A/N: So, editing this chapter went well, easy-breezy compared to the last few things I've worked on; this was nice.
I do hope this chapter is nice for y'all - I know things have been a bit claustrophobic up to now, and working on this chapter was like a breath of fresh air.

Initially I had some reservations with regards to just how easy this all seemed, but trauma does that sometimes. I think right now, our friends are all just desperate for something normal and familiar. I'm sure, as time goes by, the need for explanations will outweigh that craving for what's familiar and mundane; shock wears off et cetera. We'll see - either way, I know they all needed to breathe, at least for a little while.

This chapter and the next will be shorter - that fresh air is even more apparent in the next part (which should come soon - it's ~92% edited, I just saw a really good breakpoint here, and would rather have a chapter break then just an horizontal rule), but we can still get some oxygen as things fade back to normalcy.

- Four figures in the basement - two pacing and two still... -

Genesis had nearly finished recounting his version of events when Sephiroth's consciousness began returning. Immediately, the general knew he wasn't in a 'normal' situation - normal is not pained, lying on the floor - and so he kept his newfound awareness hidden, working at his own recollections as well as identifying details surrounding the current situation.

I know those voices...Genesis? Was that Angeal asking questions just now?
Sephiroth questioned his own memories, which gave the distinct impression that he'd been desperate to dodge the redhead's sword just before losing consciousness. But this idea did not match what he was hearing.
Believing his former comrades were not so stupid as to allow him to wake, should the case indeed be that former scenario - and in no mood or condition to begin a new fight - the tactician concentrated on breathing evenly while listening to the nearby conversation. He believed that, eventually, their true motivations might be revealed.

Genesis was exasperated, answering unheard queries, "I don't know - well, no - honesty from here on out. *sigh* He was choking her, yeah, but - this was Sephiroth! The only way she'd still be in one piece was that he'd been fighting it, trying to resist that compulsion. 'Geal, the man's hand basically circled her whole neck, it would not have been much work to crush it closed. I can't imagine what it took not to. Huh?
Oh, I suppose you don't know. The fail-safe, the conditioning I'd read about in the notes here...before. One last cruel gift from psycho-Hojo - some type of embedded hypnosis. Activated him like some WuTai sleeper agent from those B-grade spy movies we used to watch."

"That doesn't make sense. They're movies, everyone knows that you can't really do that. Even with materia, it's difficult to control someone efficiently." Angeal was finally speaking loudly enough for Sephiroth to hear; for a moment both men were yelling much louder than necessary, considering their proximity.
"Says the guy with fucking wings?" Rhapsodos did have a point, there. "You've missed the point Angeal. Listen, I read the research, it has to be that. Like I said, how else would she not be dead?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right. But still...motherfucker...do you think we...?"
"Probably not. That...that trick was Hojo's pride and joy, apparently; even Hollander is a saint next to the creep. He wouldn't have done something like that."

Sephiroth lay still, on his side. The 'sprite' - as Genesis had called Kilara - was slightly under him, and the larger man discreetly ensured that she was both breathing and not too terribly crushed. Hearing the account of what he'd done...no not him - but of what had happened, caused a new kind of pain and ache to spread both fire and ice across his chest.
Stupid girl, he thought, regretting use of the word immediately. Silly girl, maybe. Silly, silly girl. Why'd you have to go and get hurt again? Why, it seems, for me?
Not that Sephiroth wanted to deeply ponder outcomes where she hadn't been there to...to do whatever it was she'd done.

Genesis' voice cut into his distraction, again responding to a question Sephiroth had not bothered hearing. "I was still consumed by my own needs and this crazy drive to live out some hero-villain fantasy. I'd had the most vivid dreams...but, whatever. I saw him, 'Geal...his eyes, right at the end...
I guess whatever incantation, if you could call it that, worked. I saw Seph's eyes come back to life, I swear. He was him again, and he was staring right at me, questioning almost. 'Why?' I guess, when I really think about it, I didn't have a good answer. Fuck, I felt like such a fraud; who bases their life solely on a play!?"

On the floor, Sephiroth smirked - he and Angeal both had been trying to convince Genesis of that point for years. The thought of Angeal, eyes shining with humour and wisdom even though he hid the smile - that look - was a nostalgic comfort. It was also a painful memory, though Sephiroth tentatively considered possibilities that the bad blood between the three firsts might be cleansed. Without being able to judge expressions or other body language, he knew it would be best to wait, to listen, and - of course - to not hope too much.

