Watching the Darkstream swirl and eddy put a feeling of dread into Auron such as he’d never felt. It wasn’t the disgusting mockery of the Life Stream that filled it with such foreboding, however. The cocoons of the Dark Guardians were beginning to shed, and the first of their new opponents were being born.

The entire assemblage of Guardians had gathered in high orbit about the moon, and were prepared for battle. Bahamut had taken a place in the back, counting himself among the humblest of the Guardians. Auron wasn’t sure he cared. The former Guardian King had abdicated when needed the most. It was true that his leadership had caused much of this current disaster, but to Auron, it meant he should take responsibility. Even worse, the burden had been placed upon him.

The Darkstream was one matter, but there were myriad disasters that had occurred, and Auron was quite sure more to come. The worst of them all at the moment was the blinding of Squall. All attempts at healing from the Guardians’ end had proved completely ineffective. What was blocking them, he couldn’t be positive, but he suspected it had something to do with the panorama of dark might spread out before him. That Zack fellow had revealed that his employers, for lack of a better term, had enemies. Clearly this enemy was growing along with the Darkstream, and Zack’s forces were most likely waning.

Something had to be done, but the new Guardian leader was at a total loss. He didn’t have the experience to handle things like this. He wasn’t sure who did. “Options,” Auron commanded.

“I can’t think of any,” Griever commented. The Dark Guardians were beginning to move, and flowed along with the Darkstream, casting taunting cries. “If we get close, our essence is sucked away. It would only be a short exposure before we were reduced to nothingness.”

“We can do nothing,” Shiva said angrily. “We have to face the facts that a new enemy has been born. We cannot stop the birth. We will just have to oppose them.”

Auron cast his eyes to the form of the Dark Guardians. Their appearances were as varied as the GF’s themselves: from Chimeraes, to enormous serpents, to what worried Auron the most. There was a dragon shaped form that seemed to dwarf even Bahamut himself. It was not only the size. Auron saw with other eyes, and the power inherent in this dragon-being was frightening indeed.

“It appears there is a new King of Dragons,” Gilgamesh noted in concern.

“Bahamut may have something to say about that,” Shiva snorted.

“Don’t let your bias cloud your mind.” Griever said in irritation. “There is power in that creature that even I could not oppose with hope of success.”

“And you write Bahamut off too easily!” Shiva shouted. “Just like you’re writing off Squall!”

Auron managed to let only a hint of irritation reach his voice. “No one is writing either of them off. The facts are, things must change. Griever?”

He asked, “You wish me to change junctions, don’t you?”

“You must,” Auron said. “Cloud will need a Guardian Force, and I think the two of you the best fit.”

“I gave my pledge. Squall will junction no other, and I will do the same.”

“I respect your sense of honor,” Auron replied. “But it must give way to necessity.’

“Very well,” Griever growled. “I will see if Cloud proves worthy.”

“Cloud Strife has proved his worth many times over,” Auron said with an edge of anger. “I know it’s within your rights in Guardian tradition, but we have no time for such things.”

Griever’s countenance grew fierce for a brief moment, before he acquiesced. “I will do as you say, brother. But those traditions exist for a reason. Do not cast them aside so easily.” The lion-like Guardian then moved away from the group.

Shiva asked, “So Squall is to have no Guardian?”

“He will have one,” Auron replied. “I have yet to decide who.”

“I offer myself,” she said.

“You are too important, Shiva. You will be needed in other areas.”

“So, you’re planning to junction him with a lesser Guardian. You are writing him off. I wonder if you would do it so easily if it was Tidus who was in Squall’s situation,” Shiva spat, before moving off as well.

“Did Bahamut have it so hard?” Auron asked with a sigh.

“Yes,” Gilgamesh commented. “But he learned to balance the Guardian’s particular passions and responsibilities. Shiva for instance, thinks of Squall as her child almost. She has been junctioned to him from an early age.”

“You will grow into the role,” a voice commented. Turning around, Auron saw someone he knew probably had to be Zack. “Yes, that’s who I am. And before you ask, no, I can’t do anything about the Dark Guardians. The Darkstream affects me, too.”

“Then why did you even bother to come?”

“To offer some advice,” Zack said. “All of you are forgetting the birth of Centra.”

“Unimportant,” Auron said firmly. “There is too much going on to be concerned about that.”

“With all due respect, brother,” Gilgamesh replied, “you’re wrong. Without Centra, the Dark Ages will never end. Mankind will be stuck in barbarism forever.”

“And eventually die out,” Zack added.

Auron almost seethed with frustration. He was inexperienced at his new role. As Guardians went, he was still very young. How someone could juggle all of these situations and personalities, and still manage a desirable outcome was beyond him. Bahamut had done this for years uncounted. Auron felt crushed under the weight after only a short time. He was beginning to understand Bahamut now. The burden had to be unbearable, and to carry it for so long…

“What do you suggest?” Auron asked quietly.

“Let me handle Centra,” Zack offered. “I will only require Reeve, Barret, Squall, and Bahamut. And he who becomes Odin of course.”

“Odin is just a boy,” Auron sighed.

“Boys grow up,” Gilgamesh said. “And he will watch over Centra through the ages, and save it from many perils. But, he is young. He requires a teacher. I see where Zack is going. Squall will be an excellent choice,” he nodded approvingly.

“More than that,” Zack added. “Time flows and no one can sort out the possibilities. But I do know this. It all leads to one point in time, where Centra is the focal point. Everything we are trying to accomplish will be decided in this one moment. Centra will need its protectors.”

