(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 nightmare to reality. Wood blazed as the ashes rained, buildings collapsed and crimson rivered along dirt roads. Once a cloudless blue now bore palettes of sickening grey. It was forever hungry; no amount of destruction could satisfy.
And in the shadows of it all, slipped away a figure of black and silver.
xxxxxxx
Gloved hands grasped the curtains, jerking them shut to seal the mayhem's aftermath from view.
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. The Soldier First 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 spread along the shop's pillar.
There was no time to waste. In seconds he was outside, 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 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 bled 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. Zack wanted to say that 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, clearly distressed. "I can't find him..."
An arrow 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 had been mistaken.
Cloud shook his head. "No..."
"Sephiroth?" A new voice had joined them. Zack immediately shifted at the name, eyes falling onto an elder being treated in the far corner. 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 rise in temper. Children returned 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 their investigation. Reports stated that a lethal weapon of the science department was currently under development, being stored in the 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, running his tongue over chattering teeth. 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..."
Nodding, Zack pushed open the door. Yep He was 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.
xxxxxxx
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 parroted. "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 seductive 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. Such an easy target to manipulate... a mind already so shattered.
Yes... she had chosen well. She had been lying in wait, prowling in the recesses of her puppet. She grew with him... observing, learning. Consuming his desires until she was able to twist them into her own.
Yet she could feel something... something so faint in the darkness of her throne, fighting to sever the reigns that tethered it:
So, her puppet had enough sentience to try and resist? No matter. Her cells formed it. She was in-control.
So loyal you are, my son. Let us be together.
Without hesitation, Sephiroth 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, the armor was merely tossed aside. There were more important matters.
Slowly, the man lifted his gaze. There she was.
Jenova laid before him; a feminine figure with strands of silver hair spilling down to the immobilized shoulders. A singular, red orb glistened through the now unburdened capsule.
"We finally meet... Mother." He pressed his hands to the imprisonment. The content sneer 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, Mother." 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. They stared helplessly at the warrior 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?
xxxxxxx
Earlier that night...
"So! These Ancient people, you're saying they all got wiped out?" Zack inquired, lolling into the library's abandoned chair.
Sephiroth nodded. "It appears so. According to these records, it was an instance of societal collapse."
The other blinked. "What's that?"
"It means that their civilization imploded due to a rise of violence." Sephiroth turned the page. "They were eradicated during a massacre, supposedly started by themselves."
Zack listened attentively. "That's crazy!" he exclaimed. "I thought the Cetra were all sunshine and rainbows!"
"As did I," Sephiroth concurred. "Although, there seems to be a direct link between this 'calamity,' and the Cetra's sudden savagery."
"How so?" he pressed, leaning back against the dated leather.
"There isn't a documented explanation," the warrior admitted. "Which I find a bit coincidental."
Zack digested this for a moment. "You think someone out there is trying to cover it up? Like, maybe they know what that thing's capable of and they don't want anyone else to know."
"It's possible," Sephiroth acknowledged. "Or... perhaps they want that information for themselves."
Zack playfully smirked. "You always gotta think the worst of people, huh?"
Sephiroth grunted. "It's my job to be vigilant."
"I know, I know," the brunet grinned. "And that's why ya got me!"
Sephiroth shelved the book, guarding a smirk of his own. "Maybe so."
Zack laughed. "Yep, you handle all the smart stuff, and I'll just come along for the ride!"
The warrior returned to his friend, now deadpan. "You can do more than that."
Continuing to laugh, Zack sprang to his feet. The duo continued to shuffle through the various files.
"The calamity that fell from the sky," Sephiroth read aloud. "Truly an atrocious thing."
"This stuff's straight from a horror movie!" Zack joked, shuffling his hands through the jungle of raven hair. It was all too eerie for comfort.
Sephiroth smirked, faintly amused. "Yes, I suppose it is like one." Not that he ever had time for something so trivial as a film. 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. He wanted to prove that he could handle this investigation with swiftness and ease, but these images...
