Crouching beast
Aerith plucked out a small rose sprout, digging another hole a little farther to transplant it. Her hands were dark with good earth and sweat glistened on her forehead. She had worked very hard recently, knowing that one of Zack's friend was bedridden with a mysterious disease. She was sending a bouquet each day since a week now and her bunch of flower was quickly decreasing. However, they always had grow very well, and the sprouts were spreading a lot on the new space…
- Oh, Mother, I hope he's doing better…
- He is, Aerith, he is!
- Zack!!!
The dark-haired man was leaning against the crumpled door of the church, smiling, and welcomed the flower girl with open arms. Her bright green eyes shone with emotion as Zack bent down to kiss her, and Aerith had to stifle a giggle when his unruly hair tickled her neck.
- So your friend is recovering?
Zack scratched the back of his head, grinning.
- Yep, and by the way, he thanks you for the flowers.
- Did they found out what he had?
- The doc said that his kidneys, for an unknown reason, blocked, leading to a blood poisoning. But the Turks are saying otherwise, and I think they're right.
- He has been poisoned?
- Can't tell. The only blood sample they took down in the lab was used up, so there is no way to tell. Something is going on… and I don't like that.
- Don't worry. Even if it get worse, follow your instincts… Unless other people you can see through the masks. Do you wish to go out in the park? It's a beautiful day…
Zack looked at the brown-haired girl with a dumbfounded look. Aerith was sometimes very mysterious, she seemed to see things he couldn't… He wondered what she meant, what she'd seen. Was Sephiroth in danger? Shaking himself, he gallantly grabbed Aerith's arms and together they walked to the park. The temperature was very warm for the season, although they couldn't see the sky under the plate. It was late afternoon, no children were playing in the crumpling park, so the couple made his way on the top of the old moogle-slide. The young woman buried herself into Zack's arms and closed her eyes, listening to the soft breeze and the sounds of the Mako reactors above.
- Zackary…, she sighed, I feel so at peace… I feel like this place is going to be very important for us… Please, promise me that you'll always remember me, remember this place… Promise, Zack…
Some beads of pure water slid down her cheeks and the Commander of SOLDIER was alarmed for a second before he drew her closer, gently stroking her hair.
- Hey… Don't cry, Aerith, it's not like I'm gonna leave you soon, no? Shhhh…
He didn't know how wrong he was.
********
Sephiroth's eyes narrowed dangerously and he asked again to Cloud what had happened to him. The blond was already very afraid, and answered to the question with the same answer. The General paled, hearing that the person he trusted the most, had taken him to the person he trusted the least. His confidence was shaken, if not falling apart with the last words that passed through Cloud's lips.
- How could you do that to me!, he yelled, furious.
- B-but listen! I had no choice!
- I thought you cared, that you cared for me… Leave me alone, he whispered pitifully.
The silver-haired man fell on his knees, trembling all over. He had not asked anything since he'd woken up, he feared that having been transported on a stretcher wasn't a dream… And it wasn't. He had showed weakness… he was humiliated.
- To leave you alone?, exploded Cloud, What if I had, then? What would have happened to you if I'd left you alone! You would still be lying on the floor!… You… you weren't waking up! You weren't waking up!!!!
A choked sob made him look up to see that Cloud was crying, and he realised, realised that maybe… Two small beads of water slid down his cheeks, suddenly feeling that he might have been wrong somewhere, misunderstood something, a tiny spark of hope warming up his shattered heart.
- You really… You… Cloud… still care?
His voice was childish, he knew, quivery and weak… Despite the fact that he took him to Hojo, despite the fact he had been touched by the mad scientist once more, through those crystal clear tears, he felt the sincerity in Cloud's words, now. The blond looked at him with wider eyes, disbelieving what he'd just heard and he hurriedly slipped into those arms, embracing his lover so tight that Sephiroth had a hard time to breathe.