“And you wish a blind man and an all but defeated Guardian Force to be among those defenders,” Auron scoffed.

“Do not throw Squall away so easily,” Zack warned.

“I wouldn’t discount Bahamut either,” Gilgamesh added.

“Very well,” Auron said. “I’ll leave it to you.” There was a sudden feeling of power discharging in the depths of space near the moon, and the Dark Guardians disappeared. The Darkstream also faded for a brief second, but then reanimated. It was diminished, as if part of it had disappeared “What just happened?”

Zack closed his eyes in sorrow, and then answered, “The Darkstream and its offspring have shifted. They are now in Cloud’s time, and are preparing to move upon the planet.”

Auron began to shout, “Guardians, prepare for-”

“No!” Zack interrupted. “It is a battle you will lose. I promise you, the Guardians will get their chance to strike a blow, but that day is not today.”

“Hyne is ready to be born, isn’t he?” Gilgamesh asked in concern.

“No,” Zack uttered. “It has already happened.”

Filonia put down the file and sipped at her water. Stretching her arms out, she closed her eyes and went over the information that Heidegger had sent. Stories, facts, and personal tidbits were not hard to find on any of these ‘Children of Fate’. They had lived in the public eye for more than five years, and there was a wealth of knowledge out there about them. There was everything from gossip columns, trash newspapers, and even psychological profiles. Of particular interest to Filonia were the videos that showed them in actual combat or training.

Needless to say, she was impressed. Their skill as individuals was better than anything SOLDIER currently possessed, with the possible exception of Cole and the new Turks. There was not video of one particular person, however; the one she most wanted to see. Looking at Cole, who was standing patiently by, she commanded, “I want to see video of this Squall Leonhart. Where is it?”

“He’s camera shy,” Cole explained. “According to what I’ve heard, he pretty much only does the minimum media relations necessary as Commander. He’s steadfastly refused to ever have a training session recorded.”

Raising an eyebrow, Filonia intoned, “So, no official record exists.”

“Not official,” Cole said with a smile “Heidegger lacks imagination.” He placed a disc into the player attached to the television. “I sent one of my people to Esthar and they found this. This is a pirate video. Some unknown SeeD managed to tape one of his training sessions secretly. It’s been flying over what they call the internet for the past six months.”

“Play it.”

Cole pressed the button, and Filonia leaned back in her chair to watch. The video started with two men. One she recognized as Squall from the photos. The other was an unknown. He was taller than Squall, with short blonde hair, and a cocky demeanor about him. They saluted each other and began their training session. For the next ten minutes, the two fought with prowess beyond what she had seen from the other Children of Fate.

Filonia was no expert, but even she could tell that these were two masters of the art. Noting the ebb and flow, however, she was more impressed with the blonde. He was far more aggressive, and seemed to have Squall on the verge of defeat several times. Somehow, this Leonhart managed to avoid disaster. “I’m no expert, but it seems to me the blonde’s better.”

“Just wait,” Cole said.

Returning her attention to the video, she soon knew what Cole meant. From seemingly nowhere, Squall switched momentum and became the aggressor. He began to show far more strength, height to his leaps, and blinding quickness. The blonde managed to hold out against Squall’s offensive for an astonishing length of time, but was eventually disarmed, and knocked sprawling. “Impressive,” Filonia said. “Your assessment as a swordsman, Cole?”

“Squall’s a nightmare opponent,” Cole said with a furrowed brow. “His movements are economical, never too much or too little. He’s conservative, and defends at first. As you’ve just seen, those defenses are top notch and almost impossible to penetrate if he’s on his game. He only pounces when he knows he has you. As far as level of skill…” Cole crossed his arms and considered a moment. “He’s Cloud Strife all over again. And he’s loose in our time.”

Filonia pursed her lips in agreement. “Who’s the blonde? He took Squall to the limit.”

“His name is Seifer Almasy,” Cole answered. “He resigned as the Assistant Commander of SeeD not too long ago.”

“And his current location?” Filonia asked with an upraised eyebrow.

“I’ve been trying to find out,” Cole shrugged. “Heidegger discounted him as unimportant after his resignation. No one seems to know where he is. The trail is likely too cold to follow by now.”

She said angrily, “He’s likely as dangerous as Squall! And we don’t know where he is!”

“My authority is very limited on the other side of the portal,” Cole replied sharply. “Don’t lump me in with him, or blame me for his mistakes.”

Surprised at his tone, she leaned back and regarded him. Shockingly, Filonia smiled. “At least you’re not an ass kisser, Cole.”

“I’ll tell you the truth, Madame President,” Cole said in a cold tone. “No matter the consequences to me. It’s my job.”

“Speaking of Cloud Strife,” Filonia asked, “how goes the operation?”

“The silver-haired fools are back,” Cole answered. “They refuse to speak with anyone but you or their ‘father’. Only three returned, and they’re wounded. My guess is it was an utter failure. It was an amateurish operation to begin with.”

“Call them then. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves.”

Cole opened his phone to issue the appropriate orders, and Filonia found herself watching the video again, seeking any insight she could find on these two. Yes, Squall Leonhart was exceedingly dangerous, as were his companions, but she judged this Seifer Almasy to be an equal threat. It was an act of criminal negligence that they had no idea where the blonde haired man was.

It was only a few moments before the door opened, and the three new Turks entered the room. Filonia regarded the men for a moment. “There were more of you. Where are the Materia Guard, Essia, and Nya?”

