Final Fantasy VII: Key to Tomorrow

Mythril Mines, early morning

Sunlight filtered through his slightly closed eyelids as he came back from the darkness he had previously found himself within. Bringing up one of his hands, he winced as a sharp pain shot from his shoulder all the way down his arm. The sounds of the outside world were next to assault his senses, from birds chirping to the soft caress of wind against his cheek. Jack then slowly sat up after opening his eyes, trying to remember what had happened. When his eyes caught sight of the tall, lithe man standing not to far away from him Jack frowned as he remembered. A stranger had dropped down upon him, rendering him helpless. By the way the other man stood as still as a statue Jack knew something else had happened.

Sephiroth stood staring up at the sky, his handsomes features set into an expression of rage. Jack also saw that his hands were clenched at his sides as well as a bloodstain present on his shirt. The wind tousled Sephiroth's long silver hair behind him, fanning it out in thick and thin strands. Getting to his feet Jack winced when a dull ache began to throb in the back of his head. He slowly crept toward Sephiroth, who hadn't moved since he first came to.

"Sephiroth? What happened?" Jack asked, then looked around at the scenery. Sunlight streamed in between tree branches, covering a small portion of the land in a golden glow. He furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Where is Aerith?" Like a beast enraged Sephiroth turned on the Cetra man and grabbed him by the vest. Jack's pale green eyes widened in fear and confusion at this. He could see rage, pain and anger in Sephiroth's ice blue eyes. Sephiroth let out a low growl through clenched teeth, then tossed Jack aside as if he had deemed him useless. Jack hit the ground with a thud, groaning slightly. He looked up at Sephiroth with a frown on his face.

"Sephiroth! What happened to her?" he demanded. Sephiroth's chest heaved while he fought the turbulent emotions within him. He could tell that Jack was worried too by her sudden disappearance as well as the man who had ambushed him. His pride screamed at him to keep the incident to himself, but he answered Jack in a sharp tone.

"She was taken by a man. He boarded a plane and headed in a southern direction." Jack paled slightly. So it HAD been Remus Centaurian who ambushed him. Getting to his feet again Jack took hold of Sephiroth's bare arm.

"We'll get her back. But we must journey to Cosmo Canyon-" Jack again was hoisted into the air by an angry Sephiroth.

"I have no time to waste! Aerith is that man's prisoner!"

"Dammit I know that! Bugenhagen can help us uncover the truth behind this man and the organization he works for," Jack replied in a harsh voice tinged with impatience. Sephiroth lowered Jack to the ground and crossed his arms.

"Before I agree I want to know everything you know about this man. I mean EVERYTHING," Sephiroth stated in as even a tone he could manage. Jack knew the older man's emotions must have been in turmoil at the fact that the woman he loved had been taken and agreed. Sephiroth prayed that Aerith was all right as Jack began to explain about the new Cetra organization.

Hold on, Aerith. I refuse to let them come between us.

The interior of the sleek jet was nothing short of luxurious, but the young woman in pink had no reason to appreciate it. Holding herself while she absently gazed out of her circular window Aerith Gainsborough tried her best not to cry. Sitting directly across the way with one leg crossed over the other which allowed whoever looked a brief glimpse of the black sock he wore Remus Centaurian allowed a small smile to form on his lips. In one hand he held a dry martini, the other resting on his crossed leg. The Staff of Knowelspole lay beside him on the leather seat, the second hole carved into its silver body aglow due to the white materia Aerith had. Blue eyes looked Aerith up and down in approval, the lack of female company obvious.

"Don't look so distraught, my dear. You are going to help the Cetra with a great purpose," Remus said before bringing the glass to his lips and sipping. Aerith did not look at him, nor acknowledge the way his shapely lips encircled the glass as he drank.

"You call kidnapping me a way of helping you?" she said in a soft voice meant to insult. Remus chuckled lightly as he placed his glass upon a brown tray set on an armrest nearby. He then moved away from his seat to settle beside Aerith, who scooted as far away from him as she could. Draping an arm on the back of the leather couch Remus smiled.

"I must apologize for taking you captive then, Miss Gainsborough. You see, in my line of work, time is of the essence thus I have no time to ask permission." He then extended a gloved hand for her face to touch it, but she quickly jerked away. Remus wasn't the least bit insulted as his hand went from her face to her bound hair where the white materia was glowing brightly. He plucked it from her hair with nimble fingers and brought it before him. Aerith turned and tried to grab for her materia but Remus quickly stopped her by taking hold of her chin and keeping her in place. The glow of the materia shone off his angular glasses, highlighting his already sinister eyes.

