Final Fantasy VII
Restoration:
Lifestream
Vincent and Reno slowly stepped into the pool of Lifestream. Vincent held Sonrei tightly as they began to slip under. Reno glanced back once at the three seperate piles of clothing behind them. Reno marveled at the surrounding liquid. It was so calm, and the voices of the planet could be heard mummbling unintelligibly. It gave the whole thing even more of an eery feel.
Sonrei... Vincent called through his mind. The former Turk waited for the response
... Hmmm?
Sonrei...
Soon the liquid disappeared into darkness, then into a room appeared. It resembled the lab that they had previously been in. Sonrei sat on the floor, her legs pulled up to her chest, and her head resting on her knees. She wore something similiar to the body suit she wore the day that they had first met. Reno took a cautious step forward. "Sonrei...?"
"Why? Why did you save me, Reno?"
"I didn't want you to die like that..." The Turk replied, looking down slightly.
"Why? I don't understand! One minute you're saying you don't want to know me, the next you save my life... When you didn't have to! You could've just left! No one would've said a thing."
"I already said the reason I saved you..."
"There must be another reason," Sonrei pushed. She stood up slowly, and stepped toward the two men.
"Sonrei, you have to fight. You have to regain control. If you don't we'll have to kill you."
"What difference does it make to you?"
Reno cleared his throat. He didn't like ackward situations. He stratched the back of his head and looked toward the ground, taking note that at least he was wearing clothing now. "I just don't wanna see you die." Sonrei stood upright, placing both arms behind her and stared emotionlessly ahead. "I am created for destruction purposes only. I am the clone of Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Cid Highwind, Aeris Gainsborough, Vincent Valentine, Nanaki, Barret Wallace of Avalanche, Reno, Rude, Elena, Tseng of the Turks, Jenova, Sephiroth, Ifalna, Lucrecia, and Professor Hojo. I am trained in Martial Arts, most any weaponry, and have the ability to use both Holy and Black materia, but I have yet to master transformations of any kind. However, I am sure they will be learned in time," She said, flately. A bitter laugh escaped from her lips.
"That is all that I am... A tool for destruction."
"But now I do have a question for you..." The girl stepped toward Reno and leaned in closely so their faces were almost touching. "What do you want me for...?"
"W-What do you mean, Sonrei?"
"Do you want me for destruction...?" She moved seductively toward his ear. "Or pleasure...? I am quite skilled in both, I can assure you." Reno's eyes widened and he quickly pulled away. He grabbed the girls arms. He felt anger surge through his veins.
"I want you for neither. Give me some credit. If sex is all I wanted, I wouldn't have even bothered saving your ass back there. And, believe me, I don't want you for destruction purposes."
"That's good to know, Reno. But how can you fight your creator? He knows your weaknesses, your fears... Everything. How can you fight that?" Reno growled and released the girl.
"Then fine... We'll leave now and blow your damned head off. Is that what you wanted to hear? Well, too bad, I'm not gonna let anybody kill you, and I'm sure as Hell not gonna kill you myself. So you'd have to pull the trigger yourself, but to do that you'd have to be able to control your hands and arms, wouldn't you? So, what're you gonna do? And don't give me that crap about your creator, your purpose, or your past... 'Cause they don't mean a damn thing now." Sonrei stumbled back, her head lowering.
"I'll let you see my past... You'll probably understand more then... Maybe..."
***
The scenary faded once again. Blackness surrounded them, engulfing them. Sonrei appeared in a tank next. Much like the one Sephiroth had been revived in. Blue liquid floated around her, her shocking black hair spread about her, while a look of of deep sleep and peace claimed her face. Soon, however, the look was replaced with sheer panic and fear as she was pulled from her world of safety. The girl frantically pulled at the various tubes hooked to her body. The shrill ringing of the heart monitors filled the air, causing the girl even more distress.
Futago stepped toward her with his usual grace. He leaned in closer, and rested a hand on the glass. Sonrei recoiled in fear. "You're finally awake... I will go and tell Father." Sonrei's paniced voice could be heard clearly through the tank's thin glass. The girl pounded on the glass, attempting to shatter it. Futago smiled slightly and placed his hand on the glass again. "It is okay... You have nothing to fear."
