Disclaimer: I don't own Cloud, Tifa, Sephiroth, or Aeris. I own everybody else though. Unless I put in a name of another character and I didn't realize. Anyway feel free to use my characters. Please e-mail me first though.
CHAPTER 2: A NEW FOE
The five looked up to see the source of the chilling laugh. A man no more than 25 years of age.
A man wielding the Masamune.
"Titan!" Destiny's pupils dilated in fear. She gazed at the short platinum hair that framed his handsome face. A face that was painted with a sadistic smile.
"Oh, are you still alive?" Titan landed a few feet away from her. Destiny took a few involuntary feet backwards. "Strange, you dress like that weak blonde girl now. What's wrong, can't cope with her death?"
Hot tears stung their way down Destiny's cheeks. Each a testament to the pain she had endured. "Sabreena wasn't weak!"
"No more weak then the one you called Dion." Titan meant for his words to pierce the heart.
Destiny overcame the fear that threatened to stop her heart and walked over to Titan.
*SLAP*
"Don't speak of them that way!" The tears continued. "You're the one responsible for their deaths. All of my friends..." Her hands clenched at her side then grabbed the Ultima Weapon that was strapped to her back. "Now you pay!" She took a slash at Titan.
He easy dodged the attack made in anger. "If you want to play, then let's play outside." Titan flew out of the building with an angry Destiny in his wake. Once he came upon a large open space he landed again.
Destiny took a fighting stance as the others caught up with her.
"What are you doing?" Cloud asked as he drew his sword beside her.
"Finishing this." Destiny's eyes glowed green. Mako green. An otherworldly essence surrounded her.
"Not alone." Tifa positioned herself on Destiny's other side.
"What would you have brought us back for if we didn't help you." Aeris joined in as well. Sephiroth walked to stand beside Aeris.
"I want my sword back." He said simply. :So that I can pierce it through you. Perhaps increase the death toll as well.: He risked a glance at Cloud.
"What do we have here?" Titan's eyebrows raised. "Have you assembled a new set of losers?"
"I will bring you down myself." Destiny's eyes grew more intense. She was not herself. Her battle aura was nearly overwhelming. This was not the unconfident young girl who had brought back the four warriors, this was someone out for blood...
Another swing with her blade connected with the Masamune. A deafening sound rang into the air, sparks exploded from the two blades. The clashes of the two mighty swords resonated in the air as they struck again and again. Destiny was not yielding to Titan's strength. There was a distant but aggressive look in her eyes.
:She wasn't this good before.: Titan swung again this time connecting with the opposing blade. It went flying in the air then landed precious feet away from Destiny's hands. He smiled at his opportunity and cut through Destiny's right side. :Guess she wasn't that good this time.: He pointed the tip of the Masamune to her throat. "Give up. I'm more than ready to kill you." :No, resist. I want to see you suffer.:
Destiny's eyes returned to normal and were caught in Titan's Mako eyes. "Then kill me." A single tear rolled down her cheek. She no longer feared death, she welcomed it. Soon she would not be able to handle the pain. :I'm sorry guys, I couldn't avenge you. But at least I'll be joining you soon.:
Anymore thoughts she had were cut off by a flurry of Ice crystals that knocked Titan off balance, giving her enough time to roll and pick up her Ultima Weapon. Blood staining her clothing, her eyes began to unfocus.
"Face me." Tifa stood at the source of the blast. Titan rushed her with the Masamune, she dodged out of the way. :That's easier. Maybe all that unexpected practice with Sephiroth paid off.: Tifa twisted in mid-dodge and kicked at Titan.
Only to connect with air. "What the-" Tifa felt air swish behind. Acting more on reflex rather then on conscience thought, she immediately somersaulted and her feet met with Titan's chin. A soft blood splash kissed Tifa's leg. Titan's lip was bleeding, and he would have a rather sore jaw for the next few days. If he lived that long.
Landing gently on the ground, Tifa turned to him once more.
He wasn't there. "Huh!?" A blow from behind ended her voice. Hot blood streamed down her back. Tifa needed Cure, and fast.
"Tifa!" Aeris' voice rang into the air, thick with panic.
"Damn you!" Cloud's battle cry echoed into all that could hear. For a moment he matched blades with Titan. :This isn't getting me anywhere!: He lunged himself at Titan only to be shot back with a four powerful blasts of Ultima. He crippled to the ground. :Quadra Magic. Shit!:
The next challenger stepped up. "Give me back my sword and I won't completely cut you to pieces for killing them." Sephiroth faced the young man. The cruelty in his voice returned. Eyes fierce with hatred bore into Titan's. There was something different in Titan's though.
Cold-bloodedness. Bloodthirsty. Brutal. Mad.