"It is hard to believe such a thing is capable of mass destruction. All the hopes, the dreams of the Cetrans of old locked within this white orb. Tell me, how did your mother acquire such a treasure?" Aerith's aquamarine eyes widened at the mention of her mother. How did he know? Remus continued, not once letting Aerith's chin go.

"We spent many a year searching for this, one of the keys to tomorrow. Knowledge is not uncommon with the Cetra but for some reason the whereabouts of this astounded us. It was until recently that I learned the white materia had been passed on through royal blood. You, dear Miss Gainsborough, are the last heir to the royal family. It's all so simple it even amuses me," Remus said, finally releasing Aerith's chin. Aerith could not believe what she was hearing. Rubbing her chin she looked down, wondering why her mother never spoke of how she got the white materia.

"Then why do you need me? You have the materia, let me go," she said. Remus shook his head while he rolled the materia within his gloved palm. Its light reflected off the brown leather brightly.

"I'm afraid you weren't listening. It can only be used by you. You are to partake in a ritual that will save this world before it is destroyed." Remus was interrupted by the sound of his cellular phone ringing from the confines of his left pocket. Taking it Remus flipped it open and spoke. Aerith was left dumbfounded. Why hadn't Ifalna told her any of this? Perhaps Ifalna thought it wasn't important, but it suddenly became quite real. Aerith covered her face, whispering Sephiroth's name into her hands. Remus raised an eyebrow at her while he took the phone away from his ear, then closed it with a graceful movement of the wrist.

"Do not weep for this world or the mere humans who inhabit it, Miss Gainsborough. The second key has been recovered."

Midgar

When Tifa Lockhart and Cloud Strife walked into the room set aside for their comrade Vincent Valentine both were rather surprised to see him sitting on his bed staring at his newly acquired left hand. Tifa smiled. Despite the circumstances which caused Vincent to lose his hand in the first place, for it was also a blessing to see him looking as content as he did then. Vincent looked up at his friends, his face devoid of emotion save for his eyes. He wore no shirt, a large bandage covering the wound Remus had inflicted upon him shining brightly in the darkened room. Tifa walked up to Vincent's seated form, smiling warmly at him. Vincent met her amber eyes and bowed his head.

"I am glad you are well," he said. Tifa thanked him, then gratefully held Cloud's hand as he came to a stop beside her. Cloud reached to touch Vincent's bare shoulder with his bandaged right hand before speaking.

"I'm also glad you're alive, Vincent. You had me scared back there. How long until they release you?" Cloud asked. Vincent gave a slight shrug after he returned his gaze to his prosthetic left hand.

"I am not sure. Why?" Tifa and Cloud both sighed, then they began to explain what Angie had told them. Tifa took notice of how Vincent lifted his head at the mention of Angie's name, as well as the look in his eyes but said nothing.

"I see. It is imperitive that Aerith be found." Vincent then slid off the bed and walked to the other side of the room. Opening a closet neither of his friends had noticed Vincent retrieved a set of clothes, but not his red cloak, black pants and shirt. In fact, it looked almost like a suit.

"Is that-?" Cloud asked, his face one of confusion as he gestured to the suit in Vincent's hands. Vincent shook his head while he layed the pants, white undershirt and jacket on the bed.

"No although it does bear a striking resemblance. Angela told me that she and some of her co-workers bought this for me since my other clothes were ripped and covered in blood. I believe she called it a 'get-well present'." Tifa smiled. She recalled Angie once telling her while they had coffee together how she had been intrigued by Vincent. Seeing this new outfit only conveyed her suspicions. Cloud nodded.

"You'll be all right to go with us?"

"Of course. If you'll excuse me?" Vincent glanced at the two, indicating that he wished to change. Tifa nodded and led Cloud toward the exit where they stood in the hallway to wait for him. Doctors and nurses alike strolled past the young couple, plus a number of patients.

"What do you think?" Tifa asked as she bowed her head to a nurse she recognized. Cloud looked over at her, blinking his Mako-enhanced blue eyes.

"About what?"

"Vincent and Angie. She's obviously taken by him, and he looks interested in her as well." At this Cloud smiled, then chuckled. Placing an arm around her shoulders he brought he closer to him, making her smile at their contact.

