Crossover Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Aint Nothing But Magick (reverse) ❯ Chapter 22 ( Chapter 22 )

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 22

 

~*~*~

 

Belle woke up with the phone and fought against the tentacle monster known as Grimmjow to reach the phone. She picked it up and did her best to sound awake.

“Hello?” she asked.

“Hey Belle, good news, school's been cancelled for the next three days,” the voice of Melinda the secretary said.

“What? Why?” Belle asked as she woke up, freeing herself more from Grimmjow only to have him shimmy over next to her to latch back around her. Belle rolled her eyes.

“The water main broke in four locations, it's going to take days to fix. They should have it back up and running by Monday. Enjoy the unexpected holiday,” Melinda called before she hung up.

“Hmmm, get to sleep in today,” Belle muttered as she pulled the blankets back up and slapped the alarm off. Nothing like getting to sleep in when you didn't think you'd get the chance.

 

~*~*~

 

Ichigo spun round avoiding the wind that slashed through the ground of his school, he couldn't risk jumping in to Shinigami mode in front of the school leaving his body exposed and with Kon at home today he had no one to take his body somewhere safe he had no choice but to use his mortal body to fight this blonde… unarmed.

“You definitely are her soul's son. I recognize that look; she gives it frequently when she's backed in to a corner as well.” The blonde seemed to chuckle.

“What's so funny about that?!” Ichigo snapped. He hated how this man talked about his mother's spirit as if she were still alive. “Stop talking about her as if she's alive! It's pissing me off!” Ichigo grabbed his bag and raced from the school he needed to get somewhere private and the figure in black laughed giving chase.

 

Air laughed as he watched and let Ichigo get some distance, so he didn't want exposure that was fair enough, but he had to move fast before he separated, he needed spirit and body combined for this to work.

Jumping from tree to tree slipping through the branches like the wind, he followed the teenager who stopped in a clearing pulling out a pendant with a skull on it. Air knew that pendant, the one Ichigo used to separate his soul from his body to fight on level with the shinigami.

“Not happening, Ichigo… I'll say hi to your mother for you!” He flicked his blade round before leaping from the tree the blade impaling the youth to the ground the pendant dropping from his hand rolling out of reach before stopping as it hit base with a tree trunk.

 

Ichigo looked up at the blonde, the sword through his shoulder. “Don't worry I'll fix that. We can't have you looking like an Espada when you finally meet your old lady. She might not like me to much.”

“I don't like you, so I'm sure she pretty much hates you right about now.” Ichigo hissed and he saw the sword vanish then he saw the flick of a wrist and wind whipped around them. Then his eardrums made a popping nose as the altitude in air changed around them and he landed on the ground in the middle of an array.

The blonde landed on his feet before cracking his shoulders.

Ichigo blinked looking at the several tubes holding a diverse line of people in each one, and he saw an empty one that literary had his name written on it along with `Air' written underneath it. There with others some with `Fire' written under them and couple of others with `Water' written on them each element was in a designated corner of the room.

 

Air began pushing a tube in to his corner and he stood it up.

“Getting over confidant aren't you?” Earth's voice cut in.

“Misaki hasn't merged with her yet. There's still a chance I can grab her soul before she merges.” Air looked at Earth.

“So you think going for Ichigo first will bring her spirit here instead of chasing Kyo like you were originally ordered.” Earth crossed her arms.

“Fire has three souls! Original souls before they could merge! I'm not letting myself be outdone by a girl.” Air snapped.

Earth laughed. “I beat you all.”

“Oh shut up. Go annoy Fire and file your nails together or do something girly.” Air snapped.

He heard Earth growl and he turned round in time to see a spike shoot through the ground as Ichigo was impaled from behind.

“Hey I haven't healed him yet!” Air protested.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee woke with a start her hand touched to her stomach, she looked down seeing nothing passing through her stomach she was sure she felt the blow.

“Dreaming about getting impaled great… I really like that you've merged with me Aerith but stop with the stabbing dreams please.” J'dee sighed.

Rolling over and she looked at the clock.

9:00am

“Hmmm, Belle should be at work by now.” She mumbled getting up. Maybe checking on Zack would take her mind off the disturbing battle her dreams had shown her.

 

J'dee headed in to the lounge and crouched by Zack's sleeping form, her hand moved to touch the side of his face. He stayed the entire night and he slept, she felt a piece in her heart relieved at that. Looking down she saw her animation board with the refill attached and Zack's handwriting covered the page. She picked it up looking at what he wrote.

 

Mom…

 

I'm sorry I must have worried you for all these years… I wish I could explain where I've been and what's happened. But you know ShinRA and their contracts of silence. So even though Cissnei told you that I left ShinRa and went on the run as a Refugee. I still can't say where I've been or what happened or you won't get much of a letter from me, because I have to use ShinRA to send this letter on to you.

 

What I can say though is that girl I wrote to you about that I meet in Midgar, the one who sold the flowers. I'm staying with her for now. You would like her. One day maybe you could meet. When this is all over and done with even if it's just for a moment I'd like for you to see her. But we've got to save a friend that infantryman I wrote you about the one with the chocobo hair. He got himself in to a situation so maybe after we get him back.

 

Hope you and dad are doing well if you want to write just send it through ShinRA they'll get it to me somehow.

 

 

Love Zack

 

J'dee set the letter down, there were several others written, one to Kunsel, another to Luxiere and another to several former 2nd and 3rd class SOLDIER's. J'dee's hand moved to lift up his shirt to check the decomposition she noticed it was slowly growing again, so everything Hakkai removed would be a waste if the rest of it wasn't removed by the end of the day.

“I wish I had her powers… At times like this Zack I wish I was Aerith.” She whispered.

She felt his hand touch her by the arm and she caught his eyes looking at her tiredly. “You're up early.” He whispered.

“I was worried about you.” She caught his smile.

“So long as you continue to live… I know I'll be fine.” She felt his hand touch the side of her face as his eyes drifted close. “Stay close to me… That way I know you're safe…”

J'dee placed Zack's hand on his chest pulling the blanket over him before standing up, truth was she hadn't slept well her dreams again had shown her Ichigo fighting against a blonde man whose face she couldn't see. Then the woman with the green hair impaling Ichigo she fought tears, she liked Ichigo, she really did, she was what she imagined her son would be like one day if she survived long enough to have kids that was.

Rubbing her eyes J'dee moved to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast. She didn't need to cry over a dream, it could still just be a dream, at least she hoped so.

 

~*~*~

 

“Grocery shopping is turning into a full fledged war recently.” Jim muttered to Melfina. The first grocery trip Suzuka had quietly voiced her objections when they had been unable to locate her teas and other foods she said she needed. She had accompanied them on the next trip. When Aisha had learned this, she demanded to go to pick up some things for herself and after that disastrous trip, Gene came with them to try and avoid bailing them all out of jail, again.

 

“At least it helps us get our shopping done faster.” Melfina replied back to her original shopping partner. This was indeed true, because everyone gave the eccentric a wide berth. Now they were loading the car with the dozens of bags from their shopping trip.