"Your sword?" Titan's face become as stoic as a statues', eyebrows knitted in thought. "Only I and my father can use this sword."
"Father?" Sephiroth collided blades with Titan. "Who is your father?"
"A great man who almost destroyed the planet. But that was over 500 years ago." Titan replied conversationally as they continued the duel. "Sephiroth, I think."
"I am Sephiroth you fool!" Sephiroth landed a slice to Titan's left shoulder.
A look of complete shock overwhelmed Titan's face. More from the knowledge then the blood that spattered on his face. "Then you must not get in my way!"
Sephiroth was surprised by Titan's instant recovery and was caught off-guard for a second. Only a second but long enough for Titan to see his opening-
-And Sephiroth's world suddenly compressed to the sword entering his torso and the sadistic smile beaming from his opponent. He dropped to the ground on his knees. Blank eyes unable to see much more then the spreading darkness. Sephiroth fell forward, driving the sword further into himself. It buried itself to the handle. All he could do was let his crimson blood drain from his body.
"Even if it means your death." Titan stood over him still smiling. He bent down and ran a finger through the pool of blood that was growing quickly. Delicately he licked the blood from his finger, savoring the copper taste left in his mouth. Taking pleasure in his adversaries' pain.
Aeris turned from Curing Tifa to witness the blood-tasting. Her own drained from her face in an instant. Titan turned to her, eyes cold and unreadable.
"If any of them make it out alive, tell them I shall be waiting." He let loose another cruel smile. "I like having competition, however insignificant." With that he took to the sky and disappeared leaving the Masamune still in Sephiroth.
Aeris' mind raced with fear and dread. Finally she pulled herself together and ran to Sephiroth's side.
:I am going to die. Killed with my own sword, the wretched thing: Barely aware of his surrounding, only the absolute pain in his stomach. Sephiroth closed his eyes, he thought, for the last time.
Until a new meaning of torture and pain filled his body. Opening his eyes, he saw Aeris pulling the Masamune out of his stomach.
"Hold on." Aeris spoke. Sephiroth scarcely heard her words, but did none-the-less. He was in her lap now, she held him like a lover would. Sephiroth managed to make eye contact, although his vision was quickly surrendering to the Darkness. Sweetness and worry was all that he saw in her eyes.
:She doesn't want me to die? Why not?: Sephiroth struggled to stay alive a little longer. :I remember a time when the same sword was through her.:
Warm energy filled his open wound. Mending the flesh as is passed through him.
:Lifestream.: He remembered the warm feeling, he never expected to feel it again after attempting to destroy the planet. :Why is she Healing me? Why doesn't she let me die like I did her?: So many questions.
After serene moments he was able to hold himself up. Sephiroth looked deeply into Aeris' eyes. "Thank you." He still did not understand her kindness after all that he had done. :How can she save me when I had done the same to her. With more disastrous results: "Is everyone else all right?" Voice strained, eyes heavy he asked. :Must keep up the facade of giving a damn.:
Aeris' eyes searched the area around her: Tifa was helping Cloud recover and Destiny had was staring off in the direction of Titan's departure. "They are now." Her eyes went back to Sephiroth. "Do you think you'll be okay?"
"Yes." Sephiroth's eyelids grew too heavy for him to keep up so they closed.
When Sephiroth awoke he was in his room once more. :Not my room, the girl's room.: He noted with distaste. He didn't like the thought of having to see Cloud alive once more, let alone having to be nice. Swinging his legs out of bed, Sephiroth clutched his raw wound.
Sephiroth analyzed the patchwork that covered his injury. The blood was still seeping through. But it was more like a leaky faucet now, before it had been a river.
"Shit!" He winced at the pain received after ripping the bandage off. Lifestream did a better job of healing him then he thought it would. There was only a deep cut instead of a sword through him. It would probably heal in a few days naturally, or a few shots of Cure. Sephiroth looked around for his Materia but it had been taken away. "Damn."
His eyes widened at another weapon in the room. His Masamune. They had been stupid enough to leave it with him. :Excellent. Let's see how well Lifestream can hold up against the Masamune.: He felt the smooth surface with his opposite hand. Savoring the cold metal on his skin. It felt right. Sephiroth turned to the door but saw something else of interest.
Aeris. She was slumped over the desk beside the bed. Asleep no doubt. :Soon she will sleep forever.: Sephiroth stalked up behind her, raising the Masamune above his head, brining it down with full force-
-And came to a standstill. A voice came into his mind.
~Why is she here?~ The voice was distinctly feminine. It got his mind working.
