(I do not own any property of FFVII -- All the courtesy in the world to the lovely folks at Square Enix!)
This story was written with a tremendous amount of heart and soul, and I really hope it shows! It is derived from the fan-debated theory that speculates if everyone's favorite black and white cookie is truly responsible for his actions. It had always been a concept incredibly intriguing to me, and the sparks of imagination have been bubbling inside ever since!
As always, the relationships are only intended to be platonic! I was heavily inspired by the wonderful LuckyLadybug's interpretations of these characters! I absolutely fell in love with their dynamic, and decided to play with some ideas of my own!
Anyways, enough of me! Thank you all to the stars and back! *hugs*
Blazes & Bullets
Final Fantasy VII
The famished flames ravaged through the streets. They climbed walls, devoured homes and brought nightmares to reality as wood blazed to ash. It was forever hungry; no amount of destruction could satisfy.
Gloved hands grasped the curtains, jerking them shut to seal the mayhem's aftermath from view. Fists shook, the seize tightening.
He needed to calm down.
The brunet urged his trembling body to quell, inhaling deeply.
Zack Fair had been resting in his room -- the very inn that they sheltered in now. He was preparing to shower when a flicker of grey had caught his eye. He bolted to the window, horrified to see an ember beginning to flourish along the shop's pillar.
There was no time to waste. He was outside seconds later, slamming on doors and carrying children to safety.
Everyone had soon gathered in the inn, one of the only buildings unburdened by the fire. Injuries were immediately tended to as others were treated for smoke inhalation. They were safe.
"Is everyone alright?" Zack inspected, aqua eyes scanning the lobby of traumatized villagers.
Through the torrent of bawls and whimpers, an older woman stepped forward.
"Yes," she assured, the apprehension quaking in her tone, "the town has all been evacuated."
The Soldier nodded in approval. To his relief, all of the residents had escaped the inferno's ravenous talons. Yes, the buildings would have to be repaired, but it was insignificant when compared to fragile lives.
"Why is this happening?!" a child wailed. The tears rivered to the carpet as she clutched her mother's thigh.
Zack's heart twisted taut. "I... I don't know," he admitted. "It could have just been a freak-accident down at the shop."
"Freak accident?" an older man growled. "This is arson!"
The cries only worsened as the murmurs erupted. Zack wanted to say all would be well, that there was no need to be afraid. And although he firmly believed so, he couldn't tell lies. Not when he didn't know for certain.
"Zack!" A blonde-haired adolescent pushed through the crowd. He rushed to the other, orbs shrouded in concern.
"Cloud? What's wrong?"
"Where's the General?" he panted. "I can't find him..."
An arrow had sliced into Zack's heart. Through all this chaos, and he had forgotten about his dear friend. Was he still at the mansion, trapped amidst the fire? He had to be okay... The brunet suddenly felt weak.
"Seph... Seph's not here?" His eyes widened, praying that his friend was mistaken.
Cloud shook his head. "No..."
"Sephiroth?" A new voice had joined. Zack immediately shifted at the name, eyes falling onto an elder being treated in the far corner. A ventilator stood beside him, supplying the necessary oxygen. He looked as if he was just regaining consciousness.
"Where is he?" Zack demanded, struggling to keep his anxiety suppressed.
The older man mustered a frail cough. "I saw him... he's the one who burned the village."
The room fell silent. Only the whimpers of infants fed the stillness.
"General Sephiroth... the war hero?" a teenager, no older than seventeen, repeated in disbelief. "But... he was here on a mission..."
Zack and Cloud exchanged a look of cold-blooded incredulity. The Soldier felt as if he was in a daze. No... it couldn't be. There had to be an explanation.
"Why would... Sephiroth... do this?" a mother voiced their thoughts, bringing her baby close.
"Because he's a bloodthirsty monster..." the older man needled, his voice low and rasp. "I saw... right as the beam struck me. The evil in his eyes... nothing but darkness, and the lion's instinct..."
"No!" Zack clenched his fists, unable to withstand it any longer. "Sephiroth would never do something like this! NEVER!"
The villagers were taken aback by the sudden raise in temper, children burying dampened faces into the safety of their parents.
Zack shoulders slumped in remorse. He had not meant to frighten anyone more than what was already scarred.
But that was a mere shadow in his mind.
