DISCLAIMER: Squaresoft owns the FF7-verse and the characters. I own nothing but the.. err.. wait, it'll come to me.. the.. err..
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This was such a difficult chapter to write, I'm not surprised it took me a while to finish. I know Seph's behaving a little out of character, but he's supposed to.. Urgh. It's difficult to explain anything without spoiling you the fun of discovering it for yourselves. (Actually, I'm just lazy.) Feel free to send me e-mail if you have any questions! I always answer, since I have no life.. ^_^ Oh yeah, if you read this fic please review too!! I'd like to know how many bother to read this. Well, onto the fic!
CHAPTER 6.
She tells her love while
half asleep,
In the dark hours,
With half-words whispered low:
As earth stirs in her winter sleep
And puts out grass and flowers
Despite the snow,
Despite the falling snow.
- Robert Graves -
"They think I've joined AVALANCHE? Now that's new." Sephiroth said, grinning at the sky spitefully.
"Aren't you worried, about the assassin?" Aeris asked, playing with her fingers.
"He's nothing I can't handle." Sephiroth swinged his Masamune, and it's blade reflected a blaze of light to Aeris' eyes. "What if you're wrong?" She asked, but Sephiroth didn't answer her.
"So you're heading towards the chocobo-ranch?" He merely asked, as if he hadn't even heard Aeris' remark. Aeris bit her lip, it seemed Sephiroth didn't take failure for an option. He was so terribly proud.. "Yeah. The others are waiting there." She nodded at him.
"I shall escort you there." Sephiroth said, and began to walk towards the canyon that was the only way to the grasslands the ranch was located on.
"Sephiroth.." Aeris bowed her head. "What?" Sephiroth turned around and looked at her, waiting for a question.
"I'm worried about you." Aeris said so quietly, that her voice was nearly a whisper.
The wind blew dry leaves and dirt, and it held Sephiroth's hair in it's grasp a moment. "Don't be." He said, closing his eyes briefly. He turned and continued to walk after Red, who was leading their small group.
Aeris followed Sephiroth, quickly reaching him. She walked beside him in silence, trying to think of something to say. She wished she could change Sephiroth's mind. She wanted him to stay with AVALANCHE. "Let's talk about something." Aeris suggested. Sephiroth glanced at her, making it very clear he wasn't in the mood. It seemed strange to Aeris, how someone might favour brooding over a nice conversation.
"Come on. It'll make the walking easier." Aeris tried again.
"I didn't realize you were having difficulty walking." Sephiroth said, with an arrogant grin on his face.
"Oh, don't be such a jerk Sephiroth." Aeris smiled back at him. "Tell me about your childhood. What was it like?" She thought it was a perfectly innocent question to ask, but judging from the way Sephiroth's entire body tensed at the word 'childhood', he didn't like the subject that much.
"What do you care." His voice was suddenly filled with such bitter hatred, that Aeris felt a bolt of electricity run through her. For the first time since that little incident at her home, Aeris was afraid Sephiroth might hurt her.
"I'm your friend now.. and that's what friends do. They care.." Aeris replied sheepishly, but her answer seemed to only irritate Sephiroth further. She saw he was clenching his hands into fists, as though he was fighting some inner battle. Aeris hoped she had never brought up the whole childhood-thing. Sephiroth obviously had.. issues about it. Didn't everyone, Aeris sighed. She watched Sephiroth concearned, studying his slightly frightening appearance. Even though there was green grass, flowers and trees everywhere, Sephiroth didn't seem to pay any attention to them. It was as though he was blind to all the beaty of nature, to the blue sky above. He didn't even seem to hear the birds chirping.. Once again, Aeris felt sorry for him. She wondered if he realized how much he was missing out of. "I'll leave you alone then." Aeris bit her lip, and ran to Red. She couldn't cope with the guilt, that maybe her asking too many questions had brought up memories Sephiroth would rather have forgotten..
"Aeris..?" Red seemed a little surprised when Aeris ran to his side. After catching her breath, she smiled at Red wearily.
"He's being difficult again.." Aeris explained, and Red nodded as if to say he understood.
"We'll reach the ranch by tomorrow.." He continued, watching at Aeris a little worried. She didn't seem like her usual carefree self. "Are you OK? Did he say something?" Red asked, turning his head over to Sephiroth. The silver-haired man didn't seem to be in a particularly good mood either.
"No." Aeris sighed, raising her brow as if to say that was exactly the problem. "I see.. You shouldn't push him too hard, you know.." Red replied.
"Yeah.. He's not as strong as he thinks he is.." Aeris shook her head.
