A Door Between Worlds

"How much did you see?"

Seifer didn't answer at first. He was still holding Quistis' hand. By all accounts asleep himself, except for the open eyes.

"Seifer."

"I heard you."

"How much did you see?"

"Of what? Your retirement years?"

"Of the battle. Of the end."

"I saw it all. The lead up, the big dance, the climax. I saw it all."

"How?"

"Because she could see it."

"What about being a slave to time?"

"She isn't. I would be, just like every other being in existence, sorcerers included. But not her, she isn't bound by anything."

"Who or what, is she? Some kind of God?"

"She is endless. She has always been, she will always be. But no, she isn't a god. She didn't create any of this, she has just always been a part of it. If you want the answers to where this world began, or who is pulling the strings, I can't help."

"Sounds like she is doing some pulling."

"Only where she has to. She tries to stay out of the way. That's why there has never been a record of her. She has never acted on behalf of anyone from this world until now. If this sorcerer hadn't raised his ugly head, if the other world hadn't opened a door to him, I would still be out there wandering somewhere. Seems strange to wish for that now."

"What about this sorcerer? He seems to have you scared pretty good. Who is he?"

"I don't know much about him. I don't think he has ever been to this world, or even known about it. Like I said, there hasn't been any sorcerers in recorded history here. That's why no one knew there even could be sorcerers. Must be a blow to the ego of women as a whole. They thought they had a sweet thing going there."

"Not funny."

"Says you."

"So if he's so scary, what is he waiting for? Why hasn't he done anything?"

"Just because he is power hungry doesn't mean he isn't patient. The quick usually miss out on the whole story."

"And those who hesitate miss out on life."

Seifer chuckled to himself.

"What's so funny?"

"Me talkin 'bout patience, you talkin 'bout livin. That's funny to me."

Squall shook his head. No matter what, he would still be Seifer.

"So what are they doing? Over there?"

"What they're doing, or who they're doing, is as much a mystery to me as it is to you."

"Again, not funny."

"Grow a sense of humor, commander."

Squall bit down his retort. This wasn't helping.

"You really don't know?"

"I was only supposed to get them through the door. What they...what she does at that point is not my call."

"So Rinoa is just along for the ride?"

"The joys of being a sorceress."

"Why did they go when they did? Quistis obviously didn't choose to go just then."

"She will figure it out soon enough."

"Figure out what?"

"How it works."

"How does it work, Seifer?"

"She has to want something, want it without thinking she can't have it. She holds herself back. She has to just believe she can have anything, do anything she wants."

"That's very un-Quistis like."

"Don't I know it. That's the problem."

"So what did she want at the party?"

"You ask like I was there. What was she doing?"

"Dancing, it looked like."

"Alone?"

"No, she was dancing with some guy. I didn't recognize him."

"That doesn't sound very Quistis like either, now does it?"

"I guess not."

"Well there you go. She was dancing, but it was more than that. She was letting go, wanting to put it all behind her, forget what's going on. Probably forget me."

"And a kiss? What happened there, Seifer?"

"It was the only way to clear her head. I knew she would either want me to keep going, or want me to stop. Either way, she would want it enough to think she could get it. Either way, she jumps."

"Is that the only reason you did it?"

"Is getting clean the only reason you and the lady take a shower? Together? Saving water, perhaps?"

The look was worth the jab, he decided.

"Yea, I know. Fuck me."

"So every time she wants something, she will do this? That's going to get old."

"It's not that simple. She's not the one choosing. Aria is the one who says go. All she is doing is opening herself up to go. As long as she believes she can do anything she wants to do, she stays open, and Aria can send her to any world that isn't sealed."

"Sealed?"

"Every world has a door of sorts, and it has to be opened, or sealed, from both sides. When the chick in this other world did her thing, she unknowingly opened the door from her side. Aria can't close that end herself, only her own end. Turns out our door is open on our end to. Maybe had something to do with you guys fighting Ultimecia, I don't know. So she could take someone from this world, Quistis, and open her end for both worlds, sending Quistis to the other one. She can get back, or the other sorceress from that world could come here, if Aria wanted her to, by opening themselves to it."

"What if she doesn't figure that out?"

"Then they're stuck. But it won't be a problem."

"Because?"

"There's someone she will want a whole lot on that end. I've seen that part to."

-----

Quistis decided , when she got back, to schedule more field exercises for the students. She was not in the shape she needed to be in.

But she was here.

