Prophecy's Refrain

“Lunch!” Harmony called when they entered the meadow.

The men that were fighting stopped their attacks and made their was to the two that had just entered the meadow.

“Turkey, ham, and salami, and swiss, cheddar, and pepper jack. There’s bottles of water. You can drink just the water, or dump one of these packets in it.” She showed them how to make the lemonade or tea. They ate in companionable silence, Reno or Zack occasionally cracking a joke at another’s expense. When they finished eating, they spent some time discussing the timeline paradox that Harmony had mentioned the night before. By the time Harmony finished, most of the men understood the choice that they had to make.

All but one. Hojo. Somehow, Harmony feared that it would come to his death before it was over. As evil as he was, she still believed he deserved the chance to redeem himself.

“Harmony!” Loz called as she finished repacking the baskets.

“Yeah?” she asked, not looking up.

He grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away from the finished basket. “You. Me. Hand to hand. Now.” he said with a smile on his face, pushing her further into the clearing.

Harmony laughed. “Okay, you’re on!”

Yazoo, Kadaj, Vincent, Angeal, Sephiroth, and Genesis gathered around as the others paired off to spar some more.

“Sephiroth.” Cloud called.

The General turned to the younger man. “Yes?”

“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to fight you without Jenova’s influence. Care to indulge me?” He walked over, stopping right in from on Sephiroth and slinging his gigantic sword over his shoulder. Sephiroth smirked and drew the Masamune, nodding to a clear spot in the meadow.

“By all means, lead the way.”

“He’s fast, Harmony. Faster than I am.” Yazoo called to the woman who was preparing to fight his older brother. “Watch you back at all times.”

“Hey! No fair!” Loz whined. “I didn’t tell her how to fight you! Maybe I should tell her about your hair!”

Harmony raised her eyebrow and smirked at Yazoo. “I’ll remember that.” she crooned.

Loz was a bit more courteous than Yazoo. He spared Harmony one final glance before shouting “GO!” and zipping forward.

Harmony wasn’t fast enough to block the fist to the chest that sent her flying backwards to land in a heap a few feet away.

“Jesus!” she gasped. He was so fast! She didn’t even see him move! She came to her senses just in time to avoid his crushing boot as he slammed his foot down next to her head. She shot to her feet and threw a barrage of high kicks and low sweeps his way - Some connected, some did not. She noticed that while he was very fast, when she was this close to him, he relied more on brute strength than his speed. She moved in closer, giving him less room to gather momentum behind his fierce punches.

“Good, Harmony!” Yazoo called. It seemed he chose this time to begin training her.

While she was this close to him, Loz couldn’t use his supernatural speed, but Harmony could use her own natural speed. She was doing well for herself, beating him back…until she misjudged a strike and he was able to grab her arm. It then became a dance of submission techniques. Loz was very strong, but Harmony was very flexible. She was able to wrestle and wriggle her way out of every hold he got her in. Finally, he grew frustrated and locked her in a chokehold, thinking she would give in. There was no way for her to wriggle out of that one.

Or so he thought.

After only a few seconds, Harmony turned her head slightly, braced her foot against the back of Loz’s knee, and pushed. Loz toppled to the ground with her on top of him. He rolled over to pin her, slipping a leg over his shoulder. She shocked and impressed everyone watching when she drew her leg back flat against her chest, her knee perfectly straight, and slid out from under him.

‘Oh Sweet Leviathan, that was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen!’ Kadaj thought.

She swiftly flipped herself over and onto his back, hooking her arms through his elbows, setting a knee at his spine, and pulling back.

“Shit!” He cursed. “I give! I give!”

Harmony laughed, out of breath, and released him. She patted him on the head as she stood up, offering her hand out help him, but he was already on his feet, rotating his shoulders with a surprised and pained look on his face.

“Damn, baby girl! That hurt! You have got to teach me that!”

Harmony smiled wickedly and looked around, zeroing in on her prey. Zack had just knocked Cid to the ground, and was crowing over his victory.

“Hey Zack!” she called.

“Yeah?” he called back.

“Can you come help me with something?”

He quickly made his way over to her. “Sure,” he said, “What can I-…Uh? -Hey!…WHOA!” before he even finished his sentence he was on his back on the ground, Harmony straddling him.

