FAR FROM THE TREE CHAPTER 31
Author's Note: Big thank you to daBOSSz for the excellent title of this chapter. And we are SO SORRY for being so late with this chapter. Shade was very ill this week, so work ground to a halt. We plan on releasing another one as soon as we are done editing it.
-RUMBLE IN THE RUINS-
When he was requested to meet up with Reeve, Genesis Rhapsodos was intrigued. He remembered the man's name from their shared time working for ShinRa but had never met the man directly. Not until recent events with his rescue and his daughter's recovery occurred.
Nonetheless, it surprised him when Sephiroth informed him of the WRO leader's request, and it made him a bit wary.
His friend Angeal sensed his worries and accompanied him to the WRO headquarters where they had been greeted by the guards at the entrance and escorted inside.
Genesis was asked to leave his weapon and materia with the guards down the hall as they weren't needed, but he had still snuck his two favorite materia passed them, thanks to their color not looking like the average attack-style materia. If things got dicey, Genesis knew his seekers would help him escape.
He had been a prisoner long enough. Never again.
"Will you stop worrying?" Angeal tried to calm his friend down, "Reeve Tuesti is an honorable guy. Trust me. Licer hated his guts. The WRO was always interfering with Licer's operations."
He thought about that statement and then added, "Not that Reeve was ever aware of it."
"I've been on the run for so long, Angeal," he responded; the tone was almost tired, "So much has happened; I'm still trying to grasp the events in my head. Being held prisoner was the last straw. I will never be bound again."
"Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest."
Angeal couldn't blame him. All those years being cruelly bound by Licer... he was shocked to discover it. He'd been in and out of that place so many times, yet he never saw Genesis... not once. Of course, he wasn't exactly in his right mind, either.
"I know, my friend," Angeal nodded, "but that is over, now. Do you really think after releasing you and your daughter that Reeve has only invited you here to imprison you? It makes no sense."
He clapped a hand lightly on Genesis' shoulder. "Besides, I wouldn't let it happen if that were the case."
Genesis merely shifted his gaze in his friend's direction, neither acknowledging the comforting contact, nor shying away from it.
"Long before even that, or have you forgotten that I essentially went AWOL and turned traitor against the company I swore to serve?"
He returned his gaze back to the charcoal-colored large meeting table in front of him as he leaned his chin against his folded fingers.
"For the first time in ages my mind is finally clear of any pain, corruption, or chemicals, and I'm still coming to terms with some of the events."
Angeal nodded, knowing what he meant about having a clear mind though every now and then, he could hear whispers from his former persona. He was about to remind Genesis that Shinra was no longer in power when Reeve entered the room.
"Ah, Mr. Angeal Hewley and Mr. Genesis Rhapsodos... glad to have you both here," Reeve smiled cordially, extending a hand first to Angeal. Once he finished, he then offered it to Genesis.
Still on edge, the crimson warrior hesitated but finally relented, accepting the handshake.
"You have my thanks for saving my daughter," he told him as the only polite thing he really could say that didn't sound distrustful.
"Thank you both for coming," Reeve continued, seating himself, "This is really just a formality. I'm trying to record detailed accounts so that we can refer to them when necessary."
"Mr. Tuesti," Angeal interrupted, sitting down next to Genesis, "Is the WRO an offshoot of ShinRa?"
Reeve shook his head. "Not at all. The ShinRa you know is long gone. The President met an... untimely end at the hands of Jenova, who was in the form of Sephiroth at the time. Rufus Shinra is in charge of a new company of the same name, but it is focused more on construction and supply for the city of Edge."
That had been one of the questions Licer constantly sought to answer, but getting a straight answer from anyone in the WRO was challenging. As a result of this unknown, Licer always aired on the side of caution when it came to Reeve's organization. "What exactly does the WRO do?"
"We are trying to rebuild our world," Reeve explained, "After Meteorfall, citizens of Midgar were having difficulties getting their lives back together. So, I built the World Regenesis Organization... to come to people's aid... offer protection... investigate crimes... and preserve history so that humanity wouldn't be doomed to repeat it."
"And what of ShinRa's victims? Are they still labeled as traitors and criminals?"
Genesis' eyes were narrowed and full of unbridled hatred for the crimes committed against him.
"Certainly not," Reeve said firmly, "We go out of our way to assist any and all victims of ShinRa's misdeeds. What they did was reprehensible, and the WRO seeks to recompense to all who have been victimized."
