The Nibelheim Journals - Chapter One
No one had bothered to tell them what was going on, though they stood in the midst of the chaos, faces solemn to mask emotion.
Sephiroth had eventually approached a man in a long white lab coat without a word of explanation to his comrades. He was arguing furiously, at which the scientist shrugged sheepishly and turned his back. He turned to a Turk, repeating the same inquiries in a loud, tense voice that was all but foreign to his calm, subtle nature.
But it seemed that information was unauthorized, even for one with as high an authority as Sephiroth.
No one missed how the proud Soldier's shoulders were drooping, his face held in a calm façade only with much effort, which drained the color from his already pale face.
"Nothing?" Zack asked as his commander returned, the undertones of his voice tainted with nervousness.
"Nothing," the General affirmed. "And no one here has any idea…?" He trailed off suggestively, almost hopefully.
"All I know," Genesis began slowly, holding up a book bound in scarlet velvet, embossed with gold, and held together by ruby clasps, "is that she left me this."
"And me, this," Angeal said, holding out a sapphire medallion, carved with ancient hieroglyphics, the mysterious runes inscribed on the golden chain as well.
"And I got this…uh…thing," Zack added, extending his hands to reveal an emerald velvet box, locked with a tiny golden clasp. By his look of confusion, they could tell that he hadn't received the key as a part of his inheritance.
Sephiroth turned his back, signaling that discussion was over, but Zack wouldn't let him go without similar questioning. "Hey, what about you? Out of the four of us she was by far the most concerned about you…"
Sephiroth did not turn, but tensed visibly. He took a long time to survey the room. This once had been a sanctuary for any who sought it, a place of healing for the body and the soul, but now the magic of this location was gone, replaced with a gaping void. Scientists, Turks, and even the media had found their way here. Each had a different reason for why they raided her diaries, her hand-written novels, the poetry and music that she had so freely poured her soul into. Her treasures, things she valued far above her life, were nothing to these cold and callous men.
Then he did adjust so he faced his comrades, his face too emotionless not to be masking some terrible conflict. Numbly, he held out his hand palm down, and then spread his fingers. From a silver chain that was entwined around his fingers dangled a heart shaped locket.
No one spoke for a long time, and when Zack gained the courage to, his voice was timid and weak. "So…she's dead?"
Sephiroth closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and nodded.
A/N: An idea that I would rather have not posted. Will be continued, but I can't promise any particular speed of the updates, as my life is hectic and this is more of a "back-burner" piece.