Crossover Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Aint Nothing But Magick (reverse) ❯ Chapter 21 ( Chapter 21 )

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 21

 

The three smokers stood on Belle and J'dee's balcony smoking their cigarettes.

Havoc hung half over the balcony looking defeated as he watched the vehicle turn the corner down the street then vanished.

Gojyo turned his head to look at Havoc. “What's wrong with you?”

“Colonel's going to make the moves on her I just know it.” Havoc whined.

Sanzo just scoffed.

Gojyo blinked. “Dude you only slept with her once what makes you think she's going to fall for that?”

“She fell in to bed with you.” Havoc remarked.

Sanzo rolled his eyes. “'Tch, she seems to fall in to bed with anyone.”

Gojyo looked onward. “How many girlfriends of yours has he taken?”

Havoc's head dropped. “I've lost count. AND SHE OWES HIM ONE TOO!”

“What does she owe Roy?” Gojyo raised a brow.

Havoc shrugged. “He's not telling me but I hate that smile he gives me when he talks about it. J'dee said she would owe him one if he went to talk to Belle that time in the club before Zack vanished.”

“That's a while ago now.” Gojyo pointed out.

Havoc frowned. “You don't know the colonel like I do.” He let out a defeated breath. “He's patient…”

 

Stubbing out his cigarette Sanzo headed inside and sat down at the table flipping the newspaper open and slipping on his glasses.

“'Tch morons.” He huffed.

Goku sat at the table his arms crossed his chin resting on his arms he looked up at Sanzo, watching him.

“Hey Sanzo…”

“Don't even say it.” Sanzo growled.

Hakkai let out a chuckle from the kitchen. “I'm terribly sorry about borrowing your kitchen Miss Belle, but I did bring our food over this time to use.”

Belle looked to the balcony listening to Havoc and Gojyo talking.

“It's okay Hakkai.”

 

Gojyo raised a brow. “What makes you think he'll pull the moves with that muscle bound freak show with them?”

“He can order Armstrong to leave anytime. Orders are orders, he's still the colonel and he ranks above Armstrong.” Havoc sighed.

“Fuck…” Gojyo muttered stubbing out his smoke. “Will she fall for someone like Roy, I mean hell, and I admit he's got the smooth moves but he seems hardly the kind to make a move on her, after both of us have…”

“He's done it to me before. This is right up his ally!” Havoc exclaimed.

Gojyo let out a breath and he blinked seeing Belle walking up to them.

“Honey? Are you okay?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“No, you follow me,” Belle ordered. She grabbed her jacket and headed out.

“Wait, where are we going?” Gojyo asked and Belle rolled her eyes.

“Rescue mission, if Roy knocked me up via alchemy he's not getting sex till Alphonse is out of me,” Belle stated.

“I didn't need to think about that!” Edward groaned as the door slammed shut.

“What's wrong with you?” Gojyo asked.

“I suspect Roy's going to use me as leverage against J'dee and he'll have to admit it in front of an audience if he tries,” Belle stated.

“Ooooh,” Gojyo replied as he followed.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Sanzo looked up from his newspaper as Belle dragged Gojyo out. “'Tch...”
Havoc frowned entering the apartment after stubbing his cigarette out. “What it's true the Colonel is that bad!”
Hawke-eye just sighed shaking her head.

Hakkai smiled. “Well Miss Belle and Gojyo will prevent it.”
Edward snickered. “With a knee of fury.” He grinned.

“…………… I hope not.” Havoc grimaced. “I think once was enough for the Colonel....”
Sanzo looked at Ed. “'Tch I'd rather she aim for the Kappa's.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Any word from J'dee and Belle?” Gene asked. The Outlaw Star crew was currently at Tobias's home, helping Shinji in fine art of shooting guns. The Eva pilot was a bit nervous with the whole idea but understood it was a necessary evil.

 

“Not so much. An occasional hello when Belle comes over for her shots, things like that. They're dealing with something to do with Zack. I offered to help but I was informed by Mustang that they had it under control.” Misato replied and rolled her eyes. “Arrogant bastard.”

 

“Well the whole situation with Toby hadn't helped much. No one wants to spend a lot of time around here or with Washu.” Gene muttered.

 

“Like that doesn't surprise you.” Melfina said. “After what happened people are angry. Toby's not here but Washu helped him. So they're taking it out on her.”

 

“Not like she doesn't deserve it.” Misato muttered. She herself didn't speak to mini-scientist, and only saw her during meals.

 

“True, but she just wanted to help him and ADA, and think about what she's done for all of us.” Melfina scolded. Misato rolled her eyes but otherwise didn't comment. Last night she dreamed of Tobias tucking her into bed after they had gone out drinking that night. She'd been having them recently and she had to wonder to herself if she was missing Tobias or if it might have really happened.

 

It bothered her and she wanted to confront him about it.

 

“How's Shinji doing?” Gene asked, changing the subject. Misato grinned, happy with the subject change.

 

“Good, great actually. He's getting cocky about his boxing though. I kind of expected this to happen. His hormones are starting to kick in and without constant pressure from his father he's growing out of his shell.” Misato informed them. “Toby said he had a plan for it when it happened, but he didn't tell me before his trip.”

 

“I'm sure he'll deal with it when he gets back.” Gene muttered, raising his beer.

 

“He better or I'll deal with myself and I'm sure Shinji would prefer Toby's method to mine.” Misato said, grinning evilly.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack lay on his back in the over lit WRO holding cells, ever since they'd discovered that the black marks were not Geostigma and were actually a form of decomposition. He was considered to be in danger and they wanted to protect him, in a brightly lit area.

