Months before I was born, while still in my mother's womb, my mother suffered a great accident. She fell from a three story building. At the time, I was only five months, and it was expected that I would not survive outside the womb. It was also almost certain I would not survive in my mothers womb while she was hurt. It had been a miracle in the first place, that I survived the fall. But the doctors very well couldn't operate on my mother while I was inside of her and so close to her wounds, and she would not survive long without the surgeries. She became distraught.
In fear that I would not survive, she left the hospital and did the only thing she knew to do-she went to the lifestream. She begged Minerva to save my life and then, she drank from the lifestream. She knew it was dangerous, but she did it anyway. And though she could not walk or crawl any further, she slept by the lifestream. When she was hungry she ate from a bush of berries, when she was thirsty she drank from the lifestream. She stayed by that place for two weeks, not moving an inch. However, while the lifestream was managing to give her the strength to survive, and healed any injuries I might have sustained from the accident, it was also weakening my mother greatly. Out there by the stream, my mother went into labor. Already half mad from all of the lifestream she had consumed, she begged the goddess Minerva once more for her help and then she fell into the lifestream.
Their, I was born. In the lifestream. Not only had the mako healed me and kept me alive, it'd also excelled my birth in the womb. I appeared the age of a newborn baby, having been carried all nine months. My mother died in the lifestream soon after giving birth to me. I didn't drown, or die from starvation or the cold. I floated on the lifestream, and it kept me alive and well until I was found by a woman named Ifalna.
This woman was an ancient, also known as the Cetra. The lifestream spoke to her and told her of my unnatural birth. It showed her visions. It warned her though, that many would attempt to use me because of the lifestream living inside of me. Ifalna, knowing what the Shinra scientists would do if they found out about me, kept me hidden. I still aged quickly, but it slowed down to a normal rate by the time I looked about three. It had been two years since my birth at that time.
Ifalna became involved with a man, a scientist. Despite her love for the scientist, she did not trust her ability to keep me safe anymore, especially with him around. And so, reluctantly, she sent me away to an old friend in Wutai, where I safely kept hidden. When I was eight, she gave me a letter from Ifalna, explaining everything.
It's been a year since I read that letter. Every day in that year, I read it at least once. I'm just now getting around to writing about it because, well, it just hadn't quite sunk in until now. I'm still trying to put all of the pieces together.
"Cerise!" I sighed and closed the journal and stood up from my desk. I turned and ran from my room and out into the kitchen.
"Yes, Elys?" Elys was the woman who'd taken care of me ever since I arrived in Wutai. She was a kind, but stern woman who hated Shinra and the government with all her heart. She was also a warrior, before the time of Shinra. She used to tell me stories of the time before Shinra had taken over. She said the world was a lot more peaceful, and that the planet never cried. She gave me a small smile before it dropped and she stalked towards me.
"We're out of berries and Godo has asked us for more materia. He thinks we be having a war very soon. You know what to do." She said and I nodded, grabbing the brown satchel from her waiting hands and hung it over my shoulder. I turned to leave. "Oh, and Cerise." I stopped, and looked back at her. "Get some of the lifestream as well. You're almost out." She said and I nodded and took off out the door. I ran through the village, dodging carts and cars alike.
"Hey, Ceri!" Dasyra, a close friend of mine called beside her fathers cart and I stopped.
"Hi Dasyra." I chirped back, skipping towards her.
"Heading out to gather more berries?" She asked with a smile and I nodded.
"We never seem to have enough anymore." I said with an exasperated sigh. She giggled.
"Well, Elys spends a lot of time making food for the troops, and berries are very nutritious, so she must use a lot of them." She added factually and I nodded my agreement.
"Gotta go, see ya later!" I called as I was already off and she waved goodbye. Several more people throughout the town greeted me as I passed by, but only few did I stop and chat with for a few minutes. I made it to the city gates and hurried out, the guards sending me with a thanks to Elys on the way out. The spring and berries bushes wasn't too far off from the city, just a few of miles off into the forest paths and so I hurried off, hoping to get their within the hour.