- Do you, do you really think I would hurt you? That I /could/ hurt you?, he managed to say between two waves of tears, I-I was so afraid, so very, very afraid…
- … Me too…
The two stayed entangled together, and Sephiroth could hear Cloud's soft voice asking him if he still wanted him, and as an answer, the General held him even closer. Cloud had done the right thing. He had been very sick, and even if he didn't liked to admit it, Hojo was the most qualified to treat him… and his lover, even panicked, had done the right thing. It was him who shouldn't have reproached it…
- I apologize to you, Cloud. I… I realize you must have been very worry about me, I'm sorry I yelled at you. I'm sorry I made you cry. I'm sorry…
- Shhh… I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner…
They brushed lips lightly, forgetting their fight after mutual apologies. But Cloud was tired, he had a lot of late guard duty lately, and leaned heavily on Sephiroth, who gently picked him up. The couch seemed very appealing at the moment, so the silver-haired man sat down and wrapped them both in the light blanket that was draped over it. He breathed in Cloud's hair, tightening his embrace evermore.
- I love you…, he whispered.
Cloud just tried to bury himself even more into Sephiroth's chest with a sigh of relief. They were about to fall asleep when three firm knocks at the door announced a unwanted visitor. If it's Heidegger, I swear I'm breaking something! He cleared his throat but before he could grunt to whoever it was to go away, then whoever it was entered and it was no one else than Zack, holding a rose bouquet and an envelope.
- General, sir? Cloud?
- In the living, Zack…
The dark-haired man left the flowers on the kitchen table and moved to the living room.
- You two didn't have a fight he?… I heard some yelling and…, he noticed how red his superior's eyes were, oh no… so you /did/ have a fight. If I may ask, where is Cloud?
Soft blonde spike peered out of the blanket and Sephiroth smiled, pushing back down his lover's head so it stayed in the warmth. They heard Cloud mumble something, then he shifted position, reaching up with his hand to scratch Sephiroth's neck. Zack was relieved, from what he'd heard in the hall, the two seemed to be out to kill, before everything stopped. He was waiting with a mission order coming directly from Heidegger, and hearing nothing more, worriedly he decided to come in to see if everything was alright. The Commander chuckled at Cloud's behaviour and handed his superior his orders.
- I'll leave you two, then. I think those must be very important, 'cause the fat man gave them to me personally and it couldn't wait tomorrow, so… Here you go. Oh, and by the way, Aerith sent you some roses.
Sephiroth nodded and took the envelope, opening it to scan through the documents. His face turned ashen and he cursed under his breath. His lover felt the sudden tension and craned his neck out of the blanket, worriedly asking what was the matter.
- Rescue mission. We're leaving tomorrow afternoon…
- What are you afraid of?
- I'm not afraid, just worried…
- You're afraid, Seph, let me see those papers… Miniki Island? Crap… Hey, wait, it's said that medical support is send with us. You have nothing to worry about…
Sephiroth gently dislodged himself from Cloud and walked to the bedroom to slip into his uniform. He took back his papers but before leaving, he kissed his lover sweetly on the lips. Cloud grabbed the two leather straps and pulled hard, bringing him on his knees. When they broke the kiss, both were grinning, and Sephiroth ruffled the blond hair playfully.
- I suggest you to get a lot of rest. You'll be tagging along, and the boat ride for the Miniki Island is two days long. I won't be coming back too late. I have a few people to see for now so, just get some sleep ok?
********
Tseng sighed. He was working on the Takane Kubinaye case since few days now, and no files could be found. Everything turned out to fail. Reno's mission was going nowhere, too. The vials seemed to be nowhere to be found. He'd only been able to find the technical data sheets on the missing troopers, and those weren't of any help in appearance. Only Riley's differed from the other, because the boy was really intelligent and devoted to his studies. And like Cloud, he had been beaten up by his instructor until he was moved into the Turk candidates. The Wutaian flipped the ID card over and over again. Takane H. Kubinaye… Nothing was coming up from that name. He typed Arleen Kubinaye. Maybe he would have some chance…
The police files rolled on the computer screen until one stopped. The woman shown on the photo was really Takane, younger, but still very resembling. She had been arrested for prostitution. He already knew that, since she had worked at the Honey Bee Inn. The only potent information was the name of her son, Donovan. If only he could retrace that Donovan Kubinaye, or rather, Donovan Shinra, he would have found his suspect. But one thing bothered him; if the kid had grown in the slums, how could he had gathered enough money and men to achieve his goal? Three men, three members of the Shinra army, obviously devoted to his cause, were now dead. Maybe he was a member of the army? And where were his supporters? If they were all enlisted under Shinra's facility, they should already have some problems… So it meant that they all must hide somewhere…? Or maybe they all had been enlisted in Shinra army and then be reported dead?
- Something big is coming…, Tseng whispered, I am greatly fearing for your life, Rufus. I will assign myself to your safety again.