Currently he was attached to an I.V with copious amounts of the highest level of Cure, set to go off and activate each time the decomposition grew.

Not the best medical treatment, Zack knew he could over dose on to much.

Reeve had apologized for it stating it was the best his scientists and medical crew could do for him given the situation and ShinRA was no were near reforming to the previous status of its former glory, making that staff untouchable and near non-existent.

There was a flash of green as the cure went off again.

 

Zack let out a breath as the healing current shot through his body. Sitting up he found himself detaching the I.V quickly he knew his body's limits, and this was it. No potion or remedy had been able to prevent it spreading but the cure only slowed it down.

They wanted to help him he knew it, but the longer they kept him here, the longer it would be till he was sent back, and he didn't know how long Cloud could hold out for in those caves.

 

Zack moved to the door and he lent on the bars peeking out at Cissnei sitting there casually. He didn't really get to talk to her much in Seventh Heaven but he was glad she was okay.

“Cissnei…”

She looked over her shoulder at him. Zack gripped the bars his forehead resting against them.

“We're all worried about you Zack…” She whispered.

“I know… I just want to say thank-you again for that time, lending me the bike to escape with Cloud to Banora.”

Cissnei tucked some of her wavy red brown hair behind an ear and she smiled at him.

“I'm glad you're alright, I didn't sleep for days when we found out…” Her eyes closed for the moment. “Tseng sent me to tell your parents… but I couldn't…”

Zack blinked for a moment. “My parents… are they… okay?”

Cissnei just smiled at him. “They're fine. Did you want to write them a letter?”

Several thoughts flickered through his head. “Will Tseng read it too?”

“You know he will pass it through the hierarchy before sending it on to her.” Cissnei replied.

Zack nodded. “Yeah I'll write her a quick letter…”

Cissnei stood up. “I'll get you some paper and a pen.” She headed down the hall towards the reception desk.

Zack looked up to the ceiling then blinked he saw a flicker of a shadow creep across like liquid and he stepped back.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee lent against the wall of Seventh Heaven trying to light her cigarette in the wind, which just seemed to blow out her lighter with every flicker, like someone was forbidding her to poisoning herself slowly to death with her cancer stick.

“WILL YOU JUST STOP THAT?!” She snapped at the wind.

 

Roy felt the wind die down instantly and he pulled the lighter from her hand and got a glare. He replaced the lighter with his white gloved hand and in a gentle snap had ignited the end of her smoke, making her blink and look at him.

“You don't need a lighter when I'm around.” His hand moved to the wall beside her head leaning down close to her.

“Are you calling in that I.O.U now?” J'dee blinked looking at him confused.

Roy flashed her a smirk. “Not yet just helping out.” He stepped back. “Finish your cigarette then we'll head inside.”

J'dee nodded her head slowly taking a drag. “Kay.”

Roy caught the blush and smiled to himself. Way too easy, she had been with only morons and perverts; she hadn't seen him with his charm turned on full… yet.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Stay close girls! Jack and I will help you onto the dock! Be sure to thank the nice sailors!” Dr. Tennenbaum called out to Little Sisters. The sailors had been extremely kind as they made their way to the US Naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. They had even given up their bunks for the dozens of little girls they rescued from the bathyspheres. Jack himself had been communicating almost daily over the radio with government officials. The girls would be looked over by doctors, fed, and properly clothed while they questioned Bridgette Tennenbaum and Jack. Since Rapture was officially in international waters and privately owned, it and all of Andrews Ryan's surface holdings fell into Jack's hands. With it came money and contacts, which Jack immediately used for asylum for Bridgette and the Little Sisters.

 

It still amazed Dr. Tennenbaum how this man who had been created for the sole purpose of being a madman's killer was one of the greatest and kindest men she had ever known.

 

“We're here.” Jack said in his soft, gentle voice. He and Dr. Tennenbaum helped the girls climb up and out, onto the dock where numerous doctors and nurses waited, eager to help. One nurse stood out in particular, having long, flaming red hair.

 

“Over here Mr. Ryan!” She called, waving him over. Jack exchanged a quick word with Dr. Tennenbaum before heading over to the nurse.

 

“Yes miss?” He asked. The redhead smile and turned, showing him a clipboard, keeping herself between him and the other.

 

“Come with me, or the Little Sisters will be killed.” She said quietly, to him. She cupped her right hand in front of her, shielding it from view with her body from all but Jack, and a small flame appeared in the center.

 

“Splicer!” Jack hissed. He cupped his left hand about to call his own plasmids to the surface.

 

“Not a splicer no, much, much worse.” The woman informed him. The flame disappeared from her hand but one of the Little Sisters began hopping up and down on her left foot, holding her right.

 

“The bottom of my foot hurts, Mr. Bubbles!” she cried, tears streaming down her face. A doctor and Bridgette rushed to help. Jack stared in shock, as the woman blocked his view again.

 

“I can incinerate them all in an instant if you don't leave with me right now.” She informed him. Jack glared at her and gave a short nod. She smiled and took his arm, leading him away. Before any noticed Jack was missing, she had already taken him away in a plume of fire.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Sanzo leant against the building as Goku spared with Ikkaku, the two were using their weapons. He lit a cigarette and there was movement next to him. In a second he was aiming his gun at a man in a navy suit wearing a sky blue tie and an icy blue shirt. The man had pale, flawless skin with deep blue eyes, and long black hair in a ponytail. Something about him set Sanzo off, a familiarity, but a twisted familiarity, like your own face in a funhouse mirror.