:Why... I don't know.: Curiosity overwhelmed his desire to kill the Centra. :Why would she stay with me. I could kill her! And I almost did.: He placed the blade onto the bed. :She must be a fool. Or have a death wish.: Sephiroth watched her back raise and fall as she breathed softly. The few memories he possessed of her returned. Aeris had always been kind, laughing, smiling. She was always kind and caring.
~Why?~
:Because she can be. She puts others before herself.: Sephiroth chuckled a little. :Nothing like me. She's a fool for caring, it makes you weak.: He regained the blade once more, this time standing so that he could see her face contort with pain as the blade entered her once more. He had been denied that the first time. Once again he raised the blade.
But could not bring it down. Aeris looked so happy in her slumber. Unaware that she was on the brink of death. :She's so happy. For no reason.: The One Winged Angel thought for a moment. :Perhaps she's happy to be alive, to be able to see her friends again. Her friends... What is it like. I've always had people who feared and respected me, but never friends. Is that why she's happy?:
"Is it because you have friends? Someone to care for. Someone to live for?" Sephiroth's voice was a mere whisper.
Aeris stirred then mumbled in her sleep. "Yes. Life is more fulfilling with friends." Sephiroth was taken back with her words. He had often heard that people will talk back to you in their sleep but it had never happened to him before.
~By making a friend, you defeat an enemy.~ The voice returned. Sweet and honest.
:Has my life been so meaningless? Have I gone down the wrong path? I only wanted to feel power, to have power. Was that so wrong?: Blinking rapidly he sat on the bed and gazed a Aeris. :Would she ever be my friend? No you idiot. You were the one who killed her, she could never forgive you. Don't be weak. If you depend on others they'll only let you die.: Secretly though he began to wish differently.
"Could you ever forgive me?" Sephiroth waited patiently for a response but none came. The Masamune was now on the ground. :She'd never forgive you. You've only brought her unhappiness and pain. All this body has done to her was give her more reasons to give up forever.: He looked longingly at his hand. Expecting to see a scar that had long stayed on his hand, he had got it when he was a child. But there was no scar. :What? That's right, I have a new body.: Once again, a new side of him donned. :Maybe I don't have to remain enemies. Destiny keeps me here. Even if she didn't mean to resurrect me. Perhaps with this new body I can start a new life. One with friends.: Sephiroth caught himself staring at her again.
Aeris looked peaceful and happy, but somehow uncomfortable. :D'uh! She's sleeping on a desk.: He slapped his head at his own stupidity. Sephiroth calmly strode over to her and bent over to pick her up. And hesitated. What if she woke up in his arms. Would she attack him, or scream? :Risk it. A friend would.: Gently he took her into his arms and brought her to the bed. Like a cherry blossom falling onto water, he placed her onto the bed. Covering her with the blankets he smiled a true smile.
Now it was his turn to watch her.
Aeris ran through her dream world in panic. She was alone. Only the darkness kept her company.
"Help!" She cried into black. Nothing happened for what seemed like hours. Finally she collapsed onto the ground sobbing. A warm hand fell upon her shoulder. Looking up she saw Sephiroth. Instead of his usual cold mask, he wore a kind smile. He gave his hand to her in assistance. Somehow she gladly took it. "Thank you."
Sephiroth pulled her closer. "I should thank you, you saved me." Aeris blushed deeply into the darkness but she made no attempt to shy away. "Can I ask a great favor of you?" His voice deep and calming.
"Yes." Aeris snuggled closer to his chest. Feeling warmth and contentment.
"Forgive me. Please." Sephiroth pulled her from him and gazed into her eyes. Arms still intertwined.
"You want to be forgiven?" Aeris asked only one question.
"Yes, more then anything. I want to leave the hatred behind. I want to start anew." Sephiroth brought her close once more, still looking into her eyes. Almost into her soul. "Perhaps even, with you."
Aeris could only blush intensely for a moment. Then truth spoke. "I forgive you Sephiroth." Sephiroth smiled again, then leaned in closer. Close enough in fact, to feel her breath.
Until he kissed her.
Aeris woke up with a start. Sephiroth had kissed her in her dream.
Sephiroth, the man who had killed her in cold blood. She breathed heavily as the dream became more and more remembered. :I forgave him? Why? I'm nice to him but... Could I forgive him?: Words of her mother came back to her.
"Dreams are windows into the future. Never take them for granted." She had said. Aeris was too young to understand then, but she did now.
:Forgiveness comes with the desire to be forgiven. Could he want to be forgiven?: Aeris had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she did not realize where she was.
In Sephiroth's bed. Alone thankfully. Her eyes searched the room and found Sephiroth. He was watching her.
"What am I doing in your bed?" Aeris asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"When I woke up after the battle with Titan you were asleep on the desk. You looked uncomfortable so I moved you to the bed. Is that all right?" Worry was in his voice all though he tried to hide it. He also made a point NOT to tell her he was going to kill her.
