A.N. A big Thank You to everyone who has taken time to read and review this fic. :) You guys kept me motivated. And scriobhneoir45, thank you heaps for your kind review, since I could not get back to you. Sephiroth only intends to play with Cloud, and it's going to be up to Cloud how their interaction will affect him. Hope you are not going to be disappointed with this chapter.
Chapter Two
Cloud's eyes are cold with a hint of malice as they are locked into those of the girl-shaped thing in front of him. He has to give it to the imposter; she is such a convincing actress. Her emerald doe-eyes are even wider than usual, her expression that of fear and sadness. She staggers back a few steps, one hand covering her mouth and shaking her head side to side as if in despair.
"No." The cry is meek and strained. "You can't… you shouldn't…"
Cloud frowns disapprovingly at the whimpering, but cannot help the feeling of dread coming over him. The uneasiness is soon explained as lights, pure white and blinding heat, explode from the center of the room and rapidly fill the space. The blond warrior's instinct kicks in and his eyes close immediately even before he hears a faint warning about having to do so.
Then, as suddenly as they appeared, the lights are gone, along with the unforgiving heat. Cloud opens his eyes with a scowl, even as familiar warmth invades his mind, crippling his defense barrier and whispering him to succumb to the sense of contentment and security. He knows that sensation and what it means all too well because he never feels it around anyone else but Sephiroth, even though his hatred towards the black winged monster is all too real. The Jenova cells rejoice at the reunion, however unwilling their hosts are to acknowledge the influence. A ridiculous irony that only his archenemy's presence can induce that feeling of being whole again.
At times like this, Cloud is forced to acknowledge that he is in fact not entirely free from the call of Jenova cells. He can only fight their influence long enough to battle and kill his enemy. A proof that hatred is stronger than love. Nevertheless, his enemy's demise hurt him like hell; it felt as though he was extinguishing the very light of his own salvation when he was in reality ridding himself and the world of a nightmare that must end.
Bright blue eyes are drawn to a tall figure standing in the center of the spacious, sparsely furnished room. Yet again and despite his loathing at his own reaction, Sephiroth's beauty paralyses Cloud, if for just a moment. Luscious silver bangs frame an angular face with high cheekbones, piercing emerald eyes, straight nose and oh so delicately curved lips. Bewitchingly long eyelashes add softness to the somewhat carved stone like perfection. His posture is proud, his aura demanding respect and admiration. No monster has the right to look so alluring.
To think that you were just a lab rat in the beginning.
Sephiroth takes a long graceful stride towards the blond, his expression impassive other than a predatory gleam in his cat-like eyes. The move sharply pulls Cloud out of his trance, urging him into action. Since he does not have his Buster Sword in sight, the smaller warrior lunges himself with all his might only to find himself frozen in midair. Cloud curses being in Sephiroth's nightmare. There is so little he can do in this dream-world; no matter how much he wills otherwise, he has no control over his body.
"Sephiroth, most merciful lord. Please forgive him. He does not realize …" Aerith manages to speak, finally overcoming her fear. However, her heart-felt plea is cut short by the silver haired human/Jenova God's icy stare.
Merciful. Cloud silently scoffs with disdain. Seeing that his enemy has created this whole scenario, Sephiroth must be even more delusional than he thought possible.
"Silence, half-Cetra. Surely, even your fragile mind can comprehend that your little charge deserves punishment after his childish antics. If you want me to spare his life, you will remain quiet till I'm done with him."
Sephiroth's words are spoken softly, the tone almost caressing and soothing. Aerith, however, knows that she is not to disobey the consort of her mistress, the Planet. She lowers her head like the good little servant she is, pity for her friend swelling in her heart. Severity is one of ten aspects of a God and something in which Sephiroth excelled. She can only hope that Sephiroth has grown tired of that particular aspect since he frequently manifested the trait before his Godhood.
Having dealt with Aerith, Sephiroth grabs Cloud's waist with one hand and carries the blond off to the bed. How little you know me, Cetra? He thinks with a glint of amusement, as he takes a seat on the bed and places the small blond's torso across his lap. Aerith certainly has no understanding of his intentions towards Cloud. Aside from Mother's desire to keep the boy alive, he himself has no appetite for impaling his ex-puppet with Masamune; the boy has grown on him as a reliable punch bag would on a boxer.
"Watch," Sephiroth commands quietly, raising one hand before bringing it down with enough force to leave a red hand imprint on the naked buttock.
While the impact leaves Aerith speechless and somewhat relieved, Cloud's mind turns into a battlefield for raging emotions, some acceptable and some highly objectionable. Embarrassment, disgust, shame, anger and hatred are there as they should, but they are compromised by a strange sense of comfort and longing for more. It feels as though Sephiroth accepted him at some level because spanking is a form of discipline and discipline implies membership. And why did that stinging sensation make him feel so alive? How he despises himself for wanting to belong to his mother's murderer and hates Sephiroth for twisting his mind!