The town seemed to go up far more than out, coming to a top with an enormous observatory. The veiw from inside must be amazing, she decided. And the view of the stars more so. Quistis was a bit surprised, when she got to the top of a ladder that seemed to be the only access to the town. There were only candles and fire for light. But then, electricity would have been hard to come by up here, she thought. And it would have ruined the eyes ability to see the stars. As she walked around the town, she noticed the people all seemed to either be tourists, or some kind of monk. The former were completely ignoring her, the latter, politley so. She still wondered why she had felt compelled to come here. The view was great, but it wasn't getting her any closer to her answers. Just then she noticed an old monk approaching.

"Good evening, child. You look as though you are lost."

"I suppose I am. I came here looking for answers."

The old monk smiled. "Many do. Some find them. Who are you looking for?"

"How do you know it's a person?"

"Intuition."

"Well, I guess I'm looking for...a vampire."

"A curious place to look, is it not. Wouldn't a cave be better suited?"

"Indeed it would, but this one is unique."

"How so?"

"He has a claw for an arm."

The old monk's smile spread across his face, and it seemed to brighten.

"So you have come at last."

"Excuse me? Am I expected?"

"Oh, we have been waiting for you for some time. Some of the younger ones were begining to lose hope. But I knew you'd come."

"I don't understand."

"You will, when they arrive."

"They?"

"Yes. Nanaki and his friends will know what to do. And Vincent will wish to speak with you, no doubt."

"And he is?"

"The man whom you seek, though, in truth, he isn't a vampire. He just plays the part well."

Quistis was as confused as she had ever been, but he seemed to know what he was talking about. Just as she was about to ask another question, she saw a much younger monk approach with a familiar shade of blue in tow.

"Rinoa."

Rinoa looked up from talking with the monk, and saw Quistis.

"Oh, bless Hyne, you're here. Where in all creation are we?"

"I have a feeling there is someone coming who will be able to answer that better than I will. For now, this is..."

"Elder Bughe."

"I was hoping we could find somewhere to stay. To wait for your friends."

"They are your friends as well, child. And you can stay at the inn. It is already arranged. As I said, we have been expecting you."

With that, the old monk walked off, the younger monk trailing reverently. Elder Bughe was obviously of considerable standing in the town.

"Well, Quis, I guess we just crash at the inn, and wait it out."

"So it would seem."

"I'll see you there."

After Rinoa walked off in the direction of the inn, Quistis stood, gazing up at the stars. They were not much different than the stars she would look at when she was at the Garden, except the constellations were all different. She was glad she didn't have to try to travel by the stars here. It might get hairy.

Then the young priest approached here, something in his hand that he was covering.

"Elder Bughe wanted me to give this to you, though I don't know why. We've had it for some time."

The 'it' in question was a Materia, but it wasn't green. It was red. When Quistis took it into her hands, she was stunned to feel a presance in the stone, as though it contained a spirit.

"What is it?"

"it is the summon materia for Alexander."

"Summon?"

"Yes. You don't have materia where you come from?"

"We don't have materia. And we don't summon, per se. We had Guardian Forces that we can call on in battle."

"I expect it is the same principle."

"But this Alexander, he lives in the stone?"

"His spirit is connected to it. Through it, he can speak to you."

"What does he say?"

"He has never said anything to me. But then, I've only held it twice now."

He hurried off, and Quistis held the stone in front of her, feeling the power of it. Then she heard a voice inside of her.

"Are you the one spoken of?"

"I, uh, I guess I am."

"Then I will aid you. I am the Holy light of Judgment."

"Good to know. I'll, uh, get back to you on that one."

"As you command."

The glow faded, though not completely.

'Why did they give this to me?', she wondered.

In the end, Quistis headed for the inn. She would have to wait for answers.

-----

Dawn broke, and if there was anything about this day that struck Nanaki, it was that it felt like any other day. He had not played an active part in the recent events, as most were the continuation of a story that largely wasn't his. While it could be argued that Nanaki was the intellectual giant of the group, and certainly had lived the longest, he had always tried to avoid getting caught up in any one event. The planet had existed for ages, and would so for ages to come, long after they were all forgotten. Only the implications to the planet had convinced him to join with these others to fight the perils that came. It wasn't that he didn't feel a kinship with those he had joined. Nanaki had been close to them all, even Aerith. But he had not regretted going separate ways when it all ended. Their purpose was fulfilled, the planet would survive, and the balance of life would largely be restored in time with the end of Shinra. Of course, another would take their place, one always did, but Nanaki tended to see things in a much broader sense than most. Perhaps that was why he had felt a connection to the ancient, beyond her kind, loving nature. He could understand her purpose better than the rest could, and while her death had hurt him deeply, he saw it's purpose in saving the planet. Admittedly, he wasn't sure what to make of this new threat. But the drama it had raised was easy enough to understand. Nanaki wasn't one to hold a grudge, and while he had fought Sephiroth along with the others, it wasn't personal for him. It was about stopping a madman from destroying the planet. If Sephiroth's return was for the sake of the planet, Nanaki was prepared to accept his aid without reservation.

