Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Heart's Desires ❯ Chapter 10

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Automatic Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the following anime series, video games, or any other referenced copy righted material. This is a work is with delusions of grandeur. This will never, ever happen in our lives (damn it) and this basically is a dream we want to share with you.

J’dee’s Note: Yes never let a chapter be led by someone who gets distracted by dub step, yaoi and copious amounts of Fringe and SPN. I apologise and you get a cookie and a chocolate fish if you've read so far. Though at this rate it will be 2015 by the time we're done, ilu Toby ;p~<3

Toby's Note: Yeah right bulls**t we will. We'll be done before then. Probably. Maybe. We better be!

Belle's Note: Children, children, stop the negativity, we knew it was going to be a long haul, timeline aside.


~*~*~*~
Monday
~*~*~*~

J'dee woke up as the sun shone in her eyes and she was well aware of the unease in her stomach. The car was still moving and she glanced at Rufus. He had been driving her all night to God knew where to hide this Materia. She pulled out her cellphone to check the time and raised a brow seeing it off. She tried to turn it on, but the light flashed that it was out of battery.

J'dee let out a breath. "I'm sure I charged my phone yesterday.”

"Yes but if you do recall the incident in your room with the little wards you put up.”

J'dee pinched the bridge of her nose. "And where are we going exactly? It doesn't take all night to drive wherever.”

It was then she noticed the car was different it wasn't her car. Looked like a rental and she glanced at Rufus confused.

"Dude when did we switch cars?”

"When we left the state my dear.”

J'dee turned to look at Rufus. "Wait we left the state? What the hell Rufus?!”

She saw the small smile and then she heard the doors lock.

~*~*~*~

Belle yawned as she headed into the kitchen. She stretched as she began to get the tea, coffee, and other drinks ready. As she began to work, she noticed a piece of paper on the kitchen table. Belle blinked as she began to read.
"Oh, for the love of…I hope they don’t get in trouble,” she sighed.
"Who?” Kaidan asked and Belle cried out in shock before giving him a look.
"Stop doing that!” Belle hissed before handing him the note. "Rufus and J’dee are going to hide a materia. Lord knows where they are going.”
"I wonder what time they left,” Kaidan muttered.
"Probably really, really late last night,” Belle sighed.

~*~*~*~

"Anyone seen J-chan?” Tobias asked, entering the living room with his brief case in hand. It felt weird to be holding it again after all this time. He glanced at Belle, Yuna, and Kaiden watching the news as they ate breakfast.

"I know she and Rufus went some where.” Kaiden said and Tobias raised an eyebrow at him.

"You think they snuck off to be together somewhere?” Tobias asked as Belle frowned and Yuna smiled.

"Possibly. Where are you off to?” Kaiden asked. Tobias grinned.

"An old friend offered for me to do a little layout job for him. It’s under the table and I have to do it pro-bono but I need to get the rust off.”

"Whose the friend?” Yuna asked. Tobias gave a grin, turning to Belle as he answered.

"His name is Dave Steinman.” Tobias said and Belle dropped her cereal bowl on the coffee table.

"I hate that guy! He always stares at my breasts and makes weird comments to me and J'dee. If I had known it was him who sent that offer I'd have told you to turn it down.” Belle complained. Tobias snickered at the tone of her voice.

"You kinda get used to him. I'll be back after lunch.” Tobias said, heading for the door.

"Good luck Toby!” Yuna called after him as Belle began to swear under her breath.

~*~*~*~

"I don't care what Rufus thinks when we get you the hell out of there I'm tying him to a chair myself to tattoo his ass.” J'dee growled.
She saw the smile.

It had to be Hojo. Only she couldn't figure out how he could take her so far away from the house. Unless he had the dog tags on him.

"If you think you can my dear, you're more than welcomed to try.”

"Oh I'll more than try.” J'dee grumbled crossing her arms.

She was locked in a vehicle with Hojo. The man had auto locked all the doors on the car, which was probably why he had switched cars.

Central locking on her car was only just that. Central you could still unlock the door and make a jump for it. But not this car.

She only hoped Belle found her paranoid note she left in the gaming magazine on the kitchen table.

~*~*~*~

"J’dee here, not available. I’m not very good with these things so leave a message,” J’dee’s voice said and Belle growled as she cancelled the call.
"What’s wrong,” Yuna asked and Belle pinched the bridge of her nose.
"No answer, I was going to ask when they were coming back…but her cell is either off or not charged,” Belle sighed.
"Is that a common problem,” Kaidan asked and Belle shrugged.
"It happens more than I like, but…I don’t know, I’ve got a bad feeling,” Belle said.
"Don’t worry, Rufus is a good fighter, she’ll be safe,” Kaidan said and she nodded.
"I know, I just have a bad feeling,” Belle sighed.
"Isn’t that a cliché?” Yuna asked.
"Yeah,” Belle said before looking out the window where J’dee’s car should be.

~*~*~*~

"Toby!”

"Super Dave!”

Tobias grinned as the large man grasped his hand in a hand shake and pulled him into a one armed hug. "Long time no see!”

"Same to you Dave.” Tobias said as the hug broke. He eyed the man. He was big, about four hundred pounds, wore glasses and was balding. He hadn't changed much in the past two years. "How have you been?”

"Meh, same old same old.” Dave said pushing up his glasses. "Trying this diet that seems to be working only not as quickly as I would like. I've only lost fifteen pounds in two months.”

"Better than nothing.” Tobias said and Dave led them into his office. Dave rolled his eyes.

"That's what everyone keeps telling me. I want to lose a hundred pounds by my friend's wedding not to mention I'm meeting up with some old college friends in New York City a few weeks after that.”

"Good luck to you then.” Tobias said honestly as Dave rolled out the floor layouts of the convention center on the desk. Tobias looked them over with a frown. "They're added a few more permanent walls. They're in the middle of the convention space!”

"Ah yup.” Dave said jabbing a finger on the afore mentioned spot. "It's mirrored on the second floor too. They're bathrooms, which is a godsend so we don't have huge lines at the ends like we used to during the previous conventions. The problem is it screwed up the layout you designed two years ago. This little turd we hired to re-do them last year tried to incorporate them but it was a goddamn mess. We had the rave going on Saturday night right next to Anime Sitters and the video halls. I had to lower ticket prices by ten percent just to entice the same numbers as last year. If we don't have a great convention this year, Haven Con will go bust.”

"He shouldn't have tried to re-use my plans.” Tobias said, matter of factly. "These bathrooms are huge, meant for large conventions like yours.”

"Ours.” Dave corrected, grinning and Tobias couldn't help but return it.

"Ours.” Tobias agreed. He studied the prints a bit more. "When do you need the layout by?”

"This Friday.” Dave said and Tobias winced. "I know it’s a rush job but the walls will be moved on their tracks and locked in this weekend. Then the furniture will be put into place the following Monday and Tuesday and the dealers will start setting up in the dealer's room on Wednesday as we set up the signs and other finishing touches. Thursday is of course the start of the convention.”

"Just like old times.” Tobias muttered. "I need the schedule. I need to know how many rooms you need and what you need space wise for each room. I'll try give you some extra rooms for just in case situations but no promises.”

"Done.” Dave said, standing. "I'll let my secretary know what you need. Now I'm taking you out to lunch. By the time we get back, she'll have the papers you need.”

"Sounds good to me.” Tobias agreed.

"As for pay, I'll give you a consultant fee since you can't legally do this till you can get your license back. But I will throw in a large suite in the hotel on top of that.” Dave said as they headed out the door. Tobias blinked.

"Dave listen I doubt I'll even attend much less have that many people for a suite.”

