Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII is © Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references.
Through Forest and Grove
Jason M. Lee
Chapter 1: That Which I Sing...
Reno Savai shot up, breathing hard and eyes wide. Wiping his forehead, he wasn't surprised by the sweat that dotted the skin. Looking briefly at the sun peeking through the curtains, the red-haired Turk placed a hand over his pounding heart.
'That sensation again... Almost every night. The hell it means!'
Lately, sleep had been something the poor Turk was craving (even more so than alcohol or smoking) as nameless dreams with the oddest feelings besieged him. Never truly intense when it first started after his twenty-third birthday, but as the days flew by, they began to get stronger.
One main thing that puzzled Reno was that Strife often popped up in those dreams. The spike-headed blonde would be looking as confused as the red-haired mercenary did. At the same time, the knowledge that there happened to be a connection between the AVALANCHE member and himself was terrifying. At least it wasn't as maddening whenever he walked past the containment tank that once held Jenova's body. If he was a cat, his hair would have stood on end every time he entered or passed by the Science Department level.
Let's not mention the issue where alcohol was starting to lose its effect on the Turk; none of the strongest drinks could make him drunk as much anymore. Even a full swig from the toughest bottle of tequila or vodka could barely make Reno less than sober.
Another thing would be the fact that the nicotine craving was starting to drop. Dropping enough that actually got him headed toward Neo-ShinRa's sick bay, much to the utter shock of Reeve and his two partners. When the doctor came back with the results on Reno's full body check up, the woman was baffled at the clean, albeit slow clearing, bill of health.
'To hell with it. Lessee what's on schedule today? Oh, yeah, Reeve ordered us three months vacation.'
Reno snorted, slipping into a button shirt, flipped on the coffee maker in the kitchenette, and tossed a piece of bread into the toaster-oven.
Several years plus with the Turks and now they finally get a real break, barely one year after the whole mess. Okay, Elena was with the group for only several months through the whole Meteor/Sephiroth ordeal but screw minor details (do not bring up a certain Don). She practically dragged Rude all the way to Costa del Sol when the ex-Urban Development head gave them the news. From the last PHS call, the bald Turk sounded quite happy, if not still sounding flat as ever.
A soft mewling caught his attention and looking down, Reno saw one of the cats that lived at Yuffie's house.
'Ah, yes. The little ninja pest. ... WHY IN THE PLANET'S NAME DID I CHOSE WUTAI!?'
Upon landing in the home country of Tseng's birth (and ignoring the ever colorful repertoire from Highwind's mouth, his airship being the faster option than a regular ship), the Kisaragi heir had all but jumped on him. After hearing that he was on vacation, Yuffie promptly got him a room at the inn, one of the better singles to boot. While the relationship between the Turks and AVLANCHE was a bit strained, underneath the grumbles were grudging respect and slight understanding.
When Reno asked the young adult why she was doing this, she had smiled a bit sadly.
"Maybe it's 'cuz I kinda feel sorry for you guys," the ninja had replied. "Also, part of it is thanks for saving my butt from that sleaze ball Don Corneo. Give my regards to Elena when you go back."
That left the Turk speechless and Yuffie left him at the threshold to the suite, the scent of jasmine drifting in the air.
Sipping his ever concrete-strong coffee, Reno mindlessly scratched the feline that had perched itself on the counter. Ignoring the content purring, he vaguely wondered what the ninja brat was doing now.
Reno blinked, then drained his cup in one gulp, never minding the scalding heat.
"O-kay, I really need some fresh air."
Shrugging into a loose vest, the Turk placed the cat onto the ground and headed out of the inn (feline now heading home). Looking around, he couldn't help but look pleased with the way Wutai was returning to its former glory, albeit slowly.
The few conversations with Valentine and talks with Tseng bought into mind how the ex-Turk/Turk recalled their home country before ShinRa destroyed it during the Wutai/ShinRa War. Most of the time them meeting at a cafe or coffee shop. The more prominent landmarks came from Valentine's quiet descriptions, whereas the more subtle references had Tseng nostalgically recalling them (over a cup of strong green tea). More often than not, the younger man would notice both older Turks slipping into the trance of a person remembering happier times.
'Hey, there's that scratch on the chin Tseng mentioned... Man, I really miss him sometimes...'
"Oi, TURKEY!"
