To Love an Ancient 2: An Aeris and Kadaj Story
4224 words
12 pages
The Voyeuristic child
Chapter 14
Disclaimer
Nope, I don't own Final Fantasy 7...but I sometimes adopt their kawaii bishonens! (Most specifically the silvered haired kind.) lol
Author's Notes
Like I usually say, thanks for the reviews you guys. If you are a writer yourself, then you should know how much I truly appreciate them. Oh and to my silent readers…you don't have to be shy! You can say Hi to me if you want. I don't bite….I may growl a little sometimes, but I don't….ahhh I'm getting off topic. Lol
Oh! I think I should also apologise for the tardiness of this update. I only have one excuse. FFXII. It has such a time consuming plot. So far, my favourite characters are Basch and Balthier. They are so beautiful in both looks and personality. (Plus Basch looks really good in armour, and I so adore Balthy's embroidered waistcoat. Lol) I must admit that Ashe's attitude really irritates me though. I guess it is fitting regarding her royal lineage and all, but she still annoys me when she tells Vaan to shut up time and time again. And as for Fran…I can only think of one thing to say about her. Someone really needs to buy her a better fitted pair of underpants, or a short skirt of some sort. Seeing her half-bare rear on a large screen can get a little boring after a while. I'm sure she serves her role as eye candy to the majority of the male ff fans and all…. But…sighs…. For a lot of the heterosexual fems out here, I'm sure you will all agree that a little modesty can sometimes go a long way.
And before anyone thinks it… No. I'm not a prude. lol
Far from it actually….lol
Anywho, back to this fic.
Heh. Now I know this chapter is going to be very challenging to write. I've decided to pick up the pace and move this story along! As fun as it is to write about Vincent and Cloud postulating about everything and nothing, I really do need to hurry this narrative along, otherwise I'll end up taking another couple of decades to get this fic finished! Lol TLAA1 took four years to complete and I really don't want this sequel to go on for the next few years….specially since I have plans for the next section of TLAA. Uh huh, you read right. TLAA will soon become a trilogy. Lol. I don't want to divulge all about TLAA3 now since I still have a long long way to go, and I shouldn't even be contemplating about TLAA3 when I haven't even finished TLAA2. Ugh, I really hate my brain at times. Lol It's truly trapped in the future.
So ah enough of my inane ramblings…
And on with the fic!
0o0o0o0o0
After an unfortunate day of inconvenient delays and prolonged embarrassment, Aeris and Kadaj were finally on the move once more.
Assuaging her thoughts away from the teen beside her, Aeris tried to focus her attention on the stubby half-feathered bundle in her arms. Kwee-kwee, the little dear that he was, was sleeping like usual, and if Aeris listened closely, she would be able to hear the adorable birdie-like snores escaping from the chocobo's cute little baby beak.
'Awww…he is soooo a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e..' Aeris thought sweetly, as her lips briefly curled upwards into the grin. However, one glimpse towards a certain familiar silver head at her side was enough to make the brunette's smile wilt into a cold frown.
'I don't want to think of happy thoughts now…'
'…for if I can feel happiness so quickly after being so angry and frustration…'
'…wouldn't that show how capricious my emotions can truly be…?'
'And wouldn't that mean...that my emotions could never be taken seriously?'
'…that I could never be taken seriously...?'
Aeris truly believed her thoughts to be true. And that was the precise reason why Aeris refused to speak a word to Kadaj ever since she had returned to his side. An outsider looking in would have considered Aeris' actions not unlike those of a brooding child, and Kadaj was far too compliant to his Mother's wishes, to even consider questioning her motives and strange behaviour. Especially since he knew he was the reason why Aeris was acting in such a way.
Her lips were thin as she quickly eyed the teen in front. Thankfully, the boy had enough sense not to ogle her when she wanted to remain in such a foul mood.
The brunette discreetly rubbed her stomach, remembering the touch of teen's hand against her flustered skin.
Seeing a subtle slither of mint green shift down to her lower torso, Aeris quickly moved her hands away from her stomach, and darted her eyes up, just in time to see Kadaj shyly advert his eyes to the side.
"Are you still in pain Mother?" Kadaj questioned gently.
"…….."
