currently, Marche was away and the Prince was not allowed to follow.

Thus the whole reason Mewt is pouting.

He was keen to brush off the impatience that crawled under his skin as Mewt's, but the Prince could feel otherwise.

Llednar tried so hard to feign ignorant of his--their--own feelings.

Mewt was well aware of the Runeseeker's agitation, annoyance, and displeasure. But beneath that he felt the other emotions dwelling there, too. The worry, the longing, the agonizing ache of something missing.

The Prince clutched their staff closer to themselves and pouted further.

It really wasn't fair.

With something akin to a snarl, something in the Runeseeker broke and he spun on his heel and marched purposefully towards the door of the Tower.

"Llednar--" Came Mewt's voice. Startled and a little shocked.

"Wait." Is all Llednar snaps back harshly.

The quiet gasp and stammer has the Runeseeker pausing, slowly glancing back, expression twisting, attempting to soften out.

"Please wait." He reiterates, voice calmer.

Though the Prince is nearly teary-eyed, startled by the harshness of his other, he nods with understanding. "Go." He says weakly.

Llednar doesn't waste another moment and is gone from the Tower's entryway.

---

SLAM

Marche lets out a feeble groan from the pain as he slides down the wall he was just slammed against heavily.

He didn't honestly expect the Marked Creature to be this difficult!

He was winded, and struggled to stand before steadying himself as he picked up his Sword from where it had clattered and readied himself again.

He was about to move into striking range again when a flash of light happened and the sound of blades meeting scale echoed, followed by a loud roar and suddenly, there was Llednar.

"Quit standing there gobsmacked, idiot. Lest you wish this beast to actually kill you." The Runeseeker snapped.

"Oh, right." Marche replied, a bit sheepishly before he struck the beast as well.

Time is tricky, and felt longer than it was. Five minutes passed, but felt like longer before the beast finally was felled.

Marche let out a breath and was about to turn and thank Llednar, but he found his breath leaving him yet again as the Runeseeker took that moment to shove him into the wall this time, glaring at him.

His lungs did not like rapid change of having air to having no air.

"Llednar," He coughed. "What gives?"

Llednar's face leers close to his, the annoyance in his eyes is palpable, along with some underlying emotion Marche is unable to read fast enough before he pulls away and all but yanks him along with and Marche can only let out a yelp as his world shifts and suddenly he's found himself slung over the Runeseeker's shoulder.

"We're going back. Now." Is all Llednar mutters as he stomps out of the cave and starts heading towards the closest Warp point.

Marche can't even put up an argument with that, so he stays silent.

----

Mewt's head snaps up expectantly when he hears the doors to the Tower open and is up out of his seat and halfway across the room as soon as his eyes register Llednar carrying Marche over his shoulder and he has his staff in hand. "Marche! Marche, are you alright? Do you need any Healing?"

He feels Llednar's annoyance grow before he turns to his counterpart and smiles gratefully to him. "Thank you, Llednar."

"Whatever..." The Runeseeker mumbles before he ungracefully drops the other.

"Oof. Hi, Mewt. I'm okay. I think. Other than Llednar's bony shoulder having dug into one of my ribs this whole time." Marche wheezed out before he pushed himself to his feet and gave a smile to the Prince.

"Don't go alone next time, please! Take me with you!" Mewt cried, his eyes widening and lower lip trembling as yet another pout worked itself onto his face.

Llednar twitches yet again.

He is not going to give into his other's emotions.

No, he is not. 

...And that damned idiot has no right to smile in that fashion, to make Mewt's heart race and his own face--NO!

It comes out before he can even stop it.

"Don't leave us again."

Both his and Mewt's voice ring as one with the sentence.

Marche has to do a doubletake and blink rapidly at the suddenness of their words.

"I don't plan to." He assures quietly.

"Promise?" Mewt asks.

Marche smiles and nods. "Promise."

Llednar recovers quickly, hiding the flush on his face as he turns away. "Good." Is all he murmurs before he walks out of the room.

Mewt and Marche watch him go, and while Mewt's expression is one of understanding, Marche's is a strange mix of thoughtfulness and wonder, eyes soft in their contemplation.

"I really didn't mean to make you both worry." He says quietly to Mewt.

The Prince smiles. "We know." He answers.

He takes the Adventurer's hand with his own. "Stay with me, please?"

Marche only nods. "Of course."

Together, they walk out towards the Tower's courtyard, with a certain Runeseeker shadowing behind them.

-End-

Chapter Text

What was it they said about Causation and Probability?

Something, something, probability begets cause and influence to determine outcome? Yeah, that. Or something to that extent.

Irvine Kinneas calls bullshit on that.

Because the absolute probability of the scenario happening before his eyes is absolutely Zero Percent and yet it's happening regardless.

Squall Leonhart's twirling and dancing around energetically to some pop song as if he didn't have a care in the world.

The whole spectacle has many people staring in various states of emotion. Shock, bemusement, amusement, horror, you name it.

Sans one.

The redhead in the suit in the far back is grinning the biggest shit-eating grin Irvine's ever seen on anyone's expression before.

The whole cause of this started because of him.

Because of Reno.

----

"Betcha I can liven this place up." The redhead stated, a gleam in his brilliant green eyes as he put his hands on his waist, fingers drumming against his pants.

Irvine's brow rose with interest. "And how would you go about that?" He asked.

"Simple. Tell me something one of your companion's would never do, and I promise you, I can make 'em do it." The other replied airily.

And Irvine had blurted the first thing that came to mind.

"You'd never be able to make Squall dance."

That somehow increased the gleam in the redhead's eyes.

"How much you wanna bet?" They asked.

"Eight-thousand Gil."

"Hah, deal. Give me about twenty minutes to work my magic."

And with that, the redhead sauntered off, leaving the cowboy to stare incredulously and wonder how the hell the other's going to manage this.

----

And truth be told, 10 minutes later after Squall started dancing,he couldn't figure out how.

Reno made his way over to him and held his hand out expectantly. "I believe there's some Gil I'm owed."

Irvine groaned a little before he produced the money and shoved it over to the other. "How the hell did you get him to do this?"

The other smirked, before shrugging, tapping his EMR against his shoulder. "I have my ways."

It was then that the cowboy spied a yellow glowing orb in one of the slots on the weapon where a red one used to be. Further more, he squinted and spied a golden tiara-like accessory setting atop the other's head, almost hidden in his locks of hair.

"What's with the accessory?" he asked, pointing to the crown on their head.

"Just a little something to ensure my persuasion worked." The other hummed dismissively.

The redhead turned towards the dancing spectacle. "I suppose the show needs to stop, huh?"

Before the brunet could say anything, the other poonted his EMR towards Squall and the yellow orb in the slot glowed briefly.

In that moment, Squall stopped dancing and his head dropped down as if he were out of it. After another moment, it snapped  up and he was glaring at everyone in the vicinity before he practically made like a doe and bolted from the room.

Another moment after Squall left, Cloud Strife walked into the room, scanning it with his blue eyes before locking onto Reno and marched towards him.

"Uh-oh. Looks like I'm busted." Reno murmured before holding his hands up in playful surrender towards the blond.

"Reno give me back my Materia and Accessory, you're not supposed to use those on people!" He scolded.

Reno pouted at him. "You ruin all my fun." He replied but shrugged as he removed the yellow orb from his weapon and tossed it to the other before pulling off the crown on his head. "Looks better on you, anyway, Princess." He snickered before giving Irvine a wave and walking off.

Irvine stared after him before looking to Cloud. "What is that, even?"

"It's a Manipulate Materia and Hypno Crown. Manipulate allows you to take control over monsters, and people, for a time and have them do what you want. The Hypno Crown raises your mental acumen to keep a stronger hold and ensure Manipulate is successful."

"...So basically, mind control?"

"Pretty much."

"Well, shit. Squall's gonna be upset."

Irvine silently hopes Squall never finds out he was the one to suggest him dance in the first place.

He rather wanted to live, thank you very much.

-End-

Chapter Text

Terra slowly ascended the stairs of the Tower to the main floor that housed what could be considered a lounging room for the Heroes, her gentle eyes slowly looking over the faces that were in the room, before settling on one figure.

Marche Radiuju.

Taking a quiet breath she stepped off the stairs and leisurly made her way toward the young Adventurer, a small smile rising to her own face in response to the smile he automatically gives her when he sees her approach.

"Hi Terra." Marche greets politely.

"Hello, Marche. How fare you?" She greeted in return.

"I'm alright, just waiting for Mewt and Llednar to get back. I, uh... Well, you know how complicated it is for me to be here. hahaha..." He responded sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

And it was true, Terra supposed. Marche was not a Hero of Cosmos, instead the brand that was upon his hand was that of Chaos', but yet so many of the heroes here were fond of him, and Mewt had convinced them to not be biased in his alignment to Chaos, because the Adventurer was truly a kindhearted boy.

"You needn't worry so much, Marche. No one here will say anything against you being here, regardless of your affiliation. But, it gladdens me to see you care so much for Mewt, he's quite the fragile one. Although..." She trailed off with a thoughtful hum, her brows furrowing just a little.

"What is it?" Marche asked.

"Well... Perhaps it really isn't my place to ask, but I've noticed there seems to be something...off about Llednar." She murmured.

"Off? What do you mean?" The blonde boy asked, blinking in confusion as his head tilted slightly to the side.

"There's no denying his strength, and his loyalty and dedication to Mewt is unrivaled, but he seems... Different than everyone else. I've seen him take blows from creatures and opposing Chaos Heroes that would normally be fatal or result in our Seals rebirthing us, and yet... He manages to stand. He feels a touch...unhuman." Terra voiced her observations aloud quietly, looking out towards the skyline before turning her gaze back to the other.

"Marche... Just what is Llednar?" She asked.

That had the other merely gazing back at her in silence for a long time, several expressions crossing his face with his thoughts. He slowly drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly before turning his own head out to stare at the skyline for a moment, his blue eyes lidded with thoughtfulness.

"That's... Somewhat hard to explain. He's... Well, you're right. He's not normal like me or some of the others, but he's not like you or Zidane or Kuja, either. The truth is... Llednar can't die. Not really. His whole existence is both fragile but solid. No matter who or what strikes him, brings him down, he can always come back. That's just how it is." He explained slowly.

Terra's brows furrowed further. "But... Why? How?" She asked.

Marche opened his mouth to respond, but another voice broke through the air.

"...I can explain that."

Startling a little, both turned their heads to see Mewt standing a few feet away, clutching his Staff closely to his chest and further away in the back, near the staircase itself was Llednar shadowing, observing them silently, though his gaze seemed to slowly flicker between the back of Mewt's head, and to Marche, before seemingly flickering around the entire room briefly, before fixating back ahead.

"Oh, Mewt... My apologized if I'm prying. You really needn't answer if it's something you don't wish to speak of." Terra replied, bowing her head a little to show her sincerity.

"No, i-it's..." The little Prince stammered, before clearing his throat, cheeks flushing a little before he looked towards Marche, the two staring for a moment before the boy took a deep breath and turned to look back at Terra. "It's alright."

Marche looked a little concerned for the other. "Are you sure, Mewt? If you're really not ready to talk about it..." He murmured worriedly.

The other gave the Adventurer a small, shy smile. "Thank you, Marche... Everyone here has been so... So kind and nice to me. No one has made fun of me, or bullied me or called me weak. I feel safe enough to entrust the truth to Terra." Mewt answered quietly.

Marche gave a smile to the other and nooded. "Okay, that's good then."

Mewt focused his attention to Terra again. "You must understand first the duality of my and Marche's being first. You know of the book we wished upon that granted our Fantasy, right?"

"Yes... You found a magical tome, and you all wished for an escape. You found yourself in a different version of Ivalice." Terra confirmed with a nod.

"Yes... The book granted everyone different powers based off of their wishes. Mine... Mine was to be important and untouchable, and have my mother back... In that world, I was Prince Mewt. My father Cid was King and Judge, and my mother, the Queen. A Prince needs protectors and attendants. I had Babus and Llednar." Mewt explained quietly.

"How does this--" Terra began, but fell quiet when Mewt shook his head.

"I wished Llednar into existence from of my desire to be strong like Marche. Llednar is...me. We're one. Sort of. It's complicated... We share a consciousness. Llednar is everything I wanted to be: Strong, brave, able to stand up to the people who bullied and looked down on me. Llednar is based off of those desires and my admiration of Marche. In that way, he exists because of the both of us. Llednar is bound to me because he is part of me. The reason he can't die is because of that magic. As long as I need him... As long as I need protection and don't want to be alone... Llednar is there."

Terra's expression softened further with her understanding. The little Prince's confession told her everything. The other was truly just a child that wanted shelter and attention.

Smiling gently, she noddes her head. "I see... Thank you, Mewt. I understand now." 

Llednar slowly approached from the staircase, stopping behind Mewt. Terra now truly could see the resemblance to both Marche and Mewt in his figure and even his demeanor for the most part. He reached forward to place a hand upon Mewt's shoulder and fixed his gaze coolly on her.

"My will is bound solely to serving and protecting the Prince. Even if I understand his reasoning, the point still stands, he's in pain right now from this conversation." He murmured lowly, eyes narrowing before his voice became firm, the slightest hints of a threat in his next word.

"Desist."

"L-Llednar..." Mewt mumbled, turning his head to look back towards the other.

Terra gave another bow of her head. "As you wish." She responded before putting on a gentle smile again. "I know what I need to know, there's no need for more explanation. I understand your fear, Mewt. Being alone, the only one... It's scary and it hurts. But, you're not alone." 

Her smile turned warmer and a little brighter as she gently offered her hand out to the other. "You have Marche here, and you have Llednar to protect you. And, if you're willingly, I'd like to be your friend, too. I'll protect you, too."

Wide eyed, Mewt's lowere lip trembled and tears began to form in the corner of the Prince's eyes before he slowly reached his hand out, shaky fingers clasping the girl's hand.

"R-really? You'll...be my friend, too?" He asked shyly.

She gave another nod of her head, gently squeezing the boy's hand reasuringly. "Of course I will, I'm happy to be your friend. To share your joysd and sorrows with another, and have the same done in return... It's a blessing of life. Even if it can feel like a burden at times, bonds between people are what create the real magic and power in the world... I wish to see all the children of every world happy. Maybe it's a foolish, childish dream of my own, but that is what my heart wants the most. And I'll fight to make that happen." She answered kindly.

Mewt sniffled a little before he got a small smile on his face. "That does sound nice... I... I think I'd like to fight for that, too."

Llednar slowly stepped back away from Mewt, his protective aura dying down just a little before he walked to the side to the balcony that overlooked outside.

Marche smiled at the two and gave Mewt a gentle pat on the shoulder before he made his way over to Llednar.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Nothing." The other snapped quietly.

"You look like you ate something sour so I know there's something bothering you, what is it?" Marche countered without hestation.

"..." Llednar was silent for a time.

"...There's going to come a day I'm no longer needed, isn't there?" He finally spoke.

"Huh...?" Marche blinked.

"As you and he grow and get older... The stronger he becomes, the more people he meets... Little by little, he'll lose his need of me. ...What then? What of me? Will I simply cease to be?" The Runeseeker asked.

Marche frowned a little before he shook his head.

"No, I don't think so."

"Why?"

"Because. You're always going to be part of Mewt. You came from him. Sure, he's going to get stronger and more confident and all that and maybe he won't have to rely on you so much but.. He's always, always going to need you there to protect him. Maybe not physically, but to protect his heart. What's in here," The Adventurer brought his hands up, placing one on his chest over his heart, and the other in the same place on Llednar's. 

"You're loved, Llednar. And so is Mewt." Marche assured gently.

"..." There was a long pause of silence again, Llednar's face sowly tinged a gentle pink before he looked down to where Marche's hand was resting on his chest.

Letting the impulse take him, his hand rose and grasped Marche's hand with his own. He felt his face flushing harder before he glanced through his lidded lashes towards the other. "...Really?" He breathed. In his hesitant tone carried the same fragility and innocence that dwelt within Mewt, showing their shared connection.

Marche smiled brightly in return. "Really." He answered confidantly.

Mewt turned his head from his conversation with Teera to glance their way, having felt a shift in Llednar's emotions, eyes softening out at the scene before him of the two.

He turned his gaze back to Terra and gave her a small smile. "Let's talk more later, okay?" He asked.

"Sure, I'd like that." She answered before she slowly turned and made her way across the room towards one of the other Heroes in the large lounge.

Mewt slowly approached the two.

"Hi, Mewt." Marche greeted with that same smile before he offered his free hand out to the Prince.

Face flushing a little, a radiant smile broke out onto the other's face as he accepted the other's hand and clasped it with both of his own, stepping close to the other.

Llednar's face was still flushed as he turned his head to the side in embarrasment and shyness that was eminating so strongly from his other, but neither fought the sensations.

They stood like that contentedly for a little while before Marche asked them if they'd like to go exploring.

An excited but eager yes from the Prince and a silent nod from the Runeseeker are just the answers he was hoping for.

-End-

Chapter Text

When Firion first met Kuja, the Genome hadn't outright attacked him, merely just loomed in the air a bit ways away in a mild, but somewhat unsettling manner.

Unsure how to handle the stare the other had on him, as well as the tension he felt building inside of his chest, he finally turned towards the other and met his gaze. "Watch it," He warned, though he did not place much threat to his tone. "Or I just might bite."

Humor flickered within the other's eyes before they sank down from the sky to the ground, hovering mere inches off of it before the sound of chuckling met his ears.

"So the little canary has some pluck." Came the musical-sounding response.

Firion had to admit he was taken a bit off guard by the sound of the other's voice, how soft toned it sounded.

He found himself frowning a moment later though as he processed what the other said though.

"I'm no canary; if you're going to refer to me as some kind of bird a falcon is more preferable, thank you. I'm not as tame as I look." He answered.

If anything, his mild indignance seemed to further amuse the other before they let out a soft hum and floated closer, stopping within a few feet before beginning a slow circle around them.

"...Perhaps you are right. There is a kind of wildness in you that lurks beneath. Far be it from a Falcon, though. No, it's much more subtle. Sublime. Constant, yet effortless. I would see it up close for myself." The other responded with as they finished their circle, stopping once more infront of the other, giving a smile.