Derailed from his train of thought, Reno noticed a smirking Yuffie completely surrounded by kids from the local orphanage. Kids that looked at him with eyes of curiosity, mischief, and innocence. One even shyly waved at him before scampering behind her playmates.
"Yo, brat. What's with the squirts?"
"Field trip. I'm showing them the Pagoda and then we're heading for lunch."
A little boy tugged lightly on Yuffie's jean, demanding her attention. The ninja bent down to pick him up, which he promptly hid his face in her neck out of childish shyness.
"Hn."
A pregnant pause. Several of the kids fidgeted, feeling the tension.
"So, lost yet, Turkey?"
"Nope. Just out for some fresh air. I've been here a couple times so you don't have to worry about finding my lost as--butt."
Giggles ran through most of the children. Which changed the smirk to a smile on Yuffie's face and got a slight grin on Reno's. One girl walked up to the taller man and gave a tooth-gapped smile.
"Wanna come with us?"
He looked at the Wutaian heir, whom blinked rapidly, then knelt down to the girl's level. "If a certain ninja doesn't mind," the redhead replied softly, surprising both himself and the older girl.
Promptly, almost all the orphans turned the cuteness factor onto Yuffie.
"Can he come?"
"I think he's cool!"
"Please, Yuffie-nee?"
"Pretty please?"
"I think he's cute," shyly came from one of the younger girls.
Twitching of the lips at the last line, the Kisaragi ninja looked at the Turk. He shrugged nonchalantly, as if saying "Not like I got anything else to do with this vacation."
Yuffie sighed. "If a certain redhead doesn't mind giving rides, then he can come."
Cheers erupted were ignored by the two young adults, lilac eyes gazing inquisitively into Mako-filled cerulean orbs.
x x x x x x x
By the end of the field trip, Reno and Yuffie were very tired but pleased that there weren't too many mishaps.
Other than most of the orphans begging the 5'9" man to carry them piggyback or on his shoulders, he actually felt satisfied. Yes, killing and destroying lives of his targets was commonplace in the Turks' line of work.
However, there was something being around the squirts that made him rethink many things he did. Lost in thought, Reno didn't notice the waving hand in front of his face.
"Oi, Turkey! Ya still there?"
Blinking back into reality, he noticed that while the orphans were back at the orphanage, both him and Yuffie happened to be standing in front of the Temple of Leviathan. Not wanting to loose his image, Reno slipped back into his cocky mode.
"Yeah, I'm cool. The hell we're doing in front of here?"
She tugged his sleeve toward the gates. "Wanted ya to meet someone. C'mon!"
While a red, white, and green scheme is common with most of the Wutaian architecture, Leviathan's temple was of various shades of blue. Ocean-deep navy on the foundation, sapphire and white decorating the walls, and sky blue for the roof tiles. Traditional crimson decorated the enormous posts reaching skywards, as well the massive gate in front of the sanctuary. They both had to take off their shoes before entering the main building itself, Reno grumbling about foreign customs and all. Yuffie had sniped back saying it was to keep the place clean.
He raised a red eyebrow and grinned. "And why would you want to do that? For all you could know, I might kill whoever is taking care of this place, steal all the treasures, and blow it up sky high."
Mauve eyes rolled.
"Pft! As if, you baka! Sure, you might make a small fortune selling the relics on the black market but you wouldn't get anything good out of it. Not to mention Reeve might have your ass on a platter when he finds out."
"'Baka'?" Reno repeated, testing the word on his tongue.
In the past, Tseng had tried teaching his fiery protégé the lingo but eventually gave up. The younger Turk kept butchering the lessons during a stake out or when there weren't any assignments. Not that the older man suspected it being done on purpose.
"It means 'stupid' or 'idiot' in Wutaiese."
"Heh. What about 'nee'?"
A black eyebrow raised. The heck with the questions on language? As if she was giving a class.
"Short version of 'nee-san', being 'big sis'."
Before Reno could ask another question, a quiet voice interrupted them.
"Ah, Yuffie-sama, welcome."
"Hi Reiko!"
Glowing aquamarine eyes took in the newcomer.
Coal hair with some silver strands was tied back near the neck, two white tails of the stiff ribbon sticking up. A pristine, white kimono and a red hakama completed the outfit of a miko Tseng once described. Light coffee eyes held a serene look that seemed to hold a spark of recognition upon the red-haired Turk.
"Who may your friend be, Yuffie-sama?"