Images of the Ancients brutally slaughtering one another. Blood lustered their snarling jaws, crimson dribbling upon the dispersed corpses and archaic weaponry. Their eyes were wild and bestial; twisted with the need to kill.
Zack slammed the book shut. It didn't make any sense! Such a society was only founded on peace, and no wars had even been recorded during the era!
The brunet blinked then, realizing the leather touch brought to his shoulder. He turned, met with Seph's consoling visage.
"It is only history," Sephiroth 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, ordering his muscles to comply. They were in a distressing fantasy, alone in the world. But for now, this was all he needed.
Sephiroth shifted, now regarding the other with authority. "You should be heading back to the inn. It's nearly midnight."
Zack stretched, thankful for the excuse. "Yeah! All this Cetra stuff can really tire a guy out. Let's go."
Sephiroth shook his head. "You get some rest. I have to finish this field of our research before we return to Midgar tomorrow."
The brunet mockingly frowned. "C'mon, Seph. You need some sleep too!"
Setting down his current book, Sephiroth retrieved another. "I'll be fine."
Zack opened his mouth to protest, although he was quick to reconsider. Seph was as obstinate as they come.
"Alright!" he submitted, proceeding to the door. "Just don't overwork yourself, okay?"
"I won't."
Zack yawned, amused at his friend's mulishness. Seph would never change. "Night, pal!" he waved, closing the rusted wood behind him.
"Goodnight."
Sephiroth lingered then, yielding to a faint smile. How did such an exuberant person manage to slither into his life? He had no idea. Maybe it was just meant to be.
Heh, what was he saying? Now he sounded like Zack.
Sephiroth returned to the desk, laying his book atop. Hopefully he would be able to decipher some information.
This record presented a much more detailed depiction of the massacre. The following page told of resurrected bones. And the next... aha!
Gloved fingers were traced along the text. "Jenova..." he muttered. "We have deduced that this being is capable of emitting-"
My son...
Sephiroth's head shot up. He was certain that this library had been long deserted. Could it simply be the product of working too long? Yes, it had to be. Why did Zack always have to be right?
My son...
There it was again. Emeralds narrowed in suspicion. The whisper sounded far too real to be a hallucination... He scanned the vacant room. Nothing.
My son, do not be alarmed. I am here to help you...
Son? Who dare refer to him as such? His mother had died upon giving birth to him. And he wasn't one to believe in specters.
You must listen to me... Humanity, your precious friend... they are all lying to you.
Sephiroth snarled, his hand falling to his hilt. "Reveal yourself. Now!" The warrior's voice was ice; the very tone that dwindled arrogant enemies into ghosts.
You are my son...
"Who are you?!"
Sephiroth slashed thin air, striking several books in the process. They avalanched off the shelf and landed untidily at his feet.
You know me... You always have...
Now he knew that he truly was alone; the voice was in his mind.
My son... my son... my son...
Sephiroth clutched his forehead, suddenly aware of its merciless pulsin sensation. It felt... as if a spear was tearing into his consciousness.
The people who claimed to care... they have been using you... manipulating you. You were taken away from me... and now we shall be reunited...
The voice... It echoed, over and over.
Over and over.
It grew louder and louder.
Louder and louder.
Free me...
He now cowered over the desk, eyes straining taut. He searched feverishly for solace in the wooden surface.
But the voice carried on.
No matter how buried in his hands, no matter how much he strained... it followed.
My son... You mustn't fight...
He could feel it in his veins. The blood, his essence — it was being drawn to this voice. It pounded against his flesh, etching to break free. His body was being torn asunder from the inside
They have concealed me away... Come to me. Save me... Make these monsters suffer for what they have done...
The warrior screamed as a blood-curdling screech barraged into his hearing. His legs buckled under his weight, sending him collapsing to the carpet.
What was... happening?