A rustling of fabric meant that, likely, Gen' had struck melodramatic pose; this was good in that it meant the self-indulgent soliloquy was almost at an end. That fiery personality and flare could get...tiresome, if left unchecked. Though, all things considered, perhaps the zeal for drama was justified this time; Sephiroth doubted any of them would ever be the same again.
In either case, it was not an opportune moment for mental drifting; the general's own memories were fractured and hazy when it came to those final moments before the true blackness took him. What else happened? Why did we all just...stop?

"It was too late, though, Rapier was moving and I couldn't stop it! I did what I could to deflect, but it was the last second. We all know Seph, though - he pushed the sprite down, trying to dive out of the way. I only grazed his arm and shoulder because he'd turned to shield the little thing, instead of properly throwing her down. Magnificent bastard..."

There were more shuffling sounds, followed by the same voice - Genesis - continuing from an even closer position. Sephiroth was concerned his former subordinate would kneel down, discovering the ruse and eavesdropping, but that did not occur. Rhapsodos' intuition appeared to be functioning in other areas, though, and a hand that had been reaching down toward Kilara was retracted with a heavy sigh. "I'm afraid he may have injured the pixie when he did that, but less so than I would have. *sigh* I sort of hope he doesn't remember. I could see that...that hurting her was not his intent."

Sephiroth did remember. Not crystalline or clearly, but close enough to count.
Wall...squeeze...crush...destroy...choice...eyes...Genesis...throw...fuck!

With the energy it took to remain still while pushing those recollections aside, coupled with a renewal of that unidentified internal pain, the wounded man's other sense awoke fully. The scent of blood mingled with orange blossoms and permeated the basement's damp, stale air. Sephiroth could feel Kilara's shallow, ragged breathing against his side and mentally clung to the sensation as a way to remain anchored to the present.
Alive...

He had checked earlier, in an automatic fashion; battle training, so ingrained he needn't think, had never fully reached conscious understanding. Now, the warmth, the breath, the meaning of it all - *alive!* - struck, hard. Sephiroth couldn't remember ever being happier than this. He had won, against all predicted odds!
He had won, but questioned the costs involved.

"But it didn't look fatal. Speaking of, though - I'd said I wanted to be...to do something good. I think this is the place to start." Genesis let out a heavy sigh, "Even if he won't forgive me. I don't care about the forgiveness or the fame any longer..."
"What did you have in mind?" a hesitant Angeal asked.
"Help me carry them up? We need to be careful with the small one, her collarbones have got to be shattered, if there's any structure left intact at all. I...it was that or her neck..." sounding troubled, the redhead shook himself. "We can get a better look upstairs. C'mon, cold rock and damp floors are never good for healing."
"Yeah, I guess so. Okay then." Sephiroth heard the resolute reply and sighed internally.

Just a moment longer...
They were correct, though. Kilara needed help...because of what I'd done to her. The thought was far from pleasant, but no voice taunted me to rub it in this time - small victories I suppose. I could see that her neck was bruised almost black, and deeper wounds than my trimmed nails should have allowed - some just missing vital veins or arteries - stretched from Kilara's chin down to her elbows and across her chest. The risk of infection was high, considering our environment, and every moment she wasn't being healed increased those chances.
Oh Gaia...what...why? I'm so...I didn't even get to...know...

I felt empty save for shame and something new - despair? At this point, the greater implications of Kilara's existence were far from the forefront of my mind; this was a...a personal pain. Even when Genesis, and then Angeal, left - I had felt a sense of betrayal, and maybe even hurt, but nothing like this loss.
The things we'd shared, unbelievable as they were...and that she's like me...fuck.

I would have wanted, I think I had wanted, to be Kilara's friend. I'd wanted to understand her...thought maybe she might understand me in return, better then Gen' or Angeal ever could have. But now? Now I held no expectations the girl would wish to speak to me, not ever again. Her eyes, they would probably never again trap my own - willful, defiant, and beautiful in some strange way - not after this.
Nobody owes you absolution, now pull yourself together - we still don't know why they are here.
My mind, the logical part anyway, was correct, of course. Before preparing to face my guests, I allowed one last, lingering inspection of the tiny figure curled somewhat into my arms. She was clinging to me again, though I couldn't say when or why the relocation had transpired.

