Pride 10 by Gradius

THOSE THAT FOLLOW

It was safer at night. The safest time for them as the chance of being discovered was at it’s least.

It also helped that the room was taboo in a sense. Not everyone knew why, but even those not in the know realized it was being avoided, so did the same. This gave them several walls to soundproof the noise, which they did their very best to make as little of as possible. 

It was difficult of course. You didn’t engage in this activity without making SOME noise. And the more enthusiastic…violent…it became the more noise was made. And both Joslyn and Jessica were, VERY, enthusiastic.

Jessica’s grunts were fierce and loud while she batted her firm breasts against her taller, dark haired, rival’s. Smashing her into retreat with brutal boob blows before herself being forced, cursing furiously in the face of the angry woman.

Joslyn’s growls were low and spiteful, slamming her taut glands relentlessly into the determined, fiery redhead opposing her. Grabbing and pulling her close, both threw back their heads as they squeezed mightily, spinning slowly as they shuffled around the room. Heads thrown back, Jo’s lips moved in a repressed, silent scream while Jess’s teeth clenched tightly.

At the end of their spin Jessica found herself stuck in the corner. Working their boobs together, Joslyn maneuvered her heavy breasts on top of the trapped ginger’s, eyes glittering as malicious delight crossed her pretty face at Jess’s clear discomfort. Jessica’s face reddened, temper never far from the surface becoming hot, gave several short lurches, beating the flattened tops of her tits against Jo’s undersides. Until her boobs emerged, bouncing dramatically with their freedom, causing Joslyn to stumble back a step, hands now gripping Jessica’s slick thighs. Both beauties thrust forward sharply, flattening the aching, softening glands to the roots before springing apart. 

But now Jess’s position proved advantageous as she had the wall behind her to brace, while Jo had nothing. Seeing her rival teetering Jessica propelled herself off the wall and into Joslyn, the impetus knocking them onto the bed. Once there, primal feminine instinct drove hands into sweat slicked hair, tugging furiously as they thrashed across the bed. Long, bare legs kicked wildly in the air as they rolled, wrestling in a purely feminine manner before falling off the far side of the bed. Springing back upright Jo and Jess glared across the short distance between them, fists clenching and unclenching, displaying a painful desire to escalate their fight. 

But instead they lunged together, swatting their flopping breasts together in a continuing dance both were experts at, against an opponent they were intimately familiar with. Jo and Jess had fought so often, especially in the last half month that they had each other’s moves and tricks memorized. Jess knew to spot the slight clenching in Jo’s jaw that meant the bigger girl was about to put considerable force behind a swing of her massive boobs. Jo quickly spotted Jess’s habitual foot shift to the outside that meant she was about stab with her smaller, but as pointed, breasts. This led to neither being able to really land a telling blow until one made a mistake. Which only happened after they’d been fighting for some time. 

Jo staggered, moaning as Jessica’s angry, exhausted face filled her vision. This was bad, she knew, gritting her teeth and hurling her boobs to splash up against Jess’s.

Jessica stumbled, whimpering, glaring across at Joslyn’s pretty, sneering face. The tiredness there didn’t console her, not when she was still capable of a hit like that. Swallowing audibly she bashed back against her dark haired tormentor.

Swallowing their screams Jo and Jess brutalized each others’ tits along with their own, the sore orbs sending jolts of pain across every nerve with each impact. Just when it seemed both would fall before the torment ended, their boobs clapped together one more hideous time, and Joslyn rose up on her toes, stiff in agony, then sank to her knees on the ground. Jess would have celebrated, if her own boobs weren’t glowing red from their beating. She simply sat on the bed in relief, suffering in silence just as Jo was. Finally, the pain at a tolerable level she staggered upright. “It’s two to one now, bitch!” She declared hoarsely. Softly. Though she didn’t look up, Jess knew she heard her. “Told you I had you figured out.”

*****

Barret clambered up the ladder onto the actual pad where the smaller airships were cycling through. Cid stood at the small debriefing area, jacket blowing in the morning chill and wind generated by the dozen or so rotors from the hovering ships waiting to land and be relieved. The second he saw Barret he scowled and gave his head a shake before turning his attention back to the pilot currently giving her report. In short order she gave quick salute that the grey haired pilot sloppily returned before staggering off.

“Nothing new?”

“It’s a downright disgrace,” Cid grumbled loudly. “I thought I knew all possible routes between the continents. But this ship of theirs seems able to handle the air currents that would normally shake or outright tear ours apart. Every time we pick them up, this thing zips off down some corridor ours can’t follow.” 

“They have to land for fuel at some point.” Barret responded, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And that’s when we’ll get ’em. But it doesn’t matter what they do. We’ll keep looking, even if it’s just down to the old crew.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Cid muttered. “It’s only four of us left.”

*****

“HYAH…OOWW!!”

Joslyn vigorously rubbed her ribs in response to the wicked blow a spoke from her training dummy had delivered. Realistically she knew she could’ve skipped training today, especially after last night. Her bra proving quite painful she’d opted for a loose t-shirt that did nothing to contain her largesse and a pair of shorts that highlighted the length of her legs and roundness of her bum. This wasn’t done to be provocative, at least not on purpose. She’d pulled on what seemed best, absently, her mind elsewhere. Their fiercest fight, outside of the one Yuffie tricked them into, to date only for her to lose to the redheaded skank. The noirette frowned at her inner thoughts, once more striking at the dummy with rapid with blows and blocks. Truth be told she didn’t resent Jessica as much as she let on. She never had. Oh, the jealousy towards her for being Yuffie’s dedicated rival had been, and was still there but that was another matter entirely. 

“But still,” Jo thought, continuing on autopilot with her movements beginning to pick up speed. “It was…was…”

Oddly relaxing her mind finished for her. She grimaced internally. Joslyn loved a good fight. The harder the better.

In that regard she was definitely Tifa’s sister as that was how the pair had met and bonded. On the mat of her private club where the two had fought with their tits until they were both exhausted and the glands hanging and loose. Losing had brought on a temporary bitterness before being overshadowed by just how refreshed she’d felt after finally being able to fight someone without worrying about hurting them. Thinking about it like that Jo had an epiphany. From the moment she and Tifa met there’d been an attraction. Jo had thought it sexual and even Tifa admitted later on that she’d been expecting a proposition, not an invitation to a fight. Even during said fight it had been a painfully arousing experience. Contrasting that with Jessica, Joslyn felt she had an answer.

“Maybe one day you’ll find yourself up against someone you just can’t stand, and then you’ll understand.” Tifa said, then shrugged. “Lucky me, I found two.”

Jessica was definitely someone Joslyn found difficult to stand. But at the same time, she was just the kind of person Jo would want next to her in a fight. From the day she attacked her for spending a night with Rosa, to the fight Yuffie secretly arranged, Jessica kept Jo guessing. With how vicious the fight had been, even after Yuffie’s interruption at the end, she expected them to be, if not enemies, not exactly friends. Then, against her better judgement, while both Tifa and Yuffie were unavailable, on a whim she’d asked the ginger to help her in a new paired match up against the Honeybee. To both of their apparent surprise, she agreed. 

Greased up in oil Jess wrestled a tough, purple haired, tanned woman by the name of Elise for almost half an hour while Joslyn went toe to toe with Vicky. Fierce from beginning to end all four fought with no holds barred. Out of the corner of her eye, while being strangled by Vicky, Jo saw Jess’s fight end, bending Elise like a bow by pulling her hair and legs to almost meet in the small of her back. At the purple haired bee girl’s screaming surrender Jo punched Vicky away the two grabbing for one another. 

Neither had ever forgotten their first fight, and it set the tone for future interactions. Both brunettes attacking one another savagely, Joslyn screeched when Vicky dragged her nails down the girl’s back after shoving her to the floor. Several minutes later and pushed to the floor, Vicky shrieked when Jo bit down on the arm she used to try and keep the noirette at bay. They exchanged punches that had Vicky’s bottom lip split, pulled each other into bearhugs that had their impressive busts squash into chests and crashed to the ground to thrash about in a kicking, clawing catfight. By the end, both could barely stand and Jo hefted Vicky up to toss her to the ground in a clumsy throw. 

Exhausted, Vicky took too long to try and get up, allowing Joslyn to trap her head between her thighs and pin the bee girl’s arms under her knees. Face twisted into a look of furious rage, Jo began assaulting the defenseless tits and stomach with repeated punches. She screamed when Vicky responded naturally, biting hard on Jo’s inner thigh, but the younger girl just powered through the pain, grabbing hold of a proffered tit with one hand, twisting viciously, while continuing to punch with the other. In a testament to her sheer grit, Vicky held on for another couple minutes before finally going limp. Panting, Jo took a second to raise her hand to the cheers of her supporters, shooting Jessica a wide, open smile which she unconsciously returned. Both froze at the realization and lips returned to hard, wary lines.

Then, a few months later, Jessica had approached her. Stating that she owed her, Joslyn had accompanied her as a second during a fight against an old rival. The rival’s second, as she’d expected, attempted to get involved turning the fight into a semi free for all that ended when she and Jess slammed their opponents together headfirst. Then she called on Jess to join her in a fight…then Jess would return the favor. Hell, at the Wonder Square fundraiser the two of them had gone up against Tifa and Yuffie in a paired titfight while Elizabeth and Vicky had fought Mikoto and Naoko.

Jo frowned at a thought. Elizabeth and Mikoto.

Whenever Tifa fought Elizabeth it was always about their tits. Besides banging her sister, Elizabeth’s one other obsession was proving that her tits were not just larger, but better than Tifa’s. It was that same desire that had led to their first meeting and fight and, by extension, Siren’s possession of Tifa. As such it was always the focus whenever the two of them met…in or out of the ring. Much like how she and Yuffie fought. They’d never exchanged anything but boob blows in a fight, and while far more friendly it was no less intense, with neither woman wanting to be the one who’s tits failed.

Meanwhile With Mikoto, while their boobs did come into play often, it was more…professional. They fought to prove which of them was the better woman and fighter. And to keep the Wutai slag away from Cloud, Jo thought grimly to herself. And up until recently there’d been a cold respect, even a degree of friendship, between the two. Likewise she and Jessica fought with their fists as often as their tits, and while she often came out second best Jessica never showed any reluctance to take on Joslyn if the opportunity arose and Jo knew better than to take the smaller woman lightly.