In a way, strange as it may seem given their differences, Nanaki had always had a strong connection to Vincent. They were both seen as aloof, but both were simply methodical in their thinking, and tended to see a situation without the tainted view of personal feelings. They were both good listeners. And more than that, they both listened, something increasingly rare. Nanaki now felt the same connection with Sephiroth, in that respect. He clearly was of a higher level of understanding in most things, his intellect sharp. He tended to be friendlier than Nanaki or Vincent, but then, he had a lot of perceptions to overcome.

Nanaki found himself joined by Sephiroth as Cloud and company were getting prepared to venture into Cosmo Canyon. Nanaki had been mildly annoyed at the drama Cloud insisted on with everyone going into town together, as though it were some newly discovered location with dangers to be cautious of. Nanaki had known this place, his home, for longer than any of them had been alive and now he had to wait for them. But he allowed it, as it seemed more trouble than it was worth to argue the point.

"I suppose this is the point where someone throws out a cliched line about it being nice to be home, when the purpose for your absence was largely theirs in the making."

Nanaki smiled. He appreciated Sephiroth's sense of humor, and his sense of irony as well.

"Nonetheless, it is indeed a pleasure to return. I take comfort that things move slowly here. It removes the anxiety of returning. It will be as though nothing has changed."

"And yet, much has, though little they yet know of it. How will I be received here, I wonder."

"I would trust more graciously than in most towns. A threat to the planet outweighs old wounds to these people, and if you are come to aid in it's defense, they will respect that. Few of their wounds are of your making, in any case."

"It is not often that it can be said. For that, I am grateful. So now we await the coming of this 'One' you spoke of?"

"I rather suspect that she is here already, if Aerith's dream is any indication."

"Will she know her purpose?"

"Doubtful. I do not know if any of us truly know our own part to play in this, much less hers. But I am left to hope that she is not entirely ignorant to her purpose in coming."

"We will know in time."

"If they will allow us to be off."

Sephiroth smiled, "You do not seem the impatient type, my friend."

"I seldom am. But to be so close to home, and be asked to participate in foolish ceremony, is frustrating."

"If there is anything I would expect of you, it is an appreciation of ceremony."

Nanaki laughed, "Point conceded."

They stood in comfortable silence for a while, as the occupants of the Highwind began filtering off of the ship. Curiously, Vincent was one of the last to disembark, and he looked troubled. Nanaki couldn't recall him ever having trouble with Cosmo Canton, so it must have been a recent event. A dream, perhaps? He would take a moment to question Vincent about it later.

Finally gathered, nearly an hour past sunrise, Cloud gave his trademark nod, and they headed into the Canyon. Cosmo Canyon was capable of receiving a large ship, but not of the size of Highwind, so they would have to hike up to it. It would be a short hike, an hour perhaps, and Nanaki always enjoyed the area surrounding the town. He had taken walks through these hills more times than he could count, and there was a peaceful calm to them. He again marveled at the founders of the town choosing this location, remote and high above the planet, to build an observatory. Much had been learned about the planet since, and the universe in which they were but a drop in a mighty ocean. In the chaotic noise and bustle of Gold Saucer, he was lost. But here, he was found, he was home.

Shortly before they arrived, Nanaki parted company, as he was unable to climb ladders well, and had his own chosen route into town. He found it curious when Vincent chose to accompany him. Clearly something had occurred, and he wished to discuss it.

After they were out of range of the others, Nanaki began. "I trust your joining me had to do with whatever is troubling you."

"Indeed, it does. I had a dream."

"I suspected as much. What was it's nature."

"I'm not yet sure. It seemed to be a foreshadowing of events to come, but little of it was clear. One part was, though, and it is about Yuffie. You have doubtless noticed her feelings for me."

"It would be difficult to miss."