As for Sephiroth, he is surprised to find how therapeutic the physical contact felt. Neither did it escape his notice how entertaining it was to observe the array of conflicting feelings that tormented the boy. Maybe just maybe this toy is worth more to him than he thought possible?
Leaning down, Sephiroth whispers lovingly, "The concept of Hell is proof to the depravity of human mind, Cloud. Funny that you think me cruel, when your mind is capable of endorsing such a callous idea. I have no use for a Hell and will not create one. But, perhaps, I can make an exception for my favorite plaything? It is up to you, puppet. Think about it."
Aerith nervously paces the room, sucking her thumb without being conscious of the childish habit. Cloud, now clad in black pants and a sleeveless shirt, has eaten the vegetable broth she laid on the bedside table. He has, however, made it abundantly clear that he doesn't want her company. Even her offer to show him around the house has been rejected.
Since Sephiroth's departure, all the blond warrior has done is sitting on the floor in front of the blazing fireplace and ignoring her. She suspects that he wouldn't have touched the meal, had Sephiroth not told him to eat. Nor would he have bothered to cover himself. She really has no clue as to what her former bodyguard is thinking. She can only sense that he has retreated into his own miserable world.
From the large window opposite the fireplace, Aerith can see snowflakes falling, painting the landscape with brilliant whites. She would love to put on her jacket and go out, admiring the view of the night sky and surrounding forests reflected upon the nearby river. Perhaps then, she can feel the pulse of the Planet once again, the dazzling dance of light and darkness, and listen to the seductive and yet comforting song of her mistress. Still, it feels wrong to abandon the brooding figure to his own devices, even if her presence hasn't helped him in anyway.
Zack, I miss you.
She feels so alone and lost. And even though she is certain that Cloud feels the same and is just as confused about her mistress' decision as she was, it does nothing to bring them together.
"Cloud, I know you are hurting. And I'm truly sorry that things turned out to be this way," Aerith speaks, her tone gentle despite her heavy heart.
No response. No acknowledgement of her presence. Cloud remains immobile, his gaze firmly fixed on the rise and fall of the flames. The half-Cetra is, however, determined to prepare Cloud for Sephiroth's return. The young God was surprisingly lenient in his dealings with his former subordinate. Nevertheless, he has taken Cloud's voice away as a part of the punishment, and the only way Cloud is going to get back his ability to speak is to accept Sephiroth's Godhood as reality.
"Are you mad with me because I'm not angry over what happened?"
Cloud turns his slightly bowed head sideways and glares at her. He has been trying so hard to figure out how to survive in this grim nightmare, while trying not to think too much about how his existence turns meaningless without his nemesis. He didn't want to admit that apart from Zack, his friends were no more than a convenient reminder of his status as a hero. It was Zack's dream, and he had to live it for the one true friend who died while protecting him. Sometimes, however, he so envied his lost friend and wished Sephiroth would defeat him once and for all. Not everyone dies as a hero. Nevertheless, to die as a hero, he cannot let go of life even though he only ever feels alive when Sephiroth is present.
"I'm a half-Cetra, Cloud. We Ancients fought each other to extinction because the Planet wanted it that way. But more than that, I was given to the Planet even before my birth."
Aerith gives a soft sigh before she continues.
"I'm not like you or Sephiroth. I didn't choose my destiny, and I cannot be any other way. I was born to serve her. And when she is silent, I must follow the commands of her chosen consort. My human half grieves over the countless deaths, but she merely sought it as a matter of restoring the balance. Sephiroth suited her purpose perfectly, because he had little sympathy towards mankind while having perfect control over the workings of Jenova cells. He was much more useful to her than you or I."
How can you understand that a humble virus is just as important to the Planet as a human being? That human beings have grown too powerful and disruptive to the rest of her creation for her liking? I have more connection to her than you, and I struggle, too. But can't you see I'm here for you?
Cloud turns his gaze back to the now dwindling flames. He is no longer sure whether the brunette in the room is merely an imposter of Zack's girlfriend. What if Sephiroth found and trapped Aerith's spirit in the same nightmare he is in?
"Good night, Cloud."
It is all too much. Not knowing how this dream world works. What if Aerith is suffering because of his cold rejection? What would Zack think of his callous behavior?
"I'm sorry."
Cloud closes his eyes, willing himself to sleep in the lingering warmth of the dying fire, willing himself to wake up in another world. If he returns to this world, he will have to leave her behind.
A.N. I'm planning to bring Genesis into the story in the next chapter. I haven't decided about bringing anyone else back. If you want to see a particular character come back to life in this fic, please let me know. I will seriously consider it. Suggestions, questions, feedback? Please review.