So if she thought of Jessica like Tifa did Mikoto then…”OOOWWW! DAMMIT!!”

Jo grabbed her hand, knuckle bleeding profusely from a badly timed punch. At the same time her legs gave out and she stared in shock at the ugly purple bruises spreading along her shins. “Shit…shit…shit…” She cursed repeatedly, rocking from the pain, struggling to get it under control, forgetting what she was thinking about.

“Now that won’t do. I trained you better than that I’m sure.”

Jo looked up through watering eyes to a grey bearded man with a long silver mane observing her from the path to the dojo. Despite his familiar attitude, she had no idea who he was. As he advanced on her she scuttled back warily, biting back the pain, struggling get back to her feet. In doing so she face him properly and he now paused, cocking his head and studying her up and down. “I’m sorry I thought you were one of my students. You look an awful lot like her.”

“No…no problem.” Josy panted, the sharp, biting pain slowly fading into a constant throbbing ache. “Who…who are you exactly?”

“Just a wanderer,” he declared airily. Then grinned at her unimpressed expression. “Heh, you kids. No sense of the dramatic. My name’s Rashard. Rashard Zangan.”

*****

Sitting cross legged, Godo glared at the map covered in small figurines spread across the low table in front of him. Across from him sat his four advisors. Walking in, Andrea scooted to the side to allow a masked warrior passage who leaned in close to whisper into Chekhov’s ear. After nodding the woman placed another porcelain figure atop Costa Del Sol. “Another spotting?” Andrea asked.

“According to my agents the people there spotted it high in the air after hearing it’s rotors at a distance.” Chekhov said, speaking for everyone there. 

“So he wanted to be seen…again.” Godo growled pointing at the map. “Cosmo Canyon. Fort Condor. Gongaga. He’s bouncing around the map as if taunting us to try and catch up to him.”

Andrea gave the Shogun a hard look and flicked his fingers. Godo gave a grunt and inclined his head. Immediately the other four were on their foot and out the door where they’d prevent any entry until further notice.

“None of this is making any sense to me.” Godo growled, slowly rising as well, wincing at the tug of pain in one of his legs. “They’ve got everything they could want and yet they appear to trying to goad us into attacking again.”

“No one saw Yuffie get taken prisoner.” Andrea remarked. “It could be her they’re looking for. Or it could also be our new allies. According to the Turks, Titan was quite desperate to reclaim the stones before Barr…Odin…stopped him.”

“If that’s the case, then they would’ve hit one of the main cities by now to force us to act.” Godo paced back and forth, stopping to stare at the map again. “No…they want us to be the one’s to attack. All this is a distraction while they set up another trap for us. Then they’ll land at the appropriate location and wait for us to come to them.”

“It’s a thought.” Andrea stared at the map, a niggling feeling in the back of his mind that they were missing something. “Another is that they could be trying to misdirect us. We do have a couple of new players. And we know that one of them can handle that heavy hitter of theirs. For all we know they’ve already disembarked and we’re following a ship with a skeleton crew.”

The Shogun failed to respond, both men now glaring down at the map of their world as if it could answer their questions. 

*****

“Tifa never mentioned having a sister during our training sessions.”

“She didn’t know.” Joslyn winced as Zangan wrapped a strip of cloth around her bleeding hand. It was soaked in a liquid that smelled suspiciously alcoholic, yet didn’t burn. “Neither of us did until we ran into one another in Gold Saucer. What about you? Sis’s been quite vocal about finding, and giving you an ass kicking.”

“Sounds like her,” Zangan laughed, pulling the last strip tight, then tying a tight knot to keep it from moving. “Nothing’s broken. Seems you’ve inherited her resilience, as well as her strength. But it’ll still bleed badly if you overuse it.”

“You seem awfully lax for someone Tifa’s looking for.” Jo regarded the older man shrewdly. He was impressively muscular and, while not having as good an eye as the others, he moved like a much younger man. “Not bragging or anything but she’s acquired quite the reputation over the years.”

“Oh I’ve followed her exploits with not a little pride.” Zangan replied, applying several bands to her feet before rising. He could feel the girl’s eyes on him. Hunter’s eyes. He understood quickly why Tifa had started training her. While starting later than normal this Joslyn had her sister’s potential. “But it’s still a few decades too early for her to think to challenge me.”

Jo bristled at the casual dismissal of her sister’s abilities. Just who did this old fart think he was. All he did was teach her some basics.

“Let me guess.” Zangan grinned across at her souring expression as she struggled to rise, shrugging off his pack and cape. “How dare I think so lightly of her abilities? Child, I have nothing but respect and pride for what Tifa has accomplished. And if I thought she was ready she wouldn’t have to look for me. But if you’re anything like her I imagine you’re going to want to see for yourself.”

“You got that right.” Jo growled, twisting her injured arm behind her back. Without it she wouldn’t be able to grapple much, which she preferred, but kicks were always her go to against an opponent that kept their distance.

“Okay since you’re hurt…how about this. If you manage to touch me, however lightly, I’ll be wherever you tell me to be so Tifa can have her match.” Rashard, folded his arms and clicked his heels together in a relaxed pose. His serious face was offset by twinkling grey eyes. Annoyed now Joslyn leapt at him, legs flashing in a trio of swift kicks before landing. Upon doing so her left hand darted out, grabbing for his long grey hair, just barely missing the strands as Zangan flipped backwards. “You’re fast, impressive. Still too slow though. Sure you don’t want to wait for your legs to recover?”

Face twisting Jo kept chasing, kicking, driving Zangan into mocking contortions as the martial artist seemed to choose the most outlandish positions to dodge her attacks. At one point not even moving his feet for half a minute, shifting his upper body mockingly, before she attempted to sweep them out from under him. She was breathing hard, sweat soaking into the rude bandages and making her hand throb. Focused as she was, Jo never noticed the small crowd forming. Most were Wutai civilians. A couple were warriors who gave grunts of appreciation. But the first were Eight, Jessica and Yangus. Followed closely by Elena. Yangus gave a whistle of appreciation when Jo spun in mid air with a flurry of kicks herding, so she thought, Zangan towards the dojo’s wall. 

“HYAH!!” With a final shout the girl lashed out a punch, entire arm screaming at the sharp movement. Only for her fist to pass through the thin wall easily. Looking around frantically for her target she froze at a tap on her neck.

“I think my point is made.” Rashard said, smiling to himself. Tifa had found herself quite the student. When time came for Joslyn to challenge her sister it would be quite the fight. He angled to allow her to spot their audience just as the applause broke out. To his surprise the girl didn’t seem all that put out and even struck a pose for the crowd, flaunting her long legs and bust. No…not just the audience. Zangan caught her exchanging looks with a tight faced, pretty redhead in the crowd. Based on her stance and posture she didn’t appear to be a in the least bit intimidated. And the two men on either side of her were no slouches either, though the awe emanating from the tough looking, suit wearing blonde was a bit off putting. If this was the crowd Tifa kept, maybe he should reassess his decision. Speaking of which. “By the way, you never mentioned where Tifa was.”

Joslyn’s brief smiled immediately faded.

*****

“Cow!” Jessica thought, walking alongside Eight as their small group walked through Wutai. The native Wutai who had been at the dojo gradually peeled off, either called to by friends or pulled to the side by colleagues. Leaving just her, Eight, Yangus and Elena following Joslyn and old guy. As they moved down the wide, clean roads Jo waved at numerous passers by or was greeted with easy familiarity by others. Though it was easy to see why she was popular with many, the younger men and some boys in particular, there was genuine affection in the greetings. Irritation began to build and she didn’t realize her fists were clenched until Eight forced their hands together. 

She looked down in surprise and smiled back at his light grin and felt better for a moment. Then her attention turned back to the swaying, scantily clad, noirette ahead of them trying to, once more, get a read on the woman. They should be enemies, based on their shared history, and half the time they were. The other half she felt as if she felt as if she was at the mercy of some current that forced her to work alongside Joslyn…even have friendly feelings towards her at times. Like when Jo gave her a chance to go up against Tifa.

If was some fundraiser to build up a park for the growing number of children appearing throughout the Saucer. Everyone had been expecting Tifa and Josyln to team up against either a team with Elizabeth or Mikoto on it. There was even some speculation that the sisters would be up against both. Instead, in the main hall of the Honeybee Experience, the first match involved Elizabeth and Vicky going up against Mikoto and Naoko in a combined catfight/titfight. After the heated, and thoroughly enjoyed, warm up the appreciative crowd was taken by surprise when Yuffie strutted out alongside Tifa while Jessica flushed bright red at the crowd while following Joslyn. Immediately after taking up positions opposite their opponents, the other three had shared a knowing grin and Tifa and Yuffie switched places. 

There was an immediate ruckus as Jessica, while known, didn’t have the reputation of the other three. However, she did have a temper, and the occasional boo and mocking shout from the crowd changed her embarassment to anger. As soon as the bell rang she came out, tits swinging and bashing a surprised looking Tifa into an immediate retreat while Yuffie and Jo slammed together, hands grabbing for hips. With surprise on her side, Jessica battered Tifa’s monsters back and forth almost to the edge of the ring’s edge before Jo’s older sister finally slammed a blow against her right boob that shook the redhead. Tifa shot her a grin and began smashing back in earnest.

Over the shouts from the crowd she could hear her mother screeching advice and warnings even as she was slammed past Joslyn doing the same to Yuffie. Realizing that boxing against Tifa’s larger glands was a losing prospect, Jessica grabbed wildly for Tifa’s hair. In hindsight she now knew Tifa had let herself been grabbed, but at the time the sight of her stiff, torpedo tits drilling into Tifa’s pillow like boobs as they heaved them together had her lips curl into an answering grin. The woman’s grunt of clear discomfort with each lunge only increased her confidence. 

Which made it hurt all the more when Tifa suddenly pulled her tight, and slipped a foot around a heel. Jessica remembered only to well how it had hurt when Tifa tripped her up and landed fully on top of her. The landing hurt, the weight of Tifa’s tits on hers hurt and the successive bombing impacts she took made her scream. Trying to reverse their positions she found herself thrown to the side when it looked like she was about to gain the top spot. Jumping back to her feet, she screamed a challenge in Tifa’s direction that the bigger woman returned with gusto. The audience forgotten, Jessica threw herself at Tifa, losing herself to finally getting a chance to fight her idol. Even if it wasn’t a catfight or fistfight, she could now say she went up against Tifa in a boob bashing brawl and made her work for it.