It was a long journey by foot, but I was quick and agile and I made it their fairly quickly. Opening the satchel, I grabbed the smaller bag for the berries and quickly started picking them off the bushes. Before long that bag was full and I got to the next one. I filled a total of three bags full of berries and stuffed them back into the satchel. The berry bushes were extremely close to the creek where the lifestream rose above the ground, so I hurried over that way. I first filled a bottle of lifestream, taking a sip of it and giving a sigh of relief.
Ever since I was little, I'd needed to drink from the lifestream to live. It was like how everyone else needed water to survive; I need lifestream. And it didn't harm me like it did others. I'd never understood why I'd needed it until that letter though…
I shook from my thoughts and readied myself, hovering my hands over the creek. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, focusing solely on my task. Nothing happened, at first. But slowly I heard the lifestream starting to take a crystalline form. When I opened my eyes, three materia rested beneath the surface of the lifestream. I smiled and grabbed them, stuffing them in my satchel as well.
One of my abnormalities I'd gained because of my unnatural birth, was the ability to speed up the creation process of materia and even level them up to full power. I've known for a long time I could do it, but again, none of it made sense till that letter. I sighed; that stupid letter never left my mind. It's not that I wasn't happy I knew the truth, it had just changed everything that I knew. And I wasn't sure how I felt about that yet.
I was able to make two more fully leveled materia before I started to become sick. I grabbed the two and put them in the bag with the others and then stood up. I felt a little dizzy and blinked rapidly. I opened the bottle of lifestream and took a swig. Already, I could feel my energy replenishing. I stuffed it back into the bag and took off on the path once more. I decided to take a more scenic route, tired of seeing the same old dirt path.
The scenic path was slower than the normal route, but I still had a full day ahead of me. I sang to myself as I walked, occasionally stopping to spin and dance around on the path. It took double the amount of time to get back as it did to get their, but it was worth it. As I approached the city gates, I slowed as I realized something was off. The gates were left wide open, and sounds of gunshots and fighting sounded. My eyes widened as I realized what was going on and I dropped my satchel.
"Elys," I whispered and took off through the gates. I searched all of the faces surrounding me for hers, but I saw her nowhere. I rushed through the streets, and though the fighting was everywhere, I managed to arrive safely. No one paid attention to the short, skinny nine year old girl and for once, that had been a positive. I pushed the door open. "Elys!" I yelled and then froze. Three men stood towering over Elys in the kitchen. Two wore helmets, the other however, did not. He had silver hair, flowing down his back, and a long thin sword in his left hand.
"Cerise," Elys said calmly but her eyes were wide and fearful. "Where are the berries I sent you to get?" She asked. I blinked at her and then gulped as three sets of eyes turned to me. I caught eyes with the silver haired boy, his blue-green eyes startling and shocking. They looked like the lifestream… I shook out of my thoughts and returned my attention to Elys.
"I-I dropped it. I'm sorry." I answered, feeling guilty now. That materia really could've been useful now. She nodded in silent understanding and returned her attention to the three men, specifically the silver haired boy.
"It's alright, dear. Why don't you go back and find it? Hmm?" She asked.
"No," The silver-haired boy interrupted, eyes darting to mine. "She stays," Looking closer at him, I noticed how young he was. He looked to be only a couple of years older than me, maybe just barely a teen. I looked to Elys, unsure of my next move. I gulped and moved towards Elys, standing by her side. She put a reassuring arm around my shoulders, hugging me tightly to her.
"I promise you, I've never stolen materia from anyone," My eyes widened involuntarily-she was in trouble because of me? Because I was creating materia for the army and they somehow found out?
