Hi. I'm really pleased that so many people like what I'm trying to do here and thank you to everyone who has left a wonderful review so far.
A few people commented on Genesis being Lady Montague but that I sill called him a he and not a she. The thing is I knew he was matched perfectly to be with Angeal in this, as Lord and Lady Montague, but couldn't bring myself to call them Lord and Lord Montague. Especially having Zack as the young lord Montague as well. It just made too many lords. Anyway, the result is that yes I refer to him as Lady/wife/etc but he is still a he because Genesis is undoubtedly male and it would be wrong to make him a women, so sorry about any confusion it causes but that's how my mind sees him.
Also, just so you know, I've replaced the 'clown' part in the original story, in this scene, with Marlene as a young maid. She's also going to be older than we see her in AC, more like 14 - 15 years old, so don't freak out too much at that part in this chapter update.
Again I want to emphasis that this is my bizarrely twisted mutation of the original tale, so please just go with the flow and don't think I'm screwing up on the actual story. There are going to be some differences as things progress.
Enjoy.
Scene 2
On the other side of Midgar Lord Capulet was not a happy man, his temper only kept in check because of another's presence within his home.
"What more is it you wish to discuss with me?" Sephiroth asked the prince beside him, the pleasantries he was expected to show for the other already having been stretched to their limits. "Have I not already agreed to the terms of your orders between myself and that fool Montague?"
"Montague is no fool Lord Capulet, and it would do you well to remember such a thing." Rufus stated evenly, his level gaze unflinching as the silver haired warrior continued to tower over him. "Both of your families are of equal blame in disturbing the peace of my city, the feuding which has existed between you having gone on for more years than I care to remember."
"It is his laughable belief of dreams and honour which make him a fool." Sephiroth aired with exasperation, as if the other lord's speech was one which had forever been burnt into his own mind as well.
"Is it wrong then for a man to have … dreams?" The prince enquired casually, perhaps too casually considering how their words had been growing so tense only moments ago.
"And what dreams do you have my prince?" Lord Capulet questioned slyly, even the tiniest hint of advantage with Rufus's favour over Angeal making him keen to learn more.
"Your son has recently come of age." The sandy haired blonde mulled thoughtfully, the gleam in his eyes letting Sephiroth know that this was more than just a passing curiosity over the young boy's life. "Has he yet found a suitor to … experience life with?"
It didn't take a genius to know what Rufus had meant by that, the choice of wording being quite innocent and acceptable in polite society. Yet beneath his golden bangs their lurked a flicker of lust in deep contemplative eyes and Lord Capulet was left in no doubt that his son, his only child, would not be seeing the world with this man. No, what shone within those heat filled depths was the promise of other pleasures, ones of the flesh and not the soul, and for once the great man found himself faltering over the possibility of this advantage over his foe.
"He is indeed of age my Prince, but only just so." Sephiroth replied calmly, the fire in his veins now gone and replaced with carefully consideration. "He has yet to truly know the world, his childhood thankfully keeping him sheltered from its harsh reality and cruelty."
"Do you think me to be cruel Lord Capulet?" Rufus all but growled, his very posture bristling at the insinuation.
"I did not mean it like that my Prince." Sephiroth was quick to correct, his current place in this world very much know to him. "Only that he has never been exposed to the true nature of the things around us. That his life so far has been contained within these walls so that he would not lose his innocent beauty to its filth, so that his purity would not be tainted by another's dirty touch."
"What exactly are you saying Capulet? Speak now before I lose my temper in all of this." Rufus warned, his patience having grown thin at the man's rambling excuses.
"What I am trying to say my Prince is that my son has never been courted. That his young heart does not know of love and the joys, or sorrows, that it may bring."
"Then is it not about time that the young man learns of these things?" The Prince proposed with a casually dismissive wave of his hand, the thought of the virginal blonde beauty being his alone to claim in fact making his heart race possessively within his chest "And would someone of my nobility, and position of authority, not make a suitable teacher for such a lesson?"