By the end she could easily say it was one of the best and most enjoyable fights she’d ever been in and…

“Stop that!”

Jess jumped at the sudden sharp words. She’d been so deep in her own thoughts she’d never noticed them stopping until Zangan spoke up. His words were directed at Elena, who was holding Jo’s hand, a slight glow emanating off her fingers. Her head jerked up, a challenging look on her face.

“It’ll heal back stronger than before.” He carefully settling down on a low mat. He snapped a finger at a serving girl of the bar they were now in. “You’re not doing her any favors in speeding up the process.”

“We don’t know when we’ll get called up.” She responded. Her eyes flickered back and forth between Zangan and Jo’s split knuckles. “So unless you plan to be the one to stop her from being there to rescue her friends…”

“It’s alright Ellie.” Jo nodded, lowering herself to sit cross legged opposite Zangan. “It doesn’t actually hurt that bad anymore.” 

“Blun’ bloke aren” you?” Yangus remarked off to the side, waddling back from the bar with a jug for himself. “Da lass is a ‘ough one. She doesn” need much mawe ‘oughenin up, eh Jess?”

“Yangus, shut up…” Closer now, Zangan eyed the redhead Yangus directed his comment to in time to see her swat him casually across the head. The blow was delivered as a force of habit and it seemed like she wasn’t even entirely aware of it. Her hands were callused, which meant considerable use. This was a very hands on girl as well, which would explain the tension whenever she and Joslyn locked eyes. Rashard couldn’t help but grin. A good rival was something to be treasured. Give it time to mellow and these two would be inseparable at some point in the future.

“Being blunt can cut to the heart of the matter.” Zangan responded easily, accepting a jug of sake, surprising those immediately around Yangus. Even years on his thick accent still had many who knew him looking to Eight or Red for a translation. “On the other hand I have heard of the rather infamous bandit named Yangus. Part of a duo that was quite infamous on the mountain pass between Costa del Sol and North Corel until they just disappeared.”

Yangus immediately coughed, embarrassed. “No’ gonna porker, I was a bi’ ov a bad bloke back in ‘he day. Bu’ ‘he guv steered me on’o ‘he straigh’ an’ narrah. Even go’ red on ‘he ‘eam, ‘e’s a righ’ champ.”

Rashard nodded at the now red-faced Eight, the young man clearly put out by the praise, before turning back to Joslyn. “I was planning on only staying in Wutai for a few days. But I think I’ll stick around and see this through. And perhaps give you a few extra pointers to clean up your form.”

*****

It was because he was tired. 

That was the excuse Godo determined to go with he realized what about the map was bothering him. “Why is he avoiding Midgar?”

Andrea had spotted it at the same time, drawing a circle with his finger in a wide arc that encompassed Midgar and it’s desert up to a kilometer away from Kalm. “There is nothing left there if we’re honest.” He remarked, both men leaning over the table. “At least…nothing we’d view as worthwhile.”

It had been three days since the last sighting. At a gesture from Godo one of his guards darted out the door, returning shortly after with Barret, Cid and Nanaki. Shooting the pilot an irritated look the Shogun planted a digit firmly on Midgar. “Outside of a shared history we only know one thing for sure about Schroeder and that is he’s devoted a lot of time and effort into your kind.” He looked back and forth at Barret and Nanaki. “So I need to know if you give us any kind of information about the city here. Is there a reason to avoid it, or utilize it.”

“It’s a font of the Lifestream.” Barret/Odin stated simply. “I understand this Shinra group put many…how you say…reactors atop such locations across the World. I found this one’s belief such action would lead to it’s end amusing.”

“What?” Andrea snapped up in surprise. “Are you saying it wouldn’t?”

“Well…in time, considering the rate at which it was being drained.” Nanaki/Fenrir growled. “But it seems he failed to consider the fact that the Cetra DID use it as well. If it was as limited as he believed then they were also killing the Planet.”

“But, this is interesting.” Barret/Odin studied the map. “This one’s memories indicate this area was particularly rich…requiring multiple reactors. It is possible that…”

A sudden racket from outside distracted them and Reno pushed his way in, dragging a flustered looking woman in a Shinra flight uniform. “Sorry for the interruption,” he gasped out, winded. “But we got a hit. A big one!”

The female pilot, short statured in order to fit into one of Shinra’s new long distance fliers, was pushed forward and looked around nervously. Licking her lips she glanced down at the map in front of her, and planted a gloved finger on the pair of islands North East of Kalm. “I spotted it here.” She said. “I thought they were going to shoot me down since they appeared to be waiting for me as I cleared the clouds, but they were just hovering there with a slight tilt. I moved in range of Kalm’s radio towers to call in for a fresh ship since mine is due for an overhaul. But I moved back before being relieved and they were still there.”

Before anyone could say anything else Rufus now marched in, flanked by Rude and Cissnei. “Just got a report from the fresh pilot. Based on distance it’s probably ten minutes old. They’ve gotten back underway, so whatever had caused them to stop has probably been dealt with for the moment.”

“Too much to hope that they caught sight of anyone going over the edge of the ship?” Barret asked hopefully.

“Not according to the report,” Rufus shook his head. “And we’re assuming much that Cloud or Tifa or Yuffie was responsible. All that aside I’ve dispatched another pair of fliers. Unarmed to make room for extra fuel and orders to report back every hour.”

“Good,” Godo rubbed his eyes, gritty from lack of sleep. 

“Go and take a break Godo. You to Andrea” Dio remarked, appearing in the doorway. “The both of you have hardly slept since you started marking the map. If we need to move quickly you’ll both be liabilities in your current states. Rufus and I can monitor things tonight.”

“He has a point,” Andrea fought to stifle a yawn. Now that the excitement had died down he felt the weight of the hours grinding away at his consciousness. Slipping past Dio he patted his shoulder, whispering. “Though I imagine a certain lady’s going to be disappointed sleeping alone. It’s good to see you testing the waters again my friend.”

Dio felt surprise at the discovery, and a degree of irritation. It always irritated him how perceptive Andrea was. He sighed, glancing over the Turks in the room. “By the way have any of you seen Joslyn?”

*****

Glaring straight ahead the girls gave soft grunts and muted yelps as they all but leapt into one another while swinging their prominent glands. Sweating profusely, Jessica and Joslyn swung with increasing vigor, both women radiating confidence at each impact of their swollen orbs. If Jo had any reservations after how the last bout went she gave no indication, hurling her massive boobs to splatter wetly against Jess’s smaller, but just as solid tits.

After the first time, they’d realized that by the end of the second day their boobs had recovered more than sufficiently. However the orbs were still a bit tender so they waited for one more before quietly arranging another meeting. After the talking to from Rosa, as well as the stares while walking around with a black eye and bruises, Jo realized if they were going to settle this, it had to be between them and only them.

Jessica agreed, which excluded fists or nails. That left only two options and, despite the obvious sexual tension that radiated between them, neither was ready to take that step. Jo missed Cloud and Jess still remembered the look of betrayal on Eight’s face after what happened with Yuffie. So there was only choice, and it was a choice that suited both as it added humiliation with out any extra effort.

Slim, muscular arms moved from hips, to small of the back, to hips again as the pair kept slugging their breasts together with heavy and accurate impacts. The taut teats quivered, beaten together ruthlessly by the determined pair, piling up almost flat together with each blow.

Minutes ticked away, the only changes being the women’s deeper breathing and the flow of their tireless fight. Joslyn hammered Jessica back repeatedly until the girl gave an agonized groan and slipped to the floor. Not to be outdone, eight minutes later the furious redhead slammed her left tit against Joslyn’s left and the dazed noirette stumbled against the wall and slowly slid down to a squatting position. 

Back and forth the wild pair traversed the room, their legs moving on auto-pilot, instinctively shifting to avoid obstacles or getting trapped. Tired, after multiple knockdowns, their swings became deeper, with longer wind ups as they gradually leaned into on another. Embracing, Jo’s voluptuous form and Jess’s slender frame writhed and wriggled perversely as they pressed themselves together, wrestling their boobs together intensely. The dense, heavy orbs rolled together under pressure, pumped together rhythmically by their sweating, grunting owners.

Lips by each other’s ear redhead and noirette gasped and moaned. And moaned. 

Suddenly aware of what was happening, Jessica’s arms shot up Joslyn’s back and around the bigger girl’s neck, grabbing two handfuls of lank and sweaty hair. Jo immediately grunted as her hair was pulled and air hissed out from between clenched teeth when Jess heaved her tits into Jo’s sensitive undersides. The expected counter blow was clumsy, striking between the top of the ginger’s breasts and ivory neck, and Jess got another blow in before whining in complaint as her hair also pulled. 

Squirming together wildly they were once more body to body from forehead to panty covered nethers. Thick, immense breasts were pressed into one another, rolled around and mashed together into resilient pads. All throughout eyes fluttered half shut, tongues slipped out to moisten suddenly dry lips that hovered centimeters apart. “Just give in. You know you want to.” Was the haunting voice in the back of their minds demanding they give up the fight or give in to the arousal they felt towards one another. Lashes fluttered, Jessica trembled, Joslyn whimpered and lips began to slowly pucker. “Who’s going to know?” Both girls shuddered, lips brushing together lightly. Then they were still.

With sudden violence both reared back and slammed their breasts together with a hideously loud WHACK! Then again…and again…and again. 

At the height of their squashing their slowly morphing boobs together they’d finally landed them nipple to nipple. Through the arousal was the brief sharp pain of the spikes almost scraping past, which was enough to break the spell. If anything, the anger at the barest of kisses they’d shared made the assaults on their rival’s treasure all the more vicious.

Cheek to cheek now Joslyn and Jessica, angry but still in control, heaved their boobs in heavy, well timed blows that had supple legs shaking. There would be no more pauses. Instead they pounded the glowing red orbs with the singular, savage purpose of beating the other woman to the carpet.