He tried again, placating his tone. "Did you see where he was going?"
The elder wheezed, "The Mako... Reactor."
The Reactor...? They only went there once, as it called for the investigation. Reports stated that a lethal weapon of the science department was currently under development, being stored in this village's Reactor. The town was ideal, after all; isolated from modern society. But... they had already covered it.
Zack had no choice.
He turned to the door, laying a firm hand on the knob.
"You can't go out there!" a villager exclaimed.
"It's suicide!" another cried.
"He'll try and kill you..." the elder warned. "He's a monster."
Zack's grip only tightened. "Sephiroth would never hurt me." His response left no room for protest.
"Cloud," he spoke then to the entrance, "watch over the inn... okay, buddy? Keep everyone in check. I'm going to find the General."
The blonde was reluctant to respond, his tongue running over quivering lips. Until, he spared a glance to the wound along his arm; freshly wrapped in cloth.
The General had put that there.
Cloud returned to the present, bestowing a weak salute. "I'll do my best..."
The Soldier pushed open the door, greeted fiercely by smothering air. The worst of the flames had died, extinguished by the current downpour. The town would be alright. He was sure of that.
Holding his breath, Zack disappeared into the night.
He had already lost Angeal to betrayal. He was not going to relive the same fate.
He stood, staring blankly ahead at the creature mounted before him. A slow, eerie smile crept onto the warrior's features.
Mother...
He was here, finally. He would be with the single being that cared for him... understood him. He belonged with her. Together they would take back the planet from the wretched monsters that seized it from its righteous ruler centuries back. He would give it back to her. He would handle all who tried to harm her, and anyone who dared to get in their way... her way.
My son. You came, yes my loyal, beautiful son you came.
In reality, the man stood in silence.
"Yes, Mother..." he spoke to thin air, "I'm here..."
Come, my son. Free me from this prison in which those monsters sealed me in.
In movements not quite his own, the warrior began to ascend the nest of metallic trails. Each step rigid and mechanical; it was a magnetic pull.
Good... my true, worthy son... the voice praised, breathing false solace into the veins of her prey.
Her whispers were so warm... They enveloped him, veiling the man in a tender and unyielding embrace. With every utter, he slumped further into her alluring grasp. He was safe with her. He would forever be protected.
The warrior stopped before the containment, all but waiting for approval. She inwardly smiled. It would be provided. It was all he craved, after all.
So loyal you are, my son. Let us be together.
Without hesitation, he reached out his arms, fixing them upon the unfounded prison. It was pried from its latches as the electrical cords broke free, one by one. He clutched the helmet, wishing for it to meet its demise in a fiendish incineration.
However, it was merely tossed aside, slamming to the surface beside him. There were more important matters.
The man lifted his gaze. There she was.
Jenova laid before him; strands of silver hair spilling down to the immobilized shoulders. A lonesome, red orb was glistening through the now unburdened capsule.
"We finally meet... Mother." He pressed his hands to the imprisonment. The content smile returned, as did Jenova's nefarious gleam. Of course, only motionless features were displayed.
Yes, my dear son. You and me, we shall take back this planet. You will never have to be alone.
"Sephiroth!"
We shall finish what already has been started... together. Those inferior beasts will fall.
"I will see that they all do." Indignation began to hone his speech. "After what they have done to you..."
"Sephiroth!"
I know you will, my son. You are the Chosen One. This is why you are here. This is why you were born.
Chosen One...
The grimace broadened. His purpose, he had found it. His very existence had been to restore this tainted and corrupt world to righteous hands. And he would see that it was fulfilled.
"Why? Why aren't you responding?! Sephiroth!"
Aqua eyes misted with unexplainable confusion and horror. Zack panted, helplessly staring at the warrior standing above.
Now he knew the horrible truth.
Why? Why was Seph doing this? He would never hurt anyone... Not unless they truly deserved it. And what could he possibly want with such a wretched thing?
And why did it look... familiar?
There investigation had led them to the village's abandoned mansion. Zack had come on several occasions, finding Sephiroth reading the library's offered documents upon each visit. He had joined him as well, horrified yet intrigued at the discoveries. The brunet shared his thoughts on the matter, to which the silver-haired man nodded in agreement.
"The calamity that fell from the sky," Seph had read aloud. "Truly an atrocious thing."