“All dead,” answered Yazoo, his arm in a sling.

“Cloud got away,” Loz growled.

“We failed,” Kadaj said in a contrite tone.

“I want details,” Filonia intoned crisply.

“We were headed to meet the ship when we were intercepted near Gongaga,” Kadaj explained. “Most of these people we’d never seen before, but Sephiroth was with them. We had them defeated, but then Avalanche showed up and we had to run.”

Reaching over to the top of her desk, Filonia laid out some photos. “Were these ‘the people’ you were speaking of?”

Perusing the pictures, the three nodded in turn, each pointing to a particular one. “The girl, Rinoa, was the one who killed Nya and Essia,” Kadaj explained. “I’ve never seen a magic user so powerful.”

“Probably a Sorceress,” Cole noted. “Our sources say that she was once one of them. I’d say chances are good she still is.”

“That Quistis was there too,” Yazoo said.

“And Zell,” Loz snorted in disdain.

“Squall you don’t have to worry about ever again,” Kadaj said with a laugh. “We blinded him. He won’t be getting his sight back.”

“You had Squall Leonhart at your mercy?” Filonia asked calmly. The three nodded, and her voice rose in anger. “And you didn’t kill him?”

The three brothers looked back and forth at each other, and Kadaj answered in apologetic fashion, “No, we’re sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Where’s father?” Loz asked.

“Your father,” Filonia said in a heated voice, “has locked himself in a room in his lab. He’s apparently doing an experiment on himself. He’s been branded a traitor to Shinra and will be killed as soon as he emerges. Do you have a problem with that? Are you loyal to Shinra or him?”

“To Shinra of course,” Kadaj replied.

Filonia glanced at each of them. She was very cognizant of the fact that she was dealing with children, albeit very dangerous ones. Like some children, they had no skill at lying. This was not the time or place to form a confrontation over that fact. Cole was a powerful warrior, but not even he could take on all three at once with any hope of success.

Cole, as if reading her mind, nodded to them. “Dismissed. Take the next few days off and heal up. We’ll have more work for you soon.”

The three filed out, and she drummed her fingers on the desk in thought a moment. “Cole, wait a few days. Then I want those three to have accidents. They‘re a dangerous risk to have around, and are completely unreliable.”

“I’ll take care of it personally.”

“Squall’s blinding is good news at least,” she said thoughtfully.

“And maybe an opportunity.”

‘What do you mean?”

“As good as he is, he’s now going to be vulnerable,” Cole spoke. “If I were him, I’d go to ground. He’s a smart one according to profile, and he’ll do just that. But, at some point we’re going to find him. We missed out on Cloud Strife. I say we take this Leonhart.”

“Why would we want a blind man?” Filonia asked in confusion.

“He would be a wealth of information on this SeeD for one. Also, whatever damage has been done to his eyes, I bet we could undo. We have far more resources than are available to the general public. We heal him after he’s been properly conditioned of course.”

“True that,” Filonia admitted. She glanced at the video again. “At least we’d have an answer if this Seifer Almasy ever shows up.”

“Squall is not going to be found for awhile. He’s too smart for that. We have to be patient. I’ll draw up some contingency plans for capture when and if he does.”

“That’s a lot of trouble to go through for a blind man,” Filonia said in amusement.

“Even blind, this Squall is no joke,” Cole answered, eyes narrowing. “I think I want to handle that operation personally when the time comes.” His phone started to ring, and Cole flipped it open, answering the call. “You’re sure? Get in position. I’ll be there shortly.”

She asked, “What is it?”

“Something’s happening at the lab,” Cole revealed. “They think Dr. Hyne is about to emerge.”

“I’m coming,” Filonia said, rising to her feet.

‘I’d counsel against that,“ Cole stated. “It could be dangerous.”

“I want to see the traitor silenced myself.”

Pain. Never-ending, all-consuming pain. It had been the sum of Dr. Alexander’s Hyne existence for what seemed eternity, but it had only been a little over a week. In that time, his every nerve ending had been aflame, his every muscle a crucible of unspeakable torment.

A part of him had risen above the torture, and realized what was happening. The power surges from the Huge Materia were taking root in his bloodstream. The enhanced Jenova cells he had injected were proving able to absorb the discharge, and with every breath he grew stronger. With every breath, he became less and less a man. He was becoming a god.

The fires of his personal hell had been a purifying process. Any shred of decency and sanity had been burned away. He was pure. He was pure insanity, and the perfect tool for his lord’s will. Always through the making of himself into a god, there had been the whispers of that dark and terrible being housed on the moon. You will be the instrument of my freedom, the voice had said.

What was left of Dr. Hyne’s sanity had urged him to fight. That what this being wanted was too horrible to comprehend. But his sanity had been burned away. He still had the scientific knowledge and memory of his former incarnation, but Dr. Alexander Hyne was no more. There was now only the god Hyne, and he roared his allegiance.

Opening his eyes, Hyne saw that the process had been completed. A large part of the Huge Materia had been used in his creation, but it would regenerate. The same process could be used again and again. Hyne would create more like him, but lesser of course. The god wanted tools, not rivals. Looking down at his body, he saw that his clothes had been burned away by the process and formed an outline of ash against the table to which he had been strapped.

Numerous burns were spread across his body, but Hyne saw them healing quickly with a nod of satisfaction. They would be gone within seconds. It would not do for scars or wounds to mar his form. He was perfection. Pure, blissful, and eternal perfection. Mako, the lifeblood of the planet itself, and the cells of Jenova had melded into something wholly new. His very blood was enflamed with power personified, and he was capable of magic undreamt of on this world. Sorcery had been born.

