As Above, So Below
The past always followed. Lurking in the depths of your consciousness like a thief in the night, waiting to tear its victim apart in their most vulnerable moments. Cloud refused to be a slave to that sentiment. It was back on the outskirts of Midgar, as he stared at the black feather in his hand, that Cloud decided he would be the follower. That he would be the seeker and destroyer of his memories that needed to be laid to rest. For that to pass, Sephiroth had to end. The man – no, monster, was at the core of his pain and hatred.
In his journey to track down his enemy, he and his comrades ended up in Kalm, a quiet little workers town northeast of Midgar. It was at Barret's whining request that the team settle down inside the inn. Hours after their arrival, the sun had finally begun peeking across the horizon, painting the surrounding buildings and wooden central structure in an array of red and orange hues. The inn's front window had given Cloud a great vantage point to watch the town come alive with the sunrise. His body was ridden with anxiety as he watched various shop owners unlock their doors and put up their open signs. It was an uncomfortable reminder that the day had started, and he was not any closer to achieving his goal.
Deep in his thoughts of Sephiroth and the awakening townscape, Aerith's voice calling him from the lounge area went completely unnoticed. It was only until he felt her gentle touch on his shoulder that he turned around to meet her concerned gaze.
"You've been standing there for way too long," she said, her expression softening into a smile. "I know you want to get going, but time isn't going to move any faster, and we all need rest. Haste makes waste, they say! Come and sit with me."
Cloud took a final long glance out the window before meeting Aerith's emerald eyes again. "You sound like my mom," he replied, raising a brow before walking past her and into the lounge.
A laugh escaped her. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The floorboards creaking under his foot as he walked was a sound that Cloud had not heard since his days in Nibelheim. He stepped over to the argyle sofa in the corner, the floor's soft cry bringing his memories back to simpler days. Before the cold steel city of Midgar. Before he had joined SOLDIER and before his home was set ablaze by the hands of Sephiroth. How the years had flown by like wind, and yet the memories stirred back up to the surface like nothing. It all felt so fresh.
Before he could indulge himself in the anger that was welling up inside of him again, a sharp pain hit him in his temple, causing his features to twist in discomfort. Clasping his head tight, he collapsed to his knees with a hollow thud that filled the room. He could hear the sudden panic in Aerith's voice, but the words were intangible, and the sound seemed to trail off and fade into nothing. Everything went black, all-encompassing black.
"You're still weak. What are you waiting for, Puppet?"
Those sickening words echoed through Cloud's skull like a mantra. Taunting him in ways that brought all of his flaws to the front of his mind. And just why did it have to be his voice?
Sephiroth's shadowy figure became vivid in the darkness, his silvery strands of hair and bright green eyes highlighted by the black backdrop. He stepped forward with movements slow and deliberate as if it was his attempt to drive the younger man mad with his prolonged appearance in Cloud's mind.
"Sephiroth!" Cloud snapped, jumping to his feet while reaching backwards for his Buster Sword that was not there.
An amused smile cracked across his features like ice, "I came to give you, my thanks."
"Spare me the shit, asshole!" Fueled by his hatred, Cloud charged Sephiroth, launching his smaller frame towards him.
With agile reflexes, Sephiroth slashed the air with his Masamune, the brutal force of it sending Cloud flying backwards and onto his back. "Unfortunate. Not that I mind, but why is it that everything has to start and end in a fight with you? We can work together." Sephiroth extended a gloved hand, eyes expectant and fixed on Cloud.
"Never…" He would have laughed in his face at the hypocrisy of Sephiroth's statement had he not been so angry. "Let's end thi-"' Cloud's breath hitched as the dark scenery flicked back to the warm wooden tones of the inn in Kalm.
Before he regained his bearings, a final message rang clear in his head, "You are my puppet, Cloud. And a puppet… is always at the mercy of its master. You'll know soon."
"Cloud!" Tifa cried, her voice unmistakable.
Taking a glance around the room, he noted that the whole group was present. Tifa was front and center. Barret leaning against the wall and Red XIII curled up in a ball on a rug nearby, his tail swaying in content. Aerith was on the adjacent sofa focused on the television.