"If my interpreting skills do me justice, I will make a choice that will cause her a great deal of pain. And she will make a choice, though it's consequences are unclear."

"Pain? In what way?"

"Her heart is fragile. She does not trust, or love, easily. To lose that trust would do more harm than to cut out her heart."

"And you make this choice for the sake of the planet?"

"I am unsure what purpose it serves, only that it is necessary."

"I respect that you are treating this with care."

"I have never had the care of another's heart. I have never had someone miss me, fear for me, as she did. There are obvious concerns with a relationship, as I am ageless and she is not."

"But are you, my friend? If I am not mistaken, Chaos is no more. Could it be that it was his presence that was keeping you young?"

Vincent frowned, "I had not considered that. It is indeed possible."

"And if it proved true?"

"Then much will change regardless of how these events play out."

"I am concerned for you, Vincent. Could you survive the loss of another love, if the planet requires it?"

"The circumstances would have little in common. Lucrecia was my sin, as I supposed. I was unable to save her from Hojo. But if her fate was indeed of her own choosing, as well as Sephiroth's, I will have to reevaluate much of what I have come to believe. If Yuffie dies for the sake of the planet, I would have to honor her sacrifice, as Cloud did Aerith's"

"But did Cloud honor her sacrifice? Or did he feel unable to protect her, as you did with Lucrecia, and carry the sin with him?"

"I am hardly qualified to answer that question."

"But you must ask it nonetheless."

Deciding to the change the subject, Vincent asked, "What do we know of this 'One'?"

"Little, I'm afraid. We will learn more when we arrive."

-----

Rinoa groaned, unwilling to get out of the bed. For such a remote location, it was a nice Inn. But then, it was a tourist location.

Finally, she crawled out of bed. She had hoped that she might wake in her own bed, or even better, in Squalls. But she knew that coming and going was largely up to Quistis. It was a strange world, a lot of terms she didn't understand, though she was happy she could at least speak the same basic language. She wondered at that for a moment, but brushed it aside. She wasn't the type, like Squall and Quistis, to wonder why things were the way they were. She just took it all in stride, and worked with it as best she could.

This place was much quieter than she was comfortable with. At least the tourists gave it some buzz.

She went to Quistis' room, and knocked at the door. Unsurprisingly, there was no answer. Quistis was an early riser, and she would probably be out there somewhere. Well, out there could wait until after breakfast.

Having had a bite to eat, she headed out into town.

She didn't see Quistis right off, but it didn't worry her much. It wasn't like she would be going anywhere. She was probably talking to that old monk from the night before. Rinoa, on the other hand, was less than thrilled to see the younger monk, who had shown her the way to town, come running up.

"Miss...I'm sorry, I didn't get your name yesterday. Anyway, your friend sent me to find you."

"I'm sure she did. The name's Rinoa, and I don't recall you mentioning your name, either." As he was about to introduce himself, she stopped him. "Lets just get going. I'm sure whatever she found is of vital importance."

The monk gave her a curious look. "Your words do not match your actions."

"I'm guessing you guys don't get a lot of sarcasm where you're from."

"Sarcasm?"

"It would take way to long to explain, and I might get in trouble for corrupting you anyway. Lead on."

Still noticeably confused, he led her up, as Rinoa expected, toward the observatory.

As they entered, Quistis was looking through the giant telescope, with old monk standing by her. Rinoa knew she would have to try harder to remember his name.

"Hey monk", she whispered to her guide, "What's his name again?"

"Elder Bughe. Please try to have some respect. He is very wise."

"I'm sure he is."

"Is this sarcasm, again?"

"No, I mean it this time. He looks like he knows way more than I ever want to."

"You do not strive for a perfect knowledge of the universe?"

Rinoa tried not to do it. She really did. But the innocent way in which he asked the question left her no choice. She giggled, loud enough for Elder Bughe, and an annoyed Quistis to hear.

"Um, I'll have to get back to you on that one."

She moved toward Quistis.

"Was that necessary?"

"What? He asked a silly question."

"It's not silly to them. It's what they devote their lives to, gaining a knowledge of the planet, and the universe as a whole. It is a noble pursuit."

"I agree. But it's not something I'm cut out for, you know that."

"Nevertheless, you don't have to insult them."

"Was there a reason you wanted me?"

Quistis sighed. "Yes. Come look at this."

Rinoa bent over the lens to the telescope. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust.

"Wow. I didn't know you could see the moon during the day."

