Neither Sephiroth nor his men had slept during the night. They lay on the small cots provided and stayed awake, just in case. After Sephiroth had sent back three men to tell the rest of the camp that he would not be back that evening, the elders offered them one of the vacant houses at the south end of the village. The general stayed awake, though his eyes were closed, and thought of what course of action to take. He'd already given his word that no harm would come to the village or its inhabitants, and he would not go back on it. He'd finally decided on leaving a small platoon of soldiers to say and help protect the children.

The sun was rising and his men began to rise. None had slept, but they hadn't moved in some hours either. They were stretching when a knock came from the outside wall of the house. Sephiroth had been leaning against a wall, eyes closed. He went over to the door and opened it. It was Yuffie and a young woman who stood behind her. She had straight ebony hair that would fall fallen to her lower back had it not been in a loose bun atop her head. She wore a simple white kimono with a jade green sash that tied in the back. Her eyes were nearly the same wine color of Yuffie's, but a slight shade lighter. She bowed her head in a sign of respect.

Yuffie was smiling. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" she asked. Sephiroth nodded, though he had not slept at all. "That's good. Are you hungry? 'Cause breakfast is gonna be served soon." Sephiroth nodded. He looked at the young woman. She she did her best to hide it, Sephiroth was sure she seemed sad. "Who is your friend, Yuffie?" Yuffie turned to look at the young woman then back at Sephiroth. "This is Takeshi. She takes care of me and some of the others." Sephiroth had to admit that Takeshi was attractive. A bit on the skinny side, but still quite attractive. "It is a pleasure meeting you Miss Takeshi." Takeshi nodded, but she said nothing. Sephiroth turned his attention back to Yuffie. "We will be happy to join you for breakfast." He turned back to his men. Their blankets were already folded and their cots were exactly as they's found them the previous evening. They awaited their orders.

"We've been invited to partake in breakfast. Let's go." Sephiroth turned back to Yuffie as she and Takeshi led the way to the pace where meals were served. It was a house near the center of the village that had tables. Sephiroth and his men sat at a table, and a few children dared to sit there as well. Yuffie didn't seem frightened at all. She sat next to Sephiroth and ate her meal of porridge. Takeshi, Sephiroth noted, was sitting in a chair and feeding an infant. She looked up and caught his eyes with hers. Sephiroth saw the sadness in her eyes that he'd noticed before. Zack poked him and Sephiroth looked toward him. "What is it?" His voice held an edge to it; he'd been interrupted and wasn't happy. Zack could tell but didn't care, since it only furthered his suspicions. "I saw you looking at her. She's hot, don't you think?" Sephiroth's attention was back on Takeshi, and without thinking, he nodded.

It was nearly noon, and he needed to be back. He'd been gone for too long as it was. Once he was back at camp, then he would send men to keep watch on the village. He was about to mount his chocobo when Yuffie came running up to him. "Wait!" She was nearly out of breath, leaning against the tree that Leon was tied to. "The elders. They want to see you before you go." Sephiroth nodded and turned to Zack, "Wait here for me. I won't be gone for long." He turned and followed Yuffie through the village to a house next to the fire ring. Yuffie stayed outside and told him to go in. Do you know what they want?" he asked her. "No. But they said something about a gift." Sephiroth wasn't sure what to expect. Attack could be an option, but he had a feeling that they knew they could never take him on. He also knew that they might have much to give, either.

He entered and found six men sitting on the floor, legs under them. Takeshi was on the right, in her white kimono, though he had no idea as to why she would be here at all. There was a pack behind her, and a sleeping roll attached to the top. Sephiroth bowed in respect and went to his knees when motioned to do so. The old story teller was in front of the others, and as soon as Sephiroth was on his knees, he began to talk. "Forgive us for asking you to come on such short notice. We have been up for most of the morning, talking amongst ourselves. We are grateful to you for taking our village, and we would like to present you with a gift for your graciousness." Sephiroth was a little confused, "I thought that it was custom not to give gifts?" The man nodded, "Indeed, we do not give gifts. But you have given us a gift, by not taking this village and those within it. And in return, we give you one. You would honor us by accepting her."

Sephiroth nearly choked. "Her?" He had a feeling he knew what was going on now, and why Takeshi was here. "Yes general, her. We do not have much, but we have her. She has served us well, and now, if you will accept her, she will serve you well too." Everyone was looking at him now. He didn't like being under such pressure, but he could handle it. As for accepting this gift, he couldn't just refuse. The others were starting to look nervous, even Takeshi. She was fingering the edge of her dress, though she was trying to hide it. Her breathing was uneven, though he doubted she knew that. His eyes were on her, and he looked as though he was appraising her. In his mind, though, he was thinking of why would they would just give her to him. She could be a spy, but it probaby wouldn't matter soon, as the war was nearly over. And what would he do with her after. He supposed that she could go back with him to Midgar.

"Are you willing to do this?" He asked her. He wanted to make sure that she wanted this, and she wasn't being made to do it. She nodded, and spoke for the first time, "Yes. I was asked if I would, and I accepted." Her voice was melodic, and Sephiroth was sure that she could be a singer if she so wanted. But her answer was more important than her voice at that moment. He nodded then faced the others. "I am honored to accept her." He swore later that they all let out sighs of relief, though Takeshi still held that sadness in her eyes.

He stood, "Please forgive me, but I need to leave as soon as possible. I have been away for too long." The men nodded and Takeshi stood as well, taking her bag and placing it on her back.


I know that I said that this chapter would be up tomorrow, but I finished it and wanted to put it up ASAP, just incase I forgot about it.

From what I understand, though I'm not sure, Takeshi is a male name. When I first saw the name, I liked it very much and I thought it sounded female. That name still gives me the impression of being female, so I used it here. Chapter four will hopefully be up soon.