But this was easier said than done. The brutal impacts kept coming, shaking the trembling beauties to their core, yet the throbbing glands stood firm and resilient. Likewise the will of the fighting pair remained strong. Lovely faces contorted in agony, neither able to hold back the deep groans or whimpering mewls of their pain. Even still, Joslyn and Jessica clung even tighter, and smashed the tormented orbs with increasing violence.

Jessica was swooning as she clung to the bigger woman. Her body ached abominably, and she felt herself stagger slightly at Jo’s brutal boob blows. Arching slightly she managed a slight increase in the power behind her lunges, heaving her dense tits to smash into slightly below the rival orbs and, if the increase in the noirette’s squeals were an indication, inflict more damage. But it also meant the top of her boobs, red and sensitive stung immeasurably with each blow as well. Jess panted with fatigue.. How was she still standing!?

Joslyn was moving automatically, her eyes blurring behind the sodden mass of hair that clung to her face. In spite of the horrid pain emanating from her chest, Jo only heaved her breasts against Jess’s with the same forceful determination as when they’d first started. And each heave was met by Jess’s heavy boobs pounding against her own repeatedly, relentlessly. She was fighting as hard as she ever had and yet Jess was keeping up with her. The terrible agony kept growing and she no longer knew if she was winning or losing, only that she had to keep fighting.

Legs wobbled with each brutal impact, both sobbing audibly now, too hurt to be ashamed. No more jockeying for position. It was a contest now to see who’s boobs were denser, thicker, more resilient. Noirette and redhead kept smashing the brutalized glands minute and minute until a terrible head on collision proved too much and, still clinging to one another Joslyn and Jess sank slowly to the carpet still clinging to one another. Still mindlessly banging their tits together. As soon as their knees hit the ground, Jessica gave a horrendous groan, going limp and falling into Joslyn. 

Joslyn struggled weakly, but tumbled over backwards, finding herself trapped under the redhead. Her own arms were like lead and the soft carpet was surprisingly comfortable. Her lids fluttered tiredly and soon she was snoring quietly as both girls fell into an exhausted, pain filled slumber.

*****

“NO!” Barret all but roared, standing over the pulsing red materia. The stone blinked rapidly giving a very good impression of being surprised. “We are NOT bringing any of the kids into a damned warzone!”

“I don’t CARE how safe they’ll be!” He shouted again, ignoring the stares from the crew about the Highwind 2. “Three of them can barely walk and…no fuckin’ way I’m puttin’ Marlene in harms way.”

“You wuz human once.” He growled to another series pulses. “You’d do the same thing in my position. Even if I agreed, Josy never would. Can’t dah eight of you handle things wit’out the others?”

“That’s all we ask.” Barret replied to a rapid, sulky series of flashes. “Yah won’t be alone though. We’ll all be there fighting alongside.”

Several more bright red pulses and then silence. Barret staggered out the room, allowing the doors to be closed behind him…and took a deep breath before vomiting on the floor. The two sailors, more a formality than anything else, that guarded the door took several quick steps away from the large black man as he dry heaved a few times before relaxing. “Ah shit…” He mumbled, wiping a hand across his lips. “I’ll get Cid to send someone to clean that up.”

Barret wheezed moving up and down the ladders that filled the airship. He heard the others tell about how their Espers helped them recover and had witnessed it with Cloud and Tifa. Odin seemed another beast and was, apparently, quite content to let Barret suffer unless he was allowed to get involved.

“And you’d accept it?” Odin chuckled in the back of his mind, both knowing the unspoken answer. “You are a stubborn man. I like that in a host.”

Barret growled in irritation, grabbing the shoulder of a passing crewman and letting him know about the mess. And took a deep breath as he stepped down the ramp back into the open. There’d been nothing new since they’d found the ship. It was still flying about randomly, unknowingly tailed by one of their own. For a second he paused, considering making another trip to Dio’s place. With all the crap going around he’d forgotten about the…tendencies of the women in Tifa’s circle. And walking in on Red swinging around the younger of the two girls that followed Andrea around, by the hair, down in the arena had been quite the refresher. 

Rolling after being flung Vicky scrabbled to a halt, charging back at the platinum blonde, on all fours for the first meter or two before getting back to her feet. A drop kick sent the former thief against the ropes and a straight punch had the bee girl stagger. Toe to toe the pair unloaded the kind of punches you expected to see two brawling men exchange. An uppercut broke through Red’s guard, snapping her head back, and grabbed Vicky before she could follow up. Squirming together in a manner that had him on edge Barret at the same time could see Red was hurt. The blonde’s eyes were wide and glazed and her cries as the two twisted from corner to corner became increasingly desperate. With a straining grunt, Vicky hefted the taller woman hurled her to the floor. Following her down, the brunette missed as the silver haired woman rolled away and made it to her feet, swaying as she tried to put some distance between herself and her opponent.

Vicky, however, never relented and even seemed to take delight in the realization that she was fully in control. Her fingers tore at Red’s bikini top as the pair locked up, and when the woman’s grip loosened at the realization, she decided it was time to end with a bang. An elbow to the back of the head was followed by a knee to the gut that sent Red stumbling up against a ring post. Completely defenceless. Taking her time and making sure the blonde saw it coming, Vicky delivered one final punch the tanned woman’s face. Blood spurted from nostrils and Red slid down, unconscious.

Heaving, her own top loose, Vicky glared up at the stands and pointed a finger. Barret followed the digit to where Mikoto sat between two local girls under her sway. The masseuse gave an exaggerated titter and muttered something to the others that had them laugh openly. Barret left at this point, shaking his head in a mix of shock, admiration and dread. These were the kind of women his Marlene was growing up with and admiring. He worried for her future. Scratching his beard Barret grumbled, shoving open the door and stepping back into the sunlight. Off to the side he could hear noise coming from the dojo. 

“No, no, no!” Zangan marched up to Elena, giving her leg a swat with the switch he carried. The blonde Turk winced at the sting, both from her leg and her pride. Flanked by Rude and Reno, Rufus sat in a corner of the dojo, observing Zangan’s training. After a full day of calisthenics to see what she was capable of he now pitted her against Joslyn, as the only one who had some idea of his style. “Keep your leg straight and only go for one kick. Until you’ve worked on your lower leg more you lose power if you try for multiple.”

Stepping back, he waved and arm between them and Jo quickly leapt back on the offensive. Having fought alongside one another as well as trained together over the years, both knew what the other was capable of. Elena was faster and a better striker, particularly with her fists and exceedingly agile. Joslyn was stronger and better at grapples, though her kicks were something Elena learned to avoid. While both landed hits their sparring matches had always boiled down to whether Elena could land a solid blow or if Joslyn managed to get a firm grip. 

Now as the two bounced and twirled around the dojo, Zangan raised an appreciative eyebrow, turning his attention to another group. Eight stood off to the side, the only one in his group to have finished the calisthenics. Yangus lay on his back, wheezing while a pair of platinum blondes, Angelo and Red, were busy doing jumping jacks alongside the redheaded Jessica. He took a moment to appreciate the bounce in the two women, turning his attention back to the sparring pair just in time to see Elena deliver a scything kick to Joslyn’s ribs. It knocked the girl off her rhythm and other hits began to find their way through her defenses.  

A chop across the front of her chest.

A punch the clipped her forehead.

An elbow into her side…and the world suddenly turned topsy turvy for Elena, the girl giving a shocked yell even as she landed flat on her back. Kicking back up to her feet it was now Elena on the defensive when Barret rounded the path into the dojo proper. Elena blocked a jumping knee, but was still pushed back by the momentum, falling to her knees. Sweeping at Joslyn’s feet her eyes widened as her attack missed and then clenched shut as Jo’s leg swung around to her face. 

However, the blow never landed. 

Peeking out from under slowly opening lids Elena stared at a golden barrier between herself and Jo. Both shared a confused look, then Elena’s eyes flattened and she murmured something quietly but firmly. The shield receded and the blonde got shakily to her feet. “Sorry bout that Josy.” She muttered. “Seraph still has a hard time understanding sparring and fighting.”

“No worries,” Jo replied, looking embarrassed. “I did go a bit overboard. It’s…”

“Fine.” Zangan declared, standing off to the side, between them.

“What?” 

“Do you think those you face will fight fair? They will use every advantage they have to put you in the ground. You’ll need to think quick and act quicker.” He turned back to Elena. “Tell this…Seraph of yours to feel free to step in where she feels necessary. It’ll be excellent training.”

“I think I like this human,” Odin rumbled. “It’s similar to the kind of training my own adherents underwent.”

*****

Tseng nodded to the guards outside the map room as he made his way in. “Trouble?”

“Maybe,” Nanaki growled. He stood on his hind legs, resting his forepaws on the glass case where the materia lay. “Look.”

Tseng leaned over the case, counting carefully. Eleven stones, only five of which still glowed red. Then he perked up. Five? It should be six! “Any idea who it is?”

“Mmmmm…I just got here.” Red XIII rumbled. He sniffed cautiously. “We’d need to go over the security tapes to…”

“Not necessary.” The soft rumbling voice had them both turn. Rude stood tall at the door, his figure radiating a controlled aggression. “You’re looking at him.”

“Rude?” Tseng approached him cautiously. “Well I have to admit, if it was going to be anyone. And Golem says Kujata would be an ideal fit for you.”

“He agrees.” Rude replied, knocking his fists together. “Eager to get back into action.”

“Hrrm…we might just have a chance yet.” Nanaki growled.

*****

Reports kept coming in regularly now. 

The report of Ultima Weapon’s attack on the ship had them almost scrambling their entire force. Attacks by Weapons had dwindled in recent years, but no one had forgotten how devastating they could be. So it was with great relief when the next report stated that Ultima had been dislodged, though the ship was now seriously damaged and moving slowly. After relief came consternation.

Relief that they wouldn’t be needing to mount a rescue operation over open water while a Weapon was in the area. Consternation that their enemies had managed to drive off Weapon. Doing that was difficult enough on land and with preparation. In the air after being, by all accounts, ambushed? Godo quickly proposed, with agreement from all in attendance, Barret and Cid, Rufus and the Turks, Andrea and Dio that they’d keep as much of the report as they could secret to avoid demoralizing their forces. Instead it was sent out that they’d suffered an attack by monsters which damaged the ship before being wiped out.

