Jenova and the Cetra
Chapter 11
Aerith pushed through the sea of people, tears streaming down her face. There was no sign of Cloud or Sephiroth. She was beginning to panic.
"Please." She begged softly. "Please let Cloud be all right."
Yuffie gently closed Zack's eyes and wiped away her tears. She glanced in the direction that Cloud and Cid had ran in and then back at the body in front of her. She slowly got to her feet, her mind still trying to take in everything that had happened. She looked down at herself and was horrified at the large volume of blood that stained her clothes and the ground around Zack's body. She looked left and saw the palace at the end of the street. She took a deep breath and ran to the gates. The Prince had to be told of the situation. She found herself taking another breath. Prince Vincent would be releasing hell when he heard of this. Zack was his cousin so not only was Sephiroth in trouble for breaking the law of no fighting between the families, he was also responsible for the death of a member of the royal family. As shereached the iron gatesshe noticedguard was standing close by. He gave her a curious look at first, which turned to horror when he saw the state of her blood-stained clothes.
"I need to see the Prince."
"Sorry Ma'am but I can't open the gates to anyone." The guard replied.
Yuffie grabbed the gates and shook them in anger.
"I have to see the Prince." She repeated.
"You said that but as I said, I can't let you."
"Look you little shit! One or more lives are at risk if you don't open these god-damn gates!"
"That's no way to speak to a royal guard."
"I don't care! That's the least of my worries. Open the gates!"
"For the last time…"
"Open them." A rich voice commanded. Yuffie bowed her head in relief as Prince Vincent emerged. The guard bowed to him and hurriedly opened the gates. Yuffie fell at the Prince's feet.
"Your Majesty…Zack…Zack Morgan." She began but just speaking the name brought fresh tears to her eyes. Vincent's eyes narrowed as he watched her.
"What about my cousin?" He asked. Yuffie looked up through bloodshot eyes. She sniffed and looked back down.
"He's dead Your Majesty." She admitted. "Sephiroth killed him. Sephiroth Cetra."
Kadaj stopped, his brothers copying him. Sephiroth turned to them, breathing heavily.
"Why have you stopped? They could still be close by."
"Nothing to do with us." Kadaj said, his eyes glowing menacingly. "Just tell us where mother is because I couldn't sense her from Cloud. You said he had her."
"He does." Sephiroth argued. Kadaj watched him carefully.
"I don't believe you." He answered finally. He turned and walked in the opposite direction, Yazoo and Loz close behind. It was then that Cloud bolted around the corner. He stood still, locking eyes with Kadaj. The silver-haired man smirked and glanced at Sephitoth before he resumed his gaze with Cloud.
"He's all yours. Boy do I hate liars." He said before the three men walked around him. Cloud watched them move away and then his cold blue eyes fell onto Sephiroth.
"You killed Zack. Now, either you or I must accompany him in the lifestream!"
"Well he'll be glad to see you again so soon." Sephiroth sneered. Cloud growled and charged. Sephiroth lifted his blade so that they two swords clashed. Sephiroth used his strength to push Cloud away. The blond landed on his back and quickly rolled away from Sephiroth's following attack.
In the background, the sound of the royal trumpet being blown signalled to both of them that Vincent had been informed. Cloud let out a cry of pain as Sephiroth drove his blade into his shoulder. Cloud grabbed the handle of Sephiroth's sword and ripped the blade out, not showing the pain he must have felt. He pushed the silver-haired man away and stood up, glowing a pale white colour. Then, he ran forward and slashed Sephiroth over and over again. After fourteen slices, Sephiroth fell to his knees, blood pouring out of his multiple wounds. He looked up at Cloud just as his eyes closed and he slumped forward. It was only then that the realisation of what he had done, hit Cloud. He stared at the body of Sephiroth. His body was shaking uncontrollably.
"Oh God, what have I done?" He wailed, clutching his head. He jumped as he felt a hand grab his shoulder. Cid was standing there.
"Get out of here Cloud. I'll stall them."
"But…" Hebeganbut Cid glaredat him,telling him to get ou of the area. Cloud turned and ran with only one thought in mind.'What about Aerith?'
Cid finished his second cigarette when he jumped to his feet at the sight of Yuffie, the Prince and the Cetra family, including their daughter Aerith. He noticed theJenova family approaching also. Vincent walked up to him withhis arms folded.
"What happened Cid?" He asked. The blond looked around him and scratched his head before he answered.
"Sephiroth killed Zack and Cloud, in a fit of rage, came after him and killed him."
"That is what happened Your Majesty." Yuffie agreed, putting an arm around Aerith. Ilfana was sobbing uncontrollably.
"Cloud killed Sephiroth, he must be put to death!" She cried.
"No!" Aerith screamed. Everyone except Yuffie placed shocked eyes upon her.
"Do not kill him Sir. I've had enough of this fighting and bloodshed." Yuffie put her arms back around her and let her sob into her. Hojo stepped up to Vincent.
"Please Prince, he only did what the law would do."
"And for that we immediately exile! And don't waste your breath pleading because I will have none of it." Vincent hissedas he noticed Hojo'smouth opening to argue. The Prince stood up on the platformtowards them. Yuffie's grip around Aerith tightenedas the girl continued to sob.
"All of you listen closely." Vincentshouted."From now on, Cloud is banished from Midgar. He is to go to Nibelheim and never come back." Aerith covered her eyes and shook her head in angst. Yuffie cooed reassuring words in her ear the whole time. Everyone thought it was because she was close to Sephiroth. Vincent cleared his throat and spoke again.
"And if he ever comes back." He warned. "He will be sentenced to death immediately."