"Yeah, it's okay." :Did I fall asleep after we brought him into his room. I wanted to make sure he didn't bleed to death.:
"Aeris can I ask you something?" Sephiroth became serious.
"Yes, feel free to." Aeris' dream replayed in her mind.
"Could you ever forgive me?" Sephiroth seemed so sincere, he couldn't even make eye contact.
:"Dreams are windows into the future.": Aeris could even hear her mother's voice. "I could forgive you. But you would have to want to be forgiven."
"I do. More then anything." Sephiroth managed to bring his eyes to her. He had never before had trouble meeting people eyes before, why now?
"Then you are forgiven." Aeris' cheeks streamed with tears. Only of joy. She had finally and forever killed an enemy.
"Thank you!" Sephiroth got up a little too quickly and became dazed. He stumbled for a moment.
"Careful!" Aeris rushed to catch him but found herself falling back onto the bed with his weight on her. Both blushed horribly once recovered from the shock.
"S-sorry!" Sephiroth stammered. He was so close to her. The sweet smell of her hair drifted to his nose. Overcoming the large amount of embarrassment he felt right now, he stood up. "I tripped."
"You're bleeding again." Aeris rushed from the bed and grabbed the bandaging kit Destiny had left there. He was all ready sitting on the bed waiting. "I'll patch you up." And so she did.
:What soft hands. Caring hands. Do friends do this for each other too?: Sephiroth wondered to himself.
"There, all done." Aeris stepped back and examined her handiwork. Even more well done then it had been before.
"Thank you." Sephiroth said.
"No problem, it wouldn't be very good to let a new friend bleed to death." Aeris replied. "Anyway I'm gonna go back to my room now, I'm still tired."
Suddenly Sephiroth lunged. Aeris closed her eyes and expected Lifestream to do it's work, but instead found Sephiroth's arms around her. "Huh?"
"Good night." Was all he could stammer out. Sephiroth hadn't expected his body to do that. She hugged back.
"Good night." Aeris broke the embrace and left the room. Smiling to herself.
Tifa and Cloud sat on the porch in each others arms, watching the sunset. Color splashed into another color creating waves striking beauty. The sun was making a final stand against the azure might. Violet and gold began to join the azure. Soon the sun was defeated leaving the sky the deepest of all blues. Swearing to return the next morning.
"It's so lovely." Stated Tifa. Could in the romantic atmosphere she sighed, nuzzling her head closer to his chest.
"Not nearly as lovely as you." Cloud grinned.
"Never change, do you." Tifa replied sweetly. She shivered from the cold.
"How do you feel about all this?" He asked calmly.
"About being resurrected, I guess I'm happy to be alive again." Tifa's face became worried. "But I get the feeling Destiny hasn't told us everything yet."
"She's all ready asleep so we'll ask her tomorrow. Titan seemed even more cold then Sephiroth. It's probably not a good thing."
"I just hope we'll be able to defeat him. We may need more help..." Tifa sighed again, but for different reasons.
"Let's go inside." Cloud gathered Tifa in his arms. She giggled as though this was the first time it had happened. He carried her right up to the door of their room. He opened it and stepped through. Playfully he threw her onto the bed and shut the door.
"My, my. Aren't we aggressive today." Tifa smirked.
Cloud lay in the bed next to her. Igniting passion with a single kiss. "I was just going to do something about your being cold...."
Destiny lay in her bed. Alone as always. The others probably thought she was asleep by now. But she was far from it, she couldn't stop thinking about the days events.
:Titan was much stronger then before. I should have anticipated that. I am so stupid sometimes.: Destiny sighed. :And why did I lose control like that, I didn't even feel like I was the one moving my body. I'll never be able to avenge my friends at this rate.: Tears streamed down her face like old scars being reopened. :Why was I the only one to survive? Why was I the weak link?:
Destiny thought back on her friends. :Sabreena, Dion. They were going to get married after our work was over. Taliana, she was going to travel. Dirk, he was so in love with Taliana. They would have been so happy together. Yeah, if they weren't dead.: The tears did not stop. :And I let them down. All of them. Their lives were in my hands and I let them slip through. Why can't I be stronger? Why did the Crises have to happen?:
A lonely self-hating girl cried herself to sleep that night.
To be continued...
Whoo-hoo chapter two is done! Thank so much for the great reviews! You made me want to keep writing this story. I tried to write more of what the characters are thinking. Sephiroth really wants to change (in my story at least.) so that's why he is acting out of character so often.
Preview: In Chapter three we find out why Sephiroth has that annoying little habit of falling asleep when he gets mad and who the voice is. What is the Crises and how is it tied in with Destiny's self-loathing? And Titan shows up again and finds something to play with(remember that he is sadistic so it can not be a good thing). Well hope I didn't spoil too much for you!