However, one aspect of the report especially worried them. The pilot’s account of a blonde haired figure on the ship’s deck fighting alongside the enemy Espers. 

“Cloud ain’t ever gonna work with them!” Barret stated bluntly, pounding his fists onto the table. The black man glared around the room after the pilot had been hurried out. “Not gonna happen!”

“Agreed. However…” Andrea started, holding up a hand to postpone Barret’s objection. “However, they have Tifa. If it was just to protect her don’t you think he’d work with them to defend that ship, however briefly?” 

“Yeah, yeah!” Barret grumbled, jumping to his feet and walking off a bit, before returning. “So what’re we gonna do? They’re vulnerable right now!”

“They’re still over water,” Dio pointed out. “Even if we did attack, there’s a high risk something could go wrong and it’d crash into the ocean.”

“So we maintain our vigil.” Rufus remarked. “If they’re as damaged as we’ve heard, they’ll need to land soon. And when they do…”

He didn’t need to finish. There was no need. Barret smacked a fist into a palm with a wide grin.

*****

In the underground arena, two women attacked the lone man, who weaved and danced between their strikes, jabbing a stiffened palm into ribs or knocking legs out from under them. The women moved together awkwardly, managing to occasionally trap the man between them, but more often than not interfere with one another’s intentions. After dodging one attack and giving the shorter woman a shove as she careened past, he ducked under a kick from the taller, grabbing the limb and throwing her to knock down the other woman. 

Waiting for the pair to recover the man instead dropped his guard. An angry snarl was echoed by a fierce grunt and he jumped to the side to avoid the scrambling, rolling ball of fury that was Elizabeth and Mikoto. Elizabeth squeezed and scratched, Mikoto crushed and bit, the pair squirming across the canvas before lurching up onto their knees. In response to another bite, Elizabeth hauled off a punch that knocked Mikoto free, only to herself be almost knocked off her knees by an axehandle punch. 

Now Andrea stepped in. Letting them burn off hostility in a catfight was one thing. But a fistfight would leave one or both incapacitated and, if he was honest, since the still recovering Lizzie would likely get the worst of it.

“This…is…just…training!” Andrea shouted, letting the frustration show on his face. To his left Mikoto’s dabbed at the blood leaking down her lips, glaring across at Elizabeth on his right who massaged her cheek and nose, while sneering across at the masseuse. He pointed at the clock above the entrance. “Can’t you two stay focused for more that ten minutes!? If you don’t behave I’m just going to call this off.”

“You think I’d care!” M snarled, her blood up at the coppery tang in her mouth. If this floppy titted cunt wanted to fight, Mikoto would happily oblige her. “I’m doing this as a favor Andrea. Don’t forget that!”

“This old bitch needs a lesson, Andy.” Elizabeth whined in frustration. It had been too long since she’d had a chance to fight. That it was Mikoto only made it all the sweeter. “Gonna give her a preview of what our official match will look like.”

“As if, you little cow. Those tits of yours are like deflated beach balls.” Mikoto mocked, then smirked. “Viola gave you the business, and right now Tifa wouldn’t give you the time of day. It’d be a waste of her time and the audience!”

“Elizabeth NO!!” The use of her full name, something he only used when completely serious, stopped her in her tracks. She turned to stare at him, entire body trembling with suppressed desire to crush, mangle and destroy. He matched her gaze, turning his full will onto her, and finally she relaxed, dominated. For now. He then whirled around. “And you too Mikoto. This isn’t about favors. You want to be there when he’s rescued. You want Cloud to see YOU!”

The masseuse glared at him, before spinning around and ducking under the ropes. She snapped her fingers and the pair that had come in with her, moved to quickly flank Mikoto as she strode back down the corridor. Andrea sighed to himself, rubbing his face. Whether Cloud or Tifa, that couple had become the center of the world for a lot of people. Women that loved him and, at the same time, wanted to fight her. Under normal circumstances it’d be funny, but right now, with them absent it was becoming dangerous. Add Godo’s daughter into the mix and her relationship with two other headaches…

He sighed, glancing across and down at Elizabeth. For someone considered akin to a demon by the women she faced, even opponents like Tifa, the little woman could make the cutest faces if she thought he was mad at her. Andrea smiled and stroked her head. “It’s okay darling. All’s forgiven.” She smiled brightly and clung to his arm. Hopefully they’d get more good news soon. Then they’d have something to direct all their destructive tendencies towards.

*****

Joslyn jump quickly off the bed at the sound of the door opening. Jessica shut the door quickly behind her, turning to face the broader noirette. After a moment staring one another down they quickly stripped down to their underwear.

But after only a minute it was obvious that tonight was different. Crawling across the bed to meet in a kneeling position, they wrapped slim, deceptively strong arms around the other’s lower back and squeezed. Mashed together, with nowhere to go, the thick, massy boobs swelled and surged together under pressure. The young women grunted and arched their backs, forcing their breasts together even tighter. With a tearing urgency Jessica and Joslyn pumped and thrust their huge teats together, the contending glands swelling, flattening and spreading under the insistent pressure.

But this was too fast. 

Holding each other in a tight hug and squeezing tightly while jutting out their prominent boobs? This was the endgame and they’d only just started. Locking eyes hesitantly each could see the other’s fear there. Not of losing of course, but of what had happened last time. That deep, needy arousal. The kind Jo had felt while and after fighting Rosalind or Jess had felt for Yuffie while under Siren’s spell. And…after ten minutes of constant grinding the plump glands together they could feel it rising again as they shuffled closer together, rising up on their knees, stomachs kissing and thinly covered pussies close, oh so close. 

With a frightened whimper, Jessica shoved Joslyn away. Before the noirette could regain her balance, the redhead shuffled back and hurled her left boob to smack sharply across the outside of Jo’s. The bigger girl winced at the stinging and how it set her orb bouncing against it’s twin, then hissed and heaved her left to SMACK painfully against Jess’s right, sending the fleshy wobbling against her side. As if regaining their focus Jo and Jess flung their heavy teats against one another, rapidly ramping up the intensity until the orbs slapped loudly together with hollow PLOPS, pounding them against one another with utmost violence.

Once more they were going hard from the get go, both girls aiming to finish off her rival as quick as possible. After more than two dozen such heavy blows, three minutes of savage boob blows, Jessica fell back onto the covers with a sharp squeal, her legs kicking up. Joslyn rested hands on hips sweaty face beaming. “Fucking…COW!” Jessica cursed loudly, scrambling back upright. Jo didn’t even wait, but began flinging her breasts against Jess, getting a few good hits in before the furious redhead could strike back. Dueling now with grim determination each beauty hammering their teats together in vicious slugging match until Jessica fell back again, almost off the bed, with a horrified wail.

“Stay down, Jessica.” Joslyn panted. Her boobs stung like nobody’s business, but it was a small price to pay for the euphoria running through her now. “I win.”

Jessica merely grunted in response, lurching back upright, ignoring the soreness emanating from her breasts…and giving a sudden heave that saw her boobs give Jo’s a thunderous WHACK across the undersides. Joslyn squealed loudly at the surprise attack, swinging her tits awkwardly to slap up against Jessica’s. The redhead’s teats, by comparison, punched deeply into the mass of Jo’s orbs, nipple to nipple. The similarly shaped glands smashed together repeatedly with dull, heavy THUDS, but with each collision, the bigger Joslyn gave an audible gasp of clear pain and Jessica slowly increased the speed of her swings in response.

“HYAH!” Joslyn yelped loudly, falling to her side, after a ponderously heavy impact. 

“I beg to differ.” Jessica gasped, then grabbed Jo’s hair. “Now get back up here.”

“Let…go…” Joslyn hissed, reaching up to snatch both of Jessica’s ponytails.

“Make me!” Jessica snarled. Only too happy to oblige, Joslyn let herself get helped up, both girls now yanking enthusiastically on each other’s long hair while banging their chests together. Face to face, nose to nose, Joslyn yanked hard and pulled Jessica only her side, only to be pulled down with her. Hands immediately let go of hair to lock around backs and Jessica, strained, rocking furiously to dislodge Joslyn. Breasts pumped together energetically as the two rolled slowly from one end of the bed to the other. Legs locked together and twined, arms squeezed, breasts pumped and lips kissed.

Kissed?

It took a long moment for the two fighting femmes to realize just what they were doing, and another equally long one to pry their lips apart. Gasping heavily, they halted with Jessica resting on top of Joslyn, pretty faces confused. Then Jess’s head lowered to plant a small peck on Jo’s lips. The noirette then kissed the redhead firmly. Who then came back by shoving her tongue down the other’s throat. Moans and the sound of frantic kisses filled the room as arms loosened. Jessica’s eyes then flew open and she, once again, pushed away desperately from Joslyn, who’s own expression was dazed and unfocused. Then she seemed to come back to herself and also scuttled back until she fell off the bed. She kept moving until she was at  the door and rushed through it. 

*****

For two days Joslyn and Jessica avoided one another, unsure how to act after what had happened. 

Joslyn tried to concentrate on her training, but found herself backsliding. After a day of this Zangan threw up his hands and told her to come back when she was ready to be serious. Dio as well, concerned with what seemed like his daughter’s sudden melancholy, was gently shunted to the side by Jo who wandered Wutai in a daze.

Jessica likewise avoided her friends and even Eight for most of the day. At night, however, she went after him like an animal. Riding him viciously as she tried to drive the image of sex with Joslyn from her mind. Eight responded to her desperation and by the end she relaxed in his arms, sated and relieved if just for a few hours. 

The problem lay in that neither girl was sure what they felt for one another. Joslyn didn’t hate Jessica, but at the same time didn’t consider her a friend. An ally at best when dealing with bigger bitches in her life and just someone who Yuffie was friends with. If she was honest with herself it was that last bit that was really the itch she kept scratching. Due to her responsibilities she couldn’t hang out with Yuffie like she used to. And instead the kunoichi was often around the redhead who’d become more of a rival than she’d ever been.

Jessica still occasionally felt flashes of hostility towards Joslyn, not just for her past tryst with her mother, but because Rosa still regarded the other girl fondly. Which often had her suspect that it hadn’t just been one time. In her more honest moments she’d admit she was jealous of how easily Jo made friends. It had taken awhile for her to be accepted into Eight’s group, and even longer for her and Eight to get together. And then the one girl she’d clicked with almost instantly was already taken. 