“Hey, Harmony, I know I’m hot but this is hardly the place!” He said. She pinched him.

“Just hush and hold still. I’m teaching.” she said, laughing.

“Uh…okay?” Zack said. She flipped him over and pulled Loz closer. At this point, the whole group leaned in to get a better look.

“Right here,” she instructed Loz. “Feel how the spine starts to curve?” Loz nodded. “Just above, feel that little ridge?” Again, he nodded. “Push.”

Loz did as he was told, smirking when Zack started and made a small, pained sound. “Is it the same for everyone?” he asked.

“Yes.” Harmony answered.

Loz grinned widely, standing up and helping Zack to his feet, the younger man rubbing his back and glaring at Harmony.

Suddenly, Loz lunged at Kadaj. He pulled the man down, wrestling him around before employing his newly learned technique.

“Damn you Loz-AH! Get off me you aaAAAAssssshole!!” Kadaj cried, struggling.

“Stop struggling, Kadaj, it only makes it worse!” Harmony said, trying to hide the laughter in her voice. “Would you like my to show you how to get out of it?”

“Yessss!” Kadaj hissed.

“It hurts.” She warned. “A lot.”

“Just tell me or make him get off me!”

She leaned down and whispered in his ear, moving back just in time to avoid being crushed beneath the two as Kadaj forced one of his legs under him and rolled over onto his back, pinning Loz beneath him. He cursed at the pain that shot through his back. He then did as Harmony instructed and flipped himself head over heels backwards, ending with Loz’s arms crisscrossed in front of him, and Kadaj standing above him.

Kadaj scowled and kicked his brother in the head.

“Assface!” he snapped.

Loz sat up, rubbing his head, but laughing quietly. “I definitely have to remember that one.” he said.

Yazoo approached Harmony as the group disbanded to spar in twos.

“You did well with Loz. It seems like you understood the closer you were, the slower he had to attack.” He complimented.

“Yes.” She agreed. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

“You seemed to find Zack’s weakness quickly, too, when you fought him at you apartment.”

“Yeah.” she said. “Its what I’ve always been good at. Finding weaknesses. You’re a tough one though, cause you throw together so many different techniques its hard to tell which you favor.”

Yazoo smiled. “I would tell you, but now I want you to figure it out on your own. Are we allowed to come back here often?”

“The coven owns this land. You can come here whenever you want. Just stay away from random people hiking. Let me know and I’ll chase them off.”

Yazoo nodded and the two made their way back to the shaded rest area. Harmony lounged back in the lawn chair and Yazoo sat on the log next to it. The two surveyed the scene around them.

Sephiroth and Cloud were still locked in battle, Cloud’s face one of glee at finally being able to fight Sephiroth and not Jenova. The TURKS were all gathered at the makeshift shooting range, including Vincent. Genesis and Angeal were sparring, happy, it seemed, to have the chance to fight like they used to. Kadaj and Loz were caught in the always-epic battle between oldest brother, and youngest brother - Kadaj intent to pay Loz back the pain that the older brother just inflicted upon him. Cid and Barrett were sparring also, Cid spinning his staff and Barrett trying not to waste too many blanks.

“He’s really good.” Harmony said, watching Kadaj wield his sword with expert precision. She then noticed the blades.

“Hey!” She said, “That looks just like my sword! Except the hilt is maroon, instead of blue!”

Yazoo raised an eyebrow. “It appears your style of swordplay would match his, then. He’ll be a good teacher.” He looked at the look of apprehension mixed with excitement in her eyes. “What happened between you two today?”

Harmony whirled around and gave him a shocked expression. “How did you know something happened?!”

He smiled. “Your reaction just now, and the way you looked at him. What happened?”

Harmony sighed. Of all of them, she felt comfortable talking to Yazoo. She decided to tell him, knowing that he would find out one way or another. “When we went to get lunch… we… well, we talked a bit. I’m sure you can guess what it was about. Anyway, we talked, and then he… kissed me again.”

Yazoo nodded and motioned for her to go on.

“Well, it was… nice… I suppose… but then he grabbed me and I felt his… you know…” she blushed and Yazoo hid a small smile. “And then all I could feel was Jade’s hands all over me. All I could see was him. It was as real as the night it happened.” she swallowed thickly.