"Our sources say you're the one that supplies the Wutai army with materia." One of the men wearing helmets spoke up. I glared at him hatefully, wishing I could see his face so I could burn it to memory. Then maybe I could get back at him one day for threatening Elys. All of them.
"Yes, I supply the army with materia but I've never stolen any." She said, voice pleasant enough. One of the men wearing helmets gripped my arm suddenly, pulling me towards him and placing his gun against my head. My heart froze at that moment, terror rushing through my veins. "Don't you dare!" Elys snarled, leaping forward. A long sword darted out quickly, stopping Elys from getting any closer.
"Your sources," The silver-haired boy said calmly. I wanted to speak, tell him to leave Elys alone, to let us go, but my voice had been caught in my throat. Elys' eyes darted to mine worriedly, and I opened and closed my mouth, but no sound came out. She returned her gaze to the silver-haired boy.
"Here and there, many different places, markets-" The tip of his sword touched her throat.
"Your sources," He repeated.
"Please," She begged, eyes watching me. She looked to me and mouthed three last words. Tears were crawling down my cheeks. I saw the boy move and I suddenly found my voice once more.
"Wait!" I shrieked but it was too late. Blood gushed from the large, open wound in her neck and she gurgled, and then fell to the floor. I dropped to the floor, crawling over towards her lifeless body and I screamed, clutching at her shoulders. "please don't leave." I cried, leaning over and placing my forehead against hers.
"What do you know?" The silver-haired boy spoke up, voice as calm as before. I climbed to my feet slowly and turned to face him. Maybe he hadn't seen it coming, or maybe he figured he deserved it, but he didn't stop me as I slapped him. His head whipped to the side.
"Don't speak too me." I whispered coldly, shaking but not from fear but rage. It boiled through my blood and it didn't matter anymore that he could kill me at any moment. "You're a murderer. Is that what you people stand for? Is that what you do?" I screamed, clenching my fists at my sides. "You call yourselves the good guys, the heroes, but you're really just beasts out for bloodshed! You hurt innocent people, all because some fat old man tells you too!" I shrieked, crying harder and harder but my voice was clear. The two men wearing helmets pointed guns at my head.
"No," The silver-haired boy spoke up, turning his head to look back at me. He held my gaze as he spoke. "She's grieving. Leave her be." He stated.
"We were told to take no prisoners." One of them said gruffly.
"We won't take her as prisoner. We have a battle to get back too." He said, turning his back on us.
"But-"
"That's an order, cadet." The silver-haired boy said, voice full of authority. Grudgingly, they lowered their weapons and followed after him. I collapsed back onto the ground, and cried. I didn't know how long I cried but I must've fallen asleep at some point, because I woke up on the cold, hard floor. It was dark out now, and completely quiet. Wiping my eyes and sitting up, I looked around. It looked to be in the same state from last time, minus the blood on the floor. I turned back around to Elys' body. Another sob threatened to break through from my throat.
"I'm sorry," I cried. "I should've spoken up sooner, i'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Elys." I whimpered, soothing her gray hair behind her ears. I closed her eyes and straightened up. Elys had always loved it when I sang to her. So, I would sing to her one last time.
Wishing on a dream that seems far off
Hoping it will come today
I almost started crying during the next lines, but managed to push through, my voice getting stronger as I continued to sing.
When the horizon darkens most
We all need to believe there is hope
Is an angel watching closely over me?
Can there be a guiding light I've yet to see?
I sniffled and took in a breath of air, having cried so much restricting my air, but managed to get back on track.
What will fill this emptiness inside of me?
Am I to be satisfied without knowing?
I wish, then, for a chance to see
Now all I need, desperately…
Is my star to come
I wiped my eyes one last time and stood up. I walked back into her bedroom and grabbed a blanket off of her bed and returned to her body, placing the blanket over her. I returned to my room and looked in my vanity mirror. I looked like a complete and utter wreck-as expected. My eyes were red and puffy, the pinkish color of my eyes all the more brighter from the tears. I ran my fingers through my light colored hair and pulled it over my shoulder in a quick braid.