That smile was neither kind, nor truly sinister. Firion had but a moment to react, whirling away as the other sent a jolt of magic at him.

"How well can you dance, I wonder?" The Genome questioned.

"I'm no toy to be played with!" Firion responded hotly as he threw one of his knives in response for the other.

The other did a graceful twirl through the air, nimbly avoiding the blade. "Well now," They cooed. "How frightful."

Their clash was fast, but fierce.

Kuja gave him very little openings with his bombardment of spells, but Firion would like to say he didn't give the other much opening, either as he countered or avoided said spells and returned fire with either a weapon or spell of his own.

Firion would have loved to have said their fight had a defined conclusion with a definite winner, but...

Instead, it was a draw.

Breathing heavily, blood boiling through his veins, Firion called forth all of his weapons and threw them, they arced and formed a radiant array around the other, trapping them within it's circle.

"I win!" He declared fiercely.

"Have you, now?" Kuja responded airily, a smug smirk upon his lips, hand held forward, fingertips glowing.

"Look around you, you are just as caged as I."

With a short glance, Firion found it to be true.

Magic swirled around him at the ready, waiting for Kuja's command to be released.

Damn.

He felt even more anger for a moment, jaw clenching tightly before he released his draw on his bow, and recalled his armaments to himself.

A moment later, the magic flickered and disappated from around him as well.

"How very interesting to meet a mortal that can put up such a fine play. A pity; I would've liked to have danced some more, but alas, time is such a fickle mistress." Kuja murmured.

It was only then that Firion realized the time that had passed during their scuffle. "Heh... I didn't even notice. That was nore fun that I thought." He admitted.

That brought another smile to the other's face as they let out a hum of agreement.

"Indeed, but now I must take my leave. May we meet again, Wildflower."

Before Firion had a chance to speak, in a swirl of magic and darkness, the other was gone.

"Wildflower...?" Firion questioned aloud, frowning just a little in confusion. How did the other know...?

He stared down at his hand, and within a moment, a flash happened and a beautiful red, wild rose appeared in it.

Meeting after meeting, cycle after cycle, as the time went by, both Kuja and Firion were drawn together time and time again. Fighting either at one anothers side due to circumstance and Alliance, or against one another because of their chosen Divinities.

Firion couldn't truly understand the strange yearning he felt every time he fought the other, and Kuja could not quite fathom the inexplainable urge he felt at times that drew him back time and again, just that there was something that entwined them.

Neither could remember this first meeting, or many of the others they had, but Firion remembers very well their final meeting.

The Last Cycle...

"Can't you believe in anything?" Firion questioned softly as he approached the other, almost sorrowfully drawing his Bow from its place off his back.

Kuja turned in the air to face him, letting out a soft, but disdainful snort.

Neither truly had to say any words, but Firion still hesitated.

"What's this? A Warrior of Light, hesitating?" Kuja taunted quietly.

Firion could only frown. "Kuja..." He murmured, voice thick with his laden emotions.

To that, the other frowned as well for a second, eyes softening for a moment before sharpening once more. "There's no time for us to leisurely dance, Firion. Your path lies past this Stage, have you the strength to perform one last time, I wonder?"

The Weaponmaster's grip tightened on their bow before they lifted it and drew an arrow. "It's not a matter of strength anymore," Firion murmured gravely. "It's a matter of All or Nothing. I must. I won't let everything fall to Ruin! Forgive me, but if you're going to stand in my way even now..." He shook his head and took a stance. "Then I'll pierce through you and continue on."

Firion didn't see the grim, but sad smile that barely rose to the other's face. "Oh? Then show me. Show me your resolve, that you've the thorns to pierce through me. I'll nip your faith in the bud."

And with that, they clashed.

They clashed, and fought, and it was something tragic and beautiful. Something both desperate and longing.

But eventually, it ended.

Firion unleashed the final draw of his arrow, the bright light of is piercing through Kuja.

The Genome dropped to his knees with a weakened gasp, a choked noise accompanying it.

"Kuja!" Firion yelled, dropping his bow as he ran towards the other.

Slowly, the other pushed themselves to their feet, staggering, holding an arm across their middle, breathing ragged. A dry chuckle came from them.

"Congratulations, you've finally... Passed the test..." He breathed.

Firion shook his head angrily. "Why did you have to stand in my way??" He questioned.

A grim smile came to the other's mouth again. "It's in my nature." They excused with another chuckle.

"Don't give me that! I know, some how I know, that's not it. You didn't have to bar me from continuing my ascent to fight Chaos!" The Warrior cried.

Kuja's smile turned from grim to something far softer than Firion could ever recall seeing. "Then I suppose... You could say it was simply my way of ensuring I saw you one last time." The Genome admitted.

Firion's eyes widened with confusion. "Kuja...?"

The silver haired Reaper reached out with their free hand, placing it delicately upon the slope of Firion's cheek.

"Chasing after you, time and time again... Feeling the pricks of the thorns you have, and seeing the beauty and sweetness you possess... A being of Perfection such as myself, how could I ever hope to resist? I simply had to ensure I saw you one final time. Whether this world ends in Ruin or somehow, you and the others manage to save it... It matters not to me. You asked me if I believed in anything..."

Kuja closed bis eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slow. "I had no use for believing in anything, my own strength was absolute and enough. But... I've come to find myself believing in something." He murmured quietly.

"..." Firion stared in quiet awe at the Genome. "What is it?"

"You."

The quiet, soft, singular word spoke it all and carried the weight and depth of all their previous cycles.

But Kuja did not give Firion another moment before they stepped away, hand falling away from their cheek.

"Go now, there's no more time left. The world is crumbling to naught even as I speak. But if... If by some slim chance, you are victorious, then... I'll save the rest of my words for you."

Firion's eyes glazed over with many emotions and looked as if he wanted to speak, mouth opening, then closing, and opening once more in his onslaught of thoughts and feelings before he finakly closed it one final time before giving a slow nod to the other and held his hand up, his crystalized Red Rose appearing in it.

"I won't lose, Kuja. We won't lose. I want to hear your words with my own ears. So wait for me. I promise."  He grasped the Reaper's hand and placed said Crystal within it before he took a step back and turned, beginning to walk up the path that ascended further up the mountain towards his destination: The Final fight with Chaos.

The remains of the world left hanging in the balance, Kuja stood there watching the other's back before glancing down at the light that emanated from the Crystal Rose in his hand.

"...Don't fail, my Wild Rose."

In that brilliance of light, as everything glittered and shined, Kuja stared in wonder at his being as it was restored before glancing at the world around himself.

It had changed.

This was different.

He remembered...

He remembered it all now.

Every single word, every moment, every feeling.

He stared a moment longer before he took to the sky, disregarding every other being that was forming around him in the vicinity.

Firion glanced around in confusion, they were here again?

It was easy to meet the others and grasp hands with his comrades, but still, something tugged at Firion.

There was someone he wished to see.

Going back Home had been nice, but the memories of unspoken words echoed within him that needed to be set free came back once again to him.

It was without further explanation to any of the others who were headed towards the new Tower that he departed in a different direction.

There, in the midst of the harsh desert-scape of the between, did Firion enter into one of the Rifts, ending up in a beautiful field. And it was there, in the middle of it, did his eyes land on the figure within.

Hovering above the grass and carelessly twirling the magical orbs about themselves, was Kuja.

Words came to him, trying to escape past his lips, yet he kept silent as he slowly yet purposefully walked the distance between them, closing it step by step until he was standing merely a foot away, staring up at their hovering form.

Wordlessly, he reached his hand up to them.

The wind around them fluttered, and accompanying it, the sweet smell of the many flowers around them before Kuja's hand slowly lowered to rest itself within Firion's outstretched one.

Slowly, the Weaponmaster pulled the other down gently 'til they were on the ground.

"I kept my promise." Firion murmured to the other quietly.

The other let out a soft hum. "So you did." They replied.

"I want to hear everything," Firion pushed, squeezing Kuja's hand gently, voice soft.

"Dance with me, then." Kuja replied, just as softly.

The other frowned. "Kuja--"

The other shook their head, pulling the other's body close to theirs, arms lifting to wind around the others neck.

"Dance with me, Firion. I move the Stars for no one; but for you, I'd turn each and every world upside down."

Eyes softening, Firion let his arms gently settle about Kuja's waist.

Though there was no music, they both moved at the same time.

Within that silence between them, however, a million things were being spoken.

The Genome spoke not a word, but the magic that swirled around them as they moved and glittered, lulling the world around them into a slow, languid crawl, that told Firion so many things.

There was something incredibly finite and fragile about it all, making him feel breathless, the former desperation he'd felt welling there as he clutched at the Reaper.

"I'll be there, as the world falls down." Kuja assured quietly as he leaned ever closer towards the other.

When Kuja kissed him, the entire field around them erupted into beautiful bloom.

Firion felt as if he were falling, and floating all at once.

When the Genome drew back, no words were spoken; their dance, resuming.

Time would part them eventually, but for now, in this Rift between, only they mattered.

Only the Reaper, and his Wild Rose.

-End-

Chapter Text

"That's your final lesson for the day. Remember to keep your studies up, even here in this new world. Dismissed." Kurasame murmured to Class Zero.

There was various noises of acknowledgment or groans of discouragement as the members of Class Zero began to disperse.

Ace lingered in the makeshift seat he had, carefully moving and Kurasame heard the chirps and kwehs start up.

He observed the tiny chocobo chicks that were settled in his student's lap as he was carefully attempting to transfer them from his lap to the carrying bag he had for them.

"Ace," He called. His voice lacked his usual commanding tone, instead softening out into something near casual.

The blonde teen's head snapped up at the call. "Yes?" He asked.

"You're heading back to the Stables now, correct?"

"Yeah, gotta get them back to their parents and check on them. They're getting stronger, but... Well, every little bit helps." The other answered.

Ace had found a bonded pair of chocobos half frozen in the wintery peaks Class Zero and some of the others had been trekking through, attempting to keep their clutch warm and safe. Being the empathetic person he was, Ace had immediately sprung into action, fending off the Wolves that attempted to attack the pair and began attempting to nurse them back to health. After the Chocobos calmed, realizing the boy was trying to help them, they were able to safely transport the eggs and the birds back to the Tower's Stables and Ace, along with Cloud, Bartz, and Zidane, saw to the Chocobo and the clutches care.

The parents were making a fair recovery thanks to their constant efforts and the eggs hatched into a small group of rambunctious, demanding chicks.

Kurasame gave a short nod. "Make sure you actually eat today, Ace. Your own health is just as important. That's an order."

Ace's face flushed a faint pink before he gave a hasty nod. "Yes sir, got it."

"Good." Kurasame's voice lightened slightly in tone, sounding vaguely satisfied at the answer before he gave the boy a slight nod and although none could see the small smile that rose to the man's face behind his mask, the softening of his gaze spoke it instead.

Ace finished putting the chicks into the bag and stood, giving the other a smile in return before turning, beginning to exit the room and passed by Squall who was lingering in the doorway, heading off towards the stables.

Kurasame was aware of the gaze the other had on him. Squall was a formidable ally. Being raised in a military academy and being a commander allowed him to relate to him quite a bit, they often spoke at length about how best to lead or approach things.

"Where do you find the balance?" Came the other's voice.

Kurasame's brow rose in silent question as he directed his gaze to the brunet. "Balance?"

"Between being their Commanding Officer and being you when you're not teaching them. Just now, you weren't really being his superior when talking to Ace, but moments before you dismissed the class, your entire demeanor was different." Squall murmured.

Kurasame blinked, falling quiet for a long moment as he thought over the others question before he simply shrugged. "I am their Commanding Officer when it comes to their studies and combat. Outside of that, I am merely just another person. What I do on my time outside of leading Class Zero is my own, and if I choose to spend that interacting with them in a way I cannot while teaching? That's simply my own choice."

Squall's head tilted just the slightest, lips turning downwards in a frown of confusion.

"It's that easy for you?" He asked.

Kurasame gave a small, one shouldered shrug a moment later. "You should already know that the life of a Soldier is filled with snap-decision moments that can make or break your life... I already faced and survived so many challenges and came out the other side. I've lived long enough that I can pass my experiences of battle onto others. But also, in that regard, one never knows when their life may come to an end. I treasure the time I have, and try not to waste it worrying and thinking about particulars. During the day, at the Akademy, I am Kurasame Susaya: Commanding Officer of Class Zero, and the Ice Reaper of Rubrum. When it is evening, or I am off duty, I am simply Kurasame. The same applies here and now. While I am instructing and teaching Class Zero or ordering them on the field of battle, I am their Commander. When I finish their lessons and dismiss them, I am simply another person to them. I see them both as my charges, and as my equals."

Squall blinked slowly, silent as he absorbed the others words. After another moment, his arms crossed as he leaned against the doorway in a semi-casual manner. "...You're fond of them." He spoke, though the words were more of a statement than a question.

"I see myself in them." Kurasame responded. "They're all different, but they come together as one on the field. Their personalities, strengths, weaknesses... It reminds me of some of my own friends and our time together as Students. But in many ways, it feels...deeper than that. Stronger. Perhaps it's because we're away from Orience, my memories...seem to give me differing conclusions of the past events we've experienced together. Almost as if we've repeated things over and over. If that is true, then perhaps that explains so well why I treat them as I do."

Squall blinked once more. "Blurred memories, huh...?" He muttered softly, before giving a nod of understanding. "I can understand that. It's similar to my own experiences. The Guardian Forces--Eidolons to you, I guess--of my world, they take up a portion of space within one's mind when they're Junctioned to you. That space is your memories. Things become...hazy, blurry. Hard to remember. Unless they're the things you always need to remember and know. I forgot so many things... Even now, being here, I..." He frowned before shaking his head.

"...It doesn't matter, I guess. My memories don't mean much here in this world. But even so..." He trailed off, eyes glossing the briefest of moments before he glanced longways outside of the door down the hall of the Tower.

"...I find it difficult. Facing them. The ones I know. We grew up together, have fought together, they've shown me their support countless times, but it still feels strange to me. I don't know how to acknowledge them. It's just easier being their Commander and holding my distance."

Kurasame gave a slow nod of understanding at the other's words, letting out a quiet sigh. "It is easy to seal oneself off. But even so, I still see you make the effort to try on the occasion with that one particular person you know. Are they special to you?" The other asked.

"..." Squall's face tinted the slightest. "You mean Irvine? ...I... Yes. They're important to me. Moreso than the rest. Except Seifer, anyway. But Seifer and I..." He frowned, trying to formulate the right words, before sighing heavily. "...It's complicated."

The other let out a soft chuckle. "I Imagine so, given what I see come from the two of you. But even when the both of you are butting heads, there still seems to be some strong feelings there. If you ask me, if you can understand the sentiments behind it, and they can understand yours, there's no need for words. Although expressing such with words does reiterate your meaning, it's not truly needed. It's what you put into your expressions." He explained.

"Take Nine, for example. He and I don't see eye to eye about anything hardly. But I will not deny his strength in battle, nor his care for his siblings. On the field, he's willing more to listen to my commands than my lessons in the classroom because he's also seen my own strength. And then there's Jack... A much as he jokes about and goofs off during class, his aptitude for reading his opponents and counterstriking is impeccable. He observes a lot more than he ever lets on normally." He offered before shrugging.

Squall's brow slowly rose before he cut straight to the heart of it. "What about Ace?" He asked.

"..." Kurasame was quiet for a long moment, merely inhaling and exhaling a few times before his gaze sharpened and he looked back towards him.

"Ace is... Well, Ace. He's kind, he cares about all of his classmates. He's gifted in his magic and strength, but he's often too reckless in his wish to protect the rest. He's innocent, there's something that makes the people around him want to protect him, myself included. But beyond that..." The other trailed off again, letting out another soft sigh.

"Ace is my happiness, put simply. He has this ability to make everyone smile. To merely label this feeling as 'Love' is inaccurate, but I suppose it's the closest word in existence to describe the feelings I have for him. I wish to protect him, yes, but I also wish to see him continue to grow and get stronger. I want to help him achieve his wants and dreams. The fear I have at the thought I could lose him... The anger I feel whenever he is harmed... I'd become a L'Cie and Summon a Verboten Eidolon, sacrificing many other souls and my own if it spared him."

Although Squall didn't fully comprehend what becoming a L'Cie meant, as it seemed to vary compared to what Lightning and those from Cocoon and Pulse and the ones from Orience described it, but one thing was sure... L'Cie's were beings of incredible power at a cost. That alone was enough to paint him a broad enough picture of what the other was meaning.

"Your happiness..." He spoke contemplatively, before nodding in acceptance.

"I daresay if Ace were to ever be truly lost, it wouldn't be just me that would sacrifice everything in the world to return him. But I'd be the first to offer my own soul up in exchange." Kurasame sighed.

"But enough of that. I'm sure you have similar feelings when it comes to those you care about, yes?"

"...Yes." Squall answered with a slow, firm nod.

"Even if you cannot put those feelings into words easily... Don't hesitate expressing it when the opportunity arises. Life is too short." He advised.

"You're right." The other accepted. "I'm not sure how I should, but... I'll try. Thank you." The Mercenary's eyes flickered with his gratefulness towards the other.

Kurasame gave a small shake of his head. "No need. Just passing along some advice, that's all. Go now, I'm going to make the rounds before checking on Ace to make sure he actually does eat today." He murmured before he slowly walked out of the room, passing the other who gave yet another nod and slowly took off in the opposite direction from him.

After doing what he said he was going to by patrolling the perimeter and checking to see if any of the others around needed assistance, he made his way towards the Stables.

He was not surprised to see Cloud, Zidane and Bartz with Ace, the four of them working in tandem together as they were feeding the Chocobos Gyasahl Greens and watching over the chicks.

He gave a nod to the two before his eyes fixed on Ace. "Have you eaten yet?" He asked him.

The other's head shook. "No, not yet. I was going to after finishing up with this." He motioned towards where he was feeding the chicks.

"I can finish it," Zidane offered cheerfully. "You should go grab some grub, it wouldn't be good to go hungry!"