He melted the restraints away with the barest effort of his will, and stood for the first time as a god. It was time to meet his new worshippers. Their lives and deaths would be in his hands alone. Was it not the right of a god to determine the fate of his subjects?

Pressing the button that would open the door, Hyne prepared his spells. He was under no illusion that his emergence would be peaceful. The people of this time would have to learn, but soon every knee would bend. They would just have to learn the hard way.

The door slid open, and Hyne emerged from his room. He was immediately met by a hail of gunfire from several SOLDIER squads that had been stationed to watch. “Pitiful,” Hyne intoned, and brushed aside the wall of lead as if it were a fly. One by one, he cast spells that turned his attackers into puddles of ooze. “Is this how you greet your god? Bend your knee, and spare your pathetic lives.”

The remaining SOLDIERs stared at him in disbelief and awe. No one had ever brushed aside such an attack so easily. One by one, they stopped their fire and took their first good look at Hyne. He was still of medium height, but there was a faint emerald glow; like a halo around his form. The eyes shone like two suns, and his face was terrible to behold in its beauty. A sardonic smile seemed permanently entrenched upon his visage.

None of this compared to his voice. It was pure honey, and beguiling nearly beyond measure. It was nigh impossible to resist his commands. The remaining troops were the first to bend knee to their new god. “Good, my children,” Hyne said approvingly. “You learn. Pray the rest of the world learns as quickly as you do.”

“My god,” Rinoa muttered to herself. “What have I hired?”

All reports of SeeD combat prowess that she had ever heard, seemed to be true. They outclassed the Galbadian troops they encountered by miles. Unfortunately, the other aspects of SeeD she had heard were true as well. They were ruthless, and took no prisoners. Rinoa dearly wanted Timber independence, but she was beginning to ask herself if the price was worth it.

Squall, Zell, and Selphie considered this a combat situation, and they were likely right. Did it give them the right to wholesale slaughter as she had just witnessed, though? Sighing to herself, she watched the three carry out Squall’s order, and drag the bodies into a nearby alley. The kidnapping of Vinzer Deling had been an failure. Now they were trying to get to the television station to interfere with Galbadia’s planned broadcast. The problem seemed to be getting there.

The Galbadian occupation force was on high alert, and a few confrontations were impossible to avoid. Somehow, Rinoa never imagined this much death. She had never seen anyone slain before her eyes until this day. It was a sickening sight, and was aware of the fact that her hands were now stained with blood. The SeeDs had not done all the killing. She had joined in, and realized that she would never be the same again.

Maybe she had been naïve. She had never really thought it would come to this, but she now realized it was inevitable. The freeing of Timber could not be accomplished without the spilling of blood. It was an undeniable fact, but Rinoa always had the hope that someone, anyone would find a better way.

The SeeDs finished with their grisly task, and Selphie came to stand next to her. Squall, of course, stood off to one side ignoring everything. Rinoa had never met someone who could instantly make her angry merely by their demeanor. He was so cold, so indifferent, so arrogant.

When they had danced, Rinoa thought that maybe a spark was there, something that could be kindled. That thought was a distant memory. Squall Leonhart was just a first rate asshole. She sighed again, and looked everywhere but at the alley to which the bodies had been dragged.

“Something wrong, Rinoa?” Selphie asked in curiosity.

“No-” she started, and then gathered her courage. Something needed to be said. “Yes. Do we have to kill like this? Can’t we let some of them run away or something?”

“You can’t be serious,” Selphie grinned.

Overhearing, Zell came over to join them. “If we let them run, they report to their command center. Next thing, more soldiers come. That just leads to more killing. Is that what you want?”

Shaking her head, Rinoa realized they were right, but there had to be a better way. There just had to be. Squall broke his normal silence. “This is combat. The Galbadians we killed are soldiers. They know the rules, just like we do.”

“So, to the victors go the spoils?” Rinoa asked him in anger. “Is that your attitude?”

Squall didn’t answer, but the look he gave spoke volumes. He was in effect telling her she was a spoiled idiot. Funny how a mere glance from him could tell her more than most could say in an entire day. Some people would be intimidated by his stare, but Rinoa wasn’t among them. She stood her ground, and refused to yield.

His grey eyes laced with contempt, Squall finally said, “We’re wasting time. Lead us to the station.”

Finally glancing away, Rinoa looked down the deserted street. “I think it best if we avoid combat. If we cut through some back alleys, we can make it to the tavern. From there, it should be easy.”

“You’re the client,” Squall answered in an indifferent tone.

Rinoa promised herself that as soon as they were safe, she was going to give Squall Leonhart a tongue lashing he’d never forget. But he probably wouldn’t even care, and that just made her angrier. “Let’s go.”

Rubbing her eyes, Rinoa awakened, deeply troubled. She had this same dream, over and over again recently. What made it worse, was that it wasn’t really a dream. It was a memory. Part of Rinoa wanted to chuckle at her younger self’s appraisal of Squall at that time. She never imagined at that point he would one day be her Knight and husband. He could still piss her off like no other, but didn’t count that as necessarily a bad thing. That wasn’t the troubling part.