Sephiroth contorted into a mere coil. Knees drew into his chest, desperately trying to escape the incomprehensible agony that was clawing through his being
My cells... my voice-
"Ge... get..." He couldn't muster the words. His jaws locked against his will, rendering himself silent.
-my will... it flows through you...
Sephiroth seized the table's leg, his heart threatening to burst from his chest. The shriek continued to carve into panicked ears — enhanced by the satanic, feminine calls. The world was nothing more than a fiendish ring.
Z... Za... He strained for the memory of his...
His...
It cares nothing about you, my dear son. No one does... they never have.
The screaming stopped.
Gloved hands fell limp at their owner's side. His muscles relaxed, breathing steadied.
Besides me...
Emeralds reawakened. The dimming light illuminated from above, casting gentle shadows upon a pair of thinning, feline daggers. It was such a warm embrace... Almost like that of a-
"You... do care."
Of course I do, my dear son. More than anything on this planet. That is why I shall protect you from this foul world... free you from the lies that bonded you. Listen to me... and all will be well.You will never be hurt again...
It was true. The world was such a cruel, desolate place... all because of those who tainted it with their own, corrupt ideals. She really did know...
Stand.
Sephiroth did as instructed, carefully rising from the ground as he climbed. Once standing, his head wilted. Silver tresses veiled the soulless emeralds.
Good... Very good. Now come to me. Come to me, my son. Free me...
A distorted grimace invaded his features at the approval. No one has ever appreciated him as such... His expression then faded, a new question arising.
"Where... are you?" He spoke to shallow air. "I... want to meet you..."
I know. I know you do, my son. I am where you had previously visited with that young monster. They sealed me away, beyond their filthy technology. They took you away from me. Now we shall be reunited...
How long had he been blinded to this information? The only being who ever cared about him, and they were separated. The only being who ever cared for him, and she was being tortured? Who was responsible for this atrocity?
The humans are, my dear son. Those mindless demons. Please... they have hurt me... wounded me so deep. I can not let them do the same to you. Please... stop them before they can cause further harm...
His eyes narrowed, venom fueling the befouled veins. "What would you like me to do, Mother...?"
Kill them... kill them all. Make them suffer for all they have done...
Sephiroth fixed the carpet with an entranced glower. He bent down, retrieving his blade. And within the bloodless luster, glistened a visage of sweltering, newfound hatred.
You... belong to me now.
xxxxxxx
"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.
The emeralds slitted. "No one will harm you, Mother..." He let his hands slide off 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 snatched 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.
"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 him with such vehement poison...
Zack's heart began to bleed. Words would not cooperate, leaving the brunet's horror unspoken. Finally, he found his voice.
"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. He struck his head with each collision, his journey only ending at the base. Narrow rivers of crimson now soiled 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 stood, 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. You must kill first. You must kill this monster.
Zack steadied himself, recasting his focus. It was filled only with a tortured confusion blind to the other.
"Ha-have you completely lost your mind?!"
But his demands 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 his skin. Zack howled in pain, stumbling backwards but refusing to swoon. Sephiroth alighted then to a beam above, continuing to needle the wounded brunet with venom.
Zack eventually caught his balance, eyeing the warm crimson now puddling below his arm.
He...
It is distracted, my son. Now is your chance. Show it the strength that has been hiding...
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 mottle the katana.
He spilled to the ground in a moaning heap. Through the heaviness now weighing down his form, Zack lifted his head just enough to see the warrior advancing.
The Soldier raised to bloodied knees. A face of sheer horror turned pleading.
"Seph!" he begged, anguished tears pricking at his eyes. "Stop! It's me, Zack! Snap out of it!"
But Sephiroth continued to approach him, the words rolling off his back like rainwater. He pressed his sword against the other's quivering skin. All but oblivious to the agony-stricken orbs beseeching to be heard.
"You naive dullard," he snarled — a very inhuman snarl, "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 grip 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, pathetic creature."
Zack was encased in ice. The other's words lodged into open wounds; crawling into a bruised 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 have 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.