"No argument my friend. You'll go. I just hope you bring those fine pieces of ass you're friends with. You know the ones, the teacher and the foreign babe.”

Tobias groaned. Dave always had an agenda.

~*~*~*~

Ten or more hours of driving and there was no charge on her battery. Instead she took note of the cities they drove through.

It was a random drive and the scenery reminded her that she was totally lost.

J'dee's hand moved to her stomach even with the heaters on in the car her stomach was frozen over and the pain was something she wouldn't be able to handle for much longer.

The cold she knew it was being omitted from Rufus. She knew when she started freezing over Hojo had fully embedded himself into Rufus it was the only explanation.

The last sign she saw was St Louis, before the pain became too much for her to even focus on anything.

When Rufus pulled the car over once the city was gone she didn't know where they were.

The door opened and Rufus got out and she saw him walk up to an old storage warehouse. He pulled out a set of keys.

J'dee opened the car door, she could bolt, she wanted to.

The pain that shot through her stomach had her doubling over and her hand moved under her shirt to place her hand on her stomach.

It felt like ice and she sucked in a breath. She looked up seeing Rufus unlocking the warehouse.

He looked back at her and she looked down. She was tired, in pain and groggy as hell.

When he opened the door she stood up slowly and turned on her heel and ran.

She heard him as he started to chase her. But she didn't look back. Trusting in the training that Rufus and Yuna had given her was enough to keep Hojo at bay, that or she could outrun him.

~*~*~*~

Belle barely tasted dinner, she had been pacing most of the day. Thirty texts and fifteen messages, not talking about how many times she had tried to call. Kaidan placed a hand on her shoulder.
"They might be having car trouble and if her phone is dead she can’t contact us,” Kaidan said and Belle shook her head as she looked back at Toby and Yuna watching television. She hadn’t mentioned her suspicions but Yuna was aware that Belle was anxious.
"J’dee would have found a public phone by now, she knows how I worry,” Belle said as she placed a hand over her stomach. A pit of fear was growing in her abdomen. "I wish I could control Odin.”
"What? Why?” Kaidan asked.
"I would send him out to drag her ass back to me,” Belle sighed as she looked out into the approaching darkness of night. "Something is wrong, she wouldn’t be gone a whole day without contacting us.”
"She’ll be fine,” Kaidan said.

~*~*~*~

J'dee made it back to the outskirts of the city. Her hand moving to her stomach, no matter where she had gone he had found her and she didn't understand.

But it had been a decent couple of hours since Hojo last caught up to her and she looked up at the sign reading 'Welcome to St. Louis' She knew that was maybe a couple of states over from Toby at the most. But she didn't know what direction.

The sound of the car come up behind her made her look over her shoulder and she saw it pull over.

Hojo stepped out of the driver's side.

"Have you finished playing run away my dear?”

J'dee shook her head. "Not really.”

"Run all you want, I can find you, you omit a very curious glow. One I'd like to test a theory on.”

J'dee blinked looking at him. "Oh.”

He held out his hand. "Now come here my dear. Where else can you go, don't make me find another host and rid Rufus from this world for good.”

J'dee shot Hojo a glare as she walked up to him. His hand snagged round her wrist pulling her up to him and she felt something jab her in the back of the neck.

"Just something to help you sleep on the way back to my lab.”

~*~*~*~

Tuesday

~*~*~*~

Morning

~*~*~*~

Her entire night had been sleepless. She had only slept because of the drugs, but when they wore off. She had been awake the entire time, just pretending to be asleep.

J'dee hated that no matter where she had hidden Hojo had found her. When he said she had been glowing enough for him to find her she understood.

It was something she didn't know how to turn off. When her true abilities had awoken she had been told that she had this aura of a white light around her. Something that was only seen on an ethereal plain. Given Hojo was still dead, she had thought he wouldn't have been able see it when he was possessing Rufus. Obviously that had been a wrong assumption.

J'dee rested her forehead against the back of her hand. She was sitting on the ground next to the wall. Her hands cuffed to the pipe under the sink. She could hear the muffled cries and she buried her eyes into her hand. Victims Hojo had picked up and were experimenting on.

She could feel the guilt as it ate at her, unable to move from the spot to help. If her voice wasn't sore enough from screaming at him last night she would of screamed more at him to stop it.

J'dee glanced to the latest victim and she saw the arm drop limp over the side of the table.

"The humans of this world... weak.” Hojo grumbled before moving up to the tank that was slowly being filled with liquid.

Hojo looked over at her and smiled. "Oh so you're awake my dear.” He motioned at the tank.

Seeing him so happy was kinda creepy especially since he was still wearing Rufus as he did so.

"Look at it. The equivalent of this world's Mako. Drained from the materia you and Rufus had.”

"Joy.” J'dee drawled with every bit of sarcasm she could manage.

~*~*~*~

Kaidan blinked as he looked at Belle as he entered the kitchen.
"Did you sleep at all last night?” he asked and she shook her head.
"I tried to, but I lay there worrying about her and Rufus. This isn’t like her and I’m getting ill over it,” she sighed.
"What do you think we should do?” he asked and Belle looked at him.
"There are a few things we could have you do with your omnitool,” she sighed.
"You should rest,” Kaidan said and she shook her head.
"Not until I know what is going on,” she said.

~*~*~*~

"They're still not back?” Tobias asked. Belle shook her head and Tobias frowned.

"She didn't call at all?” Tobias asked and Belle glared at him.

"She's not you, she doesn't disappear for days without a word.” Belle snapped and Tobias rolled.

"One time. I did that one time and you still haven't forgiven me for that.” Tobias complained.

"You disappeared before?” Yuna asked, incredulous. Tobias sighed.

"I went on vacation for a weekend to a casino in West Virginia.” Tobias explained. "Belle here got mad because I never told anyone.”

"Until I called you during said weekend and you snapped at me.” Belle argued.

"I was at the blackjack table!”

"Oh that makes it so much better.”

"Um excuse me?” Kaiden said, butting in. "I know this might be an issue but don't you think we should focus on our missing friends?”

~*~*~*~

"You mentioned you have a way of finding J’dee,” Kaidan said and Belle nodded as they gathered around one of the laptops.
"See if you can access her cell phone,” Belle stated. "Any messages should ping on cell towers if her phone is on. See if you can find anything.”
"You do realize that this won’t work if her phone is off, right?” Toby said and Belle nodded.
"I know, but…we have to try,” Belle sighed.
"No problem,” Kaidan said as he began to play with the omnitool. None of the group spoke as he worked. He looked at them and shook his head. "The last tower she pinged off of is the one closest to us.”
"This is going to be tricky, but I want you to try and find her car. Check police records and see if you cannot find her car?” Belle suggested.

~*~*~*~

The radio was turned on and loud to kill out the screams of what seemed like the third victim since she got hand cuffed to the sink last night.

J'dee raised a brow as she heard the news of the Salt Lake City vigilante.

"Seems like this guy is moving across states. But no one seems to know where he's going.”

"Can't say I know where I'm going half the time either. But it seems that he was gone from Salt Lake City before Friday night ended. Then boom Saturday suddenly he's in Denver Colorado.”

"Sunday Topeka Kansas seemed to be having fun.”

"So we're taking bets tonight will be either Jefferson City or St. Louis.”

J'dee glanced to the radio as the announcers seemed to have a chuckle.

Vincent was on the move, she had to hope it was Vincent and that he was looking for something.

'He's moving state to state. I wonder if he's looking for what we are?' She thought to herself.

'I'll need to ask how he's moving so fast and if he can teach me.'