CHAPTER 2: A NEW FOE
The five looked up to see the source of the chilling laugh. A man no more than 25 years of age.
A man wielding the Masamune.
"Titan!" Destiny's pupils dilated in fear. She gazed at the short platinum hair that framed his handsome face. A face that was painted with a sadistic smile.
"Oh, are you still alive?" Titan landed a few feet away from her. Destiny took a few involuntary feet backwards. "Strange, you dress like that weak blonde girl now. What's wrong, can't cope with her death?"
Hot tears stung their way down Destiny's cheeks. Each a testament to the pain she had endured. "Sabreena wasn't weak!"
"No more weak then the one you called Dion." Titan meant for his words to pierce the heart.
Destiny overcame the fear that threatened to stop her heart and walked over to Titan.
*SLAP*
"Don't speak of them that way!" The tears continued. "You're the one responsible for their deaths. All of my friends..." Her hands clenched at her side then grabbed the Ultima Weapon that was strapped to her back. "Now you pay!" She took a slash at Titan.
He easy dodged the attack made in anger. "If you want to play, then let's play outside." Titan flew out of the building with an angry Destiny in his wake. Once he came upon a large open space he landed again.
Destiny took a fighting stance as the others caught up with her.
"What are you doing?" Cloud asked as he drew his sword beside her.
"Finishing this." Destiny's eyes glowed green. Mako green. An otherworldly essence surrounded her.
"Not alone." Tifa positioned herself on Destiny's other side.
"What would you have brought us back for if we didn't help you." Aeris joined in as well. Sephiroth walked to stand beside Aeris.
"I want my sword back." He said simply. :So that I can pierce it through you. Perhaps increase the death toll as well.: He risked a glance at Cloud.
"What do we have here?" Titan's eyebrows raised. "Have you assembled a new set of losers?"
"I will bring you down myself." Destiny's eyes grew more intense. She was not herself. Her battle aura was nearly overwhelming. This was not the unconfident young girl who had brought back the four warriors, this was someone out for blood...
Another swing with her blade connected with the Masamune. A deafening sound rang into the air, sparks exploded from the two blades. The clashes of the two mighty swords resonated in the air as they struck again and again. Destiny was not yielding to Titan's strength. There was a distant but aggressive look in her eyes.
:She wasn't this good before.: Titan swung again this time connecting with the opposing blade. It went flying in the air then landed precious feet away from Destiny's hands. He smiled at his opportunity and cut through Destiny's right side. :Guess she wasn't that good this time.: He pointed the tip of the Masamune to her throat. "Give up. I'm more than ready to kill you." :No, resist. I want to see you suffer.:
Destiny's eyes returned to normal and were caught in Titan's Mako eyes. "Then kill me." A single tear rolled down her cheek. She no longer feared death, she welcomed it. Soon she would not be able to handle the pain. :I'm sorry guys, I couldn't avenge you. But at least I'll be joining you soon.:
Anymore thoughts she had were cut off by a flurry of Ice crystals that knocked Titan off balance, giving her enough time to roll and pick up her Ultima Weapon. Blood staining her clothing, her eyes began to unfocus.
"Face me." Tifa stood at the source of the blast. Titan rushed her with the Masamune, she dodged out of the way. :That's easier. Maybe all that unexpected practice with Sephiroth paid off.: Tifa twisted in mid-dodge and kicked at Titan.
Only to connect with air. "What the-" Tifa felt air swish behind. Acting more on reflex rather then on conscience thought, she immediately somersaulted and her feet met with Titan's chin. A soft blood splash kissed Tifa's leg. Titan's lip was bleeding, and he would have a rather sore jaw for the next few days. If he lived that long.
Landing gently on the ground, Tifa turned to him once more.
He wasn't there. "Huh!?" A blow from behind ended her voice. Hot blood streamed down her back. Tifa needed Cure, and fast.
"Tifa!" Aeris' voice rang into the air, thick with panic.
"Damn you!" Cloud's battle cry echoed into all that could hear. For a moment he matched blades with Titan. :This isn't getting me anywhere!: He lunged himself at Titan only to be shot back with a four powerful blasts of Ultima. He crippled to the ground. :Quadra Magic. Shit!:
The next challenger stepped up. "Give me back my sword and I won't completely cut you to pieces for killing them." Sephiroth faced the young man. The cruelty in his voice returned. Eyes fierce with hatred bore into Titan's. There was something different in Titan's though.
Cold-bloodedness. Bloodthirsty. Brutal. Mad.
"Your sword?" Titan's face become as stoic as a statues', eyebrows knitted in thought. "Only I and my father can use this sword."
