Behind Black Curtains
An AU, Sephiroth and Tifa fanfiction
-by Amaranthos-
Chapter 10: Awaking the devil.
This chapter contains mild innuendos. Readers discretion be advised.
Days had expensed. A season passed, and the leaves from the trees had changed colours. The months rolled by and she was still a prisoner.
Dream after dream Tifa would have of leaving this place, to be reunited with her father, with her people. But it was becoming tiring having to muster hope and courage in a land that sorely deprived it. It hadn't just been the natural ambience around her, but the soldiers and officials who had militant minds and ideals of making Black Crescents an organization, so remotely superb that no one could beat.
Their ego was eminent, thought Tifa. The soldiers and even the maids, carried a certain sense of vanity and awareness that often made Tifa on the bridge of saying something foul. But she had to admit, the hospitality provided, courtesy of Shinra, hadn't been that bad. He protected her, and enforced laws for her protection. He made it public she was to be attended to at all times, but of course, though it seem kind for an unfriendly – like Shinra, to do such a thing, it was still contradictory. Tifa pursed her lips closed, knowing exactly why Rufus Shinra had her around, so tightly guarded and protected. He might look saintly, even a bit out of his character, but she knew he wanted information. Any kind that could land up in his hands to mercilessly use against her father. Of course, Tifa admitted she'd die before such a thing could ever happen.
She would never allow the enemy to take siege of valuable information, nor would she compromise herself to their fake courtesies or grim interrogations. However Rufus wanted to play the game, Tifa was ready to play. She wasn't quite sure though she could hold the faith and hope she had a month ago, for trying to escape.
Then there were things with Sephiroth.
Tifa sighed. Things had expired, been rewired and left in such a way, she didn't understand if she had a small ounce of pity for the man, so much to say, she didn't hate him as she did 100% a month ago. But, had it not been for his roaring vanity and egotistical statements, melodramatic drama and sarcastic sputtering, that often left her angry perhaps she would consider showing more pity on him.
But Tifa thought to herself, General's like Sephiroth, who are trained and combed into the professional sickening politics of war and blood, do not ask for pity. As Yuffie said it, Black Crescents had been an organization not built on the language or peace, or freedom or even democracy. It was far from any such ideal. It was instead, berated to strife, broken laws and immorality, shattered mentalities, and combing wit to withstand the anarchy and bloodshed they plagued the world. Their kingdom, had no foundation of togetherness or unity, only megalomaniac narcissist ideas.
This wasn't the world for peace, or even a pacifist.
'You simply feel too displaced. You don't belong'
And it was true, to preach peace to a rotten body of any good, was as deft as it came. Nobody wanted to be dictated, didactic or even told a simple truth, that peace could make nations, and organizations knit together and grow as one. But it was a foreign language here at Black Crescents, even with the new organization she learnt about called Mack Knights.
Tifa sighed. So much has happened during the months, and as usual it never stops raining. She hadn't seen the sun, since… 'forever?'
The sun didn't shine here, and Tifa expected, why should it? But she missed it so much, the warmth of a summer's day, the beautiful sunsets in the afternoon, or the majestic sunrises in the morning. There was nothing like the classic perfume of morning, or sunlight lit across the lands. That to Tifa, had been something she held dearly.
Today like yesterday and the day before, rained.
'No surprise there'
And she figured the forecast would be rain tomorrow, the day after and the day after that. She deducted, rain would fall everyday until she died or was freed or some other miscellaneous option.
Whatever the option, Tifa couldn't help but get depressed at the grey skies, and monochromatic world she now lived in. And best of them all thought Tifa, had to be the fact she was idled to one room and could not move and distance herself without having to involve the entire council on her back, which usually declined her. Nothing ever exciting seem to happen here. No laughter, no cheers, no romance – unless you consider Rufus and Scarlett, nothing thought Tifa. It was a bore, a shame… a waste.