In her mind’s eye, she re-lived the murder of Nya. There was nothing else she could call it. She had been so angry about being lured away. Nya would likely have died of her wounds, but perhaps not. Maybe her brothers would have found her and saved Nya’s life. Maybe they would have just left her. Rinoa didn’t know, but it didn’t excuse her actions. It was in keeping with SeeD policy to do as Rinoa had done. Never leave an enemy at your back, even a wounded one. That’s what a typical SeeD instructor would have said. That was no excuse either.

Rinoa had an inkling that she kept dreaming of that day, because that was when she had been sucked into the world of SeeD. After Time Compression, she had even eventually become one. Her training had overcome her distaste at the SeeD attitude, and she now thought no differently than they did. From time to time however, Rinoa found herself missing that idealistic girl who wanted the killing to end. Try as she might, the Sorceress could no longer find her. Innocence had died long ago. Rinoa still mourned its loss. Part of her wondered of it was possible to regain it.

Probably not, she thought to herself. Like the others, Rinoa had many scars on her soul. So many, that she barely noticed when she received another. But this was different. A line had been crossed, and there was no going back.

Sitting up, she took note of her surroundings. She vaguely remembered being brought here to Cosmo Canyon. They were in a clinic of some sort to all appearances. With a sigh of relief, she noted Squall in the bed beside her. He looked to be resting somewhat comfortably, and she stood next to him. Stretching out a hand, she saw the blindfold still in place, and curled a stray bang of hair from the vicinity of his eyes.

“That’d better be Rinoa,” came the monotone voice. “Unless it’s Zell. In which case, quit playing with my hair.”

“It’s me,” she answered with a smile. “I guess I’m fine now, but I was so sleepy. I just couldn’t stay awake.”

“It had something to do with my blood transfusion,” Squall revealed. “Cloud has Jenova cells running through his veins. Apparently, so do I now. And so do you; a mutated form anyway.”

“Me?” Rinoa boggled. She had some vague idea of what Jenova was. Enough to know that particular being had been the world’s enemy at one point. “I didn’t get a transfusion that I know about.”

“It’s always been there,” Squall said quietly. “Ever since you became a Sorceress.”

“I’m surprised you let her take some of my blood,” Rinoa tried to joke weakly.

“I’m not crazy about it,” he answered. “It’s not like I was in any condition to stop her.”

“You’re slipping, Squall.”

“I’ll try to do better,” he stated wryly

She carefully sat in the bed beside him, a hand running idly through his hair. “Jenova in me, what does that mean?”

“We know that the first Sorceresses will be created soon,” Squall replied. “It’s my guess that Jenova is somehow the source.”

“That’s a comforting thought,” Rinoa sighed. Finally, she asked the question that scared her most. “You’re blind, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” he said quietly.

Tears forming in her eyes, she said in a choked voice, “It changes nothing. I’ll be there every step of the way. We’ll learn to live with it together.”

He slowly shook his head. “You can’t be here.”

“The hell I can’t,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m at your side, Squall. That’s the way it’s going to be.”

“Rinoa,” he said in a calming voice, “we both know what’s going to happen. Hyne’s going to arise. Someone has to protect the world. They’re going to need you.”

“You are my world!” Rinoa shouted, leaping up and pacing about the room in anger. “I’m tired of being the Sorceress Rinoa! Maybe I just want to be your wife for a change!”

“Rinoa, Hyne-”

She interrupted him with a shout. “Forget it! I’m not facing him without you!”

“You don’t need me for that,” Squall answered. “You’re not the girl who can’t fight on her own anymore.”

‘I know you think you’re not needed,” Rinoa said in anger. “You’re so, so wrong. I’m a murderer, Squall. Did you know that? Nya was wounded, and I fired a disc into her chest! I didn’t even stop to think! I just did it!”

He started to answer, “Rinoa, you-”

Her tears were now full fledged, and streaming down her cheeks. Rinoa interrupted him harshly. “Don’t you dare give me the stock SeeD line! I’m a powerful Sorceress, Squall! And I’m just getting stronger! I sometimes feel like I can get lost in it, but then I look at you, and know it isn’t possible. Why? Because you make everything all right. You always have. And you’re asking me to face Hyne without that reassurance. That just flat out sucks!”

He was wisely silent for a time, letting her walk out the anger. “Rinoa, I-” he faltered, unsure of what to say.

She calmed somewhat, and wiped the tears away. “Don’t you see, Squall? I’m not just scared of facing Hyne. I’m even more scared of what I’ll become if you’re not with me.”

He motioned for her to come over. With a sigh, she sat again next to him. Squall took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I believe in you, Rinoa,” he said with absolute conviction. “Even when no one else does, even yourself.”

“The job of a Knight,” she chuckled weakly.

“Yeah, about that-”

“Shut up, Squall. I know where you’re going. I’ve told you before, no one can come close to taking your place. You just proved why. No one will believe in me like you do. I’m still staying. Nothing says that we can’t join the others when you heal up.”

“By the time that happens, it may be too late,” he answered. “They need you, and they need you now.”

“You need me too,” Rinoa answered quietly.

“I can’t be your first priority in this case.” He raised a finger to his eyes. “I’m going to learn to live with this. But, it’s not going to happen overnight.”

“And I want to help you.”

“You can’t,” he said imploringly. “The way to best help me now is to make sure the world is safe while I learn.”

“I preferred it when you weren’t so damned good at arguing,” she replied sourly.

“You taught me well,” Squall answered with a half smile.

She stood up. “I…need to think, Squall. I’ll be back later.”