"Anyway, Aeris, I know this cave nearby where we could stay for the night." Red said, pointing at the canyon wall. She couldn't see any cave, but she trusted Red. "That sounds nice.." Aeris smiled at him.
* * * * *
"They should have come by now.. What's taking her so long?" Cloud walked in circles.
"Calm down, willya? It's probably just a little slow to drag an unconsiouss man along, and with all those SOLDIER's running around.." Tifa smiled at Cloud.
"Yeah, you're probably right.." Cloud sighed, and leaned against a red barn at the chocobo-ranch. "I just have this feeling.. What if he's awake? What if they've been captured by Shin-Ra again?" Cloud asked, turning to face Tifa. She shrugged at Cloud's questions, her straight dark-brown hair falling down her shoulders.
"I'm sure Aeris'll be able to run from him, if he's awake.. And she's been able to avoid Shin-Ra her entire childhood, hasn't she?" Tifa's voice wasn't very confident. "Yeah.. and she's got Red with her.." Cloud pondered. "They're fine.." Tifa assured her friend.
"Whazzup you two?" Barret asked, joining them. Cloud and Tifa glanced at each other. "Nothing." They answered in unison.
"OK.." Barret said, and marveled at the vast plains spreading in every direction. "It's so different out 'ere.." He sighed. "Without them goddamn reactors.." He muttered angrily.
"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know.. There are still SOLDIER's everywhere, searching for us." Barret told Cloud.
"They still think Sephiroth has joined AVALANCHE? Whatever gave them the idea we wanted anything to do with him?" Cloud snorted.
"I dunno. Maybe cos we helped him out of the Shin-Ra building.." Barret guessed.
"I wish we hadn't.. If Aeris hadn't insisted it.." Cloud voiced his thoughts.
"She was acting awfully weird.. I mean, who'd sleep in the same room with a homicidal maniac? Especially after knowing all about him being a homicidal maniac?" Tifa raised a brow. "It was like she knew da man." Barret grinned sheepishly.
"That's not possible. She would have told me." Cloud shook his spiky-haired head.
"She's quite a mystery.. I guess we'll have a chance to ask her all about it when she arrives here." Tifa smiled at Cloud.
* * * * *
After setting up camp, Sephiroth had wandered off into the small forest nearby. Aeris knew he probably wanted to be alone, but on the other hand, she was racing against time. If she couldn't change Sephiroth's mind about joining AVALANCHE, she might never see him again..
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Red asked, lying by the fire. "Go find him." He continued, smiling at Aeris.
"Thanks Red." Aeris grinned, blushing a little. She hadn't realized it was so obvious who she was thinking about. She stood up from the dry sand floor of the cave, and walked out into the darkening early night. The crickets were not very loud, since the warmth of the afternoon sun still lingered in the air. The long grass of the plains brushed against Aeris' bare ankles as she entered the forest. It seemed so much darker in the shadows of the trees, since the bright blue shimmer of the full moon was not able to reach her through the thick layer of leaves.
"Sephiroth?" Aeris whispered. The cool night breeze seemed to have silenced the birds' glad chirping, and the night covered all the bright colours of the flowers and trees as it decended. The wind caught Aeris' pink dress, and she leaned against it's soothing touch, smiling exhilerated. It seemed so peaceful in the forest, even though the noise of the leaves reminded Aeris of thousands of frightened whispers.
"You called?" Sephiroth's voice came from somewhere closeby. Aeris turned around, and noticed he was leaning against a tree. Thanks to his black clothes Sephiroth blended perfectly into the nocturnal scenery, but the eery glow of Mako in his eyes gave him away.
"Y-you scared me." Aeris stuttered. She stared at Sephiroth a while, trying to erase the image of a lion stalking for prey out of her mind. She heard Sephiroth chuckle at her comment, as though he had been complimented. "Come here." He said, and turned his back at Aeris. She followed him, noticing how relaxed Sephiroth seemed like. His footsteps were smaller, and his posture wasn't as perfect as usually.
Sephiroth must feel right at home here, Aeris mused.
Sephiroth lead her to a small clearing, that had a small river running across it. The clear blue water reflected the moonlight, making faint noises as it flowed lazily towards the ocean.
"It's beautiful." Aeris gasped. Sephiroth only nodded at her comment. He sat down at the edge of the riverbank, and rested his feet in the water. Only now Aeris noticed that his black boots, gloves, white shoulder-pads and the Masamune were rested on the ground nearby. His hair was dripping water, Aeris bit her lip. He must've just washed it.
"How were you able to hear me from so far away?" Aeris sat down next to Sephiroth, her eyes wide with bewilderment. "You have Hojo to thank for that." Sephiroth laughed bitterly.