J'dee blinked seeing Hojo move towards her. He held up a needle.

"Now my dear just like before. I'm going to be going out I need you to stay put. Just a little sedative to make sure you stay.”

J'dee tugged at the cuffs before shuffling back. The grip came to her arm and she cringed.

Her leg shot out and she kicked Hojo in the stomach.

The grip tightened. "Don't make me jump out of this body and find someone to kill him with.” He shook her arm shooting her a glare.

J'dee's hand tightened in a fist.

"Good. Now hold still.” Hojo stated.

~*~*~*~

Belle looked at J’dee’s room. She had been in there since the police search yielded nothing.
"Please be okay you idiot,” Belle sighed as she looked at the Foo dogs. They were broken and Belle made a face.
"What?” Yuna asked as Belle moved to look at one of the dogs.
"J’dee told me that it was a bad thing if the Foo dogs are broken. They fought a spiritual battle,” she said as she looked at the dogs. "Damn it, J’dee, where are you!” Belle stared at the walls looking for answers.

~*~*~*~

J'dee felt the touch to her neck, someone was checking her pulse. She groaned, her head looking to where the touch was coming from. She was half expecting to see Hojo checking her pulse to make sure she hadn't died of hypothermia or something.

What she hadn't been expecting to see was bright red eyes looking at her from under black hair.

She let out a cry jumping back. Then stopped seeing the red cape, the gold claw.

"Rufus thought it was you.” J'dee commented.

Vincent's claw hand moved and he gripped at the chain between the cuffs and closed his hand round them. The chain broke in half. J'dee felt her arms drop to her side.

"I saw Rufus leave here.” Vincent stated.

"Not Rufus. Not at the moment.” J'dee swallowed. "Hojo. Possessing Rufus.”

Vincent stood up. He looked round the lab. "We need to get you somewhere safe.”

J'dee shook her head. "No. We need to get Hojo out of Rufus.”

Vincent turned to look at her. "How?”

"Exorcism.” J'dee replied she stood up and walked to the desk grabbing a pen and writing on a piece of paper. "This address. Go here. Get my friend Belle and whoever is there at the time. The more people the more positive energy can be used to counteract Hojo's negative, I can give him the boot from Rufus then Belle can do whatever she did last time, but to Rufus himself to keep Hojo out.”

"But you will evict Hojo.” Vincent looked at her confused.

J'dee smiled at Vincent. "I evicted Hojo from me. I can do it for Rufus.”

She didn't like how it was done last time, but at least it had been Rufus in control of his own actions.

"Very well. But for some reason I believe Hojo has an interest in you.” Vincent stated.

J'dee blinked. "He's pissed off at me, not interested.” She lied.

Vincent motion to the table behind himself. "Then why does that look like he's setting up to make another Sephiroth.” He added walking to the door.

J'dee watched as he stopped by the door looking over his shoulder at her. "I'll need your name so your friend does not think I'm crazy.”

"J'dee.” She slipped her phone into his hand. "It's dead, but Belle knows my phone and knows I don't let it out of my sight, use that to let her know I sent you.”

~*~*~*~

"Belle, you are going to make yourself sick,” Kaidan said as he entered the family room where Belle was sitting on the couch, her elbows on her knees, and her head in her hands.
"She needs my help, Kaidan, I know she is in trouble and I cannot sleep until I know where she is,” Belle groaned, looking up, dark circles under her eyes.
"Staying up all night isn’t helping her,” Toby said and Belle kicked the table, sending magazines falling off.
"I know that, dammit!” she cried before looking down.
"Belle…” Toby sighed.
"Shut up!” she snapped as she reached down and picked up a piece of paper. "Did you put this in this magazine?” she asked as she opened the paper.
"No…” he said and she made a face as she read the piece of paper. "What is that?”
"It’s from J’dee,” she whispered as her face looked pained.
"What’s it say?” Yuna asked and Belle gave them a worried look.
"Hojo is affecting Rufus’ behaviour. J’dee didn’t leave with Rufus to hide materia, Rufus is possessed by Hojo and he kidnapped J’dee,” she whispered.
"You don’t know that,” Toby said and Belle gave him a look.
"J’dee is sure that Hojo was affecting Rufus, Rufus and Hojo are part of the same world and in that world possession is more possible, Sephiroth and Kadaj?” Belle sighed. "We are in trouble. Hojo will not make it easy to find them.”
"Who is this Hojo?” Kaidan asked.
"Look it up…I’m going to sleep,” Belle stated.
"What?” Toby cried.
"We know the how and the who now, Toby,” she whispered. "All we are missing is the where…I don’t give a shit as to why.” She staggered to her room.

~*~*~*~

J'dee walked up to the metal slab and she looked at the restraints round the man's wrists. She placed her hands to his neck and she could feel the ice cold of he skin under her fingers.

J'dee began to undo the restraints slowly.

Her eyes avoiding the face of the man, she didn't want his face etched in the back of her mind.

There had to be another way to evict Hojo she could use energy to evict Hojo but Rufus. She wasn't to sure how it worked in reverse, she would just have to go gypsy alchemist on him and have him hate on her later.

~*~*~*~

Wednesday

~*~*~*~

J'dee woke to the sound of a car pulling up and she sat up slowly, it wasn't even sunrise. She knew Vincent hadn't been gone that long it hadn't been twenty hours yet, but he would be near Belle at least.

She sat up seeing the door open and she looked at Hojo carrying in a person over his shoulder.

Unconscious. Like the other two before him.

"I see you broke free.” He set the body down on the slab where J'dee had removed the previous body from.

J'dee looked to the broken chain of the cuffs. "You're holding Rufus hostage like I would leave him to that fate.”

She stood up slowly. She hated even the idea of pretending to sleep with Hojo to steal enough energy to evict him. The cold would make it that much more difficult. Like it was his security system. But how could she get close enough to mark him with the anti-possession symbol?

Hojo smiled. "Very good my dear, then you can help me strap this one down. He'll fight when he wakes up.”

J'dee let out a breath and moved up to the table.

~*~*~*~

Belle sighed as she entered the kitchen. She began to make a cup of hot cocoa, trying to ignore J’dee’s note on the counter. As she turned to look out the window she saw a dark silhouette standing on the other side of the door.
"Kaidan, could you help me here?” she called and he approached.
"What did you need?” he asked and noticed that Belle was pointing at the door. He paused and nodded, pulling out one of his weapons. They approached the door slowly, Belle grabbed the door handled and Kaidan nodded as she pulled the door back.
"Show me your hands!” Kaidan ordered and Belle peeked out.
"Wait! Stop!” Belle cried and Kaidan pulled back. "V-Vincent?”
"I was sent to you by J’dee,” Vincent said before holding out a familiar cell phone.
"Oh God,” Belle whispered before crying down the hallway. "Toby! Yuna! We have a visitor.”
"Who is it?” Toby asked.
"Vincent,” she replied.
"Vincent who?”
"Get your ass in here, it’s Vincent Valentine,” Belle cried.

~*~*~*~

Vincent nodded at Tobias, making the engineer frown. He felt an onslaught of emotions and he narrowed his eyes at the red-cloaked man.

"I see you have issues with me being here.” Vincent observed.

"Only that you're incomplete still, petulant child.” Tobias spat and then blinked. He hadn't meant to say that.

"Toby!” Belle said aghast. She turned to Yuna to expect her to jump on Tobias too. She was surprised when she saw Yuna's expression mirrored Tobias's own.

"It's alright.” Vincent said, re-assuring her. "I can sense the summons within him and the other woman. They're not pleased I'm here.”

