Crossover Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Aint Nothing But Magick (reverse) ❯ Chapter 19 ( Chapter 19 )

Title: Ain't Nothing But Magick (Reverse)

Author: J'dee, Mabelle, & Tobias

Rating: PG-13 some smoking and drinking refs…

Genre: Drama / Humor/ Action / Adventure / Romance

Author's Note: The original ANBM was a fic where 25 authors + were pulled in to the DBZ/GT world, the reverse is just that… a reverse where a select number of anime characters are yanked in to the real world, with not a true reason why, and no idea how to get back to their home…

 

 

Chapter 19

 

The first thing Cloud was aware of when he came to was that he was no longer submerged in whatever it had been that had kept him paralyzed in the tube. The second thing he noticed was that he was chained to a wall his hands above him so he hung forward. The third was a voice he didn't know it but it seemed to be talking to someone. The fourth was the smell… it was blood.

Cloud blinked trying to focus his eyes.

Looking down he noticed a pool of blood at his feet. His eyes widened, he didn't feel any pain. He couldn't tell if he was injured or not.

 

It was then he caught the flash of metal and heard the grunt of someone being punched followed by the rush of air leaving the person's mouth.

Looking to the side he saw the metal embedded in a stomach twisting round, the military style shirt the figure chained next to him was wearing it, it was soaked through with blood.

 

Cloud's eyes followed the figure's form up the body. His eyes widening at the face as a man leant close and Cloud saw the tongue lick up the bloody cheek.

The face cringed and turned away but the eyes told Cloud that their captor would be in trouble if he could escape.

Blue eyes of his captor meet his and he caught the smirk. He knew this man. He was one of the three who had attacked him in Seventh Heaven and what was worse was that he definitely knew the one the blonde was torturing.

“Z-Zack.” Cloud managed to croak out.

His mentor turned his head to look at him and Cloud saw the pain cross his old friend's face as the knife was embedded deeper carving round like it was an apple being peeled. The blood dripped rhythmically to the ground in a steady beat. Then Cloud saw a piece of flesh dropped to the ground.

Zack slumped forward in the chains, his body shaking the tremors of shock obvious to Cloud. Cloud shook his head, he couldn't believe it was Zack, but it had to be, he didn't know anyone else like this man.

“Welcome to the living world… Cloud…” The blonde stepped back. “They call me Air… and I'll be conducting your torture tonight… We've got an assortment of tools to work with…” He flicked his wrist up and Cloud watched as the shadows seemed to open up and several sharp pointed objects hovered through the air brought in to the room. “Take your pick…” He added with a manic grin.

 

Zack was shivering his eyes focused on the ground at the piece of his stomach that had been carved free.

“Zack!” Cloud shouted at him. The pain was too much, so much he wished he was dead. `If I was dead would Roy and Sanzo's groups be able to protect her?' They would return Cloud; because Cloud would never ever kill Aerith they knew that. Everyone knew it.

“Sorry I was supposed to start on you first, but I couldn't wait.” Air dropped back and he seemed to bounce as he sat on a cushion of air and just hovered there looking at the both of them.

“ZACK!” Cloud shouted.

Zack looked at Cloud for a moment he couldn't and shouldn't think of dying on her. He just smiled, he was glad Cloud was alright. His mouth moved in apology.

Cloud blinked. “You're… sorry… what for?”

Zack looked to air and in the quietest voice he spoke to Air.

“I'll never kill Aerith.”

Air jumped up and Zack felt the blow to his carved up stomach and he doubled over in pain. Slumping in the chains he let his head drop as Air began pummeling his stomach in a fit of rage, the more he was hit the more his body tuned out like it seemed to go numb.

 

“STOP IT! STOP! LEAVE HIM ALONE!” Cloud was shouting he knew he was. He had no idea what was going on, but he knew Zack would die at this rate if this man continued.

The blood was flowing and Air's fists were covered red.

Air stopped and he looked up. Cloud saw the blue eyes flash dark like the sky was clouding over for a storm.

“C-C-Clo-o-ud.” Zack's voice was weak but Cloud defiantly heard it.

“Zack…”

“S-Sorry… it's… f-for… her… try… t-tooo… live… for… h-her.” Zack shook and gasped between each word like the air was being forced out of his body.

“Who? Zack? Who am I living for?” Cloud asked and he saw Zack slump in the chains. Cloud prayed it was unconsciousness… but given his track record and friends he should have prayed that it wasn't death.

“He thinks you'll survive my torture… He wants you to live for Aerith.”

Cloud sucked in a breath. “Aerith…”

“She's alive in this dimension.”

Cloud gasped then he felt the blow straight to his shoulder and he looked at the knife imbedded in to his left shoulder. Zack's blood still fresh on the weapon, Cloud had suffered worse. Hojo and Sephiroth namely. It wasn't worth the flinch he wasted on it.

Eyes narrowing he glared at Air. “You'll pay for hurting Zack.”

“Hey you took too long to wake up… But now that you're awake I'll let you in on a little secret… I'm also part of Aerith's soul… I know you want this coming… you let her and Zack die after all. It's entirely your fault Cloud…” Air picked up the biggest pointiest and sharpest instrument from the air rack.

Cloud saw the manic grin flash across Air's mouth.

“Do your worst…” He glared. “Just leave Zack out of it.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle and J'dee had returned to the apartment with the two groups from Toby's house. They had opened the door to the apartment to find Roy and Leon fighting as Sanzo snarled at Gojyo.

“What the hell is going on here?” Belle cried as she stared at Grimmjow and Ikkaku fighting on the remains of Belle's coffee table. “That was my grandfather's!” The tears welled up in her eyes. “Look at my pictures!” The pictures in the table were crumpled and damaged.

“Where the hell were you two?” Sanzo demanded and Belle moved around him like he wasn't there. Her tears were rolling down her cheeks as she pulled out two old pictures of a small child with an older man from the rubble under Grimmjow.

“These were the only copies of these ones, they were my favorites,” Belle sobbed as she hugged the ruined pictures to her chest.