Zack tried to lighten the mood in desperation. It was all too eerie for his comfort.
"This stuff's straight from a horror film!" he joked, shuffling his hands through the jungle of raven hair.
Sephiroth smirked, faintly amused. "Yes, I suppose it is like one." He eyed the other with concern. "Does this information bother you? We can take a break if you are unnerved-"
"Nope! It's just some old papers!" Zack forced a smile, bringing another book into his hands. Big mistake...
His shoulders began to quiver against his will. He wanted to prove he could handle this investigation with swiftness and ease, but those images...
Images of the Ancients brutally slaughtering one another. Blood lustered their snarling jaws, crimson dribbling upon the dispersed corpses and archaic weaponry. Eyes were wild and bestial; twisted with the need to kill.
Zack slammed the book shut, turning away in disgust. It didn't make any sense! Such a society was only founded on peace, and no wars had been recorded during the era. Shudders escalated to a rattle.
The brunet blinked then, realizing the leather touch brought to his shoulder. He shifted, met with Seph's consoling visage.
"It is only history," he reminded, "there is nothing to be afraid of."
The emeralds were kind, trying to soothe his friend's uneasiness. It was not his greatest asset, but he would do all he could. Zack allowed a genuine smile.
"Thanks, pal," he sighed, urging unstable nerves to calm. Gradually, his muscles began to comply. They were in a distressing fantasy, alone in the world. But for now, this was all he needed.
Seph insisted on staying overnight, determined to finish the remaining documents. Zack had his share of concerns, although he understood the other's desire to complete the task. After all, Seph was an eternal battery; sleep had nothing on him.
So, he had waved his friend goodnight and left the scene.
"Seph! Answer me!" Zack demanded, desperation slipping into his tone. He was met only with a cold and brutal silence. Why weren't his words reaching him...?
My son... the human is here. It is here to take you away from me... to kill you. To kill me.
Emeralds narrowed to slits. "No one will harm you, Mother..." He rested his hands against the glass.
Well, staying down here wasn't going to do any good. Zack followed the serpentine path, only halting once steps away from the man who was supposed to be his dear friend. The other was currently muttering something unintelligible. It was horrifying.
Hesitantly, slowly... he reached out his arm.
"Seph...?"
And it was immediately seized in a strangling grip.
Zack gasped as his circulation began to constrict. His wrist was wrenched to the side, turning far beyond the socket's capability. Blistering snaps soon followed.
"SEPH!"
Sephiroth turned just enough to meet the other, maintaining his clutch. The emeralds were bitter ice -- the pupils nearly too thin to be seen. They bore into petrified sapphire with such vehement poison...
Zack's heart began to bleed. Words would not cooperate, leaving the brunet's horror unspoken. Finally, in a mere rattle, he spoke.
"What... happened to you...?"
He received no answer. And suddenly, the ground was not below his feet as Sephiroth flung him back with unrestrained force.
Zack pummeled down the steel beams, striking his head with each collision. His journey only ended at the bottom, narrow rivers of crimson now soiling his temple.
"Oh man..." he moaned as the world echoed around him. Zack shook his head, wasting no time to recover. The nausea offered an unkind welcome as he attempted to stand, but it would have to be ignored.
Good, very good, my son. You fight so well. But you mustn't stop until the threat is gone. It wants you dead. It wants me dead. You must kill first.
Zack steadied himself, recasting his horrified focus onto the warrior. Why... why did Seph just attack him? Didn't he know who he was fighting?!
His thoughts were soon intruded. Sephiroth was suddenly on him, winding his blade as he prepared to slash.
The brunet could only stare as the figure drew closer. Instinctively, his glove fell to his sword, ready to retaliate. But... his heart left the appendage numb.
Without any means of protection, cold metal lacerated exposed skin. Zack howled in pain, stumbling backwards but refusing to swoon. Sephiroth alighted to a beam above, continuing to needle the wounded brunet with venom.
Zack eventually caught his balance, cursorily eyeing the warm crimson that was laking below his arm. He once again averted his gaze to the cloaked stranger, filled only with a tortured confusion blind to the other.
This loathsome human, it has been feeding only lies to you. How dare something so foul harm you so, my dear son. Show it your true strength, the strength of the Chosen One. Show it the fate it deserves.