 

“Jim!” Gene called out suddenly. Jim whirled around, along with the others, and saw Gene staring in shock. Next to the grocery store, where there had been nothing but an empty field, now stood the Starwind & Hawking building from Sentinel 3. The Outlaw Star crew stared at in surprise before the building seemed to shimmer and disappear. They all exchanged looks before Suzuka spoke up.

 

“I think we need to speak with Washu.”

 

~*~*~

 

Belle heard the phone ring and grabbed it.

“Hello?” she asked.

“Um…is J'dee there?” a voice asked and Belle didn't recognize it.

“Who may I ask is calling?” she asked.

“This is the shop, we need her to cover a shift…like now,” the voice said and Belle got up.

“Oh, let me grab her, she should be stoked to get a few more hours in,” Belle said as she walked out of the room into the living room and saw J'dee at the breakfast table.

“Belle? Why aren't you at work?” J'dee asked and Belle rolled her eyes.

“Water main broke in the building; it'll take days to repair. I have the rest of the week off, work is on the phone, they want to know if you can cover a shift now,” Belle said as she handed the phone to J'dee. Belle went to the fridge and took out a yogurt for breakfast. Gojyo was looking over her pajamas.

“Nice, Honey,” he said and Belle looked at her short shorts and her tank top.

“What? Grimmjow's a freaking furnace, I'd be sweating an hour after he was in bed,” Belle stated.

“I bet,” Gojyo leered and Belle glared. “So, you like to see if my red curtains match the carpets?” Belle nearly snorted her yogurt out her nose at the pass. She was torn between being grossed out and laughing.

“I already know they don't, Goku says that the carpets are black,” Belle teased as J'dee hit the button on the phone.

“Damn it,” she groaned and Belle looked at her

“What's wrong?” Belle asked.

“I told them I was too sick to work,” J'dee explained and Belle stared at her before she saw Zack sleeping on the couch. “I need to go to Seventh Heaven.”

“Oh, doesn't one of your coworkers live near Seventh Heaven?” Belle asked.

“Yeah, Kat, she's stuck babysitting her sister's kids and she'll be home. I don't think I can sneak by without being seen,” J'dee muttered.

“Why do you need to go?” Belle asked and J'dee held up an envelope.

“Zack wrote a letter to his folks,” J'dee said and Belle looked at it.

“Oh, you stay here with the Puppy and I'll drop off the letter,” Belle said with a smile.

“I guess that works what could it hurt?” J'dee said.

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee moved to sit down in front of the couch grabbing the PS2 controller and flicking on to her Final Fantasy X game she'd been meaning to play for a while now and she lent back waiting for it to load.

 

In her dreams J'dee had seen the flash of long blonde hair wild unruly like the wind as he held his black sword and fought and stalked Ichigo jumping and flipping even flying around the teenager. The image was burned inside her head, Ichigo and that room, the cave. A very familiar cave, but she hadn't been there before. She was sure she had dreamed of it though.

“Ichigo…” She murmured.

“Looks more like Tidus if you ask me.” The voice interrupted her.

 

J'dee looked up and saw Gojyo as he lent over the couch looking at the screen. “How would you know what Tidus looks like?” She challenged.

“Pictures on your laptop.” Gojyo grinned.

“Don't make me whip out that online doujin. You look really good pinning Sanzo up against the wall like that.” J'dee retorted.

Gojyo laughed standing up. “Ooooh beautiful I'd look good pinning you up against a wall like that.”

“I'd rather you didn't while I was in the room.” Zack murmured from the couch.

 

Game forgotten J'dee turned round and she looked at Zack her hand moved to push the hair from his face she could feel he was breaking out into a sweat.

“Zack… Are you-?”

“I'll be alright.” He confirmed and J'dee let out a breath. “Just.” He added.

J'dee shot him a glare as he flashed a smile at her.

 

Gojyo rolled his eyes watching the two, he did feel a little bit hurt at the sight, but Zack had a stronger connection to Aerith than he had with Kougyoku. J'dee had told her some of her friends had referred to Kougyoku as that Mary-sue filler character thrown in to the anime to give him more angst than he needed. Truth was although she had her moments of likeness to Kougyoku, Gojyo couldn't see her as that woman anymore, she was different, and he knew it and he understood at times Belle's frustrations.

“Hey if you two are going to get frisky on the couch at least let me set up my camera for some decent porn shots.” He teased.

J'dee's eyes went flat. “Don't make hurt you.”

Gojyo grinned as she took bait. “Ooooooh beautiful you'd make my morning if you did.”

Zack choked for a moment and Gojyo looked at the raven haired man as he seemed to be laughing. “Ow… okay hurts to laugh…”

 

~*~*~

 

Belle and Kenpachi were walking side by side while Yachiru rode on Kenpachi's shoulder.

“I don't see the big deal,” Kenpachi stated and Belle stared.

“It's shoving a cantaloupe through a hole meant for a golf ball,” Belle argued. “Seriously, the only way you could ever know the pain would be if you swallowed a bowling ball and tried to pass it.”

“So it's like taking a big shit,” Kenpachi stated and Belle was getting annoyed.

“No, it's worse, a lot worse, it usually involves ripping flesh to get the child out,” Belle argued. “I can't believe you're so ignorant. Having a baby is a painful ordeal. Once you get past the sex the whole process is miserable.”

“You're knocked up, was the sex good?” Kenpachi leered.

“No, the worse part about me, is I didn't even get sex, I got knocked up via science,” Belle muttered. “They didn't even apologize either.”

“That's gotta suck,” Kenpachi muttered. “So what's so bad so far?”

“Well the morning sickness was a bitch,” Belle stated. “I mean I never vomit unless I drink too much or am incredibly sick. So I rarely throw up more than a couple times a year. This was every morning for nearly two weeks.”

“Ah that's not so bad,” Kenpachi stated.

“Well the hormones are really killing me now,” Belle explained. “I feel like I've lost my mind because some times I can't concentrate for a minute.”

“Sounds like Yachiru,” Kenpachi stated.

“Except she enjoys it, I don't, I try and focus but I have no mind for it. The worse is the dreams,” Belle muttered.

“Dreams are nothing,” Kenpachi barked.

“Hardly, they go from sex dreams to nightmares to nonsense and then I get to wake up to Grimmjow,” Belle shuddered.

“At least the sex dreams are there,” Kenpachi laughed and Belle glared.

“Please, they're the worst, they taunt me, we get right up to the main attraction and then we go to a nightmare. Hell this would be much better if I was getting some on a regular basis,” Belle stated. “No comments from you. I'm going to have a hard enough time giving birth to Alphonse, there's no way I'm thinking about breaking myself in on you.”

“Yeah, nothing ruins a woman like taking me to bed,” Kenpachi laughed and Belle made a face.

“Why am I even talking to you?” Belle muttered as they approached Seventh Heaven.

“You know you're curious,” Kenpachi taunted.

“Not really, I did the math, even if you were proportionally small, you'd still be much bigger than anything I want to try,” Belle said as she walked up to the bar.

“Damn, that's the worse dirty talk I've ever gotten,” Kenpachi laughed.