“What did Kadaj do?” Yazoo asked, worried that Kadaj had become angry at her.

“He was very understanding…he hugged me and told me that he was sorry, and that it was okay. I just-”

“He’s the first person who’s touched you since it happened, yes?” Yazoo interrupted.

“Yes.” Harmony whispered.

“I understand. It may take a while. But know that no matter how carried away Kadaj may get, he would never take you against your will. We were merciless killers. Hard, cold, and efficient. But we never raped anyone, and would never still.”

Harmony nodded slowly in understanding. “Thank you for listening. And for not…. You know… Killing me.” She chuckled nervously.

Her statement startled a small laugh from Yazoo, the first real laugh she had heard from his lips. “I meant it when I said that we wouldn’t hurt you. You’ve shown us a lot. Besides, we never killed just for the sake of killing. We killed those that got in our way and tried to stop us, but never acted without cause.” He explained.

Harmony nodded again and smiled. The two sat quietly and watched as Loz caught Kadaj in another Mantis hold, listening to him cursing and snarling at his brother. He tried to get out of it again, but Loz was wise to it now, and maneuvered until his free leg was pinning both of his.

Harmony’s line of sight was blocked by dark pants and a white lab coat. “What do you want, Hojo?” she sighed.

“I’d like to speak with you.” His screechy voice sounded.

“So speak.” she said.

“I want a room of my own.”

“No way in hell, Mad Scientist.”

“I cannot live with those heathens. They will not give me peace. If you give me a room of my own, I will not try to leave, and I will not go through your belongings, or anyone else’s.” He bargained.

Harmony looked at Yazoo. He shrugged. “Do you have a door that locks from the outside?” he offered.

“The basement. But if I let you stay in the basement, we’re barring the windows.” She told Hojo.

“That is acceptable.” he agreed

Harmony looked at him a moment, thinking. She suddenly pursed her lips together and let out a shrill whistle. The activity in the meadow stopped and everyone looked at her. She motioned for them to come over. When everyone was there she posed her question.

“Anyone have an issue with barring the windows and locking Hojo in the basement at night? There’s a toilet and a sink. He’d be fine.”

“I think that’s a brilliant idea.” Sephiroth said, narrowing his eyes at the scientist.

“No objections?” Harmony asked. Everyone was silent. “Well then. So mote it be.”


After a few more hours, the group headed back to the cabin, and Harmony threw together a stew and let it cook while she took a shower.

When she returned, hair wet and wearing sweat pants, a tank top, and her robe, Cid, Barrett, and Zack walked in the door covered in mud.

“What happened to you?” She asked.

“We planted a few logs a good seven feet a piece into the ground in front of each basement window. There’s no way Hojo can get out of there.” Zack said.

“Awesome! You guys rock!” She said. “Come into the kitchen, soup’s ready. Just wash your hands and you can take turns with the shower later.”


Harmony lay in her bed. She was not alone- Yazoo lay in the bed across the room, sleeping soundly, it seemed.

As she lay in her bed, she thought about Kadaj. About his words to her earlier in the day. She knew she couldn’t just sleep with him and not become attached, because she was already becoming attached. To all of them.

She couldn’t let herself remember the feel of his lips on her skin. On her own. She couldn’t let herself remember his tongue smoothing across hers. Couldn’t let herself remember his hands tracing a path of fire across her body.

She closed her eyes, trying to think of anything but that feeling, wanting to sob in despair when the only thing that accomplished was the physical feeling of his hands on her face, then her arms, and then her stomach. She opened her eyes angrily, intending to get up and break in to the coven’s liquor cabinet, gasping when she saw two glowing green eyes piercing the darkness.

Kadaj sat on the edge of her bed, his hands gently caressing her skin.

“What are you doing here?” She asked softly, so not to wake Yazoo. She sat up and drew her knees in to her chest.

“I had to talk to you. I had to tell you that I’m sorry about earlier, and I didn’t want to wait ‘til morning.”

“Its okay. I forgive you. Can we talk about this later? I don’t want to wake Yazoo.”