"That's good to hear," Angeal chimed in.
Genesis, however, let his anger boil over a bit.
He stood as a flurry of feathers floated around them; his wing was out and his eyes slightly glowing.
"How can we be sure of that? I'd been fed sugary words from suits before. I fell for it with Deepground, and I saw it coming through Licer. I won't be fooled again! The only reason I'm hearing you out is because of the help you offered during that mission. What the point of it was, I don't know nor care, but you will do well to remember who I am and what I can do, Mr. Tuesti."
Reeve didn't flinch, nor did he miss a beat. "I know precisely who you are, Genesis Rhapsodos. You were SOLDIER, First Class. You and several others were brutally experimented on by ShinRa."
He sat back in his chair. "You are under no obligation to stay here, but I asked because I want to document what has happened to you. I'm not sure what I can do to convince you of our intentions, so I will simply state again. The WRO is here to help rebuild our world. It doesn't have any authority to police or enforce laws. This organization wants to help people."
He paused, taking a breath. "Ultimately, it is up to you, sir."
Angeal stood up, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Genesis... If you trust nothing else, then trust this: Licer always called the WRO a do-gooder agency that couldn't keep its nose out of others' business. That's got to count for something, right?"
Genesis met his friend's eyes and there was something buried deep within his own that only his best friend would recognize:
...fear.
"He just wants to ask a few questions," Angeal continued, "Nothing more. Then we can be on our way."
The ex-Harkon turned to look at Reeve. "Right?"
"Absolutely," Reeve confirmed, "You are free to leave at any time. This is a request... not a demand."
Genesis turned to give Reeve a look, one that spoke volumes, yet it wasn't clear of what it meant.
"What do you want to know?"
"Excellent," Reeve said, "How did you come to be in Licer's custody?"
Wow, go right for the jugular, Angeal thought.
"I apologize," the head of the WRO admitted, "If it is too traumatic for you, it is fine if you skip the question."
Gen's eyes flashed for a moment, but then he relented and sat down. He couldn't help but reflect on that day.
"I had... just woken up from a hibernation of sorts. Deepground had held me against my will when I refused to help them. I… admit I don't remember much of the events right after suffering a defeat at the hands of Fair."
He tried to think back and remember clearly. "I had found Weiss injured, lying not far from me. I remember taking him in my arms and flying off, but I was disoriented. It took me a few circles to determine which way we needed to go."
His eyes started to glow as his mind's vision brought him back to that day.
"I kept going. Over mountains, the sea, until a blizzard forced me off course and I landed hard at the base of a snow top mountain. I was brought inside as was Weiss. I passed out, but when I came too..."
Genesis awoke slowly, sensing no natural elements around him and feeling a cold metal table underneath. His arms and legs bound as was his torso. He heard a voice to his right.
"Shame, he may have survived if he merely had the will to try, but his mind appears to be scrambled beyond repair. I'd wager a guess it to be the work of Hojo, the pathetic fool."
"Should we have the girl revive him, Doctor?"
"Why? 002 would never recover his mind. What good is an empty body? My work is beyond that of mere puppetry. Feed it to the wolves."
"And what of the other, sir?"
"Ahh, that one on the other hand we can work with."
Genesis felt them approach and remained still, waiting.
"Former First Class. Reported MIA before he was discovered to be a traitor to ShinRa. Reports say he was killed years ago, but the intel I possess says he was serving Deepground. Hmph. I suppose there's some trash even they can't make use of. No matter. Their trash is my treasure... especially considering the leverage that now gives me."
Genesis looked up at Reeve. "I never understood what he meant by that.
What leverage could I possibly give him when he had me heavily sedated to the point where, according to… Vincent was his name?... I would have been dead without the medicine he had on him?"
Reeve listened intently to his explanation. "I see. Well, considering Licer had Bella working for him, that is probably what he meant. According to her account, Licer kept telling her that he would help her discover the identity of her father, and he kept detailed records of her progression. He knew who she was, even before her birth."
Angeal shook his head in shock. Licer had known all along? Unbelievable!
Genesis lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable. "In that case... I regret that I didn't make him suffer more."
Reeve concealed a smirk and cleared his throat. "When Vincent found you, there were several IV's hooked up to you. It suggested that Licer meant to keep you chemically restrained. So how did you go from 'strapped to a table' to 'intense chemical restraint'?"
At this Genesis lifted his head and the smirk he had would put the cat that swallowed the canary to shame.