The only one good thing Tifa could recap, was Yuffie. She was an exceptionally lively girl, whose company Tifa enjoyed immensely. She was a sweet girl, so young and well educated about her cultures and laws. The girl could probably become the youngest council member, articulating and speaking the law irreversibly. Smart, smart girl, thought Tifa. But sometimes, she didn't have time to come, and sometimes she'd make time and sneak a small snack from the kitchen while both girls, not much of a contrast in age, would giggle and enjoy the small measures of joy and peace.
Tifa frowned.
But she hadn't seen Yuffie in days. She must have had several patients in the sick bay. With the recent bombings, and battle with Mack Knights, Black Crescents lifestyle had been uprooted and seem to grow into something more horrible. Sephiroth was called nearly every waking moment, with a loud knock always waking her as she drifted off to sleep. It was dead annoying really.
But it was something she would have to deal with. After all… he was promoted, and well… he loved to work.
Usually Tifa would sit on the floor in front of Sephiroth's window, in a white frock. Everyday, she'd sit in his room, looking out the window, wondering if today would be the day her father would rescue her, and like everyday… he never came.
Tifa sighed.
Biting an orange slice, Tifa looked out Sephiroth's window in hope today would be her lucky day, though she wasn't counting on it. She quietly ate in his room, trying to make out shapes and figures through the heavy rain.
"Oh my goodness!" Tifa stood up.
Tifa rubbed her eyes. She wasn't seeing right, was she? In the distance she could make out a black flag with what seem to be a red tribal heart printed on the flag. Tifa tried not to work herself up. Looking tentatively at the flag, Tifa allowed her eyes to rove to the rider who held it. Immediately she recognized the face.
"Zack" she whispered fiercely.
Tifa felt so happy, but then she saw all the soldiers from the top of the huge door, pointing their weapons at him. Immediately grief and fear rocked her body. They wouldn't kill him right? Afraid, Tifa pounded on the glass.
Why was he coming this way? Was he trying to save her? Why was he riding so fast this way? He had no back up…he had nothing. Tifa slammed her fists into Sephiroth's window. She didn't want to see her friend die. She begged the heavens to spare his life.
"Nooooo!" she slammed her fists in a rage against the window. The stupid window never budging.
"Noo Zack, go back…go back, they'll kill you!" she shouted. Repeatedly Tifa slammed the window, the hinge Sephiroth applied to it that kept it shut, slowly began eroding. Tifa cried, her cries echoing throughout Sephiroth's large room.
Entering his room, to view the small crying woman was Sephiroth. She was pounding fiercely on his window. Walking toward her he tried to pull her back. But she wouldn't be held back. Slipping out his embrace, Tifa sent her two fists into Sephiroth's window, the bloody thing flying open. Sephiroth grabbed her shoulder trying to contain her, but instead out of anger, the anxiety and supposed death of her friend, she turned around, eyes glazed over in hate.
"Do not touch me" She screamed. Scratching him with her long nails across his pale, winter cheek.
Out of the window she jumped, falling down into a small mush of grass. Tifa didn't care, she had to tell Zack to go back. She couldn't let him die, trying to sacrifice his life for hers. It was madness. Tifa ran with all her might, her heart beating and echoing through her body. The rain was cold, and though it nibbled at her skin, she would prefer anything to hurt now, than it to hurt her friend. She could feel the air in her lungs expand her, and her body screaming at her. The maelstrom of emotions she felt, with every quick run she made into a shallow puddle, she thought of her people.
Standing, in the arch of his opened window, with blood on his right cheek, was a very – very angry General. He deafly jumped from his window, landing almost effortlessly to the floor. And slowly he advances behind Tifa, his black uniform getting wet. His hair was growing soaked, but he didn't care right now, all he favoured was to make the woman suffer.
As Tifa ran, she could see the guards from the top of the building ring a bell, and whatever confusion had been taking place, made panic surge through her body, a little more. Tifa felt her body tremble, and her hands grow clammy. Her eyes grew blurry from tears and rain and she couldn't see the door anymore. Instead she grew so flustered, she stumbled forward, the cold muddy water staining her white dress. Tifa stayed there. Crying that her friend must have been dead now.