“Its fine. We won’t wake him.” Kadaj said. He took a breath, reminding himself that he was a good guy now, and good guys were nice to people. Good guys ask permission, and treat women with respect. “I want to kiss you.” He said. “Just a kiss. If you don’t like it, I’ll stop and I won’t bother you again. Please.” he added as an afterthought.

Harmony sighed. She wanted this: really, really wanted it… but what if the same thing that happened last time… happened this time?

Kadaj saw her fears. “Just a kiss.” He reminded her.

She sighed and gave in with a nod of her head. Before she could even raise her gaze to look at him, his lips were on hers. He kissed her softly, almost hesitant, like he was afraid of scaring her away. She carefully reached out and lay her hand on his chest, grasping the fabric of his shirt in her fingers and kissing back. She stiffened against him when he tried to lay her back onto the bed.

“Just tell me to stop and I will.” Kadaj promised. “I won’t go any further than you want me to.”

She relaxed and allowed him to lower her to the mattress, sighing when he claimed her lips again and lay down beside her. He was half on top of her, but she noticed that he tried to keep most of his weight off of her. His understanding of her fears gave her a spark of courage and she brushed her tongue against his lips, pushing past his teeth to meet with his when he opened his mouth for her.

Kadaj held himself up with one arm, and allowed his free hand to roam her body; slowly down the curve of her neck, teasing between her breasts, down her stomach. He smiled against her mouth when her stomach muscles jumped and continued the trail down her leg, purposefully avoiding the juncture of her thighs.


The heat she felt in her veins was threatening to consume her. When Kadaj ran his hand down her body in a sensual caress, she almost lost her mind. She grasped his hand as it attempted to repeat its journey and wove their fingers together, letting him lean further over her to pin her hand to the mattress next to her head. Her other hand slid across his side to caress up and down his back.

Kadaj used his thumb to rub at the inside of her wrist, throwing one leg over to intertwine with hers. When his knee unintentionally brushed against her center she let out a quiet, involuntary moan.

Kadaj pulled away from her lips. “Shhh. Yazoo.” He reminded.

There were three things in Yazoo’s life that he believed he was exceptionally good at. Fighting, lying, and feigning sleep. The third, he reasoned, he must have been better at than he first thought if his brother couldn’t tell that he was awake. His brother also underestimated his instincts too, if he thought that Yazoo wasn’t awake before Kadaj’s hand even touched the doorknob to enter the room. He held still, not wanting to ruin the moment. Harmony needed to know that intimacy didn’t have to be painful and humiliating. As awkward as he would be around them the next morning, he would let them have this moment.

“Sorry.” Harmony whispered, trying to control her breathing. Kadaj leaned down close to her and sniffed at the crook of her neck. His eyes widened and his pupils dilated wildly.

“You’re wet.” He hissed. Her eyes widened in shock. “I can smell you. Sweet Shiva you smell amazing.” He whispered reverently. “Let me touch you.” He pleaded, nuzzling the crook of her neck and shuddering against her. “Only touch. I won’t be inside you at all, and I’ll still stop if you ask me to.” He added. His hand trailed down and his fingertips tucked in to the waistband of her pants, his fingers barely rustling the soft hair beneath them.

Harmony sucked in a wild breath when Kadaj’s fingers ventured so close to the molten center of her body. She knew she should tell him no, make him go back to his own room and never touch her again… but his lips felt so right against her skin. His hands felt like a part of her body when they smoothed down her torso. She gave in, pulling him to her and whispering “Yes.” against his lips.

He could have screamed his joy at that one word. He rolled over on top of her, planting one knee between her parted legs and sliding his hand further down her pants and finally coming into contact with the liquid fire pooled between her legs. He bit back a groan of pleasure at the silky skin under his fingertips, and ran the back of his fingers up her slit, delighting at her harsh intake of breath.

“Oh Gods… so wet… so hot…” He pressed his lips to hers just as he pressed the pad of his finger to the bundle of nerves just above her opening.

A jolt of pleasure shot through her and she bucked into his hand, biting down on his tongue to keep from shrieking in surprise. He growled softly in his throat and rubbed her lazily, his lips shaking against hers as he battled his desire. “Kadaj!” She choked out, as quietly as she could manage.

“What?” He panted quietly. “What do you want? Tell me!” he hissed.