"I'm fine," Cloud said before Tifa could ask.
"Gave us quite the scare," Red XIII added. "We heard someone collapse, and so we came downstairs."
Barret yawned, bringing a fist to his eyes to rub away the fatigue. "Spikey must be dehydrated or somethin. Grab a drink, ya hear? Or have a potion. I'm goin back to sleep." Before leaving the room, Barret groaned and turned his attention over to Aerith. "And you. Quit watching that Shinra bullshit." When Aerith did not even blink his way, he huffed and went back upstairs to his room.
Once he was out of sight, Tifa was fast in handing Cloud a potion. "We don't have many left but Barret's right. You should have one. We've been through a lot."
"Off my back, alright?" He grabbed the clear cylinder, unscrewed the top, and drank the bitter liquid.
Tifa's eyes lit up a little brighter. She rested a hand on his shoulder and said, "We're counting on you to stay healthy, okay? Try your best." With that, she left for her room.
"What did he mean puppet?" Cloud thought to himself, standing up. Prepared to head back over to the inn's front window to ruminate some more, he managed to take one step before Aerith chimed in.
"Sit with me," she said, finally peeling her eyes away from the television long enough to address him.
"Fine," Cloud replied, joining her on the sofa. He knit his brow, curious about how she had flipped switches and gone from concern about him to absorbed by whatever that was on the television.
"How the sudden death of Wutaian emperor, Godo Kisaragi will change Gaia and why some are celebrating the passing of the controversial leader."
"The news…" Cloud could have counted on one hand the number of times he had sat down and watched the theatre show masquerading itself as the Shinra News Network. Every single time it featured a random figurehead trying to cover up the latest Shinra lie. Yet there he was, uncomfortable in the comfort of the old sofa with his eyes flicking between Aerith and the television. Cloud found it strange she was so lost in it. Emperor or not, people lived and died every day. There was no value in getting invested in the death of a man.
"Breaking news! President Rufus Shinra is currently in Midgar, awaiting the arrival of the late Emperor's son, Xian Kisaragi. They plan to discuss what our Shinra HQ correspondences are calling peace negotiations."
"Son…" Aerith repeated, her green eyes squinting.
As soon as it escaped her mouth, Cloud considered the fact that the word "son" had to have some sort of significance, but he did not care enough to ask. "Let's head up with the oth—"
"Not yet," Aerith said, raising a finger to his mouth.
Silenced and a bit offended, Cloud turned his attention back to the news. His eyes rolled at the live footage of the tall steel gates of Sector One opening up to welcome three Wutaian men surrounded by a small group of Shinra grunts. Identifying the new Emperor in the crowd was easy enough. A living stereotype. Long black hair, good height with balls big enough to come to Midgar dressed in an overstated Wutaian kimono. What kept Cloud's interest though, was the blindfold wrapped around his face. He could only imagine the ways Rufus would disrespect the young emperor's impairment. Entitled Asshole.
As the gates to Sector One closed and caged him in unknown territory, the emperor began to understand the privilege that came with being raised in his verdant and eco-friendly village. The thick air invaded his senses with the unfamiliar scent of what had to be Mako. Industrial chemicals, organic decay with an odd hint of sweetness. It was not unpleasant, but the simple truth that the smell of the planet's lifeblood was so distinct in the city confirmed all of his judgments. Rufus Shinra would get an earful today.
Beyond feeling irritated and choked, the added stress of hateful screaming from all directions made it difficult to discern what was happening. He tried to ignore it all and focus his awareness on the people nearest to him.
The sound and pattern of the footsteps crunching into the dirt helped him in figuring out how many Shinra men were around. They walked almost in unison with a sense of professionalism in their strides. His Wutaian company, however, moved with uncertainty. The way their bodies were rigid and pressed close against his own suggested that the situation could get ugly at any moment.
"Wutai terrorists! How dare you show your faces after what you animals did to Sector Seven!"
