Sephiroth awoke with a start. His dream had been undeniably downhill spiral nightmare. He raised a hand to his forehead. Sephiroth blinked as he recognized his hand instead of Cloud's.
So it wasn't a dream.
He took in his surroundings. Where were they? They were in a dense forest. The trees blocked off the moonlight. But even without the light of the moon Sephiroth could still see. At his side was Cloud, pale and asleep. Sephiroth checked over the wound he had caused while under Jenova's control.
It had healed, but Cloud's skin was cold to the touch. Sephiroth felt guilt well up inside. This was his fault. It didn't matter if he was under Jenova's control. It was still his hand that wielded the blade that stabbed him.
He heard the softest movement behind him.
Sephiroth whirled around with a punch. His arm was blocked by a golden claw. The wrist guards clang against the gold metal. The sound echoed eerily through the forest. Sephiroth glared into deep red eyes.
"I understand why you don't have any fondness for me." Vincent spoke softly.
"All of this could have been avoided if you gave me the information sooner." Sephiroth snarled.
"You look like her."
He stared. Not only was it a completely different choice of conversation but it also took a minute to process what he meant.
"You... You knew her? My real mother?"
"We... Had an affair. She was married to Hojo. And I was a Turk assigned to guard her from Chaos. She cut it off when she couldn't handle the guilt. And shortly after, I was fused with Chaos."
"So she really was married to Hojo?" He had found it hard to believe anyone would actually marry the man.
"Yes. From there Hojo took over the experiments of me. And I watched her pregnancy. She would talk to me, not realizing I was aware of what's happening. She told me what she wanted to name you."
"..." Sephiroth was at a loss for words.
"And then she started having visions. Visions of ending the world. She believed she would avoid it by killing herself. So she left after she gave birth to you, but not before telling me where she was going."
"That's how Cloud knew you would know. But why didn't he know from the beginning if he had all of Jenova's memories?"
"Because the bitch blocked that part out." Cloud mumbled.
The other two turned their gazes towards him. The blonde slowly sat up, leaning against Sephiroth for support. An arm wrapped around his waist to steady him. He shivered upon realizing how cold he was compared to Sephiroth.
"She wouldn't let me see the full memory. But I had a hunch Vincent would remember."
"Why didn't you ask him in the first place?"
"Oh like that will go over well. Let's start with oh hey, I have all the memories of those Jenova possessed, including your former lover you had an affair with? Everything except for one little detail, like where she was going to go die. Care to share with me what she said?" Cloud was blushing just as deep as Vincent's cape.
He was careful not to accidentally share the mental image from the memories with anyone he had a connection with. The silence met after his words was enough of an answer. Cloud wanted to shrivel up and die. Instead he opted for pushing himself further against Sephiroth, as if he would magically disappear.
"... Point." The Ex-Turk knew if he had been asked that, he wouldn't have given him the answer.
"So you took a chance without even fully knowing if Vincent remembered?"
"Well... Yeah. It would have taken too long just to wander around if she sprang a plan to awaken you."
"Then why have a connection with him in the first place if you couldn't simply ask?"
"Actually, I woke up from my coma and I already could sense him and Genesis. I didn't really question that. I know I am part of the reason why Genesis didn't die."
The pair looked up at Vincent. He hesitated a long moment.
"... Genesis initiated first."
"Together?" Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. It came as a surprise to him.
"I don't think we need to go into detail. It's not as exciting in comparison to you two."
"Where are we by the way?" Cloud glanced around, doing his best not to picture them together. He tried to reach out to Genesis. In doing so the former commander awoke.
I suppose you succeeded? Fucking dog nearly tore my wing off. Genesis wasn't very happy.
You okay? Cloud inquired.
I'll be fine. What's your status?
Somewhere in a forest with Sephiroth and Vincent. Cloud relayed. By now the other two opened up their minds to the fourth.
I see you're sane. Genesis commented darkly.
Well aren't you so sweet my teeth are rotting.
Good I hope they get yanked out.
"Are they always like this?" Vincent looked at Cloud.
"They're like cats and birds. Annoying each other without actually killing." The blonde observed.
What's happening with the others? Are you alone? The Ex-Turk remembered AVALANCHE.
They're here camping. I don't see the stupid ShinRa aircraft so the Turks left.
What is Zack's condition? Cloud was anxious for his best friend's fate.
The dog is asleep.
Can you stop calling him that? He's my best friend.
He's an overgrown puppy, what else is that supposed to be?
Can we just focus on what we need to do next? Sephiroth interrupted before an argument started.
Which is what again? Genesis deadpanned.
Destroying the last host body of Jenova. Cloud looked up to Vincent.
"I'm sorry." He whispered softly.
Vincent stared into his eyes. He could see genuine guilt and concern. The Ex-Turk sighed.
"... If it prevents Jenova from having her, then it would be best. She would want to die as a human instead of becoming the Calamity."
"How many of us are going?" Sephiroth asked all of them.
"It would be best if it's just a small number of us. Then we can just fly there."
Vincent doesn't have full control over Chaos to fly. Genesis pointed out.
"Actually, he says if it's to oversee Jenova being wiped out, then he will fly there."
"I hope that means he won't harm the rest of us afterwards." Sephiroth glared coldly. His hand tightened around Cloud's waist.
"He assures me he won't."
"Then let's go."