These thoughts were what distracted them. Had them ignore greetings as they wandered through the small town. That also had them move on a circular intercept course with one another, three days after they’d abandoned their last fight. Heads bowed in thought, the two never noticed one another until they crashed together, tit first, at the edge of the town’s market district. 

“Ow/Sorry…oh!”

Standing awkwardly the pair regarded one another. Jessica wore a typical form fitting blouse with a long and loose skirt. In a change her hair hung loose down her back. Joslyn, as ever, dressed to impress. A long pants, two sizes too small with a top that clung to her chest and exposed her toned midriff. A long ponytail swayed behind her. Realizing they were studying one another, both blushed in embarrassment.

“Don’t you ever get tired dressing like a whore?” Jessica snapped.

“You ever get tired of acting like one?” Joslyn retorted. “Pretty sure every room could hear you!”

“That’s rich coming from someone that’d fuck anything with a dick or without.”

Abruptly quiet the two studied one another, struggling for something to say. 

“So you ready to give up?”

Jessica’s head snapped back. “The fuck did you say?”

“I’m ahead three to one, bitch.” Joslyn growled. “Unless you want me to humiliate you further.”

“It’s three to two, cunt!” The red faced ginger spat. “You walked out last time, remember.”

“That doesn’t count. That was because…” Another abrupt silence and both looked away. Finally Jo’s head snapped back around. “Fine then, all or nothing!”

“We don’t stop till one quits? Suits me just fine. When and where?”

“Just follow me.”

Moving stealthily Joslyn guided Jessica back towards the mansion. Once inside they headed down to the arena which, to Jess’s surprise, was locked. “Andrea pretty much declared it off limits after M and Elizabeth went wild,” She explained, rolling under the ropes. “I’ve relocked it just to be safe. Now we have all the time we need to settle this.”

“Bought damn time.” Jess growled, and the two swiftly undressed, standing before one another clad once more in just sheer panties that did little to hide what was underneath. Jo could as easily see Jess’s thick tuft and red fur, as Jessica could the noirette’s black curls. She could feel her breasts rise in excitement, nipples stiffening, high on her chest in response to Joslyn’s immense pair. “Let’s fight bitch!”

This time around it was as much wrestling as it was titfighting. With a much larger arena and no longer a need to stay silent, both beauties cut loose. Joslyn hefted up the lighter Jessica over her head, throwing her to the mat and doing her best to smother the girl with her breasts. Jessica got behind Joslyn, wrapping arms around her neck and legs around the waist. Squeezing with all four limbs she almost got Joslyn to the ground before the wildly thrashing noirette slammed her up against the turnbuckle. Her holds loosened and with Jo’s strength returning, Jess spitefully grabbed for her rival’s massive tits, pulling them outwards as she screamed.

Hands digging deep into each other’s thick they pulled one another to and fro, falling to the ground where they continued to fight fiercely, dragging one another up to their knees before falling over again. A heat was building in their bellies again, but neither was willing to stop fighting and appear weak. Fortunately, they’d been so busy struggling to avoid being pinned under the other woman they failed to notice where they were and, with twin yells they rolled under the ropes and over the side. 

The sharp impact knocked them apart, groaning at the unexpected pain. Slowly getting back up Jo, then Jessica slid back into the ring and began circling again. Boobs swayed hypnotically as they stalked one another, locking up and grappling fiercely near the center of the ring. Grunting in effort the center of gravity shifted and Joslyn’s arm went over Jessica’s neck. Immediately spotting the danger, Jess quickly wrapped an around Jo’s head, both crying out in frustration as they bent over in a double headlock.

Groaning and cursing, they shuffled in a tight circle, eventually falling to their knees. Joslyn suddenly shouted, free hand slapping wildly across Jessica’s front. This was in response to Jessica getting fed up with Jo’s hanging boobs bashing up against her own in their bent position and grabbing the swinging gland, fingers sinking into the deep titflesh. Of course once Jo got over the initial sharp pain she responded in kind and Jess gave a short scream when her breast was yanked. Two minutes of constant mauling brought little but increased discomfort as neither even had the leverage to actually do any damage. “Reset…reset!” Joslyn finally gasped out.

“Fine…” Jessica gasped in relief and they shoved away from one another, sitting back and massaging their aching boobs. Jessica’s left and Jo’s right were now slightly swollen and visibly bigger than their twin. Glaring across at one another, first Jessica, then Jo, shook out their hair and got back up. Locking up again, eyes wary, they brought their strength to bear. Even at first, rising up high until they were breast to breast, then down low almost ninety degrees. Muscles strained, breathing picked up and sweat dripped increasing from their bare frames, but after a few minutes one slowly gained ascendency.

Jessica’s jaw clenched and she panted rapidly, but as much effort as she poured into the contest she still felt herself slowly being overpowered by Joslyn. Face to face, Jo gave a strained smile as the rising panic behind Jess’s eyes, until the redhead slammed her head against Jo’s in a headbutt. Eyes glazing, Jo stumbled and Jess quickly repeated the move, expecting to drive the stronger girl to her knees. Instead, the redhead’s eyes widened at the sudden look of rage that crossed the other girl’s face and her eyes crossed at the retaliatory headbutt, falling onto her knees. She quickly scooched away, but Joslyn was staggering herself from the force of the blow, clutching her forehead and moaning. Both took a moment to collect themselves. Jessica sneered and hefted her heavy tits. Joslyn’s nostrils flared, scooping up her own impressive glands.

“I’ll squash them into mush this time!” Jo threatened, advancing on the redhead.

“They’ll be pancakes when I’m done!” Jess spat, trembling in eagerness. almost toe to toe with boobs just about touching Jessica punched her left tit into Jo’s right, knocking the quivering mass out of the girl’s hand. With angry snarl, Jo snatched back up her breast and swiped at Jess’s. With a loud SMACK, the ample orb wobbled like jelly in the redhead’s firm grip, and she was knocked to the side. Jessica responded with another thrust, right boob punching into right, nipples lining up and bending. Both yelped as the spikes stung and began manipulating their tits like meaty fists against one another, attempting to punch them deep into the dense titflesh, often instead hitting them together head to head.

Loud SMACKS and the occasional WHACK rang out across the arena as their boobs were battered together mercilessly. Joslyn grunted and screamed, Jessica groaned and shrieked as they battered each other around the ring, dropping the sore glands with increasing frequency and lifting them back up again. But even through the pain and the frustration was constant pressure in their stomachs, and the uncomfortable feeling of panties damp from both sweat and more feminine juices.

A lunge and Jessica’s boob was slapped from her hand. Whining in irritation she impulsively twisted her torso, flinging the now free orb to bash up against Jo’s, distorting the enormous boob and knocking it free from the breathless noirette’s grasp. Swinging hard in retaliation, Joslyn caught Jess as she was about to heft the loose tit, knocking the heavy orb to the side. Jessica’s face matched her hair as hands rested on hips and she swung her swollen tits to smash up against Jo’s. Only too happy to respond Jo moved clenched her hands behind her head and fought back, all four orbs now clapping together in a steady rhythm.

A rhythm that didn’t last as the two stared hard into one another’s face, speeding up the torso twisting and, by extension, the rate their boobs beating against it’s rival. Flat footed now, their breasts flailed wildly between them, sometimes crushing past one another as they met unevenly, or bouncing off after meeting perfectly. The wildness in the attacks quickly had them abandon the stationary phase of their fight and they moved, as if dancing across the ring. Side steps, jumps and bounces, legs slipping between legs, Joslyn and Jessica moved together in perfect union, red and black hair respectively floating around them while massive boobs collided between them.

Jessica saw a slight tic under Joslyn’s eye and aggressed fiercely, thinking the dark haired beauty was weakening. Jo met her advance, and their boobs clapped together with loud hollow THUDS, until the she cursed and jumped away. The sudden halt in violence took Jessica by surprise and the silence was deafening. Panting in exertion, she stared in a rapt fascination as her rival yanked off her panties and tossed them out the ring to land with a moist SPLAT. It took effort to tear her eyes from the glistening dark muff beneath Jo’s belly button and Jessica shivered, then ripped off her own damp underwear, sighing in relief at the lack of chaffing. Looking up she found an expression similar to what she had felt on Joslyn’s face. “Like what you see?” She huffed, tapping into the familiar, if fading, outrage she usually had when dealing with the noirette.

“Rosa’s was fluffier,” Jo shrugged, smirking at how easy it was to set off the ginger. In seconds her squeals were answered by Jessica’s, breasts plunging into breasts, their paired orbs heaved to batter, crush and flatten. The dance was more chaotic now, without the burning from wet cloth between their legs. Repeated, wild flurries staggered one woman or both. Tears left streaks on Joslyn’s face when Jessica’s heavy boob blows smashed her back until she fell with a shocked wail. Three minutes later, sweat and tears dripping onto her prodigious breasts, Jessica staggered under Jo’s relentless breast on breast pounding until collapsing with a pained scream.

Blooded now, so to speak, their attacks became more vicious, increasingly wilder, slamming their tits against one another madly. Jessica knocked Joslyn down again after a protracted exchange of left on left, then right on right blows. The enraged noirette pounded the determined redhead to the mats three times in succession in retaliation before Jessica leaned into a ponderous smash knocked the dominant Jo down to a knee, stunning her for a second. Half a dozen more times they battered one another to the ground, the final seeing both beauties fall as a direct collision of all four breasts finally proved too much and lithe legs, trembling under the strain, finally gave out.

Still leaning into one another Joslyn and Jessica slid down to their knees, arms hanging limply at their sides while crying softly over one another’s shoulder. Their brains barely registering the fact that neither pair of swollen, red raw orbs had succumbed to an attack. The thought of fighting more made them cringe but slowly they rose onto their haunches, face lining back up, when Jessica gave a soft moan. Hidden from view by their squashed tits, their lower regions also met due to the movements they made. Acting on instinct Joslyn gave a soft thrust and groaned as well. Lashes fluttered together and Jessica gently touched the side of Jo’s face, rubbing away the smudge left by a tear. Joslyn’s hands caressed Jessica’s hips, moving to her butt and up the girl’s back to her head. Eyes closed and Jo pulled their head together in a soft, insistent kiss.