"I proved a bit too much to handle with simple restraints. That's why."
"Should we wait until he awakens sir, or-"
"No," Licer cut his assistant off. "This subject is the result of Hollander's work. That fool couldn't figure his way out of a paper bag. How this subject hasn't fully degraded yet is a miracle, but anything we do would only result in wasted efforts, resources, and his death. I need him alive."
Genesis felt hands grab his arm to tie something to his arm as they looked for a vein.
"Let's make sure he stays sedated for now and perhaps later I can get some answers from him before I choose his fate."
The ex-SOLDIER showed just how alert he was when his eyes snapped open and he fought against the restraints. His eyes glowed as he summoned his fire materia, allowing it to aid him by melting the restraints.
"The only one who chooses my fate is the Goddess herself!"
He broke free and formed a fireball in his palm as he blasted it towards the scientist. Licer glared at Genesis as he shoved the assistant in front of him. The poor man took the hit and fell dead to the floor.
Genesis didn't bat an eye as he kept coming at Licer, but he had called for a group of Harkons that descended into the room. Genesis ignited a fireball in both palms and glared. "Flee if you value your lives!"
He set his eyes on Licer then. "Your face... I remember where I've seen you know. Samuel Licer. You have something that doesn't belong to you, and I intend to set him free."
The fires burned brighter, then, as his eyes glowed.
"My friend, the fates are cruel
There are no dreams, no honor remains
The arrow has left the bow of the goddess"
He rushed forward then, but two of the Harkons eyes glowed an eerie black, which reminded Genesis of Nero's power. It stopped him cold…
…and he stumbled.
"Wha-what is this..."
Licer smirked. "So, not even Hollander's failures are immune to my Harkons. There's one successful test out of the way. Thank you for helping me with that."
Genesis snarled as he forced himself to stand back up. "I'll sear the flesh from your bones for this."
The red-headed scientist merely huffed. "Empty threats from failed specimens don't frighten me. Especially those from drama queens."
Gen's eyes flared as he charged through and killed one of the Harkons where he stood by slamming one of the fireballs into his throat, boiling his blood and spinal fluid and roasting everything in between.
"Fire," Licer shouted and the fiery warrior felt several stings strike him before his world started spinning.
Genesis blinked as he refocused his attention back on Reeve and Angeal. "After that, the next thing I remember was being strapped down in an empty dark room. My wing tied cruelly, not allowing me to retract it, my arms and legs bound, but I was forced into a sitting position. It was... humiliating. I could do nothing, and I refused to answer Licer's questions. I drowned him out with Loveless, until he had one of his minions approach with a muzzle of all things."
He sighed then. "They silenced me, but I continued reciting Loveless until they added a third IV and I felt myself drifting into oblivion. The next thing I remember after that was Vincent claiming to be a friend."
"Amazing," Reeve commented, eyes slightly wider, "You went through that much, and now, here you are."
Angeal couldn't help but release a huff of pride. That was his friend. "I think Genesis would survive the flames of Ifrit's Pit."
"I don't doubt it," Reeve agreed, "Is there-"
He was cut off by a phone notification. Picking up the device, his expression betrayed slight confusion at the text Cloud just sent him.
"Reeve, keep everyone away from the west side of Midgar. Things are about to get ugly."
"Now, what does that mean?" Reeve wondered aloud.
"What is it?" asked Angeal.
"Cloud just..." Reeve trailed off, remembering their conversation from before. He supposed the blond hero was battling Lucifer on the west side of Midgar, and, considering what Tuesti had read about the boy's abilities, that could explain why the warrior was requesting civilian protection.
"I'm sorry, gentlemen," Reeve apologized, "I'm going to have to cut this short. WRO services have been requested, and I need to act. We could reschedule or if you have the time to wait, we could do this later..."
"Is something wrong?" asked the ex-Harkon.
"Hopefully it's nothing that the Planet's Hero can't handle," Reeve told him.
Genesis arched a curious eyebrow. "Planet's... hero?"
"You met him when you were rescued at Licer's lab," Reeve informed the redhead, "The guy with the blond, spiky hair and the giant sword. He saved the Planet from destruction."
Angeal tilted his head, so many thoughts rushing through his mind. As events began clicking, his eyes bulged. "Wait... THAT was the champion? The Hero of Gaia? The one who defeated Sephiroth?"
Reeve smirked. "That's the one."