Aeris turned her head away, hiding the pink tint of her cheeks away from the teen's catlike gaze.
"Mother?" Kadaj repeated once more.
The brunette refused to answer, and instead quickened her footsteps so that she could make a further distance between herself and the silver haired teen.
Kadaj sighed grievously to himself, before jogging forwards to catch up from behind.
And so the endless walk continued on…
'…Mother…'
'Why does your anger hurt me so…?'
'…Why….?'
'Why does it always have to be me…?'
'….Why am I always the one, to make you feel this way?'
Kadaj could not answer the maudlin questions that were swimming in his head. His face drooped sombrely as he followed his Mother from behind. He watched the movement of her long chestnut hair, swaying to the brunette's unrelenting march. He stared down at his Mother's bare feet. Her once beautiful Feet were now tainted with streaks of dirt and unsightly cuts.
'Mother…'
The teen's heart throbbed with an all-consuming pain. He fisted his gloved hands at his sides when the guilt began to clench down within his insides…
'Have I really been so negligent to your wants and needs? Is that why you are so truly angry?'
'….or is it something else Mother….?'
The teen simply couldn't understand how his Mother had gotten so angry over such a simple question. The only thing Kadaj could truly think, was that his Mother was angered not by his words, but at himself truly. Kadaj still believed that the brunette's animosity towards him was due to his failings of not being able to protect her when the need finally arose. And the teen felt ashamed of himself. No wonder his Mother did not want to reveal her wounds, when he was the one who caused her to bleed in the first place!
'Why did it take me so long to realise something so important?'
A silent whimper escaped the teen's throat.
'Oh Mother, I am so sorry. If only you could forgive me…'
But Kadaj believed that it could never be so simple. Kadaj knew that grovelling for forgiveness wouldn't appease himself in his Mother's eyes.
Her eyes…which refused to look at him… Even now…
He needed to find another way to gain his Mother's favour…
Without inciting her wrath.
Swallowing a lump in throat, Kadaj darted his attention back to the main path. The teen had noticed how the trees had been slowly thinning out for the last three miles, and Kadaj could only assume that it was a sign that they were approaching an exit out of the forest.
Well…that was what Kadaj hoped.
Jogging a little further so that he was now walking a little ahead of his Mother, Kadaj guided his Mother through the oaks and the sycamores, every once and a while pausing to unsheathe Souba as a nasty wasp or dirty rodent decided to invade their path.
However, much to the regret of the silver haired teen, night came much faster than what he would have preferred. The only thing that Kadaj remained thankful for was that the sky was clear, and that the moon was resonating enough light so that he could see reasonably well without having to rely on his supernatural abilities of sight. It wasn't that he didn't like using his superhuman skills. On the contrary, Kadaj loved nothing more than to show off his powers to any onlooker who was willing to watch.
However…
The problem was…
That Kadaj wasn't sure as to the full extent of his Mother's abilities. He had noticed before, that while the brunette's eyes were a very striking green, she possessed no obvious sign of Mako taint in her system like he and his other siblings. Kadaj did not know if such an aesthetical difference could really mean anything.
He could almost hear Yazoo, the physical embodiment of pragmatism, telling him how one needs to consider the strengths 'and' weaknesses of those around him, if one intends to walk safely from one battle ridden path, and into another. However, since his Mother's powers were so indefinable even his own standards, Yazoo's advice did not seem too fitting for his current predicament. Not that Kadaj had ever needed to use the senior warrior's advice. And that was why, after a moment of walking, the teen swordsman stopped.
A thick black cloud slithered across the lower expanse of the moon, darkening the lands beneath them, and shadowing the swordsman's face of all colour, except for the cold mako glow, glimmering in his catlike gaze.
Pivoting on his foot, the silver haired teen turned to meet his Mother's eyes in the cool, crisp darkness.
"We will stop here."
"!?!"
Whipping her head away from the direction of the boring trees, Aeris turned to stare at the silver haired warrior in startled horror.
'…For a moment there I…'
'I… thought…'
'…I thought Kadaj was…'
'Him...'
Kadaj would have never known how much he resembled a certain silver haired Ex-Shinra General all from that one single action.
