Fall in the Unseen Darkness
Okay, I read so many dying fictions ever since I had an Internet connection and I discovered Fanfictions. Lovely spring of ideas for my own writing . . depends on my beloved Plot Bunny.
Aaaanyway, I have no idea where am I. I was scared of the dark when I were a child. . can't really blame me since I lived in the Philippines.. . on the mountains of Antipolo. The place was filled with trees. . I mean huge trees, gorgeous forestry. Yes, I love the place, its my birthplace even if the children were always forced to be inside their homes. Supernatural beings usually took a walk by night time and yes, I had been one of the unfortunate souls that they always greet.
It drives our resident hilot crazy since those Spirits visited me on the weekly basis. By the end, they all stopped when Nanay Mary did this thing. . .tawas? (I don't mean the powder kind used on your armpits) via candle smoke and a plate. I never listen on how exactly it is done but the paper pressed on the plate was stuffed in my pillow. From then on, no spirits, no black dwarves, no tikbalang visited the well beside our house where I use to play.
Quick recap, my older brother and my baby sister can see Spirits. Our younger brother, CJ had no such problems, I envy him on that regard. Just feeling them is similar in seeing them. . . not that it matters anymore.
Why, you ask after the rambled so long? Well, earlier (what time is it, anyway? Is been too long? Where am I.? ) was the first Anniversary of our Mom's death. No, she didn't die because of Corona Virus. Its High Blood. . couple with intense heat. And viola! One erupted blood vessel.. . drowning my Mom in blood.
Not funny.
Where am I? Oh, yes. Visiting Mom. I joined my family to visit. . and watched them cry over her grave. I don't know why. . but does it make me a bad daughter if I don't cry? Sure, I will. . and always miss her. I want to cry too but my tear ducts refused. Even back then, I did not cry to much while my sister is on the verge of dehydrating herself from crying too much.
I am Fucking. Rambling.
Anyway, like I said earlier, I read too much dying fics where Insert Self here would find themselves in their favorite (sometimes not so favorite ) Anime, books and Games. They speak about meeting someone granting them the ability to mess on that dimension. Huh. Some with Gamer abilities. . not bad but I. . I don't know if I could do it myself. Don't get me wrong, I wrote two self insert fics myself . . it just. . ugh! How could I explain this without confusing anyone?!!
Before I could rant out even more, the darkness was replaced by green. My hands went towards my neck as I could feel something choking me. It is unclear how I died but I do remember choking on something.
Blood. . smoke or what? I have no idea.
My mouth opened without any orders from me. . swallowing something. It burned, Gods it burns as I felt my body being rearranged into something new.
adaptadaptadapt.What?!
Something new built from ashes.
Um, excuse me.. .?
WAKE UP
I opened my eyes as I pulled myself out of . . whatever had been my bed for a while. Coughing harshly, I laid on the cool floor trying to catch my breath.
The only thing I could hear was my harsh breathing. Once I could breath without any pain, I slowly raised myself into a sitting position. Blinking my eyes, I was so shock finding myself inside a cave full of crystals. Looking around, dread filled my entire being as my eyes landed upon the pool I crawled up from.
Its. . Green.
"Holy fucking shit. A Mako spring." Oh dear Lord, All Father and Jesus Christ. . just. .No.
But my subconscious yells Hell, Yes!
Closing my eyes for a moment, I pushed all the panic and fear in a box somewhere and hid it. Taking calming breaths, I felt my panic subside before opening my eyes once again.
What do I remember?
Bits and pieces of memories from a woman named Claudia pop in my mind. They were happy memories filled about a cute blonde baby and I would rather eat the materia in my hand if the kid isn't Cloud Strife.
"That rather clear it up." I sighed as tried to stand up. My legs does not feel like a jelly anymore but my clothes were another matter.
It feels so sticky and ugh! Coming from me who usually spends the week not taking a bath if I'm fully engrossed in my Writer mode, that's saying something. Then again, I love my hot showers and Lola, yes, I already ate!
Anyway, I could ignore it for a moment. According to Claudia's memories, she--we were gathering some materia to sell once levelled up. The money or Gil would be then used to buy food and others while the remaining half will be saved for a Ticket in Midgar. Too bad she was killed by Sephiroth when he went insane because of Hojo, Jenova and that drama Queen Genesis.
Absolutely. Not. Happening. if she says so herself.
I read a few Fanfictions dedicated to Mama Strife. Several stories portrayed her as a loving mother and a compared her to a Nibel Dragon from the Under the Nibel Dragon's Wings of Gotham's_Only_Wolf. Cloaking Hojo with a steel pan is still on the list. I just need an excuse. Plus the plant food. That's absolutely brillant. Anyway, majority of those stories I read were happy to make Mama Strife so badass which I planned to do so myself.
I really don't like a few I read that disowned Cloud for being weak and gay to booth. Honestly!
Discussing my now son's sexual preference will be discussed later on. Along that his beloved mother is a reincarnation. . or did I replaced Claudia? Or rather her soul since she clearly died not in Mako poisoning but rather hitting the edge of the rock near the spring. Questions, questions. . too many questions that I had no answer.
As I made my way out of the Nibel Caves, I think about Aerith. I believe I could ask her or if Ifalna is still alive. Chaos could be asked in some cases, even through he is not that close to Gaia.
Speaking of Gaia. . there is no way in hell I will allow that figure to turn my baby into a mockery of a Counter Guardian! El Gardiano. . Alaya's Janitor like that annoyance named EMIYA who broke under his own ideals. I know I'm mixing things around here but if you noticed how similar Counter Guardians and Gaia's WEAPONS . . yeah, that.
My mind is already making plans but I shook my head. I need to halt for a moment. . since my mind is already working on long term plans. I need short terms . . like now. I need to know how long I needed since the clusterfuck aka events of the Crisis Core happened around the time Genesis defected ShinRa. . a few weeks after he was wounded by Sephiroth which triggered the Degeneration of dead J-cells.
And I should remind anyone reading this that I NEVER played the games. . I was planning on buying the REMAKE but did not have anytime to do so. Fanfictions is the one supplying my knowledge and few well read in Wikipedia.
Anyhow. . Nibelheim was. . full of snow.
And painful to the eyes. Enhanced senses is a bitch.
Ripping a strip of my skirt, I tied it over my eyes in remise of Gorgon Breaker of Medusa, minus the BDSM theme going on. I already noticed the change in my body so I could honestly say I can now Cosplay Rider if I want.
Now with a crude filter, my walk back to town was rather peaceful. My enhanced hearing alerted me if monsters were roaming around. I need to be careful since I do not know the full extent of my transformation and the true effects of my swimming.