“What do you want?” Sanzo demanded and the man pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

“Just a light,” the man said in a deep voice as patted his pockets in a display all smokers recognized as the `where's the damn lighter' sign language. Sanzo grunted as he offered his lighter and the man took it to light his strange cigarette. “Thank you.” He handed the lighter back. Sanzo's fingers brushed the man's and he felt a sense of wrongness as the man watched Ikkaku and Goku move.

“What are you doing here?” Sanzo snapped.

“No smoking inside,” the man commented with a long drag and there was something strange to the scent of the cigarette, a flowery scent as if the tobacco had been mixed with some sort of flower. “My, they are quite fierce. I'd hate to face them in combat.”

“Get lost,” Sanzo snapped and the man looked at him.

“Not very friendly of you, but thank you for the light,” the man said with a smile. “I look forward to seeing you again.” The man turned and walked off. Sanzo was left with a disconcerting feeling as he watched the man go.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Cloud sat on the ground leaning against the chilling cave wall. The sunlight from small breaks in the ceiling of the cave streamed through. It wasn't large enough for him to get through but it was enough to protect him from shadow attacks.

 

Cloud had noticed that they had been called away from pursuing him for that moment.

His hand moved to his head he was tired, he hadn't fought like this before, fight run to recover, fight some more…

 

Pulling out one of his potions he downed the liquid before checking his supplies and he found an Esuna knocking that back to keep his MP up so he could use the Cure materia if need be.

 

Zack's phone vibrated and he looked at the message from this Roy person Zack had befriended.

He couldn't understand how Zack had and could still so easily make friends everywhere.

Letting out a sigh Cloud read the text.

 

Cloud

If you can't get out within three more days we will be forced to come and get you regardless of danger.

Heading into Seventh Heaven now to check the messages.

J'dee/Aerith will call you later. Answer it.

 

Roy

 

Cloud let his head fall back against the wall and he sighed. Air was the only one hunting him down now out of the four of them, like the other three had to deal with the two new arrival's he had witnessed.

They were in a rush he could feel it, he looked up at the break in the ceiling escape was so close, but he knew if he jumped and sliced an opening it would attract their attention and he would be back where he started, in a tube of liquid paralysis.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee stubbed out her cigarette with the heel of her shoe. Armstrong moved towards the door pushing it open.

“You think any replies will be there today?” Roy asked and motioned for J'dee to go inside first.

J'dee shrugged slipping under Armstrong's arm pushing some hair from her face and she stopped dead seeing the bar occupied.

“Well that's a first.” She whispered as Roy and Armstrong followed her inside.

“Then lets make this quick.” Roy whispered his arm slipping round her waist.

J'dee hissed at Roy her face heating up. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you of course.” Roy flashed her that famous grin. “By making it appear like we're a couple out for a drink.”

J'dee let out a defeated sigh.

 

“Major… order the drinks I'll take her to sit down.” Roy remarked.

“Anything in particular Colonel?” Armstrong asked.

Roy looked at J'dee as she shook her head. “No wine, no beer for me.”

“Don't play hard.” Roy gave her a look.

“Save your penny's seriously. I'm not too good with my alcohol.” J'dee sighed.

Roy chuckled. “So I heard from Sanzo… Outside drunk completely alone with Zack.”

J'dee blushed pulling free from Roy. “What are you getting at?”

Roy smiled he enjoyed the embarrassment torture. “Nothing… maybe I might call in that I.O.U after all.”

“What now?” J'dee hissed.

The back of Roy's gloved hand brushed over her cheek softly. “Maybe later tonight…”

 

The sound of clapping caught their attention. “Brilliant yo. Can you film the porn and send it here later?”

J'dee turned to the corner booth and she stopped dead seeing the red head in the crumpled navy suit sitting there. Opposite him a bald dark skinned figure wearing sunglasses inside.

She looked round the occupied bar her face heating up, the faces looking in their direction were familiar, way to familiar, and she'd watched Advent's children and played enough Dirge of Cerberus to know who these people were.

“What… when… how?” J'dee whispered.

“What seems to be the problem?” Roy asked.

J'dee swallowed. “We somehow crossed worlds… This is Zack and Cloud's world.”

“J'dee is it?” Tifa smiled from behind the bar and motioned to some free stools in front of the bar. “Let me get you something on the house.”

J'dee looked at Roy and he motioned for her to go first. J'dee took a seat. “I'm not very good with alcohol. So nothing to strong please.”

“Okay lemon lime and bitters it is.” Tifa smiled.

Roy just chuckled from behind her.

“Shut up.” J'dee hissed at him.

Reno moved up to the bar leaning on it looking at her. “Yo you look just like her… but you have some attitude.”

“And you would know attitude wouldn't you being the master of it.” J'dee taunted.

Reno grinned. “Oooooooooh feisty.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle sighed as she looked around.

“You haven't been to Seventh Heaven yet have you?” Gojyo asked and Belle shook her head.

“I knew the general direction, but that's why I needed you,” Belle said as she looked at Gojyo with a pitiful, puppy-dog expression. A few bats of her eyelashes over slightly watering blue eyes were a picture worthy performance. Gojyo sighed as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and chuckled slightly.

“That's a rather manipulative look, you should see if it works on the monk,” Gojyo muttered and Belle giggled.

“Nope, he's immune for some strange reason,” Belle said as she leaned into Gojyo, glad she had back up. Roy was going to get it for trying to use Belle as leverage over J'dee. They approached the bar and Belle pushed the door open and walked in.

Belle's eyes widened as she entered the bar and found it currently in service, from the shock in Gojyo's eyes this was a new development.