“Faster!” Harmony answered. “And… and harder… please!”

Kadaj fell to one elbow and rubbed at her frantically. Shaking with desire himself, he leaned down and sucked her earlobe into his mouth, flicking it with his tongue before tugging gently with his teeth.

Harmony shuddered and felt her body drawing nearer to release. “Yes…!” she arched against him, sliding her own hand down to rest over the top of his as he rubbed her and forcing him to press his middle finger deep inside her, along with her own, and pushing the heel of his hand against her clit.

Kadaj’s breath caught in his throat at her boldness and he buried his head in her hair, hissing through clenched teeth.

“Oh!” Was the soft whisper that left her lips as her body convulsed beneath him. She jerked in his arms, squeezing her thighs together and her eyes shut.

She looked so sensual, lost in her orgasm. Kadaj’s will almost broke. When her hand joined his, it slipped a little, and when her thighs tightened around his hand and she trembled beneath his weight, he couldn’t take it. He pressed his face to the pillow beneath her head, biting into the fabric and letting out a pained moan.

They lay still after that, Kadaj still crouched over her and breathing harsh, catching breaths. Kadaj brought his hand to his mouth and hesitantly tasted the wetness there. He moaned quietly at her taste.

Harmony reached up carefully and took his face in her hands, forcing him to turn his head. She kissed him softly.

“Thank you.” she whispered.

“No.” Kadaj panted. “Thank you. But now I think I should go.”

She looked a little sad at that, but knew that it was probably for the best. She wasn’t ready to go all the way with him yet, and knew if he stayed, she’d be pushing her luck.

As he moved to climb off of her, she felt a hard heat against her hip.

“Oh!” she exclaimed as softly as she could. “You’re-”

“Yeah.” Kadaj let out a raspy chuckle.

“I’m sorry!” Harmony said.

“Its alright. I’ll take a shower and I’ll be fine.” Kadaj leaned down and kissed her one more time. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Harmony.”

“Hari.” She corrected him.

He looked back at her and smiled. “Hari.”

As he closed the door behind him, Harmony saw a blue light flash through the cracks. It didn’t last as long as the others, but it was a start. She smiled and snuggled down into her bed, pulling up the comforter that smelled of Kadaj, and was still warm from his being there. She inhaled deeply the scent of leather and polishing oils, and then closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

Yazoo opened his eyes when he heard her breathing even out. He stared at her, embarrassed for bearing witness to all that he had, but proud of her for taking the risk and being strong enough to face her fears. He heard the shower start in the bathroom down the hall, and felt slightly sorry for his little brother. He smiled softly as he heard Harmony sigh in her sleep, and then he rolled over and closed his eyes letting himself drift off for real.

Kadaj turned the hot water on and stepped under the scalding spray. He stood there for a moment before twisting the tap and cooling the water a bit. He looked down at his erection and remembered the expression on Harmony’s face when she came. Biting his lip, he took hold of his erection and slid his hand down. He closed his eyes and visualized Harmony under him, writhing and begging as she had only moments before. It didn’t take long after the tension in the bedroom. He braced his arm against the shower wall and rested his head against it, still pumping furiously. He could smell her on his fingers and the scent set him on fire.

He remembered the sound that left her mouth when she came: The startled “Oh!”… and the memory undid him.

“Fuck!” He lifted his head and bit into his forearm to keep from screaming as his hips bucked and his seed shot from his body. He continued pumping until he couldn’t handle it anymore, and then slumped back against the tile, exhausted. He rinsed himself off, and made sure to rinse the bottom of the tub as well. He then turned the shower off, wrapped a towel around his waist, grabbed his clothes, and went back to his room, noticing the crescent-shaped bruise already forming on him arm.

Loz was up and thumbing through a book. He looked up when Kadaj entered the bedroom.

“Didn’t you shower earlier? What the hell happened to your arm?” He asked before a knowing gleam flashed through his eyes.

“Yes, and its nothing. Don‘t worry about it.” Kadaj said simply. He towel dried his hair and cast the towel aside and then, donning his sweat pants, he climbed into bed and turned his back to Loz. Closing his eyes, he let himself drift away with the image of Harmony’s lustful and pleasure-filled eyes burned into his mind.