- What's going on?, the strawberry blond asked.
- Someone is after your father's empire. Your half-brother wants to eliminate you both to take the succession. But what I still don't know is when, where and why did they involved the General Sephiroth into this mess…
- *sigh* He can have it for all I care… No need to fight over a curse. Tseng, can I go to sleep?
The Wutaian smiled and took his laptop under his arm, following his young master to his new apartment and up to his bedroom. Leaving Rufus alone a moment for privacy, he returned to check the window and sat down behind the blond's desk, trying once more to get something from those damn files… and Reno's report that was loitering… Are the dead really dead?, he wondered, What if I search for deceased member of the army…?
Tseng had a sinking feeling about all this, suddenly… and the computer screen popped up with names. I still have to find the link between Parkson and Jamesion… Somehow I feel that Riley must have know too much about this and was eliminated. Reno was right, he would have become a good Turk…
********
The General quickly reviewed the men lined up before him. Three First class, at least ten other from Second and Third class, the rest were troopers. Among those people was Mickael Aranson, the medical support dispatched for this mission. Hojo had given him a small case containing different antidotes and healing potions. However, Zack was eying him evilly, as if he was reproaching him something… And Sephiroth had to admit, he didn't know if he was better to fear the Miniki mantis or that man. The ill amusement sparkling in those little brown eyes was commanding some distance. All the soldiers were waiting for his orders, disciplined and patients so he shook himself out of his thoughts. Nodding to himself, he asked the Commander if he had anything to add before the depart. Zack stepped toward him and saluted.
- Yes, sir. Private class S Strife has an ordinance from the infirmary, saying that he must travel on the front seat and be put under sleepel before boarding the boat.
- *sigh* Very well, then. You will be briefed as soon as we're on the board, and your mission objectives distributed tomorrow morning before the landing. Now take your designed seats and prepare for departure.
All the men saluted and they hurriedly hopped in the trucks as Sephiroth and Cloud moved to the leader vehicle. They fastened their safety belts and the blond took out two blue pills from his jacket, swallowing them with a small amount of water stored in his canteen. The engine started making Cloud turn a shade or two paler. He closed his eyes, focusing all his energy on not getting sick, even though his prescription was stronger. He felt it not long after, his head seemed extremely heavy until the roar of the engine was only a far away buzzing sound and he leaned unconsciously against his superior's side. Sephiroth did not move, and sighed, responding to the inquiry look the driver was giving him.
- At least he won't get sick…
When they boarded the vessel, the General handed the sleeping boy to Zack, ordering him to lay him in a cabin where there were no porthole. The Commander smiled at that smart move. Only the General's cabin had no portholes… The briefing was short, the men dismissed after the small meal they took in the lunch room. It wouldn't be long before Cloud would wake up, so Sephiroth grabbed a soup portion and walked to his rest room. The blond was indeed waking up, so he helped him to sit up and eat his meal. But the pills were still affecting him so he only offered a smile and a sloppy kiss before nodding off. Sephiroth covered him with the quilt and lay back at his side to rest.
When Cloud opened his eyes, this time, Sephiroth wasn't at his side, but in the small bathroom. He jumped to his feet and burst in, only to see that Zack was already there, helping out the General with his heaving fit. Cloud soaked a washcloth with cold water and applied it on his forehead.
- What's happening to him?, he asked worriedly
- Dunno, Cloud… Hell, I would like to know. I saw him walk around the ship for half an hour before I heard him collapse on the deck. Do you think he could have a relapse?
- Lemme check… Mmm… Could possibly be just a bout of fever, it's not very high… Sephiroth? C'mon Seph… Zack, help me to take him to bed.
Swaying on his feet, the silver-haired man let himself being dragged along and lay back on the mattress. He'd started to feel very queasy about an hour ago, maybe he was just motion sick a little… Something nudged at the corner of his lips, and he let Cloud slip two pills in his mouth.
- Awww… Poor Sephy, do you want me to go fetch the doctor?
- Listen, Cloud, interrupted Zack, I dunno about this. That Aranson guy, I don't trust him… Seph, if you want, I could leave you with Cloud and go brief the men tomorrow morning? What do you say?
