Sherry lost track of how long they sat together like that. It wasn't until Aerith came over and put a hand on her shoulder that she was reminded they weren't alone. Sherry looked up and tried to give the girl a reassuring nod before she looked back at her husband. She ran her fingers over his brand once and tried to repress a shiver.
Genesis didn't miss the reaction. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead before he whispered. "Do not despair. We will get through this together."
Sherry clenched her jaw. He could say that all he wanted, but he didn't know what was coming. He hadn't seen that darkness, that void. He had no idea what it was like to be able to see the ones you loved and never touch them again. Still, there was no undoing what was done. She sighed and pushed away to stand. Before she could make it to her feet, Genesis stood in one swift motion and held a hand down for her. She almost ignored it.
Once they were both up, everyone was shocked from their silence when Aerith spoke. "That mark. It's like yours. Does that mean Commander Rhapsodos has been chosen by the planet as well?"
Genesis looked shocked, and Sherry wanted to scream, but that was as close to the truth as any of them could probably comprehend for the moment. They had told Angeal and Sephiroth that she was a l'cie, but the men had no idea what that entailed. To keep from losing herself again, Sherry focused on her companions and nodded. "Yes. He is also now a l'cie."
They could all tell this bothered her, even though she was one as well. It made them question what the problem was, especially as Genesis was now scowling. None of them got to ask, as Genesis spoke up. "We have managed to accomplish what we came for in less time than expected. We can afford to stay one night so that Aerith may rest and regain her strength, but after that, it is imperative that we head to Nibelheim. Now that we are protected, our next step should be to destroy the thing that was the root of all this evil, if not the cause of our predicaments."
Zack nodded in agreement, but both Angeal and Sephiroth did not look appeased. Sephiroth was the first to speak. "I agree that we must move on as soon as possible, but I would like an explanation for what just happened first."
Genesis clenched his jaw. It was several moments before he finally answered. While I was merged with the materia, I sent a prayer to the Goddess. I asked that the power be taken from Sherry, that she no longer be forced to bear that burden. Not that we would not still fulfill her given task, as I would have happily done so myself. I was told it could not be done, and so I asked to join her instead. The rest is inconsequential."
Sherry made a choking sound that drew a worried look from Angeal, but he knew his friend well enough to know they weren't going to get anything else from him for the moment. Sephiroth barely looked mollified, but he could also tell they would not get anything further. Instead of pushing, he nodded and turned to leave. "Let us head back to the inn."
Genesis shocked them all when he stopped him. "Wait. If we are only here one more day, then I see no reason why we should stay at the inn. There is more than enough room at my home. Please follow me."
Sherry's eyes widened, and she grabbed his hand. Her pain was forgotten at his unspoken admission. Even Angeal was giving him a wide-eyed look. It was his best friend that spoke first. "Are you sure? It was just last night that you said you didn't want to go there."
Genesis barely repressed a sigh. "Yes, but I have seen enough today to know that I do not have the luxury of putting this off. You were also correct. I would be prudent to at least ask them if they would like the chance to be forgiven. Even if it is for my own peace of mind."
Angeal looked as though he wasn't quite sure what to think, but Sherry quietly broke the silence. "Guys, Aerith is probably exhausted. Why don't we worry about the rest after we get settled."
Genesis turned to her with sad eyes and a tight smile, but he squeezed her fingers and pulled her to the door. "There is another exit that is closer to my childhood home. It will not take as long to get there from here."
Only Zack and Aerith were satisfied to follow without question, but none of them bothered to delay them. Despite their aggravation with Genesis, they knew they would only get answers when he was ready to give them, and not before.
Even though the way was supposed to be closer, it still took them nearly forty-five minutes to get to the alternative exit. Both Sherry and Aerith made no secret of how pleased they were to see the sun when they finally made it outside. Sherry turned back to Genesis with a ready quip on how they seemed to have bad luck in caves, but it never made it out. She froze as soon as she saw him grab his left arm and grimace.
Her look must have garnered the attention of the others, as they all stopped as well. She didn't notice any of them as her husband looked up and caught her gaze with wide eyes. As soon as he moved his hand, a crystal flew from his arm, and Sherry almost cursed. "You have got to be kidding me!"
She was grateful to see that at least the Soldiers were quick on the uptake as soon as they noticed Genesis already had Rapier out. The summoning circle had barely formed before Sherry had her own eidolith out and shattered, and they all three had their weapons out as well. None of them quite understood why they were going to be attacking Genesis' summon, but they knew sometimes it was better to defend first and ask questions later.
Despite how afraid and downright pissed off Sherry was, when the eidolon finally landed, she was also awed and just a little confused. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. It towered above them and gleamed golden in the afternoon sun, with what almost looked like turrets on the shoulders. It could be described as a mech, maybe, but it was sleek and elegant. She gasped in shock and recognition when it spread its arm with a roar, as well as a set of pure white wings.
Genesis was already beside her and had grabbed her arm to push her back. He paused when he heard her whisper. "Alexander."
"What?"