Genesis turned to Angeal, confused by his friend's astonishment. "A warrior, perhaps, but a champion of the planet? I don't remember seeing him in SOLDIER. I doubt someone without mako could rise up to best someone like Sephiroth."
He chuckled. "It'd have to be a fluke or a mistake on the General's part, and he has never made a mistake in battle."
Reeve fixed his gaze upon the fiery ex-SOLDIER. "No, Cloud Strife is definitely Gaia's Hero. Anyone foolish enough to challenge him is in for the ass-kicking of a lifetime. He defeated Sephiroth not once... not twice... but three times, my friend."
Angeal laughed. "Trust me, Genesis. This is one you don't want to challenge."
He put a hand to his head. "It didn't click at first... the whole Kane persona, but... Licer had us avoid anything to do with Shinra back in the day."
"Well, I need to go assist him, right now," Reeve said, standing up and slipping his phone into his pocket, "Do you have the time to wait until I return? It might be a while."
Genesis just deadpanned at the man. "You expect me to sit here? And do what? Twiddle my thumbs?"
He rose and made to follow Reeve.
"Mr. Rhapsodos, we haven't managed to let people know that you are not their enemy," Reeve tried to tell him, "To many people, you are the one who indiscriminately killed people... destroyed things... you wanted the world to burn."
He looked at Angeal, "And you were also listed as a criminal. When Cloud sends me a text like this, there is bound to be large crowds where he's at. If either of you were to show up in public, it could cause a panic... the kind we are trying to avoid at this particular moment. I'm asking you... please. Either stay here... or return to your home. Just until we have legally and publicly cleared your names."
Angeal sighed. Reeve had a point... a very good point. "Gen, at this point, we might just be more of a hindrance."
Genesis sighed before he sat back down. "Fine."
*FFTT*
The door creaked open ominously as he made his way inside. Cloud drew First Tsurugi as he took that first step, yet his feet were light and barely made a sound. He knew she would only announce her presence when she wanted to, and so he kept every sense on high alert.
Lucifer had told him she started on the 12th floor, but she wouldn't stay there. So he carefully made his way up the stairwell, but not the public one. He was lucky enough in his younger days to have followed a secretary through the private employee stairwell which few had access to and not many knew about. He still kept his wits about him, knowing she could strike anytime from anywhere.
He decided to stop and emerge onto the 7th floor. He entered into a gutted hallway with cubical offices on either side.
A new, powerful voice boomed in Cloud's mind:
Finally, I am free of that accursed place. And you... you pesky little thorn in my side... will now face my wrath!
From the end of the hallway, a stream of lightning branched towards him, wrapping him in a blanket of torment. Electricity traveled along his skin and up his sword as the Thundaga struck him full force.
Shiva! he thought as he tried to endure the ferocious assault that set his nerves on fire. It didn't help that he was carrying a giant metal lightning rod. However, calling Shiva's name gave him an idea. Activating his ice materia, he created a perfect sphere of ice around him, blocking the electric attack and giving him a small chance to recover and set up.
He pulled out an ether boost, chugging down the lime-flavored liquid to give his magical stores a power-up and activated barrier within the ice shield while he readied for his first physical attack the moment he saw an opening.
"I've been facing your wrath for years, but now it's just pointless whining. You're just like a toddler throwing a fit!"
Laughter rang through the empty halls of the ruined building.
"You thought that was my wrath?" The origin of the voice was difficult to pinpoint. "You haven't even begun to feel it. You shall tonight, little puppet."
Directly in front of him, a small point of radiant light began to expand rapidly, growing brighter and hotter. The stifling heat and light encompassed him and the icy shield, causing it to dissipate into burning steam. The luminosity made it impossible to see anything.
All the while, static started buzzing in his mind accompanied by an invasive high-pitched whine, snaking through his head.
Cloud focused on keeping the barrier strong as he shut his eyes against the blinding light that flared like a miniature sun. "It works both ways, Jenova. This time you've got no more puppets to hide behind! You're stuck in a body you stole, and it's time to answer for every single life you took. Wiping out the Cetra race, imprisoning Lucrecia, corrupting Sephiroth, and killing Lucifer!"
The incessant grating of the static intensified at his words. As the Flare finally began to diminish, what looked like a small glowing orb of blue light came sailing towards him, slamming into the barrier, revealing the invisible shield for a moment... before it appeared to shatter. As it did, Cloud caught the tail-end of the Flare's heat as it seared into his skin.
"When I am through with you, I will take care of the rest of your family and friends. They will suffer greatly!"