“You idiots, I told you they were fine!” Kenpachi roared as he grabbed Grimmjow and Ikkaku by the scruff of their necks. “I'll take care of these two.” Belle shook her head as she held her pictures in her hands. As she wept over her precious photos two hands rested on her shoulders.

“It's okay, Belle,” Ed whispered. “I can fix it.” Belle moved back as Edward clapped his hands and returned the table with its pictures to normal.

“Thank you, Edward,” Belle said as she wiped her eyes before hugging the teenager to her.

“I'll say it again, where the hell were you two?” Sanzo snarled and Belle sighed.

“We went to Toby's,” J'dee snapped. “You have a problem with that, Goldilocks?” Belle sighed as she got up.

“We were very worried about you,” Abel stated and Belle smiled.

“We got some interesting news,” Belle said as she moved between J'dee and Sanzo.

“What's going on?” Havoc asked and Belle smiled.

“Alphonse is alive,” Belle said. “The transmutation was a success, we just missed the vessel.” Edward's eyes widened and Roy's eyes, which had been hollow since the accident, shone.

“Alphonse is alive?” Edward cried and Belle nodded as the tears welled in the boy's eyes.

“He's right here,” Belle said as she placed a hand over her womb and Ed's eyes widened. “Washu has confirmed that I'm pregnant and that the DNA is Alphonse.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Roy was glad the kid was alright given it was a little weird he would have to be probably born again… literary, but he was alive. It was like a wave of relief; he hated dealing with unnecessary loss and death.

“Well that's great everything is okay then!” Goku grinned widely. “So when do we eat?” He added.

Misato meanwhile was raiding Belle and J'dee's fridge looking for the beer as if to distance her from the conversation.

“Misato please… you're a guest.” Shinji commented from where he stood.

J'dee cleared her throat. “No celebration just yet… there is some other news.”

Roy looked to J'dee. `So she's noticed Zack is missing after all.' He thought to himself but was blown for six at what she said instead.

“Toby jumped Jehuty and is on his way to Mars as we speak. He left the week before we went out clubbing…” She crossed her arms looking pissed off.

 

Roy saw Gojyo shake his head ignoring the group and trying to calm down a really pissed off looking J'dee.

“Dude… why the hell would he do that?” Gojyo asked.

“Something about Megatron….” J'dee stated.

“Metatron.” Washu corrected her.

“Yeah that…” J'dee waved her hand about.

“What's that?” Goku asked. “Is it tasty?”

“Food for the mecha. Not for Goku's.” J'dee replied. “In lay mans terms for Goku's benefit… It's like coal for a fire or fuel or something to keep it going without it the A.I would die and Toby being Toby…” She sighed not really wanting to continue.

“Jumped ship.” Havoc remarked.

“Yeah…” J'dee huffed. “Can I ask a favor?” She added.

Roy raised a brow. “That depends on what it is.”

“I want to borrow a weapon, Gene. Lend me your gun so I can shoot him when he gets back.” J'dee growled.

“Uh you might get deported for murder and never allowed back in this country again.” Kira offered. “I don't think it's a good idea.”

Gene looked at his gun then at J'dee before motioning at Kira. “I'm going to agree with him…”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Alright Washu, obviously you know everything Toby's done.” Misato demanded. Her demanded was echoed by the others. “And since we're all here, it's time for you to spill.”

 

“Damn right!” Jim agreed. Washu sighed and rubbed her eyes.

 

“I may have been apart of this but I didn't like the fact Toby hid it from you or lied to you. He made me promise and I always keep my promises.” Washu stated. Nods were had all around.

 

“Toby gets the blame for that. You're forgiven but not forgotten about.” Melfina said, wisely. Washu sighed.

 

“I can live with that I guess.” Washu took a breath before continuing. “Toby feels responsible for everything happening around him or related directly to him. So when I informed him of Jehuty's power reserves, he took it upon himself to fix it. So it took us a few weeks to design and build a living quarters that can attach it self to Jehuty. It provides him protection from the hazards of space as well as some living conditions. He'll be in space, weightless for about five weeks.”

 

“He's been gone for three weeks now.” J'dee observed. Washu nodded.

 

“By our calculations, he'll be making his return burn for Earth in one week. But with a huge reserve of ore and Jehuty fully powered the burn will be strong enough to cut the return trip down to a week.” Washu said, and she rubbed her eyes. “If he can withstand the initial burn.”

 

“Okay so Toby should be back in two weeks.” Misato mused, looking thoughtful.

 

“Alright, Toby will be back. Now tell us about Alphonse.” Havoc demanded and Washu smiled.

 

“Simply put, I didn't take into consideration Alphonse's soul.” Washu replied.

 

“What?” Roy growled. Washu held up her hands.

 

“Not the transfer itself but Alphonse himself. I should have anticipated his soul's desire to be somewhere safe and warm. Since Belle has his mother's soul and Alphonse was technically an infant again with base impulses he stayed where it was safe and warm.” Washu explained.

 

“Belle's womb.” Armstrong declared as said woman blushed.

 

“Which is very good news. I can speed up the growth and development to two weeks. Belle will not be able to go to work for a month. She'll be hurried along in the various states. Her body will adapt but she'll be going through hell. She'll be eating huge amounts of food to provide nutrients to herself and Alphonse as both she and him develop and use nutrients needed for nine months in a two week period.” Washu explained.

 

“There goes our food budget.” J'dee grumbled.

 

“Does she have to carry him to term; can't you transfer Al to a tube now?” Roy asked.

 

“Not without risking Al. All his memories and everything else that make him who he is are in there. It'll be like having this disorienting dream. When he's born I'll put him in a tube to finish accelerating his growth, and keep him sedated as it happens. He'll be the age he was when the gate took him and then I'll wake him. To him, it'll feel as if he went straight from the armor to the new body.”

 

“So that's everything in a nutshell.” Gene said, scratching his chin.

 

“What could go wrong?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle and Ed were hugging on the couch as the room talked and she ran a hand up and down his back.

“He's really alive,” Ed whispered and Belle nodded as she placed a hand over her womb.

“Yes, he is,” Belle said before kissing Ed's scalp. “Washu even believes she can speed up the pregnancy so we can get Alphonse out of me and we can speed up his growth.”