“Just wait here, I'll be out in a minute,” Belle stated as she rolled her eyes.

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee sat outside on her balcony, she was graced with Roy's presence while Ed was trying his hand inside at her final fantasy game, he didn't seem as into it as he was Belle's Budokai games. J'dee gave him five more minutes before he switched to that or capcom classics.

Havoc was downstairs with Hawke-eye the two blondes seemed to be talking about Zack's condition and if it was safe to have him around regarding the plans of the ones who wanted her dead took him, to turn him.

J'dee was amazed at how well she could hear everything, right next to Goku playing in the bath two doors over. She went flat eyed at the image that flashed through her head of a nineteen year old teenager playing with a rubber ducky and pirate ships.

“Some how that's kind of disturbing…” She muttered.

Roy lent on the balcony next to her. “What's disturbing?”

She blinked for a moment pausing to look at Roy. “Nothing just hearing random things.”

“Now that you're aware of your powers I believe everything will be a bit louder for a while.” Roy commented.

“I've always been aware of my powers. But I hardly calling picking up on a man's arousal and fleeting sexual thought as they passed much of a power.” J'dee shuddered at the memory.

Roy chuckled. “And my fleeting sexual thought would be?”

“Don't, I finally managed to flick that switch off I don't need it turned back on when I have to deal with you, Gojyo, Havoc and a copious amounts of shinigami perverts out there.” J'dee pointed at him making the wind flip around her as if it were a shield preventing that imagery of passing through.

 

It happened suddenly though, the wind flipped the other way, knocking her shield away as if a door had been opened and she stood up looking round. Watching as her cigarette was taken off in the wind.

“Oh the wind changed.” She felt the change in the air and she shielded her eyes.

“What's wrong?” Roy asked obviously noting her concerned look.

J'dee frowned. “The wind… it's turned that means anything can happen.”

Roy gave her a look for a moment. “I'm not following.”

“This feeling I get from the change of air means a door has opened.”

Roy looked down at Havoc and Hawke-eye. “A door… to another world you mean?”

“I'm not sure but something close.” J'dee replied.

 

~*~*~

 

In the dark caves underground Water looked up, his eyes narrowing as he felt something shift in the world. He winced as he felt his powers weaken and his eyes widened.

“How the hell did she escape?” he snapped as he looked up. “I will not lose you!” He went to teleport and discovered himself still in his room. Panic set in, he was too weak to teleport between worlds. Fists clenched until blood seeped out and he screamed in rage. There was no way to capture the remaining pieces, just no way now. Water hissed as he took a deep breath and evaluated the situation. He would leave their den for now, wait until she came back, if she didn't, he would deal with that if and when it occurred.
Air would find this amusing and Fire would no doubt try to rub it in his face but Earth, Earth would reprimand him as if he were an idiot child. Water felt his bile rise in his throat, there was no way he would remain nearby for them to mock him. While he couldn't teleport between worlds he still could leave the den easy enough. He walked out to the lake and stood there for a moment. He would remain with his element until she returned.

There was no other option at this time. Water sank into the lake and became one with it. He would return when the girl did and she damn well better.

 

~*~*~

 

Belle entered the bar and blinked as she saw the same group from the other day. Reno smiled and winked, making Belle blush, but he didn't get up.

“Where's Aerith?” Tifa asked and Belle shook her head.

“She's keeping Zack at home so he heals,” Belle said. “Zack wrote some letters for someone.” She displayed the envelopes in her hands.

“Tseng asked for those,” Rude said as he got up and held out his hand expectantly.

“You better make sure the people that they are intended for get them,” Belle stated as she started to hand them to Rude.

“They will,” he said and she placed a hand to his chest, keeping the letters just out of reach.

“I'm far from an expert on your world, I barely know your names and faces, but I know this. Zack's back from the dead and everyone has a mother and father, he left them behind and if they're still alive, they damn well better get these letters quickly. No analyzing them for years before you drop them off, you hear me?” Belle growled and Rude blinked.

“Protective much yo, you sure he's not tried to pick you up?” Reno called and Belle snorted.

“No, I just know that Zack's a really nice guy and his loved ones shouldn't be tormented with silence for long,” Belle stated as she looked at Rude. “Tell Tseng he's only keeping those short term, because I will stop by again in a few days and those letters better have been delivered.”

“Yes ma'am,” Rude stated and Belle nodded.

“Thank you,” she stated as she turned and headed for the door.

“Wait,” Tifa said and Belle stopped, noticing Vincent for the first time in the darkest corner of the bar. He was staring at her again and she felt self conscious.

“Can I help you?” Belle asked as Tifa approached.

“Are you sure you're not connected to this world?” she asked and Belle sighed as she closed her eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Checking, usually if I'm near people my souls are connected to I react, I get a jolt or a memory, well all their memories actually,” Belle explained as she felt the room around her with the water vapor and she `looked' at all the people in the room. She took her time looking at Vincent, but there was nothing. “I'm sorry Tifa, but this world isn't one of mine.”

“You just look an awful lot like Lucrecia,” she said and Belle nodded.

“I'm sorry, I don't like having that effect on people,” Belle said. “I should go.” With that Belle turned and opened the door. As she stepped out she turned to call for Kenpachi, but the world she was looking at was not the world she had entered from. She turned and reentered the bar, slamming the door shut.

“What did you forget yo?” Reno asked but Belle ignored him as she counted to ten before opening the door.

“It's the same,” Belle hissed as she closed the door and then ripped it open. “Oh no….it's the same.” She rushed to one of the windows and peered through, nothing but what was outside of the door.

“What's wrong?” Vincent asked and Belle looked at him, fear in her voice and eyes.

“That's not home….that's your world…I think…I think I'm trapped here,” Belle whispered and the room went silent.

 

~*~*~

 

Cloud sat crouched low looking at the four tubes the names on them blurred over in dust, in all his exploring he had discovered the four containers that had held the souls that Earth had claimed from other worlds.

`Maes Hughes' His hand brushed along the plaque, and then he moved to the next one quickly. `Cho Kanan' Cloud looked to the last two tubes even though they were empty it was obvious by the dirt that filled them on what had happened. Cloud sucked in a breath and wiped the next one away looking at the name `Nicholas D. Wolfwood.' The last one made him blink `Blue.' It was not a normal name then again he knew his wasn't either.

Cloud let out a relieved breath no one he knew it made it easier on him, but still it was sad for the fact these four had probably been used for Earth to gain her powers.

 

Cloud had watched as Air pulled another one through he caught the idea behind it, he wanted the soul before it merged with Aerith so Air captured the son of one of Aerith's souls, hoping it would lure her to him first and not Aerith.

Cloud pulled out Zack's phone he contemplated calling it in before looking at the tubes, perhaps some light could be shed on who these four had been.

The sound of footsteps came from down the hall and Cloud ducked behind Blue's tube and he watched as Fire and Earth walked past their conversation drifting to his ears. The women were bitching about their male partners in business. Cloud lowered his head and he looked at the phone, he would wait to call Aerith at least for a little bit.