Cloud quietly gave a nod of agreement to Zidane's words. "...We'll finish up." He said.

Bartz gave them a thumbs up, grinning broadly. "Go on, it won't take us long!"

Kurasame gave a small bow of his head in thanks while Ace looked between the others, checking to see if they were sure before he gave them a smile. "Thanks, guys." He turned towards Kurasame and took a few steps. "Let's go."

Allowing the other to bypass him, the Ice Reaper turned and quietly fell into step beside the other as they made their way back to the Tower.

"Ace," Kurasame spoke suddenly, some time had passed since he'd ensured the other had properly eaten and they were merely wandering the hall aimlessly.

Ace stopped his walking and blinked up at him, eyes alight in curious wonder. "Yes? What is it?"

"..." Kurasame hesitated for a moment, taking a breath before he slowly reached out, letting his gloved hand cup the other's cheek.

Time to take his own advice.

"You are aware of my affection for you, yes?"

The other's face flushed a dark pink and his gaze suddenly turned shy but he gave a tiny nod. "Y-yes. What are you--"

Kurasame shook his head as he leaned down closer until he was evenly face to face with the other. "I'm aware I don't show it as often as I should. I simply... Wished for you to know how much I truly do cherish you, what you really mean to me."

"K-Kurasame..." Ace murmured softly, before a different kind of smile rose to the others face. It was filled with warmth, delight, and something truly unmistakable. Their blue eyes were glossed and lidded with the same things.

Slowly, their hands rose up, carefully slipping back behind the other's head to unlatch the clasps that held the other's mask to their face, carefully pulling it away before letting one hand trail down their cheek, thumb slowly trailing down over the scar there. The man didn't flinch away from the touch, lips slowly tilting upwards to meet the other's smile.

"I love you, too." Ace reassured the other quietly.

Squall quietly passed by the hall, a blond and a brunet at his side. His head turned to catch a glimpse of the two from the corner of his eye and his hand slowly reached out, grasping for the brunet's own before he turned his head back to catch the gaze of the blond and held his stare for a long moment, before he offered them a simple, small, but real smile.

The reactions he earned were surprised expressions, but he was soon rewarded by a squeeze from the brunet's hand and a small, returning smirk from the blond.

It was enough.

-End-

Chapter Text

Squall was aware of Seifer’s looming proximity, even with his eyes closed. He was more than aware of how every hair on the back of his neck stood on end the more he felt Seifer’s presence inch further and further into his personal space.

His instincts about the situation told him to push away, to fight against the other’s approach and redraw the line of his space. Yet he continued to make no move to do such.

He slowly opened his eyes to glance up towards the blond, silently meeting their gaze, waiting.

“You’re a mess.” Seifer stated plainly, tone as blunt as ever.

A small quirk lifted the corner of Squall’s lip. “I know.” He answered.

Seifer pressed closer, inching his way until he was mere inches in front of the other, leering down at him. A shiver ran through Squall, mildly unnerved and fighting back the urge to break away.

“Feeling brave?” The other asked in a mildly taunting like way.

No. Not at all. He wanted to answer, but instead remained silent, frowning a little back at the other.

“…What’s your point?” Squall asked quietly. The wondering of if this was merely another of Seifer’s games or something else tugged at the forefront of his mind.

“My point?” Seifer responded, arching a brow.

“This. What are you getting at?”

He wasn’t blind. He knew Seifer the best this way, this was something more than his usual jibes and attempts to get under his skin.

This was something incredibly passive. Well, coming from Seifer anyway. Which meant he was serious about whatever he was attempting to say to him nonverbally.

A mildly agitated grunt was his response and Seifer shook his head, leaning his head closer, eyes narrowing again. “Answer me. Feeling brave?”

“…” Squall felt his body freezing up, the tenseness he’d been trying to push down was rapidly coming to him and he felt his own body reacting on its own out of instinct to make a move to put space between them.

Seifer didn’t give him that option as almost knowing what he’d do, they suddenly brought their hands up to push, pressing his body back and within another moment his body met the wall behind him.

Squall’s hands rose in response and grasped at the fabric of Seifer’s coat at his arms, gearing up to push back, but his eyes once again looked into the blond’s and he froze again.

The look the other had in them was unfamiliar, but also hauntingly familiar. Unmistakable. It was a look he’d been on the receiving end of a few times before.

He swallowed; mouth suddenly dry. His fingers’ grip became weak.

He knew what this look meant.

He also knew, he couldn’t lie.

Not to Seifer. Not to himself.

Seifer was telling him what he felt without words and subsequently, was asking him for a response.

“I’m not brave. With you, I can take on anything.” He began to answer slowly.

“But this,” He murmured, flicking his gaze to their position before looking back. “Us. I’m terrified.”

He wasn’t aware of how his grip on the other had changed, going from grasping in an attempt to push away to something almost pleading, wordlessly asking for the others understanding.

There was a long silence between them.

Finally, Seifer moved. He leaned in until their foreheads were pressed together, continuing to stare into the brunet’s eyes.

“Trust me.”

Two words. Just two, and yet… They were the most weighted words Squall ever heard come from the other.

He swallowed again, suddenly aware of his racing heartbeat.

He felt as if he couldn’t hear anything else but the blood pounding in his ears.

Taking a deep but shaky breath, Squall let his body go lax against the wall, lowering his resistance, allowing the other to press their weight into him.

He made up his mind.

“I do.” He answered.

Another moment passed.

When Seifer’s mouth crashed against his in a heated, rough kind of kiss, Squall met him with a fluid kind of coolness like condensation sliding against heated glass.

Truthfully, he was still terrified at this, the notion of what they were becoming and how things were going to change.

Yet…

It was Seifer; and he knew Seifer. Probably better than he knew himself.

He could do this… He could be brave.

If it was Seifer, he could do anything.

-End-

Chapter Text

It sucked when you were a Guardian without your Summoner in a new, strange place.

Aside from being unnerved in general, the fact the one you were supposed to be guarding wasn't with you at all makes it all the more so.

Rikku was both jumpy and wary when she was summoned to this strange, new world.

Of course, familiar faces were here, but...

Well...

They weren't hers for lack of a better term.

The Tidus and Yuna that were here?

From a completely different timeline than her.

Her heart had jumped in hope and excitement when she first spotted them, but then felt dismay soon after when she realized, no, it wasn't her Summoner and Yunie.

That's right. Her Summoner.

Where was he?

This Tidus was just a Guardian to Yuna and... Well, a very good one at that, with the way Yuna relied on him so much here in this world.

She couldn't stop the green-eyed tinge of jealousy that flared in her whenever she saw them together.

She missed the Tidus from her world.

She was his Guardian, after all! What's a Guardian without their Summoner?

She wasn't that worried about Tidus in general, he was strong on his own and had been Guardian-less before she came along, but...

...It was lonely.

She guessed it wasn't all that bad, though.

There really was a familiar face here.

The Baralai that was here was from her world, at least. So it wasn't as lonely, and they could commiserate together their lack of a Summoner.

And when the other had embraced her when she confessed her loneliness, well... That had felt nice, too. Hugs were great. Warm and fuzzy. Baralai was on the quiet side, but he was a caring man, if the way he pleaded and bargained for his friends' safety when they'd stumbled upon them after Operation Mi'hen spoke anything.

Of course, one of those people was Gippal, so of course she had to agree. Not that Tidus would've refused anyway, but him knowing she knew one of them helped.

But now here they were, away from Spira, and away from their Summoner.

"You think he's okay?" She asked Baralai.

He gave her a reassuring smile, nodding his head. "I believe he is; he's strong in both mind and body. But if I had to make guesses... I'm sure he's missing you." He answered.

Rikku felt her face flushing the slightest. "H-hey! It wouldn't just be me he missed! He said we're both important to him as Guardians!" She stammered before playfully swinging her fists towards the other.

That had the other chuckling faintly, raising his hands up in surrender. "Cunno," He responded in Al-Bhed. "I suppose you're right. But you've been at his side longer than I. You know him best."

"T-that doesn't mean he values me over you!" She exclaimed.

"No, but I think he holds you special." The other responded with another smile.

That smile both disarmed her as well as flustered her.

"Ohh, you..." Her cheeks puffed a little before deflating and slumping her shoulders, letting out a heavy sigh.

She made a small whine of annoyance as she fidgeted back and forth on her feet.

"E fyhd so Summoner... E fyhd so vneaht." She wibbled, her lower lip jutting out in a pout.

Baralai gave another quiet chuckle before he offered his hand out towards her. "I heard there's to be new Summons today, shall we go see? Hopefully among them will be one we know." He said.

Her eyed widened a little, hope glimmering within her swirl-green eyes.

She took the blond's hand and quickly bounced over to his side and together they made their way to the room within the Tower that held the Summoning Circle.

A few of the others were there, hoping to be reunited with someone they knew.

Arlumia, cloaked in her glimmering white robes, made her way to the center of the circle, a staff in her hand, atop it a beautiful Crystal in the shape of a heart with a crown on it.

"I shall summon forth new Champions for the realm." She spoke quietly.

Turning, she held her staff up, and a glow formed around her and she spun around, ether and magic swirling around as one by one, the circles in the room began to illuminate and glow.

She stopped her spin, and firmly slammed the tip of her staff down onto the circle she was standing on.

"Come forth, Heroes of Distant Worlds!" She cried.

All the seals from the circles glowed and figures began to take shape within each one.

Many of the figures were unfamiliar to Rikku, but within the final seal...

"Whoa... What the--Where am--" Came an all too familiar voice.

Rikku took a deep breath as her eyes scanned the Tidus that stood there before them. She didn't have to get far before her eyes fell on the object that hung around the other's neck before she all but rushed forward.

"Ed'c oui! Oui'na rana!" She cried joyfully as she latched onto her Summoner's arm in a tight grip.

Baralai chuckled quietly when Tidus' face turned confused for a moment before he recognized the girl at his side.

"It's good to have our Summoner with us." Baralai added in with a nod and a smile to the other.

The object Rikku was staring at to identify her Summoner was the goggles that hung around his neck.

When Tidus first said she was his Guardian, she'd been astounded, surprised, and also in disbelief.

When she asked him if he meant it, he took off the necklace that hung around his neck and offered it to her and said it was a sign of promise.

Well, a promise went both ways. So she took the goggles she had off around her neck and traded them to the other with a broad grin.

The weight of the pendant on the necklace dug into her chest a little as she put her arms fully around Tidus and squeezed him. "Hey, you big dummy! It's hard to be a Guardian when their Summoner isn't near, you know!" She cried.

His familiar laugh filled her with warmth and the smile he gave her in response set her heart pounding.

"Sorry, sorry! I guess it would be, huh? My bad. But hey, I'm here now, right? It'll be okay." He assured before looking around at the unfamiliar room.

"Sooo.... Next question: Where are we?"

Rikku and Baralai both let out a laugh as they motioned for their Summoner to follow as they began to explain their new location and why.

Rikku though, stayed much closer to Tidus, keeping one hand fixed around his wrist.

A moment later, though, she found her hand within his and found her eyes widening as she glanced up towards the other.

He gave her his typical broad grin, blue eyes sparkling as the light reflected in them, making all thought and breath leave the girl before she found her heart thundering in her chest and her face automatically twisting to mirror and match that grin with one of her own.

Her Summoner was special, and she was his Guardian.

She would keep him close.

-End-

Chapter Text

Winter had come to Balamb again, and while the majority of the people were bundled up, Squall Leonhart wandered down the street of the small town in his usual clothes as if there were no chill to the air at all.

The cold had always been a comfort to him when he was young, he'd spend ages outside while the wind swept frosty, bitter cold air across the land driving everyone else inside. He'd always sought sanctuary and safety within it.

Because if no one was there, no one could bother him.

Matron would always scold him as he'd come inside, nearly frostbitten with blue-purple lips as she'd begin to warm him up, always saying he would catch a cold, or worse, death.

As he got older, he would find himself wandering about within the cold, exploring the land with none to bother him. It was during one of those times, he found Her.

Shiva.

Guardian Force of Ice, Queen of Snow and Frost.

She was in a beautiful, crystallized cavern with a frozen over lake inside. She sat upon a throne of Ice, as if she'd been waiting for him.

There were no words spoken, she rose from the throne and stepped down onto the frozen lake and walked with regal grace to the place he was standing.

He stared with a light of wonder and curiosity to his eyes as he beheld her and waited. He didn't know what he was waiting for, but something just told him to wait.

The Guardian Force gazed down at him with her frost-blue gaze, her eyes were cold at first, as cold as glaciers, before they suddenly became clear. Clear like the crystalline ice that reflected around them. Something uncanny filled their eyes. Warmth. But not warm like fire, this warmth was something akin to feeling sunlight shining down through an open window on an early winter's morning.

Wordlessly, Shiva raised her hands, reaching out towards him and he showed no fear or reaction to her advance.

Coolness touched his cheeks, but did not feel violently cold; perhaps because the bitter cold he'd been walking through already had numbed his skin and senses but this felt genuinely pleasant. With that touch, though, his eyelids lowered as he suddenly began to feel sleepy all of a sudden. A heaviness began to overtake his system, much like it would when his body could barely stand the cold any longer.

His body tingled with numbness, and while something in Squall's mind told him he should worry or be concerned that this was happening, he could only continue to stare up though his eyelashes with drowsy eyes at the Guardian Force.

A smile was now drawn across Shiva's face, her eyes were glowing faintly with her power. She leaned in, drawing the boy closer to her, and Squall could no longer fight the heavy sensations any longer.

As his eyelids slipped shut, he felt the gentlest pressure against his forehead, followed by a cool tingle.

He heard--or was it felt--a mix of both, perhaps, a single word:

Sleep.

And he felt the sensation of himself falling.

When he awoke, She was gone; he found himself in the Throne She had occupied.

His head felt heavy, and his mind was jumbled as he looked around again.

Where was She?

He slowly stood up, looking down at himself. Colour had returned to his skin, and the cold barely affected him at all. Had the weather calmed down or...?

A sharp sting within his mind caused him to wince, reaching up to his temple.

Something shifted.

And he heard--felt--that voice again.

I am with you now, my Child...

Understanding dawned within him.

He was worthy. She Junctioned to him.

He held the Queen of Winter and Snow within himself now.

Quietly, he vowed to himself he would keep her safe and give her no cause to leave him.

As he slowly began to exit the cavern, he was unaware of the silent vow Shiva made in return.

To always shield the child who chose to adore her Gifts.

As time passed, his bond to her only strengthened and grew. So much so, that many would have said it was like he became her Incarnate in Human form.

He knew otherwise, it was only because of her Blessing that he could endure. He lacked a true Mother, but with all the years the Guardian Force had spent within him and at his side, shielding and protecting him from pain, he could almost say he preferred to view her as his Mother.

He finished his walk through the town as he stopped at the pier, overlooking the water.

The wind had picked up just a little bit and the sea churned roughly.

He could feel her restlessness stirring within his mind as if it were his own.

She longed to embrace her Element; to unleash her Gifts unto the world.

If there had been anyone to witness what he was about to do, they would've called him crazy or tried to stop him, but there were none.

Without fear, he took one broad step off of the pier.

His foot met ice instead of water.

An arctic glow began to form around him, and the ice began to spread out from under him with each step he took further and further out onto the water he went.

He did not stop until he'd made his way far away from the town, but it was still within sight.

There, he closed his eyes as the wind blustered, and the frost around him grew thicker and he heard it clearly:

Summon me. Release me.

Without extravagance, he raised his hand. He opened his mind completely and with the exhale of his breath, frost whispering like smoke, it turned into a large swirl of ice, hail, and snow.

A tornado of it flurried, and the water around began to crash and quake as the wind picked up, but as it did, when the waves would crest, they would instantaneously freeze over.

It was harsh, it was rough. But if any saw the display, it was also terrifyingly beautiful.

Chaos in a contained form.

And there she was, hovering high in the sky above the flurry, ice blue aura shining as she commanded the very air and waters to freeze, creating a mini-landscape of her own out there on the water.

All for one Child.

Squall stared with dilated eyes at it, the wonder once again there in his eyes as he took in the beauty that She shaped and wrought.

The quietest of sounds broke through the noise of the wind and the creaking of the ice.

Soft laughter.

It was genuine; the tone filled with joy.

"Thank you," He spoke, voice nearly blending in with the wind around them.

"I've missed this."

The Guardian Force slowly descended down from her place in the sky until she was touching the ice the boy was standing on.

With another wave of her hand, the clouds in the sky seemed to grow and darken just a little further, and in another moment, snow began to fall. It was light, but consistent before she turned her gaze once more to the other.

Her eyes were filled with that warmth again.

Squall smiled at the Guardian Force, the light and purity in it was like sunshine reflecting off of the ice crystals that would gather on the grass during winter.

She reached out for him, placing her hands against his cheeks and leaned in, her lips pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Return now, my Child.

With those words, she seemed to turn into the very frosty air itself before vanishing back into the depths of his Mind again.

Taking one last look at the display around him, he turned back towards Balamb and began to walk along the ice path, and as he went, the ice began to melt and crack and slowly disappear back into the ocean, as if it had never existed.

When Squall made it back and stepped onto the pier, he began his ascent back up the road and back through the town, beginning to make his way back to Garden.

Everyone had retreated fully indoors, and that was fine to Squall. He got to enjoy Shiva's Gift all to himself, then, as the snow continued to fall around him.

The walk was uneventful, but Squall enjoyed the stillness and the sound of the wind carrying the snowflakes that fell.

As much as he loved Shiva's Gifts, and would gladly spend the night out in it...

The two figures waiting at the Gates expectantly stopped him from it.

Well, he thought to himself a little distantly.

He could do that...tomorrow night.

Tonight, though...

Hands attached themselves to him and arms surrounded him.

Tonight, he didn't mind choosing warmth.

-End-

Chapter Text

Tidus let out a a heavy sigh.

A week. It had been more than a week since his two Guardians up and disappeared in a flash of light.

Where were they? Where could they have gone? He searched as far as he could for any trace of them, even asking Rin at the Agency for some assistance, but to no avail.

It was as if all trace of them had vanished.