The silver-haired man lunged, katana posed forward as he aimed for the chest.
Zack had little time to react. He dove out of the range, his arm screaming in intense protest. Sephiroth followed the dodge, smartly swinging his blade in the other's pursuit. Masamune grazed Zack's neck as he rode the air, sending squirts of crimson to embellish sylphlike steel.
The brunet spilled to the ground in a moaning heap. Through the heaviness weighing down his form, Zack managed to lift his head just enough to see the warrior advancing.
With all he could muster, the Soldier raised to bloodied knees. A face of sheer horror turned pleading.
"Seph!" he begged, anguished tears pricking at his eyes. "It's me, Zack! Your best buddy! C'mon, snap out of it!"
Sephiroth continued to approach him, the words rolling off his back like rainwater. He pressed the sword against the other's quivering skin, oblivious to the agony-stricken orbs beseeching to be heard.
"You naive dullard," he snarled, "don't you understand? I am the Chosen One. I exist to become this planet's ruler, to return this world to the hands of the Cetra. That is why I was born."
Yes, my dear son. You are so wise... you know so well.
His grasp on the hilt tightened. "You were my puppet, building me up for this very day. I should have killed you long ago, when your use expired. Now, the time has come for me to finally rid of such an inferior, worthless creature."
Zack was encased In ice, feeling as if a mallet had struck his chest. The other's words lodged into open wounds; crawling into his heart and tearing his soul asunder.
Was it... true? Had Sephiroth just been using him all this time? Did Zack mean nothing to him... after all they've been through? Have they even been through anything at all...?
No!
That was not Seph speaking now. That was not the Seph who had fought alongside him, the Seph who was Shinra's strongest. The Seph who had comforted Zack far into the night after Angeal deserted, refusing to let him go as the brunet wept into his shoulder.
He strained his eyes taut. "You're not... you're not Sephiroth!"
He didn't know who it was, but that was not his friend. That was some monster speaking in his place.
And then the pieces clicked.
Sephiroth slashed his blade, sending Zack on another hurtling journey. He collided yet again with the metallic surface, greeted by a hostile dizzy spell.
When the world stabled, he raised a shaking arm. It was directed at the cosmic being only feet away.
"That... thing..."
A piercing shriek flew from his lips. Sephiroth had seconded his attack, now using Zack's vulnerable backside as a makeshift canvas Paint began to pool under his form, the bitter taste dribbling into his mouth and adding horrid color to ragged clothes
"Seph..." he sobbed through the assaults, "come back..."
The Soldier continued to howl as his skin was pried and mutilated. The claws of unconsciousness were attempting to drag him under. But he had to stay above the surface! If he were to succumb, he most likely would never awake again.
Zack clenched his teeth, caging the screams in his jaws. He had to get up and defend himself. But... could he even bear to fight Seph?
He screeched as Masamune took another merciless trip down his flesh. Nausea returned with full force. Not a good sign... if he could just free himself for enough time, the Mako in his system should aid the worst of the wounds... physically.
Another unpleasant thought then entered his mind; why wouldn't Seph just impale him? It would kill him instantly... or was he just trying to ensure that Zack suffered a slow and brutal death? Or... was he intentionally leaving him with an opportunity to be countered? Metal scythed through another layer of raw flesh.
And instinct took over.
Zack unsheathed his sword, lashing Sephiroth across the neck in a lethal blur.
An eruption of blood burst from the impact, bodily magma leaving the two Soldiers doused in its contents. The older man hissed as he crumpled to the ground, crimson feverishly cascading. A yawning gash now severed his tissue.
The brunet crawled forward, clutching the bulky hilt and easing himself to a rattling stand. He twisted around. Sephiroth was sprawled along the metal; face buried in the carmine. Lengthy, silver tresses streaked with an equivalent hue. He was motionless.
No... NO!
Zack's knees fell weak as he slumped against the helve. He couldn't have... He would never forgive himself...
However, Sephiroth began to stir -- reassuring the other of continuing life. Indescribable relief surfed over Zack as his friend climbed and straightened. He had not struck an essential vein... thank the gods.
Quick as the joy arrived, it had fled.
Sephiroth was still hostile, the toxicity now having boiled beyond its limit. He drew a glove to his wound, glowering at the life-giving fluid as he brought the leather into view. Zack's heart fissured all over again; the infection becoming far too potent to be ignored.