The girl calmed a bit and placed her hand next to Futago's on the glass. "I will be right back, Sister... Stay calm." With that, the silver haired man turned and walked away. Sonrei looked around the room as she leaned against the tank's walls. Hojo came running with great speed, Futago following. He quickly began typing quickly on some sort of computer attached to the tank. Soon the liquid began draining, causing Sonrei to fall to the ground with a loud thud, her oxygen mask roughly snapped from her face.
"Do you know who you are?" He asked. She didn't reply, but instead turned to Futago and gave a pleading look.
"Father, perhaps you should allow her to leave the Cloning device... Perhaps then she would speak."
"If she wishes to be out of it that badly, then she knows what to do..." Sonrei whimpered slightly and began pathetically beating the glass. Futago lowered his head slightly.
"Father, please release her... This is unn-"
"If you want her out so badly, then please, feel free to rescue her yourself, Futago. I do not want a weak clone... If she can't defend herself, then you must kill her." The tall, dark skinned young man nodded solemnly. The next sound to fill the air was a shocking crackling. Both men turned their attention to Sonrei who had managed to break the glass. She climbed out unsteadily, trying to avoid broken glass.
"Hmm... Tell me, what is your name?" The question was met with silence once again.
"Damn it... Can you hear me?" Hojo shouted, his voice filled with anger. The girl only nodded.
"Then answer the question!"
"M-My..."
"I'm Sonrei Tsukuru... C-Can I have some clothes...?"
"Hmm... Fine. Futago, take Sonrei and find some clothing for her to wear." The man nodded and gestured for her to follow him. She shivered slightly.
"Sister, why did you hesitate?"
"I... don't know... W-Why... was I created...?"
"You should already know that."
"I do... kinda."
"Then why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I just want out of here..."
"Do not be afraid, Sonrei. You should serve Father well... You have the blood of many powerful people in you."
"You're right..."
***
Sonrei walked down a dark hallway. She wore only a lab coat. She approached Hojo with caution. "F-Father..."
"Yes? What is it?" Hojo turned and gawked at her for a while. Sonrei shifted uncomfortably.
"Hmm... I am quite disappointed. I had hoped Futago would have given you something similiar to his clothing... Your torso would have been more pleasing to the eye..." Sonrei felt her fists clench in anger.
"That is inappropriate! I am not an object... I will not allow comments li-" She was cut short by a quick slap across the cheek. It didn't hurt much... It felt almost like a sting from an insect. "I am your creator... I will not allow back talk," Hojo growled.
"I'm sorry, Father. I did not mean to offend you."
"Hmph. What did you want to speak to me about?"
"About my mission..."
"When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"W-What...?!"
***
Reno lowered his head slightly as Vincent looked thoughtfully to his side. Sonrei sighed and fell to her knees. "What's wrong, Reno?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, locking his eyes on hers.
"We haven't even begun yet!... Actually my past isn't that bad at all... But you must take into account yours also... Vincent's, too... Actually, everybody's..."
"Sonrei, why aren't you fighting? You haven't given any reason!" Vincent growled. Sonrei frowned slightly.
"I... What do I have? I have nothing... I'm nothing. I was a thief... I had a past, but that was ripped away from me..."
"Yes... I remember what I thought I was. Sure, it was nothing special, but at least I belonged some place!"
"B-But, I'm just... a.. a creation! I was borned with the knowledge of murder... With the training and pasts of the Turks, and the pain and suffering of Avalanche."
"I might as well be dead... I have no other purpose in life!... I'm tired, Vincent... I have no family, I have no past, I have nothing."
"You know that isn't true," Vincent flately said as he stormed over to her.
"You control your own destiny, Sonrei! You can decide to die or you can decide to live out the rest of your life!" Sonrei stood, tears streaming down her face, a low growl emitting from her through.
"Damn it! Don't you understand!? I'm not human! I have no future, and I sure as Hell do not have control over my destiny! It is whatever the Great Professor Hojo decides!"