As Cloud jumped away from the heat, he was surprised by his reaction to her threat but decided to go with it anyway, even if he still wasn't sure if it was from his inner Zack persona or his own.
"Haha! Good luck! You realize you'll be facing an army, right? I don't have any weak members on my team, and now I've got the Holy Trinity on my side! Face it! You lost your star players, and you're just salty!"
He directed his focus towards the area where the attacks had come from and aimed a powerful Blade Beam at Jenova.
The arc of power traveled along the floor, slamming into something at the end of the hall and crackling with energy. A scream of pain erupted, giving away Jenova's location. From that place, several spikes of ice came flying at Cloud.
At the same time, the high-pitched while coiled in his mind, like having restraints around his thoughts and motor controls.
STAND STILL!
He winced, trying to combat the shrill of static that blazed through his ears. His limbs had locked up and he faced the spikes of ice head-on but, at the last minute, was able to drop to the floor and roll behind one of the cubicles. The last ice shard, catching his leg and causing a minor gash in the process.
Cloud took the information into account. His limit attacks would definitely work, and he was glad they weren't magic based. They just took time to gather energy. He also needed to create a distraction if he wanted to get in close. The only hindrance was her ability to mess with his mind. He needed a defense for that. The ribbon on his arm would only protect against status effects, which was a lifesaver on its own, but it wouldn't be enough to block offensive magical attacks. He had to be careful about how he used his. That's when he got an idea.
He pulled out his ice materia again, and this time used it to cover the room in a thick layer of ice fog. He then cast a quick cure on his leg to stop the bleeding. No use leaving a trail for your enemy to follow, after all.
As the fog enveloped the room he moved silently, trying to find her in the shadows and strike, his voice echoing in the mist.
"I was always curious who was pulling the strings. Were you using Hojo, or was Hojo using you?"
Cloud heard Jenova scoff. "He was a greedy bastard that couldn't see past his own delusions of grandeur. I wouldn't use that worthless cockroach if he were the only organism on this planet."
A chuckle echoed in the mist, sounding very unlike that of a hero. "So you were his puppet."
That time his voice was close, too close as he appeared right behind Jenova and struck with the smallest blade of his sword, allowing him no restricted movements in the enclosed cubicle where she was hiding. Jenova snarled as the blade cut into her newly acquired flesh.
She whirled around, throwing a punch at the blond, eyes glowing bright red. Suddenly, from around him, Cloud could hear growling. Through the fog, four pairs of glowing red eyes could be seen.
"I'M NO ONE'S PUPPET!" she screamed, her eyes flaring, and as they did, the glowing eyes moved closer.
Cloud avoided the punch, readying his sword for another swing when he noticed the growling and looked around him, his eyes widening at the new threat.
Shit! Lucifer's ability to control animals!
The warrior kept his guard up, not knowing what manner of beasts she had summoned until one launched itself at him. Cloud dispatched the first guard hound and turned to repeat his attack with the second. The third, however, came at him and clamped its jaws around his ankle, causing him to grunt with pain. The second hound he had been aiming for was allowed to use the distraction to chomp down on his shoulder.
Taking his thunder materia, Cloud dropped down and slammed a powerful Thundaga attack into the floor, causing the beasts to whimper in pain as the floor crumbled and exploded into a shower of dirt and concrete. Cloud fell through the floor and rolled into the room that resembled a conference chamber. The ceiling was higher too, he noticed which explained why climbing the 6th floor had two flights of stairs instead of one.
Through the hole in the ceiling jumped eight small, round creatures with spikes on their backs. Jenova situated herself at the opening, casting Firaga at the blond while the beasts kept his attention.
"Insignificant fool!" she bellowed at him. "Prepare yourself for an agonizing death."
"The only thing that's agonizing is listening to your irritating voice," he called back as he rejoined his blades into one sword and swung out at the creatures, cutting two in half and injuring a third.
A ferocious bark sounded behind him as the fourth guard hound chomped down on his shoulder in the same place the other one had. Cloud shouted in pain before he used his thunder materia again, this time the hound cried out and didn't rise again.
Next, he tried to focus on the Hedgehog Pies. They were weak on their own, but if a group was left unchecked, they could gang up and cause trouble, and there were still five and a half left to deal with, the sixth member being injured.
He didn't see the fire attack coming until it was too late, and it struck him in the back.
A triumphant laugh sounded from above as the spell hit its mark. The heat and flames expanded outward, forcing the creatures around him to temporarily retreat, yet Jenova urged them forward again, commanding them to swarm the warrior.