 

~*~*~

 

Belle was sitting at the bar with a cup of tea staring at the top as she thought. This was very bad, but the shit would hit the fan shortly.

“Kenpachi won't fit through the door, but he probably won't send Yachiru,” Belle said as she looked at the wall. “At least, I hope he won't.”

“Who's Kenpachi?” Tifa asked and Belle grimaced.

“A very bloodthirsty warrior who happens to be the guardian of a young girl,” Belle muttered. “He was also my bodyguard for today.”

“You have a bodyguard?” Vincent asked and Belle nodded, avoiding eye contact.

“J'dee and I both have at least one a day, the things that are after our lives…they want us and will probably do whatever they can to get us,” Belle explained as she pulled out her cell phone. “This is going to be miserable.”

“Why?” Rude asked and Belle just shook her head as she hit J'dee's number.

“What's up, girl?” J'dee's voice asked and Belle hung her head. Thank God, the phones could still connect to each other.

“We've got a major problem,” Belle started. “I'm in Seventh Heaven.”

“You were supposed to go there, is it gone? Is the portal not working anymore?” J'dee cried and Belle did chuckle.

“You hit the nail on the head. I dropped off the letters and as soon as I tried to leave I discovered that our world wasn't outside the door anymore,” Belle sighed.

“Belle!” J'dee cried and there was the sound of discussion.

“Belle, it's Zack,” Zack's voice came over the phone. “The portal is closed?”

“It can't be fully closed but I can't leave your world,” Belle sighed. “I'm effectively trapped but the portal must still be open on some level because I'm talking to you now.”

“That's true, J'dee's freaking out,” he said and Belle's heart rushed.

“Put her on the phone now!” Belle shouted.

“What? We're coming to get you!” J'dee cried and Belle's heart nearly stopped.

“Don't you dare!” Belle yelled. “I'm probably safer than you are right now. You need to stay there in case Toby gets home early, in case Zack gets worse, and to help rescue Cloud. I'm safe I have all of Zack's and Cloud's friends watching me and while I don't know them, I'm rather certain they're not going to let me die when you all are doing your best to save Cloud.”

“But Belle…” J'dee whispered and Belle nodded.

“I know, it feels weird not to be in the same world, but we need to keep going. You need to take care of Zack; we'll put getting me home under saving Cloud okay?” Belle said knowing the much hated helplessness her friend would go through and hating the fact she couldn't take the feeling away.

“Okay, but once we have Cloud we're coming for you,” J'dee said and Belle smiled.

“Fine, but do me a favor,” Belle said.

“Anything girl,” J'dee replied.

“Get Kenpachi and then steer clear of Seventh Heaven until we know the portal is working two ways for people again,” Belle ordered and there was a moment of silence. “J'dee?”

“I don't like it, but you're right. I hate it, but you're right,” J'dee sighed. “And you are probably right about being safer. The bad guys probably don't know about where you are and that'll make things better for you.”

“I'll call you everyday,” Belle promised.

“You better, I'll let you know how everyone here is doing,” J'dee said and Belle nodded.

“Thank you, I don't envy you telling all those folks that I've gotten stuck in a different world,” Belle teased and there was a sad laugh.

“Yeah, you owe me big for this,” J'dee said and Belle nodded.

“Yah, I do, I'll call you tomorrow,” Belle whispered and hung up. She wished she was as certain as she sounded. She had this nagging feeling that something was missing and she shook her head as she stared at her phone. Thank God she had charged it.

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee slipped to sit on the couch; she saw the looks Ed, Roy, Hakkai and Gojyo were giving her. Zack moved slowly sitting up rubbing her back.

“Why can't we go after her? Alphonse is with her what if-” Ed began controller in hand forgetting about the game.

“Easy Full Metal.” Roy soothed putting a hand on his head which only earned him a glare for the patronizing motion. Ed used the controller to hit Roy on the hand angrily.

Roy just chuckled walking away ignoring the continued glare, before Ed turned back to the game and proceeded to beat the crap out of Bison on screen.

“She said someone needs to go get Kenpachi.” J'dee mumbled.

Renji was leaning against the wall and he let out a breath. He looked to the side where Ikkaku was lounging.

Ikkaku just sighed. “I'll go get the captain.”

Ikkaku walked to the balcony before leaping off and vanishing.

“She'll be alright, don't worry. She's in good hands I promise you.” Zack smiled at her.

Hakkai crouched down in font of her. “If Miss Belle is out of their reach for now that might make them panic or react badly. Both your friends are out of their reach.”

J'dee blinked straightening up suddenly. “Oh hell no.” She shook her head.

“We're going to double the surveillance on you.” Roy confirmed her fears.

“Good-bye privacy.” J'dee mumbled.

 

J'dee was cut off as her cellphone rang again and she pulled it out looking at Zack's number flashing.

“Cloud…” She answered. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine. But I've found something, that you or your friends might be interested in knowing about. Granted it's probably to late now but I've found four empty containers. Four souls I'm assuming that this is how it works.” Cloud explained. She heard him walking on the sound of a dirt floor. “I'm going to read out these names.”

“Okay hold on let me put this on speaker phone.” J'dee flipped the phone out turning speaker phone on. “Okay go ahead Cloud. Who are the four?”

“Maes Hughes…” Cloud began.

J'dee heard the controller drop to the ground and she saw Ed turn round in his seat leaning over the couch. “Hughes what about him?” Ed exclaimed.

“One of the four names here.” Cloud repeated. “I'm guessing his soul was taken into Earth.”

J'dee felt her hand move to her mouth slowly shaking her head. “That's too cruel…”

 

Zack saw Roy's face flash he looked more than pissed. “Who was this guy to you Roy?”

“He was a friend.” Roy replied but didn't explain anymore on their relationship. “Cloud… Are you sure that's the name there?”

“Yeah.” He paused for a bit J'dee was sure she heard him ducking behind something as a gust of wind shot down the hall and she heard an angry male voice shout in the distance.

“OIY WATER!!!! EARTH IMPALED ONE OF MY CONNECTIONS TO AIR I COULD USE A HAND HERE!”

 

J'dee froze and her hand moved to her stomach slowly. “Ichigo… It has to be.”

Renji looked at her. “Kurosaki what about him?”

“I'll explain later.” J'dee replied. “Cloud, are you alright?”

“Fine…” His voice replied the wind seemed to die down and J'dee heard Cloud move out of his hiding. “The second is a Cho Kanan.”

J'dee turned to look at Hakkai who was staring at the phone. Gojyo had a worried look flash across his face.

“Not good.” Gojyo mumbled.

“Cloud… is there any sign of a body?” Hakkai asked.

“Nothing but dirt I'm sorry.” Cloud replied.

Hakkai nodded his head. “That's twice I couldn't save her.” He whispered.

“Dude it happened before we got here, there's nothing you could do about it.” Gojyo soothed helping Hakkai move to the balcony.

“Go on…” J'dee urged.

“A Nicholas. D. Wolfwood.” Cloud paused for a bit.

J'dee shook her heard. “That's not cool. I liked him; he was cool for a gun totting priest.”