“I’ll be here,” he promised.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It had been more than a dream. Cloud easily realized that. It had been another vision. He had ridden in the truck with Squall’s group, but they weren’t talkative. Cloud didn’t blame them. He knew what it was like to lose a comrade. After Aeris’ death at the hands of Sephiroth, Avalanche had barely spoken for a week. It was only after that period of time the group had returned to any sense of normalcy.

Cloud had also forgotten his troubles with motion sickness. He had closed his eyes to stave off the all too familiar condition, and presently fallen asleep. But it had not proven to be a normal slumber. Zack had shown him many things: of past, present, and distant future. The destiny of Gaia’s children was a great one, and it was in his hands to make sure it came to pass. To say the least, Cloud felt unequal to the task, but he had resolved to try. Zack had also told him not to reveal what was said, save to only one. Squall had also been shown this, and was the only person Cloud could safely compare notes with.

He very much wanted to talk to Squall, but another important task awaited. He could no longer put it off. He had to share what Quistis had told him. Squall’s group had marched immediately to the clinic to see their wounded comrade, and Cloud took the opportunity to call a hasty meeting of Avalanche. They had all gathered around the Cosmo Candle, and Cloud told of the upcoming fall of civilization as best he could.

Surprisingly, no one had interrupted him. Finally completing his recount of what Quistis had told him, there was complete silence. This was the moment that Cloud most feared. He knew down to his bones that some of Avalanche would take a different path at this point. He just didn’t know who.

Finally, it was Aeris who spoke. “I… know this is hard to take. And we’ve looked at it from every angle. There doesn’t seem to be any way around it.”

“I knew those people from the future were trouble,” Cid growled.

“What are you blaming them for Cid?” Barret asked sarcastically. “We did it ourselves.”

“We only need to look in the mirror to see the culprit,” Reeve echoed distantly.

“Yeah, but ever since they came-” Cid started.

“They didn’t make us use Mako energy and threaten the life of the planet,” Tifa interrupted in a patient tone of voice. “They aren’t responsible for our lack of foresight in planning for the future. They aren’t responsible for any of it.”

“I remember when Shinra came, and wanted to harvest Wutai’s Mako,” Yuffie said in uncharacteristic seriousness. “They slowly invaded and took over. What Shinra is doing to the people of the future is no different, really. Squall and his friends are fighting for what’s theirs. And we have no right to take what they have.”

“I know! I know!” Cid yelled. His face then assumed a bitter smile. “It’s just too easy to blame somebody besides yourself I guess.”

“We all know how you feel, Cid,” Cloud answered. “But it won’t get us anywhere. We all have decisions to make. I’m going. We’re not fighting for ourselves, but for a future that sounds worth the struggle. But, I can’t answer for all of you. Take your time. There‘s no need to answer this moment.”

“Zell told this to Vincent and myself before. I admit to being uncertain,” Red replied. “But my answer is I’m going.”

“So am I,” Yuffie answered.

“Count me in,” Tifa said. “I have nothing else. I may as well fight for the future.”

“We are of like mind, Tifa,” Vincent commented.

“I’ll come too,” Cid said grumpily. “Something in me dearly wants to see that future. An era where spaceflight happens all the time…. Damn me, but that’s something worth fighting for.”

“You know my answer, Cloud,” Aeris smiled. She looked over to the two members of their group who had not answered as of yet. “Barret? Reeve?”

Both remained silent for a moment, before Barret finally answered. “I can’t go.” He held up a hand to ward off any protest. “Just listen a moment. I’ve been foolin’ myself for a long time. I tell myself I go on these journeys for Marlene’s sake, but I’ve been lyin’ to myself.”

“No, you haven’t,” Tifa said.

“I have been, Tifa,” Barret continued. “Truth is, I go for the thrill and tell myself I’m makin’ a difference. Marlene’s 10 now, and needs her daddy more than ever. ’Specially since I know what’s coming. I got a responsibility to her, and I can’t hide from it no more. I have to find someplace where she can grow up safe. It‘s my job as her daddy, and I‘m gonna damn well do it for once.”

Cloud closed his eyes in sorrow, but he understood. “You will be missed.”

“I may have the place for Marlene to be safe,” Reeve said “Cloud, Tifa, I need your permission on something.”

“You’re not going either,” Tifa stated with unreadable eyes.

“No, I’m not,” Reeve sighed. “Like Barret, I have Denzel. I’m not his father, but he depends on me. And I have many people in my company who depend on me, too. Things have changed since Meteor.”

Cloud nodded slowly, his gaze fading off into the distance. “You’ll be missed, too. What did you need permission for?”

“To use Nibelheim.”

“What do you need our permission for?” Tifa asked.

“You’re the last living residents of that town,” Reeve explained. “If it belongs to anyone, it’s you two.”

“You have it I guess,” Cloud said in confusion. “What for?”

“I’ve seen something like this as a possibility, and I planned for it. I call it Project Centra. For the last few years, I’ve had people learning and developing skills that were practiced before electric power existed.”

“Like blacksmiths, farmers, weavers, millers…” Vincent listed.

“Yes,” Reeve answered. “Exactly like that. Every skill we could think of that a pre-industrialized society would need. It was kind of a doomsday plan in case we couldn’t find energy sources before coal ran out. I hoped to never have to implement it, but that day has come. Nibelheim is perfect. Good farmland, out of the way, and it’s deserted. It’s also not so run down that the buildings can’t be made useable again fairly quickly.”

“I don’t think I’m gonna get any better offers,” Barret grinned. “Count me in. I’m gonna go pick up Marlene.” He turned his smile on Aeris. “And your momma.”