I now know why SOLDIERS loved their enhanced senses. . and even the Turks were injected with a bit of Mako. Coupled with my ability to blend in the background, (but not to the level of a certain red gunman with several split personalities) I made my way back in Claudia's-- no, my house without any townspeople knowing any better.
The house was quiet, I noticed. However, my ears cannot hear any sound beside me alerting me that Cloud isn't back. Placing the basket down the table, I removed the blindfold since I'm inside. I took a bath to clean myself from the gunk of mako crystallizing its way over my skin.
Changing into another set of well worn dress, I looked on my image in the mirror. What used to be my black hair is now spiky blonde making me smile a bit. My eyes was the rather big deal since unlike Cloud's in AC, my now blue eyes were rather darker blue with mako green rings.
"This will be rather hard to hide. . . how troublesome." sighing, I rub the towel over my waist length hair. As I made my way to the small kitchen, I was rather surprised that I still know where the things were placed.
Don't get me wrong, the Strife House was small, way smaller than the house I lived for the past twenty three years. . with my adopted parents. Yes, I was adopted by my Uncle when I was a baby. The funeral I attended? That was my biological mother's. Back to the topic, I made my way to the stove and checked the cupboards.
Hmm, there's enough food for at least two weeks. . woah, is that Nibel Wolf?! I. . .think I know what dinner will be.
What I'm really craving was hot chocolate.
Closing the cupboard, I think I put too much strength on it since it slammed rather loudly. The loud sound made me clap my hands over my ears and plead the Gods to make it stop ringing. It took a couple of seconds but the pain finally stopped.
"Enhanced strength, right."
Mindful of my movements, I manage to make the drink I was craving for. Glancing on the clock earlier, it was nearing lunch so I start preparing food for me and Cloud if he comes home.
The thought made me pause for a moment. I read that SOLDIER senses was strong enough to hear conversations from far away. Trying it, I focused on my hearing.
". .heard Claudia might be dead."
Yep, can hear them juuust fine. Please note the sarcasm here.
". .well, its been a week. What about the Strife boy?"
"Mayor Lockhart might just let him stay on that house. Nobody likes him anyway."
"Maybe you're right. That boy is a menace, I tell you."
What the fuck is this, Harry Potter rip off?! The vibe is similar to Privet Drive after all.
"He is a Strife. You know how it is."
Oh for the love of whose Holy! Not this shit!
I stopped listening, thus sparing them from my wrath. If I was upset that Sephiroth burned this place down at first. . now. . now. . hearing them speak things towards my son is unforgivable. I might be new in this whole reincarnation shit but Cloud. Is. My. Son. Remaining in this highly toxic environment might be one of the reasons Cannon! Cloud is so damn emo.
Running my fingers upon my hair, I turned around and finished my cooking, mindful of my strength. A half remembered song slipped from my lips.
"It's impossible to drown in the rain",
even so, it feels like it's hard to breathe.
"We live for the sake of dying someday",
if that is so, if that is so,
we'll never break again. Never. Never. Never.
Let the unbroken bells of our hearts resound
everything will be covered by dark clouds
and smeared with mud.
Let us draw a line inside the maze
that obstructs the path of the world now.
This line will be the overlapping map
he flower that blooms for the sake of illuminating you.
And woah. Mama Strife had the Voice!
"Ma?"
My body ran through autopilot. In 0.5 seconds, I had a ten year old Cloud Strife in my arms, crying his little heart out.
"Ma. . ma. ." Cloud cried, fisting her dress.
"Shh, my little Nibel. . I'm here. ." I murmured in his ear, pressing a soft kiss on top of his spiky hair. "I'm sorry. . Mama had gotten lost in the road of life. ." fucking understatement of the year I thought in exasperation.
"Road. . of *sniff* life?" The boy blinked.
"Well, yes." I wiped his tears but halted when I saw a darkening bruise on his left eye. "Storm Cloud. . please tell me you did not hit the door knob."
He flinched, making me sigh. I did remember one of the materia I picked up was a Cure so I urge Cloud to take a seat, served him a mug of chocolate with liberal amounts of marshmallows before pulling out the said materia.
According to what I read, in order to use Materia, you will feed it with your Mana Points or MP. Focusing my. .MP on the crystalized life stream. . I guided the power on Cloud's black eye.
Green magic washed over the boy making him sigh in relief. Blinking, I looked over the Materia as my mind supplied that I used Cure2 rather than Cure1.
Oh well.
"I want to speak about something important later, Cloud." Decisions, decisions, I eyed my son who was looking at me with hidden calculation. Taking a sip of my drink, I took a gamble. "How was Marlene and Denzel?"
The mug shattered.
"I-I'm sorry, Ma. My hand slipped." Cloud rambled, about to stand up to clean the mess.
"Later. Please do calm yourself, Storm Cloud. Your heart is beating too loudly and making my head ache. I know we need to talk but we can do it tomorrow. I just wanted to laze and cuddle around you." I told him, my fingers snapping.
The mess was banished, making me stare in disbelief on the now clean floor. Frowning, I flipped my hair a bit. "Gabriel, activate."
A familiar brooch made its appearance in front of me. I only seen Gabriel upon the sketches I made over my story. The appearance of that Fusion Weapon made my self impose mission easier.
And. . if I manage to traumatized my son for cackling rather evilly, well, sue me.
"You're scaring the kid, Mistress." Gabriel spoke out of the blue.
"Sue me. I thought I would be useless here." I rolled my eyes. "I had no plans on being used as BBQ by an Insane Sephiroth, thank you very much."
"As if you would stay dead."
"What do you mean?" Both Cloud and I stared at Gabriel who took form of a Fairy version of a certain marshmallow addict. Yes, Byakuran.
"According to Lady Minerva, sending Gaia's Champion back in time is not enough." Gabriel pulled out his stash of marshmallows and chewed one. "She needed another one to ground Cloudy here. . since you know what exactly happened to him." I nodded, knowing what he meant. "You were a random soul that was picked up, Grace. Your ability to write is also taken to consideration. . . that is why you have me as your support."
"Grace?" Cloud repeated.
"Yes. I was not kidding when I said I gotten lost in the road of life. I mean it in literal case unlike the catchphrase of Hatake Kakashi." I slumped over my chair. "Can we talk after we ate? Its just. . it would be a rather long story."
"Okay," the boy decided. "But. . you're still my Ma, right?"
The sheer vulnerability of my son's voice broke my heart. Pulling him into a hug, I told him my answer.