She shivered. If Zack was dead, it would be her fault. She didn't care anymore. Slamming a fist into the muddy water, she shouted it wasn't fair.
Sephiroth came to the fallen woman, her being weak and brittle. How he hated the weak. Grabbing her shoulder, he flipped her over, so she could see his eyes. She was about to run forward and fight him, but he slammed his sheathed Masamune into her shoulder, temporarily making it inactive, as he severed a nerve.
Tifa screamed out.
Sephiroth stooped down, and gave the most scary look he could give someone. His eyes were dark green, and full of the million things he did to people. But instead of his eyes holding a random show of the evil things he's done, he directed all of it to Tifa. He grinned and then in a quick motion, he grabbed her throat. He stood up, picking her up effortlessly with one hand. He clutched her throat tightly, his eyes full of a menacing expression. He cocked his head to the side, watching how her eyes slowly dropped.
"I would kill you now, Lockhart" he said in an amused voice, "but only one thing stops me" he ended.
Tifa could feel the air, slow on it's way to her lungs. She couldn't breathe, nor could she feel the floor. All she could feel was the bite of cold rain on her face, but even her face was becoming numb.
Seeing her eyes fade, he dropped her. She collected in one heap on the floor, and with disgust painted on his sultry features, he grabbed her by the collar, dragging her through the rain and mud back to the fortress where she belonged.
Tifa couldn't see much anymore. All she could see were blurs, hear sounds that sounded like morphed voices. Nothing seem in order, disorientation taking her over.
'Samanu (I'm sorry)… Zackery' she whispered before fading.
Tifa recovered a short while later, all she needed was some smelling salts to awake her. Almost immediately she jerked forward, coughing at the sharp scent. Looking around her, she could see Rufus Shinra standing next to her and Sephiroth standing across the hall. Tifa looked at him, wanting to beat the bastard to a pulp. She didn't respect him, nor did she care he was the so-called best at being an ass.
"You're awake my dear, I had a feeling you were a trooper" Rufus helped Tifa to her feet.
Tifa still felt dizzy, but she was fine.
"I apologize again Ms. Lockhart, for General Sephiroth's insubordination and regrettable actions. Don't take him on, its been a while since he's seen a woman and knew how to react" Rufus spoke.
Tifa for the first time couldn't help but agree. "He wouldn't know a woman if she stood naked in front of him" Tifa spat crudely. Rufus smirked, surprised that the innocent pacifist could speak black, and damn he found it alluring to hear a woman speak low and dirty like that. It was nice and refreshing, thought Rufus.
"You'll have to excuse him, Ms. Lockhart. As you've nicely pointed out, Sephiroth isn't one of those gents who treat pretty, lovely women as they ought to be respected." He paused
"I'll say" Tifa added.
"But that's only because…" he paused, "rumour has it, Sephiroth might be gay, shh! I never told you that" he joked.
Tifa smirked.
'Maybe that rumour is true'
"If you'll excuse me, Mr. Shinra, I need a bath" Tifa spoke.
"Of course" he nodded, looking at her fade down the hall.
Tifa entered Sephiroth's apartment in a rage. Sephiroth following her hot behind her trial. She opened his door, not respecting his no entry boundaries. Sephiroth, turned her around, grabbing her by the wrists.
"Angry?"
She gritted her teeth, wanting to bite his head off.
"You son of a bitch. You knew my friend was a Red Heart… how could you stop me?" she asked, "How could you stop me Sephiroth?" she screamed.
He hurt her wrists, but she didn't care.
"Go ahead Sephiroth, use your stinking authority and hurt me some more. I swear, you are the most evil human being I have ever known. I pity you Sephiroth. I pity you and all your people, but you most, because you think you could hurt me as you please, do things when the council isn't looking and just get away with it. Well you know what Sephiroth, go ahead and kill me, because I assure you, there are places much better than this shit place, left with you" she spat.