"Indeed you would." Sephiroth had to agree, his rarely shown fatherly affection for the boy finally stepping forward and giving him the strength to make one condition for their deal. "However, I have one request to your proposal. If you would but hear it?"
"And what would that be?" Rufus sighed, his eyes-rolling in mild annoyance to show that the last of their bargaining had better be in his best interest.
"I only ask that you court him like a gentleman, that you woo him accordingly before introducing him to other … experiences … of the heart. That he at least be consenting to your … interest ... in him."
"I believe that can be arranged." The Prince chuckled happily, the smile which adored his young features being almost like that of a cat about to get its cream. "And so now we only have to consider an opportunity where formal introductions may take place, one that would conveniently lead to an official state of courting between us. Perhaps, say, at the masquerade ball you will be holding here tonight?" He added casually, the underlying message he was trying to get across not quite making it before Sephiroth spoke again.
"To my knowledge there is no such plan my Prince, the feast and merriment you speak of being a surprise even to myself." Lord Capulet replied instinctively with efficient political courtesy, his already swirling mind unfortunately taking a few more seconds to actually hear what had been said and work out the true meaning within those offhandedly spoken words. "Yet the idea appeals to me as it does to you and I am sure that the appropriate arrangements can be made in time to bring such an occasion of joyous celebration into being." He added quickly to correct the error, his heart skipping a beat at the other's initial look of displeasure. The strong muscles ceasing to feel crushed beneath his ribs as the Prince's expression softened to one of someone who was once again pleased with the way things were going.
"Then I will leave you to your work and return when the sun has set, the stage upon which I will first meet my future bride being grandly entered upon so that all may see." Rufus commented happily, the touch of approval clearly notable within his voice as he spoke.
"As you wish my Prince." Sephiroth sighed, his words of agreement being lost to the air as the Prince had already turned and begun to walk away. The young man already knowing without a doubt that his wish would be granted without question.
Turning away from the retreating man's back Lord Capulet drew in a long breath and let it out as slowly as he could, the weight of his future actions already burdening his heavy shoulders.
"To see my son wedded to another should be a dream come true, the prestige of his title when married to the Prince being more than enough to easy any concerns I may have for his future. Yet, I cannot help but worry a little." The great man aired soulfully, as he began to make his way through the might halls of his home. "The Prince is indeed a fine suitor for the child, his power meaning that the boy will always be safe from harm, and wealthy enough to give my son every thing he should desire. Perhaps then it is just the lingering emotions of an old man not yet ready to let go of his only child, the desperate attempt of an aging fool to see the young man he had become as remaining unchanged from the little boy he once was."
It was at this point in his musings that Sephiroth entered the slave's area and found himself surrounded by a sea of men and women ready to do his bidding, each having stopped in their current duties to list with rapt attention to whatever instructions he might give.
"There is to be a masquerade ball within these halls tonight, one to liven the hearts of our kin and bring some joy to those who we call friend. I wish for food to be prepared that will make the mouths of even the fullest man water, for drink of the finest grape and grain to quench every man and women's thirst, and the music to be more exquisite than the most angelic tunes found amongst the heavens."
He wasn't asking for much, not really.
"Hurry now and make these preparations so, have the cooks stock up the fires and bake till there is no food in our larder, have the servant boys bring up the barrels from our cellars, and have the maids decorate this mighty house so that even the gods are left in awe of our magnificence."
He knew it was more than necessary, understood that he was asking for a lot in such a short space of time. But tonight was to be more than just a celebration. It was to be the setting of a stage for a future play, one that would involve him, his wife, and their only child. The beginning of a story where love had to be discovered, if they were all to live happily ever after.
As was expected of them the servants flew into action, all other task and chores being hastily finished as they began to prepare for the party to come. And while they worked Sephiroth went and found a quiet place to think, his mind now working out how to broach the subject with his wife as well as their son, and silently consider how the setting of the sun would in fact signal the start of a new dawn for their family.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
It was perhaps unfortunate that Lord Capulet's invitations to his ball were not to be delivered to his guests by his usual trusted squire, the new girl who actually delivered them still being inexperienced to the workings of the written word and therefore unsure how to read the names upon the list she had been given. She had tried her best, knowing the wrath of the man if she failed him, but sometimes even the fear of his legendary anger was not enough to make the problem go away.