“Glad there's at least one cool gun totting priest out there.” Gojyo commented from the balcony.

“The last is Blue.” Cloud added. “I don't know anyone by that name… Aerith do you know of this person?”

J'dee nodded. “Yeah Blue was a half wolf half dog from the series Wolf's Rain. She joined the pack for the search for paradise.”

 

Zack frowned. “Obviously if her name is on the tube then she didn't make it then?”

J'dee looked at him. “I'm not going into spoilers here.”

Zack blinked confused for a moment and she smiled at the confused look before ruffling up his hair.

“It's okay I'll show you later.” J'dee remarked.

Cloud could be heard moving again. “Aerith Zack… they brought a body here too, he's laid out in another part of the caverns.”

J'dee looked to the balcony. “They're waiting then.”

“It seems that way Fire has been busy collecting souls, I saw she has one more same with Air.” Cloud explained. “I witnessed Air bringing another over this morning. A teenager. Orange hair, but I left because Earth was patrolling the hallways, I couldn't get to him sorry.”

 

J'dee felt Renji looking at her. “Kurosaki? They got him didn't they?”

“I felt they did. But I wasn't sure.” J'dee replied. She looked to the phone. “Thanks for the update Cloud. We'll give you a call when we're on the way to get you.”

“Change of plans.” Roy interrupted making the group look at him. “J'dee you're not going to collect Cloud, with Belle trapped and Toby missing, you're the last one left. We're not taking you to their doorstep. The Shinigami, Zack, myself we'll go.”

“But Belle said we had to help Cloud-” She began.

Zack frowned. “J'dee, listen to me. We can't risk it.”

“Aerith I'd rather you stayed where you are. Air doesn't sound too happy at the moment; he might choose to lash out at you.” Cloud added. “Please I don't want you getting hurt, your safety should come above my life, and you get another chance. It's not often that happens.”

“Cloud I'm not-” J'dee began but felt Zack's hand cover her mouth.

“I'll make sure she's safe Cloud. We'll keep her here. I promise. You better go before you use up all my credit I don't exactly get paid here to use that cap top up function.” Zack joked.

“Understood I'll phone in anything else I discover.” Cloud replied.

“Good luck and stay safe man.” Zack grinned reaching over and he flicked the phone closed ending the call.

“Did that mean they killed Major Hughes again?” Ed asked looking at J'dee.

J'dee shook her head. “I don't know, but I think his soul is in limbo same with the rest of them inside Earth until the other three get their powers too. I get the feeling they're trying to unlock something with the combined powers. But I'm not sure what.” J'dee let out a breath.

“Maes…” Roy looked out the window. “This has suddenly got personal.”

 

~*~*~

 

Belle looked at the group from the bar and Rude and Reno exchanged a look before Rude took out his phone and made a call.

“I'm thinking I get to visit Tseng,” Belle sighed.

“It is the best course of action,” Vincent said and Belle looked at him, really looked at him. He was taller than her and he was very intimidating with his pointy armor and his ragged, red cloak. Still, the way he was staring at her with his beautiful red eyes, it was a gentle look and Belle felt bad that she looked like someone else…yet again.

“Don't worry about the boss yo,” Reno said edging closer, making sure to keep an eye on Vincent. “He'll take care of you.”

“So where are we going?” Belle asked.

“To ShinRA headquarters,” Rude stated and Belle nodded as she got up.

“Well I'm going to need to see your science department for sure,” Belle sighed.

“For what yo?” Reno asked and Belle blinked.

“I'm pregnant and I've started a program to accelerate it. I'm going to need to continue the acceleration here,” Belle replied.

“I think our scientists can do that,” Rude stated.

“Let's get this over, I've always been a Band-Aid girl,” Belle sighed.

“A band aid girl?” Reno asked.

“You know you rip it off fast so it hurts less,” Belle explained as she followed Rude. She looked over her shoulder and she discovered she had a large shadow. Vincent simply looked at Belle as he followed behind.

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee lounged on the couch PS2 controller in hand playing Ed in Budokai tournament mode. Goku sat on the ground watching. The room was packed out and she felt crowded. Roy was having a meeting and frankly she was pissy at the Colonel for denying her on the rescue mission to save Cloud.

“Why do you always pick that little kid?” Goku asked.

“Easy this is why…” J'dee hit a button and chibi Goten jumped off the screen with a `hup' before chibi Trunks was replaced and she hit a combo before she performed fusion and Gotenks was on the screen she made him go super saiyan before letting out a fury of funny attacks.

Ed let out a cry as he was ring'd out. “No fair!”

“You snooze you loose Ed.” J'dee chuckled.

“My turn my turn!” Goku jumped up and down.

 

Grimmjow looked at the three with a huff. “So I get the bed to myself tonight huh? How boring.” He slumped in to a chair watching as Roy seemed to have already taken over control of the situation a map laid out on the kitchen table with Renji, Ikkaku, Yumichika Hisagi and Kira all looking at it.

Zack was motioning at the GPS map on the contraption they'd nabbed and made from some left over parts in that shop this Urahara guy owned.

He wandered in to Belle's room before flopping on to the bed. It still had her scent at least and he lay there looking at the ceiling with a huff.

The voices from the room drowned out by the sound of the television.

“Ha ha, this Goku guy kicks ass! You think if this world collides with this one I could fight him? He's awesome!” Goku seemed to almost shout.

“Hey can we play that ninja game next?” Ed's voice asked.

J'dee's protested. “Nooooo, anything but Naruto!”

“'Tch loud brats.” Grimmjow huffed.

 

Roy let out a sigh shooting the three on the couch a look making J'dee just grin. He shook his head then motioned at a point on the map.

“This is where Cloud was when we tracked him, what we need before we go charging in there head first is a map of the interior. Hisagi, Kira return to Urahara's shop see if you can find some parts that could give us an x-ray scan of inside these caves… Renji I want you and Yumichika to go to the caves and see how tight their shadow security is outside the cave and how many guards they have. “We want to get inside undetected.” Roy explained.

Abel looked onwards. “And what about the rest of us?”

“I'm getting to that… J'dee's going to need some guards. We want double on her once it's gotten out Belle is gone, J'dee will likely be under attack.” He looked up. “Tres, Leon I want you two to try and find Kougaiji and inform him of the situation.”

“Affirmative.” Tres responded.

“Major, yourself and Hugue… I want you two with Kenpachi to remain guarding the perimeter.” Roy looked at Havoc and Hawke-eye. “You two head out to Toby's tomorrow morning inform them of the situation and that to keep their guard up and to expect attacks if what Cloud said is true and they're taking those closely linked to the souls. Jim and Misato might be targeted. I'm sure Washu could set up some traps to keep Toby's area secured.”

“Sanzo hate to do this to you but could you and Ed guard J'dee, take turns with Abel.” Roy added.

Roy saw the blonde shoot J'dee a glare as she looked back at him over the couch. “Hey if he bums my smokes again I'm making him pay for the next packet!” J'dee called out.

“How about I just end this right now?!” Sanzo growled whipping out the Smith and Wesson.