It was setting his worry and anxiety off like nothing else this entire journey had.

To make matters a little more complicated...

"I can't sense Lenne anywhere."

The voice whispered like an eerie echo within his mind as pyreflies swirled near him and took on the hazy form of a figure that looked near identical to himself.

Shuyin.

"She's not here, either?" He asked, frowning further.

It was complicated. He'd stopped Shuyin's reckless, vengeful spirit in the Den of Woe, sealing his spirit within a Sphere after finding and saving Baralai and his friends from the peril.

The Unsent had really gotten on his nerves at first with his constant yells of threats and beyond, at least, until they happened upon another Sphere that Rikku found when they were in Bevelle.

The spirit contained within held Shuyin's lover, Lenne, inside of it. Her consciousness awakened and after the two reunited, she convinced Shuyin to give up his vengeful plans. Vowing to help his journey in defeating Sin, the two of them combined their power and energy and... They transformed. Their souls entwined and shaped and together, they became a Fayth.

Zalera, the Death Seraph.

With the loud cry of Lenne's powerful Songstress voice, she could call forth the dead spirits and use them to aid them while Shuyin himself was powerful with his swings and magic.

However, there was a slight condition to being able to summon them both.

Rikku had to be with him.

She held Lenne's spirit within the Sphere that she attached to her Targe that allowed her to make full use of Lenne's abilities and skills if she needed to in battle.

Without her, the summon was Incomplete.

The two of them both felt the heavy weight of their partner's absence.

"No, neither here in Spira nor in the Farplane." Shuyin responded quietly. Try as he might to contain his sorrow and worry, it still slipped out in his tone.

"Man... Where could they be? I hope they're alright. Rikku's crafty and tough, and if Baralai's with her I doubt there's much that could get the better of them, but still..." He murmured with a frown.

"...You still worry." Shuyin finished for the other, giving a faint nod.

"Yeah..."

Silence began between them. There wasn't much either needed to say, for they could readily feel one another's thoughts and emotions through their link as Summoner and Fayth.

Heaving yet another sigh, Tidus turned and silently headed inside of Remiem Temple. He'd sought refuge there once Rikku and Baralai disappeared.

There was a small side room Arlumia had pointed out to him the first time they had visited, saying they could rest there without worry so he headed back to that room.

Once there, he sat down on the bed that had a small glow of magic swirling about it, a seal drawn underneath that somehow kept the state of the bed pristine and cared for despite no one being around.

He was still wracking his brain for ideas as he allowed himself to lay back on said bed, staring up at the mosiac ceiling.

After a moment, something blocked his view.

"How can you rest at a time like this?" Shuyin scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned over the other. A long frown was on his face and his blue eyes were narrowed a little in his agitation.

"It's because at a moment like this, we need to rest in order to think. Getting worked up isn't going to help, either." Tidus replied argumentively, before reaching out.

His hand found purchase around his Fayth's wrist and despite the other being nothing more than a mere metaphysical manifestation to most, he could touch and interact with the other physically and so he pulled him directly down onto the bed and into his arms.

"What are you doing?!" The other cried angrily, turning his narrowed eyes towards him as he hit the bed.

"Getting you to relax," The other replied a little cheekily, giving the other a grin. "Now shut up; let me take the reins for a bit."

Before the other could get out another word, Tidus leaned close, close enough for his forehead to gently bump against the others before he draw him close.

With a swirl of the pyreflies surrounding Shuyin, the other sank into the Summoner and disappeared, the glow now overtaking Tidus before settling.

It was something like a fusion of mind and body between them. He immediately felt Shuyin's consciousness pushing against his own in protest for a long moment, but he let himself stay passive, flexing and coiling about the other like a blanket wrapped around ones body.

After another few moments of feeling the other struggle less and less, he finally gave another smile when he felt their annoyance and resistance fade away and settle alongside him.

"That's better," He murmured softly aloud. "Just relax, Shuyin. We're okay, they're okay. I'm sure of it. And we'll find them, I promise."

There was a thrum of agreement that resonated through him.

"Yeah," He breathed, voice changing slightly to reflect Shuyin's tone within him as the other voiced his feelings aloud through him. "I know. But you know... We don't do too well without them by our sides, do we?" He questioned.

"Got that right." Tidus answered with a chuckle before he let his--their--eyes close and took a deep breath.

"She's just as important to you as Lenne is to me, isn't she?" Shuyin pushed.

"...Somewhere along the line, I guess she has become that important to me. I never stopped to think or notice that much. Too much was on the line for me in my mind. Or maybe... I was too afraid to admit my own feelings had changed. I once adored Yuna, and now... Those feelings are all but distant memories. What I feel now..." The Summoner trailed off.

"...I get it. But she's not the only one you're fond of, either." He added on amusedly.

That caused a slight flush to come to the blond's cheeks. "It's not my fault I'm easily drawn in by people who are kind, smart, and strong in their own ways." He excused.

"Hm. If you say so." Shuyin hummed amusedly.

Now that things were settling, it gave Tidus the moment to think again and his thoughts wandered to Arlumia, wondering if she would know of what was going on and if she could help.

It was as he was thinking of that, he felt an odd sensation sweep though his body and the world around him began to grow fuzzy and faded. He startledly bolted upright. "Wha--"

He heard a voice, sounding vaguely distant but unable to be placed in a direction.

"Come forth, Heroes from Distant Worlds!"

He felt dizzy as the light overtook him and the next thing he knew, Remiem Temple, Spira, everything had disappeared around him and he was suddenly standing in a new, unfamiliar place.

"Whoa... What the--Where am--" He began to speak as his eyes squinted, trying to adjust to the new setting.

"Ed'c oui! Oui'na rana!" Cried a familiar voice and before he could make a move, he found his arm being taken hold of tightly.

He confusedly looked to the side to see Rikku beaming up at him. There was a faint chuckle and as he turned his head, he caught sight of Baralai smiling towards him.

"It's good to have our Summoner with us." He greeted.

He felt Shuyin shifting within him again, and the moment he felt Rikku's arms come around him and give a tight squeeze, his heart jumped.

"Hey, you big dummy! It's hard to be a Guardian when their Summoner isn't near, you know!"

When he looked down at her, the Sphere from her Targe glowed and in a swirl of pyreflies, Lenne manifested beside her, unseen by anyone else.

"Sorry, sorry! I guess it would be, huh? My bad. But hey, i'm here now, right? It'll be okay." He answered with a laugh as he gave Shuyin a mental shove and pushed him out of their fusion as he took a look around.

Shuyin all but rushed towards Lenne and grabbed her hands, worriedly asking if she was alright.

Lenne's gentle smile immediately calmed him.

"Sooo... Nect question: Where are we?" Tidus asked Rikku and Baralai.

They glanced to one another, before letting out simultanious chuckles before they both turned and made motion for him to join along.

He began to walk, Baralai leading the way a few steps ahead. Rikku, though...

Rikku stuck close to his side, he hand latched around his wrist.

Some of their words of explanation were lost in the loud pounding of blood in his ears caused by his heartbeat deciding to be excessive in response, but he quickly slipped his wrist free and instead, grabbed her hand with his.

She let out a slightly startled gasp, wide eyes peering up at him.

Unable to voice anything outright, he simply gave her his best grin.

He felt more than saw the way Shuyin pulled Lenne close as the two walked behind them, silently happy to be together.

Rikku's face broke into a grin that rivaled his own as she fell into step at his side.

Yeah, she was definitely special to him.

He definitely would have to find a way to tell her.

For now, though...

He'd just keep her as close as he could.

-End-

Chapter Text

Squall was tired of thinking.

It felt as if that was all he ever did. Just think.

His head hurt, his mind itself ached.

Shiva couldn't even quell the thoughts that took up the space there in his mind.

Honestly, he just wanted to rest--

Suddenly he felt something settle atop his head and break his musing.

Eyes rolling upwards as his eyelids fluttered open, his gaze caught sight of the rim of a particular hat.

Directing his gaze forward had his eyes taking in the sight of the owner of said hat leaning against the wall in front of him with a pointed look and a grin.

"Come back from the dead, you've been inside your head for too long, darlin'."

Relief.

Something light shifted inside of him as he found his body moving without his knowledge until he found himself burying his face into the taller male's neck, arms encircling around him as he lets out a deep sigh.

"Distract me." Is the quiet whisper he tells to the other.

"From what?" Is the equally whispered response.

"Myself. My thoughts. I'm sick of it. Please, Irvine..."

The vulnerability the other admits to and shows in this moment is a tell-all to the cowboy.

It's with a hum of acknowledgement as he places a soft kiss to the side of the brunet's neck that he draws away from the other, grabbing their hand, entwining their fingers as he gives a light tug.

"C'mon."

No more words are said as Squall allows the other to lead him back towards his room.

It's sometime later, as Squall's stretched out across Irvine's bed, mind finally, blissfully blank, that he realizes he's simply existing in the moment as he listens to Irvine's breathing and feels his fingertips tracing against his skin.

He finds his lips curving upwards just the slightest as he curls closer into the other, just enough to press a kiss to the cowboy's jaw.

"Are ya with me now?" Irvine asks lazily, tilting his head enough to gaze fondly towards him.

"Yeah. I'm here in the now. Thanks." Squall answers, voice an almost matching casual drawl.

Fully shifting to their side, the sniper draws Squall closer and bumps his nose against theirs in a playful nuzzle.

"Anytime, darlin'. Next time, don't let it get this bad, 'kay?"

"...I'll try. This is still..."

"Something to get used to, I know. Just remind yourself you're not alone any longer. I'm here."

Squall lets his eyes close with a sound of understanding, letting his head rest down on the others shoulder.

No thoughts filled his mind as he took in the sensation of Irvine pressing a kiss to his temple and allowed his body to go lax and still.

Finally, rest. True, peaceful rest.

In mere moments, sleep claimed him easily.

The cowboy continued to gaze at his sleeping partner with soft, fond eyes, a gentle smile upon his face.

"Sweet dreams, Squall."

-End-

Chapter Text

It happened again.

Irvine Kinneas was having an anxiety-filled panic attack.

It wasn't the first time this had happened since arriving in Servannia, but it had been a while since the last episode.

Squall Leonhart was glaring daggers at a particular group of people from where he leaned against the wall beside the door to Irvine's room like a guard dog--or guard lion, as it were--fingers drumming against his bomber jacket sleeve all with a clenched, set jaw.

He knew he was useless in this situation, he never had been good at dealing with Irvine's panic attacks. The few times he had managed to calm him were more or less crucial moments where he had to, but this... This was not one of those times.

Selphie was not here in this particular Tower in this area of Servannia, and she was the usual go-to for calming the cowboy down.

Desperate times called for desperate measures so Squall had turned to Quistis with an imploring look that she seemed to understand before she had turned on her heel and marched down the hallway, disappearing down a flight of stairs n search for the only other figure Squall knew of that could deal with and calm Irvine's raging anxiety.

"Shove it, get outta the way." Came a snarling voice and Squall's head wearily turned from his constant glare to watch the tall, blond figure stalk closer and closer.

Seifer Almasy looked mighty pissed.

Of course, he almost always looked agitated or annoyed, but this was not his typical expression of anger.

Taking a deep breath, the blond firecracker stopped beside Squall and stared at him.

"How bad?" He asked gruffly.

"...Stage three, at least." He murmured back to the other.

The other's scowl deepened as he turned his attention to the door.

From beyond it, they could hear the faint muffled sounds of fast, erratic gasps and stifled sobs, accompanied by indecipherable murmuring.

Squall's gaze softened, the concern visible in his storm grey-blue eyes.

Even Seifer's sharp green eyes toned down a little at the sound before he tightened his jaw a moment later, getting a set, determined look to his face.

"I got the cowboy, you deal with the problem." Seifer ordered the brunet.

For once, in the rarest of wholehearted agreement, Squall gave a nod of compliance as he pushed from the wall.

"Alright, cowboy, I'm comin' in whether you like it or not so you better pray this door isn't locked." Seifer stated loudly before reaching for the handle of the door.

Perhaps thankfully, when the other turned it, it gave way beneath him, allowing him access.

Without looking back, the other promptly entered the room and shut the door behind him, an audible 'click'; of the lock the only sound heard by everyone else in the hall.

Squall's gaze turned back to the particular instigators of this moment, taking a bold step forward, placing his trust in Seifer and his end of things while he determined exactly what way he should deal with the problem as Seifer put it.

Inside, Seifer found Irvine curled up in a tight ball in the corner past the sniper's bed, clutching tightly at his head and hair with his legs tucked as tight and compact as he could manage.

With a sigh to himself, Seifer stepped over close to the other, to the side of them and slid down the wall with his back, reaching over for the other. It took a little bit of effort, as the other seemed to react and attempt to squirm away from him, but his hands found a firm enough purchase around their middle without being crushing and all but pulled the gunner over from where he was to between his own legs, firmly pulling them up against his chest.

"Calm down, cowboy. It's just me. Breathe." Seifer muttered quietly to the brunet.

"...S-Seif..." Irvine whimpered quietly, shaking his head back and forth several times, small tremors running through his body before he slowly, finally, uncurled a little, practically collapsing his weight onto the gunblade wielder.

"Breathe for me, Irvine. It's not the end of the world." Seifer soothed.

Irvine's shoulders shook as he took in a deep, hitching breath before he let it out shakily, once again shaking his head. "S'myfault." He mumbled back to the other.

"It wasn't." Seifer replied sharply, tone firm, but lacking its usual harsh bite.

"They shouldn't have pressured you into taking that shot, we were doing fine as it was."

Irvine's head hung as another sob escaped his throat. "I-I shouldn't choke up like I do..."

"You've always locked up when put on the spot, but you're still the best damn shot in Garden when you don't let that pressure get to you. Stop thinking about it." Seifer responded, slowly removing his arms from around the other's middle before placing his hands on their shoulders and ran their hands down along their arms in a slow and firm grounding-type of pressure.

Irvine didn't respond, shuddering again as he let out another noise of distress, hiccupping out another quiet sob before he let his head drop heavily onto Seifer's shoulder, turning his face inwards towards them and inhaled as deeply as they could, taking in the other's smell and scent and focused on the weight and feel of their hands.

Seifer slowly moved one hand up to touch the top of Irvine's head, sliding his fingers down through his hair till he reached the other's ponytail before he carefully slid the tie out before coming his fingers down through before curling his fingers towards the end of his hair before slowly pulling the strands to give a light tug in order to give another grounding sensation to the other.

He couldn't remember how or when he realized Irvine needed either constant verbal communiqué or something to focus and ground himself to. He grounded best to touch and smell sensory. It had something to do, maybe, that he'd snapped and tried to throttle the other only to have them collapse into a heap in his arms. Awkward and not knowing what to do, he'd sank down and let the other cry everything out against his chest as he clung tightly onto him.

That was years ago, but the routine practically stayed the same.

If Selphie wasn't around to talk his ear off and keep his mind distracted, only this seemed to help.

Seifer found his eyes closing. He tilted his head back to rest against the wall as he shifted, just enough to get as comfortable as he could and settle with the cowboy in his embrace. Before he knew it, his vocal chords started vibrating quietly as he began to hum. It was more of a subconscious thing; Irvine enjoyed listening to things and hated the silence. That's why he took to Selphie's chattering so much. But Seifer wasn't like that so when he had found himself with his arms full of the other, he hadn't known what to do except awkwardly keep hold of the other, tense and unsure of how to react.

What was it Matron did to calm them down at night? She sang. She knew plenty of songs, but there was a particular one he enjoyed hearing; it was a soothing, gentle lilt of a song. He couldn't remember the words off the top of his head, just the melody. Without anything to lose, the blond awkwardly cleared his throat and attempted to hum the notes.

It had worked then. And seemed to work now--Irvine's body grew less tense little by little as he heard the melody so close to his ear where he was resting his head on Seifer's shoulder and found his eyes slowly going lidded and glossy.

To Irvine, Seifer was an Angel. Yes, he could be annoying, pushy, have an attituded problem, but when it came to this... The other never, ever taunted him or belittled him. He was soft, and showed how kind he was underneath the front when they were like this. Irvine felt he owed a lot to the other for all the times he'd picked him up after he had an anxiety attack. His mind's racing thoughts finally calmed and slowed the longer he listened to the humming and felt the weighted pressure of Seifer's arms grounding him against his chest.

His breathing evened out; his racing pulse began to return to its normal rate. The swirling, utter chaos that he'd been in seemed so far away now. He could still feel it there, but it was...muted. If the other had some kind of special Magic that warded away his stress, this was certainly it.

It was a strange, fuzzy warmth he always found himself sinking down into. As if nothing could touch him--that Seifer wouldn't let anything touch him--he felt safe and still.

It was quite some time before Seifer fell silent, letting his cheek rest down against Irvine's head, mouth near the others ear. "Better?" He asked quietly.

Irvine stirred a little, shiver running down his system at the breath whispering past his ear. "Yeah... Lots. Thanks, Angel."

Irvine almost expected Seifer to shift in signal for him to move so he could pull away now they he had verified he was alright, but no such movement happened. He continued to sit there.

"...Seif?" Irvine questioned a little puzzledly.

"Hm?"

"Were you gonna move?"

"Did you want me to?"

Well that threw Irvine in for a loop for a moment, his mind briefly panicked at the sudden question before he found himself shaking his head hurriedly.

"...No. I wanna say like this for a little longer." He answered.

Seifer let out an agreeing noise before turning his head, placing a kiss to the side of Irvine's neck. "Alright. Just a little while." He answered.

Another shiver ran through the sniper at the kiss, goosebumps forming along his arms at the action but he found his eyes slipping closed as Seifer decided to repeat the motion, beginning to place slow, open-mouthed kisses to his neck and down towards his shoulder. If it were possible for his body to possibly become any more lax and turn to jelly, he was pretty sure it would've by now.

As it was, a relaxed, pleased moan escaped his mouth. He found the mental focus long enough to move his hand, bringing it up to take hold of Seifer's, threading their fingers together and gave a quiet squeeze of thanks.

He didn't miss the way Seifer's other arm tightened a semi-fraction of possessiveness in response around him.