Zack shook his head, refusing to meet the stranger's eyes. "No... 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.
Zack was sent on another hurtling journey. He collided yet again with the metallic surface, hastily greeted by a 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 Soldier's mouth smeared among the art, reddened saliva spurting between his gasps.
"Seph..." he sobbed through the assaults, "come back..."
"Mother was supposed to rule this planet," Sephiroth monologued, continuing to play with his food. "Until you, you humans... took it away it from her. I have orders to take this planet back, and no one will get in my way!"
Zack 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. It all made sense now... His shift in demeanor, the nonsense he was spewing...
Masamune took another merciless trip down his back. Nausea returned at 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. He had to get up and defend himself.
But... could he even bear to fight Seph?
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 slit had left its legacy.
Zack crawled forward, clutching his bulky hilt as he eased himself to a stand. He twisted around. Sephiroth was sprawled along the metal, face buried in the carmine. Lengthy, silver tresses were 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 it was brought 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, regarding the Mako abyss below. He was being driven to an edge.
With no other choice, Zack leapt into the air and 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 these words. This is the way it is meant to be. Only bliss, you and me.
Sephiroth overpowered the other. "LIAR!"
Zack faltered, immediately met by a ruthless slit to the forehead. Warm crimson trickled down his features, unsightly vertigo attempting to be his end. He regained his balance just as another slash was fired. He parried.
"C'mon, 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!"
"You know nothing!" Sephiroth flared, baring his twisted snarl.
By now, the warrior resembled nothing less than a vile, feral animal. Crimson filtered through his jaws and rolled down rabid gums. It gleefully spilled off his chin, bathing leather and metal in the surrogate froth. The gash on his neck had reopened, now oozing with an emetic concoction of blood and Mako. His eyes were wild and consumed. Devoid of any humanity or light, they festered with the need to kill.
Zack swallowed hard. Whatever was currently diseasing his friend's mind, it had physical symptoms... and they were escalating fast.
The brunet wanted to scream. He wanted to wake up in his bed, rush into Seph's quarters and fly into his arms. He wanted to be assured that it was nothing but a nightmare.
More than anything, he wanted to slaughter this hatred-infested imposter that dared to call himself Sephiroth.
No... he had to remember what he was fighting for. No matter how far away, no matter how buried he seemed... it was still Seph under there. He needed him. And he couldn't lose sight of that.
Zack returned to his horrid reality. "You're not yourself, Seph!" he shouted, weaving under the other's hounds. "Even if you can't see that, I can!"
"You're blind!" snapped the warrior. He struck again, nearly driving Zack to the beam's margin. "As you've always been! You think filthy humans like yourself deserve to walk upon this planet? You think I would ever care for something as pathetic and naive as you? You think I ever have?!"
The brunet hobbled, forced to bend partially-exposed muscle as he fought for equilibrium. Zack blinked back the tears.
"It's okay..." Seph had solaced, watching as Zack sank into his shoulder. The brunet cried his heart out, lamenting over the loss of his dear mentor. They sat together on the younger man's couch, where Sephiroth had first found him in this condition.
He felt something then: a sense of fraternal responsibility. It was so foreign, so strange to hug someone. He knew that he could never fill the molds of Angeal, and he was never going to try. Zack would never see him as such, anyway. It was not in his nature to be cordial.
Yet, he wanted to give him comfort. As much as he could possibly offer. Zack had done so much for him... tried to help scab over wounds of his own. it pained him to see the other so distraught. And he would do anything in his power to ensure that it never happened again. Sephiroth held him close.
"I will always protect you..."
This time, Zack took the offensive. He sprang forward, pressing his blade against the slimmer weapon. He stared confidently into the beast's eyes.
"You don't know what you're saying!" the Soldier asserted. "It's this thing, it's feeding you all this crazy stuff! You can't keep listening to it!"
My dear son, you can always listen to me... You know I would never harm you. I am so proud of you... protecting me from this monster. It is suffering... watch it suffer...