She turned to him with awe. "That is Alexander. He's a holy elemental. You'll have to use magic and support. I can help with that, and so can Aerith. Let the others focus on attack, and we can make sure they stay healed. You'll only have minutes, as he'll cast doom on you."
Genesis was looking at her like she was mad, but he didn't get to argue. Sephiroth called out a warning, and Genesis had just enough time to grab Sherry and jump to the side as a laser blasted the spot they were just standing. He grimaced as he felt the doom spell take hold before he let her go. He shook it off and glared at her. "Stay out of this."
She huffed. "As if. You helped me with Phoenix. There is no way in hell I'm not helping you. Don't worry, I'm not going to get hurt. Focus."
She ignored his rage and ducked his hand before she ran to grab Aerith. Genesis had no time to go after her either, as Alexander was focused on taking him out. He growled in frustration but turned to throw several fireballs at the towering machine. It felt strange, as he could instantly tell the power was no longer coming from the planet, but from himself. Still, he had no time to worry about it. For now, he had more pressing matters to consider.
As for Sherry, as soon as she had Aerith, she ran to Phoenix. The girl hesitated, but not for long. As soon as she saw the bird dip for Sherry to climb up, she followed after. It only took them a moment to settle before they were airborne. From their vantage, they were able to see who needed help the most and effectively use their skills to heal, protect, and support as necessary. With both of them being skilled in the supportive arts, they were even able to start casting offensive magic within a matter of moments.
Genesis had been livid at his wife's refusal to stay back, but when he realized her plan was to stay airborne, it allowed him to focus. Even though that did not preclude them from being targets, he knew she was capable enough to dodge. With that worry cast aside, he was able to concentrate. It also allowed him room to remember her words. He had never heard of the summon standing before him, but obviously, she had. He was not so arrogant as to ignore her words when they had come so far together. With that thought in mind, he allowed the other three Soldiers to bash the machine while he embued Rapier with his signature fire. He then flew into the fray while trying to ignore the lethargy that was creeping through his limbs.
The battle lasted for several more minutes, but shockingly, they all worked as a coordinated team. It was not surprising for the four Soldiers, as they had done so before, but the two women were a welcome addition to the fray for more than just Genesis. That didn't mean there weren't several relieved sighs when Alexander jumped up and twisted in the air before it finally came to rest next to Genesis.
Everyone froze except for the fiery Commander. He reached his hand out and ran it down the sleek white wing that looked nothing like it had previously. It was only a moment later that Sherry had landed and jumped off her own eidolon and was by his side. She threw her arms around his waist and reassured herself he was alright before she finally took a breath and looked up at him. "You did it. This is his gestalt form. This is how you can ride him and work together with him like I do with Phoenix."
His arm had gone around her waist without thought when she latched onto him. He listened when she spoke before he turned back to his eidolon. "Ride him?" He pulled her closer for a second, and neither said anything for several seconds. Finally, he looked around at everyone and nodded to his friends and the others that had helped. "Thank you all. Had you not been here, this would have been difficult."
Angeal was the first to answer. "Of course, we are glad to help, but why did we have to? Why did it attack in the first place? Do they attack randomly?"
Genesis frowned, but it was Sherry that answered. She pulled back enough to see them all. "No. Once an eidolon has been subdued, it will respond to the l'cie it is tied to without fail. The first time is supposed to test a l'cie's resolve. If there is any doubt or sometimes if a l'cie no longer wants to go on, their eidolon is sent to grant them release in the form of death. Once their resolve is proven, a bond is formed that is unbreakable. Each eidolon is unique to the l'cie they are bound to.
Sephiroth frowned at her. "That seems harsh. Did you also go through this?"
Genesis growled at the question. "Yes. Please do not remind me of that day."
Zack unwisely piped up. "Why? You're both here, and I know you love Sherry, so there was no way you didn't help her! If that's the way it goes, at least you worked together then too!"
Genesis glared at the boy. It didn't last long before he looked away, and his jaw clenched before he spoke in a voice so low they almost didn't hear him. "I did not fight."
Sherry grabbed his hand and waited until he met her eye. She gave him a determined look. "No, but what you did was more important. If you hadn't taken my brother from the fight, I would have failed. Daniel's safety was more important to me than my life. He may have combat training, but he is no Soldier or l'cie."
Genesis clenched his jaw several more times before he finally relaxed, and much to everyone's surprise, smirked as he pulled on her hand, so she leaned toward him. When she was close enough, he placed a feathery kiss on her temple before he answered. "Perhaps. Though, I believe you may have underestimated him. I wore that bruise for three days."
Sherry blushed and chuckled despite herself. She leaned back and shook her head at him. "I already apologized."
Their conversation was interrupted by Angeal. "I had no idea you left a family behind."
Sherry's shoulder's slumped when she turned to him, but not for long. There was no point in brooding about it now. Especially not with an audience. She managed to shrug. "I wasn't trying to keep it from you, but I really didn't want to talk about it."
Sephiroth gave her an unreadable look before he turned to the rest. "I believe we have spent enough time here. We still have plans to discuss. Let us get to our destination."