"And even if I did regain control of my body, what do you think's gonna happen!? I may look human, act human, I may need air and water to live, but everyone will know I'm just some sick man's creation! No one can look at me as a human, no one will!"
"Because I'm not!" Sonrei screamed, her voice cracking with pain.
"Oh, Gods..." The girl collapsed to the floor, choking sobs escaping from her. "It hurts so much... you know..? I hear the voices of this planet cry in pain and fear... It knows Meteor's coming! It's begging me to help... I feel your pain, Vincent! I feel Reno's! I feel it all!"
"I relive it every night! I feel the knife entering my cheeks... and I see Reno's Uncle staring at me insanely... I feel the saw being driven into my arm as Hojo removes your arm just for the Hell of it! I feel Tifa's pain as Cloud sits in the hospital... His body being destroyed by Mako poisioning!"
"I feel Sephiroth's sword being driven through my chest... I feel Aeris' pain! I feel her shock... I feel every damned thing and there's nothing I can do to block it out! I try so hard..."
"And that pain is doubled when I realize nothing... None of these experiences are mine... I'm just some clone... Some clone! How can anybody care about a clone, huh? Why would they even want to!? I'm not human! I'm not! And I'm reminded of it everytime I close my eyes!" Vincent frowned and stared sympathetically at her.
"You're not 'Nothing', Sonrei. You feel, you breath, you need water and food just like the rest of us... And there are people who care about you. Reno saved you from burning to death in that fire because he cares... I came here because I didn't want you to put yourself through years of torture like I went through. I sealed myself away in a coffin... Can you imagine the pain I felt? I was miserable because I let my only love die at the hands of Hojo, and I allowed my son... Sephiroth to be turned into an evil man because I couldn't cope with what Hojo had done to me. Can you imagine what Sephiroth would have been if I had been there, and had stopped Hojo's influences from changing him? If I had been there to tell him of his mother? Hojo has ruined so many lives... I can't let you destroy yourself like this... I won't allow yet another sin to be added upon me..." Sonrei shook her head tiredly.
"Lucrecia... She loved you dearly, Vincent. I relived her past also..."
"Thank you for your kindness... But I realize I have no reason to live... I have none... Vincent."
Reno swallowed, and stepped toward her. "Vincent... I... I want to speak with Sonrei..." The man nodded and stepped away. Sonrei still sat on the floor, sobbing into her hands, her hair falling around her face, blocking any view of it. The Turk reached hesitantly out with his hand. To his surprise, Sonrei fell into his arms, burying her head in his shirt.
"Sonrei, fight."
"Why? Don't make me repeat myself.... Please..."
"I can name a couple reasons, if that's all you need."
"Oh, really? Well, then begin..."
"Well, you've never really seen the world, have you? You only know what we've seen of it... Wouldn't you like to experience it with your own eyes?"
"I don't care about that, Reno... What's the point of wandering the world if you won't have a home to go back to once you've finished?"
"Well, what about me?"
"What about you?"
"I... uh, well," Reno cleared his throat. One thing he'd never been to open about was actually expressing his feelings. He preferred to think he didn't even have the ability to feel actually. He felt like a coward... Afterall, she did need somebody, right? He did have feelings for her, right? What was the problem?
"Reno... Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah... Well... I... What about us?"
"Us...? What are you talking about?"
"I... uh, need you..." He finally choked out in a whisper. He prayed she'd heard. She must have. Sonrei pulled back quickly and stared, shocked.
"W-What...? H-How-"
"Look, I don't give a damn if you were grown in some tank, so don't even start. You're still real to me." Sonrei sighed and looked down, tears still streaming down her face, and her body still clearly shaking.
"I love you, too..." She replied.
"However, even if I were to regain control, Hojo may still be able to-"
"We'll kill the bastard before then."
"Hmph, you know, whatever I say, you're gonna shoot it back down. I'm finding it hard to believe you have Turk blood in you..."
"W-What? Why do you say that?"
"Hmph, you should know... A Turk never gives up. We're the bastards you wish would just go away... We never do, of course." Sonrei smiled slightly and tilted her head to the side.