I peeled my clothes off and changed into jeans and a simple blue blouse. I put on a pair of boots meant for hiking and a coat. I walked out of my room, only to pause. The boy from before was back. He stood over Elys' covered body and I stood stiffly behind him, wondering if I should just make a run for it. Without saying a word, he held up my forgotten satchel between his fingers.
"Where did you get that?" I asked, voice hoarse from crying.
"What were you doing with five fully powered materia and a bottle of lifestream?" He asked coolly, turning to face me.
"I don't have to tell you anything." I said, looking up at him stubbornly. His eyes bore into mine, and I admit, I was a little intimidated.
"You can either tell me or tell my employers back at Shinra headquarters," He said calmly. I glared at him hatefully, rage once again burning in my veins.
"Haven't you done enough today?" I spat out and he sighed.
"Tell me, and you will never have to see me again." He compromised.
"I can't." I responded and he narrowed his eyes.
"Why?" He asked, and though he kept a cool facade I could tell from his eyes, he was becoming impatient.
"Listen, I won't ever do it again, okay? But I can't tell you." I mumbled.
"Is it illegal?" He asked.
"Not necessarily." I responded.
"How so?"
"None of your business," I scoffed back.
"Tell me." He ordered.
"Are you always so childish." I shot back, scowling at him. He blinked in astonishment. Apparently, I had shocked him. Well, good. He deserved it. For a moment, something similar to amusement flashed in his eyes, but it was gone before I could blink.
"Why can you not tell me?" He asked softly, attempting a different approach.
"Because I'll become a science experiment!" I shouted before I could stop myself. I gasped at the realization of what I'd just admitted and looked away from him. I was expecting him to demand answers, to savagely hit me until I told him, or just drag me back to Shinra with him and just instantly hand me over to the scientists. Instead, we were completely silent.
"What's your name?" he asked, after several long minutes of silence. The question surprised me; I'd expected an interrogation. However, I answered anyway, because at least he wasn't threatening to hand me over to the scientists.
" Shyr. Yours?" I asked, despite myself.
"Sephiroth." He answered. We were drawn back into several more long moments of silence.
"I'm sorry, Cerise." Was the last thing he said to me. Then, he started for the door. I was so surprised, I spoke up.
"You're just going to leave?" I blurted out. He stopped, and looked at me over his shoulder. He nodded slowly. "You don't want to know the truth?" I asked hesitantly.
"No," He stated and continued his walk. I was frozen there for a minute, thinking of my next move.
"Wait!" I called, running after him. I grabbed hold of his arm, stopping him. "Take me with you," I said so quietly, I wasn't sure he'd heard me.
"Why?" He responded, after several minutes of silence. I thought about it for a moment, putting my thoughts together.
"Because I don't have anyone. My home is broken and destroyed, and without Elys-" I cut off, my words catching in my throat. I took a deep, steadying breath. "Without Elys, I have no one to protect me from those who want to use me. Wutai is not my home, nowhere is. I have nowhere to go. You made sure of that. So now you're stuck with me." I affirmed.
"Shinra will kill you," He stated evenly.
"Train me to fight. Say that I was a hostage in Wutai, stolen from my home in Junon. Say that I hate Wutai, and that I have many secrets I would like to share with Shinra in return for being trained to fight and join SOLDIER."
"He will never allow it," He insisted.
"Persuade him. Shinra is no fool-he knows a happy captive is much more willing than an unhappy one." I replied easily.
"And the cadets?" He murmured, referring to the other men who had seen my break down at the death of Elys.
"What rank are you?" I asked evenly.
"SOLDIER, first class." He responded, knowing exactly where I was going with this.
"Exactly. Their words mean nothing compared to yours. If they're smart, they won't say a thing."
"Why?" He asked once more, knowing I had defeated his argument.
"Because you owe me this much." I replied and he sighed.