Hakkai grabbed the gun quickly smiling. “Now, now Sanzo…”

“Hakkai, we're going to need you to finish healing Zack we will need him in the up coming days.” Roy added.

Hakkai smiled. “I'll do what I can.”

“Gojyo, Goku I want you two to stay in J'dee's room on watch tonight.”

“Can I share her bed?” Gojyo smirked.

Goku curled up his nose. “No way I'm not watching her if he does that!” He protested.

 

J'dee frowned from the couch. “Roy this is a bit extreme I'm sure they don't know.”

Roy looked at her as she handed the controller to Ed to fight Goku.

“What makes you say that?” Roy questioned.

“Water is a strong personality, if he's anything like Belle he's also very proud I don't think he'd tell them off the bat that Belle has escaped their grasp until he's sure she's stuck there for a good amount of time. I doubt they even know.” J'dee pointed out.

“It's a safety procedure I assure you.” Roy pointed out.

J'dee let out a breath before heading to the balcony. “I'm going for a smoke. It's to cramp in here.”

 

~*~*~

 

Belle sat in the waiting room while Tseng met with Rude and Reno. She stared out the large window. The city seemed so normal and strange at once. Belle scratched her arm as she looked at a world that was so close to hers but so different. Her nails moved over her skin again and again but Belle didn't notice something about this world was so alien, so different. It just wasn't natural.

A strong hand gripped the scratching hand and Belle looked up to see Vincent staring into her eyes. She paused and blushed as she looked down. Her eyes widened in shock over the scratches over her arm, four slightly blood filled welts decorated her inner arm.

“You need to be careful,” Vincent stated and Belle nodded as she looked at his hand on her wrist.

“This world feels wrong,” Belle blurted out as she looked at him and leaned forward. “I can feel it on my skin like…a layer.” Vincent looked into her eyes and Belle was again awed by the beauty of their scarlet depths.

“Feel what?” he asked and Belle looked down.

“I don't know. It's this sensation like I'm in a room with something that's rotting and I can feel pieces of it on my skin,” Belle whispered as she looked at her arms. “I need to think about something else.”

“Miss Belle, please come in,” Rude said and Belle got up, aware of Vincent's presence as she entered the office.

“Welcome,” the dark haired man behind the desk said and Belle entered. The man looked up at Vincent. “Nice to see you Vincent, I hope you haven't forgotten your Turk training.” He offered his hand and Belle took it, it was a firm handshake and Belle felt comforted by it.

“Thank you,” Belle said. “I have to confess, J'dee is the one who knows of your world, I only know a handful of you and your stories. Sadly I really only know Reno, Zack, Cloud, and Aerith.”

“Sweet I made the list yo,” Reno said and Belle caught Vincent's reflection turning to glare at the crimson haired Turk.

“That's no matter, we'll be glad to house you and help you while you wait for the portal to reopen,” Tseng said and Belle looked at the man. The chakra on his forehead brought a wave of sorrow and fear to her heart. What if she never came back, what if she left Kouryuu again?

“Thank you again, I can only pray that this will be a short stay,” Belle confessed.

“We'll speak more as time passes,” Tseng said and there was something about his presence that did make Belle think about Sanzo, a confidence that she associated with the antisocial monk. Belle wondered if the souls they knew weren't connected in a similar manner. “Now, I'm told you need to see our science department.”

“Yes, I'm pregnant. The exact story is very involved, but I'm trying to help…well, let's just say that if Aerith had a son, that would be my equivalent. One of my souls' sons needed a new body and in a round about way, I am pregnant with him. I obviously don't want to be pregnant for the normal duration due to the danger, so we've been accelerating the growth with a growth serum,” Belle explained.

“So you're going to be a MILF yo?” Reno purred. “Sorry yo sorry, just joking.” Belle suspected that Vincent was doing something threatening.

 

~*~*~

 

Zack lay on the couch while Hakkai stood over him the green glow coming from the healer's hand slowly removing the decomposition that had started re-spreading across his stomach.

“I need to ask about the injury you incurred while in their hold.” Hakkai looked down at the former SOLDIER.

Zack nodded. “I was chained up and Cloud wasn't conscious so the sadist Air was started to carve me up like a turkey, Water healed the wound but since crossing back home that part of me seems to have taken a liking to decomposing first.”

Hakkai looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay I'll try and remove it. It seems to grow if even the littlest part is left unhealed.”

“That looks really gross.” Goku commented.

“Goku aren't you supposed to be playing Ed in a game.” Hakkai smiled politely at the youth.

“I heard someone mentioned Turkey. And it reminded me that we haven't eaten yet.” Goku pointed out.

 

*BAFF*

 

Goku got a boot to the head knocking him to the ground before Gojyo stomped on him. “Oiiiiy monkey quit talking about food, Belle normally cooks and Hakkai is busy so shut it.” Gojyo huffed.

“But I'm really hungry.” Goku whined from underneath Gojyo's boot.

Hakkai chuckled. “I'm sure Miss J'dee can make something temporarily.”

 

J'dee walked in from outside after finishing her cigarette blinking.

“What am I doing?” She asked catching the end of a conversation with her name mentioned.

“Cooking food!” Goku shouted from the ground.

J'dee looked at them flat eyed. “Belle will know I've been in the kitchen.”

“Surely your food will be better than anything Gojyo could ever cook.” Hakkai smiled.

“Oiiiiiy Hakkai.” Gojyo complained.

“Even if it's just a snack for Goku till I'm done here. It should suffice. If you don't mind?” Hakkai offered her a pleasant smile that J'dee couldn't say no to.

J'dee blinked. “Um I have some carrot sticks and Doritos salsa dip.” She offered.

Goku looked at her with flat eyes. “Can't you cook or something?”

“Yeah but not fast enough to feed you.” J'dee retorted.

 

~*~*~

 

Belle was resting on the medical table as a large piece of machinery moved over her body. Tseng had offered her privacy but Belle had found Vincent's present comforting and refused. The four men were in the room with the two medical scientists as Belle was scanned by the machine.

“We've got the infant, a male, probably fourteen weeks,” one scientist said as the other inspected a vial of Belle's blood.

“I have a good idea of the serum components, but the amounts, I won't be positive,” the other said and Belle shook her head.

“It's alright, as long as my pregnancy is accelerated and as long as I don't give birth tomorrow, I'll be fine,” Belle said. Tseng was leaning over one of the scientists.

“Would you like to see the child?” Tseng asked and Belle nodded. The scientist pressed a button. A hologram appeared and Belle's heart pounded as she stared at the small, fetus. He looked like a tiny baby, skinny, but a complete baby with eyes, nose, fingers, toes, and everything.

“He's beautiful,” Belle sobbed as she covered her mouth. Tears rolled down her cheek. “Thank you.”

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee sighed as she set the meal on the table, she had cooked only what she knew how to cook successfully, rice, vegetables and roast chicken, it was enough for Goku's snack that Ed helped himself too a well. She didn't mind so much she stood in the kitchen watching them as she cleaned up the cooking dishes. She had over done it on the desert though, caramel fudge and chocolate banana cake in the shape of a bunny rabbit thanks to a cake tin her mother had sent her last week.