"I might not be the Ma you know but do remember this." I looked over his eyes that now resembles mine with Mako shine. "I love you. I know we just met today but I already love you from the bottom of my heart. I would glady tear the idiots who would try to hurt you, even if I need to share Hojo to several people. I'm new in this whole reincarnation thing but I will do my best to stay and support you. No questions asked . . as long as it won't backfire on you." I sigh and pressed my forehead on his. "I won't be dying soon, my Cloud. I want to see you happy. And I will try my goddamn best to steer you away from being a full pledge Anti- social emo." Here, Cloud snickered. "And I still want a private show on that dance you did in the Honey Bee Inn. Minus the cross dressing. But if you are willing to dress up for me. . " I trailed off and smirked darkly when I saw him pale rather quickly. "What did you say to Tifa again? Oh yes! I do remember now!"
"Nail it, Moving on. THANK YOU!" Both Gabriel and I recited before bursting out laughing upon the now blushing boy.
"Piss off!!" Cloud exclaimed, complete with foot stumping.
I feel on the floor laughing my guts out.
Grace and Cloud wiped clean the food she prepared earlier. Gabriel told her that he was fully equipped and her inventory was filled to brim. Once the dishes were washed and dried on the counter, the two created a sort of pillow fort in the living from . . the items came from Grace's inventory.
Grace and Cloud are now wearing a pair of pikachu onsei making the woman snickered. She was happy to see that she had all her gadgets even though she was scratching her her head about the money.
"Where did this came from, Gabriel?"
"Stolen from Don Corneo's Vault, why?"
"Ah, just asking. How much?"
". . I did not check. But its more than enough for five lifetimes. . add the fact that Books and Jewerlies cost more than the money, anyway."
"I see, thank you, Gabriel." Grace then turned at her son. "Start designing Fenrir, Darling. If you're good, you will have her back before your fifteenth birthday."
Huge blue eyes stared at her in awe. "Really? But Fenrir cost is rather expensive!"
"Eh, we had too much money courtesy of Gabriel. If my hunch is correct, I knew where half of these came from." She shrugged, throwing her camera back inside her version of Armagider. "Gabby, why can I use my character's abilities? Not that I mind, of course. . but the sheer overkill of their combined powers were ridiculous that I was forced to divide them."
"Naah, not really. You're not a Master of Death for one. . just an unfortunate soul who got reincarnated. . but you do have fuctional magical core so there's that." Gabriel waved his hand in dismissal. " What can I say, is that Recreation of Yin-Yang is one of your Limit Breaks. You had Four, . . and your welcome."
"Holy shit. Beside that, what I am?"
"Queen's Harmony."
"Oookay, I'm fine with that." Grace folded her arms over her. .ahem. . generous assets. "Queen's Harmony is my created Limit Break. Its main objective is to protect . . . and annihilate enemies that enters the Fort." She explained to her clueless son.
"And Recreation of Yin-Yang?"
"Its overkill. By the word Recreation, I could try and remake anything as long as I knew its origin, and history. I am not familiar on how First Tsurugi is made so. . I apologize if he looks . . ugh, a pale imitation." A copy of First Tsurugi appeared at Grace's hands. "Sorry."
"Its okay, Ma. At least you tried." Cloud pat her cheek affectionately.
"First Tsurugi is resting on the chibi Cloud's own Armagider." Gabriel snapped his fingers, presenting a smaller version of Armagider for Cloud. "If you got another bracer, it won't hinder the Armagider so you can use them both."
"Thank you, Gabriel." Cloud worn the Item and sigh in relief. "I feel naked without it."
"I. . cannot share the sentiments but knowing how shitty your life is, I do understand a bit." Grace picked up a pillow and hugged it. "I never had such problems back home. . and I never killed someone in cold blood or self defense. We never had monsters. .but I think I could adapt.. . truth to be told. .I think I won't bat an eyelash if I killed someone, mainly scums and rapists."
"I just want you to be safe, Ma." Cloud cuddled with her. "How old are you?" He was curious.
"Never ask a woman about her age, sweetie, you might get slapped. But since you asked nicely, I am twenty- three."
"You're in the same age as me?!"
"Preeety much, yeah."
"This is going to be awkward."
"Not really." Grace wrapped her arms over him. "You might be twenty three mentally but your body is a ten year old child. Your body's age will bleed to your subconscious, that's why you felt the need to throw a tantrum earlier. Also, I don't mind if you treated me as your elder sister in oppose of being your mother. . in the privacy of our home or just in private. That's what I do to my adoptive father, anyway."
"Hm, okay." Cloud paused, thinking of his questions carefully. "You are. . pretty cool about this."
"It haven't sunk yet. Give me a few hours, I'll start screaming." She admitted. "Never thought those self insert fics would happen to me, anyway. . . and that you're a time traveler. Makes my job. .. A bit easier." Grace yawned. "Let's take a nap, shall we? Its our lazy day today and other important and not so important questions will be tackled tomorrow."
Cloud didn't answered and just snuggled at her.
"Sweet dreams, guys. I'll do a quick recon."
"Bye. ."
Next day,
"That Goddamn SOB!!"
The racket woke Cloud up from his sleep. Its been years since he had a good long sleep without any nightmares. Ignoring the said racket, the so called Gaia's Champion stayed on the pillow fort and assimilated his memories of yesterday.
Learning that he was send back to heal the Planet is shocking already. . but learning his mother Claudia is been replaced by Grace, who was another soul killed too early and was thrown in the mess of Gaia as back up. . is a bit bitter pill to swallow.
Cloud did not fully remember his mother. Its been too long and the experiments of Hojo muddled his memories. He was content on not remembering until he was slammed back in time.
"Good morning, Cloudy~" the boy blinked seeing the woman who is now his mother. Part of him was upset that he will never see Claudia again but the bigger part was glad that. . this is a different person. He loves his mother, don't get him wrong but. . the Claudia he knew is not. .always there. .if you know what he means.
"Hello~ Earth to Cloud. . .!!"
Mrs. Claudia Strife might had been a good mother but she was always exhausted. Raising a child in a close minded place such as Nibelheim is exhausting especially for a single mother. Sure, she did her best but Nibelheim is a toxic environment and he meant the people beside the reactor.
A rather hard poke in the forehead woke him up from his musing. "Ow!"
"You might look so adorable while you frown but breakfast is getting cold." Grace rolled her eyes in exasperation. She kissed his cheek, startling him. "Go on, wash up, sweetie. We had an over due talk after breakfast."
"Okay." Cloud gave her a smile before kissing her cheek shyly.
"You know, I am a rather affectionate person. I know that I am the complete opposite of Claudia and that. . you are not used on such affections." Grace folded her hands on her lap, making the boy blink. "You can. . you know. . ask me to stop. . if you want?"
Cloud shook his head. "No, its okay, Ma. We are building new memories. . since I really don't remember my past. . before Hojo, I mean."