Soon after he said the words, Kadaj paused in momentary thought and mild horror. He mentally repeated the words in his head. Although they were simple and brusque; given the right tone of voice, his words could have been conceived as a mild suggestion, or a violent command seeking immediate compliance.
However, to the teen's complete shame and embarrassment, he had spoken with a tone more suited with the latter rather than the former. Kadaj could not believe that he had just spoken to Mother as if she was his inferior… as if she was someone like Loz or Yazoo!
The teen's eyes widened, as he took in the brunette's very startled gaze. But then he saw something flash in her darkened depths; however, it disappeared too quickly for Kadaj to register what it even was. Then to further the teen's complete bafflement, Aeris actually complied with his words! However, Kadaj would never realise that it was due to the uncanny familiarity of his tone, which had placed the brunette into instant submission.
Still, his Mother's reactions to his transgression was extremely bewildering, to say the very least.
Kadaj knew that he would have committed flagellation unto himself if Aeris had asked it of him. His would sell every ounce of his flesh away just to hear a pleased sigh from his Mother's lips. He would bleed his body dry if his Mother wished it of him. He would deal with pain and torture. He could even deal out malice and cruelty unto himself if she breathed out the right word.
Kadaj knew that he would do anything his mother would say. And that was why he felt so disconcerted and unsettled…
Because in that one moment.
He, the inferior had became his Mother's superior!
Kadaj had asserted the power of his will against his dear and beloved Mother.
But what was even more disturbing…
Was how Kadaj did not feel as immeasurably distressed by his own actions as he believed he should have felt.
Instinct told him to drop his nose to the dirt, so that he could grovel and apologise in a thousand languages until he could speak no more. He had overstepped his boundaries… He had disrespected his own Mother!
And yet, the teen made no move to apologise for his sin.
Kadaj could not even move his mouth to speak.
All he could do was stare silently as Aeris settled herself against the moss of an old tree, obviously getting ready to sleep, despite the fact that she had no covers or blankets, nor anything else to keep her warm. Her arms were crossed over her chest; however, it was less for her own personal comfort for warmth, but more for the baby chocobo that was pressed against her body.
Standing stoically in the night, Kadaj watched and waited.
He was not sure what he was waiting for.
'My punishment…' he assumed to himself.
However, as the air fell silent to the sounds of his Mother's soft and restful breathing, Kadaj relieved a sigh. Whether it was a sigh of relief or disappointment, the teen himself did not know.
Kadaj did not know how much time had passed before he eventually moved towards a tree and knelt down at its base. He had chosen this specific tree as it enabled him to sit directly opposite of his Mother. This way, Kadaj knew that he could see anything from all directions, and would know instantly if some creature tried to harm her.
'…like those bastards before…'
The teen frowned as tried to remember his Mother's words. She had been so angry with him, and her words were spoken so heatedly…
Kadaj also had no idea what his Mother meant when she had said 'Period'. By definition, Kadaj knew a period was a length of time. An interval that was identifiable by the right constraints and understanding of its own original context. However, unless his Mother was commenting on his incompetence regarding how he had missed the period when she truly needed him in battle, Kadaj was short out of ideas.
'…I'm having my 'P.E.R.I.O.D' you silly nit-wit!'
The teen mentally cringed as he remembered the look of fury across the brunette's reddened cheeks as she screamed at him for all his idiocy. His ears burned in shame. Raising his head to stare at the sleeping brunette, Kadaj wondered what his Mother could dream about, to make her smile so gently in her sleep. The teen could only wish that his Mother were dreaming something about him. But Kadaj was never one to be overly optimistic. The pale haired swordsman sighed. Leaning his fair head against the cool bark, Kadaj continued to observe his Mother's slumber, every once and a while flickering his eyes downwards to eye the yellow feathered profanity in his beloved Mother's arms.
"Stupid flying rat…" Kadaj grumbled to himself as he stared at the innocent bird with green envy. "What I wouldn't give to fry you alive…"
His hushed words, despite being quiet, disturbed the brunette's slumber, and Kadaj watched as Aeris murmured something non-intelligible before falling back into a deep sleep.
Sighing in silent relief, the teen drew his back against the tree.
And removed his sword sheathe to his side.