"This is impossible." Marlene practically wailed, no longer caring that her little display of distress was very unbecoming of a young lady.
"Nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it. Surely someone as pretty as you should know that." A warm and gentle voice replied to her cry, the light-hearted chuckle which followed it making her blush a bright pink in embarrassment rather than shame of her actions.
"Forgive me sir." She mumbled bashfully, the warm rush to her cheeks darkening as the strange man's kind smile grew to a friendly grin. "I should not act so crudely, it is not very ladylike of me."
"Nonsense." The raven haired man barked, the sound being loud but not aggressive as he argued her words. "Even a lady is allowed to protest when the circumstances are fitting."
Suddenly Marlene understood what the older girls meant when they said boys could be 'charmers', that their words could be honey on their lips when they wanted to taste yours. She felt herself draw in a deep breath and grow more confident, unwilling to let herself be corrupted by his playfulness any longer.
"I am not a lady but a girl. One who is too young for a man such as yourself." She pointed out firmly, only now daring to raise her eyes to his in silent challenge.
It was then that her soft brown orbs connected with wondrous bright violet spheres, the dazzling amethyst jewels glittering with amusement as they held her own and spoke of a youth and innocence not much different from her own. Even if he was clearly older than her in years.
"My apologies. I did not wish to offend you, only offer assistance." The young man continued politely, the sparkle of humour in his smile making her blush quickly once more.
"I have no need for your help." Marlene tried to defend herself, but her voice wavered and quickly gave her away.
"Would it not be rude of me to ignore a damsel in distress?" The stranger asked curiously, the look he gave her saying that he knew he was right even if he didn't say it out loud.
"I suppose a true gentleman would make such an offer." The young girl conceded with a sigh, a small hand coming up to brush a few stray hairs from her face in frustration as she spoke. "Though he would not tease her while doing so."
"That part of very true and for that I must apologise." The raven haired youth replied, a small polite bow accompanying the words as he showed her more respect than her position in life really deserved.
"Your apology is accepted, on one condition." Marlene began, her quick mind suddenly coming up with a solution to both her problem and a way to save face after such an embarrassing exchange of words between them. "You will help me to work out whose homes I have yet to visit so that I may deliver the messages within my basket."
"If that is the payment I must make then so be it." The stranger huffed in mock exasperation, the twinkle evident in his violet eyes giving away how much he was actually enjoying their banter.
Beside him another man sighed heavily and it was only now that Marlene became aware of the second persons presence, her attention having been fully focused on the raven haired youth in front of her the whole time.
"I can see that your 'love' for another is easily swayed when a pretty smile is presented to you." Kunsel couldn't help but joke, his plan to get the young lord to lighten up having thankfully worked as they had formulated many ways to bring him and his hearts desire together.
"My love is not swayed, have no fear of that." Zack replied firmly, his voice taking on an air of knowing as he continued to speak. "But even a man who has sworn himself to another can look upon a young blossom and appreciate the beauty of it, as well as help to nurture it so that it will reach full bloom."
"Your words are like a fragrance that is too strong for my nose, and would act as a decent manure on any rose garden, yet they are at least right in one respect. A young maiden should not be troubled so when a gentleman is present to aid her." Kunsel agreed with a sigh, his warm chocolate coloured eyes settling on the young girl and his full lips offering an equally amused and dazzling smile as he spoke again. "How may we, a couple of young fools, assist you on this fine day my lady?"
"I have been schooled for a short time in reading and writing, but the letters do not lend themselves to me kindly. They confuse my senses rather than help in a task such as this." Marlene began to explain, he own sweet smile growing a little more confident as the two young men began to look at the list of names she was showing them. "I have managed half of the people on the list but some are unfamiliar to me, and others I have never heard of at all. Could you possibly guide me with better directions than the ones given so that I may find these noble people and invite them to my master's ball?"
"Master you say." Kunsel mused thoughtfully, as he mentally reviewed the list presented to them. "And which master would this be?"