"If you say so. Speaking of Hojo. ." she paused. "Do you think your friend Aerith can manipulate the life stream of a person in order to infuse them on the soil used in her garden? I find it amusing to use Hojo as a plant food . . and I swear it would cause him pain for long, long time."
"I. . I think Aerith and Vincent would like that."
Grace cannot help but to giggle.
"Of course they would. ."
After Breakfast, the Strife family made their way to the Shinra Mansion. More than few townspeople did a double take seeing a new version of Claudia walking around beside Cloud wearing a rather tasteful white coat and boots. . aka Irisviel von Einzebern's traveling dress. Cloud was wearing a similar one, albeit for boys and in deep charcoal color.
"How can you walk around in snow with a pair of high heels?" Cloud asked as he tug his hood over his head.
"Liberal use of magical bullshit." Grace replied cheerfully. She had her eyes covered with Gorgon Breaker to filter her sight. "However, I do need pointers on controlling my sight. Don't get me wrong, I like enhanced senses but being new in this is annoying! I cannot go around walking with a blindfold looking like a BDSM wet dream. Sephiroth is enough, ya know?"
Cloud snickered as his cheeks burn in embarrassment. Grace told him she likes do to cosplaying with her friends back home.. And that she was planning on Cosplaying Servant Rider of Fate/Stay Night. Seeing Medusa's custome won't be out of place in the Honey Bee Inn.
"Aw, Little Storm Cloud is blushing ~"
"Stop teasing me, please."
"But poking you is fun!" Finally arriving in the Gates, she paused a bit and listened. "Hear that, darling?"
"Yes. . . it has less monsters but no doubt powerful." Cloud agreed as they jumped over the fence.
"Gabriel, stand by. Nameless Dagger." Grace did not bother to remove her blindfold. She could see just fine beside the darkness.
By the help of Gabriel, Grace and Cloud manage to shrunk First Tsurugi into a kiddie size. The boy is now busy cackling a few feet away as he familiarised himself with his own weapon. Grace meanwhile, is taking herself slowly as she battled a few monsters on her own.
And let me tell you, real life monster extermination is a fucking BITCH especially if you are a NOOB.
The mother and son duo manage to clean up the monsters on the first two floors. Grace was rather surprised when she saw first hand how the monster corpse shattered and absorbed by the life stream . . leaving items and Gil behind.
"So, how was that?"
"Its fun. . but I need more experience. Unlike you, we don't have this kind of shit."
"You know how to fight."
"Yes. My siblings and I were all Black belts in Taekwando and I had a gun licence. Plus, both Cindy and I, that's my younger sister, joined gymnastics for shits and giggles." Grace wince a bit as she felt pain on her joints. "Seems my stretches were not enough. Training is a must, yahoo. ."
Cloud laughed softly hearing his mother's sarcastic humor.
Making their way in the basement, the boy took Grace's hand when she stopped walking. She was about to remove Gorgon Breaker but he prevent her so.
"Ma. .no. ."
"I. . I want to see it, Cloud. Allow me." Removing the blindfold, Grace faltered as she'd taken her first look of those tubes.
"Ma. ."
Seeing this tubes in the movie is way different in person. I . . I felt weak. .as I tried to prevent my breakfast leaving my stomach.
Glancing on the Mako tube that imprisoned my son and Zack for five years. .
"Ma, let me do it." Cloud rubbed my back as I emptied my stomach in an alcove. My tears mixed with vomit as I banished the mess.
The full implications on my reincarnation is finally sinking in. Human experimentation. . drugs, politics and what not. . I cannot wait to send Jenova out of the world.
"Staying sane in this world might be difficult." I admitted as I fixed myself. Accepting the bottle of water my son had given to me, I rinse my mouth to wash out the vomit from my mouth. "However, I'm more of a detach person and I have an outlet. This shit is enough for me to fuel a rather twisted scifi fiction."
"Mama, are you sure you will be okay?"
"I WILL be. Don't worry." I took a deep breath, called out Nameless Dagger and brutally destroyed those tubes. "I will not break. I will not. Even if the morrow is barren of promises,
Nothing shall forestall my return,
To become the dew that quenches the land,
To spare the sands, the seas, the skies,
I offer thee this silent sacrifice."
"What. . what was that?"
"Loveless Act V, Genesis version."
Cloud could see that Grace is forcing herself to continue. He wanted to leave her in the second library where the files about Jenova and Sephiroth were so she could rest but Grace shook her head no.
"I. . I don't want to be alone. Let's wake Vincent up." With shaky steps, they did arrived on the right coffin.
It was black and . .chained to the max. Cloud easily sliced the chains as Grace used her strength to open the lid.
Revealing a still sleeping Legendary ex-Turk Vincent Valentine, aka Sharpshooter, Host of Chaos, Gallian Beast, and Hellmasker. CHAOS Weapon. . Lucretia Crescent's ex and Sephiroth's father.
"Why? Just why all good looking men I met were unavailable?" Grace muttered as her hand gently touch's Vincent's cheek. "Good morning, Mr. Valentine. Its time to wake up."
A pair of crimson eyes met hers. She could feel her cheeks burn as she pulled her hand back. "Mr. Valentine. . we need your expertise."
Behind Grace, Cloud narrowed his eyes. This is NOT how Vincent acted when he first woke him up in the future.
"Mr. Valentine?"
Vincent carefully sat up from the coffin. "Who are you?" He asked Grace. "Chaos says you are a new soul."
"I used to be known as Marigold Grace Aveline." She folded her hands over her lap. "I do not know how I died. . I'm not yet ready to know it. I woke up yesterday in the bottom of a Mako Spring . . based on its darker color, its concentrated. . and I had been stuffed at the body of Claudia Strife, Cloud's mother. She had been missing for the past week."
Vincent merely watched her, eyes flashing between red and gold. Grace squeak in embarrassment went the dark haired man took her wrist and bit it.
"VINCENT!" Cloud exclaimed as Grace slapped her free hand over her mouth, face flushing resembling a ripe tomato. "What the hell?! Let go of my mother, you Vampire Reject!"
Vincent . . more likely Chaos removed his fangs from Grace's wrist. The wound closed up, only leaving a tattoo of a full bloomed marigold flower.
Once her wrist is free, a rather loud slap gave Chaos a concussion.
"What the hell was that, you pervert?!" Grace exclaimed, cradling her wrist on her chest.
"Now, I'm a pervert? Now, now, don't you think that a bit of harsh?" Chaos spoke, his voice filled with mirth as he healed his concussion. "However, its nice to see you again, Marie. ." he purred.
Both blondes shivered.
"Did you really had to purr my name like that?!" Grace complained. "And how did you know my nickname?! Beside that, please don't purr my name! You're giving Cloud and I nightmares!"
"No promises, my dear. You're so fun to tease. . even the Host shares my amusement."