“I’d dearly love to see her again,” Aeris beamed, clapping her hands together.

“I think I’ll take Bree with me, too,” Reeve said. “Red, if I could have your permission, I’d like to address the council here. There are many here in Cosmo Canyon that have skills that could be useful.”

“I will ask them,” Nanaki answered. “They deserve to know what’s coming, and make their own choices.”

Cloud shifted, making his seat more comfortable by the fire. His eyes looked upon the ground as he said, “ I guess this is where we part ways.”

“I’m not leaving yet,” Reeve said.

“Yeah, but…” Cloud tried to articulate his feelings. It was like the passing of an age. Avalanche may never be assembled whole and of one purpose ever again. “We’re taking different paths,” he finally answered.

“We’re all fighting for the same thing, Cloud,” Reeve replied. “Just from different ends.”

A blonde man came up to the fire then. “Hey, for those who don’t know me, I’m Zell. I hate to interrupt but-”

“We were just about finished,” Cloud sighed. “Need something?’

“Yeah,” Zell said. “Squall’s asking for ya. I can tell him you’re busy or-”

“No, I’ll come,” Cloud stated, getting to his feet.

“Hey, I want to see Leon!” Yuffie exclaimed.

“I’d like to come, too,” Tifa added.

“Give it an hour you two,” Cloud said in strained patience. “Lead the way, Zell.”

The two left, and Yuffie’s eyes followed the man who was departing with Cloud. She leaned over to Tifa and asked, “That’s one of Leon’s friends?”

“It’s Squall,” Tifa replied with a rolling of the eyes. “And yes. Zell left before you got there.”

“I’m getting to like the future more and more,” Yuffie grinned.

“Oh god,” Cid cried. “Yuffie’s gone hormonal.”

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

“Why are you being so difficult?” Althea cried. “You’re not ready for this!”

Rinoa heard the cry as she opened the door to the clinic, and found it hard to stifle laughter. Angelo was running around excitedly, as if he didn’t know what to do, and Squall was attempting to get out of bed.

“I’m tired of lying there,” Squall said irritably. He grasped until he felt a crutch beside his bed, and slowly sat up. Leaning it into the crook of his left arm, he slowly stood with a shout. “Son of a bitch! That hurts!”

“I warned you,” Althea sighed.

“Welcome to the world’s worst patient, Doctor,” Rinoa said in amusement. “Don’t bother trying to stop him. It’s useless.”

“At least someone understands,” Squall growled. “Where’s a damned chair?”

Rinoa walked him over to one slowly, helping him to a nearby seat. He bent over, the pain of his broken ribs obviously excruciating, and finally gained a sitting position. Rinoa sympathized, but mostly she was ecstatic to see Squall’s nature begin to reassert itself. It hurt beyond measure to see him lying there helpless. He was starting to take the first steps on the road to recovery, and that was worth a little pain. “There,” Squall breathed in relief.

Althea shook her head in exasperation, and looked at Rinoa. “How do you put up with him?”

“Liquor,” Rinoa answered dryly. “Lots of it.”

“Too much longer and I may join you,” Althea sighed loudly. “Can you manage this stubborn ass for an hour or so? I need a break.”

“I think I can handle it,” Rinoa smiled. Althea waved and departed, and Rinoa looked at her husband. “I think she likes you.”

“She’s more of a mother hen than Tifa,” Squall snorted.

Glancing down at her engagement ring, Rinoa said, “I still haven’t really met her yet. Avalanche is having some kind of meeting. Probably about the Dark Ages,” Rinoa said with a heavy sigh. She decided to change the subject. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here with everyone else, but I still had some thinking to do.”

“You didn’t miss anything,” Squall answered. “Just a bunch of how sorry they were this happened, and if there’s anything they can do, let them know. It was irritating.”

Rinoa snorted in amusement. “They should have known better.” Her tone then turned serious. “I want you to know how much I hate it that I have to go.”

“So, you’ve decided.”

“What choice do I have?” Rinoa cried out in frustration. “I feel robbed. The one time you need me the most, I have to go do something else. I want to be there, Squall. I want to help you through every step of the way. But, I can’t! I have to be the damned Sorceress Rinoa!”

“You have a gift,” Squall said. “You have the power to make a real difference for the better in the world.”

“It’s a curse,” Rinoa snapped. “I’ve spent so much time protecting the world. When does the world start giving back? You’re my husband, and my Knight. But I’m getting tired of this kind of life. When do we get our peace, Squall?”

“I’ve asked myself that many times,” Squall replied in a quiet tone. “We just have to hope one day the fighting will end.”

Rinoa bit back her sorrow, and started pacing. “I’m going, Squall. But, I have a couple of conditions. Number one, I‘m going to stop using my power so much.”

“Rinoa…”

“Non negotiable,” she replied. “Yes, you protect me from going mad, and I know you don’t have to be close to do that, but there’s more to it. Without you by my side, I’m scared of what I’ll become. I’ll still act as a Sorceress when absolutely necessary, but otherwise, I’m just another SeeD.”

“And your other condition?”

“I need to know you’re doing something productive,” Rinoa said. “I know you, Squall. If you’re not doing something, you’ll just sit around and mope yourself into a deep depression. You’re almost there already.” She stopped him before he could answer. “I can feel it. You’re putting on a good front, but I know how close you are to the brink.”

“I guess there’s no use hiding it,” he sighed. “I’m scared, too. Every part of me screams for me to ask that you stay. But, I can’t be that selfish.”