Said young adult snorted, albeit good naturally. "More of a guest, really. Name's Reno... er..."
"Savai," he supplied.
"Yeah! Reno Savai and he's here in Wutai on vacation, courtesy of my friend Reeve." Yuffie grinned, at the same time pondering the man's surname. "Also known as his boss."
"Reeve-san of Neo-ShinRa? Sou ka. Welcome to the Temple of Leviathan, Savai-san. As Yuffie-sama noted, my name is Reiko Kageno, miko to Leviathan-sama." A mid-waist bow, as polite as the priestess could with a basketful of herbs.
Reno quickly bowed back, Valentine's words of respect toward those who served the gods drifting into his mind. Tseng had once said if you didn't return a bow to a cleric, then you get a good chance of having a long string of bad luck hanging over your head. Not that the redhead believed it, considering their line of work, but it was more out of a memory toward his old leader.
"Call me Reno. Not one for all the formal stuff."
Reiko's lips twitched into what could have been a smile but she merely nodded.
"Very well. If you two will excuse me, I need to have these herbs sorted. Do enjoy yourselves here."
Again, a bow and then she disappeared into the shadows.
Looking around the temple, Reno didn't notice it until Yuffie started humming.
"What's that?"
Pale purple orbs blinked owlishly. "What's wha?"
"That song..."
Turning slowly, he stopped until he was right in front of the statue representing the great Water Summon. There, it was where the music was the strongest. The tune seemed to resonate in his ears, on the verge of a headache but not unpleasant. More of a pressure at the back of the mind.
Cocking her head, she then slapped a fist onto her palm.
"Oh, that's the Hymn of the Fayth."
"Care to explain more, brat?"
Yuffie stuck out her tongue. True, she had matured a little but the ninja still retained her childish tendencies.
"The Hymn of the Fayth, it's a song often sung in here and in temples or shrines a long time ago. Or used to, if memory serves me right. I don't think any of us know where it comes from but most have figured that Leviathan's statue is the origin of the Hymn. The old folks tells stories that the melody is Leviathan singing to bring comfort to the dead. Supposedly, in another universe or world like ours but different, the Summons are the fayth. Said fayth are people who gave up their lives to protect their world from some great danger. I doubt any of us know what the words mean anymore, even the old ones or archaeologists," she explained, gesturing toward the Water Serpent.
Bright turquoise scrutinized the statue closely. For some reason, Reno felt that the representation seemed to look... amused?
"Mind singing that song?"
That took Yuffie for a spin in her mind. Reno, a Turk, asking her to sing? What in Holy's name is the Planet coming to?
"Eh?"
A look. "Do I have to repeat myself, princess?"
"Che, fine fine. You better have a good explanation though, Turkey."
Shaking her head in confusion, she moved to the center of the sizeable room, forcing the taller man to shift his position. Yuffie took in a deep breath, and began singing as if she was part of a church choir (not that there were many). Her voice evenly matched the pacing and humbling tone of the hymn coming from Leviathan's statue.
/"Ieyui...
Nobomeno..."/
What little glowing balls he thought were just a trick of the lighting, they slowly became brighter and soon multiplied gradually. Each were a bit larger than the size of a standard Materia. Yet, they illuminated like a blended prism, leaving behind a wavering trail. A finger just barely grazed a rainbow ball, yet it went through like touching water. The few candles situated along the walls immediately burned blue, nearly startling him.
/"Renmiri...
Yojuyogo..."/
From one of the doors, Reiko herself came out and joined in with Yuffie. Surprisingly, the priestess' mezzo complimented and blended well with the younger woman's slight soprano. Both voices soon began heading toward the climax of the song. In response, the lights took to a dizzying spiral toward the ornamental ceiling, swirling around all of them.
/"Hasatekanae...
Kutamae..."/
As the climax slowly came to an end, the majority of the glowing orbs had flew upwards, whereas a few remained. Closing his eyes, Reno felt as if they were ghosts with lingering reasons for not leaving to the Lifestream. The song struck a chord within him, almost trying to make him remember something by itself.
Hearing a sharp breath, he turned to see Yuffie scrubbing her eyes. Reiko looked concerned but stayed, as if knowing what the pain was.
"Something wrong, kid?"
'I will NOT cry in front of that baka redhead! Even if he's acting nice.' She vehemently shook her head. "Not really. It's just that I haven't sung that in YEARS. Not since Staniv told me about Mom..."