“I…don’t want to fight anymore,” she whispered. Jessica shuddered and nodded, dipping her head to suckle on Joslyn’s breasts. Not wanting her to be left out, Jo gently pushed Jess down onto her back, carefully mounting her. It was a careful and passionate loving, but the heat from their fight seemed to only heighten the pleasure they felt and it wasn’t long before first Jessica and then Joslyn screamed again, this time in pleasure. After a few minutes of recovery, Jessica kissed Joslyn intensely, rolling the bigger girl over.

“More…” she panted. “More!”

Jo responded to the smaller woman’s need with her own, hips slapping together with increasing frequency and violence until restraint went out the window and both screamed in ecstatic bliss as their pussies exploded. Panting heavily, Joslyn lay back, detached, while Jessica frantically kissed and licked her face and shoulders. Something was wrong she knew, but after so long without sex her body suppressed her musings, demanding satisfaction. And Jess’s lips and tongues were indeed quite talented.

This was wrong, a part of her screamed, but Jessica was too far gone to hear the voice. She had never been immune to the arousal while fighting other women. But there was normally more than enough time between fights for her to get it out of her system. But she’d been fighting Joslyn constantly every few days non stop. It had gotten to the point even Eight was hard pressed to satisfy her. And now the dam had finally burst. Jess screamed again, into Jo’s mouth as they coupled, holding one another close.

Jo bucked, struggling to breathe when Jessica dove between her legs, devouring her clit.

Both gave muffled cries, rocking back and forth in a heavenly sixty nine.

Jessica whimpered and squirmed while Jo shoved three fingers into her repeatedly.

Neither woman knew how long they’d been at it. Fighting or fucking. But when they finally came to their senses, they were sitting in a corner, wrapped up tightly together Jessica’s face resting on one of Jo’s boobs, tongue flicking at the nipple while one of her own was gently squeezed by the noirette. Completely at peace and relaxed.

For five seconds.

Lips pressed together in a gentle peck Jessica gazed adoringly into Jo’s grey eyes, stroked her face and froze. Her expression turned wild and she shoved off Joslyn as much as she was pushed away. “What did I…” she stammered face shifting to various corners of the arena rapidly. “What did…we…”

“We just made…incredible love.” Joslyn stated, her own face twisting in distaste. It hadn’t been hate fucking, that would’ve made it better in her opinion. Jessica turned to her, the look on her face almost insane. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t recall forcing you into eating me out like a champ.”

“Oh gods…oh gods…I…I did it again!” Jessica wailed in self recrimination. “Eight won’t forgive me this time…I can’t forgive me this time!”

“Relax ginger.” Jo began looking around. The sense of calm she had after what had happened was not normal and she knew it. After spending a decade around such beings she felt she’d become adept at telling when she was being affected, now that she wasn’t distracted. “Which one are you? And why did you make us do that?”

No answer.

“I know you’re there.” Jo’s voice harshened. “I’ve felt Bahamut’s rage and Siren’s sexual push. And there’s no way I’d be this relaxed after fucking this particular ginger.”

“Who are you…” Jessica’s question was halted by a sudden rush of wind. She blinked…and found herself nose to nose with a…white, floating fox? “YAAAHHH!!”

“Hmm?” Joslyn approached the creature, studying the red gem in it’s forehead and the long ears that flapped slowly. “There were two of you?”

“Well aren’t you clever?”

Joslyn jerked upright and Jessica shifted on the ground at the voice, turning towards the entrance. Outside the ring was a brunette woman, surrounded by a mass of blue cloth that floated around her. Levitating over the ropes the cloth folded together to form a couch that she lounged on while regarding the naked duo. Likewise, as the blue material coiled around her, the two women realized she was also naked. 

“I see now why I felt my sister’s energy around you.” She proclaimed, stroking the head of the fox creature that sat before her. “I’m actually surprised she isn’t with you.”

“Sister? Siren!” Joslyn took a wary step back. “No damned wonder I couldn’t control myself. What the…”

“Oh please, if you know her, you know how it works. She only releases your inhibitions, so you act out what you’d normally restrain.” The woman gave an unladylike snort. “And uncontrolled coitus is not something I enjoy. I am Lakshmi, called Starlet by your kind for some reason. I represent Light and Fertility. Which is surprisingly enough what drew me to you. At the same time you’re very…lascivious. Especially when you suppress your desires for long enough periods.”

The fox thing barked loudly.

“Oh yes. And my companion, Carbunkle.” She gestured. “One of our youngest, he found your protective innocence quite appealing. Yet at the same time, the build up of negative emotions you had within yourself to prevent yourself admitting you were wrong muted his voice.”

“Wait…that fox thing was talking to me?” Jessica, stared at it confused as it floated up next to her face, nuzzling happily. “And what do you mean?”

“You mortals. The two of you…” Lakshmi sighed, rising and drifting down till her feet touched the mat, gesturing at Joslyn and Jessica. “Have been resisting one another’s pull ever since we were brought aboard your clumsy airship. You desired one another. Desired a closeness that pride made you reject.”

“You…you think I WANTED to…with this black haired whore!?” Jessica shook her head wildly. “No…no…not in a million years.”

“And yet you did.” Lakshmi smiled. “Do not misunderstand. I am not my sister. As a creature of fertility I have no use for unions that do not create life, or the casual interactions that have become so prevalent. However, it was quite pathetic watching the two of you fight, so I was forced to take drastic action.”

“By pushing me to fuck with this redheaded skank!?” Jo growled, trying to get angry, yet for some reason finding it difficult.

“You wait your turn bitch!” Jessica hissed. Likewise, her face was more confused than angry, clenching and unclenching her fists rapidly. “I get first dibs and I’ll…”

“You’ll do what?” Lakshmi’s smile never wavered, she simply held up a hand, snapped her fingers and…

“Wha…what…” Joslyn backed up, staring at herself on the ring mat, lying opposite what looked like another Jessica. “Ow…dammit!”

“What’s going on?” Jessica mumbled, touching her forehead at the sudden throbbing pain. “I don’t…get it.”

“I do…” Jo grimaced, walking around her unconscious body. “Did you knock us out yourself?”

“No. But I did nudge you both to put a bit more force than you intended behind those headbutts.” Lakshmi chuckled and Carbunkle quickly jumped onto Jessica’s shoulder. “Trying to get through to you while conscious was proving impossible and approaching you individually would only postpone the problem.”

“So you made us think we were still conscious.” Jessica’s mouth twisted in distaste. Then she perked up. “Then that means…”

“Yes…you weren’t unfaithful to your mate.” Lakshmi expression became amused again. “And do you not feel it?”

Both half naked women turned to face her, confused looks on their faces. “Huh/What?”

“What do you feel when you look at her?” The Esper asked Jessica, pointing at Joslyn.

“I…I…” Joslyn immediately tensed up as Jessica floundered for a response then, slowly, relaxed. A surprised look on her face. “I mean…I still want to fight her since we didn’t really get a winner, but…”

“I feel it too,” Jo said softly, coming up next to her and stroking a receptive Carbunkle. “It’s weird. I feel…I feel…almost embarrassed over how we acted in front of everyone.”

“Yeah…that.” Jessica leaned back against a turnbuckle, relief on her face. Then she looked the noirette full in the face. “So what do we do now?”

“Let’s wait.” Joslyn smiled tiredly. “After a fight like that, lets make the continuation official and give the girls a show that’d make the others jealous.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jessica still absently stroked the fox. Before her eyes the creature seemed to smile as it disintegrated into a light that flowed into the redhead. She hugged herself before turning back to her rival. “This doesn’t make us friends, you understand. At least…not till we settle up.”

“Sounds fair to me.” Joslyn stuck out a hand. Jessica only took a second before accepting it. The grip was firm. Getting blearily to her feet, she slid out of the ring, pulling on her outfit as she headed for the door. Once she was gone Jo let out a breath. “So what exactly do you want from me? There’s usually a catch.”

“Is light and fertility too on the nose for you?” Lakshmi leaned in close and Jo blushed, backing away. “You radiate both my dear. I wondered about that after you held us all, but after a brief trip through your mind I know I’m not wrong. You might be able to hide it from the others, even yourself, but that blocked off area of your mind was an open wound to me.”

Jo’s face paled and lips trembled. Legs failed and she sank next to her body, sobbing uncontrollably while Lakshmi held her gently.

*****

Jessica was still in a daze, exiting the mansion and stepping back onto the main path. On one hand she felt an outrage at being manipulated in that manner. Jessica was only too aware that her hot tempered nature and willingness to get into fights was an easily exploitable weakness…but having it exploited had her temper run even hotter. 

On the other there was no denying the relief she felt after that fight with Joslyn, even if it was mostly in their heads. And the fact that she didn’t actually turn into a sex crazed slut by the end was an added bonus. Even thinking about what they did to one another made her feel sick. “I’m not into women…” she mumbled to herself, then looked up in surprise.

“Told you I felt one of them close by.” Elena remarked smugly.

“Huh…” Reno leaned in close, making Jessica back away. “I thought you said Carbunkle was peaceable? Seems a weird choice is that’s the case.”

“Okay…so where’s tha’ othah one?” Barret grumbled. 

“Do you mean…um…Lakshmi?” Jessica asked, speaking for the first time. All eyes turned back to her. “She’s…uh…she’s with Joslyn. I left them back at the…the mansion.”

Six pair of eyes rolled at this admission. Barret groaned, Reno chuckled, Tseng and Nanaki sighed while Rude adjusted his shades. “Do we even need to ask what the two of you were doing there?” Elena grunted, grimacing in irritation. 

“None of your business.” Jessica snapped quickly. Too quickly. She pressed fingers to her temple in irritation and held out a hand, Carbunkle appearing with a rapid chattering sound. “Sorry…let’s just say me and Jo came to an understanding. So you don’t need to worry about us for now.”

“Huh…” Reno’s face turned calculating as he absorbed what she said. “I think our friends would like to talk with you for a bit, but your boyfriend’s been running ragged looking for you back in the middle of town. Perhaps you should look into him first.

Jessica nodded and the blue fox leapt down to follow her as she continued into Wutai. “You caught that?” Reno turned to the others.

