This isn't a story continuation, so you know. I just have to give stealth_spider two HOLY CRAP!'s

The first is that i was headed in mine to the point at which Jenova is intent on infecting and corrupting the Lifestream and killing the planet, just like you said with yours.

The second is that I was working towards introducing a "Materia-man" who could perform new abilities as he leveled, just like your Trego fella. I hint at it with the whole "interesting side to materia" in my first story post. So there you go.

Great minds, apparently, really DO think alike. I'll keep it up later. Now it's D2 beta-testing time... *scampers off*