"Tseng said that to you when you missed your target on your second mission, didn't he?"
"Yeah... 'Course I find it hard to stick to that rule myself..."
"Well, you know... I'm just some drunk Tseng pulled of the streets though. I meant what I said before, Sonrei... Please, come back..."
"... I..." Sonrei lowered her head.
"I want to be with you, Reno... But not if it means that I could be putting your life at risk..."
"Hey, babe, do you know how many people want me dead? Do you know how many people have attempted it and failed miserably?"
"Yes, but they're different... I could kill you at anytime."
"Sonrei, you won't. I can't think of anything else to say... Damn it... you're stubborn."
Reno stood slowly. Sonrei stared at the ground. "... If I do anything, kill me, Reno. I don't wish to hurt anyone but the ones who've hurt me, and I will. I will stay alive for you, and for revenge." The Turk closed his eyes. "Fine."
"Promise me, Reno. Promise you'll kill me if I try to hurt anyone again."
"I promise..."
***
Futago stared aimlessly into the distance. It would only be a few short minutes before they reached the Ancient Temple. Futago fondled the handle of his sword. It would only be a few short minutes before he would take his brother's life. Before he would kill the great and powerful Sephiroth. Anger surge through him once again as the memories of Midgar being devoured by flames ran through his mind once again. He had never had any intention of harming Sephiroth until then. He had destroyed his Father's endless years of researched, and all the other clones. He would get his revenge.
Sephiroth turned his head slowly to face the two men slowly approaching him. Hojo and Futago. So they had survived after all. He would enjoy killing them both. "Aeris, stay back... Looks like a battle is about to begin." The girl nodded and ran closer to the Temple. Futago growled, his anger surging through him. He carelessly threw his cloak to the ground.
"I will get my revenge, Sephiroth. You took so many lives at Midgar... You destroyed my home!"
"Are you sure he doesn't have just a few cells from Cloud in him?" Sephiroth asked as he readied himself for battle. Futago growled and rushed forward, bringing his sword down on Sephiroths'.
Restoration:
Lifestream
Vincent and Reno slowly stepped into the pool of Lifestream. Vincent held Sonrei tightly as they began to slip under. Reno glanced back once at the three seperate piles of clothing behind them. Reno marveled at the surrounding liquid. It was so calm, and the voices of the planet could be heard mummbling unintelligibly. It gave the whole thing even more of an eery feel.
Sonrei... Vincent called through his mind. The former Turk waited for the response
... Hmmm?
Sonrei...
Soon the liquid disappeared into darkness, then into a room appeared. It resembled the lab that they had previously been in. Sonrei sat on the floor, her legs pulled up to her chest, and her head resting on her knees. She wore something similiar to the body suit she wore the day that they had first met. Reno took a cautious step forward. "Sonrei...?"
"Why? Why did you save me, Reno?"
"I didn't want you to die like that..." The Turk replied, looking down slightly.
"Why? I don't understand! One minute you're saying you don't want to know me, the next you save my life... When you didn't have to! You could've just left! No one would've said a thing."
"I already said the reason I saved you..."
"There must be another reason," Sonrei pushed. She stood up slowly, and stepped toward the two men.
"Sonrei, you have to fight. You have to regain control. If you don't we'll have to kill you."
"What difference does it make to you?"
Reno cleared his throat. He didn't like ackward situations. He stratched the back of his head and looked toward the ground, taking note that at least he was wearing clothing now. "I just don't wanna see you die." Sonrei stood upright, placing both arms behind her and stared emotionlessly ahead. "I am created for destruction purposes only. I am the clone of Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Cid Highwind, Aeris Gainsborough, Vincent Valentine, Nanaki, Barret Wallace of Avalanche, Reno, Rude, Elena, Tseng of the Turks, Jenova, Sephiroth, Ifalna, Lucrecia, and Professor Hojo. I am trained in Martial Arts, most any weaponry, and have the ability to use both Holy and Black materia, but I have yet to master transformations of any kind. However, I am sure they will be learned in time," She said, flately. A bitter laugh escaped from her lips.