"I think you're seeing things," he remarked softly before leaning over to kiss the side of her head. Tifa lifted her left hand to caress his cheek, then his lips while he lowered his face toward hers. They were about to kiss when Vincent joined them. Cloud saw Vincent first and whistled slightly, Tifa looking over her shoulder to see as well. Standing there dressed in a black suit with his usually windswept hair brushed neatly back Vincent looked at his two friends, wondering why they looked so surprised.

"Brings back memories," Vincent murmured, casting his eyes down. The last time he had worn such a suit was when he and Lucrecia were seeing one another, then Hojo had abruptly ended it all. Tifa wondered how Vincent could bear wearing something akin to when he was a Turk and not be pained by it. Vincent then glanced back up at the other two with the familiar look in his eyes, for they had a job to do.

"Shall we go?" Cloud nodded and stepped away from the wall, bringing Tifa with him since his arm was still around her. The three began walking down the white corridor, then stopped before an elevator. While they waited for it Cloud explained how they would need to hurry toward Cosmo Canyon and hopefully they would encounter Aerith and Jack. Hope was all they had to go on.

Two days later

Situated deep within the mountainous region a short distance away from Gongaga Village, Cosmo Canyon loomed over the landscape like a silent guardian. The most prominent building that could be seen from a distance was the observation tower where Bugenhagen lived and conducted his studies of the Planet. Walking along a dirt pathway littered with footprints of all sorts were the silhouettes of two men. The one on the left stood a few inches taller than his companion, but instead of walking with the usual air that was so commonplace about him he kept his head bowed. Eyes that did not want to take in the majestic, rugged beauty of the canyon were content to watch his booted feet as he walked. His long hair swayed behind him, the tie coming loose at the nape of his neck. Some loose strands of silver hair poked around the band that had held it in place, adding to the man's already haphazard appearance. He wore simple clothes, nothing like the ones he had previously owned. Wearing a white shirt which hugged his well-developed chest that billowed out at the sleeves, and a small v-neck criss crossed with laces along with a pair of light brown pants which fit his shapely legs quite nicely the man known as Sephiroth did not look enthusiastic. It had been a hard journey for he and his companion Jack, both driven to find Aerith Gainsborough so that neither slept nearly enough. Sephiroth's heart and soul had been plagued with worry for the woman he loved, but his mind screamed for blood. Rage kept him warm at night when he could not bear with the fact that Aerith was gone from him again. Jack had kept his distance from Sephiroth, seeing in the man's eyes that he wanted to kill. Although not in Jack's nature to encourage violence, this time he would make an exception. From the first time he had laid eyes on Remus Centaurian Jack knew nothing good could come from him. Remus had spoken so calmly about murdering Madame Katrina, then attacked the caravan which was headed for Junon. Jack was glad he and Aerith had managed to flee the wreckage but Remus had found them anyway. Glancing over at Sephiroth Jack noticed the right side of his shirt was bloodstained from the wound Remus had inflicted on him. Jack feared what Remus would do to Aerith after having seen the man kill women and children without a care.

"I hope Aerith is all right," Jack murmured to himself. Sephiroth abruptly stopped, his eyes narrowed into slits. Jack also stopped and turned, wondering what Sephiroth was thinking about. Sephiroth clenched a fist and brought it up so it was level with his heart. Blood ran down from within his clenched palm, a result of him digging his nails into his skin. Jack swallowed. He had never seen such wrath.

"She had better damn well be," Sephiroth said in a menacing tone. At that moment Sephiroth wished he had his trusted Masamune with him, for its presence was always a comfort to him. Jack slowly turned away and kept walking. He had seen the same look of bloodlust in Sephiroth's eyes he had only heard stories of and common sense told him to back away. After a few moments Sephiroth joined Jack to continue their silent trek for Cosmo Canyon. Even now the great staircase carved in the side of the mountain came into view, a few birds perched on them. Jack quickened his pace a bit, the urgency to speak to Bugenhagen great. They came upon the stairs which Jack took two at a time, Sephiroth keeping at a slow pace behind him. Sephiroth felt this trip was a waste and only postponed his wish to set Aerith free. Remus Centaurian would pay in blood if Sephiroth found her hurt in any way.

Jack was smiling a bit as he raced up the stairs despite the circumstances which brought him home again. Already he could see the very tip of the Cosmo Candle burning brightly which reached up to meet with the orange sky that hung over the canyon like a protective blanket. Jack was nearly at the summit of the stairs when a large red beast appeared beneath the arched entranceway, growling. Jack became so startled that he lost his footing and fell, landing rather comically. Thankful he didn't land on his injured shoulder Jack looked up to see the face of Red XIII peering down at him. Smiling and shaking his head Jack spoke.