"At least like this.” Yuna muttered. "Something about rejecting the gift?”

"It's complicated but the crux of the matter is I was surprised that when I took up the summons' offer to be as them that I was forced to become as such with Chaos. I did not leave on good terms with my new brethren.”

Tobias gave a grunt, turning to stride away from Vincent. "Yuna and I will wait here for you return with J'dee, Diablos”

"Are you sure?” Belle asked, watching Tobias walked away.

"It'll be worse if we go with you.” Yuna explained as Tobias headed for his study to get to work. "Valefor has always been very easy to work with and even he's cawing to be allowed out.”

~*~*~*~

J'dee sat on the ground leaning against the wall, her hands were over her ears as the man on the table screamed in pain. She wanted to help, but if the man lived he could pick Rufus out of a line up. No more attention was needed their way. It was hard enough trying to keep them hidden as it was.

When the noise stopped, J'dee found herself looking up seeing the once pristine white clothes splattered in red, she found herself staring at the foreign image.
She knew she had to evict Hojo from Rufus, but she was struggling with even the concept of making a move on him to get close enough to use his own sedative on him.
'How the hell did Lucretia do it?' She thought to herself as she stood up.
Walking up to the slab of metal she looked at the form lying there.
"Is he-?” She began.
"No, he's alive. He just passed out from the shock I gave his body. The human form is quite resilient.” Hojo looked at her. "I'm curious as if you are resilient as Ilfana was.”
J'dee let out a breath. "Really? I'm not some alien you can cut up... Weirdo.”
Hojo just smiled. "Who said anything about cutting you up my dear.”

J'dee raised a brow as he held up a small vial and shook it before looking at her, the smile turning into a very familiar Hojo grin. It crept her out just that little bit.
"So Mako from this planet, big whoop I'm sure that much wouldn't do jack.”
Hojo chuckled. "Oh my dear did Rufus not tell you.”
J'dee paused for a moment looking at the vial. "He had that on him when he was taken from his world didn't he?”
Hojo nodded.
"That's your other loop hole isn't it?” J'dee asked. "It was how you were able to get so far away from the dog tags. Where ever they may be.”
"Yes, care to guess what it is?”
J'dee shrugged. "Essence of the lifestream? Dark Nation's blood. Materia juice.”
Hojo was still smiling. "The last of Jenova's cells.”

J'dee froze suddenly looking at Hojo then to the body on the table. "You're not?”
"Of course not I'm not wasting these cells, there is only enough for one test subject I've copied the cells and I'm testing them as we speak.”
J'dee glanced to the body on the table wearily.

~*~*~*~

"So, what was up with Yuna and Tobias?” Kaidan asked as he sat in the passenger seat.
"Their summons don’t care for Vincent,” Belle sighed. "Do you happen to count as a summons?”
"I suspect I might,” Vincent stated and Belle shook her head.
"If only we had something faster than a car, it is going to take a day to get to J’dee,” she growled.
"Don’t worry, I can take over driving for you if you need,” Kaidan said.
"Thanks,” Belle said.  
"How are you going to save her?” Vincent asked and Belle sighed.
"I’m trying to figure it out. I don’t know how to fight a possession, but…prayer worked to keep Hojo weak…maybe faith can do the work over force,” Belle sighed.
"That plan…needs work,” Kaidan said and Belle forced a weak laugh.
"Oh, I know, I know,” she sighed. "Do you have a better one?” Kaidan blinked for a moment before shaking his head. "Let’s hope we don’t die.”

~*~*~*~

She had to do it and she knew she had to. But Hojo wouldn't fall for the same trick twice.
J'dee glanced up looking at Hojo reading whatever was on the computer screen.
Mad scientists were always hard to distract.
He looked to the body on the table as it flat lined and he pushed his chair back.
The poor man was dead. It was another body to add to the list.
Hojo turned round to look at her. "Come here child.”
J'dee felt her eye twitch in annoyance as she walked up to him.
"You've been sleeping with Rufus for how long now. About a month?”
J'dee nodded her head.
"I need a body of this world and my own.”
J'dee felt a brow quirk up. "Excuse me?”
"Are you due?” Hojo asked.
"What?” She cleared her throat.
"Have you had any nausea? Head aches? Abdominal cramps?” He continued asking checking her eyes then pressing a hand to her stomach.
The chill of his hand caused her to gasp and double over. It was like a hand shaped ice block had just touched her.
J'dee gave him a look. "Are you trying to ask me if I'm knocked up?”
Hojo smiled and he removed his hand. "Help me remove this body.”

J'dee unrestrained the body and lifted him up off the table Hojo taking the top while she carried the legs. "What are you planning?” She asked as the body was set down next to the last.
Hojo smiled. "You'd work, it could be perfect.”
"You do realise that takes oh I don't know 9 odd months?” J'dee shook her head.
"Eight if my theory is right.” Hojo stated and motioned for her to get on the table.
J'dee rolled her eyes. "We've been like careful okay.”
"Not when I was possessing you.” Hojo smiled.
"Dude one time without it. Trust me I've gone entire ten plus month relationships without protection and nothing's happened. There's just something wrong with me.” J'dee rolled her eyes as she climbed up on the cold slab.

~*~*~*~

Belle searched online on her phone as Kaidan drove.
"Anything?” he asked.
"I’ve found a few Catholic prayers, I think I have a plan,” she said.
"What is it?” Kaidan asked and Belle smirked.
"J’dee has always said my spiritual power is tied to my faith. If I place these prayers on the building it should weaken Hojo enough for J’dee to take the final push,” she explained.
"You cannot eject Hojo?” Vincent asked and Belle shrugged.
"I have never tried anything like that and my faith also relies on priests ejecting spirits, not believers. However, I can weaken evil spirits and I have faith in J’dee. That should…no…that will be enough,” Belle said. "Once Hojo is out of Rufus…I am pretty sure I can protect him.”
"How do you plan to put the prayers on the building?” Kaidan said.
"Chalk, but we are going to have to stop and pick some up as well as stop by a church to dunk it in holy water,” Belle said.
"Wet chalk isn’t great,” Kaidan said and Belle nodded.
"Which is why you are going to stop at that store over there,” Belle said. "It should give the chalk plenty of time to dry.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was looking at the results on the paper as Hojo held it up for her.
She just shook her head. The results were confirming what caused her spine to go cold.
"I thought they needed six weeks to know this shit?” J'dee asked.
"It happens. Of course when Lucretia and myself we going to create Sephiroth. I had to inoculate her with several different drugs before hand.” Hojo stated as he set the piece of paper down. He smiled at her. "Of course I can't start any tests on your child until it's in the well developed stage in the womb.”
J'dee was staring at Hojo as he turned round. He was still wearing Rufus and she felt her body freeze at the thought that Rufus knew now too.
This would make the hunt for the summons harder on her, to keep her job, everything would be twice as complicated. A foreign country away from family.
Her hand went to her face.
She felt the prick of the needle to her stomach and she looked down then she glanced at Hojo.
"You're first Mako shot my dear. I'm going to begin the Mako enhancements tonight.”

J'dee slapped at his hand. "Get the fuck away from me!” She jumped back over the metal slab putting it between her and Hojo.
She glanced to the clock there was only a couple of hours left before hopefully Belle showed up.
"I'm not your pin cushion bitch!” She motioned at Hojo before grabbing one of the orbs of materia and activating it.
"Don't touch that!”
The sleep spell was cast and she watched as Rufus seemed to drop to the ground instantly.
Her hand moved to her face and she shook her head. She looked round the lab before she grabbed one of the sharpies from the desk.
"You can yell at me later Rufus. But I gotta evict him.”

