Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Squresoft characters, ideas, ect, only the events that unfold before you.
Lost Hearts and Souls
Chapter 4: Life Two
Immense pain pulsating through me. Where am I? What's happening to me? His world was one of exquisite pain, searing through his body. Can't think, it's too much." Crimson mixed with platinum as blood flowed freely from the thousands of slashes across his face and body. In time the pain subsided and the weakened warrior opened his eyes with effort. Slowly his surroundings came into focus.
He found himself alone, floating in a black abyss. Soon the warrior became aware that he was curled in a fetal position, still clutching his Masamune. The touch of a light silky object tickled his nose, annoyed he swatted at this bangs to find they were not the cause. To his amazement, a black wing had sprouted from his back and was now curled around his form.
As he began stretching his limbs he ascended slowly until his boots touched a surface. He now stood in a cold, dusty wasteland with twisted barren trees. The ex-general raised an elegant eyebrow as a tumbleweed rolled by his boots. He now realized that his body was healed but he was still wearing his trademark uniform. Gazing at the black outfit brought memories to his mind in a flash, they came upon him in an unceasing torrent.
..."Cloud."
That name was forever burned into Sephiroth's being, and had him grinding his teeth in anger. The only man to defeat him and destroy his quest for godhood was his worthless clone. For a moment he was consumed with cruel thoughts of revenge before remembering his current state. On the distant horizon of the endless wasteland he noticed a soothing green light, which radiated acceptance and peace. He could hear the sounds of laughing and happy voices blending in harmony. He was drawn to the warmth it seemed to radiate.
"What is left for me now?" He asked aloud.
Not waiting for an answer he tried to run towards the light of the Lifestream. The faster he went the farther away it seemed. Panting he stopped running and his heart sank at the reality of his situation. Of course the Lifestream would not accept the bloodstained soul of a murderer such as mine.
"It seems I have been banned from the life stream for my crimes. " Only the lonely silence answered him.
A chorus of voices in the life stream began to sing an enchanting song in a different language, yet he understood bits and pieces.
He let out a sigh of frustration and sat down looking at his bleak surroundings.
"Ouch, what the..?" Something small and round was in the back pocket of his trench coat. Reaching a gloved hand inside he produced a small circular stone that seemed to glow from within.
"What's this? I can not believe I still have it."
It was a stone of beautiful silver. He'd had it for as long as he could remember. As a child Sephiroth had found it in pile of junk on one of lab tables. When he'd asked Hojo about it, the scientist offhandedly remarked that it was his deceased mother. He'd never believe anything Hojo said, but that did not stop him from taking it. He had not parted with it all this time. Just the possibility of some attachment to his mother was enough to make him hold on to it for several years. Had the stone been found with Jenova? He had not been able to get to know her, and on top of that he'd failed her.
"Fate---Monstrous and empty." he said tonelessly
"Sors immanis et inanis.." sang the voices mockingly.
"Come, come, Oh come, do not let me die" he cried
"Veni, veni, venias ne me mori facias.." continued the voices.
As if by incitation the stone in has hand began to grow warm. A single ray of light shot up from the stone cutting through the darkness. He looked up to see a pale woman with white angel wings smiling down upon him. Her beautiful brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a doll like face. It was a very pale and fragile face, which seemed oddly familiar. The smile she wore could not conceal the pain in her eyes.
"My dear Sephiroth, how you've grown! She tried desperately to maintain her composure, brushing the tears from her eyes. Oh, forgive me, my name is Lucretia, I've come from the life stream to give you another chance. "
His heart beat rapidly at such a possibility, anything was better than this place. Seeing her tear stained cheeks confused him greatly.
Why does she appear to care? The silver haired warrior reached up to touch her hand as she reached down to him.
"The winged one of the lower reaches..." he murmured to himself
"Haryuu no hanekata..." sang the voices
He frowned as his hand passed through hers.
" I, I would forever be in your debt, but why would you help me?"
"I care very much for you, and can not stand to see your soul trapped here. That vile alien life form, Jenova, used you to try and destroy the planet. She did not succeed here, however her core essence remains in another dimension. " Lucrecia looked up from her clasped hands right into his aquamarine eyes. She already felt guilt over not being able to protect him in the past, and now she must give this burden to him.
" Even now there are those who seek to find her a vessel and revive her. The planet needs your help; the scales are too unbalanced without you. This will be your last chance to redeem your self the choice is yours. "
She began to fade away.
"Take care of yourself, and learn to trust in others, that is the key to life. When you are ready to leave simply hold the stone and say your name. " Her voice now barely a whisper
"Thank you, I will, but I still don't see why you would help ME? Who are you?"
"I am your mother and I love you with all my heart. If only I'd been able to hold you just once.."
"MOTHER! Don't go!" he cried. The woman vanished to join the other souls flowing within the Lifestream. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes began to sting.
"I understand now, I was a fool. What did I think I was doing? Trying to BECOME A GOD!" he screamed aloud. I shall do my best, for my true mother. "
He held the stone to his heart and bowed his head, bangs falling forward.
" I am Sephiroth." He spoke with conviction, and for the first time a single tear began it's journey along his face. In a swirl of black feathers he too vanished.
"SEPHIROTH" sang the voices of the life stream.
Tiffany Hartline