"So what did you want to talk about? My miserable childhood again?" Sephiroth began, lifting his eyes from the water. "See this?" Sephiroth raised the back of his hand in front of Aeris' face.
"A tattoo." Aeris raised a brow. It was a black number one.
"Hojo did this to me. I can still remember the look he gave me after he was finished.. like I was cattle." Sephiroth's voice lacked any emotion. It seemed weird to Aeris, since she thought such a memory must've been very painful. Sephiroth pulled back his hand, turning his eyes away from Aeris.
"Sephiroth?" Aeris' sad expression suddenly brightened up.
"What." Sephiroth said, throwing a flat stone into the river. It bounced off the surface only once before sinking.
"I have to ask you something." Aeris turned to face Sephiroth, and grabbed his hand. He flinched at her touch, but didn't pull back his hand. "I know this is going to sound a little weird but.. Do you ever get the feeling that.. you know me from somewhere?" She asked, studying Sephiroth's expression.
"Are you hitting on me, Aeris?" Sephiroth glanced at her amused.
Aeris blushed, and kept looking down at her hands, that were still holding Sephiroth's hand in their grasp. His fingers felt so warm, Aeris smiled, and basked in the warmthness radiating from him. "Forget it. It was silly anyway." Aeris shook her head, afraid to look at Sephiroth again. She let go of his hand, and watched as he pulled it away. Just like in the dream, Aeris thought, she suddenly felt so incomplete.
Before she had the chance raise her eyes again, Aeris felt Sephiroth's fingers brush a few loose strands of her curly hair behind her ear. She was so shocked by the touch, nearly every muscle in her body jerked as if she'd just received an electric shock. Quickly lifting her gaze, Aeris stared back at Sephiroth's calm face. Her breathing became shallow and nervous, as she felt the familiar fragrance of Sephiroth's hair fill her sences. She leaned closer to him, not fully aware of what she was doing. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it might burst out of her chest.
"Aeris!?" Red's baffled voice came from somewhere closeby.
In that very instant, the nearly magnetic spell between the two friends was broken. Sephiroth stared at Aeris confused, not understanding what had nearly happened.
"Y-yeah?" Aeris stammered, trying to calm the electric storm in her heart.
"Just thought you'd like to know, a big red dragon ate all of our equipment." Red told her, "and it's coming this way."
Sephiroth pulled his feet out of the water, and grabbed his Masamune. "This shouldn't take long." He muttered, and ran to the direction Red was pointing to.
* * * * *
Sephiroth stared at Aeris, sleeping calmly next to him. It had been a welcomed change to battle against the Ruby Dragon. At least for the little while it had taken for Sephiroth to kill the beast, he had had something else to think about than Aeris. Now that the sun was rising though, she seemed to be the only thing in Sephiroth's mind. He wondered, if he could convince Aeris to follow him and Jenova.. He was sure Jenova wouldn't mind. A mask of indifference on his face, Sephiroth ran his fingers across Aeris' cheek. She stirred in her sleep, smiling. He had laughed at Aeris' question of them knowing each other from somewhere, but he did feel it.. It was like a melody at the back of his head, only he couldn't pick out the words. He had never felt as calm and peaceful around anyone.. It was as though the mere presence of Aeris soothed the anger in his soul.
"Morning." Red nodded at Sephiroth, a knowing look on his face. Sephiroth felt a little uncomfortable around him, especially after the events of last night. "We'll reach the ranch today, for sure." Red spoke.
"I agree." Sephiroth nodded at the red-furred creature. "You're still leaving, aren't you?" Red continued, with a quiet voice, as if he was trying his best not to wake up Aeris. "Yes.. I must follow my mother." Sephiroth told him.
"Jenova.." Red muttered.
"How did you know that! I never told you the name of my mother!" An alarm went off in Sephiroth's head. Something fishy was going on.. It was obvious Red knew more of Sephiroth's past than he was letting on. He hated people like that..
"I must've heard it from Hojo. I used to be a specimen too." Red coughed awkwardly, and Sephiroth wasn't exactly sure he was telling the truth.
"As soon as she wakes up, we're leaving." Sephiroth turned his eyes to the ground, a cold tune to his voice.
"I wish you'd reconsider. For Aeris' sake." Red suggested, but Sephiroth only glared at him in response. He wasn't willing to take orders from anyone, especially from those who were inferior to him in every aspect.
"Mmm.. Good morning.." Aeris smiled sleepily at Sephiroth. "I had such a lovely dream.. I can't remember any of it, though." She let out a big yawn, and rubbed her eyes.