It will never be enough, but I apologize...heh, little angel.
Kilara's eyes were closed, and I wondered at their colour, surprised and shaken by my own impending sense of sorrow. She wore a wan smile, as if my thought on angels could have amused her. In truth, I was content to pretend she might not be - might not have been - in too much pain. Almost, I could convince myself her mind had been far away enough to not feel it.
But how?
In truth, I had given up on understanding anything from recent days, at least not any time soon. We could not have been acquainted for more than a day, but every waking moment had been some new, refreshing kind of intimate. I had no idea how to feel about that, and did not wish to feel the things I did. It was time to focus!

Yes, it would do Kilara no good to stay there like that; it was time to pay for my own sins as well. Without yet moving to rise, I spoke, channeling the part of myself who was...once...the pair's commanding officer. "No need, gentleman. Your concern is noted, but stand down for now." As I'd expected, ingrained training took over; the intruders stopped to listen, waiting for additional orders or dismissal. Neither had turned to face me yet, but I recognized well the pose each man adopted.

"I fear that Genesis' evaluation is correct. It may be worse to move K...the girl's arms." I thought I'd heard Genesis whisper 'goddess' under his breath; he would say something strange, yet appropriate, like that. "As they're already...where they are, it may be best that I transport her. I believe I have the strength remaining."
Actually, I was exhausted, but refused to let any further harm come to Kilara. I would find the strength to ensure both her safety and her comfort. I prayed that would be the only strength I needed, then forced a blank expression and focused on my (former?) friends.

Both men were tense, and turning slowly in my direction. I allowed myself some amusement at the fact that they could have seen me, drained and flat on the floor - blood matting my disheveled hair - as a threat. I thought it best to ensure any situations were not escalated, though, and met each man's eyes accordingly; Genesis was trying not to look ashamed, and Angeal's whole face overflowed with questions - both good signs, as far as things go. After Kilara was taken care of, maybe then we could look into this 'forgiveness' business, but only after she was well.

"I've been conscious for some time now - and if my hearing has not been damaged, I believe that you two have no intention to cause further harm. Rest assured that the same is true of me to you, at least for the time being. I...am not certain what we will do from here, but my goal is not that we kill each other today or soon. Genesis...I," What could I say?

Perhaps the truth?
My own thoughts, refreshingly helpful, were not incorrect, despite the difficulty of their suggestion. It took a deep inhalation, followed by a slowed breath out before the words began to form. Our eyes remained locked, but without the usual struggle for dominance, as I spoke. "It is unfortunate that we are in this situation in which we've found ourselves, and though I can hope I would not have done the same, given a reversal of positions, I can...begin to understand your actions, I believe. We should speak further on the matter, later, my friend." I wondered if he'd catch the reference, despite keeping derision from my tone.

I paused; this was not like me. Not long ago - perhaps only hours - those two would be rotting corpses...but so might Kilara.
Hmm...this might not be a change for the worst, I thought. Working to not jostle the tiny girl too badly, I prepared to rise, but froze, horrified. I'd gingerly turned Kilara's limp body in my arms, just to get a better hold, and now was face to face with the torture I'd inflicted...Fuck! Even earlier, I had avoided close inspection.
She'd just...smiled...the whole time...?

Just as it was difficult to find my voice, it was work to push away the pain and pressure in my chest and to keep a dignified expression. Whether necessary or not I didn't know, but the safe route would be showing my former subordinates the general that they knew - hard and unfazed by anything, no matter how unpleasant. I did not want them trying to use Kilara against me; I would have not choice but to kill them if they did, and I still did not know their true intentions.
Standing, composure intact, I headed for the stairway, head cocked sideways to address the pair. "But for this moment, your assistance would be appreciated. The less jarring I can make this, for us both, the better."

This was more true than they knew - I was exhausted, unsure how or why I was even awake and mobile, but thankful for any adrenaline that might keep me going just a while longer. With effort, and what appeared to be no additional damage to...to what Genesis may have been correct to call a goddess, we arrived on the main floor.
Not wanting to risk another flight of steps, fatigue swiftly returning, I directed us to a small servant's room not far from the library entrance. I had wanted to put Kilara into her own bed...or perhaps mine - if only to monitor her condition closely - but my initial adrenaline was fading fast. These accommodations would have to do.

"Genesis - do you remember how to find the master quarters?" I queried. It was a simple test, and one whose failure should not invite much danger.
"Yes, sir - up and end of the hall."
"Good. In the tallest dresser, top drawer...behind a false back...you'll find restore materia. There is sterile cloth and alcohol in the master bathroom cabinet; I'm not sure I have the..." I would have found the energy, if necessary, but it seemed my associates would pass this test.
"It's okay sir," Genesis' interruption did not bother me in this instance, nor did his hand steadying my arm; Kilara was in no way heavy, but every cell in my body felt drained. "We'll handle it. It's...good to see you again." Angeal nodded, but was not able to meet my eyes for more than half a second before his own returned to the floor, shoulders slumped. I wondered if he felt guilty about the initial betrayal, or something else.