“You were still stupid to go,” Sanzo growled and Belle would have been mad but she was just so relieved.

“Oh Kouryuu you're being too serious,” Belle laughed, unaware of her slip on his name. Sanzo glared at Belle as she hugged Edward again and Edward smiled as he hugged Belle.

“Well, that's at least some good news,” Roy sighed as he sat at the table. “We still have one problem.”

“What is it?” Mel asked and the rest of the room looked at the Colonel.

“I haven't been able to contact, Zack,” Roy said.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee looked at Roy in shock, she didn't know Roy had been trying to contact Zack as well. She just assumed he was too caught up with the whole Alphonse's death ordeal.

She caught the look Roy gave her.

“Roy's right. Zack is missing. I should have said something.” J'dee looked to the side. “For the first few days I just thought that he had a solid lead… Then by mid week I started trying to text him call him. No reply and his phone it was answered once, but there was only the faint sound of the wind on the other end.”

“J'dee…” Belle looked at her.

Gojyo lent against the wall. “What lead was he following?”

“A personal one. I think… he thought he saw Angeal.”

Goku blinked. “Angel?”

“No Angeal his mentor.” J'dee moved to the corner of the room and she dragged the large Buster sword across the floor barely able to lift it. “This sword… is the sword his mentor handed down to him before he died. Angeal was the result of an experiment called project G. In the end he left the company and Zack's job was to find and locate those SOLDIER's who abandoned ShinRA. Genesis leading the whole ordeal.”

“Okay so why is he following a lead from his world in this one?” Gene raised a brow arms crossed. “Even I'm aware that this world isn't like our own.” He gave Jim a look. “The differences are too obvious.” He added.

“When I was outside the club I believe Zack saw someone. Then a group of white feathers floated to the ground. Angeal had white wings as a result of the experiments.” J'dee continued. “Zack left the feather on my balcony before we got home and took off… without his sword.”

Havoc's eyes went flat. “Impulsive isn't he?”

J'dee nodded. “Trust me he'd forget his head if it wasn't screwed on especially when it comes to Angeal. He looks up to Angeal like Cloud looks up to him.”

“Did he mention where he was going?” Armstrong asked.

J'dee sighed. “Seventh Heaven.”

Hakkai nodded. “So that's why you've been going to that bar daily…”

“He wasn't there…” J'dee lowered her head. “I'm really worried. The last time he vanished was for four years while Hojo experimented on him and Cloud making them past of project S and infusing these S cells in to them.”

“There are a lot of experiments in that world.” Belle mused.

J'dee shot Washu a look. “Yeah blame crazy scientists biting off more than they could chew.” She flipped out her cellphone sending a text to Zack's phone. “But I'm keeping in regular contact with Tifa seems there's a porthole to their world through Seventh Heaven, Zack and I have been able to receive messages from his world.”

Hisagi nodded. “Have you sent them everything they need and asked for?”

“Yes, Zack sent them proof he was alive through a DVD and I sent them my Aerith cos-play dress so the scientists at the ShinRA Company and WRO can do some kind of DNA test.” J'dee let out a sigh before she closed her cellphone after sending the text message.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“It could be the enemy,” Hisagi stated as he looked at Roy.

“The most likely possibilities are that Zack got through back to his world, or he's been captured by the enemy,” Roy said and Belle shivered. A layer of frost formed on the windows of the apartment.

“If they could take Zack, they could take anyone,” Hawkeye stated and the room grew silent.

“You two need to arm yourselves,” Sanzo stated. “You especially.” Belle blinked as the sleepy, purple eyes turned to her.

“What do you mean arm?” Belle asked and Sanzo gave her a look.

“A weapon,” he snapped. “Your friend has expressed interest of getting a gun, you should too.” Belle looked down and thought about it.

“I rather not,” she said with a bright smile. Sanzo's eyebrow twitched.

“You're not getting a choice,” Sanzo snapped and Belle made a face.

“How about if I beat you in hand to hand you let me go without a gun?” Belle suggested as she felt a wave of mischievous intent overcome her. Ikkaku and Grimmjow snickered as they began to place bets on how quickly she would lose. Sanzo couldn't slow the smirk on his face.

“Fine, if you could possibly manage to beat me in hand to hand combat, I won't make you get a weapon,” Sanzo snorted and Belle smiled.

“Just remember I'm pregnant,” she called as she got up. The group headed outside.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Cloud wouldn't make a noise, despite the pain he was in, what this… maniac was doing to him.

Right now Cloud had lost all feeling in his left leg from his mid thigh down, and his right shoulder he knew it was dislocated. Not to mention the blood, it wasn't as much as Zack had lost… just yet. But it was plenty to even make him slightly queasy.

The long haired blonde stopped as a cellphone began to warble and he flipped the knife behind him and it landed on the invisible air rack of torture devices.

Flipping the phone out, he smirked at the name and turned it round.

Cloud was able to make out the name and his eyes went wide. “Aerith…”

Air opened the message up and he chuckled. “Aww she's worried…” He flopped back to sit on his cushioned seat of air.

 

Cloud took that moment to catch his breath while Air was distracted with Zack's cellphone. Cloud looked to Zack hanging limply beside him.

“I promise… This time… I won't let her die.” Cloud whispered.

Air was flipping through the phone. “Jeeeeeez Louise between Roy and Aerith they've nearly used up the entire space on his phone with messages and voice mail.” He flipped the cellphone shut.

Cloud's eyes followed the phone as it was flipped on to another cushion of air.

Air jumped off his seat. “Now where were we spiky?” He looked to the weapons. “Ah yes that's right…” He plucked a new weapon from the torture rack and Cloud's eyes widened at the six foot sword. “I always did like Sephiroth's choice in weapons…”

Cloud did not like the glint in Air's eyes.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“We'll be off.” Misato said, exchanging goodbyes with the others who were getting to leave.

 

“Have to starting Shinji's training with weapons as well.” Gene replied. Shinji looked nervous but Jim reassured him.

 

“Daily injections, Belle.” Washu informed the mother-to-be. “Be by everyday and eat. You're hunger will explode. Always have something on you. You're body will practically be starving constantly with these injections.”