"We'd better get going.. So get ready." Sephiroth's voice seemed cold even towards Aeris, since Red had managed to destroy his good mood.
"Oh, not yet? I'm hungry.. and thirsty." Aeris pouted at him.
"Well, I guess we're not in such a hurry.." Sephiroth smiled at her, and for a while Red couldn't pic out anything threatening about his appearance. He wondered if Aeris fully realized, what control she had over Sephiroth. It seemed impossible, how close the two had become in such little time..
* * * * *
"I see it!!" Aeris was jumping up and down excited. She had been walking so much the past few days, that her feet were hurting with every step she took. Now that she could finally see their destination, she had difficulty controlling her enthusiasm.
"I saw it first." Sephiroth grinned maliciously.
Aeris laughed at him, yet Sephiroth didn't seem to mind. "I can't wait to get there! There's probably something decent to eat, and a place to rest.. I'd give anything for a sofa right now.." Aeris puffed. "My feet are killing me.." She moaned.
Sephiroth glanced at her. "I could carry you." He suggested, an evilish smirk on his face.
What's in it for you, Aeris wondered, but decided not to pass on Sephiroth's offer. "Hey, sure, if you think you're up to it." She smiled at him.
"Hop on." Sephiroth replied, settling himself next to a tree stump. Aeris jumped on his back, wrapping her arms around his throat.
"If it's possible, try.. not to choke me to death." Sephiroth muttered.
"Oh sorry." Aeris chuckled, leaning against Sephiroth's shoulder. "Wow. What a view." She laughed into his ear.
"So tell me about these friends of yours." Sephiroth asked.
Aeris turned as pale as a ghost, and her muscles tensed against Sephiroth. She had forgotten all about Cloud and the others and especially the little detail that Cloud and Sephiroth hated each other with fiery vengeance. "Aeris?" Sephiroth asked, noticing her discomfort.
"Umm.. Yeah.." Aeris tried to think of a good explanation. "You're leaving soon, aren't you?" She said, feeling a little sad at the thought. Her horror of a battle till death replaced that sadness quickly though. How would Cloud react to Sephiroth? How would Sephiroth react to him? Aeris was filled with a sudden urge to go to Costa Del Sol for a few weeks.
"You know, Sephy, you don't have to walk that quickly." Aeris' voice was tense.
"There you go with that nickname again.." Sephiroth shook his head slightly. "And besides, I don't get tired easily." He continued.
Damn that Hojo, Aeris thought and bit her lip in worry.
After thirty minutes of walking, the three of them were finally approaching the red barn on the outskirts of the ranch. "I've always wanted a black chocobo. They're so stylish! One can wear any outfit with one." Aeris chattered.
"I imagine you'll want me to make 'wark' sounds soon, to fool the passers by." Sephiroth smiled, glancing at Aeris over his shoulder.
"You wouldn't mind would you? It'd be so cute! Com'on, I dare you to say it!" Aeris laughed.
"You'd owe me big time.." Sephiroth answered her, smiling at first but suddenly his expression turned cold.
"What is it?" Aeris laughed. She felt Sephiroth loosen his hold on her legs, and she slid down his back.
"Cloud.." Sephiroth snarled at the blond-haired man standing in front of him with his wide-bladed sword ready to strike.
"Sephiroth.." Cloud nodded at him. It wasn't as warm a welcoming as Aeris had hoped for. Tifa was standing on Cloud's right side, in a fighting position. Barret stood a few meters left to them, his gun-arm aimed at Sephiroth.
"Aeris, get away from him." Cloud told Aeris.
Sephiroth glanced at her, a wounded look on his beatiful features. Aeris stared back at him, feeling like something was about to burst through her throat. The ache was so intense.. Only a few moments ago she had felt happier than in years, and now.. her heart was breaking. And judging from the look in Sephiroth's eyes, so was his.
"Aeris..?" Sephiroth tilted his head, not fully understanding what was happening. He watched as Red left his side, and joined Barret on the side of the barn. The red-furred creature didn't look at Sephiroth, until he sat down. His expression was somewhat apologetic, but not surprised. Had they planned this all along?
"Please, don't hurt him.." Aeris pleaded the others. She saw the odd looks Tifa and Cloud exchanged, but she didn't care. Please no matter what happens, Aeris thought as she stared into Sephiroth's eyes, never hurt him.
In Matthew Priors words: Oh! take your sword, and pierce my heart, Undaunted see me meet the wound.. This is such melodrama!! And a cliffhanger again? Umm.. I bet you're wondering what's gonna happen? I know!! I know and you don't!! *makes a little irritating dance* Stay tuned for the next chapter.. ^_^