~*~*~*~

The building was boring enough no one would suspect what was going on inside. Belle shook her head as Vincent and Kaidan watched her back while she wrote the prayers on the walls. Three prayers on each wall, each prayer whispered again and again as it was written. Belle believed in God and had even met a goddess, there was more to the world than previously thought. This would work. She stood up and looked at the two men.
"Vincent, get to J’dee and make sure that she is okay first, Kaidan be a distraction,” Belle stated. "Keep your shields up, put as much protection into your biotics as you can.”
"I was planning on it,” he said as he pulled out his pistol.
"Let’s go,” Belle whispered, her heart in her throat.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was sitting inside the salt circle. Rufus was still asleep and she watched as objects were flung across the lab at her and towards the salt circle trying to break it.

The door was kicked open and she heard the gunfire before she looked over at Vincent.
Then she felt the cold disperse.
"J'dee!” She heard Belle's voice and she stood up.
She was encased in a hug and she could only cling to her.
"You idiot. You stupid idiot.” Belle sighed.
J'dee motioned at Rufus. "We need to make sure Hojo doesn't get back in Rufus. Can you-?”
Belle nodded her head.
"I need to find something.” J'dee walked up to the table.
Kaidan was heading to Belle's side to help.

J'dee felt Vincent behind her.
"What are you looking for?” The vampire asked.
"Jenova cells, that was the loop hole, the dog tags allowed him in the house, but he was using the Jenova cells Rufus brought with him to travel.” J'dee let out a breath.
Vincent scanned the table. "I can not see any here.”
J'dee looked at the table. "How did you get here Vincent? I didn't wish for this.”
Vincent sighed. "A situation arose where I had to re-merge with Chaos. He appears to have become a summon for this world.”
J'dee stopped. "A summon?” She turned round and looked at Vincent. "You became a summon?”
"I am not a summon. But Chaos is.” Vincent stated.

~*~*~*~

Belle looked over Rufus.
"Here’s the marker,” Kaidan said as he handed her a sharpie.
"You’re writing on him in sharpie too?” J’dee asked and Belle nodded. She chose his side and wrote the Saint Michael’s prayer. She then reached around her neck and removed her cross. "Belle, that’s your…”
"I know, that’s what gives it so much power,” Belle said with a smile. "Besides, I’ll be getting it back once you mojo Hojo away.”
"Funny,” J’dee stated as Belle placed the cross on Rufus.
"Get out of there, Hojo, in the name of the Father, that Son, and the Holy Ghost, begone,” Belle stated and there was a cold sensation through her body as the spirit left and she looked at J’dee.
"Damn girl, you’re getting good with protection spells,” J’dee stated.
"It wasn’t a spell, it was a call for help and it was answered,” Belle said with a smile and J’dee shook her head before Belle and Kaidan began to pick up Rufus. Belle pulled out her phone and called home.
"We’ve got them, Hojo’s gone…for now,” she said.
"That’s good,” Yuna said. "Toby’s doing that job thing, I’ll tell him when he gets home.”
"Thanks,” Belle said.
"Hurry back,” Yuna said and Belle nodded.
"As fast as we legally can,” she replied.

~*~*~*~

The drive back was silent and J'dee could only feel slightly awkward. Yuna obviously had stayed behind for Toby and to give them room for the drive back. But considering Kaidan was a big guy and Vincent the same, it was almost squish worthy.

When the guys were silent in the back-seat J'dee looked behind checking on them. Her hand going to her mouth before she turned back to look at the road ahead.
"Are you okay?” Belle asked.
"I'm just a little bit scared.” She whispered.
Belle gave her a look. "Some thing’s up?”
"Can I tell you when we get home?” J'dee asked.
Belle nodded. "Sure.”

~*~*~*~

"We need to move this around,” Belle said as she looked at the backseat.
"How?” Kaidan asked.
"You two are dying with Rufus back there, J’dee, you and I go with Rufus, we’re smaller, Vincent gets shotgun and Kaidan can drive for a few hours,” Belle said.
"That works,” Kaidan said. "When do you want to switch?”
"At the next rest stop. We can grab some food and then play musical chairs. I am beat,” Belle sighed.
"With that banishment…I don’t doubt it,” J’dee said.
"I’ve also not been sleeping because I was so worried about you,” she sighed.

~*~*~*~

Thursday

~*~*~*~

J’dee and Kaidan were in the back with Rufus, all asleep as Belle drove with Vincent. It was predawn, the light pink on the horizon just served to remind Belle how exhausted she felt.
"You should wake one of the others,” Vincent stated.
"What are you?” she asked.
"Chaos returned to me, he was brought here as a summons, but because we are one…it is not quite the same,” he said and Belle nodded.
"I think I understand,” she answered. "So you are bound to Chaos and he will bind to one of us.”
"Not completely,” Vincent said.
"So it would be more like Odin,” Belle stated and Vincent stared at her.
"Yes. How do you know about Odin?” he asked.
"He’s my summon,” Belle replied and Vincent blinked. "I’m not going to tell you how, just realize there is more to me than faith and loyalty.”
"I see,” he said.

~*~*~*~

It was round about brunch time by the time the car pulled up outside.
J'dee stepped out from behind the wheel it had been a switch-a-roo drive on the way back so each of them could get some form of sleep.
Rufus still looked exhausted. "I'm going to get some sleep.”
"In your own bed this time.” Kaidan teased earning a glare from Rufus.
Kaidan looked at Belle and J'dee. "Yeah it's him I know that glare anywhere.”

Yuna came running outside and let out a breath at seeing them all.
"How was Toby while we were gone?” Belle asked.
"Busy with a job, but he was just as worried.” Yuna replied.
J'dee smiled. "So he did take the job then?”
Yuna nodded looking at her. "Are you okay? You look-”
"Tired. I haven't slept very well. When I did sleep over the past few days it was because of the sedatives Hojo jammed in me.” J'dee sighed.
Belle looked at J'dee. "Hot chocolate?”
"Yes please and painkillers lots of painkillers-” She stopped looking at Belle.
Belle gave her a look. "C'mon then keep me company.”
"Yuna can you grab the bag of materia and put it inside somewhere safe?” Belle asked.
Yuna nodded heading to the car.

Once they were in the kitchen, Kaidan was heading down stairs to make sure Rufus was okay.
"So?” Belle began as she set the two mugs down.
J'dee looked at Belle. "Hojo did tests on me.”
Belle frowned. "What kind?” She turned the jug on to let it boil.
J'dee looked to the door. "Pregnancy.”
Belle set the packet of hot chocolate down. "and-?”
"His tests seem to point that way.” J'dee replied. "And possibly next week I'll be getting my mother's estate money in. So I'm thinking of buying my own place.”
In her head it seemed like the right thing to do, especially if Hojo's tests proved to be true.

~*~*~*~

"Don’t be stupid,” Belle replied coolly and J’dee glared.
"I’m serious, I should have my own place,” she stated.
"Knock it off, J’dee, I mean it,” Belle growled, she was tired and having trouble holding back.
"There is barely any space here!” J’dee snapped and Belle sat down her hot chocolate and rubbed her temples with her fingers.
"Panicking is not a solution, J’dee. You went through hell,” Belle began.
"You don’t know what I saw…” J’dee began and Belle shot her a look and J’dee blinked.
"I was in that room. I saw blood, more blood than one human body can hold. I don’t know what happened, but I know you went through Hell. You are trying to pull in on yourself, like you do when you are scared or hurt. I know you, J’dee, I may not know what you went through and I don’t know if I even want to know, but I know you. You are scared and you are jumping at escape plans. This one isn’t even a good escape plan,” Belle sighed. "Think this through, J’dee, you were kidnapped, you were tortured…” Belle’s voice broke under the thought of J’dee being held by Hojo. "…you have been through a traumatising experience. You don’t have to run away from me or Toby. You need to calm down and stop. Think about it. Moving out right now,” Belle looked at the basement door to Kaidan and Rufus’ rooms. "It’s not the best move.”
"I don’t want to be a burden,” J’dee stated in a determined voice and Belle sighed.