“So, I'm going to guess this is new,” Belle stated and Gojyo nodded. There was a flash of red and Belle looked over to see a man with bright red hair. Her eyes widened as she took in the man, he was in a messy suit, something Belle always found sexy. His hair was blood red and his eyes were obviously fair. She was staring because it wasn't possible. There was another flash of red at the bar and Belle quickly saw J'dee and Roy.

“There she is,” Belle sighed as she and Gojyo moved towards the bar.

“Come here often?” Gojyo purred as he leaned next to J'dee.

“You seem to be mistaken the lady is with me,” Roy said as he turned to face Gojyo only to see Belle. “We came to see if there was a letter.”

“Yes, yes you did, I think this is a little different from a letter and look,” Belle stated as she held up her cell phone. “No call about this situation.”

“I can explain,” Roy started and Belle ignored him as she moved to J'dee, her eyes moving to Reno as her newly raised hormones began to whisper how handsome the red headed male was in real life.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle stood near J'dee stopping dead and just staring at Reno, who sat on the far end of the bar his beer in hand, Rude sitting next to him.

Reno blinked when Rude elbowed him directing his attention to Belle staring at him. “Who's that? Why is she staring yo?”
J'dee looked in to her drink. “She has a weakness for red heads.”
Reno grinned. “Ooooooh really now?”
Gojyo looked at Belle. “Do you now?”
J'dee caught Gojyo by the ear and yanking him back from Belle. “Pervert.”
Roy chuckled. “Is that true Belle?”

Belle blushed and turned her nose up. “I find it extremely attractive on a man, but annoying on females.” She glared at J'dee.

J'dee grinned. “You love me anyway why else would you have followed...?”
Roy smirked. “She has a point... Gojyo I can understand. Havoc talks too much. But your concern for your friend shows you can't be too annoyed by them.”
J'dee blinked and looked at Roy.

Belle huffed. “Maybe I was hoping to completely ruin your chance of procreating and thought this might be the opportunity.”

 

Tifa just chuckled; they were definitely a lively group. “So you're all friends of Zack?”
Reno motioned. “That's not fair yo! How come he can pick up hot girls! He never managed it before.... I want to go to that world!”

Belle snorted. “Zack has never `picked' me up.”

Roy smiled. “Zack is quite honorable with the women... he spends more time guarding the area from attack then slipping in to their room unseen.” He flicked a look at Gojyo.
Gojyo paused in the middle of lighting a cigarette. “What?”

Belle sighed. “I need the puppy back to keep the kitty cat away.”

Rude looked at Belle. “Cat?”

“Just a little nick name for the other stray we've collected...” Roy explained.
Tifa nodded. “Well Tseng took Zack to ShinRA to have some tests done but I'm sure... they'll be back...”

`Zack's world… How… when did we end up here? I don't… understand.' J'dee thought to herself looking at a spot on the bar.

A black gloved hand slipped in to her view across the counter, J'dee looked up she blinked seeing red eyes staring her down, the pale face the red bandanna the long black hair, the figure of Vincent Valentine wrapped in a red cape looking at her.

“Inside you both… I can sense it… an uncontrollable power. A mixture of light and dark.” Vincent's deep voice seemed to reverberate through her as he spoke.

J'dee blinked for a moment just looking at Vincent.

 

Vincent moved between Belle and J'dee making the two women looked at him, he spent a long time staring at Belle. “You look like her.”

Tifa looked at the two. “He's right you know… it's like having Aerith and Lucrecia sitting right next to each other.”

“Ummm… that's nice.” Belle remarked. “I don't know much about your world, that's J'dee's thing.”

“I'll explain later. If you want to know.” J'dee replied.

“It's alright… I'll be fine.” Belle smiled politely so not to offend the lingering vampire like being behind them.

 

Roy walked round the bar looking out the window it obviously wasn't J'dee and Belle's world outside. “A real test is to see how far this pocket dimension goes… if we were to bring Cloud here...” He opened the door and looked outside. “It's J'dee's world for us, but would Cloud have the access to both or just one?”

Belle frowned. “What about the return trip can we go home?”

Armstrong held the door open as Roy stepped outside.

“It's J'dee's world for us out here.” Roy stated.
Reno blinked and looked into his beer then to the door. “Really? We just see our world yo.”
“Hold that door open.” J'dee flipped out her cellphone. “I hope the reception is good here.” She started to dial Zack's phone.
Tifa watched looking at J'dee. “Who are you calling?”
“It's Zack's phone but Cloud has it. If he answers.” J'dee replied with flat eyes.
Tifa laughed. “Good luck he hardly answers...”

Belle glanced at J'dee. “I just hope he's not floating in a specimen jar someplace.” She sighed and then noticed the looks people were giving her. “Well I have a bad feeling about that.”

“It's ringing!” J'dee exclaimed and listened to the ringing on the other end.
Roy walked back in to the bar and looked to Armstrong. “Keep the door open it might be the only way the call is getting through.”
Armstrong nodded.

 

J'dee stopped as she heard the other end answered.
“Aerith...”
J'dee sighed. “I should really get Zack to change my name on that phone when he gets it back.” She stopped hearing sounds of fighting in the background. “Oh... did I catch you at a bad time?”
There was an echo of swords clanging. “Just a little busy....” Cloud replied.
“Well at least I know the reception works from Seventh heaven....” J'dee replied.
Cloud sounded surprised. “You're where?”
Reno shouted from his spot at the bar. “YO CLOUD!”
There was a pause from Cloud's end before he spoke. “Wait... was that...?”
J'dee smiled. “I'm going to put Tifa on tell herself you're alright. Tell her everything that you've seen okay?” She handed the phone to Tifa.
Tifa smiled taking the phone. “Thanks.... Cloud...” She trailed off as she walked away on the phone.
J'dee shook her head. “That's trippy weird...”
Reno looked at Belle. “So what's this bad feeling about a specimen jar thing yo?”