Cloud struggled to his knees, wincing from the pain that was screaming across his back from the heat. He smelled something burning in the same moment the monsters lunged for him. He tucked into a roll, putting out his smoldering clothes and dodging the attacks.
He glared up at her laughter and took one of his swords and threw it javelin-style at the ceiling, causing more debris to fly, hoping to knock her into the room with him. He felt something then and realized he had reached another limit break, and it was one of his favorites.
Taking the rest of his sword, he jumped up high into the air, glaring down at his foes. "You wanna play with fire? Fine!"
With that, he swung his sword over his head and unleashed his Meteor Rain down on them. The attack rocked the building, sending dust scattering into the air as a few pillars cracked from the damage.
*FFTT*
Outside, several military-style vans pulled up, forming a barrier around the building as squads of WRO troops emerged from the back of the vehicles. The high-ranks issuing orders as the rest set up blockades and worked on damage control. Another van pulled up next to the black and gold motorcycle as Reeve Tuesti himself emerged and his eyes widened as he saw the girl resting against the side of the bike, unconscious. "Angel?!"
He rushed to her aid, pulling out a potion which he always carried and eased her into a position where it'd be easier for her to drink it without choking.
While he was helping her, he noticed something dangling on the handle next to where she had been sitting and recognized Cloud's phone. Reeve had used that Phone's ping to get a reading on the blond's location, after scrambling his forces with the text Cloud had sent. He knew the warrior didn't send messages at such a late hour for no reason.
Reeve only regretted not being a fighter himself if only to help his friend.
"Angel," he tried to wake her, "What happened? Where is Cloud?"
It took a moment for the potion to kick in, but once it did, Angel groggily looked around, confusion evident on her face.
"How..." she started, putting her hand to her forehead as she noticed a bit of a headache. She looked up at Reeve, completely confounded. "What?"
Reeve felt nothing but pity and heartache for the girl, but he needed to know what they were up against. "Ugly" had been such a loose term that Reeve had no idea what Cloud meant by it.
"Angel, when we pulled up you were resting against Cloud's bike. His phone is here, but he's nowhere in sight. That building had dust rising from it when we pulled up. Do you remember what happened?"
Angel thought about it for a moment, trying to remember what had happened...
...This whole time... I've thought of you as a little sister...
...I'm so sorry, Cloud. I hope you can forgive me for putting you in this position...
...It's not fair that you only got a small taste...
...Be ready...
...Angel... forgive me...
She gasped. "No... no, no, no!"
Quickly, she reached out to find Lucifer's mind... but he wasn't there. Not like before, when he was blocked. His mind just wasn't there. He couldn't have...
She tried to stand up but found herself unable to quite yet. She reached out for Cloud's mind, but when she did, she heard it... the static... the whine. Jenova was here... That could only mean one thing: Lucifer had decided to take her place.
"He's fighting Jenova..." she told Reeve, her voice choking up.
Reeve rose to his feet to steady her, preventing her from falling back and easing her back down into a sitting position.
His eyes widened at her words, and as if her warning had summoned it, a powerful blast of heat and light exploded from the 6th story of the building, shaking the ground and sending a shower of rubble raining down. A few small pebbles bounced off the bike's rim and hood as Reeve shielded his head.
"This is bad." At least he knew where Cloud was now.
From above a news chopper had caught wind of the WRO troops dispatched to the area and wanted to warn the populace.
"This is news chopper seven! Coming to you live from the edge of Midgar's old business district, long abandoned, but it seems to be showing a bit of life. The WRO has been dispatched and reports are coming in of the ground shaking and dust raising from one of the old Shinra office buildings. We are live and not going anywhere as this breaking story develops!"
Angel caught sight of Cloud's phone, gently gripping it and pulling it off. She flipped it open, staring at it and trying to figure out how to use it.
"How do I call Tifa?" she asked, looking up at Reeve.
Reeve helped her scroll through his list of contacts and brought up Tifa's number When he heard it ringing he handed it back to her.
"You just have to wait for her to answer," he replied.
Angel didn't have to wait long. The first ring never even finished before Tifa picked up.
"Cloud, where the hell are you?"
"Tifa?" Angel said.
"Angel? What are you doing with Cloud's phone?"
"Cloud is fighting Jenova." Angel choked.
"Dammit! He never... why...Where are you, Angel?"
"I don't know!" Angel cried. "There's a really big building..."