My son, the human has hurt you, yes it has hurt you and now it will hurt me. It will not stop until you and I are dead. It claims to care... but now you bleed. It has turned against you, as everyone has. Its death shall heal your sorrow.
An inferno ignited within Sephroth's eyes.
"TRAITOR!"
He charged forward, slashing vigorously in all directions. It was just what Zack had feared; fighting back would only push the other into believing his actions were justified. And it burned him to the very core.
"No! I didn't want to, Seph!" Zack cried through clamoring metal. He endeavored to keep up with Sephiroth's fury-fueled strikes, much needed crimson continuing to slip from his body.
The brunet then turned, regrading the Mako abyss below. He was being driven to an edge.
With no other choice, Zack leapt into the air as he found sheltered ground upon a higher beam. Sephiroth instantly pursued, locking the two into another fatal spar.
Blades met once more. The brunet planted his feet, rallying all his weight to obstruct the other's katana. Desperately, he searched the seething emeralds for remnants of the friend he still knew.
"Seph..." he pleaded through gritting teeth, "you-you have to fight it! That monster, she's gonna make you destroy everything you once loved!"
My son, how dare it speak to you in such a way. You know there isn't an utter of truth in those words. This is the way it is meant to be. Only bliss, you and me.
Sephiroth's snarl intensified as he overpowered the brunet. Zack faltered, immediately shadowed by a ruthless slit to the forehead.
Warm crimson trickled down his features, unsightly vertigo attempting to be his end. The brunet regained his balance just as another slash was fired. He parried.
"Come on, old pal! I know you're still in there!" He fended off a countering blow. "You don't wanna hurt me, you don't wanna hurt anyone! I know you don't!"
Zack didn't know how much more of this he could possibly endure. They've only ever fought while sparring... and it was one of their favorite things to do. He could always see the amusement in his friend's eyes, the unmistakable smirk as Zack laughed -- occasionally pretending to be a Dragon the other must slay. One time, the brunet had even mimicked the roars and cries; something that Seph did not agree to. In spite of it, however, he had played along anyway, knowing how happy it made the younger Soldier. He never had a problem catering to Zack's juvenile antics, as stern as he was. He almost seemed to enjoy it.
And now this...
Zack snapped back to the present as his skin was pierced once more. He howled, watching as silver incised the inner flesh of his torso. Blood irrigated the drought in his throat, words caught in the flood.
I will only flourish you with the truth. This world is only full of lies. They will only feed you with such. This one shall slaughter with savory. Slowly, my son.
Sephiroth withdrew his blade.
Good... Now continue.
Sephiroth slashed, this time aiming only for the beam below. The wearing metal sliced into two, sending Zack plunging with the descending half.
The Soldier yelped, gaping at the approaching ground. He brought up his gaze, pleading with all his heart that a kind, charcoal glove would be offered.
However, only a compassionless, inhumane stranger glared at him in return. He drew further and farther away with every passing second.
Until, it all ended. Zack slammed into vicious metal, a severed beam plummeting into the bottomless chasm.
Zack's foot mangled into a horrendous figure, the sickening snap amplified into a tormented reliving. A bloodied arm, contrastively, was bent into a fractured twig. Sweltering agony stormed through his nerves; each involuntary twitch sparking the endless fire.
Buster Sword soon followed, resulting in a head-splitting clang. The echo rebounded without mercy.
Feeble, virtually inaudible sobs choked from Zack's lips. In a fruitless effort, he commanding his joints to bend. It was to no avail; battered muscles refused to obey their orders.
He was paralyzed.
Sephiroth bounded from the beam in which he fell, swiftly landing feet away from the immobilized Soldier.
He is weakened, my son. It shall meet its demise now. Finish it. For me... for us.
Sephiroth spared a hypnotic nod to the vessel behind him. He then returned to the brunet, the slight grimace of deranged content replaced by one of abhorrence.
Zack was forced to watch as Sephiroth slowly approached him, katana held low. The slim metal skimmed in his umbra, leaving a glistening trail of crimson in its wake.
"Seph... please... please don't do this..." Zack was no longer resisting the tears. Torrents of transparent droplets saturated crimson.