“I don't know... it's just....” Belle closed her eyes and shivered. “I can see them take them like that and keep them, trapped like specimens for experimentation.”

J'dee watched Tifa talking to Cloud on the phone before turning to look at Belle.

“Oh...” Tifa looked up cutting in quickly. “Cloud just confirmed it, he saw about four of them in there... One in a red jacket and other with glasses in a brown coat... they're both blonde he's not sure on the other two they're new...”

“Hohenheim! Vash!” Belle exclaimed her eyes wide as she gasped in obvious pain falling to her knees gripping her chest.

J'dee dropped to Belle's side pulling her close. “The dreams weren't dreams then...” She trailed off frowning.
Tifa looked at the two. “No problem Cloud I'll let her know... you becareful....” She hung up. “Cloud said they're unharmed but the water is a paralysis when he was inside he couldn't move. They let him out to torture him in front of Zack, but they haven't managed to catch him to put him back inside...”
Reno grinned. “Sounds like Cloud yo.”
Tifa shook her head. “He does want to free them but he's trying to find an exit then he's going to go back for them. But it sounds like they're preparing to abduct more...”
J'dee sucked in a breath. “More...” She rubbed Belle's back looking to her friend to make sure she was okay.

Roy nodded. “Then that explained why we were suddenly able to enter your world through the bar. A pocket dimension hole, the more they pull through the faster they speed up the colliding effect.”

“So if they keep doing what it is they're doing that means we might be able to cross in to your world.” Vincent commented.

Gojyo frowned. “Last thing their world needs is the demon factor from mine.”

 

Belle looked up eyes wide. “Sorry....Trisha...Rem...their memories, it was not a pleasant feeling.” She got up. “We need to stop them...somehow...eventually....” She looked at J'dee who stood up slowly. “Eventually they're going to strike us close, they've already taken Zack...but he's ended up here, the next time they take one of ours...it's going to be someone close to our souls....like Koumyou.” She looked down. “I need to figure out a way to keep Kouryuu close...I won't give him up without a fight!” Her eyes flashed and ice began to form underneath her body. “I refuse.”

 

J'dee looked at Belle. “Easy.” She tried not to slip on the ice.

Armstrong let go of the door catching J'dee before she fell over. “I've got you.”
Gojyo pulled at his leg. “You're freezing my feet to the floor beautiful....”
Roy looked at Belle. “We need to get you two to train with these powers...”
Tifa handed J'dee back her phone. “Powers...” She looked at the ice.
Reno raised a brow. “That's not going to leave a puddle is it yo?”
Rude pulled out his cellphone as it rang he walked away from the bar.

Belle was practically hissing. “No one will touch one of my children.” Her eyes flashed again as Belle's hair began to ice over to a spiky mane.

J'dee held on to Armstrong keeping her balance. “Ooooh-kay...”
“Cloud mentioned they had powers to... they went by the names of Earth, Air, Fire and Water... but that's all they told him, Water and Fire were hooded... but Air was a blonde and Earth had green hair. Cloud said they had powers matching their elemental names.” Tifa cut in explaining.
“Merging souls...” J'dee's hand moved to her mouth slowly. “Then that dream I had of Cloud wasn't a dream... Oh dude I don't know if I like that... no wonder he's not letting them catch him again.” She twitched before shuddering.

 

Belle blinked. “Water...” She reached up and snapped off a strand of her ice encased hair. “I'm Water.....” She looked at J'dee. “What are you?”

“The other day I think I muted Gojyo, so I believe its air...” J'dee replied.
“.... not just me honey, you muted everything and the wind outside went crazy blowing shit about, then it fell to the ground with the intent it should have made a crashing noise. there was nothing, not a sound...”

“Air and Water.” Belle turned. “Toby's arm went into the grill and he wasn't hurt.... Fire.... so.... Who's Earth?” She asked.

Roy shook his head. “The one who died that Zack took that dragonball from... that's my bet.”
“The one we think Vegeta and Piccolo killed...?” J'dee asked.

“More then likely. Zack paid more attention to the dead than the rest of us. Air and Water picked him to communicate with over the rest of us, so I believe he would know more.” Roy explained.

“So...” Belle's eyes widened. “They are want us dead, their Earth must have succeeded and taken something from our Earth.” Her hair began to melt. “So... if you're going to kill an element it's best to strike when they're helpless.” She smirked as she held up her strand of frozen hair. “Guess I'm the top of the learning curve huh?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle looked at Vincent, blushing as she realized the tall, dark, and mysterious man was staring at her rather intently.

“To address your concern, the worlds aren't merging, they're preparing to collide. We only have a few months to figure out what's going on,” Belle explained. Belle noticed that Rude was relaying information over the phone. “Who's he on the phone with?”

“Tseng,” J'dee said and Belle stared.

“And that is?” Belle asked as someone slid up next to her. Belle's blush increased as a pair of mischief filled eyes took up her field of vision.

“The boss yo.” Reno said and Belle blinked.

“Oh…okay,” Belle stated attempting to back up only to find she was now on a bar seat with the bar pressing against her back. “Um…can I help you?”

“Well I just want to get to know you better,” Reno grinned and Belle felt her heart flutter.

“I am apparently Water,” Belle stated wondering what was wrong with her body that her brain was turning to mush.

“Oh, I like water yo.” Reno said as he leaned in closer and Belle knew she had to be about as red as Reno's hair.

“Th-thank you,” Belle stuttered as Reno's breath brushed over her lips before suddenly Reno was gone. Belle blinked to see Vincent standing next to her and Reno on the floor across the room.