Reeve gently took the phone from Angel, who was gripping the phone tightly through her tears.
"Tifa, it's Reeve. We're outside of the old Shinra Business district. The building in question is about twenty stories give or take. It was mainly used for application fill outs and cadet enrollments and lower level paperwork. I would assume you'd be able to see it if you turned on a news station, as there is a news chopper circling overhead."
"Thanks, Reeve. Can you stay with Angel until we get there?"
"Of course," he replied. "And don't be alarmed if you spot a small army surrounding the building. Cloud called in the cavalry to cover the outside."
It was only then that he realized he may have put his friend in hot water with Tifa if he informed Reeve but not her.
Oops.
*FFTT*
It was three o'clock in the morning, but she couldn't sleep. Her life had been changing so drastically over the past few weeks, and it had apparently offended her circadian rhythm so badly that her mind refused to sleep no matter how tired her body was... that and the enormous amounts of mako in her bloodstream. Whatever the reason, here she was... sitting on the couch at this horrible hour instead of sleeping peacefully in her bed.
She flicked through the T.V. channels with perfunctory indifference, randomly pressing the button on the remote when she was finished with the evaluation of whatever show was on at the moment. She was just about to change the channel when a special broadcast suddenly displayed.
"This is news chopper seven! Coming to you live from the edge of Midgar's old business district, long abandoned, but it seems to be showing a bit of life. The WRO has been dispatched and reports are coming in of the ground shaking and dust raising from one of the old Shinra office buildings. We are live and not going anywhere as this breaking story develops!"
"I guess Midgar is where all the action is," she muttered, and she almost turned it off... until she caught a glimpse of a girl with long silver hair sitting on the ground next to a magnificent motorcycle. The WRO surrounded the building but did not enter it. What were they waiting for?
She wondered if Sephiroth was asleep and then scoffed at the very notion. That man hardly ever slept, and when he did, it was 4 hours at a time. Since her father…
…father!... she thought with glee.
… was at the WRO giving his statements to Reeve, she really had no one else to tell about this. Sephiroth was the preferred choice.
She got up off the couch and walked up to Sephiroth's room, knocking on the door. She hated the idea of disturbing him, but she was sure he would want to know.
Unable to sleep thanks to a strange headache, Sephiroth got up to answer the door when he heard the knock. He was surprised to see Belladonna and lowered his hand which had been constantly rubbing at his forehead, trying to ease the pain.
"Is there something you need?"
"I'm sorry if I awakened you," Belladonna began, "but there is something on the television that you will want to see."
"Oh?" They had lived in the beach house together long enough to know that Sephiroth would rather read a book or train outside than watch television; however, if it was something she believed he deemed important, then he knew he probably shouldn't refuse.
"Lead the way, then."
Closing the door behind him, he followed her into the living room where the TV was still broadcasting the report. Nothing seemed worth his attention until the chopper zoomed in again and he not only noticed Reeve but the bike and Angel as well.
The reporter was still speaking and it seemed she had an update.
"Our sources confirm that is WRO's president, Reeve Tuesti, down below, standing next to what appears to be a motorcycle, which matches the description of the one owned by Gaia's hero, Cloud Strife. We're still not sure where he is or what the exact cause is for the WRO's deployment, but we are working hard to keep you up to date."
The pain in his head intensified, and it was then that he recognized that familiar static. "Jenova."
Belladonna stared up at the ex-general, regarding him with curiosity.
"What about Jenova?" she asked, wondering whether or not she should be worried. "Do you hear her?"
Now that he recognized the cause of his pain, he focused on her and was able to understand some of it, but he was careful to keep his guard up. If he showed any weakness, she would exploit it.
He looked back over at Belladonna. "I do, and she is angry. It's different though, she's coming from a different source. Not a secluded part, cut off from the Lifestream, but almost as if she's... here, in this plane."
His eyes widened then with realization, If Cloud was nowhere to be found, according to the broadcast then he may have fallen victim to her control. He had to make sure.
His memory was back, and so he knew the power he could have over the blond's mind, but he promised never to use it against him again. This time he focused on it, fully intending to invade and push out any possible threats the blond was facing.
Strife...
*FFTT*
As the dust settled, Cloud walked over a few paces to retrieve the sword he had thrown in order to knock Jenova down and hopefully catch her in his attack. Meteor Rain was powerful and overkill most of the time, but Jenova was an exception. He knew it would feel good to unleash that level of fury on her.