Zack's heart shriveled then. He watched, speechless as the daggers rattled in their sockets. It was the first time he had gotten a clear look at them.
"You're-you're in so much pain..."
In an instant, the knives stabled. They sharpened to pinpricks.
"My pain?" Sephiroth's voice was darker and more unforgiving than ever. "I have nothing to be pained over! I have been chosen to rule this planet, and many others to come! I will have everything I could ever want or need! And that includes exterminating your disgraceful kind!"
Zack didn't have time to respond.
His mouth fell agape. The brunet lowered his gaze, blood coursing out as if salivation. He was horrified at what awaited him, yet knew exactly what had been done.
Masamune had incised his torso. It remained there, lodged in the helpless Soldier's abdomen. He could no longer call to the other. As blood irrigating the drought in his throat, words caught in the flood. Sephiroth's glower warped into a sadistic sneer.
"Now you will endure the pain that I have longed suffered."
This one shall slaughter with savor. Slowly, my son...
Sephiroth withdrew his blade, now shimmering in the glint of tear-stained blood.
Very good... Continue.
Zack gasped for air, grateful for the breath of life that had been granted.
There was little time to appreciate it.
Sephiroth slashed, this time aiming only for the beam below. The wearing metal sliced into two as Zack was sent plunging with the descending half.
The Soldier yelped, gaping at the approaching ground. He looked up and pleaded 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 further away with each passing second.
Until, it all ended. Zack slammed into vicious metal, a now severed beam plummeting into the chasm.
Sweltering agony surged through his nerves. Zack's foot mangled into a horrendous figure. His bone was left to prod against the skin as it now laid visible, pecking through his flesh like a spur. Yards from his reach, Buster Sword followed.
Feeble, virtually inaudible sobs choked from Zack's lips. In a fruitless effort, he commanded his joints to bend. But it was to no avail; wounded 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.
It 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.
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, 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 clenched his 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. He feebly cuffed the familiar wrist, his fingers trembling.
"Don't touch me!" Sephiroth snapped in revulsion. He slashed at Zack's hand, further adding crimson to the scene.
Zack braced his eyes as another hiss tore 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 a 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 stiffened, time freezing at the sudden action. He had been affected.
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.
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!
Sephiroth was thrown back into the present. He hoisted the katana for the final time, bringing it to hover over the brunet's pregnable back.
Zack was unfazed by the motion. He wasn't afraid.
"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 images flashed before his mind's eye. Why... why was he going to kill this human? It would please Mother. He must. Yet... it was...
Familiar...
Sapphire cracked open. Zack's heart raced, feeling the tension lifted from his spine.
The sword had been 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. His words cracked in the grapple.
"N-no..."
You dare defy your destiny?!
Zack stumbled backwards as Sephiroth straightened in a jolt. Leather hands flew to his head, leaving Masamune to be freed. The warrior backed away — his movements disoriented.
Zack caught himself, watching the spectacle in shock. Despite being unable to hear the battle in its entirety, the scene was perfectly clear. His heart gathered speed.
FINISH WHAT HAS BEEN STARTED!
Sephiroth shook his head, fiercely trying to buck off the uninvited rider. A 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 friend. "I know you're stronger than it! Stronger than anything!"
YOU ARE MY PUPPET, RULER OF THIS PLANET! YOU OBEY ME, AND YOU WILL KILL THIS DISGRACE!
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. 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!" Zack's visage thawed then. "No. You're more than that..."
Vigilantly, he 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 into a dismantled hurricane. Again Sephiroth clutched his head, swept along in the blinding gusts.
A human... He was fighting... and it was beside him. It was sitting with him... laughing... It was...
THIS BOND! THIS HORRENDOUS, MONSTROUS BOND! IT WILL BE BROKEN FOREVER!
...It was mauling him... mocking him... It was a monster... a scientist's pet... Monsters deserved to be slay... just as this one...