"Nanaki, you frightened me!" Jack said. Red sat back on his haunches and licked his chops before speaking.

"Perhaps it is a little tribute to the game you and I used to play," he replied. Jack could hear the smile in Red's voice and agreed, getting to his feet. When Jack was younger he and Red always used to play together when Jack's studies were done. Soon after Red mysteriously vanished and hadn't been seen for a time until Cloud Strife and his band brought him home again. Jack was not in Cosmo Canyon back then, for he would have liked to have thanked Cloud personally. Red turned his attention from Jack to Sephiroth, who was ascending the steps slowly.

"Sephiroth," Red said softly as he got to all four feet. Jack nodded. He knew the explanation of how Sephiroth came back to life would wait as Jack recalled the reason why they were here.

"Where is Bugenhagen, Nanaki?" Jack asked. Red cocked his head to the side, as if in deep thought before responding.

"In the steam house with the other Elders. Grandfather has been troubled lately and decided to have council in there." Jack gave Red an affectionate pat before running off in the direction of the steam house. Red watched Sephiroth carefully with his single eye, many questions in his mind that wished for answers. Sephiroth stopped as he came before Red, his ice blue eyes gazing down on the animal. Red looked up, stared at Sephiroth for a moment then bowed his head.

"Hello, Sephiroth," he said. Sephiroth did not seem to acknowledge Red's greeting. He looked around the canyon with the same eyes he had used when observing an uncharted region for the Shinra Army before exhaling.

"Where is Jack?" Red gestured behind him with his head.

"Inside. Let me show you where. I can see in your eyes you seek answers."

As was customary not to mention pure common sense, Jack had stripped down to nothing and entered the steam house, which was already fogged with hot air. The room was simple, much like the rest of the homes within Cosmo Canyon except for the fact that a hot spring bubbled in the center of the room. The elders sat all around the spring, some with their feet in it while others sat cross legged. Jack wiped down the sweat that threatened to drip down into his eyes from his forehead while he looked for Bugenhagen. He saw the old man at the very end of the room, his head bowed and legs crossed beneath him. Jack carefully made his way for his old master, slipping only a little from the water that covered the wooden floor. He wasn't remotely close to Bugenhagen when the old man lifted his head.

"Ah, so good of you to come Jack hoo hoo hoo," Bugenhagen said, smiling. Jack, after successfully making his way across, stopped to bow respectfully to the elder. He then settled before Bugenhagen, who was nude save for the small white cloth draped across his lap. Beads of sweat rolled down the old man's chest before falling toward the small puddle between his legs, but he did not seem the slightest bit affected by the steam. Jack, on the other hand, had pulled his long black hair back and tied it with a simple band, but one could tell he was uncomfortable.

"Master Bugenhagen, there is something I should-" Jack was cut off by the door opening at the other end of the room. The other elders did not seem disturbed by the man who had stepped in. Bugenhagen smiled and gestured with a thin hand.

"Come sit by me hoo hoo hoo. You also need to heed my council, Sephiroth," Bugenhagen said. Jack looked over his shoulder to see Sephiroth stroll in, also nude. He hadn't been in the room for two minutes and already his entire body was covered in a thin film of sweat. He sat beside Jack, placing his hands on his knees and eyes locking on Bugenhagen. Satisfied his audience was present Bugenhagen spoke.

"I was afraid this day would come hoo hoo hoo. The Planet has told me many things. I know all about Remus Centaurian, Jack. This old man should have told you this years ago to prepare you for it hoo hoo hoo." Jack furrowed his brow in confusion, Sephiroth remained silent.

"They call themselves the Cetra, master. Remus has the Staff of Knowelspole and the white materia now that Aerith is his prisoner," Jack said, looking down. Sephiroth tensed at the mention of Aerith being Remus's captive but said nothing. Bugenhagen placed an aged hand on Jack's shoulder.

"It's not your fault, Jack, hoo hoo hoo. That organization has been around for centuries. I have been approached by members of that group many times to help in their great plan but I refused. I am an old man now, hoo hoo hoo." Jack looked back up at his master, his eyes locking with Bugenhagen's.

"What is their great plan?" Sephiroth took notice that one of the other men present in the room had begun playing a soft melody with a wooden flute. The music was haunting and lonesome at the same time. It seemed to set the mood for what Bugenhagen was about to say.