"Please desist on using Sir Vincent as your scapegoat, Chaos."
"Such cruel words coming from your lips is hurting me. ."
"Ang kapal naman ng mukha mong bwisit ka." The Filipino words slipped from Grace's lips, her glare could only send this moron six feet under. . .grr! "Anyway, we wish to speak with Sir Vincent, not you, Chaos. Just. . . please!"
Behind Grace, Cloud raised First Tsurugi's dual blades, smiling darkly and full of murder.
Chaos paused before deciding. The two blondes were seconds from nailing him to the wall anyway.
Golden eyes were replaced with familiar crimson making the two calmed down.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Vincent rub his cheek. That slap was rather strong.
"I'm sorry for slapping you, Sir Vincent." Grace poke her pointer finger together. "But I'm not sorry on decking Chaos."
"I do not know why he is interested on you in the first place, Mrs. Strife. My apologies.." Vincent gotten out of the coffin with a little difficulty.
"No, not your fault. I'll just ignore him." Grace gave him a warm smile. "Marigold Grace Aveline, but I go now as Grace Strife. This is my son, Cloud. I never thought I will have a chance to meet you in person, Sharpshooter."
The man paused for a moment before accepting her offered hand. "Likewise. Chaos urges me to listen."
"Thank you. This will be a long story." Cloud said. "Ma, Vincent, we can continue this in our house or here?"
"We did kill the other monsters above. . but I do agree that this room is so dready. We can go to the second library where Hojo stashed his so called 'Research' materials about a certain bitch." Grace took hold of the males and basically dragged them out of the room towards the library.
Once they arrived, Grace pulled out a rather large picnic basket from nowhere.
"Snacks, provided! I don't know about you but I'm starving."
"We've been here all morning." Cloud spoke as he helped his mother prepared the snacks. Grace gave him this huge white and green picnic mat which he placed on the floor. "Join us, please." He glance at Vincent.
The ex-Turk nodded.
Snacks turned to late lunch when Grace glance over her wristwatch. The meal itself is rather filled with soft chatter as Gabriel filled them with what he manage to gather information.
". . six years is plenty of time." Grace said after swallowing her meal. "How was the Trinity?"
"Still okay. I copied the files and studies of both Hojo and Hollander if you are curious. I don't know if you can read this science jargon." Gabriel complained.
Grace puff her cheek in annoyance. "Excuse me! I do know my way around science even though its my weakest subject in College!" She picked up a serving of pudding and ate it. "And we have Vincent and you to decode them, ya know."
"I do not think I will be enough for this." Vincent pointed out.
"Hm, Cloud, do you know people we could trust? I really don't want to use slave bonds over a few scientists. ." Grace looked over her son.
"I could name a few. . ." Cloud replied. "My Avalanche had a few scientists on payroll."
"Give me the names, Gabby and I can start collecting them shortly after our base completed." Grace pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear before focusing her attention to Vincent. "Allow me to tell you a story, Vincent Valentine."
Vincent Valentine listened upon the story spoke by Grace. Cloud would add his own a bit but leaving majority of the story telling from the Strife Matriarch. It was a rather well created story. . and Chaos was sure that the two were not lying.
Time travel, Reincarnation. Two absolutely different things but bind together by a desperate planet in order to save itself.
". . Gaia does not care about humanity in general. If wiping the whole world so it can regenerate and heal. . it would do it so in a heartbeat." Grace took a sip of her drink before she continued. "I know this is a huge info dump, Vincent. . . I understand it's hard to believe. . heck, even I don't believe this shit." She shook her head. "But I'm already here. Gabriel told me I had a job to do but I am not doing it for Gaia. I do not even care about her! What I care is is to prevent my son going down the path of being a Counter Guardian, or a WEAPON in this world. They are more of a Janitors chained in their duties without an out."
"Marie is indeed correct, Host." Chaos spoke in his mind. "WEAPONS are just glorified janitors. . . following the will of Gaia like emotionless puppets."
"We need to stop Sephiroth from meeting Jenova." Cloud voice out his concern. "I know that he is your son, Vincent."
That was. ."Lucretia lied.."
"Yes, she did. If I met that woman, I'm going to slap the hell out of her." Grace glared at her mug making her miss the startled looks given to her by the boys. "Human experimentation gives me creeps, but doing it to a baby? A foetus?! How could she. . how dare she to play with someone's life?! I. . I can't. . dear Heavens and above I have no words to described how much I loath that woman. Children are sacred! To be cherished and loved to the bottom of your hearts. I might be aloof but I love kids. . I wanted my very own back then. . " Grace pulled Cloud into a tight hug as she cried softly.
Vincent could clearly understand where she is coming from. He is angry, don't get him wrong but his main priority is to kill Hojo. However, as his clawed hand gently wiped her tears, he will listen.
"Leaving her alone is out of the question, Host. Marie is MY priority next to your cub."
. . Why?
"She's mine. It always had been."
Care to explain it even further?
"Once she fully remembers her memories. ."
". . I will offer my help."
"Thank you, Vincent." Cloud replied still hugging his mother.
Three days later,
"So~ who'se going to drive?"
"I want to but I don't know how to drive in Gaia. . . and Storm Cloud is out of the question." Grace pouted as she closed the car's trunk softly. "So, that's kind of fast, getting a rest house in Gongaga."
"Not really. It had been on sale for five years. I was debating if I would buy an apartment in upper plate of Midgar."
"Can we go now, Mama?! I want to see Zack!!" Cloud was bouncing on his feet followed by Vincent.
"Okay, okay. Calm down, darling. If only portkey's don't make me feel queasy. ." Grace shook her head and adjusted her eyeglasses that she and Cloud had been wearing hiding their mako eyes. "Vince, can you play driver please?"
"Of course." The ex-Turk replied. "Are we leaving now?"
"Mn-hm. I already locked the house and Regalia is ready for transport. Still, If I just known how to create a Helicopter. . " Spending two days and one night abusing the hell out of her Limit Break Recreation caused her a raging headache. . or hangover? "I won't making any vehicles for a long, looong time. I never drank alcohol in my life but I could feel the effects of a hangover."
"Its okay. But really, you sure you're not a Mechanical Engineering Student?" Cloud asked, petting Regalia like he would do to Fenrir. "She's so gorgeous. . ."
"I tried to make her as original as possible. Regalia is the main vehicle of Prince Noctis in Final Fantasy XV; Brotherhood." Grace pressed the keys opening the car before passing it to Vincent. "I did adjust her speed limit and weapons for shits and giggles. Do excuse my words but if Rufus or Tseng sees this baby on her full capacity, the ride would be absolutely pleasurable ~" she gave her son a pout. "And for your information, I'm a Hotel and Restaurant Management Graduate with Journalism and Law."