Gojyo lent on her shoulder. “Honey don't you have a better cake tin than that?”

“Oh I didn't want to call Belle to ask to use her cake tins because she'd know I've been cooking.” J'dee confessed.

“Are you really that bad, they don't seem to be dropping dead yet.” Gojyo joked.

J'dee looked at him with flat eyes before taking the desert to the table and setting it down.

“I think we're a little to old for rabbit shaped cake.” Ed remarked.

“It's my mother's tin I felt I needed to use it before-” She stopped as she decided against finishing it.

“Before…” Goku looked up at her.

“Nothing.” She smiled. “Enjoy.” She walked to the balcony seeing Zack standing outside.

 

Gojyo looked at Hakkai who let out a breath. “So you get everything from him?”

“On the surface I did but I think a part of him inside has already decomposed beyond my healing capabilities.” Hakkai looked at the two. “I'm only stalling the inevitable Gojyo. He's going to turn and when that happens we need to make sure Miss J'dee is safely away from him before she gets hurt.” He looked to Roy standing in the doorway looking onward.

“How long does he have Hakkai, enough time to help us get Cloud out of there?” Roy asked walking inside and looking at Ed and Goku shoveling the deserts down.

“Well in twenty four hours it managed to spread over his lower abdomen if I don't heal him it could take two maybe three days. But that depends on them as well. If he comes in to contact with them again I believe I won't be fast enough to help him recover.” Hakkai explained. “It'll hurt Miss J'dee I'm sure, but maybe once they're dead he'll return to normal… I hope.”

“If he's not a walking zombie by then.” Gojyo added.

Hakkai shot him a look.

 

~*~*~

 

“This will be your room, Vincent can wait outside,” Tseng offered and for a moment Belle thought about it, but she didn't want to be alone.

“I feel like a broken record, but thank you Tseng, I don't know what I would do without your kindness,” Belle said as she looked at the room.

“No, it is our duty,” Tseng said. “Shall I have Vincent remain outside?” Belle shook her head.

“I'd rather not be alone, even if he doesn't want to talk to me, Vincent is a comforting presence,” Belle said and Tseng nodded as he exited the room, allowing Vincent to enter.

Tseng closed the door and headed down the hallway to where Rude and Reno were standing.

“So what's up yo?” Reno asked and Tseng looked at the door.

“The child is clean, there were no Mako or Jenova cells infused with the fetus. She may look like Lucrecia, but her child is not Sephiroth,” Tseng said.

“You have a look,” Rude stated. “What else?

“Just a strange fact, she said that the child is a re-grown body for one of her souls' sons, but that child inside of her is genetically her child,” Tseng stated.

“What's up with that yo?” Reno asked, obviously confused.

“I suspect there may be more than just a link between the souls, but a genetic link,” Tseng stated.

“You mean they are not only identical in appearances, but genetically identical?” Rude asked.

“Possibly,” Tseng whispered.

 

~*~*~

 

“That's not the only odd thing been going on recently.” Washu replied, after Gene and Melfina had filled her in on what they and the others had seen. “I've been picking up anomalous readings as of late. Some one is popping in around the property at random intervals. They're trying to watch us without being seen but disappear as soon as I detect them.”

 

“What does it mean Washu?” Jim asked. The scientist scratched her chin, gathering her thoughts, before speaking up.

 

“I think they're getting desperate. It's been almost three months since we got here. For almost the first month, nothing happened. Then Tobias leaves and these readings, the Seventh Heaven gate, and other things begin to happen. Tobias returns in about a week. They might be trying to get things in order.” Washu said, sighing. “But it's just a theory. I have no real evidence of what they want besides the girls and cleaning up the mess they caused with Toby.”

 

“You still don't agree with Toby about how he's an accident in all of this?” Melfina exclaimed. Washu nodded.

 

“I've seen nothing to contradict it.” Washu said. “The mere fact that the first group was unaware of our purpose and has not been contacted at all is the strongest piece of evidence.”

 

“So what do we do then? Is there something we can do?” Gene asked. Washu slowly shook her head.

 

“Not so much right now, no. I'm still trying to gather as much data as I can. I will contact you guys as soon as I have something to work with, okay?” Washu assured them.

 

“Thanks Washu.” Gene said, and everyone got up to leave. Washu pointed a rack of disposable syringes, each filled with a liquid.

 

“Do me a favor and drop those off at Belle's, would you? She hasn't stopped by to pick them up. I think she's finally had it with me.” Washu explained.

 

~*~*~

 

J'dee walked to her bed before falling down on it; she lay on her side listening to her stereo playing out her night time playlist which consisted of some E nomine, Engima and some random RnB, Rock tracks. She saw Goku sitting on her seat playing on her PSP, she could hear Vegeta's voice and knew instantly he was hooked playing her Shin Budokai at least it would keep him up for a little bit.

Gojyo walked up to the light switch. “Sleep well beautiful.”

“I'll try.” She pulled her Cloud plushie close and sat up her bunny rabbit by the headboard and let her eyes close.

Ichigo's image trapped inside a tank flashed through her mind, Cloud stood at the base of the tank looking up at him before looking over his shoulder his eyes narrowing and she knew he was looking at Air.

“Finally caught up to you…” Air seemed to purr.

Cloud's hand moved to his sword. “Stop hurting Aerith's soul.”

 

J'dee opened her eyes for a moment. “Gojyo what are you doing?” She hissed feeling the weight behind her in the bed, then the warmth of arms wrap around her.

“I'm keeping you warm for the night babe.” Gojyo's voice purred.

“Hey if he's doing what I think he is I'm leaving!” Goku shouted.

J'dee let her hand touch her forehead. `Just hang on Cloud… Ichigo… we'll get there… Eventually.' She sighed.

 

~*~*~

 

Belle sat on the bed, it had been strange to change with Vincent in the room but he had turned around and Belle believed he didn't peek. She sat on the bed in an extremely large Turk work shirt looking out the window. As expected Vincent hadn't said much…at all. Belle stared into the night sky but it was cloudy and the off feeling was still there.

A conversation with J'dee popped into Belle's mind. Belle had been gushing over her newest vampire novel while J'dee had been making the plans to move to the US. J'dee had mentioned that one of the FF characters was vampire like, not needing to eat or sleep. Belle's eyes moved to Vincent with a slow dawning realization. Vincent might just be that character.

“You know…I can't really see your face in that outfit,” Belle stated, no quite sure why she chose that opening to a conversation that was probably going to be one sided. Vincent simply looked at her as he had been doing for most of the night. “It's nice…your face I mean.” Vincent blinked and Belle felt foolish.

“Can you sleep?” she asked absently.

“I can, but I rather not,” Vincent said and Belle blinked as she looked at him. She blushed as she realized how stupid that sounded.

“Oh…I guess I thought this would feel less weird if you were sleeping when I was. I guess that's kind of stupid since you're kind of my bodyguard, you wouldn't be very good if you were asleep would you?” Belle rambled and she was shocked when she saw that Vincent was wearing a small smile.