"The great and mighty Lord Capulet." The girl replied with breathless awe, her young age suddenly making the reverence with which she spoke seem rather inappropriate. "He is to have a grand masquerade ball at his home this fine night to celebrate the life of all those dear to him, his invitation going out to kin and kind alike."
"So the lord is opening his house to all those who are loyal to him?" The young soldier mused thoughtfully, the gears in his brain already turning as he processed the information they had been given.
"Oh yes, he is indeed being most kind in this adventure." Marlene confirmed joyfully, her youthfully face glowing with innocent light as she confirmed their suspicions. "He has ordered for only the best food and drink to be served, so that all who follow him are generously rewarded for their devotion."
"Then it is indeed a good thing that we crossed your path on this fine good day." Kunsel replied, his elbow quickly jarring Zack in the ribs before he could open his mouth to question the soldier's sudden interest in what had been revealed.
"Then you are also loyal to my Lord?" The young girl enquired happily, her complete devotion to Sephiroth blinding her to the reactions of the other two.
"As loyal as any many can be to his Lord." Kunsel offered warmly, his smile being for the girl while his eyes warmed the young man beside him to stay quiet. "Now then, let us help you on your way so that the happy message may quickly be spread to others like ourselves."
And with that he quickly worked through the list giving Marlene the information she needed to complete her task, his directions being clear and efficient so that she would reach all she needed to by travelling a carefully mapped out route. It was only as the young girl bid then good day, thanking them once more for their help and left, that Zack turned to his cousin and began to speak. The words which spilled from his lips were of no surprise to the young soldier as he let them wash over him and waited for his own time to talk in their conversation.
"Are you done yet?" Kunsel asked, once he was sure that the young lord had run out of steam for his ranting.
"I only wish for you to see that you will never make it into the life stream with lies such as that spilling from you lips." Zack huffed in frustration, his annoyance at Kunsel very clear from the way he glowered through a curtain of dark bangs. "And what do you actually hope to achieve by deceiving that poor girl in such a way?"
"My intention was not to device but merely to distract, her kind invitation to us meaning that we will be welcome at tonight's festivities."
"Are you deaf or simply dumb?" Zack huffed, his shoulders slumping as his mild anger gave way to tired confusion. "The invitation was for those loyal to Capulet." He pointed out, once again glaring meaningfully with a deep seated warning to his cousin. "Have you forgotten that we are of the house of Montague, sworn enemy to him and his kin, and are surely the last person to be invited to such a gathering?"
"What I see cousin is an open invitation to one and all, a welcoming hand reaching out to every man and women within the walls of Midgar to come and celebrate life to its fullest." Kunsel started to rationalise, his justification for what they were about to do still not sitting well with Zack even as he felt himself being led towards that ending.
"And what if we are seen cousin? Do you not think our faces will be recognised the moment we approach the threshold of his home let alone cross over it?"
"A man wears a mask upon his face everyday of his life, be it the warrior, the lover, the sinner or the saint. What harm will it do to wear another mask for just one night and be that which you are not, especially when it is a prerequisite of such a gathering?"
"A costume to conceal us." The young Lord breathed, his thoughts finally understanding what the young soldier was getting at. "But it is still a risk, one that could cause more harm than good?" He warned, knowing that the feuding between his own family and the Capulet's would only get worse if the lie was discovered.
"You have never been one to turn away from an adventure or chose safety over the excitement of a little risk before." Kunsel noted with humoured chastisement, his sparkling brown eyes silently challenging the young Lord to argue more. "There would be no harm in simple visiting to enjoy the company of others, in taking in the sights of Midgar's most beautiful ladies in their finest evening gowns, and in enjoying some of the tastiest delicacies available."
Zack knew from the look in his cousins eyes that the young man wasn't just talking about the food, that within those words were the subtle meaning of other pleasure which might be enjoyed beneath the stars should an opportunity arise.
"You tease with your words cousin. Speak straight with me or I walk away from this folly now." Zack stated evenly, his heart still wavering between acceptance and decline of the promised night ahead, yet both clearly willing to listen to reason if it was sound.