Cloud start cackling evilly as he entered the car and worn the seatbelt. He was rather put out with the boaster seat but you know the roads of Nibelheim. Its rocky and slippery.
"How fast Regalia is?" Vincent asked once they are all inside the car.
Grace's smile is not for the faint heart.
"Why don't you see for yourself, Vince?"
Gongaga,
"Wohooo!! Mama, can I have Regalia until I'm old enough to drive Fenrir?!" Cloud was vibrating on his seat. Heavens, the usual trip from Nibelheim to Gongaga was eight weeks, and Regalia only did the trip in one solid week.
Yep! This baby is that fast.
The Grin of Vincent is absolutely demonic since part of being a Turk is being an adrenaline junkie.
"Thank Lord that I did not made her faster." Grace gotten out of the car with shaky steps. Good thing she forgo wearing high heels. Unlike Cloud, she had motion sickness so she spends the entire trip asleep.
At least, she merely looked like a miserable puppy who was denied of her treat.
"Why don't I have this motion sickness if I drive helicopters or motorbikes?!"
"That's the million dollar question." Gabriel stated the obvious back being her brooch.
Grace flipped him a finger making Vincent snort.
"Spike?!"
The trio turned around facing the owner of the said voice. Cloud was stunned seeing a twelve year old Zackary Fair too early but for the fact the other boy called him with that nickname.
"Oh gosh, Spike!!" Zack jumped over the blonde boy and pulled him into a hug.
",Zack, the purpose is to NOT send me back in the Life stream!"
"Oopps! Sorry, Spike! But really! I'm so happy to see you and you remembered!"
"I think we should continue this talk, inside. .shall we?" Grace called out as Vincent went back inside the car.
Zack finally noticed her. "Um, who are you again?"
"That's my Ma, Zack. Grace Strife." Cloud rolled his eyes as he playfully shove his best friend. "Ma, meet Zack, my best friend."
"Hello, Zack. Its a pleasure to meet my Storm Cloud's dearest best friend," Grace gave the boys a warm smile as she clapped her gloved hands near her chest. "Vince, you can go ahead, please. I want a walk."
"I'll see the three of you back."
"Hai, hai~"
"So~ Mrs. Strife, why do you look different?" Zack asked while he escorted the two blondes towards their new residence. . which is coincidentally two doors down his own house near the edge of Gongaga.
Grace blinked as she adjusted her green blouse and skirt. She had her coat tied in her waist as her now pale blonde hair was tied in a high pony tail.
"Look different. .ah! You did met my otherself in the other timeline." She hit Cloud with a cooling charm making the boy sigh in relief. "Sorry, darling! I forgot that Philippines and Gongaga had the same climate! I didn't noticed!"
"Thanks for cooling charms. ." Cloud threw his arms on the air.
"Anyway, I'm a reincarnated soul. I'm not originally here and yes. . I took over Claudia Strife's body. Let me tell you, waking in the bottom of a mako spring is painful." Grace shrugged. "My name is Marigold Grace Aveline, I go now as Grace Strife. Cloud and I thought its better for me to use my name than Claudia's. . easier to differentiate us."
"And its okay to you, Spike?" Zack turned to his friend.
"Yes. I really don't remember my Ma exactly. . you know, Hojo." Cloud admitted. "And the bits and pieces I remember. . she's not always there, Zack. With Mama, I had no problems since I think of them as two different people. . especially when Mama changed her hairstyle." The boys looked at Grace who pulled out a compact mirror combing those uneven bangs covering her entire forehead. "Also. . Mama told me I could have just easily treat her like an older sister."
"Cloudy was so shocked learning I'm only twenty three." Grace caught a leaf flying in the air. "Its a gamble when I noticed him looking at me in calculation. . not that I was planning on hiding the fact I am no longer the mother he once known."
"Aerith have not mentioned you, Mrs. Strife."
"Yare, just call me Tita Grace, Zack. Speaking of Aerith, I do need to speak with her later."
"Mama did not know why is she here exactly." Cloud told his friend. "Gabriel just said sending me back isn't enough so maybe that's the reason why Mama is here. . and maybe you too."
Zack nodded in understanding. Along the way, Grace suddenly stopped dead as Gabriel transformed into a seven foot scythe as she sliced the hell out of four Touch-me frogs that jumped out of nowhere.
The blonde woman's shriek was heard by Vincent all the way to the rest house while talking to Alric and Mika Fair.
"I knew it!! Hio de puta, I know I had forgotten something!!" Grace shivered in disgust as she cleaned Gabriel from those frog guts.
Yes, she had a severe Frog Phobia and it isn't funny. It all stems that one of her cousins thought it would be fun to pull his four year old cousin's dress and dump a couple of frogs on her.
Her cousin, Patrick was scolded to kingdom come since it traumatized Grace so bad that she would be either catatonic or fainting in fear seeing a frog.
Years of therapy might have elevated it to normal levels as she just now scream instead of fainting.
And now? Killing them without prejudice.
"What happened to Grace?" Vincent asked as they watched her in the living room, pouring over thick tomes that nobody could read since its in English.
"Touch Me happened. Mama had this extreme Frog Phobia and now she's busy creating a Ward against Touch Mes." Cloud explained while trying to understand English language. "Mama, how many languages do you know?"
"Japanese, Italian, Filipino, English, Latin, Cebuano, Bicol, a bit of French, German and Russian. My Korean is in need of work, since its my sister Cindy who was fluent on it along in writing and reading. She's obsessed in Koreanovelas." Grace chewed her pen. "I only know how to curse in Portuguese and Chinese. ."
". . just why?"
"I'm a novelist. . . and looks so fun to learn foreign languages that time. Papa allowed me to since my school had a course on it. Latin was for my Law studies and I gotten hook in Harry Potter Series."
"Is that the reason why you can speak Nibel easily?"
"Nibel sounds like German to me and I spend two years in Germany for my Journalism OJT. Gaia's Common language is Japanese so I don't have any problems."
"What about Gongagan?' Zack intercepted.
Grace frowned a bit. " A bit. . Filipino and English for me. I don't know but it sounds like back home from me. Naintindihan mo?"
Zack blinked. "Opo, bakit?"
"Huh, never thought my theory would work." She shrugged before focusing on her runes work. "What I do not understand is why I could read this runes easily. Gabby, any idea?"
"You absorbed the knowledge of two characters you made. One is Adeline Rhapsodos and the next one is the original Character you share the name to. I thought it was rather clear."
"Excuse me?!" Grace slammed her books rather hard as she faced Gabriel who was flying around her. "Adeline and Marie?! Marie is developed around me so I honestly did not notice but Adeline. . ?" She took off her eyeglasses. "Now I know why I had been carving for Dumbapples. . . along reciting Loveless when stressed. Adeline was an OC I made as Genesis love interest in my Fanfictions."