Seifer stilled his movements once his mouth met the fabric of Irvine's clothes at his shoulder before resting his chin down and both remained quiet.

The silence wasn't stifling to Irvine and he found himself dozing off, unaware that Seifer was fighting his own daze.

They startled together some time later, unable to tell how long had passed, when a knock came to Irvine's door.

"...You both alive?" Was Squall's quiet voice, the mild concern there in the tone.

Irvine yawned, glancing back to Seifer who chose to let out a mild growl at being disturbed and found himself chuckling lightly. "He could probably use some rest, too." He reminded him.

Seifer grunted, but didn't acknowledge the words as he carefully shifted, pushing the other to detach themselves.

"We're alright." Irvine answered back as he carefully moved and stretched, before hauling himself up onto his bed and ran a hand through his hair.

Seifer mumbled something, though Irvine couldn't make out what he said. The blond stood up shakily, stretching out his legs and waited a moment. Once his legs seemed to reregister themselves, he strode over to the door, unlocked it, opened it and proceeded to snatch the other by the arm and roughly pull them inside before slamming the door shut behind him and locking it once more before shoving Squall towards Irvine all in one go.

Squall's yelp of surprise and his staggering was comical for a moment but Irvine reached out to stop and steady the other before they crash and tumble right over the bed and him. "Easy there." He murmured.

"...You okay?" Squall asked him quietly after regaining his sense of bearing and cast a mild leer over towards Seifer who only shrugged and gave him that damnable smug smirk he always did.

"As good as I can be after feeling like my entire world was going to crush me." Irvine assured before he tugged, pulling on Squall until the other relented and joined him sitting on the bed.

That didn't last too long because Irvine found himself wanting to curl up again so he wrapped both arms around Squall and all but pulled him down with him, still finding himself wanting something--someone--to hold onto.

Squall made a noise--though whether it was annoyed or not was anyone's guess, but he complied and let himself lay out and let the sniper hold onto him.

It was only another moment later, Irvine felt warmth and weight against his back as Seifer slid in behind him, arm coming up and around his waist.

Irvine found himself grinning from ear to ear with happiness, letting out a sound of content before he let his eyes close again.

It wasn't perfect; they weren't perfect. But as far as Irvine was concerned, this was as damned close as they could be given how and who they were.

He would never ask for anything more than this.

-End-

Chapter Text

"Finally!" The Onion Knight cheered as they finished scaling the last stair of the temple and reached the Altar that housed the newest Crystal.

They could hear their traveling companions approaching behind them and turned, granting them a wide smile. "Thanks for coming along with me, I've been waiting to show you this surprise!" They called cheerfully.

Terra smiled in response. "I am always happy to help. Though I do wonder what you mean by 'surprise'." She responded.

Beside her, Vaan placed his hands on his hips and sniffed a little, grinning as well. "Is it some sorta treasure?" He asked.

The Onion Knight gave off a quiet laugh. "Not in the material sense, I'm afraid. But I think you'll find it funny." They responded.

Gabriel tilted their head the slightest. "Whatever do you mean? How is the Crystal invoking you power humorous?"

To that, the Onion Knight turned to their elder and looked up towards them, giving off a nod to show they understood their question. "It's not the Crystal's doing, per se. It's the Power. I know what it is. You'll understand after I show you, promise."

To that, the Warrior of Light nodded their head. "Very well."

Desch crossed his arms. "Well, let's see it! No time like the present."

The Onion Knight glanced to their companion and gave a nod of their head in agreement before stepping up to the Altar and reached out, placing their hand on the Crystal.

"I am ready. We're ready. Please, grant us this Power!" They spoke confidently.

The Crystal began to shine and glow brightly in response to the Warriors call and light began to swirl and circle around the small Knight.

It enveloped them, and suddenly, the light broke into four pieces and aligned in a row before the glow faded away, revealing four individuals standing there.

"What is this...?" Terra gasped in surprise.

Vaan blinked rapidly, before he did start laughing. "You're right, this is funny!" The Absurdity of the moment only fueled the Thief's humor.

Gabriel stared in fascination while Desch had a long, blank look to his face as if he were trying hard to recall something.

Slowly, the four looked down at themselves, then one another, before breaking out into a cheer.

They were a group of young, teenage youth, three males and a girl.

One with silver hair, the girl with orangy-blond, one with brown, and the last a golden blond.

"It worked!" The girl cried, pumping her fist. "I'm so glad, it was cramped being in your guys' psyche."

The brunette shuffled their feet and looked a little timid. "I-I didn't mind it... I kinda liked the closeness..." They murmured.

The blond let out a loud sigh. "It could be...trying...at times dealing with everyone's thoughts and emotions but I must say I am glad to have my own mind and will back to myself."

The silver haired one hummed, nodding at all three of his companions words. "Yes, I understand all of your sentiments. I echo a little bit of all of them, too. I didn't mind us together like that, but I also like our individuality. Plus, now that we are separate again, we'll be able to truly bring all our strength to bear."

The silver one turned towards the rest of the group and smiled again. "I suppose introductions are in order. The being you saw before was a conglamoration of the four of us. When we were initially called, the four of us lacked the strength to do much good for the Crystals and Gods' sake so we were fused into one being to make up for that strength. But now, we have achieved enough power both physically and on the inside, to separate again. I'm Luneth, pleased to meet you."

The girl gave a wave and a gentle-like grin. "I'm Refia, glad to meetcha!"

The blond stepped forward a little and gave a polite bow from the waist. "I am Ingus, pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Then all three of them looked to the last, the smaller brunette boy.

He shuffled again and let out a shy squeak, turning red a little as their eyes dropped to the ground. "I-I'm Arc..." They mumbled weakly. "N-Nice to meet you."

Upon hearing all their names, the blank look in Desch's eyes became clear and it was as if a lightning bolt had struck them. "Oh! I remember now!" They cried before they dashed forward, reaching out to pat Arc on the head before moving to place a hand on Ingus' shoulder and pat, before doing the same to Refia and finishing by drawing Luneth into a casual hug and ruffled their hair.

"Now I know why you reminded me of someone, but I couldn't remember you. Your face in that combined form was unfamiliar, but your mannerisms were!" He spoke.

"Good to see you too, Desch." Refia responded with a smile.

"Yeah, sorry we couldn't tell you it was us. We were kinda incapable of it." Luneth responded.

Gabriel stepped close and looked down at the four again. "So you mean to say the Power the Crystal granted you was to return to all your true forms?" He asked curiously.

"Yes, more or less." Ingus responded with a nod. "You see, when we were first called, all of our power together was great, bit as individuals, we were not strong at all. We were combined to ensure our strength as well as to be able to get along with the rest of you, as it were. When we finally returned home, we trained for ages to become stronger individually. When we were summoned back here, we heard a voice from one of the Crystals saying we only had a smaller ways to go as one physically before we could split into our natural selves here. We finally achieved our goal."

"I see now. That explains why I've always felt so many different emotions and soul within you" Terra spoke softly, nodding her head.

"So instead of being just one person, that one person was really all four of you?" Vaan slowly asked, his puzzled, thinking face was scrunched tight as he tried to comprehend their situation.

Arc nodded their head solemnly. "Y-yes... I suspect that may be a little hard for you to understand but--"

Vaan interrupted them. "It means I got all four of you to look out for as a Big Brother!" He stated proudly with a nod of his head.

The comical face-fault of all four of them was palpable before Ingus spoke up. "You remember that?"

"Yeah, 'course. I promised I'd look after you as a sibling since you didn't have any and I'm used to the role!" The blond thief responded cheerfully.

"It's nice to know we're being looked out for." Luneth responded with a smile.

Refia let out a short laugh. "As if he ever properly looked after us. More like led us into more trouble."

"--And got in our way." Ingus reminded as he looked between Terra and Vaan.

"At least he tried," Arc countered quietly.

"This will take some getting used to," Terra began, but she smiled. "But I'm looking forward to really getting to know you all as individuals."

The four gave her a smile of their own in return. "Ditto." They echoed as one before they startledly looked towards one another.

"Looks like we're going to have to get used to speaking as one still." Luneth chuckled.

"Fascinating. Well, regardless of if you're one entity or four, your strength is more than welcome and your company received." Gabriel said.

"Thank you!" Refia replied, beaming.

"Let's get a move on, shall we? We still have to make it back to the Tower and let everyone else know what's happened." Desch spoke up.

The four gave a nod of agreement.

"You're right, Desch. Let's go, everyone." Luneth ordered.

The group began to make their descent back down the stairs of the Temple.

On their way down, Arc engaged himself with speaking shyly to Terra, Refia was boisterously in a playful argument with Vaan, and Gabriel and Desch were leading the way out.

Ingus slowed his steps just a little to fall into place and match Luneth's at the back, glancing towards them.

Luneth turned their head to glance back at them and offered a smile to them. "Is everything alright?" They asked the blond.

"Yeah," Ingus replied. "It feels good to be back in my own body again."

Luneth nodded. Before he could say anything else, the blond reached their hand over and grasped theirs, linking their fingers together silently and giving a slow squeeze.

"I've missed you." The blond murmured quietly.

A soft look took over the other's face as they quietly squeezed Ingus' hand back. "Missed you, too. Now there'll be time to make up for it."

To that, the other gave a resolute nod of their head and turned their gaze forward, neither needing to speak another word.

-End-

Chapter Text

Game - FF X.
----
There was something thrilling to Tidus every time he entered the Blitzsphere for the next Blitzball game. The energy of the crowd, the anticipation amongst the players to get out there and play. He loved the rush, the thrill. But more importantly, he loved the cheer of the one most important to him amidst the roar of the crowd.

Flower(s) - FF VII: Crisis Core.
----
"Look at all the new flowers blooming!" Aerith gushed as she rushed forward from the doors of the Church towards the flowerbed she had planted. Zack chuckled a little as he followed after, crouching beside her as she began tending to them. A particular bloom caught his eye and he reached over, carefully plucking it without destroying the plant before he turned towards Aerith and brushed a hand across her hair before tucking the flower into it. "They're beautiful because they take after you." He said cheerfully. A faint flush came to the girl's cheeks in response. "Zack... Thank you."

Danger - FF VII.
----
"You can't resist the call of danger, can you?" Cloud asked Reno. The redhead shrugged. "I can't resist a challenge or treasure, and this has both written all over it, yo."

Music - FF Type-0.
----
It was quite often one could catch Ace humming to himself, usually the same song, mumbling the same line over and over. But today, Kurasame got to hear some more lines of that song. "We can leave this place together--all alone, you and me. We both know the road to follow and where it may lead. But if the world should come between us and you fall behind then just call me. Let your voice reach out and tell me to wait because all I know is that I want to be with you. To be the one that, 'til the end, you can hold onto. I'll keep you safe, so place your trembling hand in mine, I'd give everything for you to say that you'll stay by my side. We've made it through the storm, take my hand and run with me. Someday, somewhere, only the two of us. Together we'll be free." Ace sang softly aloud. A smile made itself onto the Officer's face as he slowly approached and wound his arms around the other. "I'll stay with you, always." He promised.

Fly - FF XII.
----
"Balthier if you don't let me have a turn at flying the Strahl I swear to the Eidolons I'm taking all of your treasure and hiding it." Vaan threatened. Balthier smirked. "I doubt you'd find a place to hide -everything-, especially somewhere that you could fit into." The Sky Pirate responded, only receiving a slightly flustered, but annoyed growl from the other.

Muse - FF Dissidia.
----
Kuja hummed thoughtfully as he watched Firion fight; there was something quite alluring watching the other in motion that thrilled him. Yes, the others form was beautiful and deadly, but it was so much more to the other. His expressions, the way his eyes would glimmer with determination or excitement, the way he could feel the air change as they drew mana for a spell, only to release it. The way he would rapidly switch from one weapon to the next, flowing like quicksilver from one motion to the other. Everything about the Warrior stirred Kuja's thoughts and granted him a sense of wonder. Yes, his muse was quite perfect even if said muse didn't know it.

Paddle - FF VII.
----
"Looks like we're up shit creek without a paddle!" Reno said cheerfully. "If you don't shut up and help me, -you're- going to be the only one paddling." Rude responded with a frown as he attempted to repair the wiring of the vehicle.

Hunger - FF XV.
----
Hunger was quite the motivator, second only to thirst. Ignis watched with mild amusement how Noctis and Prompto scrambled to help Gladiolus finish setting up camp--all because he promised he'd make their favorite dish if they did.

Royal - FF IX.
----
To the majority of the rest of the world, she was Queen Garnet of Alexandria. She was royalty. To Zidane, though, she was simply just Garnet. Or Dagger, even. She silently preferred her alter identity when he spoke to her because it let her escape the confines of her cage, if only for a little while.

Luck - FF XII.
----
It was a stroke of luck that Balthier was in the right place at the right time as he stumbled upon a hidden treasure cache within the ancient ruins. It was immediately countered by a jolt of bad luck from Vaan who ended up tripping the ancient wards and now they were quite literally knee deep in the dead. Or undead, as it were.

Overwhelmed - FF IV.
----
To say Cecil was overwhelmed was an understatement, but he hid it well. All of the things happening so quickly, all of the events that led him here... Honestly, there was only so much a man could take and yet it seemed as if the Gods saw fit to keep piling more and more upon him. His only saving grace came in the form of a gentle soul with a loving, but scarred heart named Edward. The Prince's soft melodies he played from his lute soothed his mind and soul and gave him reprieve from the ever-constant chaos that was besieging the world.

Hunt - FF XII.
----
Tracking a Mark was no easy feat at times, especially when said Mark did not wish to be found, as Vaan found out. However, Fran, ever the pragmatic and logical one simply sniffed the air and attuned her keen eyes and ears to the surrounding wood around them before she made motion with her hand for all to follow her as she began to stalk her way through the foliage, hunting being second nature to the Viera. Once their target was found, it was a short amount of time later that it was felled, the last arrow singing from Fran's bow as it found its target and downed their Mark.

Brave - FF Dissidia.
----
"Cloud, you're so brave!" Terra complimented the warrior after the battle. "Brave?" Cloud questioned, before shaking his head. "No. I'm not brave. I'm just--" He stopped, frowning a little as he got lost within his own thoughts. 'I'm just keeping my promise.' "...Cloud?" Terra questioned concernedly, snapping him from his thought. "I'm just doing what I can." He finished before brushing past the girl, getting lost within his thoughts yet again. 'I'm living for both of us...'

Surprised - FF VII.
----
It took a lot to surprise Tseng anymore. What, with everything he's seen and done throughout his time at Shinra. While he expected the big, the outrageous, even downright carnage or chaos, walking into the room to find everything looking orderly and calm is what took him off guard and surprised him. While at the same time, setting him very, very on edge.

Passion - FF VIII.
----
They were chaotic. They were dysfunctional. They didn't really make sense to anyone but them, and even then, they sometimes couldn't make sense of it all, either. But Seifer and Squall were passionate beings. Seifer, with his fiery and brash personality always managed to ignite and melt the icy exterior Squall had and expose the fire he had in his core that rang in answer to any of the blond's challenges. They pushed, they pulled. Neither knew -why- and they no longer -cared- about that, it was as if it had always been there written in stone. One moment they could clash heatedly in a duel and another they'd be clashing in the bedroom in a different sort of duel. They simply were, and to them, that's all that mattered.

Warmth - FF Type-0.
----
Susuya, Kurasame was known as the Ice Reaper of Rubrum, and for good reason. His aptitude for wielding Ice Magic at the highest caliber. Some even said his personal exterior matched that of the spells he wielded. There were whispers that he had a Pact with Shiva herself that granted him his abilities. None of that mattered or bothered him. He was distanced, it was true, and none but Emina, Kazusa, and  Class Zero got to see his softer side, the latter only in glimpses. Out of Class Zero, only Ace got to see all of his barriers come down and feel the gentle warmth he could exude with his affection.

Chapter Text

"Damn! Gun's jammed." Laguna cursed, frowning heavily as he threw aside his machine gun as he gazed back up at the Behemoth he and a few of the others were fighting.

"Ya know how to use one of these?" Irvine asked as he nodded towards the shotgun in his own hands.

"Uh, yeah. Why?" Laguna blinked.

"Here," The cowboy tossed his Exeter towards the other. "Use it, but don't break her." He warned with a grin.

"Um, what about you?" Hope asked confusedly as he fired off another Firaga spell at the creature to halt its advance towards them.

The unfortunate issue was the majority of them were all long-ranged with their weapons and lacked any real stopping force up close. Zidane was not meant to be a front-range attacker and was having to pull back every other moment to get out of the way.

To that, Irvine sighed as he shook his head. "Watch my back, would you? I really don't want to die today." He said before he held his hand up into the air.

Calling upon Cosmos's power, he summoned a new weapon to his hand and without waiting for the others, ran in closer.

"Here's hoping I can actually do this..." He muttered to himself as he raised the weapon he just summoned--a Gunblade--and calling upon all the times he'd watched Seifer and Squall fight, put his strength into the swing and as he brought the blade down, pulled the trigger on it to fire at the same time and struck the creature.

A loud roar echoed throughout the enormous cavern.

"Now!" He yelled back towards the others.

Gunfire and magic rang through the air and Zidane was quick to take advantage of the stagger to get behind the creature and hit its weak spot.

It angered the creature and it swiped a massive clawed arm at him.

Irvine brought the Gunblade up and blocked as much of the hit as he could, wincing from the force and pain. Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed up several rounds of ammo and loaded them into the Gunblade's barrel before he ducked under another swing from the fiend and twirled the blade. "Let's see how much you like this!" He called before he ran back in and made a leaping slash for the creature's head and once the blade met their skull, he pulled the trigger, unloading all of the AP Rounds at once with it.

The behemoth reared back with a loud, pained roar.

Not waiting for the beast to recover, Irvine could feel himself reaching his Limit. The blade began to glow and with a loud cry, he swing with all of his might, the glowing blade extended and left a large, white gash up the fiend's side before Irvine aimed up and pulled the trigger and a beam of that same white light shot up before splintering into a million smaller light beams and pelted the behemoth.

With one last roar, the creature collapsed onto its side, defeated.

"Is... Is it over?" Zidane asked through his panting.