Reno merely nodded, needing no more words. He could barely remember his own mother, who had covered him when they accidentally got caught in the crossfire of two opposing gangs. Gang battles weren't uncommon, especially getting stuck in-between with no way out.
In the slums of Sector 4, it was rare to see that level of affection toward another person.
The image of his dying mother, still smiling, was forever imprinted in his seven-year old mind. Some time after that incident, he had been found by Tseng and got taken in. The older man had said he Reno carried great potential to be a Turk. That was after annoying many ShinRa execs and those who worked for the company before living at the ShinRa Tower. Only when the Wutaian had went through a chase that took him more time than he thought until he finally caught a struggling Reno. The youngster then never questioned the actions, hiding behind a mask.
Later, Tseng admitted that there was something in his red-haired protégé that reminded the then not-yet Turk Leader of himself.
Wiping her eyes with her sleeve, Yuffie turned to the Turk.
"Anyway, why didja wanted me to sing? It's usually reserved for wishing the dead a peaceful trip."
"I am curious myself, Reno-san."
A hesitant look from the redhead.
"There's something about it. I don't know but it's there. Like someone tugging inside me. I can't explain it now but... maybe later."
Glancing at her watch, Yuffie gave a gusty sigh. She wanted to know more but held back.
"C'mon, Turk-boy. Let's go. Godo's probably worried sick about me again and you'll have to check back into the Inn."
After saying their farewells and stepping outside, Reno didn't realize how late it was. The sun was already halfway down the mountains and people were heading home.
The trip back to the Kisaragi estate was done in silence, albeit a slightly comfortable one. Both adults were too lost in their thoughts to start any conversation. The time in Leviathan's temple brought back memories they felt best left alone, yet the pain lingered.
As night drew closer, Yuffie became entranced by the soft burn emanating from her taller companion's Mako-filled eyes. Compared with Cloud's pair, the ex-SOLDIER/mercenary carried a much darker blue shade, like that of deep river. Reno's was like the shallow waters along the beaches of Costa del Sol during the summer. One thing she found interesting happened to be whereas a regular person was infused with Mako, their eyes only glowed a bit; Elena's light brown ones were best examples. For the more eccentric ex-ShinRa employees, theirs had a more supernatural glint to it.
'It's funky, really. I mean, all three guys have had their fair share with Mako infusions (May you both rot in Hell and Leviathan curse you, Hojo!) but Vinnie's eyes has a bit of a wild look. I suppose that happens when you have three demons renting space in your head for over 30 years.
'With Cloud and Turk-boy... Their eyes look like they could toss you around and not care a thing. It's similar with Vinnie but different at the same time. Back then, one wouldn't notice a shit. Now, after Meteor and all, the glow's a lot more noticeable. Almost as if something wanted OUT...'
Yuffie cut her musings short upon reaching where the Kisaragis lived. Staniv was standing out on the engawa and when he saw his charge, one could easily see the relief going through his frame.
Seeing Reno, on the other hand, made the retainer stiffen up. When the redhead smirked and shook his head, Staniv blinked and relaxed only a fraction.
"I do hope nothing happened, Yuffie," the retainer started. "Godo's been worried sick--"
"--to his head about where I went and is about to cause mayhem on the place. I know, Staniv. No, nothing happened. We just came back from visiting Reiko at Leviathan's temple," the younger Wutaian replied, slipping off her shoes and picking them up.
A wry chuckle, then a slight bow toward the carmine-haired man. "Very well. My... gratitude for bringing Yuffie back safely."
The smirk turned into a grin. Apparently, the Turk could sense the reluctant respect coming from Staniv. A nod of the head returned the gesture.
"Whatever. Just make sure she keeps her hands where they are."
With a two-finger salute, Reno quickly ran off.
Blinking, Yuffie immediately checked her pockets and finding what was missing...
"YA BAKA TURK! YOU BETTER GIVE ME BACK MY MATERIA, AHOU! BAKA YAROU!"
Lingering laughter rang through the night air.
A/N: First chapter done for my first game fic. This piece came through after several days' (and nights) worth of random browsing in the FF7 section out of sheer boredom. I normally hang around the Rurouni Kenshin and other anime sections, but lack of interest somehow steered me into trying out my hand on this.
Due to ever so wonderful QuickEdit (insert sarcasm), slight glitches will be found. Not my fault.