Cloud looked at his mother. "You're not going to seduce Genesis, are you?"
"Of course not! I don't fancy myself with redheads even if they're really good looking." Grace blushed a bit. "And. . I . . oh Gods nevermind."
"She likes them Tall, Dark and Mysterious. ." Gabriel revealed.
"GABRIEL!!" Grace rose to her knees giving Zack a view of her ass. "Let's stop talking about my Love life, or lack of thereof! We had more problems to deal with and I'm done with the Touch Me Wards!"
" You're so easy to tease. . Grace. " Gabriel cackled as she chased him around.
"NOT FUNNY!!!"
Gongaga is a lovely place. . beside its over abundance of *shivers* frogs. The mayor was so happy when Grace written the anti- Touch Me Ward and a minor Monster repellent ward around the town and paid for it.
Unlike Nibelheim, the townsfolk does not care if Grace is a single mother living with her son and bodyguard. (Which Vincent is) They adore Cloud too who was always seen playing with Zack almost every day.
"Geez, when I said enjoy the day, I did not mean go on the swamp and return home all muddy. .!" Grace raised the watering hose and blast the kids with it, making them laugh in mirth. "Honestly, how can you keep up with such hyper kid, Mika?"
"Practice." Mrs. Fair answered in a deadpan voice. "Lots and lots of practice."
Cloud was happy that both Vincent and Grace welcomed Alric and Mika Fair as their friends. The boy knew his mother is a bit lonely without any friends. . and he once saw her crying in her room while staring at her phone.
Its been two months since they left Nibelheim and moved to Gongaga. Its been. . okay having Zack back and just enjoying life.
Still. . coming home after playing with Zack that afternoon just to see a certain Red Commander having tea with his mother as they discuss about simulcast Materia theory coupled with snippets of war theory is a bit. . out of stretch.
". . . trying to combine Fire and Ice Materia creates steam so hot that it could be used as camouflage! Beside being used as an escape route, the steam burns enough to either give second or third degree burns."
"The MP cost would be a bitch."
"I know. I'm not saying use it yet, but I already made it. Steamburn is so easy to use. . or it's just me having too much MP." Grace looked at him. "Hi, Cloud! Welcome home."
"Hi, Mama." Cloud approached his mother and kissed her cheek. "I'm gone for a few hours and you brought a boy home?"
"Insolent boy." Grace flicked his forehead making him yelp. "Meet Lieutenant Commander Genesis Rhapsodos. Genesis, meet my son, Cloud Strife."
"Hey. ." Genesis smiled at them. "Your Mother is such a pleasant woman to talk to. ."
"Of course." Cloud bristled at the implications the older teen implied.
"He does not mean it like that, Storm cloud. Anyway, I took Regalia for a spin earlier and shopped at Midgar for a few hours. I'll return Genesis back after dinner." Grace wrapped her arms around Cloud. "I heard there is a new play about Loveless. . and its been a while since I last watched it."
"Did you brought tickets?"
"Yes. VIP for the four of us. . its this coming weekend so we had two days to buy our clothes."
"I hate SHOPPING!!"
Hiding behind the wall three rooms from the living room, Vincent opened his eyes and tilted his head a bit. Translating Grace's words is quite easy.
"Time to start the plan even its too early. "
Such a cunning woman.
"Quite refreshing, actually. Marie is a ruthless and cunning woman if needed." Chaos chuckled in his mind. "A poisonous flower that hides behind her beauty and sharp words."
Are you planning on telling me who she is exactly?
"No. The Queen shall not be named." It was Gallian Beast who answered. "But she is important. . and we hope you will find her important too."
I. . see.
"No, you don't. Not yet anyway."
Talking to Genesis reminded me just why I went to a massive Genesis- spree back home. Heck, my laptop still have at least . .three Fanfictions dedicated to him.
I might not able to portray him completely, (not for the lack of trying, mind you) but Genesis Rhapsodos is a fascinating character to play with. The redhead is the catalyst why Sephiroth had fallen from grace (no pun fucking intended). . and I am absolutely torn on what to do.
I want to save him. . . to save the Trinity from the pain Genesis' defection would reflect to his friends. Angeal would-- no, will follow Genesis to the ends of the world. His loyalty is with the redhead. . leaving Sephiroth as an afterthought. I admit it pains me so much when I reach in this conclusion. . but it is the truth. Even if you look the other way, Angeal betrayed Sephiroth and Genesis. . Genesis used the pain of betrayal to manipulate the silver haired General making him succumbed to Jenova's influence.
Such messy, messy thing to deal with. All because Genesis DID NOT ask for help or swallow his goddamn pride! Grr!
What I do not fucking understand is why this annoying thespian is so goddamn jealous of Sephiroth. He knows what our favorite silver had suffered under Hojo's oh so tender mercies. He knows how Sephiroth lacks the necessary social norms. Sure, Seph is powerful. Yes, indeed he is the Perfect Soldier. But come on, anyone who had eyes and common sense would notice something is fucking wrong around Sephiroth!!!
Gods, thinking about this is making me mad. I need fresh air.
Pulling over a blue robe over my sleeping dress, I left my room and paused a bit at Cloud's room. Carefully, I checked him.
A smile appeared in my lips when I saw Zack sleeping on Cloud's bed, the two drooling at each other. Closing the door quietly, I left the second floor and went down to the kitchens. Approaching the land line, I called Alric to alert him that his son climbed my son's window for an abrupt sleepover. Again.
After my call, I went to the Gardens and sat on the garden set. . just staring outside.
"What troubles you, Grace?" Vincent whispered behind . .me?
"Yiehh! Vincent, ano ba?!" I cannot help but to jumped in fear when the vampire wanna be suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Please don't do that! You scared me!"
". .Apologies."
"Mooh, never mind." I slump in my seat and used my arms as a makeshift pillow on the table. "Do join me. I know this scene is usually accompanied by alcohol . .but I don't know how would I act when intoxicated. ." a faint smile painted my lips. "I'm afraid the very thought drinking left a bitter taste in my mouth even though I never tasted such drink before."
Vincent quietly sat beside me. "Once again, I ask, what troubles you, Grace? Its quite late too."
"I function with less sleep while in college." I replied. "However, you are right. Something is troubling me."
"Care to share?"
"Perhaps."
"It finally sinks in. . the weight of this whole thing." Grace finally said after a long silence. She could feel her eyes burning with tears. "I'm. . I'm scared. ." she admitted quietly. "I. . I want to stay strong . . to help Cloud. . help you. ."