“First time I think I’ve ever heard her refer to Josy by name.” Elena nodded. “Usually refers to her as the slut, or whore, or something along those lines.”

“Maybe they finally had it out.” Reno nodded. “Beat all those negative emotions out of one another.”

“Am I the only one concerned that you’re talking about two girls beating the crap out of one another to the point they just got tired of it?” Barret said loudly, looking around. “Really? Just me?”

“Might have something to do with you being the only one of us with a daughter.” Tseng chuckled. “Admittedly I’d be a bit concerned as well if I was in your shoes.”

“As I recall you didn’t have a problem taking a swing at me back in the old days.” Elena pointed out, staring hard at Barret.

“Cause you was trying to kill us.” Barret snapped back. “I don’ wanna come home an’ find Marlene with a black eye or hear she got into a fight. And with another gal to boot. Jus’ ain’t right.”

“You’re hanging out with the wrong crowd then big guy.” Reno shrugged. “Ladies in our circle get equal rights…and lefts.”

“You seem to be in better spirits.” Nanaki commented, sitting up and yawning. “Has something changed?”

“You might say I was given some hope.” Reno replied, brushing back his hair. “And by Elizabeth no less. That girl freaks me out, but gotta give her credit where it’s due.”

*****

After several more minutes the group split up, most heading back into Wutai. Red XIII and Barret however headed in the direction of the mansion, concerned for Tifa’s sister. They caught her locking back the door to the arena. “Oh…hey…” She mumbled absently, then seemed to catch herself and a look of guilt, mixed with embarrassment, crossed her face. In the background the three of them could hear muted chatter as their Espers conversed.

“So…” Barret started awkwardly. “You an’ Jess good now?”

“So she told you guys already, huh?” Joslyn muttered. 

“She kinda wandered into us while we were discussing various matters.” Nanaki quickly explained. “She seemed out of it and let slip she’d been with you at the mansion. Knowing the two of you, it wasn’t hard figuring the rest out.”

“I’ll bet it wasn’t.” Jo retorted sharply, but her hand ruffled Red XIII’s red furred head. “Good…is a bit strong. We still got one more round between us, but you’ll not have to worry about us throwing hands at inopportune times anymore.”

“Well that’s a relief.” Barret relaxed, leaning against a convenient pillar. “Though I imagine there’ll be quite a few that’ll miss the entertainment.”

“Fuck ’em.” Josy stated bluntly. “What goes on between me and Jess isn’t some kind of sideshow.”

“To be fair, the two of you did bring it on yourselves.” Nanaki rumbled. “Why risk injury trying to pry you two apart when waiting for you to get worn out is less damaging. And more entertaining.”

“Ugh…fuckfuckfuckfuck…” Jo massaged her temples and let out a deep breath. She’d never cared what others outside her circle thought. She wasn’t going to start now. “Well that stops now. Next time me and Jess have it out, it’ll be on the mats and NOT in public.”

“So what happened?” Barret asked, genuinely curious. He rest a hand on her shoulder. “You two threw hands again an’…den what? Was wondering if she came out on top considering the lack o’ bruisin’. But you’re lookin’ barely touched as well.”

“Lakshmi happened.” Jo looked away, clearly uncomfortable. “Helped us see things in a different light…kinda. Look, guys, things are kinda…convoluted right now for me. Mind just letting this topic drop? Not something I really want to think about.”

Barret and Nanaki shared a look, Barret shrugging. “Fine…consider it dropped.” The red furred Nanaki growled. “And we’ll put off questioning Lakshmi. At least for tonight.”

“Thanks Red,” the brunette scratched behind the ear in the manner she knew he loved and planted a kiss on his furred head, moving away with a sway to her step. 

“Not a word,” Nanaki growled at Barret’s grin. 

*****

“Hoh, someone’s feeling better,” Zangan crowed, flipping over Joslyn’s attacks to come up behind the girl. To his surprise she continued forward, rolling under his punch to her back and sweeping for his legs while swinging around. Once back up she attacked swiftly with punches and kicks. “A lot better. Excellent!”

For the briefest of moments Joslyn thought her ruse had borne fruit. Appearing still listless and distracted, only for Zangan to again display an agility beyond what someone his age should possess. His hands began slipping past her own, forcing Jo to pull back and defend rather than attack. His kicks met hers and after the fourth she couldn’t hold back a visible wince each time it happened. “This way…” Jo heard Lakshmi whisper and the image appeared in her head. The girl’s brow furrowed and her legs started to ache less and a look of surprise crossed Zangan’s face as he began to fall back. 

But while Jo’s attacks came faster and faster her mind was having trouble keeping up with it. By the time her mind sent the order to kick, her foot was already in motion and it caused this strange aftereffect that caused her to see double…then triple. Finally the sense of vertigo was too much and, swinging around with a roundhouse, she fell onto her hands vomiting noisily. Even Zangan was caught off guard by this, dropping to her side with Elena, who had hurriedly come to Jo’s aid, hands glowing with a soothing light. Josy dry heaved a few times before her stomach settled and she wiped her mouth. “Sorry…” she mumbled. “That’s…uck…never happened before.”

“The vomiting, or being able to move that fast?” Zangan stood back up, arms crossed.

“Bah…both. You…you remember what you told Ellie?” Jo gasped. At his nod she continued. “Well…I’ve got one too now.”

“It has to be genetic,” Zangan chuckled. “You’re giving me as much trouble as Tifa did when she first started. Perhaps you should start off slow when accepting her…it’s help.”

Elena helped Joslyn back up as she nodded, but something about what Zangan said bugged her. She’d been distracted by Seraphim and Josy and it didn’t quite click in her head. Then she forgot about it as Jo stumbled and she was forced to help keep her upright. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she gasped out, color returning to her cheeks and she stood up straighter. “Let’s keep going.”

“No.” Zangan shook his head. “Spar with Elena, but don’t dodge. Block her attacks and see how your healing keeps up. It’ll give you an idea of how much leeway you have in a serious fight.”

Joslyn nodded and she and Elena took up positions opposite one another. The thought only crossed her mind after they’d been fighting for a couple of minutes. She’d never mentioned that Lakshmi specialized in healing.

*****

Moving quickly, Staniv tapped on the wooden partition of Lord Godo’s room before pulling open the door. The Shogun was already upright and expectant. “Is it…?”

Staniv nodded and quickly stepped aside, falling in behind, as Godo quickly pulled on a kimono and darted out the room in a quick walk. In the planning room Dio looked up with a satisfied smile on his face. “We were right!”

“Midgar?”

“Midgar!” He nodded. “They’ve parked their ship right over the cannon.”

“The cannon…that’s not good.” Godo frowned. “It’s been decades but if they manage to get that thing working again…”

“That’s impossible.”

“And why is that?” He asked, not bothering to turn. Behind him, Rufus hobbled into the room, flanked by Cissnei, Rude and Tseng.

“Because I took great pains to ensure the weapon was disabled after Meteor hit.” Rufus stated. “Wouldn’t do to have such power in the hands of people that might still hold a grudge against me.”

“Prudent, and what I’d expect from you,” Dio remarked, drily. “But they’ve surprised us at every turn thus far. So I think going in under the assumption that they CAN get it up and running is would be the safest bet.”

There was a steady thumping of heavy footsteps and Barret appeared, alongside Cid and Nanaki. He glanced around. “Midgar?”

“Yes. Are you ready?” Godo stared hard at him. Barret, slapped a fist over his chest.

“And able.” He growled. “And looking forward to some payback.”

‘Right then,” Dio nodded and the doors were shut, guards at every corner. “This is what we’ll do…”

*****

Yuffie slid down the girders, deeper into the depths of the old Shinra building. “I need you to see if there’re any safe routes below that they don’t know about.” Cloud had said. He was stronger now and the gaping wound in his shoulder had shrunk noticeably. “I’m not betting you and Tifa’s safety on the others finding us. If need be, I have a way to provide a distraction.”

“So you and Tifa can escape.” Yuffie had shared a knowing look with her friend at what Cloud left unsaid. If the chivalrous ass thought she was just going to leave him behind, after everything that had happened he was your typical dumb blonde. As it stood though, there was quite a lot beneath the Sister Ray. A testament to Shinra construction, the building still stood strong despite everything it’d been put through. Still, she looked for the most dangerous path she could find. It would be the least guarded.

To be honest, she decided, the tower now felt very enclosed and not a little creepy. Every so often the metal would groan as if under strain, making her freeze until she was sure it was safe or there’d be rattling from various objects long abandoned on desks that somehow still stood. She poked her head down the elevator shaft, glancing around warily, testing a thick strand of wire before making her way down. About maybe ten stories down, the cable ended and she swung through the partially open partition onto the floor proper. She made a small scratch to mark what would likely be the first stop on their escape. It would be the first of many.

But as she made her way lower and lower, down broken escalators, shimmying down hanging cables or broken pipes, Yuffie began to experience a feeling of disquiet as she got to the lower areas. 

It seemed too convenient that, certain rooms seemed to have ways to traverse across broken floors or pillars that happened to have fallen at just the right angle to allow easy access between floors. Her sense of alarm only heightened when she came across a ladder between from the sixteenth floor to the fifteenth. Wanting desperately to ask Leviathan if she sensed anything, but deciding that was too risky, Yuffie moved with excessive caution now. For all she knew, the activity up top was just an act, and what they were really here for was on the lower levels.

“Wouldn’t be the first time…” Yuffie thought to herself, feeling herself shiver at the memory of Hojo and Deepground. She loosened her shuriken from it’s sheath, just in case, crab walking down the ladder. She kept to the shadows now, all senses alert. She froze. The voices were loud and raucous…but more importantly…recognizable. 

“No freaking way!” The kunoichi muttered to herself, moving stealthily across a conveniently placed rope to an overhang. Down below was a group of what looked like the old savannah raiders that were stamped out early during Edge’s development. The floor below had the appearance of a small, condensed city with the shabbily clad men and women moving back and forth between junk piles. Sharp eyes moved back and forth rapidly. It she was right then…THERE!

Scuttling back, Yuffie made her towards the wall, using her shuriken to slide down, counting on the noise to drown out it’s grating, scraping sound. Once down, she snuck up behind a gray haired, pot bellied raider currently lambasting a taller muscular one in a hockey mask and whispered. 

“Beck!”

The End

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