He scanned the debris, noticing limbs and spikes poking out here and there from the monsters, but no sign of Jenova. He wasn't naive enough to believe she was dead, but he had hoped she had taken a critical blow.
As he picked up the sword, the incessant static in his head began to grind uncomfortably, and the coil he previously felt tightened painfully.
STAB YOURSELF WITH YOUR BLADE
The words echoed over and over, strengthening a sense of compulsion.
The impulse was so strong and sudden that he couldn't block her out in time. The battle light left his eyes as his eyelids grew heavy, his eyes glowing a bright green.
Taking the smallest blade, he flipped it in his hand and aimed the tip right at his chest. His arm gathered strength and he thrust the blade towards him, but then his eyes suddenly flared brightly, opening wide as his pupils morphed into cat slits.
Cloud was suddenly fully aware of everything around him, even if he couldn't move.
Strife...
"Sephiroth?" The blond was stunned.
I wondered why I was suffering such an odd pain in my head. I sense Jenova is back among the living. You're fighting her, aren't you? I had to get through a lot of static to reach you.
Cloud mentally felt the general's presence. It felt like a war buddy standing behind him, watching his six, and he smirked. "I think... you just saved my life."
Jenova is in your head, is she? Well, then I would hate to ignore her. Hello again, Mother, he finished with a sneer.
Jenova let loose several mighty screeches in utter frustration, which also gave away exactly where she was hiding. Cloud had, indeed, knocked her downstairs, but she had managed to avoid the rubble pile, sitting behind one of the cracked pillars.
Treacherous child! I gave you everything! And this is how you repay me?
Sephiroth couldn't help but chuckle in response. I'll keep her out of your head. You go ahead and finish her off, so my real mother can be freed.
Cloud nodded, flipping the sword back and connecting it with the rest of his blade. "With pleasure."
He charged straight for Jenova then, his sword poised to strike a devastating blow.
Jenova watched the warrior charging at her and began to cast. She knew she would die. There was no stopping it now, but before she left this world, she would take him with her. Just as she finished casting, his sword plunged through her center... but the spell was already done. A large, black sphere sat in the middle of the room... and things began to drift towards it.
She could taste the blood pooling in her mouth, so she needed to speak quickly... before the spell did its work and before she lost the ability to verbalize.
"You... may have... defeated me... but you are... going to die with me," she informed him.
As if in response, the building around them began to shake and crumble. Several loud cracks and crashes began to sound.
"And... if she... tries to revive you... she will die... I wasn't... lying about... that. Either way... you... lose... Cloud... Strife..."
Jenova gasped a few more times before exhaling her last breath.
Cloud's eyes widened with realization, and he pulled his sword free, rushing to the window that had shattered from a previous attack, but the pillars gave out then, crashing down, Cloud was forced to turn and brace his back against debris that was flying at him as the black hole pulled the building in on itself.
The warrior was about to turn and launch himself clear when his breath caught in his throat, and he tasted blood.
*FFTT*
The building collapsed in on itself as it crumbled to the ground.
Reeve shielded his eyes from the dust cloud before he picked up his radio. "I need rescue crews dispatched now!"
"But the debris… it's too dangerous at night sir, we'll have to wait for the sun to rise."
"Cowards, and they call themselves rescue teams?" Reeve turned to see a very out of breath Zack Fair panting behind him.
"As soon as I catch my breath, I'm diving head-first into that giant pile, and I'm not coming out without Spiky!"
*FFTT*
Back across the sea, Sephiroth blinked and was back in the living room, his eyes wide, and he noticed Bella staring back at him. He looked over at her, and there was worry on his features. "I cannot reach Strife's mind anymore."
*FFTT*
It had taken her twenty minutes to speed out to the old Shinra office building, but once she arrived, Tifa stood there, looking at the dust cloud. Her breath caught in her throat.
"Shiva..." she said quietly.
"Cloud!" Angel yelled.
"No..." Tifa breathed. Her voice grew louder with each word, "No! NO! CLOUD!"
She started running towards the building, but Zack caught her just in time, preventing her from endangering herself.
"CLOUD! CLOUD! NO!" Tifa shrieked, squirming to get out of Zack's grasp, "LET ME GO! CLOUD!"
Zack pulled her into a tight hug, trying to calm her and comfort her while holding it together himself. "I know... I know... He's... he's gonna be fine. He always is. Guy's a trooper if I ever saw one. We just gotta wait until we can see!"