My son, my dear son it is time. Unleash that hatred. Relish in its suffering for all it has done.
Sephiroth drew closer, readying Masamune over an erratic chest.
What could he even do? Seph wasn't responding to his pleads. Was he... not trying hard enough? Would he be killed here and now, eternally burdened for not being able to free the other...?
Maybe Seph was already dead. Maybe he was forever under the submission of this parasitic demon who was turning him into the monster whom he had always feared of becoming.
No... that could never happen to him. Seph had endured so much; from the tortures of Shinra's abhorred scientists to the bitter heartache of betrayal. He always stood tall, no matter how much the pain was eating him away. He was the rock to all his men, straining forward when all hope seemed lost. Sure... he said he didn't believe in hope; only in sheer willpower and resilience. But Zack could always see what was unspoken. When Zack himself had trouble finding the light, Seph would guide him until it was found again. Even if he looked away upon seeing it.
No. Seph could never be gone.
Zack managed to clench his eligible fingers into an ill fist. He was going to break through to the other. Or he was going to die trying.
Icy steel was yielded to flesh.
"Seph..." Zack's words were growing distant. "You gotta remember..."
He elevated an unbroken arm. It shuddered and quaked, revolting with all its might. However, the brunet powered through. A resolute limb feebly grasped the familiar wrist. His fingers trembled.
"Don't touch me!" Sephiroth snapped in revulsion. He slashed at Zack's hand, prying the tattered skin agape. Crimson was further added to the scene, spilling onto the once untainted leather.
Zack braced his eyes, another hiss tearing free. But he refused to let go. He couldn't. The desperate clutch only tightened.
Filthy human! Tainting you with its touch! My son, it is deceiving you! It will kill if you are not to act!
The blade was no longer directly over his heart, as Sephiroth struggled to pry off the other's clasp.
He didn't have much time.
The brunet proceeded to lift his form off the ground. His back arched and wailed as he raised to an unstable sit, disfigured limbs assisting as they could. Once elevated, his feet slid below, and the mutilated figure hobbled to a stand.
The pain was indescribable. It felt as if the talons of Hell were raking into his body, shrieking louder and louder to be heard. But it didn't matter. Nothing else did.
Sephiroth finally thrusted Zack's hand away, repositioning his weapon to the Soldier now staggering before him. Illuminating gems dueled; one of amnestic hatred bore into newfound determination.
Then, Zack did the only thing he could.
He lunged forward, throwing his arms around the bestial Soldier. Sephiroth froze.
Among this window of paralysis, Zack rested his head against the warrior's shoulder. With wilting strength he squeezed, forcing silent messages into his embrace. He wasn't afraid.
How dare it, how dare it?! This human corrupting you so! It is tricking you! It is going to kill you... strangle you! Finish it! Now... now!
Sephiroth was thrown back into the present, emeralds tapering. He hoisted the katana for the final time, bringing it to hover over the brunet's pregnable back.
Zack was unfazed by the motion, all traces of trepidation beginning to vanish. Trust was of the essence.
"Seph... can you hear me, pal?" He buried his head into the other's neck. "It's going to be okay... I promise."
I have had enough of this. Finish it... NOW!
A quiet, sad smile. "I know it must hurt. I know..."
Kill
Zack closed his eyes.
The
Tears trickled down.
Human.
He hugged him close. "I love you, Sephiroth..."
Something in the warrior flickered then. The blade began to quiver in his grasp.
How... is it... possible...?
Shards of hazed images began to flash before his mind's eye. He knew this human... somewhere inside... they have met. It... didn't deserve to die...
Hesitantly, the sword was drawn away
This human! This worthless, pathetic human! It is lying to you! Kill it... you must! It deserves a loathsome fate! And you WILL deliver it!
Then, Sephiroth attempted to speak. Words feebly cracked in the grapple.
"N-no..."
You dare defy your destiny?!
Zack stumbled back as Sephiroth straightened in a jolt. Leather hands flew to a convulsing head, leaving Masamune to be freed. The warrior backed away -- his movements disoriented.
The brunet caught himself, watching the spectacle in immobilizing shock. Despite being unable to hear the battle in its entirety, the scene was perfectly clear. His heart gathered speed.
YOU ARE MY SON! RULER OF THIS PLANET. FINISH WHAT HAS BEEN STARTED!