However all the while…
Kadaj continued to watch her.
His eyes never lost sight of the pale faced flower girl sleeping no further than five meters away.
His green eyes were the only colour inside the ever-growing darkness.
Kadaj knew that he could never become bored at the sight of his Mother.
He was enraptured with her.
Even at the modest distance that was parted between them, Kadaj's eyes had access to nearly every part of his Mother's being. Even the night could not conceal his Mother's splendour to his own eyes. If anything, the shadows of the darkness made his Mother appear all the more beautiful.
She appeared so delicate.
So small and vulnerable nestled against the cold dark oak.
And it was because of her visual weaknesses, which made Kadaj love his Mother even more.
Because all her weaknesses…
Were now his to protect.
The teen grinned in the cold darkness.
Kadaj knew he was his Mother's armour.
He would be her blade of vengeance.
And Kadaj would never let anyone try to harm her.
And if anyone did try….?
The teen's grin broadened into a very spiteful smile.
Shaking his head of thought, Kadaj continued his observation of the sleeping brunette. It did not take long for the teen's eyes to fall upon his Mother's chest once more.
'Yellow monstrosity.' The teen mentally cursed as he watched the bird nuzzle the brunette's body as if it was lying against his own chocobo Mother. 'How dare you…' Kadaj seethed, unable to hide the envy from his thoughts.
'Disgusting creature…'
As the night continued onwards, Kadaj became prey to the green jealousy inside his heart. The way the teen saw it, the bird was stealing his Mother's warmth. Whilst his dear Mother sacrificed the heat of her own body to provide undeserving comfort to a creature, the chocobo could not give back anything of worth…unlike himself. The scene of his Mother and the bird sickened him.
Especially since the bird looked so warm and snug.
Whilst his Mother…
Continued to shiver from the cold…
The teen's frown deepened. Kadaj knew that if he was there in place of the ugly and useless chocobo, his body could generate enough heat to bring comfort to his Mother unlike that yellow-feathered rat. Kadaj knew that he had the power to stifle the chills from his Mother's body. Kadaj knew that he could provide so much for his Mother….
And what could that dumb chocobo do?
It couldn't even look remotely cute…
'Ugly diseased thing…'
And as the night continued on…
The brunette's shivering continued to worsen.
And the teen's envy increased even more.
Then it got to a point, that when he saw the bird cheekily rubbed its head against his mother's BREASTS. Kadaj had finally had enough!
With green eyes glittering in the night, the Kadaj leapt forwards pounced down like a predator, snatching the bird away from his Mother's chest with an intent to kill.
There was only one thought in his head.
'Get away from her. SHE'S MY MOTHER, not yours!'
But then…
The teen paused in his actions. The bird was now fully awake and yet seemed barely coherent of the fate that was soon to befall it.
And yet….
The teen's catlike gaze flickered to the sleeping brunette beside him.
It did not take a genius to know that his Mother would not appreciate seeing the blood of the stupid bird upon her clothes. And as much as Kadaj did not want to admit it, he knew that the brunette had taken a small fondness for the useless creature.
"…….."
But then the teen's eyes narrowed sharply, as a certain ingenious idea came to mind.
An idea, which sprouted a very devilish smile to the teen's young and handsome face.
"Every bird needs to learn to fly someday," Kadaj chuckled darkly. Then with those words being his only warning, the teen pulled his arm back, and tossed the now squalling birdie over the treetops.
"Now that felt really good…" Kadaj said, as he began rolling the ball of his throwing arm. "I should have done that much sooner…"
Turning back to eye his still sleeping Mother, Kadaj moved to kneel down beside her. From this new position, Kadaj could see the fine hairs on his Mother's pale arms, and the all too many Goosebumps that were dotted all over her cold and pale skin. Raising a tentative hand towards the frigid flesh, the teen frowned as he eyed the black material of his gloves, and then the white and naked skin which were so close to touching. Kadaj did not like the barrier that his gloves had presented to him. In his warped state of mind, Kadaj believed that the man-stitched fabrics were preventing him from being truly connected with his Mother. Kadaj knew that if he were to touch her now, in a way he wouldn't be truly touching her himself. He would not be touching her blessed skin it would instead be his glove.