“Exactly…I don't fully trust ShinRA yet,” he said and Belle blushed as she realized she was staring at him.

“You look really nice when you do that,” Belle said as she slowly slid under the covers. “Smile I mean, it makes your face even nicer.” She rolled onto her right side, facing Vincent. “Goodnight Vincent.”

“Goodnight,” he said and Belle closed her eyes.

 

~*~*~

 

Kyo shoved his hands in his pocket as he stood over the grave Tohru knelt down placing some flowers in the vase, Yuki stood to the side with Shigure, Uotani and Hanajima.

It was Kyoko's birthday so Tohru wanted to pay her a visit. She placed the gift on the grave.

“Happy Birthday mom.” She smiled. “I hope you're watching. I know it's not much but I saved up for it myself.”

Kyo stopped for a moment as he felt the wind pick up and he looked down the path he could hear a voice clearly.

“Kyo… I'll never forgive you… never…” He froze at the words.

“Kyo… yoooohooooo.” Shigure waved a hand in front of his face.

Kyo blinked and he noticed they were all looking at him. “What are you all looking at it's nothing!” He snapped.

Tohru smiled. “I was hoping maybe mom could enjoy her birthday with all of us. I'm sure she would be happy to have so many people visit her.” She looked to Shigure. “I'm glad you could make it out this time Shigure. I'm sure mom is happy you made it.”

 

Shigure smiled. “I'm just glad my editor didn't tie me to my desk to stop me.”

Tohru looked at him. “Oh that's right you have a deadline in a couple of days I hope mom and I aren't keeping you.”

Shigure flapped his hand about waving it off. “Trust me I left her a note, she'll get over it.” He grinned to himself thinking about the large bold sign he left on the door for her reading `Gone camping be back in a week.'

He could imagine her panicking voice as she ran rampant through the house trying to find his latest manuscript he was supposed to send off. His hand patting the manuscript in his suit pocket he continued smiling to himself.

 

Kyo stopped got a cold chill run down his spine as he heard her voice ring in his ears again.

“I'll never forgive you…”

Kyo turned round and he saw the blonde stop at the grave and crouch down. The group all looked at him as he crouched there. Kyo saw the confusion on Tohru's face. Cemeteries were never frequented unless you were Tohru's friends Uo and Hana.

“Kyo… is it?” The blonde turned to look at him.

Kyo blinked. “How do you know… my name?” He asked stunned by the man.

“You're the strongest one connected to her… you will do. Sorry I'm late.”

“Late?” Yuki looked onward. “Did you know Miss Honda's mother?”

“OIY WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'LL DO HUH?! Kyo shouted.

Everything about this man screamed trouble his training had taught him that. But just looking at this man, his arrogance pissed him off and that alone pissed him off even more to the point where he wanted to punch it off his face.

The blonde stood up. “We have a common interest in this young man who likes her daughter.” He explained ignoring Kyo's outburst.

“HEY I'M STANDING RIGHT HERE! STOP TALKING ABOUT ME!” Kyo shouted.

“I challenge you Kyo to a battle. I win you come with me… you win I'll pick someone else.” The blonde smiled.

“His electric signals are not normal.” Hana's eyes flashed looking at him. “They're dangerous. I would be careful.”

“Oiy what do you think you're doing? We're trying to give Kyoko a good birthday!” Uo snapped glaring at the blonde.

He grinned. “The strongest… is you Kyo… so I challenge you.”

Kyo glared. “If I win will you leave us alone? I'm not having you ruin this moment for Tohru.”

The blonde smiled. “Of course but if I win… you're mine…”

“'Tch whatever. Just bring it old man.” Kyo grinned rolling his shoulder.

 

~*~*~

 

Belle's sleep was restless, her body moving and her lips forming words. Vincent approached the bed to hear and suddenly her body stopped its shifting. A sigh left her as she rolled back to her side and curled up. She hummed slightly before a small smiled formed and she rested.

Vincent took a few steps back and the smile turned into a frown as the woman began to shift. Vincent raised an eyebrow before he approached her again. She settled again and he thought of what she said when she scratched herself. She could feel what was wrong with the world and it disturbed her. Vincent wondered if his own differentness might not block out the world's effect on her. As the small smile formed on her lips he knew he wouldn't mind standing closer if it would help her sleep better.

 

~*~*~

 

“Right Riza and I are off… We'll call once we've informed Toby's group.” Havoc called heading out the door Hawke-eye following.

J'dee sat at the breakfast table munching on a muesli bar with a plate of her own cut up fruit salad in front of her a fork in the plate, some toast, cereal and a hot drink to the side.

“Hungry are we?” Roy looked at her.

“I eat when I'm nervous or worried.” J'dee mumbled. “I saw Cloud when I closed my eyes last night Air found him.”

“I got a text from him this morning; he fought with Air last night before Earth called him away. He's fine.” Roy assured her.

“I had another dream last night Air went after Kyo.” She looked at them.

Zack rolled over on the couch sitting up. “The kid who likes Tohru?”

J'dee was honored Zack remembered her mentioning Tohru, considering his memory of the simple twenty-three wishes Aerith had for him that she had to write down so he wouldn't forget.

“It makes it three for three… who the hell is the fourth he's going to go after?” J'dee sighed defeated.

She understood Kyo was connected to Kyoko he had tried to save her before she died, and Kyoko's memories of loosing her husband had been the second strongest memories to her, after Aerith which was a standard given now. But Misaki, she knew Misaki had not merged with her. Not one memory of Ichigo struck out at her and she wondered if that was why Air had charged for Ichigo.

Gojyo sat down opposite her. “Beats me, beautiful.”

Hakkai sat down next to J'dee with his cup of tea. “Well who are your four souls so far make it an elimination process.”

“Kyoko, Misaki, Aerith and… Kougy-” J'dee's eyes flickered looking at Gojyo.

Hakkai followed her gaze. “Oh dear… I think we might need to increase security then.”

Gojyo blinked. “What why are you looking at me like that?”

 

~*~*~

 

Belle yawned as she woke up, rubbing her eyes as she sat up and looked to see Vincent was by the door. She wondered if he had moved at all during the night.

“Good morning,” she said as she looked at her reflection in the window. She blushed as she realized that the shirt's top few buttons had popped open and her hair had that ravished look to it. She didn't look over at Vincent as she buttoned up the shirt and tried her best to pull her hair into order.

“Breakfast was delivered,” Vincent said as he pointed to the tray on the table by the door.

“Thank you,” Belle said as she got up. “Do you mind turning around again?” Vincent turned and Belle went to grab her clothes only to find them missing.

“Tseng provided you some clothing while yours was being washed,” Vincent said and Belle blushed as she grabbed the dress. It was a dark blue with a light blue trim. She quickly pulled it on and slipped into the matching heels.

“Thanks, I was freaking out slightly,” Belle stated and she blinked as Vincent handed her a brush. She smiled at him as she headed to the mirror. She brushed her hair, flicking looks to her tall, dark, mysterious bodyguard in the mirror. Vincent caught each one but gave no sign.

 

To be continued….