"Looks like it." Hope answered as he slowly approached the creature's form and gave it a poke with his Boomerang.

Irvine was shaking all over from the rush and the tension that had built up within him. The blade dropped to the ground moments later.

Laguna frowned with concern as he slowly walked to stand beside the other. "You okay?" He asked softly.

"No, not really." Irvine answered in a small voice with a shake of his head.

"You did good. Here," Laguna extended Exeter out to the other and watched the cowboy take it before he looked to the ground where the Gunblade fell and slowly moved and picked it up.

"I didn't know you could use one of these." He remarked as he gave the weapon a small swing.

"I don't." The sniper replied. "I just...copied what Seifer and Squall do."

"Either way, it's pretty impressive. You should look into making it your second weapon incase you're ever in a pinch." Laguna responded cheerfully and gave the blade another testing swing. "It's not a bad weapon, just...unruly."

"Oh, right. You know how to use one, too." Irvine responded.

"Kind of. It's not like I properly trained with it or anything, but I do know how to swing it about if I have to." The gunner replied.

"We done here?" Zidane asked. "We should be getting back to the Tower before nightfall."

"Agreed, staying here isn't necessary." Hope chimed in.

Laguna turned, offering the Gunblade back out to Irvine. "Let's get a move on, yeah?"

Once the sniper took it and gave a nod, Laguna retrieved his discarded machine gun to fix up once they got back.

Thankfully, none of the smaller fiends and creatures they encountered were a match for them and they made it back to Cosmos' Tower in record time.

Seifer was pacing near the gates and Squall was leaning against the pillar beside, arms crossed.

"How was it?" Squall asked in his monotone voice before Seifer had a chance to start in with his yelling.

"Tiring. Things went really bad for a while. We owe our victory to Irvine." Zidane responded before he gave the two a wave as he bounded past them and up the stairs to head inside, Hope not far behind him.

Squall's brow rose.

"That's surprising, what'd cowboy do?" Seifer asked.

Laguna gave them a cheerful grin. "Ask him yourself, he could probably use your assurance right now. He did put himself in danger for the rest of us." He responded, giving a nod back over his shoulder towards Irvine who was the last to make it up to the gate.

"Hm." Squall responded noncommittally, pushing from the pillar while Seifer was already striding over towards the other.

By both of their outward assessment, the other looked worn out.

"What happened?" Seifer asked.

Irvine looked up past the rim of his hat at them and let out a loud sigh. "Let's just say.. Fighting a behemoth up close is not something I want to do again. It was terrifying." He murmured.

That caused both of them to frown in response.

"What'd you do?"

"Laguna's gun jammed," Irvine explained. "So I gave him Exeter. Zidane couldn't hold the behemoth back on his own, so I..." He looked towards the ground again, holding up his hand. In a flash of light, the Gunblade appeared. "I took to the front line."

"Hyne," Seifer swore reaching over to lightly smack the other on the side of the head. "You don't even know how to use one."

"You're right. I just copied you and Squall. How can you stand your Limits? ...I felt like I was going to die." Irvine answered.

Squall frowned deeply again. "You had a Limit?" He questioned.

"Yeah... I took the beast down with it."

Seifer whistled. "That is more surprising. Colour me impressed, cowboy."

"Laguna suggested I should learn how to use it incase I ever get disarmed, but..." The sniper shook his head, his eyes showing the hesitation and fear he held. "I'm not ready for that yet. I'm scared of having to do that again. I don't know how you two can stand being on the front line like that..."

Unhesitatingly, Squall stepped to the side of Irvine and put his arms around him while Seifer pulled the Gunblade from their grasp and let it go, the weapon disappearing in a flash of light.

"You don't have to unless you want to," Squall assured quietly.

"Yeah," Seifer agreed as he reached over to tip Irvine's hat back and catch his eyes. "But listen, don't do anything stupid like that again. That's my department, you hear me?"

Irvine's lips tilted the slightest. "I hear you." He agreed.

"Let's go inside," Squall suggested, looking up towards the sky. "Sun's setting and a storm is said to be rolling in."

With a nod, Irvine allowed the two to pull him inside of the Tower and back to their room to rest.

-End-

Chapter Text

Leaves - FF V.
----
Nature was powerful and despite what many thought, could also be a weapon. Lena focused herself, calling upon the energy around her. "Land, hear my call!" She shouted and the wind around her picked up, leaves began rustling, and soon, the wind turned sharp and the leaves sliced, cutting her opponent rapidly. She was a Geomancer, the land and its power were her strength.

Home - FF Dissidia/XIII.
----
While many of the other Warriors felt a little homesick for their worlds, Hope was just fine. He sometimes missed his father, but he held no particular attachment to the world itself, other than the fact his friends lived there. No, his home was not a place. His home was a person. He glanced over towards Snow, giving him a smile. As long as he had Snow, he was home.

Belief - FF Tactics.
----
Belief was a strange concept. Some believed what they saw only, others believed in something they could not see. For Ramza, after all the searching and all the fighting, the one thing he found himself believing in was Faith. Not in God, not in some higher power, but simply Faith alone. Faith in himself, in his friends. Faith in the future, that it will be brighter, better than it is today. Some could call that Hope, as well and perhaps that was true. Faith and Hope were very much his weapons as much as his sword was.

Sunshine - FF VIII.
----
Zell was usually upbeat and an unstoppable force of energy, yet he did have his moments where he felt completely off and down. Fights with Seifer, days people decided to pick a little too heavily on his intelligence or lack thereof. So what if he acted on instinct first? He wasn't the only one. Regardless, today was a downer day and he badly needed a pick-me-up. "Hey, Selphie?" He questioned as he came up to their resident #1 cheerer upper. "Yeah? What's up Zell?" She responded, tilting her head. "Today's a bad day. Can I have a hug?" To that, she beamed widely. "Sure!" Despite her small stature, she hugged him so tight he felt a couple of his ribs shift before she leaned up and planted a kiss to his cheek as well. He grinned. "Thanks." Selphie was pure sunshine in her own right according to Zell.

Love - FF XV
----
Love. Love was a sort of strange concept to Noctis. Because there were all kinds of ways to categorize and differentiate love. Love for family and friends, love for his people, love for-- He stopped himself there, a pale blush on his cheeks for a long moment as he attempted to work through his own thoughts before shaking his head quickly. No, best to let those thoughts be. Too complicated, too dangerous. He was already walking a thin, fine line. Instead, he scrawled a hasty, quick line into the book he had before closing it and strapping it back onto Umbra's back. "Hurry back to Her." He told the black dog, giving it a pat.

Mirror - FF Dissidia.
----
"So you're a mimic?" Bartz asked Ramza. Ramza shrugged. "One must know plenty of skills, and being able to mirror the abilities and actions of my comrades has proven to be a boon." The Adventurer nodded his head in agreement. "Completely true! It's saved my skin more times than I can count. Say, how about a contest? Let's see who can mirror our allies the best!" Ramza blinked for a moment before looking contemplative. "As long as there's no real wager, I don't see why not. You're on!" He agreed.

Gamble(r) - FF Dissidia.
----
Setzer was well known as a gambling man; he lived for the thrill of Chance and Lady Luck's fickle favoritism. But alot of that went out the door the moment he met Rydia. He was not a fool; he knew he'd found a real treasure the moment he saw her smile. So casting his luck to Chance, Cecil's disapproval be damned, he set about to wooing the girl. Her hand in his, they whirled and twirled about the floor as if they were meant to be.

Agony - FF: CC: Crystal Beaerers.
----
Keiss was in agony. The selkie was at his wits end dealing with his partner's inability to not get himself pulled into trouble. Layle's clavat instincts practically -demanded- he help out anyone and everyone who had a problem. This time around they were knee-deep in some kind of swamp catching frogs for some kind of strange being that said they tasted good or something. He didn't know fully, nor did he particularly -care- but he knew damned well he was not getting paid -near- enough for all the muck he was going to be shaking out of his boots and clothes after this.

Tricky - FF Dissidia.
----
"Bet you ten thousand gil I can open this vault faster than you can disarm all those laser traps." Balthier chimed to his companion. Reno snorted. "You're on." Needless to say, it was an unfair bet that Balthier had no chance of winning as Reno slammed his EMR into the panel beside himself and discharged the eletricity to overload the circuits. "You tricky bastard." Balthier complimented as he begrudgingly paid up to the cocky Turk.

Entertained - FF: XII.
----
Trekking through a dense forest on their way towards their next destination to meet up with the others, Ashe and Penelo took a much needed break. However, Ashe was unable to calm herself and relax. Well, that wouldn't do at all, in Penelo's opinion. Not when she relied on the Princess. If she was overly tense now, it could hurt them both later if they got into a fight because Ashe would tire. So she remedied that by providing some much needed entertainment to the Princess in the form of her dancing. The dance seemed to be just what the Princess needed in order to get her mind off of things for a spell and get some rest.

Peace - FF Dissidia/I.
----
"Gabriel, when we return, do you truly believe we'll be able to end things with Garland and bring peace to our world?" Demosthenes asked her companion. To that, the Warrior of Light was silent for a long while before he finally spoke up. "I have no doubt that we will accomplish our task set by the Crystals. The Light will guide us, and we will prevail over Garland. But until then..." He trailed off. The Red Mage hummed in agreement. "Yes, for now we have an accord to help this World prosper." Gabriel nodded. "If conflict and combat is what generates the energy that so powers this world, then so be it. We will bring all our strength to bear here before we go home."

Apparition - FF VII.
----
Some would call them ghosts. Others, spirits. It didn't matter to Cloud what they were, he still saw them. Out of the corner of his eyes he could very well see Aerith and Zack looking after him. Whether they were made up by his mind or completely real, they were never truly gone.

Darkness - FF IV.
----
Darkness was something Cecil was long familiar with. It had once been his stalwart ally and friend when he'd been a Dark Knight. Even now, he struggled to balance that force within himself on his new route as a Paladin. Light was sacred, but darkness could be hallowed as well. It was simply how one wielded it. He swore he'd only wield his powers to protect that which was important to him and to defend the weak and helpless. He would not allow himself to be swallowed again by the crushing gravity of the darkness ever again, not when the path before him was guided by the holy light.

Reverie - FF VII.
----
Often of late, Rufus Shinra found himself lost within thought, contemplating all the things that had gone on and how much things had changed. How so many things could happen in such a small scale of time. His reveries would get interrupted by one of the Turks and he would once again focus himself back on the task at hand: Finding ways to help the planet heal.

Freedom - FF Origins: Stranger of Paradise/I.
----
"In time, the Light will come and defeat us." Garland murmured to himself. "When that time comes, that Light shall engulf the world and wrest themselves from all of Lufenia's hold on them... Only then can our cycle be broken and all of us, free." He gazed off into the distance space from where he sat atop his throne, waiting. A day and time would come. Until then, he would continue shaping and guiding the Warriors of Light through loop after loop until they were ready. What little of himself that remained Jack longed for the day he could end the circle, and finally he, Ash, Jed, Neon, and Sophia would be free and could finally, after all of this eternity, rest.

Chapter Text

"So," Reno began as he sauntered up to the desk, leaning against it as he pretended to look out the large paned window. "How does it feel to own the world?"

Shelke Rui slowly turned her head, her eyes glowing orange for several long moments as she finished coordinating the system and sending orders out to the Branches before her blue eyes fixed on the redheaded Turk.

"I never wanted the world," She answered with a shake of her head, a small fron coming to her lips. "You should know that by now."

"Yeah, but that still doesn't change the fact you do." Reno pushed. "You've got the Boss wrapped around your finger. If you asked him for anything at all, he'd give it to you, you know that, right?"

Shelke heaved a sigh, pushing some of her long orange-brown strands of hair back over her shoulder as she regarded the Turk. "I'm well aware," She replied. "But lucky for him, what I want is simple enough I don't require the world."

Her story was a big one, she supposed, for all the lower echelons there in Shinra. Of course they would talk.

It wasn't enough that she was a computer A.I. come to life, a personalized task manager for Vincent Valentine at that, but her transcendence to human form soon made her an anomaly on Shinra radar. Something seen as a threat.

And then she became all of Shinra's system coordinator, thanks to Rufus. But it went deeper than that. So much deeper.

At first, her mind, body, and task was focused solely that upon Vincent and his personal well-being. For someone like Rufus Shinra who was used to absolute loyalty and obedience could not stand something that was not his.

Three years of drama, struggle, and internalized agony on many parts, something finally cracked.

Not in a good way, mind you. Shelke could only handle so much. Her heart was being constantly toyed with and broken while trying to keep her charge happy. It was for his sake she distanced herself, seeing that someone else loved him, agreeing to become Rufus', only for the man to reject her once he realized what he wanted was not her obedience, but her heart.

When she could finally take no more, she opted to remove herself from the equation permanently by asking Dr. Crescent to kill the human part of her and delete her data part. She was the one who created her, so she was sure she could do the opposite.

Only her plans got out and both Vincent and Rufus stopped her.

It felt like it took ages for Vincent to mend and heal her heart and spirit, she'd become but a shadow of herself at that point. When she admitted the reasons why she pushed him away, he brought some of her own words back to her.

"You said yourself the strings and bonds that tie everyone together is convoluted and tangled. Can I not love you and them as well?"

"...Yes." She answered. After all, his happiness was her priority.

"What about you? What do you want, Shelke? What does your heart want?" He questioned her.

"What I want...?" She found herself asking.

All this time, she'd never stopped to think of what she wanted. Everything was for Vincent or for the face of the Shinra Company as per Rufus' wishes.

Her heart ached. Ached just to love, and be loved.

It took four more months from getting to experience a little of what she wanted before she found the strength to confront Rufus.

She wasn't expecting the outcome. She wasn't expecting Rufus to let down his own walls and admit what he wanted all along was her heart.

Things didn't magically become clear or easy after that, but it was freeing. It was a beginning.

Briefly returning to her duties, her eyes flickered orange again as she checked the status of the SOLDIERs deployment and the Turk Operatives.

"As far as I'm concerned, Rufus can continue dealing with the world. I'm just his P.R. Stunt." She added on.

"Yeah, and practically the entire world loves you, too. A 'real life Angel', they say." Reno shot back. "Come on, admit it. Even before you fully committed to Rufus you were already using your position to make the world better for those out there."

"So?" Shelke questioned with an arched brow.

"The fact the Company is even doing so well is thanks to you, and you know it. Boss wouldn't have half as much favor or popularity if it weren't for your so-called P.R Stunts." Reno argued.

She shrugged. "I don't see it as anything big. Merely what was logical." She answered.

Reno made a mildly annoyed noise. "That's such bullshit."

"Call it what you will." She responded flatly before looking down at her desk to the computer there, eyes flickering to orange once again as she began working again.

"I don't get it. You could have anything and everything in the world, anything at all, and yet you just sit here at this goddamned desk, doing the same old thing you've done for these past three years." Reno complained.

"Reno," Shelke spoke, her voice turning harsh. "Shut up. And you're one to talk. You're sleeping with Sephiroth and could have practically anything you want as well." She responded.

Reno made a face, practically sticking his tongue out at her. "Can't help it that Seph's in love with me, and yeah, I guess it has its perks but it's more annoying than anything because do you know how many of his fuckin' fangirls keep tryin' to murder me?"

"You mean they didn't stop trying after the first time Sephiroth killed one of them for the attempt on you?" Shelke inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh it died down for a while, but it's the most die-hard, rabid fangirls that still want me dead." The Turk replied with a shrug.

"Then it's the same. I'm basically a target for the Company's enemies. AVALANCHE still tries to take me out, too." Shelke reminded.

"Them's the breaks." Reno responded.

Shelke rolled her eyes. "Get back to work already, before I tell Veld and Tseng you're slacking."

The redhead gave her a mock salute, smirking as he sauntered to the door. "Yes, ma'am." He replied cheekily.

Shelke heaved another sigh as he left. Feeling a little vindictive, she got a little bit of a wicked idea.

Her eyes glowed orange once more as she patched her comms through. "Sephiroth?" She questioned.

"what is it?"

A smirk that rivaled Rufus' own came to her lips.

"How would you like to do me a favor? It concerns Reno." She answered.

She could almost visualize him shifting in the way he did when she knew he was interested.

"Go on."

Leaning back in her seat and twirling it around to face the window, she proceeded to divulge her plan.

If she had the world, then she supposed she could play into the role, just a little bit.

"Hail to the Queen." She murmured amusedly to herself as she disconnected the comm.

-End-

Chapter Text

It had been several days since Cloud had been called to Servannia at the Gods' behest and he was once again unsettled in the new world, his body tense and anxious.

Sleep did not come easily to him and when it did, it was filled with plaguing nightmares of his past.

This was such a night, and the blond was unaware that he'd begun to sleepwalk.

His body moved on its own in no set direction through the tower that belonged to Cosmos, sweat beading down his brow and cheeks with his eyelids clenched shut and brows furrowed as he went.

"Mn... No... Not again..." He mumbled, voice filled with pain as his head shook from side to side as if he was trying to come to his senses, his eyes opened but the glow to his mako-blue eyes were glassy and vacant.

"Zack... Zack please... We have to..." He continued as he passed through a hall and made his way down some steps, his voice sounding a little urgent, pained and quiet as if trying to whisper but not quite able to.

His movements disturbed a single soul that had happened to still be awake at this hour.

Laguna Loire woke from his mini-nap to realize how late it was and had thought to head up to the sleeping quarters, but the sound of shuffling and another body suddenly entering the lobby of the Tower startled him briefly.

"Huh? Who's there?" He questioned as he got up and turned to look.

It was one of the newer arrivals, but they were familiar. Cloud Strife.

"Cloud? What're you doing out here? Can't sleep?" He asked.

It was only then that he noticed the glossy, distant gaze of the other as they walked by, mumbling something he couldn't quite make out.

Panic momentarily welled up in Laguna because this wasn't usual or normal from what he'd seen of the other and he quickly got up and followed after the other and placed a hand on their shoulder, getting them to still.

He tried again.

"Cloud?" He questioned softly.

"Zack... It hurts..." Cloud responded, turning his lidded gaze towards the other, but Laguna saw they weren't really registering his surroundings.