~*~*~*~

J'dee hadn't really thought it through, she mentally agreed with Belle that she was panicking and rushing. Her mental state wasn't in the right frame of mind.
Then again seeing a couple of fully grown men die on a slab of metal in front of your eyes tended to shake a normal person up.
She hated to think what Rufus was going through at that stage.
J'dee sipped at her hot chocolate and Belle gave her a look.
"We came here to help Toby out. You should at least talk to him.” Belle stated.
J'dee let out a defeated breath. "How about we just call a meeting and be down right honest.”
Belle placed a hand over hers. "Just don't go all I'm going to stab you in the face mode okay?”

~*~*~*~

Belle brought food downstairs, Rufus was asleep, but she placed a sandwich, macaroni salad, and an unopened soda on his nightstand. She headed over to Kaidan’s room. He blinked as he looked up at her from his bed as she entered and placed down a matching lunch.
"You look dead on your feet,” he said and Belle nodded.
"I took too long getting to her,” she sighed as tears began to well in her eyes. Kaidan got up and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, hey, don’t blame yourself, you said it yourself, we never had the where, just the who and the how,” he said and Belle covered her mouth as she tried not to sob. "Uh…let it out.” He closed the door as Belle began to weep, burying her face into her hands. Kaidan guided her to the bed, sitting next to her. His arm was over her shoulder as she wept. Kaidan stayed by her side as she let out her guilt at not being able to save her friend faster.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was back in her room and she looked to the back of the door where the foo dogs were as if they had never been wiped clean.
She walked up to the painting and touched them on the head. "I'll fix your brothers tomorrow I promise.”
J'dee sat down on the bed she wasn't eating much tonight. Just a banana and a couple of mandarins.
She heard the knock on the door. "It's unlocked.”
J'dee saw Vincent step in. "Hojo will want to finish what he started with you.”
She blinked as Vincent shut the door. "You're his replacement Lucretia.” He continued.
J'dee nodded her head. "Okay.”
"If you need a summon, I will allow you to use Chaos. But only if necessary.” Vincent stated.
"Thank-you. If Hojo keeps coming at me, I will have to take you up on that.”

~*~*~*~

Belle finished her shower. Crying had worn her out, the drive had worn her out. She dried off thinking about how little energy she had left and they still needed to talk about J’dee’s insane idea of moving out.
"You done in there?” Toby called.
"Wise man say, men who harass women in shower after horrific ordeal live short lives,” Belle shot back.
"I’m sensing that you want to be alone,” he replied.
"You might live longer if you do,” she growled and took joy in the sound of his feet walking away. She rubbed her face before towelling dry and dressing in her bathrobe. She took her towels and headed to her room. She blushed at the thought that Kaidan had seen her cry like a child, she couldn’t believe she was so pathetic. She got dressed and lay on her bed, wondering if she could sneak in a nap.
A knock on the door shot that thought down and Belle opened it to see Kaidan.
"Thank you,” she said and he shook his head.
"Survivor’s guilt in a way,” he said. "You didn’t do anything wrong and I don’t think less of you.”
"Thanks,” Belle sighed and he nodded his head.
"Time for the meeting,” he said.
"Oh boy,” Belle moaned.

~*~*~*~

J'dee watched as everyone sat down in the lounge. Vincent lingered by the doorway, his arms crossed. Toby glanced at him.
"So apparently Vincent put his hand up and is letting me use Chaos as a summon if the shit hits the fan so to speak. But he would rather not bring him out unless it's important.” J'dee began.
"Lucky us. I'd rather be on his good side.” Toby commented.
J'dee looked at Rufus. He still looked as tired as he did before even with a decent nap in.
"So I got a call from my mother's lawyer in NZ. In a week or so my mother's estate will be sorted.” J'dee began. "I'm more than likely going to buy a house with it and move in there.”
Rufus raised a brow at her. "Why would you do something so stupid?”
J'dee sighed. "For starters we're now a room short.” She nodded at Vincent.
"I don't sleep.” Vincent stated.
"I'll move to your room, and we can buy a coffin or whatever for Vincent to throw in the basement.” Rufus gave her a look at the same time missing the look Vincent shot him.
J'dee ran a hand through her hair and she saw Belle's nod.
"Hojo thinks I'm up the duff okay.” J'dee remarked.
Kaidan gave Belle a look. "Up the what?”
"Duff.” J'dee repeated.
"Like we know what that means.” Rufus rolled his eyes.
Belle sighed. "In kiwi language that means pregnant.”
Rufus looked at her. "Hojo told you?”
J'dee nodded. "Yeah did these tests and what have you.”
"He could be lying.” Rufus pointed out.
"And if he's not we have to face that there is not enough room here.” J'dee pointed out.

~*~*~*~

"I want to point out that this is a bad idea,” Belle stated and J’dee gave her a look. "I told J’dee my opinion on this, now I’ll voice it for the group. I think this is the wrong thing to do at this time.”

~*~*~*~

Tobias looked at Belle and J’dee as they shared a look, they had clearly spoken about this already.

"Is this what you really want J'dee?” he asked. J'dee nodded firmly. Tobias sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"So do you need to fly back there to get anything?”

"Toby!” Belle exclaimed.

"No I already brought most of my personal stuff. The rest of it, like some of my mother's things will be shipped in a couple of weeks.”

"Okay J'dee then if that's what you want.” Tobias said and shook his head. "I think it's a mistake I really do but it’s your choice.”

~*~*~*~

"He’s pissed,” Belle sighed as she sat next to Kaidan on the couch.
"I don’t know you guys well, but yeah, he looks angry,” Kaidan replied.
"Why would she leave, we need her,” Yuna sighed and Belle shook her head.
"She gets like this when she feels trapped. Being pregnant is definitely a confining position for her,” Belle said. "Hopefully she’ll realize that this is not the right path. We do need her and the fact that she has a summons worries me.”
"What do you mean?” Kaidan asked.
"It shouldn’t hurt the baby,” Yuna said as she tried to comfort Belle.
"Her summons won’t, but if she runs into another summons on her own…I don’t know,” Belle sighed and the group went quiet.

~*~*~*~

Friday

~*~*~*~

Belle woke up to the smell of breakfast and walked into the kitchen.
"It's nice to wake up naturally after a good night's sleep," she muttered as Yuna smiled at her.
"Well, you earned it. I wouldn't worry so much about J'dee, she'll probably come to her senses," Yuna said.
"I noticed we didn't make promises," Belle chuckled as she rubbed her eyes.
"I don't know her as good as you," Yuna said.
"With J'dee it isn't that she doesn't know what she's doing, it's that when she gets freaked out, she knee-jerks...usually kicking the people trying to help her," Belle sighed.
"Like a horse," Yuna chuckled.
"Pretty much," Belle said.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was woken up by Tiger standing on her chest and meowing at her. She cracked an eye open and looked up at her cat.
"Ngh. Really cat? Reaaaaaally?” She groaned rolling over as Tiger squeaked in protest before burying herself under the covers. "AHHHH COLD FURR!”
J'dee jumped out of the bed before shooting the bunched up pile of blankets a glare.