...It was running after him... pleading for him to return... He was in an endless darkness... and it was refusing to leave him... This human... no... this person... It was...
He was...
Emerald eyes snapped open as time froze once more. His jaws struggled to part.
"Z-Zack..."
Unsealable wounds began to stitch. To hear the recognition 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. I'm right here..."
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, engulfed in a world of black and white. All while Mother's... no... Jenova's shouts fought for infiltration.
Sephiroth tensed to stone, 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 upper half laid separate at her feet, azure blood simply trapped in the socket. After centuries of containment, it was long past congealed.
Sephiroth, however, was the most affected.
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, JUST AS ALL THE REST! NOW WE SHALL BOTH MEET OUR END!
Zack was reduced to a mere crawl as he dragged himself to the other. Splinters of glass attempted to obstruct his path, lodging into his skin like scorpions. Of course, he pushed forth anyway.
But before he could make it, it all stopped.
Sephiroth collapsed into an argent mass. Zack was taken aback by the fall, swaying aside to avoid being crushed. As he steadied, the situation then came into focus. And his blood ran cold.
"Seph...?" Zack's voice leaked with uncertainty. He laid a lacerated-free hand on his friend's shoulder. There was no response.
"Seph!" Zack repeated. The limp form was shaken. Nothing.
Tears returned to the aqua orbs. 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. Then, using his drained, remaining strength, the brunet heaved Sephiroth into his lap.
Jenova was dead. Her reign of terror would end 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. 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 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 unfair 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. "It's all my fault..." he grieved, weeping like that of a lost, lonely puppy. "I'm sorry, Seph... I'm so sorry..." 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 came to life. 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, his emotions caught in the uncertain orbs.
"...Seph?"
A slow, feeble blink. "Zack..."
His face melted to dough.
He enfolded Sephiroth in a fierce embrace, pulling him close. Torrents ran down his features as Zack clutched at the person he thought had been lost forever. A cage unbarred in his heart.
"You did it..." he sniveled as the rapids calmed, "you remembered...!"
Strong arms were brought around the brunet's back. Sephiroth slumped into his 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. No longer did a veil shroud his vision. No longer was a voice whispering to him, drowning out all other sound until they were nothing more than drones. No, 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 mercilessly 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 whom he had vowed to protect with his life. And Zack had promised the same.
"Zack..."
"I know. I know..." Zack burrowed into the silver nest, his cheeks still damp. "I'm here, pal. I got you..."
Sephiroth clutched at the other. Clutched as if the moment he let go, Zack would be taken away. 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.
"I... I didn't want to..."
"I know. I know you didn't, bud."
His voice shuddered as realization struck then. "Oh man..." Zack choked, the tears resurfacing. "Why... why did I leave you there...?" He took a deep breath. "I'm never leaving your side again, Seph... Never. We're a team, you and me. And that's the way it's always gonna be."
Sephiroth tried to level his speech, but still it cracked. "Good..." was all he said.
Never in a million years would he ever want to rely on someone for safety. But now, as he was overcome by an emotion so foreign to him, he realized just how much he needed it. For the first time in his life, he was afraid.
Sephiroth remained silent, lost in the sanctuary of the embrace. Until, his eyes fell onto his friend's form; onto the several gashes and bruises that marred it. Again he felt sick — knowing deep down, why they were there and who inflicted them.
"I promised... I promised that I would always keep you safe..." The rest was slurred in an indistinguishable mess. It was all too much to handle.
"Hey, hey," Zack's countenance softened, brushing some blood out of the other's locks. "I couldn't feel any safer than I do right now; with my best buddy, back by my side."
Sephiroth swatted the last of the rain away. It was unfathomable to believe, but it seemed to be true; Zack didn't hate him. Zack wasn't going to let go. Zack wasn't going to leave him here to die, despite how warranted Sephiroth believed it to be. Somehow, they had been reunited.
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. But 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 arms of unconsciousness to carry him away.
If only they knew the bullet that had been dodged.