"Father?" Sephiroth collided blades with Titan. "Who is your father?"
"A great man who almost destroyed the planet. But that was over 500 years ago." Titan replied conversationally as they continued the duel. "Sephiroth, I think."
"I am Sephiroth you fool!" Sephiroth landed a slice to Titan's left shoulder.
A look of complete shock overwhelmed Titan's face. More from the knowledge then the blood that spattered on his face. "Then you must not get in my way!"
Sephiroth was surprised by Titan's instant recovery and was caught off-guard for a second. Only a second but long enough for Titan to see his opening-
-And Sephiroth's world suddenly compressed to the sword entering his torso and the sadistic smile beaming from his opponent. He dropped to the ground on his knees. Blank eyes unable to see much more then the spreading darkness. Sephiroth fell forward, driving the sword further into himself. It buried itself to the handle. All he could do was let his crimson blood drain from his body.
"Even if it means your death." Titan stood over him still smiling. He bent down and ran a finger through the pool of blood that was growing quickly. Delicately he licked the blood from his finger, savoring the copper taste left in his mouth. Taking pleasure in his adversaries' pain.
Aeris turned from Curing Tifa to witness the blood-tasting. Her own drained from her face in an instant. Titan turned to her, eyes cold and unreadable.
"If any of them make it out alive, tell them I shall be waiting." He let loose another cruel smile. "I like having competition, however insignificant." With that he took to the sky and disappeared leaving the Masamune still in Sephiroth.
Aeris' mind raced with fear and dread. Finally she pulled herself together and ran to Sephiroth's side.
:I am going to die. Killed with my own sword, the wretched thing: Barely aware of his surrounding, only the absolute pain in his stomach. Sephiroth closed his eyes, he thought, for the last time.
Until a new meaning of torture and pain filled his body. Opening his eyes, he saw Aeris pulling the Masamune out of his stomach.
"Hold on." Aeris spoke. Sephiroth scarcely heard her words, but did none-the-less. He was in her lap now, she held him like a lover would. Sephiroth managed to make eye contact, although his vision was quickly surrendering to the Darkness. Sweetness and worry was all that he saw in her eyes.
:She doesn't want me to die? Why not?: Sephiroth struggled to stay alive a little longer. :I remember a time when the same sword was through her.:
Warm energy filled his open wound. Mending the flesh as is passed through him.
:Lifestream.: He remembered the warm feeling, he never expected to feel it again after attempting to destroy the planet. :Why is she Healing me? Why doesn't she let me die like I did her?: So many questions.
After serene moments he was able to hold himself up. Sephiroth looked deeply into Aeris' eyes. "Thank you." He still did not understand her kindness after all that he had done. :How can she save me when I had done the same to her. With more disastrous results: "Is everyone else all right?" Voice strained, eyes heavy he asked. :Must keep up the facade of giving a damn.:
Aeris' eyes searched the area around her: Tifa was helping Cloud recover and Destiny had was staring off in the direction of Titan's departure. "They are now." Her eyes went back to Sephiroth. "Do you think you'll be okay?"
"Yes." Sephiroth's eyelids grew too heavy for him to keep up so they closed.
When Sephiroth awoke he was in his room once more. :Not my room, the girl's room.: He noted with distaste. He didn't like the thought of having to see Cloud alive once more, let alone having to be nice. Swinging his legs out of bed, Sephiroth clutched his raw wound.
Sephiroth analyzed the patchwork that covered his injury. The blood was still seeping through. But it was more like a leaky faucet now, before it had been a river.
"Shit!" He winced at the pain received after ripping the bandage off. Lifestream did a better job of healing him then he thought it would. There was only a deep cut instead of a sword through him. It would probably heal in a few days naturally, or a few shots of Cure. Sephiroth looked around for his Materia but it had been taken away. "Damn."
His eyes widened at another weapon in the room. His Masamune. They had been stupid enough to leave it with him. :Excellent. Let's see how well Lifestream can hold up against the Masamune.: He felt the smooth surface with his opposite hand. Savoring the cold metal on his skin. It felt right. Sephiroth turned to the door but saw something else of interest.
Aeris. She was slumped over the desk beside the bed. Asleep no doubt. :Soon she will sleep forever.: Sephiroth stalked up behind her, raising the Masamune above his head, brining it down with full force-
-And came to a standstill. A voice came into his mind.
~Why is she here?~ The voice was distinctly feminine. It got his mind working.
:Why... I don't know.: Curiosity overwhelmed his desire to kill the Centra. :Why would she stay with me. I could kill her! And I almost did.: He placed the blade onto the bed. :She must be a fool. Or have a death wish.: Sephiroth watched her back raise and fall as she breathed softly. The few memories he possessed of her returned. Aeris had always been kind, laughing, smiling. She was always kind and caring.