"It's still there during the daytime. The light from the sun obscures it from the naked eye. But look at it closely."

Rinoa looked for a while.

"And I'm looking for what?"

"Upper right side."

"Oh.", she said, finally seeing what Quistis had been looking at. "It's pretty."

"Yes it's pretty. And it's a problem."

Rinoa looked up at Quistis, then back into the telescope. She refocused her eye, and again caught sight of what looked light a trail of light. 'What was that term Quistis used for it? Refracting?' It really looked like...'

"It's a crack in space."

"Essentially."

"And it wasn't there before?"

Elder Bughe spoke up. "It appeared less than a month ago. It is slowly growing."

"What is it?"

"That is the question we were hoping you both could answer. Nanaki told us that recent events had changed much, but didn't say what those events were. We hope he will tell us more when he gets here."

"How far out are they?"

"Their airship landed about 30 minutes ago. It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to make one's way up the canyon from the landing sight."

"So they're half an hour out. Well, Quistis is the smart one. And I guess she's this 'One' you're lookin' for. So I can't help on this one."

Quistis shook her head. "I would imagine it to be a physical manifestation of the door Seifer was speaking of."

"A door to what, my dear?"

"That will take some time to explain. I think it would be best to wait for the others to arrive, as they will be able to explain it from their perspective. We are foreign to this world."

No sooner had she finished the statement, then the heard a shout from outside.

"They have been spotted. They must be in a hurry. They should be here in a matter of moments. We should go out to greet them properly."

They all headed down through the entrance to town, with young monk seeming to follow Rinoa. She hoped this wasn't going to be a problem.

Just as they arrived outside, Rinoa saw something that took every other thought out of her mind. It looked like a wolf, crossed with some kind of cat. But more importantly, it's tail was on fire, but it didn't seem to mind.

'They keep some odd pets around here, I guess'

Then the pet spoke.

"Greetings. I am Nanaki."

Rinoa stared at him, not knowing what to say.

Nanaki smiled. "I gather you are unaccustomed to speaking to animals."

"Uh, that is, no, not usually. I mean, it seems like Angelo is trying to talk to me sometimes but, um..."

"And who is Angelo, if I may ask?"

"My, um, dog."

Quistis stepped forward, to save Rinoa from herself. "Hello. It would seem they have been expecting you."

"You must be Quistis. I mean no offense, but you are not what I expected to find. You are quite young."

"Indeed I am, Nanaki. And I take no offense. This is all way over my head."

"I share the sentiment. We are often called on to rise to the occasion."

"Well, having already saved the world once, I guess I can work with this."

"Have you indeed? We will have to share stories sometime."

"Are you alone? Or just faster than your companions?"

Before he could answer, she looked up and saw someone approaching behind Nanaki.

It was him.

-----

Ranting time. The format I have been using thus far has been two parts each for each game, or world, alternating in each chapter. Now that the main players from FF8 are in the world of FF7, the format is going to change a bit. I will be freeforming it as needed to tell the story. I will still try to tell the story from multiple perspectives, as I did with this chapter, including the views of Nanaki and Rinoa. I'm trying to make it more inclusive of all of the favorite characters form both games. That being said, I still have to tell the story, and right now, it is pretty much happening in one place.

I've gotten some flak for the story starting to get a little soap opera-esque. This isn't a teen drama as much as it is a way for people to take another look at the games and how they see their favorite characters. You can't have this many people in the same place at the same time, in such stressful times, without it affecting them, and them starting to see each other differently. If it looks like I am trying to hook two people together, it is for the purpose of telling the story, not playing matchmaker. When it is all said and done, there will be some left dead, and the rest will each have a pretty clear path ahead. I don't like to leave loose ends.

I've also gotten some grief for not having the bad guy show up yet. At this point, it's still not certain what the threat even is. PATIENCE! It is coming. I'm fleshing out now because once the shit hits the fan, there won't be time for angst.

Another key aspect of this story is how much fate plays into our choices, if one has a definite future, and if so, whether they can change it. My views on it will come out in the story. Some of you may see the ending coming a mile away, others may not see it at all. But it will fit the story. Don't assume that because someone is fated to live, or die, that they will in fact.

Spell checking only saves me from bad spelling. At times what should be one word becomes another that is still a word, just not the one I wanted, something spell check can't save me from. I try to proof read, but some stuff still gets through. If it doesn't make sense, grammatically speaking, not logically speaking, it is probably one of these.