Sephiroth laughed. It had been the first time he saw her so angry, she was so comical being serious.
"You think this is funny?" she vehemently asked.
"Yes" was his simple answer.
She looked at him in disbelief.
He let her hands go, and placed his Masamune on his mantle. Tifa by this time, had ran over to the window. Sephiroth again, found himself trying to stop her, and pushed her off to the side. Tifa screamed. Sephiroth smirked, shutting the window close.
Tifa ran to Sephiroth's bed with a cruel smirk on her face. Still wet she spitefully soiled herself against his bed.
Sephiroth turned to her, and was amazed to see her sitting on his bed, his sheets becoming damp and muddy.
"Get off my bed" he ordered in a strict voice.
"Why?" she chose to rebut him
"Get off Lockhart" he warned.
"Why Sephiroth?" she looked at him, copying his glinting eyes, "You should consider yourself lucky, I must be the only woman to have lain on it." She mocked, "you're never going to get that again, not that you'll notice"
She copies sarcasm well, but where the hell did this new attitude come from?
He grinned, "don't flatter yourself Lockhart" he spat, "I've taken far more beautiful women to my bed than you could ever imagine" he paused, "only women who offer themselves lie on my bed, so you have two choices Lockhart" he growls, "get off my bed, or I'll take you to bed"
She laughed cruelly. "You? Take me to bed? You wouldn't even know how to. Besides, Shinra was right when he said you were a little lapdog, self-loving and gay" she added the last word cruelly.
"Shinra? You heard this from Shinra?" he laughed
"At least the man knows the opposite sex when they walk by, unlike you, who chokes them and wants them dead. " She spat.
"So let me understand something Lockhart. You think because I'm a General I don't waste young beautiful women on that very bed you're sitting on"
"Well I don't know General, do you know how to?" she bit back fiercely.
He smirked. "Well let's see Lockhart. If you choose to be stubborn and don't believe me, perhaps I should show you, how wasteful I can be in bed"
Tifa didn't budge, but seeing him now, and hearing his words gave her an alarming feeling. Sephiroth took off his jacket gruffly, allowing it to drop to the floor. Pulling off his gloves slowly, his hair fell in his eyes, and a dark smirk came to his face.
He touched his bloody cheek, and had to suck on the blood. "I like my fingers ungloved and free" his tongue stroked the space between his index and middle finger. "So I could taste them, always so wet, whole and willing." He whispered in a dark sensual voice.
Sephiroth came to her, pushing her back into his bed. Pinning her hands over her head, Tifa's eyes glazed. A dark realization coming to her, he wasn't joking anymore. He was very serious.
Sephiroth allowed his hair to fall over them both, as he looked down into her eyes, and before Tifa could even mutter a word to stop him, his hand began ripping her dress to pieces. He acted so animalistic. So primal. Tifa felt his hand against the bare skin of her legs, and felt something in body grow warm. Gently he grazed his nails across her thighs, before going higher.
Lowering himself, Sephiroth viewed the presence of a woman silence to the black muted music of his hands and appearance. With her mouth ajar, and vertically facing his, Sephiroth opened his mouth and closing the distance between them, he breathed. Before his lips could touch hers, he opened his mouth allowing his heated breath to sting her swollen red lips. The hot air between their lips burned, and felt surprisingly, pleasantly different. If not surprisingly, pleasantly wrong.
Sephiroth could hear her heart and the rapid tune seem almost fitting for the sight of a taken pacifist.
Turning to her side, she cried in his pillow, "please stop…"
Sephiroth paused for a long time, and looked at her. Getting off in a curt motion, he sat to the end of the bed, staring off at his actions. Tifa sobbed quietly in his pillows.
"Don't let everything Shinra says, go to that head of yours…" he spoke, placing on his jacket and fitting his gloves back on.
Tifa looked at him, watching him leave his room.
To be continued…