"Very well. But I'd like to know just who I am allowing into Shinra. Your abilities." He said. I bit my lip. I didn't want to show him, but, I had this feeling in my gut that he wouldn't tell. Despite all he'd done, I felt safe with him. I grabbed the satchel from his shoulder and pulled out the bottle of lifestream. Without a word, I dumped it onto the ground. I kneeled down next to it and focused my energy on the task at hand. When I re-opened my eyes minutes later, a small green materia had formed. I picked it up and stood, handing it to Sephiroth. He inspected it closely, a sense of wonder deep within his otherwise uninterested gaze.
"How?" He murmured.
"Maybe I'll tell you one day." I responded and nodded towards the city gates. "Lead the way."
The entire trip, I didn't move from Sephiroth's side. I didn't trust any of the infantrymen or anyone else for that matter. When we arrived at headquarters, a man in a suit stood waiting. Sephiroth tensed beside me ever so slightly, and I figured this man was not here as a friendly greeting. The man was obviously wutain, with jet black hair and black eyes. He regarded me carefully.
"General, I'm to take the girl directly to the president while you debrief with Lazard." He informed. I looked up at Sephiroth unsurely. He nodded at me and I moved towards the man hesitantly, ready to run if it came too it. I walked silently beside the man through the hallways, unsure of what to say.
"You're not in SOLDIER?" I asked hesitantly. He eyed me.
"No, my name is Tseng. I'm one of the Turks." He informed me.
"What does Shinra want with me?" I asked.
"To meet you," He said vaguely. Before I could ask anymore questions, we arrived at a large set of doors. He knocked lightly and then opened the doors.
"This is her?" A fat, balding man asked from behind a large desk. Tseng nodded. "You may leave." He ordered and he left me alone with President Shinra and his couple of guards. "What's your name?" He asked.
"Cerise. Cerise Shyr." I answered.
"You were a hostage in Wutai?" he asked and I nodded. "And you know many secrets of the Wutain people?" He continued and I nodded once more. "Will you share them with me?" He asked.
"Yes," I whispered, hating my voice for sounding so small. I was literally shaking in my boots, scared at any moment he'd have me killed. "But, I have a request." I managed to get out. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Go on," He said, sounding bored.
"In return for information, I want to stay here and be trained for SOLDIER." I said and he studied me for a moment.
"Why? Wouldn't you like to return to your family in Junon?" He asked lightly.
"My family died all those years ago when I was taken captive. I have nowhere to go, no family to take me in. I-" I cut off to stop myself from crying. Though I was lying, it didn't change the fact that it was true. The only person I'd really had was Elys, and she was gone. My city was destroyed, and it wasn't even my city. I could try to find Ifalna, but I suspected she would still find it to be too dangerous to take me in and I didn't want to be a burden to her. I would have to stay here, in the arms of my enemy and they wouldn't even know the truth.
"How old are you, Cerise?" He asked suddenly. I sniffled and looked back at him.
"Nine," I answered smally. He smiled, and I didn't like it.
"I have a son around your age. I'm sure he'd love to have someone his age around here. Perhaps you two will become friends," He said lightly and my face lit up.
"You'll let me stay?" I asked hopefully and he nodded.
"However, I do not allow girls to join SOLDIER. You will be given everything you need here, room, food, clothes, in return for information. As well as another task," He said and I blinked.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The face against the war of Wutai?" Sephiroth murmured as we sat in the commons room at SOLDIER headquarters.I nodded, laying my head on my knees.
"I was prepared to give all information that I have, but I didn't know they'd have to see me do it." I cried miserably.
"That's the price you have to pay," He responded evenly and I sighed and crawled towards him on the couch, leaning against him. I was tired from the long journey and all of the crying. I felt it running through my veins, slowing me down.
"You have to protect me," I whispered, already nodding off.
"I will," Was the last thing I heard before falling asleep.