"That is all that I am... A tool for destruction."
"But now I do have a question for you..." The girl stepped toward Reno and leaned in closely so their faces were almost touching. "What do you want me for...?"
"W-What do you mean, Sonrei?"
"Do you want me for destruction...?" She moved seductively toward his ear. "Or pleasure...? I am quite skilled in both, I can assure you." Reno's eyes widened and he quickly pulled away. He grabbed the girls arms. He felt anger surge through his veins.
"I want you for neither. Give me some credit. If sex is all I wanted, I wouldn't have even bothered saving your ass back there. And, believe me, I don't want you for destruction purposes."
"That's good to know, Reno. But how can you fight your creator? He knows your weaknesses, your fears... Everything. How can you fight that?" Reno growled and released the girl.
"Then fine... We'll leave now and blow your damned head off. Is that what you wanted to hear? Well, too bad, I'm not gonna let anybody kill you, and I'm sure as Hell not gonna kill you myself. So you'd have to pull the trigger yourself, but to do that you'd have to be able to control your hands and arms, wouldn't you? So, what're you gonna do? And don't give me that crap about your creator, your purpose, or your past... 'Cause they don't mean a damn thing now." Sonrei stumbled back, her head lowering.
"I'll let you see my past... You'll probably understand more then... Maybe..."
***
The scenary faded once again. Blackness surrounded them, engulfing them. Sonrei appeared in a tank next. Much like the one Sephiroth had been revived in. Blue liquid floated around her, her shocking black hair spread about her, while a look of of deep sleep and peace claimed her face. Soon, however, the look was replaced with sheer panic and fear as she was pulled from her world of safety. The girl frantically pulled at the various tubes hooked to her body. The shrill ringing of the heart monitors filled the air, causing the girl even more distress.
Futago stepped toward her with his usual grace. He leaned in closer, and rested a hand on the glass. Sonrei recoiled in fear. "You're finally awake... I will go and tell Father." Sonrei's paniced voice could be heard clearly through the tank's thin glass. The girl pounded on the glass, attempting to shatter it. Futago smiled slightly and placed his hand on the glass again. "It is okay... You have nothing to fear."
The girl calmed a bit and placed her hand next to Futago's on the glass. "I will be right back, Sister... Stay calm." With that, the silver haired man turned and walked away. Sonrei looked around the room as she leaned against the tank's walls. Hojo came running with great speed, Futago following. He quickly began typing quickly on some sort of computer attached to the tank. Soon the liquid began draining, causing Sonrei to fall to the ground with a loud thud, her oxygen mask roughly snapped from her face.
"Do you know who you are?" He asked. She didn't reply, but instead turned to Futago and gave a pleading look.
"Father, perhaps you should allow her to leave the Cloning device... Perhaps then she would speak."
"If she wishes to be out of it that badly, then she knows what to do..." Sonrei whimpered slightly and began pathetically beating the glass. Futago lowered his head slightly.
"Father, please release her... This is unn-"
"If you want her out so badly, then please, feel free to rescue her yourself, Futago. I do not want a weak clone... If she can't defend herself, then you must kill her." The tall, dark skinned young man nodded solemnly. The next sound to fill the air was a shocking crackling. Both men turned their attention to Sonrei who had managed to break the glass. She climbed out unsteadily, trying to avoid broken glass.
"Hmm... Tell me, what is your name?" The question was met with silence once again.
"Damn it... Can you hear me?" Hojo shouted, his voice filled with anger. The girl only nodded.
"Then answer the question!"
"M-My..."
"I'm Sonrei Tsukuru... C-Can I have some clothes...?"
"Hmm... Fine. Futago, take Sonrei and find some clothing for her to wear." The man nodded and gestured for her to follow him. She shivered slightly.
"Sister, why did you hesitate?"
"I... don't know... W-Why... was I created...?"
"You should already know that."
"I do... kinda."
"Then why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I just want out of here..."
"Do not be afraid, Sonrei. You should serve Father well... You have the blood of many powerful people in you."
"You're right..."