The General nodded feebly and closed his eyes. Zack sorted out the papers and started reading them, the trooper looking over his shoulder to have an idea of the mission… Big mistake. Cloud turned ashen, feeling his stomach knot itself painfully and he put a hand over his mouth and rushed to the bathroom. The Commander sighed and grabbed the blond's pills, running after him to soothe his illness. Finally, when he made sure the two were asleep, he walked out quietly, determined to get some sleep before the briefing. The next morning, Zack walked in front of the men with the papers concerning the mission and exposed the facts.
- Yesterday morning an emergency signal emitted from the Shinra outpost, a faction now lead by Captain Donovan Hatako, situated on the Miniki island. Upon investigation it was established that Wutaian rebels took hold of the outpost, killing several troopers in the process and taking some in hostage. Our job is to recuperate the survivors, retake the outpost, and secure the area. We will land on the southeast beach and divided into two groups. One will attack on the front, creating a diversion while the other group will sneak up from behind, invading the fort and eliminating the rebels. Any questions?
- Yeah… Commander, when will we know in which group we are?
- The General will decide when we'll meet with the survivors. Anything else? Good. Anderson, I'd like to speak to you privately. That is all. Until we board, remain quiet and focused. Don't goof around too much okay? Dismissed.
Lionel Anderson, First Class SOLDIER, walked up to Zack and saluted, but the dark-haired man put him at ease. The two had gone to the war together and Anderson was a good medic on the field. They were the two that saved Sephiroth during his first allergic fit. He motioned the SOLDIER to follow and Zack lead him to the General's cabin. Sephiroth was still asleep and Cloud was dozing off in front of the toilet.
- Hey, what's that trooper's doin' here?
- Shhh… Li, I want you to examine Seph… I have some doubts that someone is trying to poison him. Just tell me if it's like at the war…
Li nodded and the redhead started by feeling his superior's pulse, then put a hand gently on his forehead. To his surprise, he found no trace of fever. Only his breath seemed shorter than usual for someone sleeping. In the meantime, Zack had dragged Cloud out of the bathroom and brought him on the bed, slipping him next to Sephiroth. The blond sighed and rolled over, hiding his head under the covers. Anderson grimly put a hand over his face in despair.
- Don't tell me, Zack… don't tell me you played the match maker again…
- Hey, it actually /worked/! C'mon, Li… I swear to you, Sephiroth was loosing it. He reminded me of Tracy just before he died… Cloud, hell, the boy was worshiping the ground he walked on. I just thought they could become friends, but they didn't wait. I just entered one day and they were all cuddled up together! I did nothing more than presenting both of them to each other, really…
Lionel smiled at that, resuming on his task. After few minutes he just gave up, he couldn't tell if the General was poisoned or just motion sick. And he had to admit, the pair looked good together.
- Hey, don't go babble this all around, okay? I trust you, and I think Sephiroth trust you enough to let you know about his private life.
- Do I know anything, sir? Lionel asked back with a smirk.
- Go prepare for the landing, SOLDIER. And until then, I hope the General will recover enough to lead the troops.
They both shared a saluted before Lionel left, and Zack stayed in the cabin, waiting for his commanding officer to wake up.
*********
Tseng was running, Rufus behind him and Dark Nation watching the back. Aranson was gone since a day now and Reno was still missing. Tseng had activated the Turk tracking device, and his body was still, somewhere in the Tower, on the scientific department floor. He burst into the cryo room, searching frantically through the tanks, and finally, he found the redhead, unconscious under a glass lid. Lifting it up, he pulled out the IV that kept him asleep. Now everything was clear; Aranson was involved in this mess, and obviously Reno had discovered something crucial…
- He's been drugged…!
End
Author's notes
O_o What happened? Poor lil' Reno… and poor Sephy, poor Cloud… Oh, by the way, they are better, now it's my turn. *sneeze, cough, cough* Waaaaaaa… Head hurts… -_- I'm going to bed now *yawn* Aranson is bad, but not as much as fkjdhsjhhoieiiii…………… *Sephiroth, wearing a mask and a surgical blouse, lift Htress's head from the keyboard*
Sephiroth: Cloud, are the blankets heated up?
Cloud: Yup, fresh from the dryer! Is she done with the chapter, yet?
Sephiroth: Yes, she deserve her rest now… I think the next chapter will be 'Sneak attack', right, love?
Cloud: Yeah, right… 'Sneak attack'. *whisper* Hey, listen to this! She's purring, just like you!
Htress: RRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…
Rock-a-by baby, on the tree top…