 

“Gotcha.” Belle said and winked at Shinji who blushed. “Be careful you.”

 

“I promise Belle. Some one has to look after Misato and the others.”

 

“Hey who's whose guardian?”

 

“My point exactly.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle stretched in the small wooded area behind the apartment, making sure she wouldn't hurt herself. Sanzo was smoking a cigarette, looking very self confident. Belle concentrated on her memories of Koumyou and knew what she could do in her body.

“Shall we begin?” Belle asked as she stood in front of Sanzo with her hands clasped behind her back. Sanzo was looking like the cat about to get the canary and Belle couldn't wait for him to strike.

“Why not,” Sanzo purred as he lunged at Belle, going for the pressure point on her neck. Belle used the back of her wrist to push the attacking hand away before slapping Sanzo lightly across the face with the back of the opposite hand. Belle hopped back a few paces as Sanzo glared at her.

“Go Belle!” Ed cried from the sidelines and Belle giggled.

“Oh Kouryuu you should see your face,” she laughed as rage rushed into Sanzo's eyes. This time Sanzo attacked with purpose. His hands were both going for various pressure points in the chest and arms. Belle managed to block his blows, even getting in a hit or two.

Time seemed to slow down for Belle as she fought with Sanzo, they would strike, parry, dodge, and deflect over and over. It was like a complicated dance but Belle knew the movements well. They each tried the lure the other closer with obvious openings, but both were calm and smooth. Each of the movements was strong enough that either combatant could harm the other but the brushes between them were smooth and neither bore so much as a bruise.

As they moved back and forth Belle was aware of the small pond behind her, she tried to move either way but Sanzo effectively held her between him and the pond. Belle smirked as she felt a sense of pride over Sanzo's ability to keep her from moving either way, but she wasn't going to let him get away with this. Sanzo and Belle moved at the same time, Belle kicking out Sanzo's knee as he aimed a punch at the kick. Both sets of eyes widened as Sanzo's fist flew towards Belle's stomach, both of Belle's arms were behind her to help pull her back up, unable to block the incoming punch. Belle's eyes widened with the whole-hearted fear for the life in her womb.

The water of the pond swelled up behind Belle without touching her, flying forward faster than any human, shoving Sanzo hard in the stomach, sending the monk hurling backwards to be drenched in the small tsunami. Belle blinked in shock as she stared at a water-logged Sanzo. Slowly Belle turned to look at the water behind her. Sure enough there was a six foot tall wall of water behind Belle.

“Well you don't see that every day,” J'dee's voice carried and Belle glared at her friend as the wall of water turned to ice.

“Understatement much,” Belle sighed as she stared at the wall of water. “Oh well, I win.” With that Belle headed back towards the building leaving a soaked Sanzo to glare on the ground.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack was woken up by water hitting him and he choked for a moment shaking, his body shivered at the cold temperature. He watched Air hacking in to Cloud's chest and his eyes widened, he yanked at the chains trying to break free when he felt a hand slam round his neck pushing him up against the wall.

Cloud slumped forward in the chains, the amount of blood had Zack shaking, he was aware of Water leaning close to him.

“He's going to die soon, but I can heal him… all you have to do is agree to killing a part of your girlfriends soul. What do you owe that woman anyways, she's not Aerith, she's not even like her… She's a cheap hack of an imitation. The world would be better without her.”

Zack swallowed watching Air unchain Cloud and the blonde slumped to the ground.

“CLOUD!” He stopped his voice… he could speak again and he looked at Water. `Their powers must nullify each other out… that's something we could use to defeat them…'

Cloud was pulled up to his feet, his sword pulled from where it hung and flung across the room. The zip up turtle neck was pulled from the blonde and tossed across the room. Zack then saw the damage of Air's torture on Cloud's back and chest, his arms, puncture holes and skin cut from his body.

Air pinned Cloud against the wall, Zack watched as Air's hands moved through the blood on the skin his mouth dipping in to taste licking.

“Oh gross…” Zack pulled at the chains.

Air let go and Cloud slid down the wall before hitting the ground.

“CLOUD!! Hang in there…” Zack saw Cloud look up at him. “You'll be alright I'll make sure of that. Nothing will happen to you Cloud.”

Water looked at Air. “That's a choice if you ask me.”

Zack turned and looked at Water. “What?” His eyes widened. “NO! I won't…”

Air laughed crawling over Cloud and Zack watched as he blew slightly over the skin of Cloud's neck, making the blonde shiver.

“You hear that… he picked you over Aerith… don't you just feel sullied and unusual.” Air laughed.

“Shut up…” Cloud groaned. “Your voice makes me sick. You'll never be a part of her.”

Zack watched as what looked like the life stream floating over Cloud slowly stitching up the damage done. He could feel his heart pounding.

“I didn't say it! I'm not going to do it!” Zack shouted.

Water grinned. “Oh you'll do it alright…”

Air turned to Water. “Get the preparations in order… I'm spending the night here.” He looked up at Zack.

Water rolled his eyes and looked at Zack as he left the room. “That water should have healed your wounds, we can't have you bleeding all over the pace when we send you on your re-education program.”

Zack watched Water left his sight. “Re-education…” He turned to look at Air and met the long haired blonde's eyes. “You can't make me kill her.”

Air grinned, his hand moved down Cloud's chest, stopping below Cloud's stomach playing with the belt. “You know she swings both ways right?” The grin grew in to a smirk. “Well I do too, we're connected, and I'm a part of her like she will become a part of me… I'm sure Cloud would enjoy that.”

Zack's eyes widened. “You wouldn't.”

“I would, so verbalize it… Tell me you'll kill her for his survival.” His mouth lingered close to Cloud's.

Zack clutched at the chain, he could feel his entire body shaking, and he shook his head. “Why promise something I know I can't do?”

“I was hoping you'd say that…” Air's mouth moved over Cloud's and the blonde jerked back hitting the wall in shock.

“What are you doing?” Zack gasped.

“Showing him what Aerith can do to him…”

Zack's eyes widened. “You twisted son of a bitch.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“This hurts.” Shinji whined. He held a large ice pack to his chest, covering dozens of half dollar sized bruises on his torso.