The warrior shook his head; fiercely trying to buck off the uninvited rider. A throbbing migraine had erupted in his skull, rampages of clamoring, maternal voices warring for dominance.
"Mother... no... stay... AWAY!" Sephiroth growled, his tone volatile. One of weak and strain spiked to vicious aggression. "No... YOU... will..."
"Fight it, Seph!" Zack encouraged, limping to reapproach his afflicted friend. "You're stronger than it!"
DISGRACEFUL HUMANS!
Another flash of fragmented memories. The human was attacking him... sneering over his battered body. It was... slaughtering his Mother... the one whom was protecting him from such a bloodthirsty monster... Yes... it must be stopped...
Relieved hands were slowly removed from his head, the throbbing daring to settle. Jenova was still emitting her influence, even as Seph fought for liberty. She wasn't willing to let go. And neither was Zack.
"You're a Soldier!" he spurred, continuing his trek. "You're a leader, a hero!" The brunet's visage thawed then. "No... you're more than that..."
Vigilantly, Zack lowered to the other's recoiled stance. His voice was brought to a near whisper.
"You're my best friend..."
The images flashed once more, reshaping and contorting info a dismantled hurricane. Again he clutched his head, swept along in the blinding gusts.
A human... He was fighting... and he was beside him. He was sitting with him... laughing... He was...
THIS BOND. THIS HORRENDOUS, MONSTROUS BOND. IT IS NOTHING BUT LIES! AND I SHALL BREAK IT FOREVER!
...mauling him... mocking him... he was a monster... a scientist's pet... monsters deserved to be slay... just as this one...
He was running after him... pleading for him to return... he was in endless darkness... refusing to leave his side... this human... no... this person... he was... he was...
Emerald eyes snapped open as time came to a stop. Lips struggled to part.
"Z-Zack..."
Unsealable wounds begun to stitch. To hear the remembrance in the other's voice... For the first time, Zack felt a whisper of hope in his heart.
"Yeah..." he nodded with a wan smile. "I'm here, buddy."
Feline prongs traced the familiar tone -- the voice that was prodding into the deepest recesses of his mind. They fell onto the blurred figure beside him. The world pulsated with a hammering light as Mother's... no... Jenova's shouts fought for infiltration.
Sephiroth tensed to stone, his body reaching for the fallen katana.
"I... will..."
MUST FULFILL-
"Never..."
FOLLOW THE INSTINCT-
"Be..."
MEANT TO DESTROY-
"Your... SON!"
Masamune slashed. Glass and fluid soared the air, erupting into a blizzard of lethal snow.
Zack was launched amidst the impact, crashing once again to familiar metal. Grounded, his eyes widened upon seeing the residue.
Jenova's form had been guillotined. The preserved upper half laid separate at her feet, azure blood merely trapped in the socket. After centuries of containment, it was far past congealed.
Sephiroth, however, was the most effected.
A demonic, tormented screech had been bombed in his skull. The warrior was screaming, his head threatening to detonate.
YOU TRAITOR! TRAITOR! SIDING WITH THE HUMANS! NOW WE SHALL BOTH MEET OUR END!
Zack was reduced to a hobbling crawl as he dragged himself to the other. Splinters of glass attempted to obstruct his path, lodging into his flesh and thieving his crimson. Of course, he pushed forth anyway.
Then, it all stopped. Screams evaporated into dust.
Zack watched, nonplussed as the other pitched forward. He collapsed into an argent mass, unresponsive to the impact.
The Soldier was taken aback by the fall, swaying aside to avoid being crushed. Upon steadying, the situation came into focus.
"Seph...?" Zack's voice leaked with apprehension. He laid a lacerated-free hand on his friend's shoulder. There was no response.
"Seph!" Zack repeated, adding force into his call. The limp form was shaken. Nothing.
Tears returned to the aqua eyes. Had he... killed Seph? Pleading for the other to break free, when in reality, it would only have stripped his life away?
Zack grasped the askew shoulder armor as he pulled himself to a kneel. Using his drained, remaining strength, the brunet heaved Sephiroth into his lap.
Jenova was dead. Her reign of terror would cease here. No more monsters, no more massacres. No one would ever be her puppet again.
And Seph had died to do so.