Therefore, with a tiny grin on his lips, Kadaj began to pull his right glove off his hand, followed quickly by his other. Tossing the useless articles of clothing behind him, the teen then moved his pale hands back towards his Mother's delicate arms.
And when his hands touched skin.
The teen's eyes nearly rolled back in euphoria.
Kadaj could feel the waning warmth and pulse of blood beneath her cool human flesh. He could hear the beat of her lifeblood pulsing through her veins almost as if it was his own.
This very moment reminded him of the first time he had touched her inside the Wutai cave.
And yet…what he felt then…
And what he felt now…
Were two very different things.
In his mind, he could feel a greater intimacy. The potential for a greater intimacy.
And Kadaj wanted to feel more.
He wanted to feel so much more.
And so he did.
'She feels so cold..' The teen whispered across her skin before he bent his face downwards to delicately sniff the brunette's pale flesh. 'She smells so fresh…and yet looks so frail…'
His white hands trailed from her hands to her shoulders. Each touch was more sensual than the next, and yet Kadaj tried to remain ever wary of his Mother's deep slumber.
The teen's body silently moved around the sleeping flower-girl, repositioning himself to eye every stretch of skin that was visible to him. He ogled each of her moles in sheer fascination, and every visible freckle with softened delight.
He touched every visible imperfection which were healing across her arms, and his lips weakly brushed themselves against the softness of her skin.
The teen could feel his pulse willing his breath to pant, and yet the teen forced his body to remain silent of sound. He did not want to ruin this time he had with his Mother. Shuffling silently around on his knees, Kadaj positioned his body in the front of the brunette's sleeping form. He moved his pale hands upwards to scan the delicate contours of his Mother's face.
His mint-tinted eyes softened in loving warmth.
Then as the moon being his only witness, Kadaj kissed the pale lips of his Mother. To the moonlit skies and the twilight heavens, the teen played the role of the tender prince of darkness.
However no sooner than his lips brushed against his Mother's own, the teen instantly jolted backwards the instant he felt his Mother's face tense. Quickly removing his hands away from his Mother's body, Kadaj watched as Aeris murmuring something unintelligible before softening her facial features back into peaceful repose.
Willing his now racing heart to lessen, Kadaj waited on his haunches for a few moments for the sleeping brunette to reawaken. As the minutes passed and his Mother's breathing began to deepen, the teen found the confidence to shuffle back to the brunette's side once more. However, instead of seating himself in front of the sleeping beauty, Kadaj carefully drew the brunette into his arms and leaned back against the cold bark of the tree.
With her back to his chest, and his arms around her torso, the teen grinned warmly, indulging in the sensations of his Mother's body being so close to his own
"I can take care of you Mother. You needn't worry about anything." Kadaj whispered in her ear, as he drew her body even closer to his form.
His fingers began to trail around the brunette's stomach, idly rubbing the area, and mimicking the small circle movements his Mother had made to relieve herself of her pain. The teen nearly jumped in surprise when he heard his Mother utter a short startled gasp.
Green catlike eyes darted to his Mother's face.
"……."
Fortunately, the brunette had not awoken.
However her head rolled back to snuggle against the teen's left shoulder.
Sighing in quiet relief, the teen rested his pale fingers across the brunette's flat stomach. His head slowly leaned forward to settle itself against his Mother's neck.
"I can't wait for you to see it Mother," Kadaj murmured inside the brunette's hair. "The Sanctuary. It is so beautiful. I know you will love it. It can be made into anything that you need. It can give you anything you want or desire…"
The teen began to use his left hand to toy with his Mother's hair, while his nose nuzzled the brunette's delicate skin.
"When we arrive there, I will show you were I live. And I'll show you all the others who will worship you. Heh. I am afraid that they are nothing compared to me Mother. After all, I was the one chosen to find you. But…you already know that, don't you Mother…?"
Kadaj paused to place a soft kiss across his Mother's sleeping brow, pulling his face back to smile fondly.
"Of course you do…"
Tightening his grip on the delicate angel in his arms, Kadaj turned his gaze, beyond the treetops, to stare up into breathtaking dawn skies of soft cobalt grey.
"If only we could be like this forever…"