Dissidia 011: Undecim

Treachery Abound

"How can we help you, Barthandelus?" Ultimecia asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.

I couldn't help but laugh to myself. They didn't seem the least bit pleased to see me – even I knew that.

"Oh. Has Exdeath gone already? I was hoping we could all share this enticing moment."

The Emperor stared at me with a straight face. He of all, I already knew, was not trusting of me in any way. I couldn't see why. It wasn't like any of us had any real reason to be trusted by one another. The only thing that really kept us on that level of cooperation – was the fact that we were pitted against a common enemy.

"What "moment" would you be speaking of exactly? Do tell. I'd be quite interested to know of your whereabouts up to this moment." he said.

His words only further proved my thoughts about him. I guess, however, that one can't choose his allies in such a farce as we were caught in. So, I continued on – acting blissfully ignorant of his concerns.

"I bring news – the likes of which I'm sure you'll regret not hearing should you choose not to listen."

Ultimecia and the Emperor glanced at each other. I could see it in their faces – they really didn't want to know, yet…they couldn't resist. It wasn't like them to pass up any opportunity that could work in favor of Chaos.

"Very well. What is this news you desire to share with us?" Ultimecia asked, folding her arms.

I smirked at her words. Curiosity had gotten the better of them, and they couldn't help but go with it. It was perfect. I looked at them directly – calm and straightforward as I spoke.

"I know of your plan for the warriors of Cosmos and their crystals; to let them get so far and believe they stand even a mere chance of defeating Chaos. I think it's brilliant, to say the least."

The Emperor still held suspicion as he looked at me.

"You do? And how, may I ask, did you acquire said information about our plan? I do not recall you being around when we went over it." he said.

"I get around." I replied.

"Oh?"

Their interest – or suspicion…whichever one wanted to call it, was growing more and more. I had to take advantage of the obvious opportunity before me. After all, if they were taking any that came their way…surely, I could to.

"That brings me to my main point."

They looked at me – eyes full of intent, suspicion, and curiosity. Whether they approve of me or not, they couldn't deny their insatiable interest in any news that could they could possibly use for their gain.

"It is a great burden of mine that I must inform you of the fact that some of our comrades so desire to act directly in contrast with this magnificently placed plan of yours. It breaks my heart that such deception would thrive amongst allies."

They looked at each other again – not sure whether or not to believe there was a shred of truth to my words. But, if they truly cared about this plan of theirs – they had no choice but to. I knew that.

Ultimecia was the first to speak as she faced me with a look of interest – false interest, I could tell. I was no fool when it came to such things…especially if had anything to do with them.

"Yes. I suppose that is a shame. After all, we are all on the same side – united against a force that stands to shatter our vision for a better world. Please, do enlighten us as to what dear comrades of ours would so patently go against everything we're working toward."

Though I knew everything they said was just to find fault with me and assume their verdict correct, I still willingly gave them the news they beckoned for. It was the only way for plans to go accordingly – my own, that is.

"Sephiroth." I said, grinning.

The Emperor seemed shocked and puzzled by this at the same time. Sephiroth never said much, but he had still seemed to hold loyal to Chaos. What would possess him to act so defiantly after all this time? Though he wouldn't admit it, I could tell this was troubling to him. It was the last thing he'd expected and such news had caught him terribly off guard.

"Sephiroth? How could that be?"

Ultimecia looked at him.

"He is a man of very few words. You never know what he's really thinking, after all. Still…I, too, find it hard to believe that he, of all people, would dare to attempt an act in direct contrast with Chaos. His loyalty has been nothing but clear – and key, in everything so far. Can we be certain this news of yours is truly worth holding to?" she said.

The obviously needed more convincing…and I had just the news to do it, wasting no time as my story began...

*-("I say we let the insolent pawns go on their way for now. If we leave them to believe they stand such a chance, it would be easier for us. Wouldn't you agree?"

"All we really have to do is wait for Shinryu to make his move. Until then, I think it might be fun to watch them in this senseless and amusing venture of theirs. And, I'm sure the manikins will be more than happy to entertain them for the time being."

They all left as Sephiroth stood in the distance watching - out of sight.

"That's their plan? Hmph. I think they're going to need a more…direct approach."

*-He turned around as someone came up to him.)

"So, you see…he's known of your intentions all along. He was there when you discussed them with Garland and Seymour. I had no way of telling you at the time, so I kept it to myself then." I explained.

I looked at them - their faces full of suspicion and uncertainty. They could choose to believe me or not. But, no matter their choice – it was true. Sephiroth wasn't necessarily plotting in direct contrast with Chaos or any one else's intentions, but…he was still acting in a manner that would put those plans in a position that left them to be easily uncovered by Cosmos' forces. And, if their plan was to end up in such a position – mine was certain to suffer the same.

"As I'm sure you are aware, he holds the key in the endeavors of two specific warriors from Cosmos' forces. He plans to use that key to draw them into an irreversible position…and fate. Should his plan go through successfully, that would surely put a fork in our own."

They thought for a moment. They didn't want to believe me, but they didn't seem willing to risk the possibility of losing all they've worked for. Everything was playing out as they, and I had intended – and nothing was going to stand in the way now.

"Fine. Suppose we were to accept your news and believe that Sephiroth truly stood to interfere with our work so far. What do you propose we do about such?" the Emperor asked.

I found myself grinning at his words. It was working just as I'd intended. All that was left now – was to put the little worms in position.

*I have re-titled chapter VII, so the title has been moved to this chapter. I apologize for the confusion.