~Why?~
:Because she can be. She puts others before herself.: Sephiroth chuckled a little. :Nothing like me. She's a fool for caring, it makes you weak.: He regained the blade once more, this time standing so that he could see her face contort with pain as the blade entered her once more. He had been denied that the first time. Once again he raised the blade.
But could not bring it down. Aeris looked so happy in her slumber. Unaware that she was on the brink of death. :She's so happy. For no reason.: The One Winged Angel thought for a moment. :Perhaps she's happy to be alive, to be able to see her friends again. Her friends... What is it like. I've always had people who feared and respected me, but never friends. Is that why she's happy?:
"Is it because you have friends? Someone to care for. Someone to live for?" Sephiroth's voice was a mere whisper.
Aeris stirred then mumbled in her sleep. "Yes. Life is more fulfilling with friends." Sephiroth was taken back with her words. He had often heard that people will talk back to you in their sleep but it had never happened to him before.
~By making a friend, you defeat an enemy.~ The voice returned. Sweet and honest.
:Has my life been so meaningless? Have I gone down the wrong path? I only wanted to feel power, to have power. Was that so wrong?: Blinking rapidly he sat on the bed and gazed a Aeris. :Would she ever be my friend? No you idiot. You were the one who killed her, she could never forgive you. Don't be weak. If you depend on others they'll only let you die.: Secretly though he began to wish differently.
"Could you ever forgive me?" Sephiroth waited patiently for a response but none came. The Masamune was now on the ground. :She'd never forgive you. You've only brought her unhappiness and pain. All this body has done to her was give her more reasons to give up forever.: He looked longingly at his hand. Expecting to see a scar that had long stayed on his hand, he had got it when he was a child. But there was no scar. :What? That's right, I have a new body.: Once again, a new side of him donned. :Maybe I don't have to remain enemies. Destiny keeps me here. Even if she didn't mean to resurrect me. Perhaps with this new body I can start a new life. One with friends.: Sephiroth caught himself staring at her again.
Aeris looked peaceful and happy, but somehow uncomfortable. :D'uh! She's sleeping on a desk.: He slapped his head at his own stupidity. Sephiroth calmly strode over to her and bent over to pick her up. And hesitated. What if she woke up in his arms. Would she attack him, or scream? :Risk it. A friend would.: Gently he took her into his arms and brought her to the bed. Like a cherry blossom falling onto water, he placed her onto the bed. Covering her with the blankets he smiled a true smile.
Now it was his turn to watch her.
Aeris ran through her dream world in panic. She was alone. Only the darkness kept her company.
"Help!" She cried into black. Nothing happened for what seemed like hours. Finally she collapsed onto the ground sobbing. A warm hand fell upon her shoulder. Looking up she saw Sephiroth. Instead of his usual cold mask, he wore a kind smile. He gave his hand to her in assistance. Somehow she gladly took it. "Thank you."
Sephiroth pulled her closer. "I should thank you, you saved me." Aeris blushed deeply into the darkness but she made no attempt to shy away. "Can I ask a great favor of you?" His voice deep and calming.
"Yes." Aeris snuggled closer to his chest. Feeling warmth and contentment.
"Forgive me. Please." Sephiroth pulled her from him and gazed into her eyes. Arms still intertwined.
"You want to be forgiven?" Aeris asked only one question.
"Yes, more then anything. I want to leave the hatred behind. I want to start anew." Sephiroth brought her close once more, still looking into her eyes. Almost into her soul. "Perhaps even, with you."
Aeris could only blush intensely for a moment. Then truth spoke. "I forgive you Sephiroth." Sephiroth smiled again, then leaned in closer. Close enough in fact, to feel her breath.
Until he kissed her.
Aeris woke up with a start. Sephiroth had kissed her in her dream.
Sephiroth, the man who had killed her in cold blood. She breathed heavily as the dream became more and more remembered. :I forgave him? Why? I'm nice to him but... Could I forgive him?: Words of her mother came back to her.
"Dreams are windows into the future. Never take them for granted." She had said. Aeris was too young to understand then, but she did now.
:Forgiveness comes with the desire to be forgiven. Could he want to be forgiven?: Aeris had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she did not realize where she was.
In Sephiroth's bed. Alone thankfully. Her eyes searched the room and found Sephiroth. He was watching her.
"What am I doing in your bed?" Aeris asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"When I woke up after the battle with Titan you were asleep on the desk. You looked uncomfortable so I moved you to the bed. Is that all right?" Worry was in his voice all though he tried to hide it. He also made a point NOT to tell her he was going to kill her.
