The sun had risen by the time Jessie and her companions—Cloud and Aeris this time around—reached Kalm's inn. After their eventful night, she was exhausted and looking forward to a good meal and a long, hot shower.
           The man at the front desk told them that their party was waiting for them upstairs. As they entered the large main suite, Barret said, "Yo, guys, you're late!" Also present in the room were Biggs, Wedge, and Tifa.
           Cloud scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that. Where's Red?"
           "He's gone to get some person called 'Number XII'," said Biggs. "Said he wouldn't be long."
           "Right," Cloud walked over to one of the beds and flopped down on it. Jessie found a vacant spot on the floor, but Aeris remained standing.
           She said, "Hey Tifa, can I ask you something?"
           "What is it?" Tifa replied.
           "You and Sephiroth seem to know each other. Have you met before?"
           "I was wondering about that, too," said Wedge. "He addressed you by name."
           Without a word, Tifa turned to look out one of the windows.
           Aeris took a few steps toward her. "Is something wrong? I'm sorry if I'm prying."
           "It's not that, it's just… my memories tied to Sephiroth are painful ones."
           Barret crossed his arms and looked over at the former SOLDIER. "And what 'bout you, Cloud? You got all pissed off when President Shinra said Sephiroth's name at the reactor, and you weren't too happy to see him even when he helped us out last night."
           "Did he really help us, Barret?" Cloud asked, still lying down. "Wouldn't surprise me if he tries to pin the President's death on AVALANCHE."
           "I'm afraid that we do have to make scapegoats out of you for the time being," said an unfamiliar voice, "and for that I apologize."
           Jessie turned her head to see Red enter the room with a tall man following from behind. This man was plainly dressed in a white shirt and black slacks, but what really caught her attention was his red eyes and the gold-colored gauntlet that encased his left arm up to the elbow. He gave a slight bow towards the group, his long black hair brushing past his shoulders as we did so. "My name is Vincent Valentine. I am also known as Number XII, one of the four Cardinal Directors of our organization, Sundial. Nanaki here has informed me of what transpired at the Shinra Building."
           "Nanaki?" asked Biggs.
           "Yes. That is Number XIII's, or 'Red's', real name." Nanaki nodded, and introduced everyone to Vincent in turn. "Now, you're probably wondering who we are, and why we have decided to lend you our assistance."
           Cloud said, "Actually, what I want to know is what you want from AVALANCHE."
           "He has a good point," said Jessie. "You really mean to blame us for President Shinra's death?"
           "Only for a little while," said Vincent. "It's crucial to our plans that Sephiroth rejoins Shinra with as little suspicion directed toward him as possible."
           "And why's that?"
           "Because the goal of our organization, Sundial, is not dissimilar to AVALANCHE's. We were formed in order to do something about Shinra's flagrant abuse of the Planet's most vital resources."
           "So you wanna see the Shinra go down too?" Barret asked.
           "Not quite. Our goal is not to eradicate Shinra, but rather a transformed Shinra, one without mako reactors, and one which doesn't destroy people's lives. While there is a lot we see wrong with Shinra, the Company has also done a lot of good, raising the standard of living for people the world over. We don't think that has to be sacrificed in order for real change to be made."
           Tifa, who was still at the window, suddenly spoke. "Change?" she asked, her voice quavering; the others looked at her. "Like the 'change' Sephiroth brought to Nibelheim?"
           Vincent lowered his eyes.
           "What he did there five years ago—what set me on the path that led me to Barret and AVALANCHE—is that what you mean by 'change'?"
           "No. You are… a survivor of that incident?"
           Tifa responded with a glare.
           "For some of us, Sundial is our way of atoning for our sins. It is imperative that the sins committed in Nibelheim and elsewhere are never repeated. Having witnessed your actions in Midgar, we would like to have you as allies, provided that you are willing to share our goals and come to terms with your own sins, whatever they may be. However, if you do not wish to side with us, we will understand."
           The room fell silent. Then, Cloud sat up. "You know, I was there too, five years ago."
           "Really?" said Tifa.
           "Yeah. I was on leave at the time and returned to my hometown only to see it in flames, and Sephiroth in the midst of it, watching some monster burn it to the ground. Didn't take long for me to figure out what was going on."
           "So what'd you do?" Barret asked.
           "I ran toward town to confront him, but then I… blacked out. I don't know what happened next, but ever since then, I could never forgive Sephiroth for what he did."
           Vincent nodded. "At a time like this, I wish it was Sephiroth in my place, telling you all about our organization. Please think over what we have discussed today. Also, I have been informed that the Shinra are currently mobilizing their forces in search of you. I recommend that you rest up here today, then leave at nightfall. We have friends at Fort Condor, on the other side of the Mythrill Mountains, who would be willing to assist you. If you decide to drop by there, give them this," he said, placing a white card on the table in the center of the room.
           "How can we get in touch with you? Y'know, for when we make our decision about joinin' forces." Barret asked.
           "If you wish to join us, head for Cosmo Canyon," said Vincent. "If not, go your own way, but try to stay out of ours. Now, Nanaki and I must get going. I certainly hope that we will meet again. Also, I must make one final request: speak to no one of this meeting. Very few people outside of Sundial know of our existence, and we intend to keep it that way by any means necessary."
           Vincent turned and left the room, with Nanaki following closely behind him.