 

“Gives you more incentive not get hit, doesn't it?” Gene stated. Shinji was recovering for yesterday and today's weapon training. Shinji wasn't much with a physical weapon, like a sword but he was definitely proving to be a good shot. So Gene had discarded hand weapons and focused on aiming and target practice. He also ended each time with a paint ball match between him and Misato versus Jim and Shinji. While one sided it did tend to motivate the boys.

 

Especially since neither Misato nor Gene had gotten hit even once.

 

“It takes time.” Misato assured him checking the ice and moving it to a different spot.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was watching Gojyo and Goku fight over who got to play Edward next. Since hearing about Alphonse the previous day, Edward had fully recovered. In fact, he had been beating anyone who faced him on the PS2 and Belle was relieved. As they played Belle had been playing with her water controlling trick. She was currently able to make the water slosh in the glass with no problem; she had also figured out that her ability to `see' a room was due to water vapor. She had been taking a shower when she had gotten the sensation of `feeling' the entire room at once. She was getting good at it.

Currently Belle was trying to move the water from one glass into another but she just couldn't seem to get the water to do as much as when she had been emotionally concerned about protecting Alphonse. She sighed as she gave up for a while to watch the boys playing. It was easy to pretend that everything was okay, but J'dee was still…off. Belle knew it was because Zack was still missing, no one had see, heard, or gotten any word from him.

The door opened suddenly and Sanzo entered, he had vanished after their little fight the previous day. Belle blinked up at him and there was something in his face that made her stand up.

“We need to talk,” Sanzo growled and Belle nodded, completely shocked when Sanzo grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the apartment.

Edward, Goku, and Gojyo stared at each other for a moment before Goku and Gojyo began to fight again.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee shivered as she woke up, her sleep had been broken, haunted by images of what felt like a dream. A dream of Cloud's torture. Zack forced to watch as her mind played the darkest trick it could on her. It was a violating feeling, she knew it too well. Sitting in her room she just sat in her kimono robe on the bed looking at Zack's sword in the corner and she shivered again. The images flashing through her head. Why could she still see Cloud under her, looking up at her in shock, and why could she remember his touch?

“Stop it…” She mumbled and grabbed her smokes she bolted outside lighting one of her Marlboro red hurriedly.

Clutching on to the railing she looked down at the ground and blinked as she felt a sense of sudden vertigo and slipped to her knees clinging to the railing.

“Fuck…” She mumbled. “What's wrong with me?” She asked as she felt the wind pick up slightly.

 

J'dee was pulled up suddenly and helped to sit down.

“Are you alright?”

She looked up at Roy, she just found herself nodding her head slowly as he crouched down in front of her.

“I promised him I'd let nothing happen to him, he feared he was going to turn dark and unnatural, you know how revival works right?”

“It could be different with him Roy. The life stream took his spirit and his body.” Her hands were shaking as she took a drag of the cigarette. “With most revivals you need a body. You haven't heard of zombies forming out of thin air or ashes have you?” J'dee meet Roy's gaze.

“You're telling me…”

“So long as he's here I think it won't happen. His world though… I got a letter from Rufus… he told me things were unbalanced there…” J'dee paused and took a drag of her cigarette. “I think because Aerith and Zack's souls are gone from the life stream and Cloud is gone that's three from their world. Two connected to the very life source of their planet. If he was sent back there… that unbalance is uneven, returning it… well it's…”

Roy nodded understanding. “It's not equivalent is what your saying.”

“And we know what happens with uneven exchanges and transmutations.” She sighed.

Roy pulled out his cellphone. “I'm going to try one more time to send him a message.”

J'dee nodded sitting there watching Roy send the text.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Sanzo pulled Belle into the guys' apartment. Belle was surprised to find that the apartment was rather neat. She didn't get much time to assess it as she was yanked further back. She caught the glimpse of two of the bedrooms, both looking as if a laundry basket and trash can had both exploded. Belle was yanked into a bedroom and the door was shut.

The room was slightly smaller than hers, the bed was unmade and there was a very active ashtray by the nightstand. There were clothes on the floor and Belle was slightly shocked that this was Sanzo's room. Sanzo stood there for a moment and Belle looked at him.

“I assume you have a reason for kidnapping me,” Belle stated and Sanzo stared at her for a moment.

“You're him,” he stated as he lit a cigarette. Belle ignored it for now, Sanzo needed the nicotine more and one cigarette wouldn't hurt Alphonse.

“No, I'm Belle, Koumyou's just with me for now,” Belle said and Sanzo glared at her. “Don't give me that look.”

“I don't have a look with you,” Sanzo snarled and Belle rolled her eyes.

“You think I'm fucking with you,” Belle sighed as she sat on the bed before flopping back. “Kouryuu. I called you that yesterday didn't I?”

“Several times,” Sanzo said. Belle turned her head to the side, she could inhale Sanzo's scent, it was musky and smoky, it made something in Belle clench and not in the way someone who was a parent figure would clench. Belle could almost hear Koumyou's fatherly chuckle in her head.

“I'm not Koumyou, I do have a few of his mannerisms but trust me,” Belle sighed as she lay on the bed and looked up at Sanzo. “I am not him.”

For a moment it was quiet, Belle with her legs and hair hanging free over the opposite sides of the width of Sanzo's bed. Sanzo stood over Belle's head looking down at her. Blue and violet stared into each other and the sun broke free from the clouds and Sanzo stood illuminated before her. Belle smiled as she closed her eyes and Koumyou was pleased. The scent of smoky breath made Belle open her eyes, looking into Sanzo's from upside down. Purple eyes staring into hers from an upside down position above her caused a tsunami inside of her and Belle knew she was getting another memory.

The memories came nonstop and with no discernible order. A man with blond hair and violet eyes smiled at her as they made love, he tasted of cigarettes and man, and his hands were large. Going to the first day of school and her mother bending over to kiss her cheek, but it wasn't Belle's mother, no, it was Rem's mother. Standing in the rain as the casket with the man in it was lowered in to the ground. Finding two little babies and standing in front of them to keep them safe. Finally the last memory was programming the ships to land before there was nothing.