Zack strained his eyes taut. He hadn't saved Seph. He was merely freed from one evil to be handed straight into the maws of death.
Why... why was the world so cruel when it was needed to be there most? Why was it so easy to be optimistic about the things that didn't matter? Seph had been forced to commit arson upon an innocent village, fend for a galactic parasite and fight his dear friend. And now, he had paid for it. It wasn't fair. It wasn't!
He knew what Angeal would say.
"The only thing that makes life fair is the delusion that it should be fair."
But that didn't ease the pain. That wouldn't bring Seph back.
A gentle rainfall opened upon Sephiroth's shoulder. The pecking of rain to metal could only be be heard by the one producing such a drizzle.
"It's my fault... It's all my fault..." Blood melded with the liquid as it flowed, reflecting a despondent crimson within each droplet.
Then, something protruded the void in Zack's mind. It was distant and low... almost pained.
It was a moan.
Aqua eyes flew agape. Reality awakened him with a racing heart, the spark of hope reborn.
Sephiroth was stirring, breathing. He felt his heartbeat against his chest.
The warrior rolled an ailing head to the side. Emerald eyes fissured open; their glassy film staring directly into the windows of a Soldier who had been struck by awe. The feline pupils had returned to their natural width. And only true, soulful recognition remained within them.
Zack left his mouth to hang ajar. He gazed at the other, wavering emotions caught in the uncertain orbs.
"Seph...?"
A slow, feeble blink. "Zack..."
Zack's face melted to dough.
He enfolded Sephiroth in a fierce embrace, pulling him close. Uncontrollable sobs broke free, laced only by sheer joy and relief. A cage had been unbarred.
"You did it..." he sniveled as the rapids calmed, "you remembered...!"
Strong arms were brought around the brunet's back. Sephiroth slumped into the other's grasp, returning the trembling gesture.
Zack kept a secure hold. It was almost surreal to see Seph in such a state. The warrior was always so composed and collected, mainly being the unwilling recipient of his friend's affection.
Now, Zack held him close as Sephiroth cried. The sobs were slow and grief-stricken, his body quaking as the Soldier gulped for oxygen.
The memories were flooding in, one after another. Rather than a shrouding veil, his mind's eye was sharp and existent.
And the truth was too much to bear.
He could see the horror seared into the faces of innocent villagers, running from famished blazes. He could hear the screams of pain as he merciless attacked all in his path. He watched as his friend's skin was gashed and torn, pleading for the monstrosity to stop. He had hurt his closest friend -- the person who he had vowed to protect with his life. And Zack had promised the same.
Zack...
Sephiroth clutched at the other. He had tried to kill him... And he would never forgive himself
"Look at what I've done..." Sephiroth quavered. "I'm a monster..."
This hadn't occurred to Zack. Of course Seph would be sent into incomprehensible despair upon remembering... And what would the villagers say? What would Cloud say? Could he even justify Sephiroth's barbaric actions when only he knew the truth? He honestly didn't know. But he would be with his friend every step of the way until the incident had been gauzed.
"That's not true," Zack quietly assured, vacant of any blame or doubt. "It's not your fault, Seph. You did everything you could."
Sephiroth shook his head. "I tried to kill you... I tried to kill everyone..."
"No, you didn't..." The brunet clutched tighter. "A stranger did. And he's dead now."
The warrior vacuumed in the tears, now conscious of the ones being shed. He was ashamed at displaying such vulnerability. Yet... it was comforting.
"How could you still want me alive... after all I have done?"
Only heartfelt sincerity shimmered in the aqua orbs. "You're my best friend, Seph. And I'm not gonna let anything ever change that."
It was unfathomable to believe, but it seemed to be true; Zack didn't hate him. Zack wasn't going to leave him here to die, despite how warranted Sephiroth believed it to be.
Broken features melting into a soft smile, he sank further into his dear friend's embrace. They were battered beyond recognition, bracing the storm for death's arrival. But for now, this was all he needed.
Zack did the same. "There's the Sephiroth I know..."
"Hey! Someone's still in the Reactor!"
A voice had shouted from the corridor's entrance. To failing ears, it echoed nothing more than a whisper. Zack let his eyes fall.
Approaching footsteps faded from hearing as he allowed for the gentle ams of unconsciousness to carry him away.
If only they knew the bullet that had been dodged.