“What was that for yo?” Reno cried and Vincent gave a look that made Reno grumble and head for his seat from earlier. Belle let out a shaky breath as Vincent turned to her.

“Thank you,” Belle said calmly as she looked at Vincent and he nodded. She sighed as she realized she recognized that look he had given her earlier. Abel had given it to her so had Edward and Alphonse. It was the look of someone who lost a person close to them and they were staring at a living, breathing duplicate of their love one. Great, another person for Belle to look like but not be. “I can't wait for this to be over and to be myself again.” She didn't notice Vincent's blink at that comment.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Rude looked over on the phone and walked up to J'dee handing her the phone. “Tseng would like to talk to you.”

J'dee looked at the phone taking it from Rude. “Hello?”

“Aerith or do you prefer J'dee?” The collected voice on the other end remarked.

“Zack calls me J'dee and Cloud Aerith I don't think he realizes yet I'm just a remnant of her soul or something like that.” J'dee walked to a booth sitting down lighting up a cigarette.

“There was an attack on Zack earlier by whatever it was that kidnapped Cloud, Cissnei was injured. We've had to restrain Zack; the infection this world is giving him is spreading. Rude mentioned you entered by a pocket dimension. I'm going to bring Zack there this time tomorrow I want you to take him back.”

“Can't you bring him now?”

“We've medicated him and tried to sedate him, but it's not working and it's to risky I'm not letting anymore of my team get hurt, we'll bring him tomorrow after sedatives kick in… the infection with Jenova cells and Mako infusion takes time for unconsciousness to take effect.” Tseng explained. “I understand from your letter you're starting to remember your lifetime as Aerith, I have something to give you, for when Zack is well I want you to give it to him, until then I believe it might help you remember Aerith's life, the more you remember the more you might be able to reach him.”

“Reach him…” J'dee repeated. “What's happening to him?”

“He's decomposing in other words if he stays here he's dead and evil, worse than the monsters and experiments he's fought.” Tseng explained. “This time tomorrow I want to talk to you in person I need to see for myself. If you feel threatened then bring who you feel will back you up.”

“Tomorrow then. Keep Zack safe for the night please?” J'dee asked. “And I'm sorry about Cissnei. I hope she recovers okay.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Be careful with that!” Hisagi cried as he grabbed a long thin antenna from Ikkaku. “That's the receiver, if it's damaged the entire unit won't function!”

“Hey, I don't do this science crap, I mostly just hurt people!” Ikkaku snapped as he glared at the machinery.

“Tough, we're just lucky that we found Urahara's shop and that Renji knew where these were,” Hisagi sighed. It had been dumb luck that the previous day Yachiru had played tag and Renji and Kira had stumbled across the small shop while chasing the child. It had given them the hope of tracing Cloud or Zack or whoever calls. Tonight they would calibrate the antennas and start searching for the missing man.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Tseng ended the call and he looked to where Cissnei lay in the bed. Tseng slipped his phone in to his pocket and he turned round looking at Rufus standing there.

“Was that her?”

“Yes sir.”

“Asking about him obviously?”

Tseng nodded. “You understand the sooner we get him back to her world the better chance he has of recovery.”

“I know.” Rufus replied. “Just transporting him might be a problem.”

Tseng let out a breath. “I'm hoping the sedatives will kick in soon.”

The two headed down the hallway to the W.R.O holding cells.

 

Tseng walked to the cell seeing Zack restrained to the bed, the former SOLDIER struggling against the restraints made for SOLDIER's with Mako and Jenova infusion.

“Zack… Tomorrow I'm taking you back. J'dee needs to take you back before this gets to bad, we can't help you anymore.”

“THIS IS NOT HELP!” Zack shouted pulling at the binds.

“We need for you to relax and get some rest.” Rufus stated.

“They can get to me like this Tseng. Like they got Cloud.” Zack sighed.

Tseng nodded. “Rude has informed me that Cloud and J'dee are in regular contact. Cloud has your phone, they're going to locate him via GPS and free him.”

Zack stopped struggling looking at Tseng. “They didn't recapture him?”

“Not yet, hopefully Cloud can hold out till they get there to free him.” Tseng replied. He watched as Zack's head flopped down on the pillow.

“When am I meeting her?” Zack asked.

“Tomorrow.” Tseng replied.

Zack shook his head. “It'll be too late by then; I'll probably try to kill her by that time. You need to let me go now.”

Rufus raised a brow. “We can't let you.”

 

Zack pulled at the restraints. He watched as Rufus walked off. “Tseng please… I can feel the change. If I can get to her before she goes back maybe I could… return with them.”

Tseng let out a breath and he pulled out the keys unlocking the door. “She's in seventh heaven now…” He walked up to the bed undoing the restraints. “Hurry…”

Zack jumped from the bed and he raced out of the room.

Tseng watched him go. “I hope you get there in time.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“We better get back before Ed starts to worry Roy has seduced us both.” Belle joked.

J'dee looked at Belle with flat eyes. “There's no way Roy could seduce me.”

Belle snickered. “Face it Gojyo managed it'd be like a walk in the park for Roy.”

“Hey I'm standing right here!” Gojyo exclaimed.

J'dee flushed. “Not even.”

Belle laughed. “Too easy.”

Armstrong moved to the door and it opened before he could open it.

J'dee stopped and she looked at Zack standing there. “Zack? What? How? Who-?”

She was embraced in a hug before she could ask anything else.

“Tseng let me go. Tomorrow will be too late I just know it. I can feel it.” He whispered.