“Belle!” Sanzo shouted and Belle's eyes fluttered for a moment before she looked up at him. Sanzo was on the bed holding her to his chest. The blond man whom Rem had loved flashed before her eyes, then Hohenheim, then Vash, and then Edward and Alphonse.

“I keep collecting blondes,” Belle muttered before she slumped in Sanzo's arms taking a deep breath as she tried to realize who she was. From the corner of her eyes Belle could see the lattice work of frost on Sanzo's window.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee looked up seeing Edward appear on the balcony. “Can I talk to Mustang in our apartment for a moment… about… Al?” Ed asked.

J'dee smiled. “Sure are popular aren't you?”

Roy flashed her a grin. “So are you.” He looked inside and she saw Gojyo looking at her. “When this is over… I'm calling in that favor.”

J'dee chuckled. “Sure… just don't call it in too late.”

She watched as Ed and Roy vacated the area and the apartment, she stood up walking inside and in to the kitchen she let out a sigh looking in the cupboard she found the soy lin toast bread she bought the other day and headed to the toaster. She only needed a couple of slices to prevent the memories of the dreams of Cloud and her.

Never had she thought she would dream of Cloud in that manner. Zack well yeah that was obvious she had, ever since he'd tried to save her.

 

Blushing, the dream was quite full on, but the fact that Zack was there watching chained up made her doubt herself for the moment. There was no consent and she knew how that felt too many times. But dreaming of Cloud like that it made her shake her head.

“I never top… what's with that… almost like it was…” She trailed off and she looked up to the window as a sudden wind slapped against the glass. The noise outside seemed to grow like something was building up.

Gojyo sat up on the couch. “Is a storm coming?”

J'dee shook her head moving to the window and she opened it there was so much noise of things being blown around the area. Her ears were ringing, Cloud she couldn't think or remember with that much motion and noise.

“SHUT UP!” She shouted.

Then only a second later everything went quiet deadly quietly. She froze, she didn't even hear Gojyo walk up behind her, his hand touched her shoulder and they watched as what was being blown around all fell to the ground fast and it should have landed hard or with a crash but it was… silent.

J'dee pulled back from Gojyo suddenly eyes wide, he looked at her. She saw his mouth move but heard nothing then he raised a brow his hand moving to his throat.

J'dee bolted to her room slamming the door or trying to, it too was silent and she slid down the door her hands over her ears wishing for sound. Praying for it to return.

J'dee hated silence she hated it with all her being, when everything was silent, she could hear everything else that no one else could.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle walked to the apartment where the FMA group was staying with Abel and Leon as her guards. She knocked on the door and nearly groaned when Armstrong appeared behind it.

“Ah, Miss Belle, a pleasure to see you,” Armstrong began.

“Alexander, could you tell me if Edward is in?” Belle asked. “He was at my apartment when I stepped out but now he's gone.”

“Yes, he and the Colonel were discussing the options about Alphonse's…condition,” Armstrong said and Belle nodded.

“Is there anyway I could talk to him?” Belle asked.

“I'm sure,” Armstrong opened the door and Belle entered. “I'll go get Edward.”

“Thank you,” Belle said as she watched him go.

“So why are we here?” Leon asked.

“Washu has a gift for Ed, I wanted him to absorb the news about Alphonse before I offered it to him,” Belle said as she sat down and Abel sat next to her.

“Sanzo mentioned that you got someone else's memory earlier,” Abel commented and Belle nodded.

“Yes, I'm concerned about something else. Remind me to ask J'dee about my dreams,” Belle stated.

“Your dreams? What about them?” Abel asked and Belle shook her head.

“I'm having weird ones but I can't tell if they're just weird or if they mean something, J'dee's usually good at knowing when they mean something or not,” Belle said as Ed came out of a back room.

“Hey Belle, I thought you were with Sanzo,” Ed said and Belle shook her head.

“No, Ed, I'm here for a reason,” Belle whispered.

“What is it?” he asked and Belle smiled.

“Washu has made you a great present, a new arm and a new leg,” Belle said and Ed's eyes got wide.

“A new arm and leg?” he asked and she nodded.

“Yes however, she's not going to attach them with alchemy but with surgery,” Belle stated and Ed blinked. “Don't worry, you'll be unconscious for the procedure.” Ed paused for a moment before shaking his head.

“I can't,” he said and Belle smiled.

“You can't have surgery?” she asked.

“No, I can't do it yet,” he said and Belle smiled before hugging Edward.

“We'll see Alphonse back to normal first and then we'll have your surgery, alright?” Belle asked and Edward nodded.

“Yes,” Ed said.

“Alright, then we're going to go tell Washu in person. Go get Roy,” Belle stated.

“What? Why do we need the Colonel?” Edward asked.

“Because I'm going over to see Washu anyway, she's got a way to speed up my pregnancy as well as Alphonse's development after I give birth,” Belle said. “It's so weird to talk about being pregnant when I've never made love.”

“Gah I don't need to hear that!” Ed cried.

“It does seem a bit blasphemous,” Abel laughed nervously.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack looked to Cloud the room was quiet deathly quiet but he could see Cloud moving there was just no sound, nothing as his friend stood up shakily. He didn't know what Cloud saw but he'd watched and he swore he'd make Air pay for tormenting him.

The long haired blonde looked angry even he couldn't make a sound.

It was like everything was a silent black and white movie.

Air was cursing you could tell. Zack didn't understand why he was mad, what had happened? He saw Air knock the cellphone from the gust of air it was deposited in and it flung across the room landing in the corner.

Zack saw Cloud's eyes follow his phone. Cloud was free, he could reach that phone… they just needed a distraction.

Then the door opened and the spell of silence was broken.

“Air…” Earth looked at him.

He blinked for a moment. “What?”

“It's time…” She spoke calmly.

“Tch… yeah sure let me put away my shit first.” He waved his hand and the shadows appeared drawing the torture rack in to the darkness.

“Bring him.” Earth motioned at Zack.

Cloud looked up. “What are you going to do to him?”

“Re-educate him of course.” Earth smiled.