***
Sonrei walked down a dark hallway. She wore only a lab coat. She approached Hojo with caution. "F-Father..."
"Yes? What is it?" Hojo turned and gawked at her for a while. Sonrei shifted uncomfortably.
"Hmm... I am quite disappointed. I had hoped Futago would have given you something similiar to his clothing... Your torso would have been more pleasing to the eye..." Sonrei felt her fists clench in anger.
"That is inappropriate! I am not an object... I will not allow comments li-" She was cut short by a quick slap across the cheek. It didn't hurt much... It felt almost like a sting from an insect. "I am your creator... I will not allow back talk," Hojo growled.
"I'm sorry, Father. I did not mean to offend you."
"Hmph. What did you want to speak to me about?"
"About my mission..."
"When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"W-What...?!"
***
Reno lowered his head slightly as Vincent looked thoughtfully to his side. Sonrei sighed and fell to her knees. "What's wrong, Reno?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, locking his eyes on hers.
"We haven't even begun yet!... Actually my past isn't that bad at all... But you must take into account yours also... Vincent's, too... Actually, everybody's..."
"Sonrei, why aren't you fighting? You haven't given any reason!" Vincent growled. Sonrei frowned slightly.
"I... What do I have? I have nothing... I'm nothing. I was a thief... I had a past, but that was ripped away from me..."
"Yes... I remember what I thought I was. Sure, it was nothing special, but at least I belonged some place!"
"B-But, I'm just... a.. a creation! I was borned with the knowledge of murder... With the training and pasts of the Turks, and the pain and suffering of Avalanche."
"I might as well be dead... I have no other purpose in life!... I'm tired, Vincent... I have no family, I have no past, I have nothing."
"You know that isn't true," Vincent flately said as he stormed over to her.
"You control your own destiny, Sonrei! You can decide to die or you can decide to live out the rest of your life!" Sonrei stood, tears streaming down her face, a low growl emitting from her through.
"Damn it! Don't you understand!? I'm not human! I have no future, and I sure as Hell do not have control over my destiny! It is whatever the Great Professor Hojo decides!"
"And even if I did regain control of my body, what do you think's gonna happen!? I may look human, act human, I may need air and water to live, but everyone will know I'm just some sick man's creation! No one can look at me as a human, no one will!"
"Because I'm not!" Sonrei screamed, her voice cracking with pain.
"Oh, Gods..." The girl collapsed to the floor, choking sobs escaping from her. "It hurts so much... you know..? I hear the voices of this planet cry in pain and fear... It knows Meteor's coming! It's begging me to help... I feel your pain, Vincent! I feel Reno's! I feel it all!"
"I relive it every night! I feel the knife entering my cheeks... and I see Reno's Uncle staring at me insanely... I feel the saw being driven into my arm as Hojo removes your arm just for the Hell of it! I feel Tifa's pain as Cloud sits in the hospital... His body being destroyed by Mako poisioning!"
"I feel Sephiroth's sword being driven through my chest... I feel Aeris' pain! I feel her shock... I feel every damned thing and there's nothing I can do to block it out! I try so hard..."
"And that pain is doubled when I realize nothing... None of these experiences are mine... I'm just some clone... Some clone! How can anybody care about a clone, huh? Why would they even want to!? I'm not human! I'm not! And I'm reminded of it everytime I close my eyes!" Vincent frowned and stared sympathetically at her.
"You're not 'Nothing', Sonrei. You feel, you breath, you need water and food just like the rest of us... And there are people who care about you. Reno saved you from burning to death in that fire because he cares... I came here because I didn't want you to put yourself through years of torture like I went through. I sealed myself away in a coffin... Can you imagine the pain I felt? I was miserable because I let my only love die at the hands of Hojo, and I allowed my son... Sephiroth to be turned into an evil man because I couldn't cope with what Hojo had done to me. Can you imagine what Sephiroth would have been if I had been there, and had stopped Hojo's influences from changing him? If I had been there to tell him of his mother? Hojo has ruined so many lives... I can't let you destroy yourself like this... I won't allow yet another sin to be added upon me..." Sonrei shook her head tiredly.