J'dee looked at his face and she touched the half with the black ash like substance making its way up his skin. “Oh I wish I did have Aerith's powers I could fix this…”

Roy cleared his throat. “Well I think we need to see if Zack can cross over back with us.”

Armstrong opened the door. “What do you see out there?”

Zack looked to the door. “I see… nothing but a white light.”

J'dee opened her mouth. “I don't know if that's good to see that in your condition.”

Zack looked at the pink ribbon on her wrist his fingers playing over it for the moment before looking at her.

“I'll be fine… You kept your promise again.”

J'dee blushed clearing her throat. “Yeah… just don't make a habit out of it.”

Gojyo slung an arm over Zack's shoulder. “Let's get you back to where Hakkai can fix you right up.” He jerked his head to the door. “C'mon… lets go.”

J'dee watched as Gojyo lead Zack out and she pulled out her phone looking at it.

“You can call Cloud later after the Shinigami have set up the GPS let him know we have Zack.” Belle smiled.

J'dee looked at Belle. “Do you feel it though; I have this undeniable dread building up inside my stomach.”

“I do feel it… but you're a witch not psychic…” Belle teased.

J'dee stuck her tongue out at Belle following her friend out of the bar.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Cloud had finally moved from his hiding spot as he wandered the cave, it looped round like a rabbit hole reminding him of the old ShinRA training basements. He stopped seeing his hole in the wall and slipped through. His tube was full, and there was another one both of them occupied.

Cloud looked over his shoulder. He could hear water like it was above him, he hadn't noticed it before, because the wind of the tunnels had covered up the sound. But now it was quiet all he could hear was the lapping of waves above them.

“It's underground… no wonder I can't get out.” He remarked and flipped out Zack's phone looking through trying to see if Zack had a map or GPS on the phone.

Cloud frowned it had nothing of use except phone numbers, a camera option and a media player with downloadable content.

“Not going to help me here.” He flipped the phone shut turning round he made his way out leaving the four figures in the tube, he would free them as soon as he found the exit. A large group would just get recaptured again especially when trapped in an area that seemed to go round in circles.

He let out a sigh… The phone call from Tifa had proven that something was amiss with the two worlds.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Impressive.” Air murmured, noting the three floating in tanks before him. All were Fire's current assignments, and while Fire did bitch and moan, she knew exactly how to extract her targets with minimal fuss.

 

“Thank you.” Fire replied, leaning against a desk as she filed her nails. She blew on them before buffing them on her white toga. “The fourth will be difficult. He has access to dark magic and is hardly ever alone. I'm still eying his habits for an opportune moment.”

 

“I think some leeway can be allowed. After all, you have been busy. The ambush for Tobias may have failed but from what we can tell you hurt him severely. I'll discuss it with Water and he'll decide what to do.” Air replied.

 

“It would have worked too if the damn mechs had done what I told them to do.” Fire grumbled. “Damn machines.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“We're home,” Belle called as she entered the apartment to see the Saiyuki group in the kitchen with Kira. Edward was playing video games with Grimmjow.

“Welcome back,” Hakkai stated with a smile and Belle grinned.

“Thanks,” she said as she took off her coat.

“Whoa, getting a little porky are we?” Grimmjow asked and Belle looked down to see her stomach was slightly swollen.

“No…getting a little pregnant,” Belle said with a smile as she entered the kitchen while Gojyo and Armstrong helped Zack get to the couch. While J'dee explained the situation at Seventh Heaven Belle grabbed one of Washu's accelerant shots and gave herself an injection. She was starting to look pregnant. Soon Alphonse would be back. Belle looked to see Ed staring at her stomach. “I'm glad, Alphonse is coming back.” Ed looked at her and nodded.

“Come on, Fullmetal, time to go back to our apartment,” Roy said as he dragged Edward away. Belle prepared a cup of hot chocolate as Hakkai began to examine Zack. Belle hoped that he would be okay, for J'dee's sake.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack lay on the couch; Hakkai crouched over him healing the decomposition of his body. “You're very lucky… one more day and even I might not have been able to heal you.”

“Just do what you can… don't use up your chi on me. Incase they attack.” Zack whispered.

“We have the Shinigami watching the perimeter. I believe they would rather you at full strength in case. Also I believe Miss Belle and Miss J'dee want you under house arrest in case it happens again.” Hakkai chuckled.

Zack nodded and he looked over at J'dee her cellphone being hooked in to the GPS. “Okay within thirty seconds we should have his location if he's inside the state.” Kira explained. “One minute if he's inside the U.S and probably two minutes for any further, you think you can keep him talking for that long?” He asked.

Zack caught J'dee looking at him. “I believe I have reason to keep him talking. Let's just pray he answers.” She replied.

“If you can't keep him talking hand the phone to me I can try.” Zack grinned.

 

J'dee nodded. “Okay.” She began dialing the number and watched as the screen blipped a map being brought up, the cross hairs scanning the map.

She waited then heard the phone answered. “Aerith is something wrong?”

“I just wanted to let you know we got Zack. Hakkai is healing him, but he's with us.” J'dee looked to Zack.

“He's alive…?” Cloud asked.

“Yes. He's alive.” She replied.

J'dee heard the sigh of relief. “Can I talk to him?”

“Sure.” J'dee looked at Zack. “He wants to-”

“I'm not quite done here yet.” Hakkai remarked.

J'dee brought the phone over and handed it to Zack, making sure not to cross in Hakkai's healing path.

Zack took the phone. “Hey Cloudy… glad to hear they haven't caught you yet.”

 

J'dee stepped back and sat down at the kitchen table watching Hakkai healing Zack. “That's a really long healing… I'm worried.”