Do not engage. Keep walking and do not say a wor—
"Your father deserved to die!"
Xian kept walking, the words undoing the little amount of restraint he had by the second. He knew that the death of his father gave him the role of being their villain by default. But he also knew, unlike his father, he could take honest pleasure in showing them the villain that they craved and that would affirm their beliefs. As badly as they wanted it, so did he, but giving in would only perpetuate the lies that Shinra spoon-fed the people of Midgar for decades.
Enemy of Midgar, terrorist supporters, losers, a village reduced to a dingy tourist trap, weak. The list of lies went on and on as the foundation of the bad blood between the two nations. Xian vowed that his rule would be different than his father's. That he would show everyone that Wutai was not the laughing stock of the Gaia map.
"Almost there, Xian. A car is waiting for you straight ahead. Just remember why we're here. Number two."
Perfect timing. Xian did not realize how tense he was until he felt his muscles relaxing at the sound of the familiar voice amid the chaos. It centred him in a way he needed in that moment. "Thank you, Yuri. Right, number two..."
"Of course," he replied, placing his hand on Xian's shoulder.
The car door opened, and an individual came out. "Good morning. Rude at your service" the man greeted, his deep voice vibrating out of his chest. "I'll be taking the emperor to Shinra headquarters."
"Good to meet you," Xian said in return, voice soft as he offered a smile and bow in Rude's direction.
Yuri stepped forward, pulling open the passenger door to the sleek town car. "I'll help him in."
"Alright." Rude made his way back into the driver's seat and pulled the door shut.
"Come forward, Emperor."
Xian closed the distance between himself and the car. He felt around to find the height of the doorframe and then with grace, lowered himself into the rear passenger seat. "We'll meet on the airship in a few hours."
"Hey, Xi," his second comrade called out as Xian reached out to find the door. "Don't back down, okay? Impress them with that stubborn attitude that I hate so much."
"Whatever, Sonon," he replied, smirking at the truths in his statement.
The door clicked shut and Rude was on his way to Shinra HQ.
Xian could hear the sounds of the angry crowds starting to fade into nothing as they drove further away and deeper into the city. With the newfound silence, came a new realization that there was a distinct feeling of tension between him and his driver. Perhaps Rude had orders from the new president to drive him to an isolated alley and blow his brains out.
"Rude?" Xian said, breaking the silence.
"Yes?"
"Are you a Turk?"
"Yes."
"Of course," Xian said, his lips curving even more with the realization that the stakes had risen higher. "Are you going to kill me?"
"And make a mess of that pretty kimono? Never, your highness. Besides, the new president likes to play with his food before he eats it. If you get my drift. So relax."
Still the underdog.
Xian knew Rude meant no harm, but the statement only served to generate more animosity towards Rufus. He sat back in the car seat, sighing. Maybe it was too soon to feel so hostile towards the new president. After all, it was his father that had destroyed Wutai's pride. Rufus was not his father, Xian had to give him a chance to write his own story of redemption.
"So what are your men doing while you're meeting with Rufus? You sure it was wise to go without protection?"
"Yes, I'm fine on my own," Xian replied, "It was their first time to Midgar. I told them to explore the city." His first lie.
The car came to a screeching stop, pushing Xian forward with the force.
"Ever been in a chopper, Emperor?" Rude asked.
"Is that how we're getting to the upper plate?"
"Yep." The driver's door opened, and the Turk exited the car.
"No, I've never been in a chopper, " Xian said, opening his door.
"Whoa... what do we have here?" came the voice of another man. "Wutai sure likes to dress 'em up real pretty for no reason. Hey, Rude, you sure that's a dude?"
"Reno, would it kill you to show some respect to the young Emperor. Boss wouldn't be happy to hear you're teasing his guest."
"Right, right," Reno replied.
Xian could hear footsteps on the pavement approaching him and flinched when he felt a hand grab his arm.
"Hey buddy, relax. Lemme help you into the helicopter."