Zack? Who was that? Laguna didn't understand, because he didn't know much about Cloud's past, the other didn't deign to share much.

"Cloud, wake up. You're dreaming." He spoke again, attempting to get the other to come back to consciousness.

"Zack... Hurry, we've got to...go... Before he comes back..." Cloud whispered, his expression contorting into one of fear, a grimace on his lips. His body began shaking and the sweat continued to bead and drip down his temples.

Laguna frowned and reached a hand up to wipe some of the sweat away from the other's brow, moving his other hand to place it on the other's arm reassuringly.

"Cloud, it's okay. You're safe now. Wake up, it's just a nightmare. You're dreaming." Laguna soothed, frowning in concern and sympathy for the other.

"..." Cloud's eyes slipped shut at that and his body fell still and he simply remained breathing.

"Cloud, wake up." Laguna tried one more time, bringing a hand up to gently cup the man's cheek in concern.

The blond's eyes fluttered and he let out a quiet groan and when his eyelids opened again, his glowing mako-blue eyes were hazy and clouded, but attempting to focus.

"Huh...? Z-Zack...? You're..." Cloud stuttered.

Laguna shook his head. "Cloud, it's me, Laguna. You were dreaming."

Cloud's eyes began to blink and after a moment, they snapped open wide, startled and panicked and he jumped back from the other as if he were expecting to be attacked.

"Whoa, hey. It's okay, Cloud. It's just me. Laguna, remember?" The dark haired gunner asked.

Cloud blinked again, his body slowly untensing before he slowly looked around at his surroundings. "What...? How did I...?" He mumbled before fixing Laguna with a wildly bemused expression.

Laguna gave the other a sympathetic look. "You were sleepwalking, apparently having some kind of a nightmare and mistaking me for someone named Zack." He informed gently.

Pain filled the blond swordsman's eyes and he quickly looked away, a new, different grimace appearing on his face. "...It's nothing." He responded, attempting to sound distant.

Laguna frowned himself, sighing. "Hey... I don't know much about anything you've gone through, but by the sounds of it... Whatever it was, it was something pretty dark and deep. You shouldn't hold onto that kind of thing all by yourself." He counseled.

Cloud's eyes narrowed and turned into a mildly sharp glare towards the other, but when he looked at the other, for a split second an image of Zack was there instead and he had to do a doubletake before he hastily shook his head. "It doesn't matter..." He excused.

Laguna didn't know why, but he felt like he had to push. Just this short exchange emotionally charged him, he had seen the sheer emotions that ranged on the other prior to their waking and now they'd stuffed it all behind a wall and it reminded him all too much of someone else he knew.

"It does matter," He responded, voice stronger than he'd thought he could make it as he gave the other a stubborn look. "If you keep all that stuff inside of you, it's gonna take its toll and you'll explode. It isn't healthy or good for your health physically, emotionally, or mentally." He warned, softening his tone out again, letting the concern he felt come through.

Cloud's shoulders began shaking after a moment and their fists clenched. "Why do you have to sound just like him?" He questioned aloud, though neither were sure if he was actually asking it to Laguna or not.

"...Tell me about them. This Zack person." Laguna requested, gesturing to the sofa he'd been occupying a few feet away. "You don't have to tell me the whole story, but if you say I'm like them, I wanna know what they were like."

"..." Cloud bit on his lip, closing his eyes. He looked down to his clenched fists and let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. "...I can't." He answered in a low voice.

"Why not?" Laguna pushed.

"...It hurts." The other answered in a near whisper.

"Sometimes, you have to work through the pain in order to move on." Laguna responded.

Cloud's eyes snapped back to the other in another glare. "I can never move on from that!" He hissed angrily.

"From what?" Laguna pushed, voice a little louder, stronger.

"From--" Cloud's voice hitched, choking on his own breath.

The blond's body began to shake again and the pain returned to their eyes and a look of utter despair came to their gaze before they were hidden behind eyelids as they squeezed them shut.

Laguna stepped closer to the other, once again reaching a hand out and placed it against the other's arm in a gentle reassurance. "Let it out," He urged. "You don't need to hold it all back and in."

He saw the cracks forming, the way the other was fighting with himself as their eyes opened again to stare at him in a pleading look, eyes clouded with turmoil and grief.

"...Zack...saved me...us...and died fighting to bring us back to Midgar. I... I watched him die. My Sword... It's his. He...gave it to me... It was his mentors... Told me it carried on their Hopes and Dreams... He... He was... ...A Hero..." Cloud mumbled brokenly.

A quiet, broken sound like a sob tried to escape the blond's throat but was cut off midway.

Laguna reached up with his free hand and carefully, almost hesitantly placed his hand ontop of the others head and gave their hair and gently ruffle of soothing.

"They sound incredible." Laguna responded.

Tears were welling in the blond's eyes and they couldn't fight them back. They spilled over and he took in a shaky gasp of air, choking on yet another sob.

The next thing he was aware of, warmth was surrounding him and a solid pressure was against his front. Cloud blinked his tear-filled eyes, realizing Laguna was hugging him.

It had been so long since he'd been hugged or had any affection like this. The last person who really had hugged him had been Zack.

"You're so much like him, it hurts..." He breathed out through his ragged gasps.

"Sorry," Laguna responded. "I'm me, but if I remind you of him, then isn't that a good thing? You shouldn't forget how he was, but remember the good things about them, not the end." He hugged the blond tighter.

Unable to fight the emotions, something completely broke within Cloud and he pressed his face to Laguna's shoulder and let the tears fully come. His hands rose of their own accord to latch onto the dark haired male and hold on for dear life.

"That's it, just let it come." Laguna encouraged gently as he brought his hand to run comfortingly down the other's back, letting them release what they would out against him.

It was an undiscernible amount of time that passed before Cloud stopped crying. When he finally, slowly pulled back from Laguna's embrace his eyes looked so tired and worn out.

Laguna pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it wordlessly to the other.

Cloud accepted it slowly and wiped his face, staying quiet. He felt awkward now.

The dark haired man seemed to sense it and spoke up. "You should head back and get some rest now." He suggested.

Cloud looked at Laguna in exhaustion, opening his mouth to say something in response, but instead he sighed in a heavy, defeated way. "...Okay..." He agreed quietly.

"Take care of yourself. Rest." Laguna ordered firmly, giving the other a mildly stern look before it softened into his typical caring one as he gave them a slight smile. "The morning will be better, you'll see."

Cloud stared at them a little while longer. "...Smile like that again." He murmured.

"Huh? Like what?" Laguna cocked his head curiously.

"Like you just did..."

"Like this?" Laguna asked, attempting to smile the same way again. His usual cheerfulness slipped into it.

"...Yeah. Zack used to smile the same way and would tell me everything would be alright. For a moment...things felt okay." Cloud said.

"Oh," Laguna responded before shaking his head. "Well, I'm not Zack, but this is my usual smile I guess you could say. But if it helps, I'll smile as much as you'd like."

"...I know. You're not Zack. But I still see him in you." Cloud responded before he turned and took a few steps towards the stairs again.

He paused briefly, hesitating before he turned his head to look back towards the other.

"Laguna..." He called softly.

"Huh? Yeah?" Laguna blinked.

"...Thanks."

Laguna positively beamed and in that smile, Cloud once again saw a flash of Zack in it and found his lips tilting upwards just a little in response.

"Anytime, Cloud. Get some rest." Laguna responded.

"Yeah..." The blond nodded his head before straightening back and wordlessly ascended up the stairs and headed down the long corridor back to his room.

He fell asleep easier than he expected, and not a single dream or nightmare came to him.

He awoke the next morning feeling more rested than he had in a very long time.

Maybe, just maybe...

Laguna was right.

"Tomorrow will be better, huh...?" Cloud voiced aloud as he stood up.

He looked out his window to the sun shining down across the land and allowed the rays of light to sink into his system as he found the slightest edges of a smile forming on his face.

It hurt still, but...

Zack's name didn't ring with despair and sorrow now.

Instead...

Something like Hope arose.

He walked towards the door, reaching a hand out and letting his fingers wrap around the handle of the Buster Blade and lifted it, staring down at the large sword.

"...I'll do my best." He spoke aloud to no one in particular before he twirled the blade and placed it in its rightful place on the holster on his back before exiting the room.

He missed the way the light from the window shone brighter for a fleeting second and the flickering wisp of a white-green mote.

'You'll be okay, Cloud.'

-End-

Chapter Text

They had become his lifeline; his Sun and Moon, his guiding Lights.

They were there when no one else was.

She was his guardian Angel, a gift from Her, she was his Sun.

He was his Sanctuary, his confidant, his Moon.

Vincent could never have believed before that he would have found two pure and innocent people that loved him like they did--unconditionally.

She loved him with a child's innocence and a woman's passion.

He loved him with a child's naivety and a male's strength.

Shelke and Cloud.

They couldn't have been any more different if they tried, yet...

Their love for him was undeniable.

The way their blue eyes contrasted his crimson ones, the way their smiles could light any dark corner of his heart...

Yes, they truly were his lifeline.

Vincent felt he didn't deserve them, but he would never let them go.

-End-

Chapter Text

True Pirate
Series: Final Fantasy XII
Pairing: BalthierxVaan/VaanxBalthier.
Notes: To my momma, who has so patiently put up with my temper tantrums when I fail epically at kicking ass in my FFXII game and for laughing with me when I show you the funny moments in Revenant Wings. I love you!
[Author's Edit: My mother has since passed since I wrote this, R.I.P. mom, I miss you so much. Thank you for always encouraging me and being involved in my fandoms.]

"My, my, my. It looks as if you have grown up, Vaan." Balthier purred as he leaned against the door frame of the docking bay.

Vaan didn't jump like he would have when he was younger, but instead turned his head and tilted it with a cocky grin on his face that mirrored the Pirate's own.

"Ah, Balthier. It's been a while." The blond replied, standing up from where he'd been leaning over the hull of his ship and jumped down, dusting his hands off.

"Mmn, How long? A few months?"

"More than that, you silly baffoon. Try eight months."

"Oh," Balthier replied with a shrug.

"Well that's close enough."

Vaan barked out a laugh as he tucked his oil-stained rag into his back pocket, crossing his arms. "Truly, you've not changed."

Balthier grinned again, brow raising. "It seems to me you've done enough changing for the both of us."

Shaking their head with a wry grin, Vaan pushed his now overly shaggy bangs out of his face. "Well, what can I say? I've seen the sights, I've been here and there, had my fair share of daring adventures and won the loot. I think I can safely say I've grown some."

"Indeed," Balthier murmured, looking appraisingly over the other's figure.

"I do, however, believe you owe me something in your long absence." Vaan purred, stalking sultry-like forward towards the other.

"And what would that be, my not-so humble companion?" Balthier's brow cocked even higher, grin still intact.

Closing the space in mere instants, Vaan crushed his lips against the older pirate's, placing his hands on either side of the other to stop them from escaping. Their kiss lasted a long moment, with Vaan showing no mercy in plundering Balthier's mouth.

"Mmn, that's a kiss worthy of a true pirate." The man murmured huskily once Vaan pulled away.

"You've no idea, my dear Balthier." Vaan replied with a cocky smirk as he moved in to capture the older man's lips once more.

-End-

Chapter Text

Balthier gave his allegiance and loyalty to no one, not really. He was not chained down by such things, his wanderlust and desire for treasure and adventure is what made him take to the skies as a Sky Pirate.

And yet...

One coincidental meeting changed everything.

Meeting Vaan changed him.

Not at first, and definitely not suddenly. It was something slow and gradual. He barely had realized the change himself until one day Fran brought up a question to him.

"Does the lengths you go to for Vaan not cause you worry?"

It was only when he stopped to actually think about her question did he truly realize his own actions and what he'd been doing.

Though he loved the thrill of adventure and the high-risk of potential danger, he was usually a cautious person. And yet, here he was, practically throwing himself headlong into it when it came to the Rabanastrian brat.

Fran really was good at reading men, since he hadn't even realized it himself. Once she pointed it out, however, it did indeed begin to worry him because now he needed to figure out why he was willing to do such things so freely.

There was just something about the glimmer and sparkle in Vaan's eyes, how they'd light up at the prospect of adventure. It reminded him of his own. However, the other had no fear of the dangers and could fearlessly walk into it without a second thought. Perhaps that was why he so avidly followed after? Still, something else lurked beneath that surface that told him there was more, but he couldn't put his finger what.

It perturbed him. Here he was, the Leading Man, after all. He was supposed to call the shots, not be strung along like an amateur by an actual amateur.

When the truth of the matter finally dawned on him, it hit him like a ton of bricks.

That damnable brat had slowly wormed his way into his heart.

Without even realizing it, the Rabanastrian boy had stolen bit by bit of his attention, his affection, and finally, his heart itself.

The matter should have bothered him when the realization hit him. But by now, he was rather too far gone in his obsession to care.

There was only one thing to do:

Steal that brat's heart right back.

So that's just what he did.

Step by step, ever closing that distance between them with words and actions.

It didn't take as long as he'd thought it would until Vaan was just as ensnared and tangled up in this delicate web they'd spun together.

Smirking faintly, the Sky Pirate claimed his victory and prize by pulling the other into his arms and stealing away the blond's first kiss.

-End-

Chapter Text

Kuja strode arrogantly into Cosmos' tower, eyes scanning the room for the being he was looking for. When he did not find the,, he continued on, ignoring the buzz from the others about until he made his way out to the back courtyard where he finally found whom it was he was looking for.

Firion.

He approached the other with his air of arrogance as usual, waiting for the other to notice as they seemed to be lost in thought.

Firion's eyes slowly flickered before sharpening as he felt the familiar sensation of magical pressure bearing against his skin before he turned and saw Kuja standing there observing him. He offered the Genome a small smile. "Kuja," He greeted.

The other nodded in acknowledgement before they held their hand out towards him. "Come, Firion. I've a gift for you." They said.

Firion blinked. This was...slightly unusual. Kuja's gifts were usually ones of magic and power or a useful weapon or item he could use, not needing to go anywhere.

"Alright," He agreed after recovering from the surprise, reaching out to take the Reaper's hand. The other waved his free hand, magic glowing at his fingertips as he effortlessly cast the spell of Teleportation, instantaneously warping them from Cosmos' Tower to another location entirely.

Looking around, Firion noticed they were at some kind of cliffside; tall raggedy crags climbing up towards high dug-in caverns. A part of the world he recognized from his journey alongside the Genome as they wandered Servannia during the months he was searching for a reason to rejoin the fight of the Gods.

"What's so special about this place, Kuja?" He questioned curiously as he continued looking around.

The Reaper chuckled quietly before he let go of Firion's hand and raised it to his lips, letting out a loud shrill whistle.

A rumble came from the cliffside itself and from one of the caverns above, a large blot of something emerged from it and took to the sky, arcing around before landing with a shake to the groun d, a low rumbling growl accompanying it.

Firion's mouth dropped open just a little as he gazed at the large creature.

Wings unfurled out, tail sweeping side to side passively, shimmering black scales...

"Th-that's a Dragon." He stated dumbfoundedly.

"Indeed, it is. Majestic creature, no?" Kuja replied airily, smirking.

The Mage reached a hand forward out towards the creature and the Dragon responded by pushing its snout forward to meet their palm.

"...Wow." Firion spoke with quiet awe.

"Don't be afraid of them, I've already taken the liberty of scenting you to him. All you must do is complete the bonding." Kuja informed.

"Wait, you did what?" Firion asked surprisedly as he tentatively stepped forward to stand beside the Genome and slowly reached his hand out towards the Dragon.

The Dragon made a deep rumbling sound as its nostrils flared as it took in the scent before it made a noise of recognition and pressed its snout towards the weaponmaster's hand and nuzzled it fondly.

"That vial of your blood that I asked for; it was so I could scent the creature to you. It recognizes you now. This is your gift. Since I cannot always be at your side while we fight, I found a reasonably suitable companion that can lend you its power and company." Kuja explained. "All you must do is return a vow--a promise to finish the binding and you two will become a force to be reckoned with."

Firion's face held his surprise and wonder as he let his hand pet along the scaly snout of the Dragon, raising the other to scratch under their chin, listening as the rumbling sound similar to a purr increased and the Dragon's stance became laxed and their wings folded in and tail coiled around to the front and rest a small portion of it on the weaponmaster's shoulder as if in greeting.

"What kind of promise?" He questioned.

"Something significant to you. It binds your soul to him, and his to yours. Together, you will fulfil that promise." Kuja replied, flicking a stand of his hair back behind his shoulder.

"Then..." Firion fell silent for a time as he thought, continuing to scratch the Dragon's chin. "Help me remain true to myself. I promise to fight with all my power so long as I remember who and what is important to me without losing my way." He vowed.

The Dragon lift its head, staring deep into Firion's, before its golden eyes began to glow, turning to a bright red and an aura formed around it before it enveloped Firion as well. The glow began as red as its eyes before it turned gold, before becoming even brighter and soon turned to a blinding white before it vanished. The Dragon let out a loud roar of acknowledgment, spreading its wings wide and stood to its tallest on its hind legs in show that the vow had been acknowledged and the bond, finalized before it lowered itself again and pressed its muzzle to Firion's cheek.

"It is done." Kuja stated, a small smile rising to his face. "You should go on a celebratory ride with your new partner." He suggested.

Firion gave the Dragon's muzzle a pat, stroking along the smooth scales before he gave an agreeing nod. The Dragon nudged Firion with its muzzle towards its side and lowered its nexk down to allow him to climb atop.

A little nervous, but not from fear, Firion moved and carefully clambered atop the Dragon at the base of its neck onto its shoulders. His feet carefully settled on its shoulders an his hands found purchase on some of the spiked scales sticking out from the Dragon's neck to hold onto. He'd never flown on a Dragon before and this was different than riding a Black Chocobo with their flight.

"Easy now, this is new to me." He told the Dragon as he leaned closer to the Dragon's neck in preparation for taking off.

The Dragon rumbled a low growl of understanding before it stretched its wings out; with a high jump from the ground, the Dragon lifted into the air with a few beats of its mighty wings and slowly rose up into the air.