“Then go ahead and ask,” Rinoa spoke in sudden hope. “There’s nothing wrong with being a bit selfish every once in awhile.”

“I…can’t,” he finally answered.

She turned her back to him. “No, I guess not. It just wouldn’t be you.” She then spun around, trying to keep the sadness out of her voice. “You didn’t answer the question. What are you planning to do?”

“Maybe I can help,” Cloud said, standing at the entrance. “Sorry, the door was open. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

ooooooooooooooooooooo

“Damnit,” Cole snapped, flipping his PHS shut. “No answer from the strike teams.”

“They’ve been eradicated?” Filonia asked.

“We’ll find out in a minute.”

Filonia watched Cole finger the sword hilt at his belt and prepared for the worst. The elevator to the 27th floor was taking an inordinate amount of time to reach its destination. At least it seemed that way. The eradication of Dr. Hyne should have been simple. There was enough firepower there to kill any man in such an enclosed space. Upon losing contact with the first strike teams, others had been dispatched. And now they had fallen silent as well.

The elevator finally slowed, and Filonia took a deep breath. There was something hanging in the air, beguiling yet unmistakably terrifying. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation of something that should be beyond human experience. It was as if shadow realms beyond their own plane were taking root. With a shudder, Filonia finally steeled herself to face what was to come. “Do you feel it Cole?”

“I feel it,” he admitted, drawing his sword. “Stay behind me, Filonia. We haven’t got a clue what to expect.”

Filonia was no coward, but in this instance, she was all too happy to stay behind the protection Cole provided. The elevator door snapped open, and they were greeted with the sight of Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo standing arrogantly in their way. Numerous SOLDIER members were lined against the hallways. They were genuflecting on one knee, and obviously paying reverence to something… or someone.

“Welcome, Madame President,” Kadaj said in sarcasm. “We’re here to relieve you of your title.”

Cole strode out of the elevator, sword held in a battle ready position. “Is this some kind of attempted coup?”

“There is no attempt,” Kadaj said in awe. “Father has taken over. Father is all. Father is…god!”

“Bullshit!” Cole exclaimed, and launched himself at the three brothers, and drove them back in fury for a brief period. Cole was a sword to be reckoned with by any measure, but he was no match for the three brothers. It only took a moment, and Loz took advantage of an unbalancing blow from Yazoo, slamming the back of Cole’s head into a wall. The SOLDIER First Class fell to the ground with a thud and a groan. He was still conscious, but obviously woozy.

“Children, children,” came an agreeable voice. “Cease all this bickering.” Filonia cast her eyes to the new arrival, and was immediately taken aback. It was unmistakably Dr. Alexander Hyne, but the changes that had taken place were immense. He looked like the proverbial angel from heaven, minus the wings. A faint, green glow exuded from him; as if the Life Stream itself flowed through his veins.

The effect should have been comforting, or wondrous. Instead, it frightened Filonia beyond anything she had ever imagined. There was an air of malice and wanton cruelty about him that could not be denied. For the first time in her life, she felt the stirrings of a conscience, and her part in the creation of this… monster.

Hyne laid a hand upon the heads of each of the brothers as if in benediction. “My most favored children,” he said with undisguised pride. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but that is no way to treat one who will become your brother.” He cast his eyes to Cole, who was recovering, and gazing at Hyne with an unreadable expression.

“I know of your reputation, Cole Dior. I offer you a place among the highest. Will you serve your god?”

‘I don’t believe in gods,” he answered, with a narrowing of the eyes.

Hyne chuckled softly. “A faithless man.” Cole got to his feet,and Hyne continued. “Perhaps if I offer you something more… material. The fame and strength that you have always desired. I can make you stronger than Sephiroth himself.”

Cole studied the face of the angelic being for a moment, and then slowly bent a knee. “I will serve, my lord.”

“Arise then, favored child.”

Cole got to his feet, and came to stand besides Filonia. Hyne then turned his attention her way. “Madame President Filonia Shinra,” he intoned. “You also have a choice. You may keep your title, and continue to operate Shinra under my direction. Or…”

“Or what?” Filonia tried to say defiantly, but it came out as almost a whimper.

“Do not be the first to learn what it is like to displease your god,” Hyne said with a chilling smile. “You are smarter than that. Swear fealty. Now.”

“Don’t be a fool,” Cole whispered harshly. “You can’t oppose this. No one can.”

Filonia shook her head back and forth furiously, but soon found her own knee bending. “I…swear my allegiance to you.”

“Good,” Hyne said in satisfaction. “I was hoping you’d say yes. You have skills that will prove useful. Call the executive board and tell them to go to the roof. It’s time to announce my ascension to the world. You get to witness the first miracle of your god.”

Filonia nodded in acquiescence, but inside she was screaming. She was beginning to understand Rufus’ choice to serve the other side now. This being… this god, would lead mankind down a path of ruin. She could feel it down to the marrow of her bones. Hyne had to be stopped. She would work in secret at present, probing, trying to find weaknesses to exploit. But she had to serve him for now. There was no choice. But one day, she would find a way to take this blasphemy down.

A/N Next chapter will be an FF8 one likely named, ‘We Remember, No Regrets’. After that, a combination chapter (mostly FF7, however). Then the end of ‘Genesis’, and the beginning of ‘Immortal’. Hopefully, my recent busy schedule, and writer's block are on the wane. Summer is my busiest time, and real life does come first. I hope to be back on an update scehdule of once every 1-2 weeks in the near future.