Belle was sitting there her hot chocolate in hand. “I hope Hakkai doesn't wear himself out.”

“Me too.” J'dee whispered.

 

“What happens now?” Cloud asked on the other end. “I said I'd live out both our lives.”

Zack looked at the ceiling. “Just stay alive for me and Aerith. I'll take care of things.”

“Zack… Are you sure you're okay?” Cloud asked. “You sound in pain.”

“Give me a couple of days I should be okay… Then I'll come back and get you out.” He looked to the map as the cross hairs marked Cloud's location. “I know where you are.”

“I'll wait… but if you're hurt don't even try coming here.” Cloud replied.

Zack chuckled. “I'd like to see you stop me.”

Hakkai stepped back his hand moving to his head.

“Hakkai!” Gojyo rushed in catching Hakkai as a dizzy spell hit the healer.

Zack looked over. “I have to go… Hakkai?” He looked over.

“Sorry… I did what I could.” Hakkai apologized.

“I'll see you in a couple of days Cloudy… hang in there.” Zack remarked in to the phone.

“I will.” Cloud replied.

 

Zack ended the call and he lifted up his shirt still seeing a large chunk of his abdomen black, in the place the flesh had been cut from him. Everything else was fine.

“Hakkai I told you not to use up your chi.” Zack helped Gojyo help the healer onto the couch.

Hakkai smiled. “Sorry… I hope you don't mind if I finish tomorrow.”

“Not at all just rest up.” Zack looked to where J'dee and Belle were moving to check up on Hakkai.

“I'll take him back to the apartment.” Gojyo slipped Hakkai's arm round his shoulder. “Guess this is night ladies…” He nodded at them. “J'dee, are you still going to meet Tseng tomorrow?”

“Yeah, he said he had something that he wanted to give me.” J'dee replied.

“Don't leave without me okay?” Gojyo helped Hakkai to the door.

“I won't…” J'dee looked onward as Gojyo helped Hakkai out.

Kira handed Zack a piece of paper. “Cloud's co-ordinates, we've also kept a copy, we're giving him two more days on his own. If you can wait that long, we can get him out as a team.”

“I probably don't have much of a choice until I'm all better.” He looked at J'dee ushering everyone out of the apartment, Zack went to leave when he was caught by the hand. “Take the couch so we know you're okay… please.”

Zack nodded. “Okay…”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle stared at herself in the mirror and she smiled. Yep, there was definitely a lump on her belly. Anyone else probably wouldn't know it, but Belle knew her body. She smiled as she rubbed the spot where Alphonse was growing.

“I'm glad you're okay,” Belle spoke to her stomach before she sighed. “I just wish people would stop seeing me as someone I'm not. I'm not Trisha, I'm not Noelle, I'm not Lucrecia or anyone else who's dead, I'm just Belle. I wish people would see me that way.” Belle sighed as she rubbed her belly. She hoped before the end of this ordeal someone would see her as herself and not a lost love or family member.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee stepped in to the bar the next day.

She looked round, as per normal Tifa was behind the bar; Denzel and Marlene sat in a booth with Barrett watching over the two children.

Gojyo walked in behind her his trademark cigarette in his mouth, he was followed closely behind by Hawke-eye, the female blonde dressed down in casual attire but her guns were clearly obvious in the shoulder holsters. Hisagi was the last of those with her to enter the bar, the Shinigami checking the GPS on his phone watching as the image of the map flickered between the locations of the bar between the two worlds.

“Interesting. After this visit I say we should limit our contact, us crossing over might cause this process to speed up.” Hisagi commented.

 

Tifa looked up at the sound of the voices. “Oh you're back…”

“I told Tseng I would show….” J'dee replied.

Tseng turned round on the stool of the bar catching her eyes. J'dee blinked for a moment and his eyes flickered to the pink ribbon tied round her wrist.

“It's good that you still keep promises.” Tseng commented.

J'dee nodded. “I don't promise anything I can't follow up on.”

Tseng motioned at a silver box in front of him. “This is for you. Give it to Zack when he is well. The majority of it is letters addressed to him, from Aerith, his parents, other's he's crossed paths with.”

“Aerith's letters…” J'dee walked up to the bar. Tseng placed the box in her hands.

“Read them. It'll help, you'll need her strength.” Tseng explained almost cryptically.

 

J'dee looked at the long haired Turk before she nodded her head slowly.

“Okay… Thanks.”

“Be sure to check on Zack at regular intervals the infection could still spread so long as there is a link to our world…” Tseng added. “Get him to write that letter to his parents. I feel this might be the last contact he'll have with them in a while.”

Gojyo lent on J'dee's shoulder. “We should go now honey… we promised we wouldn't be too long…”

J'dee looked at the box then at Tseng. “Nice to meet you…” She nodded her head. “Wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Agreed.” Tseng nodded his head back.

J'dee headed to the door pausing to look over her shoulder before she left, something was bugging her at the pit of her stomach and she couldn't place the cause of it.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Air sat crouched on the building top, he hated being called off his hunt from Cloud, but the playing round with the blonde gave him enough strength so he could go after bigger fish. He watched the orange haired teenager cross the road and smirked seeing him walk in to the school yard.

“Let playtime… begin…” He leapt down from the building charging at the orange haired teenager.

The teenager paused and leapt up avoiding the hit landing on his feet behind Air. “Who are you?”

Air grinned. “A friend of your mother's…. Ichigo…”

Eyes narrowed looking at him. “Somehow I find that hard to believe.”

“Or should I say I will be when her soul co-operates.” Air held out his hand the wind whipping around his hand to form a long darkly colored sword.

 

To Be Continued…