"Xian... is my name," he managed as Reno dragged him towards the presumed helicopter. The man smelled faintly of cinnamon spice, which was a curious discovery from someone in Midgar. He would have questioned Reno about it had he not been subject to his irritating manhandling. On top of that, his father would probably be spinning in his grave knowing his son was having casual conversations about spices with Turks.
"Alright, careful now princess. We're here." Reno said. "Up a few steps and you're in."
Xian climbed the stairs and felt his way to the back of the helicopter to get seated. The Turks followed him in, audibly taking seats in the seats in front of him.
Emperor, get comfortable," said Rude. "We'll be at Shinra HQ in no time at all."
"Sure," Xian replied, instinctively clutching the rim of his seat.
Several clicks were heard from the men up front pressing whatever needed to be pressed in order to get moving. Then came the vibrations. The noise overhead came in next and increasingly, the sound was more deafening with each passing second. Xian brought his hands to his ears, cursing silently as the helicopter lifted from the ground and took off..
"First time flying, Emperor?" Rude yelled over the loud sounds of the chopper.
"Yes," Xian shouted back curtly. Despite the discomfort of the situation, he almost had to laugh. His mind was brought back to his sister, Yuffie, and her outspoken hatred for boat, train and airship rides. He imagined what she would think of this, and it brought a smile to his face. But it soon faded as he remembered her current state. He left her in Wutai devastated by the passing of their father. Yuffie didn't understand it and Xian knew he had to rise up and be a strong leader if not for Wutai, for her.
Xian spent the rest of the ride half-listening to Reno and Rude conversing back and forth and thinking about his impulsive and equally stubborn sister. He hoped she would not do anything reckless in his absence.
"We're here, Xian," Reno said as they landed on top of Shinra HQ. "Last chance to turn back and run home."
"I'm fine."
"Alright then princess, let's go."
Xian felt the eyes on him as they passed through several checkpoints and personnel to arrive at the president's office. Finally, he would get a feel for who Wutai was dealing with now.
"Hey Sharon," Reno greeted. "Emperor Xian is here for his meeting with the president."
"Right this way," the woman replied. Xian could hear her move to her feet with speed and followed the sound of her high heels against the floor. "Please, enjoy your visit with the president, Emperor Xian Kisaragi."
"Thank you,"
She opened the doors to the office and Xian's senses picked up on the scent of lemon cleaner and the lingering smell of cigars. Midgar was full of strange smells. It was frigid in the office and Xian thought of it as a representation of what Rufus Shinra's beating heart must be like.
"Come in, Emperor. Reno and Rude. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir," the two said in unison. Without another word, the pair turned and left Xian in the jaws of Rufus Shinra.
"Pleasure to meet you, Xian. Take a seat. I hope you don't mind, but some guests will be joining us in a few moments."
"Good to finally meet you too, Rufus," Xian replied as Sharon guided him into a seat. The next lie. "Who will be joining us?"
"Shinra department heads, Heidegger and Scarlet."
"I see. Why?"
As if on cue the door opened and Xian could hear others entering the room. He stood out of false courtesy.
"Good to finally lay eyes on you, honourable and handsome emperor, Xian," said a feminine voice that Xian recognized immediately.
Scarlet. He could recognize that entitled voice anywhere. He'd heard her on the news often. Spewing lies out of her lips about how Wutai colluded and funded Avalanche to destroy sector seven, the reactors and all kinds of shit.
"Nice to meet you, Scarlet," Xian replied, offering a fake smile and bow. Another lie.
Heidegger remained silent, but Xian assumed it was likely because he had nothing kind to say.
"Let's make this quick shall we," Rufus stated. "Everyone be seated. Emperor, first I'd like to share my condolences for the loss of your father. I recently lost mine so I suppose in some ways, we can relate. Our fathers were enemies because they could not find common ground. I hope that we can."
"Respectfully, Rufus," Xian said, "for that to happen, several things will need to be accomplished. Only then will I consider finding common ground with you. First, the lies about Wutai need to end. You know damn well we had nothing to do with those reactors and what happened to sector seven. Make a public announcement telling the truth about what happened. Next, shut down the rest of the reactors while you still can. You're bleeding the planet dry-"
Laughter erupted in the room.