"You know from what I have taught you about the staff, Jack, hoo hoo hoo. It not only wards the crisis of the sky it also possesses the power to unite the white and black materias. That group Remus works for plan on bringing about the end of this world."

"What? How?" Jack asked in shock. Bugenhagen smiled, holding up his hand.

"Patience, Jack my boy, hoo hoo hoo. It is an ancient ritual even I am not familiar with. I have never seen it done, nor has anyone else lived to tell the tale. The white materia bonds whoever uses it to the Planet so that person can pray for Holy. Holy is the purest magic of all, capable of counteracting anything evil. The black materia, on the other hand, can call forth Meteor. One must possess vast amounts of spirit energy in order to use the black materia. But the Staff of Knowelspole was also designed to act as a vessel for these materias. The Cetra knew it was potentially dangerous to have all three together so they did what they thought right. The white materia was passed on from child to child through the females of the royal family while the Temple of the Ancients was constructed around the black materia. The Staff of Knowelspole was hidden up north to make sure Jenova stayed imprisoned. It was not a flawless plan."

"No, of course not. The Cetra of old did not count on humans and their capacity for curiousity. The staff was recovered, but how? Did that organization have a person on the inside when Professor Gast's team excavated Jenova?" Jack wondered.

"It is quite possible. That group has been one step ahead every time," Sephiroth said suddenly, startling Jack. The other man had been so quiet Jack forgot he was there. Bugenhagen bowed his head, the white wisps of hair he had left mimicking the movement.

"The black materia was available to this world again because of you, Sephiroth, hoo hoo hoo. I should say because of Jenova since you were being manipulated." Sephiroth frowned slightly. He did not like to be reminded of his past deeds. He had enough guilt from letting Aerith get captured weighing down on him.

"The ceremony, which is called the Ceremony of Rebirth, must take place in an area that has access to vast Cetra power. The temple would have been a prime choice, hoo hoo hoo. I do not know where else it would be." Sephiroth slowly lifted his head, his expression blank.

"The Forgotten City." Bugenhagen and Jack were both intrigued by this.

"You know of this place?"

"It was where I was going to-" Sephiroth shook his head, reluctant to continue. Jack softly urged him on.

"Aerith and I stayed there for a time before Hojo found us. There is no other place left on this world that holds such power." Jack got to his feet with renewed purpose, his hands clenched before him.

"Then that is where they will take Aerith. Thank you, Master," Jack bowed to Bugenhagen before turning away. He didn't bother going around the hot spring this time. Sephiroth was about to take his leave as well when Bugenhagen spoke.

"You love her, don't you," he said. Sephiroth could tell it was a statement, not a question. He nodded. Bugenhagen smiled.

"Do not seek her with hatred in your heart for these men. Her love brought you back, do not let your hatred tear you apart." Sephiroth was not quite sure what Bugenhagen meant but he agreed and left. Bugenhagen leaned against the wall and sighed. Within the music his fellow elder was playing he heard the voice of the Planet wishing Jack and Sephiroth luck.

"What do you mean you're going alone?" Jack asked, a hint of anger in his tone while he paused in dressing again. Sephiroth stood with his back to Jack clad in only his pants, his arms folded over his chest.

"Just what I said, Jack. This is something I must do alone." Jack grabbed Sephiroth's shoulder, his hand like an iron vice. Sephiroth glanced over at Jack with a raised eyebrow, as if he were saying 'Do you mind?'

"You have to take me with you. You don't know if you will need me or not," Jack said. Sephiroth saw concern for Aerith's welfare in Jack's eyes, maybe too much for his taste but he then remembered he was indebted to Jack for helping Aerith back when they were prisoners in Nibelheim. The older man then smiled a bit at Jack.

"Very well. Before we leave I must get some new clothes. These will not do for the long journey." Jack returned Sephiroth's smile and agreed. The two men resumed dressing before heading for one of the many shops. When the woman behind the counter saw Sephiroth she was only too happy to oblige in taking his measurements while her co-worker, another woman, rushed to retrieve the clothes. Jack also bought some supplies while he waited. Jack had been leaning against the wall outside the clothing shop with one leg propped up, his arms folded across his chest when Sephiroth strode out. Jack nodded his approval. It was such a contrast to Sephiroth's usual black attire. His silver hair was tied back in a tight ponytail, including his bangs which allowed whoever looked upon him the liberty of seeing his arched eyebrows, ice blue eyes, slender nose and lips. The shirt was white, almost like his other one, except for the fact that he now wore black leather gloves. His pants were tight, maybe too tight and made of the finest black leather. Boots that went up to his knees were also black, but suade instead of leather. Sephiroth adjusted one of the gloves before extending his fingers.