"You are a civilian trust in this task." Vincent pointed out. "You don't even know why you are here in the first place. I know you wanted to help saving the world. Being scared through. ." he paused, filtering his words. "Its part of you. I cannot blame you for being terrified."
"You're right. I'm absolutely terrified." Grace pulled herself up, leaning on her chair. Her eyes were glued in her hands. "I know I sound like a pathetic whinny spoiled brat . . but I can't help it. I feel like a fucking hypocrite since I kept trying to cheer up Cloud saying every thing is okay. .oh, fuck it." She pulled out a crate of alcohol from her pocketspace aka. Arc of Babylon where she stashed so many things. "Gotta greet hangover tomorrow. I want to get wasted so I could complain without being so goddamn embarrassed!!"
The ex- Turk raised an eyebrow as Grace pulled out a bottle of . . Ogden's Firewhisky dated from . . 1835? Along a pair of glasses and a large pitcher of water.
"Be careful, this shit is strong enough to make you breath fire." Grace giggled as she poured two glasses with liberal amounts of alcohol. "Kampai!"
"And you're not yet drunk." Vincent took the offered glass and watched her took her very first sip.
"Hm-mn, who knows how will I act. . but I do know that chugging this down is not the wisest thing." The blonde coughed a bit but continued on taking small sips of her drink. "Gaah, it burns! Why do people like to drink this thing is beyond me!"
"It lowers inhibition and forget their problems temporarily." He replied dryly making Grace burst out laughing.
"So-so very true ~"
Because of the Mako running thru her veins, it took three whole bottles of Firewhisky to make her drunk enough to start talking. Vincent himself is already feeling some buzz as like Grace had warned him, its that strong.
". . you know. . I never thought I woooould meet you," Grace stopped drinking her whisky and merely played with her glass, twirling its contents while her free hand cup her chin. "In my world. . you were all characters in a movie. .rather, in games. I'm not a gamer myself so I'm rather late on knowing the characters of Final Fantasy VII. ." her eyes held this glassy far away look.
"My job is a novelist. . my hobby is creating Fanfictions of the books, games and anime I either watched or read upon." She knocked back her drink and poured herself another one. Picking up the glass of water, she continued. "I like weaving different scenarios. I wrote several self insert fics too. . placing myself in my own stories since I thought it would be awesome, a great idea by that time. I read self insert fics that my fellow writers created, getting ideas for my own stories. "
"Everything was okay. . normal. I was happy, or so I thought. Then bam!" Grace slammed her glass on the table. "I died."
Vincent didn't speak. . but he put down his drink.
"Its not clear how I died. . except that I was choking. Choking on what? I have no fucking idea. All I knew I was dying, someone is talking to me about adapting and something new built from the ashes. No information. Not even a piece so I could know what happened. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have Gabriel. . even if he won't answer my questions properly. .I even have a hunch that he did not even know why I am here. . or how the ever loving shit this mess happened to begin with!" Grace drank another glass of Firewhisky straight, ignoring her burning throat as Mako would heal it quite easily. "I just wanted answers, clear ones without cryptics and riddles! I am not my brother or my siblings! I'm not a genius that could solve problems on the drop of a hat! I'm not Adeline who is little miss perfect who had her friends that will love and support her! I am not the Emerald Death, Forbidden Aries 1 even through we share the same name! I'm just Grace, the eccentric and socially awkward girl next door who likes to read and be alone! I'm not someone who could or have the power to save the world from such mess left by amoral old men who knew no better!" She ran her fingers through her messy hair. "I want answers, damn it! I'm going to kill bunch of people here and heaven knows I don't want to be a monster! I can't! How can support Cloud if I lose my way? They said that roses might be beautiful but filled with thorns. I don't want to lose my way. ."
". . You won't." Grace looked over Vincent when he cupped her cheek and wiped her tears.
Since when she start crying. . ?
"You won't loose your way, I promise you that." The ex-Turk murmured. "Cloud would prevent you. . . and I. If worse comes to worse, Chaos will stop you."
Grace doesn't know why but she found herself on Vincent's lap, burying her face on his cloak. The man awkwardly pulled her into a hug, careful with his prosthetic arm.
"My friend, the fates are cruel, There are no dreams, no honor remains, The arrow has left, the bow of the goddess.
My soul, corrupted by vengeance, Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey, In my own salvation, And your eternal slumber.
Legend shall speak, Of sacrifice at world's end, The wind sails over the water's surface, Quietly, but surely." She quoted. "Loveless Act 4. .how befitting."
"You're still not drunk enough if you could qoute Loveless clearly."
"Your attempt in joking is severely lacking in humor. Its so dry. . and clearly the one your son inherited." Grace summoned the bottle and drank on it straight. "But you're right. I'm still thinking straight."
"Any plans on going back on your chair?"
"Nope! You're rather comfy. . " she start giggling. "And warm. If only I could catch you sleeping. . I am rather curious if I could sleep soundly beside you. Cloud's nightmares were rather nonexistent if I sleep with him. ."
Vincent could only sigh while Chaos cackle on his mind.
"Besides. . I never slept with anyone before. . they said I had such high standards or maybe I'm just a prude," Grace snorted as she drank the remaining half of the bottle. "Jokes on them . . how could I tell them that. .*hick* I always had this dream. . talking about promises and going home? Heck the sheer background is full of flowers, a huge lake with this huge fountain. At first. . at first I thought it was you." She poke his chest a bit. "But nooo~ that bastard is too high and mighty that he makes Gilgamesh and Reborn pale in comparison when it came to arrogance! I was laughing so hard seeing myself chasing him with too many sharp weapons around!" Her giggles were continues now alerting him that Grace is really drunk.
Vincent gave Chaos a mental deadpan look as the WEAPON sulked in his mind.
"But really. . you're so warm. ." she closed her eyes as she banished the mess. "You're my personal heater from now on."
Galian Beast start purring lulling Grace to sleep.
"So. . how much did Ma drink?" Cloud asked when he gotten out of the table followed by Zack.
"Six and a half bottles of Firewhisky." Vincent whispered, running his human fingers upon Grace's hair.
"Hangover is going to be a bitch." Zack pointed out. "Even though Tita Grace is possessing a Nibel vessel."
Cloud slap the other boy on the back of his head. "Don't say it like that! You're implying Mama is like Jenova."
"Aw! Aw! Sorry, Spike!"
Vincent stood up, carrying Grace in bridal style. "I'll take her back on her room."
"No. Let's take her in mine. I caught her a few nights ago crying in her sleep." Cloud touched his mother's hand.
He could now understand that she was afraid. . not for herself. Learning that Grace was afraid of turning into a monster that would prevent her from helping him . .
"Seems like I now know where I get my self-sacrifice gene from."