*****

           After a hearty meal delivered to them from the local pub—a meal which, like the hotel room, turned out to have been paid for by Vincent—the escapees from Midgar slept through the afternoon. When Aeris awoke, the curtains were still drawn and everyone was fast asleep. Wanting to get out for awhile to stretch her legs, she quietly slipped off the bed, brushed the wrinkles from her dress, and started toward the staircase to pick up her shoes and rod. When she reached it, she heard a sound, and turned to see Cloud sitting up and staring straight at her.
           "Where're you going?" he whispered.
           "Just for a walk," she whispered back.
           "Hold on a sec. I'll join you."
           Aeris did as Cloud requested, and they left the inn together while the others continued to sleep. Outside, Kalm was bathed in a deep orange light, contrasted against the long shadows of its westernmost buildings. A few villagers were about, but thankfully, no one from Shinra. She and Cloud decided to head toward the town square, the center of which was home to an odd contraption made up of pipes and tanks. Probably some kind of mako generator, she thought upon noticing a faded Shinra logo on its side. There weren't many people about, and what few there were looked as though they were preoccupied with their own personal concerns.
           "So what do you think about this whole 'Sundial' thing?" Aeris asked Cloud, in a low voice so that the passers-by wouldn't hear them.
           "Why should I care? I'm not an AVALANCHE member."
           "Oh, right. Still, don't you work for them?"
           "I was hired to help bomb two mako reactors, and the only reason I came along with them to save you was because you're my other client. 'Course, I didn't tell them this."
           "So they don't know about our arrangement?"
           "Nope. We were at your mom's house when Barret and Tifa asked me to join them on the rescue job. Seeing as how you didn't want your mom to know about your hiring me, I wasn't in the best position to tell them why I agreed to help out, and I never had a good opportunity to explain it to them afterwards." Cloud looked Aeris straight in the eye. "We should head out of town as soon as possible, so I can get you reunited with Zack. Let AVALANCHE sort out their own problems."
           "You don't care about them at all? You certainly seemed to when you agreed to help fight Shinra at the Sector Seven pillar."
           "Yeah, but things have changed since then. I'd consider sticking with them at least a little while longer if it weren't for…"
           "Sephiroth?"
           Cloud sighed. "…Yeah. If I stay with AVALANCHE, as a mercenary or otherwise, and they decide to take these Sundial people up on their offer, I would never be able to forgive myself for being on the same side as him. I would rather have nothing to do with them, and let them do their own thing."
           Aeris nodded, then glanced around at the darkening town. From out of the corner of her eye, she happened to see Vincent, now draped in a red cloak and carrying some sort of satchel across his shoulders, emerging from an alleyway. Her eyes met with his, and he came over to where they stood.
           "Awake already?" Vincent asked.
           "Yes. Just wanted to get some fresh air. How about you?"
           "I'm taking leave of this town. Nanaki is already out there waiting for me. You are the Cetra Aeris, correct?"
           "That's right, but how do you know I'm a Cetra?"
           Vincent smiled. "Sundial has its sources, but don't worry, unlike Shinra, we mean you no harm."
           "That's okay," said Cloud. "We don't need Sundial's help, or protection."
           "Ah. Has AVALANCHE come to a decision about us, then?"
           "No, but I have."
           "Cloud's a mercenary," Aeris explained. "He was hired by AVALANCHE for their bombing missions. I'm his current client."
           "What have you hired him for?"
           "That's between me and her," said Cloud. "As for AVALANCHE, I've already taken care of all the jobs I was paid to do."
           "That's probably just as well. It's best for all involved that our members and allies truly believe in our cause."
           "You guys really do want AVALANCHE on your side, but your little spiel back at the inn didn't have me fully convinced. What are you hiding?"
           Vincent stared out toward the town's entrance. "I really must go. Farewell, and be careful."
           Aeris watched him leave. Once he had disappeared from view, Cloud asked, "Do you have everything that you came with?"
           "Why do you ask? Do you want to leave now?"
           "Yeah, if you've got no objections. I don't think we should get wrapped up in AVALANCHE's problems, especially if they're planning on going up against the Shinra again."
           "You're probably right, but if we are going to leave, we should at least let them know."
           "Very well. We'll leave a note with the innkeeper. I'd rather avoid a confrontation with Barret and the others."
           "All right. I'll trust your judgment."
           Cloud nodded, then started toward the inn. Aeris took a deep breath before following him. Finally, their journey would soon truly be underway.