J'dee let out a breath before she walked into the kitchen wrapping her dressing gown around herself.
Rufus was sitting at the table with an espresso.
"Morning.” Yuna smiled at her.
J'dee looked at Rufus. She'd had a very vivid dream where she had tried to talk to Rufus but he had cut her off and ignored her.
She sat down at the table as Belle placed some toast and eggs down in front of her.
"Over easy with a runny yoke, just for you.” Belle stated and gave her shoulder a pat.
"Thanks.” J'dee smiled.
Rufus just took a sip of his coffee and J'dee hated how silent he was.
"When you're done. A word please.” He finally spoke before he set his cup down and walked to the front door.

J'dee looked at Belle wearily.
"He's been pretty anti this morning but I check he's not possessed, just conflicted more or less.” Belle explained. "After all you told him last night Hojo said he's going to be a father.”
"Not a good thing to say when they'll bugger off eventually.” J'dee admitted. "Could be a false alarm or Hojo trying to scare me, but you said you were here for me and just telling all of you guys in one sitting is a big thing for me.”
"I know, but admitting you're thinking of leaving when this money comes in. I'm insulted, and I bet Toby is too.” Belle pointed out.
J'dee nodded. "I'm thinking on it, not doing right now.”

~*~*~*~

"The problem is, you came out and said you are thinking of leaving us. Think about it this way, I am the second most ignorant person in this group next to Kaidan. If we said we wanted out because we don’t get the whole summons thing, how would you feel?”
"It would be your choice,” J’dee replied and Belle shook her head.
"It would hurt you. This whole thing started because Toby was in a dark place, we came to help him and ended up setting this all in motion. We are all working together in this. You just said you wanted out, I saw that room, I saw the leftovers of what you had to endure, but Toby didn’t. I get your desire to run both as a woman and as a witness to Hojo’s insanity. Toby doesn’t get either of those, you need to respect that.”

~*~*~*~

J'dee sat down on the steps of the house next to Rufus and he looked at her.
"You wanted to talk?”
Rufus nodded. "Hojo will be back if he believes his test results whether you believe them or not.”
J'dee looked to her hands examining her nails.

Rufus observed she seemed as distant as he felt.
"We were really careful I just don't see how it was possible. If anything Belle drummed into me was safety. I've had like a ka-zillion pregnancy scares in the past. Perhaps this is just Hojo giving me another one.” J'dee offered the excuse.
"So the first time we were together... That was the only time we didn't.” Rufus remarked.
J'dee nodded her head. "And only time, but the likelihood of that being a result given my body's rejection to most male DNA. Impossible.”
"When was your last-?” Rufus began but stopped seeing her expression.
J'dee let out a breath. "My insides are damaged from an accident I was in when I was nineteen. That's what gave me that watered down Cetra ability as you so kindly put it.” She explained. "After that accident my insides don't function properly. When it's cold my insides feel it and I can't move, I'm completely frozen as you saw on that mountain top. Any shift in weather has me close to bed ridden in pain. My chick visits vary between a month to two between visits. Some times every two weeks. I'm not well, I haven't been for a long time. It's a ka-zillion to one chance.”

Rufus nodded his head. "Then I think we need to go for a drive.”
J'dee motioned to the empty car port. "Hojo stole my car, I can't report it properly cause I was in the car and in case any cameras on the road caught you driving and they visit, exposure we don't need.”
"But you reported it?” Rufus asked.
J'dee rolled her eyes. "Yes. I said I was with a friend and we got car jacked but I was asleep at the time and don't remember anything.”
"We need to be sure.” Rufus stood up.
J'dee looked at him and sighed. "Yeah okay, but I think I'd rather take Belle with me if that's okay?”
Rufus nodded. "Understood.”

~*~*~*~

"I could have driven,” J’dee said and Belle shook her head.
"I don’t like other people driving my car,” Belle stated.
"You didn’t complain yesterday,” she muttered.
"That’s because you were traumatized,” Belle replied.
"You didn’t complain to Kaidan,” J’dee huffed and Belle blushed. "Oh, I see how it is.”
"Shut up,” Belle muttered as she pulled into a parking spot outside of the drugstore.

~*~*~*~

Yuna browsed the shelves as J'dee stood in front of the pregnancy tests and let out a breath.
"I don't know these brands.” J'dee stated.
J'dee was a bundle of nerves, the last time this had happened. She had been relieved when it said no but had went another month with out a cycle.
Belled reached past her grabbing a couple. "This one is pretty good, and this one just in case.”
"Just in case what?” J'dee looked at her.
Belle smiled and tapped her one the head with one. "Just in case one is a bad batch. That or you might need it later if it's a false alarm.”
J'dee gave her a flat eyed look. "Really?”
"Well with Rufus offering up his room to Vincent, I think Mr. President will be-”
J'dee covered Belle's mouth with her hand. "Okay I get it.”

~*~*~*~

"So you going to keep teasing me about Kaidan?” Belle asked as they drove home.
"Are you going to keep teasing me about Rufus?” J’dee shot back.
"I haven’t slept with Kaidan,” Belle pointed out.
"That’s because you’re a cherry-chan,” J’dee replied.
"What’s a cherry-chan,” Yuna asked.
"We’re not going to go into that,” Belle replied with a nervous laugh.
"What are you two up to?” Yuna asked and J’dee and Belle laughed.
"Don’t worry about it Yuna, unless you want us to tease you about Toby,” Belle chuckled.
"What did you two do alone all that time,” J’dee grinned and Yuna blinked.
"What are…we did nothing!” she cried and the two other women laughed.  

~*~*~*~

J'dee was sitting on the floor of the bathroom, she held the test in her hands looking at the little plus symbol on the end.
She heard the knock at the door. "Can I come in?” She heard Yuna ask.
"Sure.”
The door opened and she looked to Yuna who held up the phone.
"It's your job, they want to talk to you.”
J'dee got up and set the test on the counter.
"Hello?”
"Hey Jay, um you know how you're supposed to come back to work next week?” Her manager asked.
"Yes.” She glanced at the phone.
"Change of plans. I sent you an e-mail. Area manager wants you to help gather the stock together for the con. You're going to be working it.” Her manager commented.

J'dee nodded. "Spose I can do that. Is the stock coming from head office or the stores.”
"Yeah coming from DC. You and Sam have cars, can I get you to pick it up on Tuesday bring it into the store then Thurs we'll ship it to the con.”
"Okay just text me what time I'm to be at the airport.” J'dee replied.
"Will do and sorry that you kinda get another week off we just really need someone to help organise for the con. But you'll still get paid at least.”
"Yay for me.” J'dee ended the call and she handed the phone back to Yuna who was looking at the test but not touching it.
Yuna took the phone. "Another week without work?”
J'dee nodded. "Pretty much, gotta sort out a stall for this event centre thing, they want me to work it. Guess I need something to take my mind off this.” She picked up the test and dropping it in the waste basket.

~*~*~*~

Kaidan and Belle were playing a zombie game as Rufus and Yuna cooked dinner while Toby and J’dee were on the phone with their various jobs.
"How are you feeling?” Kaidan asked and Belle shrugged.
"Pregnancies are fragile things, I think it is dangerous to be too nervous right now,” she answered.
"How would you be handling it?” Kaidan asked.
"Worse, but I would be crying and pleading, not so much running away,” Belle stated.
"What about the room?” he asked and Belle shook her head.
"I don’t know…I honestly don’t know,” she sighed and they continued playing in silence.