Kuja hummed appreciatively and ascended into the air after them with his magic.

Firion looked around as the ground slowly got farther and farther away, able to see far into the distance around them. A smile began rising to his face in wonder.

"There," He pointed out towards a valley off in the distance, gently pulling on the scales of the Dragon's neck to angle its gaze towards it. "Can we fly over they valley? I remember that place." He asked the creature.

With a croon of acknowledgment, the Dragon angled its wings and tucked them just a little to begin into a slight dive in that direction to gain some speed before spreading them wide again to catch a thermal and began to glide and soar at a comfortable pace towards the valley in question.

Laughing a little in delight like a child experiencing a new thrill, Firion held onto the Dragon, feeling the wind brushing against his skin, ruffling the hair that stuck out from beneath his bandana and whipped his cape about. Kuja flew wordlessly along behind, trailing after the two lazily, also recognizing the valley up ahead. They'd camped in that valley on their journey for a time, among the wild Chocobo flock that lived there where the forest met plain, a glistening lake their water source.

Lake Prinos, if he recalled the local name the inhabitants of the world called it.

Such names really didn't make much difference or matter to the Genome in honesty, but it was easier to communicate locations when asking for directions from the local bumpkins when Firion and he undertook some tasks and quests the people needed done so he made a point to remember.

The Dragon let out another rumbling noise, and Firion could feel through the bond its intentions and leaned close, clutching a little tighter onto the scales as the creature began into an angled dive down towards the lake below.

Their speed picked up, and while it caused the weaponmaster's heart to jolt a little and begin to pound, the rush was exhilarating. It was effortless to the Dragon and Firion had to marvel at it as the lake below came closer and closer upon their descent. He was not fearful of crashing, he instinctually trusted his draconic partner from the bond and just allowed himself to take in the sensation and thrill the adrenaline brought him.

When it almost seemed iminent that they would crash into the lake below, the Dragon's wings spread out wide and caught the wind once more and their body straightened out parallel to the ground and they glided almost along the surface of the water, Firion looking at the rippling of the water beneath them from the friction of the air dragging against the Dragon's wings.

The air was cool from the water and he began to laugh again as his draconic counterpart changed its wing direction again and they began to shoot up towards the sky again. Holding on tightly, the climb was over all too soon and they leveled out high in the sky again, almost stalling in the air above, giving the weaponmaster a breathtaking view of the land around.

"Wow..." He murmured in awe.

"Having fun?" Kuja questioned as he glided to a stop beside them.

"It's wonderful." Firion responded. "I didn't think I was missing out on anything, but this... This is amazing." He gave the Dragon's neck a pat. "Thank you. Both of you."

"T'was nothing, merely a means to ensure you are looked after in my absence." Kuja excused as the Dragon let out a rumbling purr-like noise.

"Still... You going so far to watch out for me even now... It means more than I can properly put into words." Firion responded.

Kuja merely hummed, giving a mildly dismissive wave of his hand but the look of pride spread across their expression. "We should return to Cosmos' Tower, lest the others begin to believe I stole you away again." He responded.

Laughing a little at the words, Firion nudged his Dragon partner to bank around, turning them in the direction of Cosmos' Tower, which could be seen even from this distance across the land. "I'm a bit nervous about this, but I want to see just how fast we can go. You ready, buddy?" He questioned to the Dragon.

A roar of acknowledgment responded.

Kuja smirked. "Consider me a little curious to see this as well." He said.

"Let's go!" Firion cried, and barely a breath later the Dragon took off, shooting forward with a mighty beat of its wings.

Despite the long distance, it truly didn't take as long as Firion thought it would to make it back to Cosmos' Tower. The once Midday Sun was now beginning to sink below the horizon, becoming Dusk.

The Cosmos Heroes that were at the Tower were suddenly startled and in awe when Firion landed outside the Tower on his new companion.

Scratching the Dragon's neck and moving up to their muzzle after he had dismounted he rest his forehead on the Dragon's snout. "Thanks so much. I guess I'm gonna have to come up with a name for you, huh? Or do you have one?" He questioned.

The Dragon let out a tiny sounding growl, and Firion was filled with the knowledge the Dragon had a name in its own tongue, that was impossible to speak in Human, so it would like a name in his tongue.

"Okay, I'll think of one for you. Thanks again. There's a place to rest behind the courtyard if you wish to stay there, otherwise you can fly free, alright?" Firion informed the creature.

Nuzzling Firion's cheek with its snout, the Dragon made a noise of understanding before it turned and began to walk on its four limbs towards the direction the other mentioned.

Kuja stood beside Firion, humming inquisiively. "I believe it's time you should intake nutrition for yourself before retiring for the evening, no?" He questioned.

"Hm, yeah, I am rather hungry now that you mention it. I've not eaten since breakfast." Firion responded before he began to walk towards the entrance of the Tower, Kuja floating along beside him.

After eating, Firion returned to his room, Kuja following alongside him.

"Kuja... Thank you. Truly. Your gifts are appreciated." Firion thanked, reaching forward to take the Reaper's hands with his own as he gazed at the Genome fondly.

Kuja's face tinted mildly with a little colour at the earnest thanks, a small smile rising to their face. "There's very little I wouldn't do for you, Firion. These small, paltry gifts are nothing." He responded.

Firion shook his head, stepping closer to the other. "They're not nothing to me," He assured. "They mean everything to me."

Leaning in, the warrior planted a light kiss to the Reaper's lips.

Kuja let out a quiet, pleased noise and when Firion pulled back, the Genome slowly pulled one hand away from the others to bring it up to remove the warrior's bandana and let his fingers run through their hair. "Keep shining brightly for me, Firion." They murmured softly.

"For you? Always." The other answered, just as softly.

Pulling back, the Dark Mage led the other to their bed and urged them to change into their resting clothes. Upon climbing into the bed, Kuja settled himself at the other side, reaching forward to once again run his fingers through Firion's hair, coaxing him into a relaxed lull as his body began to untense and settle itself. The Night was quickly engulfing the land, only the stars and moon glittering above to provide light.

"Rest now," Kuja soothed in a gentle voice. "You are safe."

Firion hummed out a positive note, eyes slipping closed. The Dark Mage began to hum a gentle melody, never ceasing his motions of combing through the other's hair until they'd fallen into a complete slumber.

Kuja waved his free hand, a glow of magic flaring to his fingertips as he drew a small seal in the air. "None shall disturb your rest so long as I am here." He murmured quietly.

The other never stirred, and Kuja silently continued his vigilence, watching over the warrior for the rest of the night.

-End.-

Chapter Text

Shelke stared up the open sky from the roof of Cosmos' Tower.

The wind blew gently, causing her now-long locks of orange-brown hair to flutter about, some strands covering her face for a moment before she rose a hand to push them out of her face and back over her shoulder before she heaved a quiet, but heavy sigh.

Being in this world was...interesting, she supposed. She was grateful for the opportunity she'd been granted to grow, and for the event that allowed her to exceed her prior 'self' and truly assume the shape and form she was meant to be. She looked down at herself; her now larger shaped hands, her more mature body. She truly fit the image of a nineteen year old now instead of being trapped within that of a nine year old's.

She'd come to meet so many people... Some familiar, but from different timelines and realities apart from hers, and some new altogether.

Her heart would twinge when her gaze would settle upon a particular person...

Vincent Valentine.

Of course, she was not the only 'Shelke' called to this world, and there were more than one Vincent as well, the one that always drew her attention was that of a younger Vincent; from his days in Shinra as a Turk. Before the events that shaped him into the man she knows.

Neither of them knew or could figure out which timeline he hailed from, and that planted the seeds of worry within her chest.

The worry--and subsequent fear--that if something should happen to him, the Vincent she knew in her time could disappear.

She wore herself ragged seeing to the man's safety. Granted, he was a Turk and one of the best sharpshooters, he was still mortal. That mortality left him vulnerable to danger. Danger that she refused to allow come near him.

This, however, also wore at her heart and mind.

It brought the longing within her to a near unbearable level at times, the wish and want to see the people from her time. The desire to be reunited with the Vincent she knew...

She hated the weak, vulnerable feeling that would blanket over her when the loneliness became so heavy tears would come to her eyes.

One of her hands clenched into a fist at her side as the other settled itself on her chest over her heart.

'Why don't you try expressing your feelings?' Lenne had gently asked of her.

'Express...? How?' She had questioned quietly to the Songstress.

The other woman gave her a comforting smile. 'Why don't you try writing it out? Or singing? Keeping the words locked inside of your heart doesn't do you any good when they can't be felt or heard.' She advised.

'...I will try. But I am unsure how well this will help me.' She answered to the other.

'It will never hurt to try it out. Maybe you'll see for yourself just how powerful your words become when you reach with your heart.' The other advised before slowly turning and beginning to walk off, making her way across the room towards Shuyin, humming quietly as she went.

She continued to stare up towards the sky; the sun had already set and twilight descended, the sky growing darker and darker as the light faded leaving the stars to glitter and the moon slowly rising in the distance.

"Try..." She murmured to herself, her mako-blue eyes shimmering briefly before an orange glow came to them before they disappeared behind eyelids as she closed them, levelling her head straight forward again, taking a deep breath.

The wind gusted gently again, fluttering the hems of her sleeves and skirt of her dress. She wore a baby blue off-the-shoulder dress with long, billowing sleeves. The skirt was an un-even length, shorter in front that exposed her legs, covered in darker blue stockings with the straps of her holstered EM Sabers attached to the sides of her thighs, but draped long in the back and stopped at her ankles where her feet wore white, soft leather heels with thick straps around her ankles to make sure they stayed secure to her feet.

She swallowed, pushing the strange feeling of nervousness back before she opened her mouth and took a deep breath.

"Lights go down inside your head again... The walls are thin, like they're closing in..." She sang aloud, her voice a little unsteady and quiet. A frown was upon her face, brows drawn together as she attempted to put her thoughts and feelings into words.

"Lost yourself inside a broken mirror... 'Cause that's what you fear. But I'm still here." She continued, opening her eyes to reveal the still-orange glow to them as she gazed towards the horizon, taking another deep breath, pausing as she felt her heart stirring a little stronger with the next words that came:

"Push me out, I'll pull you closer when you think that it's all over. Know that you will never be unloved by me," She sang, voice growing a little louder and bolder as she began to pour herself into the words, letting her feelings come through with the lyrics.

"Oh you're bigger than this moment. Might be bent, but you're not broken. Know that you will never be unloved by me... 'Cause I know what you're made of. I know what you're made of."

She was unaware she was drawing a small crowd of some of the others who had begun to hear her voice and sought out its source, also unaware of the shadow by the far stairs that was gazing at her in wonder.

Beneath her, in the Summoning Chambers with the Crystal was Arlumia with her staff. She could hear the girl's voice carrying on the wind and felt the resonance within the Crystal. It began to glow faintly, as if responding to the emotions Shelke was pushing forward.

"Burned out with the fire in your eyes... But you're gonna rise 'cause you know how to fight," Shelke sang, closing her eyes again as reality around her distorted, subconsciously activating her Synaptic Net Dive, amplified by the Crystal below that began to show flickering images to those gathered visions of her memory--images of the Vincent she knew and their struggle against Deepground, Hojo, and Omega.

"And you might fall down further than before... But it takes hitting the floor to know you're worth much more."

Images of Vincent nearly succumbing to Chaos, of nearly losing himself to his own inner darkness flashed by as Shelke's eyes cracked open as she lifted her head to stare up towards the stars, lifting her hand from her chest to slowly reach up towards the sky, and behind her the image of her own self being swallowed by Nero's darkness played for the others to see, and those there were engulfed in the feelings of loss, confusion, hurt, and fear that she had felt as she sat there in the darkness, protecting herself with her Shield Materia unknowing if she should give up and be swallowed, or hold on just a little longer...

Her voice echoed within everyone's mind:

'Vincent Valentine... I don't want you to die...'

"Push me out, I'll pull you closer when you think that it's all over. Know that you will never be unloved by me..."

Suddenly, emerging through the darkness of her memories was Vincent himself, reaching out a hand to her. Her memory-self took his hand and he led her out of Nero's shadows, the darkness unable to touch or hold him.

"Oh you're bigger than this moment. Might be bent, but you're not broken. Know that you will never be unloved by me. 'Cause I know what you're made of. I know what you're made of."

Shelke's voice had risen several more notes louder, now able to be heard several floors down from open windows and the Crystal within the Summoning Chamber was glowing extraordinarily bright.

Arlumia held a small smile on her face as she placed her hand on said Crystal, fingers on her other hand curling tighter around her Staff as it too, began to resonate and glow. 'That's it... Call with everything you are.' She thought to herself.

Above, the vision of Shelke replacing the Protomateria back into Vincent's chest, allowing him control over Chaos once more played for others to witness, soon follwed by the hazy images of Vincent crashing down through the ceiling of the Deepground Facility to lift Shelke's small form from the chair she had been using her SND from to fly them back outside before the place collapsed in on itself.

'You're late.'

'Sorry about that.'

'...Not that I mind, though.'

"I know what you're made of... Said I know what you're made of," Shelke sang, voice quieter now, but still able to be clearly heard.

Briefly, as her eyes glowed a brighter orange, a shimmering copy of her briefly appeared beside her, echoing:

"You will never be unloved by me."

"I know what you're made of," Shelke pushed, voice becoming a little stronger again as her tone began to rise.

"I know what you're made of. I know what you're made of. Push me out, I'll pull you closer when you think that it's all over. Know that you will never be unloved by me..."

There was a pause as Shelke took a deep inhlation of breath and there was a feeling of static in the air.

At that moment, Arlumia slammed her staff down onto the ground and the Summoning Circles lit up brightly as the Crystal discharged its energy.

Four figures formed within the glowing light within the circles and when the light cleared away...

Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockheart, Yuffie Kisaragi, and finally... Vincent Valentine stood there within the circles, looking around in confusion and wonder.

Just at that moment, Shelke's voice could be loudly heard breaking the silence:

"Push me out, I'll pull you closer when you think that it's all over. Know that you will never be unloved by me. Oh you're bigger than this moment. Might be bent, but you're not broken. Know that you will never be unloved by me."

Instantly all four of their heads snapped to look upwards, but it was Vincent's eyes that had widened slightly, the glow within his crimson eyes heightening briefly.

Arlumia stepped forward and made motion with her hand. "You were called here by how strong her feelings are." She murmured.

All of them looked to one another, but it was Yuffie who moved, stepping beside and behind Vincent a little and gave him a shove. "Go on, Vince. She's waiting."

At the nods of Cloud and Tifa, Vincent hesitated only a moment before he took off at a run for the stairs that led upwards towards the roof.

"I know what you're made of. I know what you're made of." Shelke sang loudly, feeling her eyes prickling with tears as she poured all of her feelings into it, again her figure shimmering as a digitized clone of her appeared, echoing her words.

"I know what you're made of. I know what you're made of."

Vincent reached the top of the stairs the instant Shelke belted out her last note.

"I know what you're made of...!"

Silence began.

None of the gathered Heroes there said a word as they viewed the scene, and the one on the opposite side in the shadows was staring with their mouth in a parted 'o' of shock and surprise.

Vincent gazed at the back of Shelke, slight wonder alight in his eyes as he took in her new form before he silently strode forward, stopping behind her.

"Shelke," He called quietly.

Eyes snapping open wide, body going tense and rigid in surprise, she whirled around on her feet to meet Vincent's gaze, feeling her heart pounding even harder within her chest.

Her mouth opened, but no words came to her.

They were silent for only a moment before her voice broke it:

"You're late, you know." She whispered, staring up at him, feeling the tears that had been building at the corners of her eyes begin to fall.

He gave her an apologetic look as he shook his head before reaching forward with his non-gauntlet wearing hand to brush some of her tears away. "Sorry." He returned, voice solemn.

Swallowing, she shook her own head before pushing forward and threw her arms around him. "...Not that I mind." She murmured against his chest, feeling his arms come up and surround her as well.

Vincent held her in his embrace, feeling the faintest of smiles ghost across his lips at her response.

On the opposite side in the shadows, the young Vincent stared with a mixture of emotions playing out across his face. After a long moment of gazing at the two and the way Shelke's face lit up with a smile so bright that he'd never saw from her before, he turned and silently slipped away. Perhaps it was better this way, he mulled to himself.

Lenne smiled to herself as she reached to grasp Shuyin's hand and silently began to lead him back down the stairs; her advice had worked.

The others and the rest of the world ignored for the time being, Shelke met Vincent's eyes again as she took a step back to put some space between. "...Is this form acceptable?" She asked quietly before looking down towards her body.

Vincent was silent as he glanced over her and took in the full details of her figure and her looks before he reached forward yet again, placing his hand on her cheek reassuringly. "More than acceptable." He responded.

Another smile rising to her face, a glow encased her and with a flash, two pure white wings extended from her back, leaving Vincent to stare at her in wonder and surprise.

She kicked off the ground and flew up a few feet into the air, reaching a hand down towards him. "...Fly with me?" She requested.

"Of course." Vincent answered, taking her hand and within another moment, his own form shifted to that of Chaos' and he took to the air beside her.

Shelke's laughter echoed on the wind, its purity heard by nearly everyone in the Tower as she arced through the sky with Vincent following alongside her with the moon and stars glittering above them.

She stalled briefly mid-air as she gazed towards Vincent, meeting his glowing gold-red eyes of his Chaos form, not hiding the feelings she felt coursing within her, "I know what you're made of." She murmured out quietly, surprising the other before she began to descend in a dive.

Vincent was barely a hair's breadth behind her as he swooped down after her.

'Know that you will never be unloved by me...' She thought to herself as she felt Vincent's arms wind around her as she let her wings disappear in a flash of light, some of the pure white feathers fluttering around them as they landed on the ground moments later. She could hear the faster beating of his heart in her ear as she rest her head against his chest, letting herself draw him closer as she embraced him once more.

Push me out, I'll pull you closer when you think that it's all over.
Know that you will never be unloved by me.
Oh you're bigger than this moment. Might be bent, but you're not broken.
Know that you will never be unloved by me.
'Cause I know what you're made of.

-End-