"Spoken like the countless morons who cry and whine all day about the planet but never present a feasible solution." Rufus stood from his seat and the office door opened again.
The Shinra grunts entering the office were obvious by the sound of their armour as they walked in and their guns cocking.
Xian let out a soft laugh. "Can't use your mouth to negotiate, Rufus? Must you always resort to force like your father? Sit down and have a conversation with me. And let's be real. Mako must be a shitty power source if it takes 8 reactors to power one city."
"Enough." Rufus barked. "Commencing immediately, you will allow me to build a reactor in Wutai, Xian."
"No. How about you end the use of the planet's lifeblood, Rufus."
"Stubborn like his Daddy," Scarlet said, "but much prettier. He'd make a great foot ottoman for me. Do you have a strong back, Emperor?"
"More like idiotic," said Heidegger.
Xian took to his feet. "Rufus, I won't allow you and your peanut gallery to insult my father and you to order me around. Your city stinks of mako, it's disturbing. Shut down the reactors and then we can talk about peace between Midgar and Wutai. And while you're at it, lift the ban on Materia use in Wutai. Under my rule, I will not allow Midgar to be a wedge in the glory Wutai once had."
"The ban on materia was your father's choice," Heidegger stated, "and it was a fair negotiation. Proof that Wutai was a nation of obedient dogs like the rest of Gaia."
"I'm not my father."
"Prove it," Rufus taunted. "Step aside and let the men who run this world do their jobs."
"Rufus? Why are you entertaining this cretin, anyways," Heidegger continued. "Shoot the boy so we can commence construction in Wutai."
"I don't care about peace," Rufus said as he began walking around the room. "Gaia doesn't run on peace. I don't care about Wutai. I don't care about your desires. I want a reactor built in Wutai. Immediately. I've been generous to you have I not? Allowed you to run your mouth in my presence, allowed you to raise your voice. As adorable as your youthful energy is, I don't operate on idiotic demands by a boy from a tourist trap pretending like his opinion carries any weight. I was hoping we could work together. It's a shame."
"Your arrogance…" Xian said, the anger in his voice spilling through.
"Sit down, Emperor. I'm not finished."
"No, there's no reason to sit, I think we're done here."
"You don't know how much you need me." Rufus sat back in his seat and inhaled. "I'm going to add higher custom charges to goods entering Wutai as a start. I could also arrest you now for your nation's connection to Avalanche, but I'll give you some time to come to your senses."
"We're not funding Avalanche..." Xian said, sighing before moving towards the door. "You'll soon realize, you're in no position to tell me what to do. Goodbye, Rufus Shinra."
"Shoot him!" Heidegger yelled and once again the Shinra grunts raised their guns in the emperor's direction.
Rufus raised his arm to put his men at ease. "Not today. See him out."
"Rufus is a prick. He didn't kill me, but still a prick," Xian huffed as he entered the airship rendezvousing with Yuri and Sonon. "but we should've already known that. How did you two do? Did you finish your end of the task?"
"We did," Yuri replied.
"The man with the number two tattoo is with us now. Safe, sound and resting," Sonon added. "His mako-poisoning is not improving, but we will figure this all out once we're back home."
"When we arrive, we'll take number two to the pagoda. And as an update, the new president is perhaps worse than his father. Deadset on turning the Da-Chao into a reactor. Regardless, we celebrate for now. Good work boys," Xian said, clapping as he greeted his friends." Perhaps we should start calling our number two tattooed friend by his given name considering number two means to take a shit. We can do better."
"Sounds good to me," Yuri said wrapping an arm around Xian's shoulder."The man who took out the crescent unit himself."
"Yeah," Sonon added again. "I hope your crazy idea works, Xian. If the Wusheng figures out the identity of our guest, we'll be in big shit. Despite you being emperor now or not. And we're not telling Yuffie or Melphie, right? "
Xian frowned. "Yes. Yuffie especially. No one has to know, and Zack Fair will be our secret."