"You spoil my fun Zack, but fair enough I will be honest with you." Kunsel accepted with a put upon sigh, his grin never faltering as he revealed the true meaning of his words. "The fair maiden Aerith, for whom you have bestowed your heart, will, without a doubt, be present at tonight's gathering."
"She will?" Zack gasped, his heart suddenly skipping a beat in excitement.
"Of course." Kunsel choked, his amusement at the young lord's reaction being openly shown for all to see. "She is after all one of the Capulet's bloodline, a niece I believe. If rumour serves me true."
"Then enough of this talk and lets away, the minutes are already wasting when there is much to do before the sun sets." An overly eager voice all but ordered, the young lord already quickening his pace to carry him even faster along the streets and towards home.
"Truly you are the impatient pup my uncle affectionately names you." The soldier beside him laughed, the look he received in response only making his enjoyment of the moment grow.
"Once again you mock me cousin." Zack huffed, his pace never faltering even as he turned back to glare at the man he now dragged along behind him.
"My words are said in jest, and with kindness cousin, and never intended to truly hurt you." The young soldier replied, unable to hold back another small laugh as those bright vibrate violet eyes narrowed at him in silent disbelief before turning away once more. "But with all my heart I do want you to stop and think about more than just this girl who has captivated you, her sirens call clearly blinding you to all others in this life."
"A siren's call she may have, but she is no sea hag so be careful how your tongue moves."
This time Kunsel had the sense to pick up on the threatening tone and instead of continuing the jesting words let them slip away for more serious ones.
"Indeed she is more of an angel than a demon, but you must admit cousin that her powers have ensnared you. That whatever spells she has woven around your head have left you blind to the sight of any other."
"Why would I want another when there is only her?"
"Why would a man dying of thirst choose wine over water?" The young soldier countered almost knowingly. "It is not man's most logically responses which sometimes guide him through life, the desire for one thing leading him astray to follow another more troubled path."
"I do not fear the Capulet's if that is what you think Kunsel, her relation to them being insignificant to me or my love for her."
"You talk of love so freely Zack, almost as if you are its master and it is but your humble servant."
"I am not so foolish to think that I control love."
"No, but you do talk as if you already know its joys and pains. I know that this Aerith you speak so fondly of is your first crush, that what you see if bathed in a golden halo of perfection. You still have yet to experience life properly and taste all the wonders of the world, your youth and innocence meaning that until now you have never been able to lay an eye upon a pretty girl without blushing the same colour as the deepest red rose petals in your mother's garden."
"So what?" Zack retorted, the very pigment Kunsel had spoken of already darkening his sun-kissed complexion. "I was raised a gentleman and know not to look at a lady with eyes that speak of lust and not love."
"Lust. Love. They are all the same when the match is right."
"How can you say such things?" The young lord stuttered in protest, his feet finally coming to a stop so he could give the other his undivided attention. "Is love not more spoken of in stories and poems, is love not the emotions which all attain to feel before they die?"
"Indeed love is the want of most women, and of men when it suites their own hearts desires, but lust is the fire which keeps that love alive. Its heat brings passion and warms the blood in our veins, makes our hearts race with excitement when the one who is right for us is near." Kunsel explained with a soft romantic smile on his face, the relief he felt at Zack finally listening to him being carefully tucked away as he spoke. "Lust is the part of love polite society does not talk about yet strives to find, the true acceptance of it between a well matched couple meaning that their lives will be filled with joy and endless love for years to come."
"Then tonight I will approach Aerith and prove to you that we are a well matched couple, that the distance she puts between us is nothing more than the restrictions polite society places upon her."
"And while you are doing that I want you to experience the other delights that are available, to truly open your eyes and look at all the other beauties by which you compare her. Only once you have done that, and still see her as being the only one for you, will I concede on this point and accept that you do indeed know your hearts desire."
"A deal then." Zack agreed eagerly, his hand already taking the others as they shook on it. His mind soundly convinced in its belief that no other women, however fair of face, would be able to sway him from his one true love.