"Lucrecia... She loved you dearly, Vincent. I relived her past also..."
"Thank you for your kindness... But I realize I have no reason to live... I have none... Vincent."
Reno swallowed, and stepped toward her. "Vincent... I... I want to speak with Sonrei..." The man nodded and stepped away. Sonrei still sat on the floor, sobbing into her hands, her hair falling around her face, blocking any view of it. The Turk reached hesitantly out with his hand. To his surprise, Sonrei fell into his arms, burying her head in his shirt.
"Sonrei, fight."
"Why? Don't make me repeat myself.... Please..."
"I can name a couple reasons, if that's all you need."
"Oh, really? Well, then begin..."
"Well, you've never really seen the world, have you? You only know what we've seen of it... Wouldn't you like to experience it with your own eyes?"
"I don't care about that, Reno... What's the point of wandering the world if you won't have a home to go back to once you've finished?"
"Well, what about me?"
"What about you?"
"I... uh, well," Reno cleared his throat. One thing he'd never been to open about was actually expressing his feelings. He preferred to think he didn't even have the ability to feel actually. He felt like a coward... Afterall, she did need somebody, right? He did have feelings for her, right? What was the problem?
"Reno... Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah... Well... I... What about us?"
"Us...? What are you talking about?"
"I... uh, need you..." He finally choked out in a whisper. He prayed she'd heard. She must have. Sonrei pulled back quickly and stared, shocked.
"W-What...? H-How-"
"Look, I don't give a damn if you were grown in some tank, so don't even start. You're still real to me." Sonrei sighed and looked down, tears still streaming down her face, and her body still clearly shaking.
"I love you, too..." She replied.
"However, even if I were to regain control, Hojo may still be able to-"
"We'll kill the bastard before then."
"Hmph, you know, whatever I say, you're gonna shoot it back down. I'm finding it hard to believe you have Turk blood in you..."
"W-What? Why do you say that?"
"Hmph, you should know... A Turk never gives up. We're the bastards you wish would just go away... We never do, of course." Sonrei smiled slightly and tilted her head to the side.
"Tseng said that to you when you missed your target on your second mission, didn't he?"
"Yeah... 'Course I find it hard to stick to that rule myself..."
"Well, you know... I'm just some drunk Tseng pulled of the streets though. I meant what I said before, Sonrei... Please, come back..."
"... I..." Sonrei lowered her head.
"I want to be with you, Reno... But not if it means that I could be putting your life at risk..."
"Hey, babe, do you know how many people want me dead? Do you know how many people have attempted it and failed miserably?"
"Yes, but they're different... I could kill you at anytime."
"Sonrei, you won't. I can't think of anything else to say... Damn it... you're stubborn."
Reno stood slowly. Sonrei stared at the ground. "... If I do anything, kill me, Reno. I don't wish to hurt anyone but the ones who've hurt me, and I will. I will stay alive for you, and for revenge." The Turk closed his eyes. "Fine."
"Promise me, Reno. Promise you'll kill me if I try to hurt anyone again."
"I promise..."
***
Futago stared aimlessly into the distance. It would only be a few short minutes before they reached the Ancient Temple. Futago fondled the handle of his sword. It would only be a few short minutes before he would take his brother's life. Before he would kill the great and powerful Sephiroth. Anger surge through him once again as the memories of Midgar being devoured by flames ran through his mind once again. He had never had any intention of harming Sephiroth until then. He had destroyed his Father's endless years of researched, and all the other clones. He would get his revenge.
Sephiroth turned his head slowly to face the two men slowly approaching him. Hojo and Futago. So they had survived after all. He would enjoy killing them both. "Aeris, stay back... Looks like a battle is about to begin." The girl nodded and ran closer to the Temple. Futago growled, his anger surging through him. He carelessly threw his cloak to the ground.
"I will get my revenge, Sephiroth. You took so many lives at Midgar... You destroyed my home!"
"Are you sure he doesn't have just a few cells from Cloud in him?" Sephiroth asked as he readied himself for battle. Futago growled and rushed forward, bringing his sword down on Sephiroths'.