"I need a sword."

"The outfit wouldn't be complete without it," Jack said, smiling a bit. When Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at Jack, the other man laughed upon seeing a slight smile form on Sephiroth's lips. They left the clothes shop, neither men really hearing the women calling to them and wishing them good luck. After examining many swords the weapons shop had to offer Sephiroth finally agreed on a longsword that was similiar to the Masamune except it wasn't as lightweight. Jack also bought some weapons for himself to go with the small knife he held within his boot. They departed Cosmo Canyon, Jack bidding farewell to Red who still sat at the entrance. From the ledge that allowed tourists to gaze upon the vast beauty of the canyon Bugenhagen watched as Jack and Sephiroth descended the stairs. He bowed his head and whispered a prayer for them. The very fate of the Planet was in their hands.

Midgar

Upon landing at the private strip of runway not too far from the Cetra headquarters Remus had Aerith drugged so she would not know where they were headed. They were now sitting in the back of Remus's luxuriant limo with Hoskins, Remus's trusting manservant, at the helm. Remus stared at Aerith, who lay draped on the couch opposite him. She would be unconscious for a few hours, possibly even sleep the whole way to the Forgotten City. He could not deny the fact that she was a lovely young woman, deserving the noble title that was her birthright. Glancing down at the white materia within his right hand Remus noticed how its glow hadn't lessened. Even though they had all the keys together they had to wait for the proper moon phase to start the ceremony. Remus assumed even now the high lord was assembling the thirteen men of arcane talent together. Just then the cell phone within Remus's pocket sounded, which he retrieved with a slight sigh of annoyance. After flipping it open Remus held it to his ear and spoke.

"Yes?"

"Lord Centaurian, the First Priest requires the Staff of Knowlespole for the preperations."

"Yes, yes I am on my way," Remus said before closing the phone and letting it drop to the seat. Leaning back Remus held his chin in thought.

A smile spread across his features as his mind reeled with what he would do once he and the Cetra girl were alone. They had three days before the ceremony, which was plenty of time. The thirteen men would prepare the main part of the ceremony before signaling for the rest of their kindred. The protocol did not require the bearer of the white materia to be a virgin. Remus allowed himself a small chuckle. Oh yes he was looking forward to these next few days.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal the same bland hallway which Remus had practically memorized since his acceptance into the Cetra, but this time it was bustling with activity. Men and women alike rushed about, their voices all sounding at once. Remus strode in, oblivious to them all. Hoskins followed, the unconscious Aerith in his arms. The people mulling about were of lower rank which deemed them unimportant to Remus. He rounded the corner to come upon the council room where the high lord usually resided with the other lords and ladies of the Cetra. When Remus walked in he was met with courteous hellos. Garnock looked up from the papers he had been observing and got to his feet. His eyes strayed to Aerith before he spoke.

"Thanks to Lord Centaurian, the vessel of our mission has been found." The other lords and ladies all clapped. Remus merely smiled, then laid the Staff of Knowelspole upon the marble table.

"I believe the First Priest needed this?" Just as he spoke a cloaked man stepped out of the shadows, a dark gray hood covering most of his features. With gnarled hands the First Priest picked up the staff and held it up to examine it. Running a hand along the silver body he grunted to himself.

"Excellent. Bring you to me the white materia," the priest said in a raspy voice. Remus deposited the white materia within the priest's open hand and stepped back. Closing skeletal-like fingers around the orb the priest swept out of the room.

"Prepare a staying room for the Lady," the high lord commanded. No sooner had the words left his mouth two men departed the room and headed in the left-handed direction where the spare rooms were kept. Remus cleared his throat and took a step forward, blue eyes staring at the high lord's bulbous features.

"Yes, Lord Centaurian?" Garnock questioned when he resumed his seat and folded his hands on the marble table.

"I wish to request the Lady Aerith stay with me until we leave for the Forgotten City," Remus said. Garnock eyed the young man warily before tapping his forefinger on the table. Remus did not lose his resolve nor would he if his superior denied his request.

"I would ask why but I would not receive a straight answer. So be it, Lord Centaurian. Do take care of her, she is the last heir to the Cetra nobility."