Despite the lingering concern, I attempted my own weak smile and nodded to the men, not yet ready to speak of...those matters. I had missed my friends. Were they my friends, even before? I did not...interact with them much, outside of work, in the later days. I had not before those either, to be honest. But, for the time being, my need was to focus on the immediate and much, much more important.
And about that...hmm
The bed in this room was a custom twin; I'd had each one in the mansion replaced with 'extra long' versions so that I, or any taller SOLDIER, could nap comfortably. The length was not an issue, and with Kilara's petite frame, the width would likely not be a worry either. My hesitation was more in question of what might be appropriate, and also what would not invite my guests to speculate too deeply on the woman's value to me.
I did not wish to speculate too deeply on that, either, not until I had a chance to try to understand.

Angeal, always the honourable one, sensed my indecision and offered an out, and an alternative to prying Kilara off or setting her down completely. The girl had, after all, attached herself quite tightly to my person. "Why don't you sit then lie back, it would be best that we try to not move the joints much until they've been at least partially healed." I got the feeling that he didn't want me looking any more closely at the damage either.
That was probably for the best. I wouldn't admit it out loud, but my mind felt...fragile, now that the blanket - or whatever that sensation was - had faded. Now that she was fading.
Each...emotion? felt raw, scouring directly on exposed nerves I'd thought long dead or damaged.

I hesitated, waiting before voicing agreement, but no voices came; no perverse accusations rang in my head or flashed behind my eyes.
Dare I hope...
"Thank you, Angeal - yes perhaps that would be the best solution. I'd like to try just sitting first, though." I was too exhausted to consider the implications, should the poor thing wake up now and not remember why she might be injured; realizing things might be worse if she did, then found herself in my grip...lying in a bed. Luckily my instincts seemed to catch that slip.
Life in the moment was all I could manage consciously. Not like me at all...

To his credit, Genesis kept back any inappropriate comments or retorts when he returned with the supplies. For all the times he'd tried to goad me into taking a woman to bed...even tried to trick me once or twice, the salacious bastard. I know he'd meant well, and hadn't known my reasons...I had not known those reasons, not consciously, until recently.
Well, I was sure he'd make up for the self-restraint another time. It would hurt to laugh at the irony now, and I was not sure I could truly smile, so I settled for inward mirth and a look that was sure to keep him quiet on the subject for a while longer.

"Ready?" Angeal asked both Genesis and I, receiving a nod from each of us in turn. "You know the drill, Seph, sorry if it stings a bit." My friend readied the materia, connecting to its power with deep concentration. I grunted, trying not to squeeze Kilara with too much force while holding us both as still as possible.
"One moment," sitting up was becoming difficult, and I did not want a jarring fall, so laid back and situated Kilara as much beside, rather than atop, me as her damaged shoulders would allow. "Appreciated." They switched off control of the restore with still more work ahead.

My adrenaline ebbed farther as injuries and bruises faded, at least until I felt my friends untangling the girl's arms from around my neck. I wanted to protest, she'd still felt so cold and had been shivering...but I feigned sleep instead, not sure how far I could trust them. I wanted surprise on my side, should they decide to turn on me; the timing of Genesis' arrival had been almost too perfect.
Best they don't realize...importance...
True sleep was coming quickly anyway, confirming a truth I had not wanted to admit - even General Sephiroth has his limits, both physical and mental.
I will have to trust them, just as I will have to sleep very, very soon.

Then...voices - voices that I knew were here with me, in the room - voices that were real.
"No. Stay...angel, please?"
"Any idea what..."
"I don't know, but really it would be easier to monitor both in here; to make sure I didn't miss anything. You know restore was never my specialty."
"Fair enough - shifts then? I'll go first."
"Sounds good, wake me in a few hours."
Something was placed next to me, and I caught the scent of orange blossoms and felt shivering...
Cold?...
I shifted my arms and rolled onto my side, embracing her, the true angel, and sharing what warmth I could offer. Acting on instinct...on what what felt...right.

"Heh...hehe..."
If that was one of them snickering...well we'd deal with that after some well earned sleep.
I would have many, more important, decisions to make - and all too soon at that.

- Sweet dreams again so soon? -