Genesis frowned at the General but agreed that they needed to keep moving. With barely a thought, he dismissed Alexander and watched in fascination as a crystal feather floated back into his arm before they all turned to walk the short distance to his childhood home.
When they finally made their way through the orchards, Genesis paused at the door. Angeal gave him an understanding look, and Sherry squeezed his hand. That gesture was all he needed to step forward and knock. It was a matter of moments later that a young woman opened the door. As soon as she saw who was there, her eyes widened, and she practically jumped back. "Master Genesis, welcome home!"
He managed to arrange his features into a blank mask as he led the group into the house. "Moira, it is good to be home. Are my parents both here?"
The girl blushed when he addressed her directly, but still bowed when she shook her head. "No, sir. Your father is in the orchards, though your mother is in the study."
Genesis' mask slipped a little, but he quickly had it back in place before he spoke. "Tell my mother I will be waiting in the drawing-room, but I do not want to speak with either of them until they are together. Once you have done that, would you please arrange rooms for my guests? They will all need a separate one."
The girl looked around with widened eyes that only got wider when she took in Genesis' hand clasped around Sherry's. When he realized what she was staring at, he spoke up again. "Do not bother preparing a room for my wife, she will obviously be sharing mine."
Sherry felt sorry for the girl. She looked like she was about ready to pass out. Thankfully she was distracted by Angeal. "You don't have to worry about me either. I will be sticking around for a bit, but I won't be staying the night."
The gentle smile he gave her seemed to offset Genesis' cold attitude, and she managed a smile in return. "Of course, Commander Hewely." She then turned back to the rest of them. "I will have the rooms prepared as soon as I speak to your mother. Do you need me to escort your guests anywhere?"
Genesis sighed. "No, they can join me for now."
Moira curtsied before she hurried off to do as he asked. Once she was gone, Angeal turned to him with a frown. "I know we have a lot to go over, but do we need to wait until after you speak with your parents?"
Genesis' eyes flashed, but his voice was even. "I had hoped to speak with them as soon as we arrived. Since that is not the case, we can convene until my father returns."
Angeal didn't look convinced, and Aerith was giving him a worried look. She was still tired, which was part of why she had been so quiet, but the more she heard, the more anxious she got. None of them got to voice those concerns as Genesis turned and led them further into the house.
They all barely had time to settle before the doors to the drawing-room were thrown open, and an attractive middle-aged woman strode in with a frown and was followed closely by a visibly nervous maid. "Genesis, what is the meaning of this? Moira tells me you're home unexpectedly with guests, and you're now married? Not only that, but you refuse to see me until your father returns? I do not recall raising you to be so rude."
Genesis shot up as soon as she had entered the room. When he took a step forward with a scowl, Sherry jumped up as well and grabbed his arm. He stiffened at her touch but stopped. His teeth were gritted when he spoke. "I apologize, Moira, but would you please show everyone to the dining-room."
The girl suddenly looked relieved to be away from whatever was about to go down between the family members. Angeal paused long enough to give him a reassuring look that helped him to relax before everyone except Sherry followed Moira out. The woman had not missed any of it. She raised a brow when Genesis put a hand over Sherry's on his arm when he addressed her. "There was an excellent reason I asked to have you both here, as you both have much to answer for. It has nothing to do with being rude. Though, I suppose it would be prudent to introduce my wife, as she will most certainly be part of these discussions."
The older woman looked between them with shock. "It's true then. You really are married?"
Sherry had never felt more uncomfortable then she had at that moment. She suddenly understood how Genesis must have felt every time Daniel gave him the stink eye. Still, given the circumstances, she was going to have to play mediator, so she swallowed, took a deep breath, and a step forward before she held out her hand. "My name is Sherry. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The woman didn't move right away. It was several seconds before she reluctantly took her hand in a half-hearted shake. She quickly let it go and frowned back at her son. "What is the meaning of this? Why am I just now learning about this? Who is she anyway? I have never seen her face in any news, nor have I heard her name."
Genesis' eyes flashed, and as pissed as Sherry was that the woman seemed to be focused on all the wrong things, she still grabbed his arm again. He glared down at her for stopping him, but it quickly transferred back to his mother. "It would not have mattered if she were the basest-born slum rat. She has more resilience than any person I have ever met. She has withstood more than I could imagine and still manages to brighten the world with her smile. I love her, and that is all you need to know."
The woman took several steps back and put her hand to her throat. It took her several tries before she was able to speak again. "Love? You were able to marry for love?"
Both Sherry and Genesis were shocked when the woman started to cry, but neither were allowed to say anything as the door opened once again, and a tall man with fading orange hair walked in with a frown. "I was told this was urgent. What is going on?"
Genesis clenched his fists at the sight of the man he called father before he turned away. He wasn't sure what to think. This conversation had already derailed, and it had yet to begin. Sherry looked back and forth between them with a sigh. She could tell this was going to be a long afternoon. At least this time, she was reasonably sure Genesis would not even think about killing them.
A/N: This promises to be uncomfortable. For everyone. Let's hope they can't hear it down the hall, lol. Thanks for reading!