Zack flinched as Air slammed him in to the wall and he turned his head as the man got to close for comfort.

“How do you feel knowing you couldn't save him.” Eyes flickered to Cloud sitting on the floor.

Zack wondered if Cloud's state of mind was shattered once again, he really hoped not. The chains popped off his wrists and they were grabbed twisted behind his back.

“Be good or we really will kill him.”

Zack was forced to the door and he called out. “PROTECT HER! PROMISE ME YOU WILL!”

“Z-Zack…” Cloud looked up at him blue eyes meet his. “Save her! Even if it's from me! Promise me!” He shouted as she was shoved out the door.

“I promise.” Cloud replied and Zack glanced to his phone Cloud caught the look and the door slammed locking after him.

 

Cloud stood up on shaky feet moving to the corner he picked up the cellphone and slipped it in to the pocket of his pants before he grabbed his sword and placing it back in its sheath that hung at his side. Grabbing his blood soaked turtleneck he pulled it on along with his gloves and all the various belts and buckles.

“It was Aerith…” He mumbled. “He used Aerith…” He glared up at the door before his hand slipped over the hilt of his sword and he stalked towards the door.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle had driven Roy and Edward with her to Toby's place. She got out of the car and headed for the main house. Shinji opened the door when Roy knocked.

“Oh, are you meeting with Washu today?” Shinji asked and Belle nodded.

“I just need to make a quick stop in Toby's room, before my daily injection.” Belle said innocently.

“Oh, no problem,” Shinji said playing the good host. As soon as Belle got into Toby's room her rage went through the roof and frost began to form around the bedroom. Belle reached under the bed and pulled out Toby's beloved Box of Hentai. With a narrowing of her eyes there was Toby's Ice Block of Hentai. She shoved the box back under his bed and sighed.

“Okay, now we can see Washu,” she chirped as she walked past the three males.

“I think she's still mad at Toby,” Shinji commented.

“Indeed,” Roy said. “I rather hope I'm there when he sees the girls after his trip.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee sat on her bed wrapped up in a blanket, she had turned her stereo on till finally she was able to hear the sound come from the speakers. She was testing the limitations of blocking the sound and letting it return. She was manipulating the air she couldn't believe it, yet she could. Turning round she looked round her room focusing the direction of the sound. It moved in the direction she wanted it to go.

She blinked for a moment and it was like she could see the air and she moved the sound of her music from in front of her to the other side of the room.

She began to notice that out of nowhere a white feather seemed to drift down from above.

“What is that?” She breathed and held out her hand letting the feather land on her open palm. It was white just like the one Zack left her.

Moving to her computer desk she opened the small container and set the feather inside with the other one.

“I'm like a bird…” She chirped to herself in tune to the Nelly Furtardo song.

 

J'dee let the air of the room return to normal and she found herself looking at the poster of Cloud wondering about the dream and its worth. She blushed red looking away and sighed as she looked at Zack on the other poster. It was hurting… just looking at him knowing he was out there and not answering her calls hurt. It was a familiar hurt.

 

Walking up to the poster J'dee pulled out a stool climbing on it she began to take the poster down, she didn't like this pain suddenly. She hated it.

Then she felt it, it was quick like a flash.

 

Flowers were surrounding her… the smell of them, like she was there.

 

J'dee fell back off the stool and flinched landing on her back.

“That was graceful.” She grumbled. “What was that… was it…?”

She lay on her back looking up at the ceiling, she let her eyes close but just for a moment trying to find the memory the familiarity.

 

Just let go…. Let go…. Just let go… I don't want to be afraid…

 

The music seemed to fade.

 

J'dee found herself kneeling amongst the flowers tending to them, and removing the weeds. Considering she didn't know a weed from another plant it was amazing she could do this and do a good job at it.

There was a sound above her and she looked up at the ceiling of the church the small hole letting the light come through from the world above.

“What's that?”

She went to stand up, but it was then something human shaped fell through the ceiling and landed hard on the ground near the flowers, but luckily not on them.

Jumping up she moved hurriedly to where it had landed.

J'dee knew then what this memory was the moment she looked at the figure lying on the ground.

She looked up seeing the white feathers float down from above.

She could barely make out the figure above with the white wing before it shot off flying in to the sky and she clutched at her top lightly before turning to look at him.

She knew it was Zack instantly and this memory… it was Aerith's, it was finally Aerith's and Zack wasn't here for it.

J'dee leaned over him looking down at him the bangs covering his eyes for the moment.

“Tell me what happened…” She whispered.

“M-mom?...” Zack mumbled. “I…I want to help out a friend. But I-I don't know how I can do it.”

He was waking she knew it from his mumbling.

“Hel-looooo…” She called down to him

Zack moaned. “Mom?” He asked.

“Hel-looooo?” She called again.

Zack's eyes flickered and they opened.

J'dee saw his eyes looking right up at her. “Hooray!” She smiled the relief that he was all right after a fall like that was a good sign. She would never cheer like that she knew it but she was.

“Heaven?” He mumbled.

She smiled shyly at him. “Not quite…” Her foot scuffed the ground. “Church in the slums.”

Zack sat up looking at her. “An angel?”

 

J'dee shook her head smiling. “No I'm Aerith.” Turning round she motioned to the hole in the ceiling of the Church. “You fell from the sky. Scared me.”

Zack sat there his left arm slung over his knee looking up at her. “So you save me huh?”

Spinning around again, her back faced him. “Not really…” She lent over the flowers her left hand to the side of her face. “Hel-looo… that's all I did.”

Zack laughed before he lay back on the ground before lifting his hips up and leaping up to his feet in a crouch, before standing up.

“Oh!” She blinked moving back slightly.

“Thank you so much Aerith… I'm Zack.” His arms crossed as he grinned. “I have to repay you somehow.”

J'dee shook her head. “Don't worry about it.”

“No… no…” Zack paced away his left hand touching base with his chin thinking. He turned round suddenly, his hands dropping to his side. “Hey how about one date?” He asked his right hand motioning “one” with a finger.

“What is that? Don't be silly.” She turned and looked towards the flowers.