~*~*~*~

Saturday

~*~*~*~

Belle woke up to the smell of bacon, she entered the kitchen to see Kaidan cooking.
"Now this is a perfect morning,” she sighed as she took a seat and Kaidan blinked.
"You’re up early,” he said.
"Need to practice or the last few weeks of school will kill me,” she chuckled.
"Want some waffles?” he asked and Belle nodded.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was sitting at the kitchen table looking over the plans in her e-mail and she groaned.
"This is argh.” She lent back in her seat.
"So you're working the entire con?” Belle asked leaning over her shoulder. "Free entry and accommodation at least.”
"Early morning starts over a weekend and sharing a room with my area manager. She's nice and I'm really lucky she's so nice, but gotta be on my best behaviour.”
Belle laughed. "Now I see, so no picking up any Zack look-a-likes you got that?”
J'dee's eyes went flat. "Hey that last one followed me.” She motioned at Belle.
"Then can I suggest you cover those tatts, before Sora follows you home next.” Belle teased.

~*~*~*~

"So you ready to head back to work?" Kaidan asked as Belle packed up her school supplies.
"Yes, I didn't want to leave but now...I guess it was a good thing I got this week off," she sighed.
"You seem quite at peace with that room," Kaidan asked.
"I'm not, I just know that J'dee doesn't need to see me lose it. Hell, I only saw the after affect, she saw the murders," Belle muttered as she rubbed her temples. "Thank God we stopped him."
"We couldn't have gotten there any sooner," Kaidan said and Belle shook her head.
"I don't blame us for those murders. That was the act of Hojo, that son of a bitch has a cold place in hell waiting for him. I just hope the police can find the bodies," Belle said.
"They may not," Kaidan muttered.
"I know, I just don't like the idea that empty coffins are in the ground when the bodies aren't," Belle sighed as she finished packing.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was outside having a cigarette when her cellphone rang and she flipped it open to answer.
She was watching the group training in front o her. She had opted out of training this time round. She wasn't going to risk anything just yet until she had been to the doctor for an official test.
"J'dee speaking.”
She heard the voice on the other end. "Miss Dagas. This is officer Ryans. We've located your car. We're pulling it back to the lot after we've examined it for finger prints and DNA. You should be able to pick it up Monday night or Tuesday morning.”
"Sweet thanks.” J'dee ended the call.
She stopped when Rufus sat down next to her and raised a brow at the cigarette.
"Really now?”
J'dee blinked. "What?”
She saw the look at the cigarette. Her eyes went flat.
"If you make me stop now I'll stab you in the face got that?”

~*~*~*~

Sunday

~*~*~*~

Belle yawned as she deleted her show.
"You could just watch shows when they come on," Toby stated.
"I pay for the DVR for a reason. So I don't have to be chained to the television. Also, it gives me something to do on Sunday mornings," Belle said.
"Catch up on all the prime time shows you missed?" Toby asked and Belle made a face at him.
"You don't pay for the DVR, don't bitch about my use of it," she said.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was dragging the single bed out of her room, when she stopped as Kaidan gave her a look.
"Did you need a hand? I've got to use my biotics for something.” He offered.
J'dee stepped back and held her hands up.
She watched as Kaidan lifted the base up with ease and carried it out the door.
"What are you doing J-chan?” Toby stepped up beside her.
"You try sleeping in a single bed with another person and blanket burrowing cat.” J'dee grumbled.
"So you bought one.” Toby chuckled.
"Online on Thursday. With Vincent crashing here now too might as well donate the thing.”
Toby nodded. "Fair call. So the other one is arriving today?”
"Yeah after lunch.” J'dee replied.

~*~*~*~

Belle looked as the new bed was delivered.
"You should have asked me, I know a really good discount mattress company," Belle stated.
"With used mattresses I bet," J'dee muttered.
"Oh ye of little faith, it is a foreclosure shop, it buys large items from larger stores that are going out of business. You might not find what you really want in your size, but you will find a nice discount," Belle chuckled. "I bet you could have found this set for a lot less."
"Oh shut up," J'dee chuckled.

~*~*~*~

J'dee was in her room on the new queen sized bed just listening to her stereo. It was hooked up to her laptop as she was playing her dub step playlist.
She looked up as Rufus opened her door. He was carrying the last of his clothes and he placed them in the wardrobe. Before looking at her.
"You know we'll need to talk about you moving and this child sooner or later.” Rufus commented.
J'dee glanced at him. "I know. I'm not ready just now. Give me a couple of weeks okay.”
Rufus sat down on the bed next to her. His hand moved to her knee and he rested it there not saying anything.

~*~*~*~

"Hey.” Tobias said, sitting next to J'dee. She glanced at him and turned back to watching the window.

"Hey yourself. You've been making yourself scarse this week.” J'dee said.

"Well, its been kinda rough with Diablos here.” Tobias said.

"I heard, though he's still Vincent.” J'dee said and Tobias frowned.

"That's not how the summons see it. I don't want to get into it anyways, their point of view is kind of confusing.”

"I bet.”

The two friends sat there for a bit just enjoying their company before Tobias spoke up again.

"So a baby huh?”

"Yeah, it still feels kind of surreal.”

"I can't imagine what you're going through sis.” Tobias said. He put an arm around her shoulder and J'dee smiled.

"Is this the part where you say you'll always be here for me?”

"Do you want me too?”

"I think I got the message.”

~*~*~*~

J'dee was sitting in the lounge with the food Belle had made for dinner.
She was looking at Vincent standing by the window looking outside.
"If we find these dog tags, you believe destroying them will kill Hojo's spirit.” Vincent stated.
J'dee nodded. "And the Jenova cells, we have to find them and destroy them.” She gave Rufus a look. "And why you had them on you in the first place is something we will be talking about later.”
"We were on the hunt for the other remains of Jenova. The cells reacted when we were near Cloud and the point of where Zack died, his blood in the ground still held the cells in them.”
J'dee raised a brow. "Dude Zack's been dead for like ages. Those must be some resilient cells.”
"We were eradicating Jenova from our world for good.” Rufus stated. "If you need to destroy them so be it.”

Rufus looked to his arm where the sharpie mark of anti possession was fading. "I hate to ask.”
"Tomorrow since I'm not working this week I'll get you a tattoo. Somewhere hidden that Hojo won't find to break.” She nodded. "Then when you're home you can get it removed easily enough.”
Rufus let out a breath. "And you?”
"I'm carrying his newest fascination or wannabe Sephiroth. He can't touch me, children have this protective shell around them from spooks till they're at least eleven to fourteen. I'll be okay.”

~*~*~*~

Belle drank her hot chocolate and watched as Vincent walked off.
"He's cute," J'dee stated and Belle snorted.
"Pretty things aren't as good as they look," Belle replied. "Besides, you're erped, you don't get to man shop until Rufus is gone."
"What? That's not true!" J'dee stated.
"You're not sleeping alone, so you don't get to make comments on the other males in the house," Belle chuckled.
"That's not fair," J'dee pouted and Belle smiled.
"Get over yourself," she chuckled.  

~*~*~*~

J'dee stretched as she lay on the queen sized bed, looking up at the ceiling.
Rufus was lying next to her. "Will you be okay when I go?”
J'dee rolled over to look at him, Tiger taking the shift in the bed as an opportunity to curl up against her back.
"You scared you're going to do what your old man did to Lazard?” She asked.
Rufus let out a breath. "I told myself I would avoid relationships because of that. You knew about my legitimate brothers.”
"Whatever happens Rufus, you can't stop what you're doing, you're doing things for good over there now, and I can't stop here now. I won't stop. I'll keep going if you promise you will.”
"Very well then. I won't stop either.”


To Be Continued...