*****

           Sephiroth stood at attention before the Shinra Electric Power Company's new president: the former president's son and VP, Rufus Shinra. He had just given Rufus his eyewitness account of the previous night's events, altering certain details for his and Sundial's convenience. Thus, it was not he who shot President Shinra right between the eyes, but an AVALANCHE member standing somewhere behind him. What was not a lie was what he did afterwards: as AVALANCHE escaped, he found the intercom on the President's desk and called building security, the Turks, and the paramedics, then contacted Rufus and each of the executives in turn.
           Rufus, as expected, regarded Sephiroth's account with some degree of skepticism, but ultimately nodded and asked Sephiroth to submit a written and signed affidavit to his secretary.
           "Before you go, I want to ask you two things," said Rufus.
           "What is it, sir?"
           "Where have you been for the past five years, and why have you come back?"
           "Hmph," replied Sephiroth with a small smile. "I wonder why you didn't ask sooner."
           "Well?"
           "After the incident at Nibelheim, I needed some time to myself—"
           "So you went AWOL, leaving the Company to believe you were dead?" Rufus interrupted.
           "You could put it that way. I was not in my right mind at the time. Do you know of the circumstances behind my creation?"
           "My father once briefed me on it, yes."
           "After some soul-searching, I have come to realize what it all means, and even more importantly, that my talents were going to waste. I have come back in search of forgiveness for my indiscretions and to regain my former position within the Company."
           "How do you know if there's still a place for you here?"
           "To be honest, I don't know, but now that you're the President, I'm sure you can find a way."
           "And what makes you so certain?"
           "I know what kind of man you are. Money and power alone won't satisfy you, as they did your father."
           Rufus stared at Sephiroth, a slight grin starting to form on his face. "We'll talk more tomorrow. Go get some rest."
           "Yes, Mr. President."

           Midgar had changed quite a bit over the past five years, but in general it was as dark and grimy as Sephiroth remembered. Earlier, he had discovered that his apartment on the Sector One plate had been left untouched over the years, and it was there, his old home, that he was now entering. Much of the furnishings were coated in a layer of dust, but he did have a little bit of time earlier in the day to give his bedroom and bathroom a quick once-over. The few belongings he had brought with him back to Midgar sat on top of his freshly-made bed, including a custom-configured PHS that he used for Sundial-related business. Thanks to Sundial's connections within Shinra, this private line was entirely untraceable. He picked up this phone and placed a call to fellow Director—and old friend—Vincent Valentine.
           "Number XII, here."
           "This is Number IX. Just checking in to see how things went with AVALANCHE."
           "Mmm. Number VI recently did the same thing. Anyway, I did meet with them and told them about the organization, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will side with us."
           "Let's hope they come around to see things our way, then."
           "Yes. Also, there was something else that came up."
           "Which was?"
           "Nibelheim."
           Sephiroth wasn't all that surprised to hear this, and told Vincent so. "Tifa, whom you met today, was my guide on that mission. I don't believe I've ever mentioned her by name before. I was startled to see her in the President's office last night, to say the least."
           "There was another survivor of Nibelheim at the inn as well, a mercenary in a SOLDIER uniform named Cloud Strife. Do you remember him?"
           Clearly, Vincent was referring to the young man with the spiky blond hair and mako-tinted blue eyes, eyes which bore into him with hatred and disgust. "I did find something familiar about him, but no, I definitely don't recall him being in Nibelheim around that time. You say he's a mercenary?"
           "Yes. He had been hired by AVALANCHE for their bombing missions, but seems to have no further obligations toward them, and has since moved on to a new client, Aeris. They left Kalm on their own, on a separate quest which they would not share the details of."
           "I see. Where are you now?"
           "Number XIII and I have left Kalm and are currently somewhere east of the chocobo fields."
           "Have you heard anything from Number III?"
           "I spoke to him this afternoon. He doesn't have anything to pass along,"
           "Very well. Until the next conference call, then?"
           "Until then. Take care, Sephiroth."
           "You do the same, Vincent."
           "And… good luck."
           "Thank you."
           Sephiroth turned off the phone, then opened the still-dusty curtains. Outside of his window, the Shinra Building was a lit beacon against the dark, starless sky. "Nibelheim, eh?" he thought out loud. It had been roughly five years since he had last set foot in the place—indeed, five years since the mission which changed his life. Never could he have imagined that a simple and routine assignment would have led to such disturbing discoveries.
           He continued to idle by the window, not staring at anything in particular as the clouds of dust shaken loose from the curtains quietly gravitated towards the floor. Outside, a few drops of rain began to fall, which soon gave way to a torrential downpour.
           How ironic, he thought. Just like that night…

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Completed May 2009 | Copyright 2009, Reeve Kasahara.

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