Zack let out a sigh his shoulder slumping down with a defeated moan. He turned round and started to walk off.

She turned quickly. “Stop! Don't step on the flowers!”

Zack's foot paused just above the flowers. “Excuse me?”

“Normally…” J'dee felt her hands fall on her hips as she shot him a look. “People are more careful with flowers.”

“Well I guess I'm not normal.” Zack remarked looking at her, before looking to the side and seeing the yellow and white flowers. “Huh?” He lent over hands on knees looking at them. “You don't see a lot of flowers in Midgar.” He looked to her. “They're like luxury items around here.”

 

J'dee felt herself motion to the flowers. “They only grow here.” She turned round spinning again. “Although, I planted some outside my house, too.”

Zack clasped his hands behind his head walking away. “If I were you I would sell them.” His boots echoed across the floorboards. “Midgar's full of flowers, your wallets full of money.” He turned round looking at her grinning.

J'dee blinked as she looked at Zack, her hand moving to touch her chin in thought.

“Midgar, full of flowers… wallet full of money.” She repeated. “Never thought of that, that way.” She added letting her hand drop.

Zack just smiled at her.

 

J'dee sat up from the ground suddenly and she looked up to the poster and she felt her shoulders begin to shake suddenly.

“Oh God… where are you… you wanted this…” She pulled herself to her feet and she picked up the pink ribbon from her computer desk and tied it round her wrist.

“I won't take it off until I know you're alright…” She glanced out to the window, before she grabbed the stool and pulled it away from the poster, leaving the poster hanging there.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“I was able to modify the dosage last night.” Washu said, dismissing pleasantries as the others opened her bedroom door but stepped into her lab instead.

 

Gotta, love subspace. No matter where the entrance is, takes you to the same spot.

 

“Hello to you too.” Belle muttered. Washu continued, ignoring the barb.

 

“I was able to adjust the formula for a slightly less accelerated growth. It'll be easier on your body but it'll still be one hell of a drain on your body. You'll still be hungry but not like a ravenous wolf. You should deliver a week or two after Toby makes it back. Unfortunately you'll still have to come here for daily injections.” Washu explained.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Excellent,” Belle cried as she smiled at the diminutive scientist. “When can I get the first shot?”

“Now,” Washu said before practically punching Belle in the stomach with the needle.

“Watch it you could hurt Alphonse doing that!” Edward cried.

“Oh I aimed it perfectly,” Washu stated as Belle fell over.

“Ow!” Belle grunted.

“So this shot will accelerate Alphonse's development in the womb, what is the plan after birth?” Roy asked.

“We need to see if Alphonse retains his consciousness, thought I am 95% positive he will.” Washu stated. “If he does then we can give him a similar shot for a few weeks and it will speed up Alphonse's development.”

“Excellent,” Belle said as Ed's attention shifted to the tub in the back. The arm and the leg hung suspended in the liquid.

“It's missing the scar, but it's still great,” Edward muttered and Belle smiled from the floor.

“Let me,” Roy helped Belle up to her feet. He smiled at her and Belle blushed slightly as she brushed herself off. “Shall I drive?”

“That would be nice,” Belle said as she handed the keys to Roy.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Cloud peeked through the bars of the door and he saw Zack lying face down inside what looked like an array.

“What are they doing?” He mumbled and tried the handle. “Locked…”

He lifted the sword from it's sheathe slowly.

Zack pushed himself up off the ground and turned to look at Air. “What are you doing?!”

Cloud saw the panic on his mentor's face.

“Your re-education will start with a visit…. To your home world.” Earth grinned at him.

“NO!” Zack jumped to his feet but the minute he tried to step outside the array he was slammed back in to the ground. “I can't… I'm not letting you hurt her!”

“We won't…” Air crouched down with a grin. “You will… do you know what having your body back and being revived will do to you in your own world?”

Zack shook his head. “Don't do this!”

“Kill her…” Earth stated. “Is that so hard?”

“Obviously its is, I would of done it especially after being burned with how she sleeps around.” Fire scoffed.

“You don't understand…” Zack looked at them.

Air crouched down as the Array began to glow. “This is the best part… Aerith woke up while you've been here… I can feel her memories and she's missing you.”

“BASTARDS!” Zack lunged at him then the array flashed a bright red.

Cloud shielded his eyes from the light.

It lingered for a few moments and he looked up the array was empty.

“Zack…” He breathed seeing his mentor no where in sight.

Cloud's eyes narrowed and he pulled his sword completely free of the sheath and cut through the door kicking it down stalking out.

The four turned to look at him.

“Oh look who's come to join the party.” Air chuckled.

Cloud spun his buster sword round a couple of times before dropping in to a stance the sword pointing forward at them.

“You'll pay for that.” He growled.

Air looked over his shoulder at the array. “Will we now?” He stood up and cracked his neck to the side a couple of times. “Then bring it spiky….”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle sighed as she snapped, remembering what she needed to do tonight. Belle got out of her room and knocked on J'dee's. There was a muffled reply before J'dee opened the door.

“What's up, girl?” J'dee asked and Belle noticed a certain red roach leaning over the side of the couch to look at them.

“Inside,” Belle said before closing the door behind her. “That man has feelers for information.”

“Tell me about it,” J'dee grinned. “So what's up?”

“I've got to ask you something,” Belle said as she sat down on her friend's bed. “Have you been having strange dreams lately?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee looked to Belle and she swallowed as she sat down on her bed next to Belle. She pulled her legs up under her.

“Do the dreams count if I'm awake?” She whispered. “Because I just got one before…”

Belle looked at her. “About?”

“Aerith… Zack goes missing I get her memories, Gojyo shares my bed and I dream I'm Kougyoku, outside the Club I felt the memories of Kyoko and she was a party animal too.” She sighed pulling her knees up to her chest “and I feel something is about to happen… or it has happened and I want him back. I want to see him and to hit him so hard and cry. I don't understand.”

Belle nodded. “You're feeling her emotions; he's making her wait again.”

“I hate waiting.” J'dee mumbled almost on the verge of tears.

Belle laughed and rubbed her back. “I know you do.”

 

 

To Be Continued…