"Yeah, it's okay." :Did I fall asleep after we brought him into his room. I wanted to make sure he didn't bleed to death.:
"Aeris can I ask you something?" Sephiroth became serious.
"Yes, feel free to." Aeris' dream replayed in her mind.
"Could you ever forgive me?" Sephiroth seemed so sincere, he couldn't even make eye contact.
:"Dreams are windows into the future.": Aeris could even hear her mother's voice. "I could forgive you. But you would have to want to be forgiven."
"I do. More then anything." Sephiroth managed to bring his eyes to her. He had never before had trouble meeting people eyes before, why now?
"Then you are forgiven." Aeris' cheeks streamed with tears. Only of joy. She had finally and forever killed an enemy.
"Thank you!" Sephiroth got up a little too quickly and became dazed. He stumbled for a moment.
"Careful!" Aeris rushed to catch him but found herself falling back onto the bed with his weight on her. Both blushed horribly once recovered from the shock.
"S-sorry!" Sephiroth stammered. He was so close to her. The sweet smell of her hair drifted to his nose. Overcoming the large amount of embarrassment he felt right now, he stood up. "I tripped."
"You're bleeding again." Aeris rushed from the bed and grabbed the bandaging kit Destiny had left there. He was all ready sitting on the bed waiting. "I'll patch you up." And so she did.
:What soft hands. Caring hands. Do friends do this for each other too?: Sephiroth wondered to himself.
"There, all done." Aeris stepped back and examined her handiwork. Even more well done then it had been before.
"Thank you." Sephiroth said.
"No problem, it wouldn't be very good to let a new friend bleed to death." Aeris replied. "Anyway I'm gonna go back to my room now, I'm still tired."
Suddenly Sephiroth lunged. Aeris closed her eyes and expected Lifestream to do it's work, but instead found Sephiroth's arms around her. "Huh?"
"Good night." Was all he could stammer out. Sephiroth hadn't expected his body to do that. She hugged back.
"Good night." Aeris broke the embrace and left the room. Smiling to herself.
Tifa and Cloud sat on the porch in each others arms, watching the sunset. Color splashed into another color creating waves striking beauty. The sun was making a final stand against the azure might. Violet and gold began to join the azure. Soon the sun was defeated leaving the sky the deepest of all blues. Swearing to return the next morning.
"It's so lovely." Stated Tifa. Could in the romantic atmosphere she sighed, nuzzling her head closer to his chest.
"Not nearly as lovely as you." Cloud grinned.
"Never change, do you." Tifa replied sweetly. She shivered from the cold.
"How do you feel about all this?" He asked calmly.
"About being resurrected, I guess I'm happy to be alive again." Tifa's face became worried. "But I get the feeling Destiny hasn't told us everything yet."
"She's all ready asleep so we'll ask her tomorrow. Titan seemed even more cold then Sephiroth. It's probably not a good thing."
"I just hope we'll be able to defeat him. We may need more help..." Tifa sighed again, but for different reasons.
"Let's go inside." Cloud gathered Tifa in his arms. She giggled as though this was the first time it had happened. He carried her right up to the door of their room. He opened it and stepped through. Playfully he threw her onto the bed and shut the door.
"My, my. Aren't we aggressive today." Tifa smirked.
Cloud lay in the bed next to her. Igniting passion with a single kiss. "I was just going to do something about your being cold...."
Destiny lay in her bed. Alone as always. The others probably thought she was asleep by now. But she was far from it, she couldn't stop thinking about the days events.
:Titan was much stronger then before. I should have anticipated that. I am so stupid sometimes.: Destiny sighed. :And why did I lose control like that, I didn't even feel like I was the one moving my body. I'll never be able to avenge my friends at this rate.: Tears streamed down her face like old scars being reopened. :Why was I the only one to survive? Why was I the weak link?:
Destiny thought back on her friends. :Sabreena, Dion. They were going to get married after our work was over. Taliana, she was going to travel. Dirk, he was so in love with Taliana. They would have been so happy together. Yeah, if they weren't dead.: The tears did not stop. :And I let them down. All of them. Their lives were in my hands and I let them slip through. Why can't I be stronger? Why did the Crises have to happen?:
A lonely self-hating girl cried herself to sleep that night.
To be continued...
Whoo-hoo chapter two is done! Thank so much for the great reviews! You made me want to keep writing this story. I tried to write more of what the characters are thinking. Sephiroth really wants to change (in my story at least.) so that's why he is acting out of character so often.
Preview: In Chapter three we find out why Sephiroth has that annoying little habit of falling asleep when he gets mad and who the voice is. What is the Crises and how is it tied in with Destiny's self-loathing? And Titan shows up again and finds something to play with(remember that he is sadistic so it can not be a good thing). Well hope I didn't spoil too much for you!