Strings of Insanity
Riku looked through the window of the small house in Sector 3, Maleficent whispering her poison in his ears. He had woken up to her, drank her lies and charms from the start, without knowing that she had partially succeeded in pushing his most cherished memories back. So Cid and Vincent didn't bring any emotion from him, but Sora…
- He betrayed you, like all the others… He found himself new friends, and forgot you. He thinks he doesn't need you anymore.
- ………What can I do?
- Come with me, I can train you so this arrogant kid can pay… He is not worthy of that Blade.
The silver haired youth smiled, and Maleficent followed, taking back her hand and stopping the spell she had been casting. Riku was quick to respond to it and he followed the sorceress through the magic portal. But just before to do so, he caught a flash of silver in the house, a spiky mane that was vaguely stirring something inside him. But the spell cast on him was too strong, and his memories too far away. But an image rose in his mind that would haunt him; a smiling couple holding a caring gaze.
Sephiroth was feeling a little better, at least his body had finally finished healing. He was still tied to JENOVA, constantly attacked by her deadly whispers, but his mind was free. The alien was commanding, though, as she was always. He could resist her, but only on the mental plan, as his physical body was tied to her, and she could make him do whatever she wished, unless… And that's what Sephiroth was struggling to keep secret. He owed Cloud; with his help, he was able, if he channelled all his energy, to get the control of his body for a short period of time. But he had to wait the good moment to do so. And feeling the eager energy in JENOVA's pattern, he could tell he would fight soon. It was saddening him a little, he did not wanted to cause any damages or pain to anyone, but if Cloud or Sora weren't there, he would have to capitulate and let the alien do as she would please.
Cloud… The only thought of him was refreshing his tired mind… He could sense his sensual flow of energy, and it tended to reach his own, so Sephiroth had always the impression he was nearby. And this brought so many memories… a small smile formed on his lips.
It disappeared very quickly as he felt his 'prison' shake a little. The magic barrier around him moved and JENOVA came behind him, commanding, demanding…
- Seems like your pitiful puppet failed in his mission… The time as come for you to achieve what you were made for; destroy the Keyblade Master and take control of this world!
Inwardly, Sephiroth shuddered. He closed his eyes and focused on Cloud; a small ring in his mind told him the blond was trying to reach him too. He was not alone. There was hope, so he let that flame warm his heart and watched as the portal opened. His body reacted violently and a dark wing sprouted from his right shoulder. His slender frame hit the ground while JENOVA's landed graciously next to the arena. The battle would began soon, the silver haired man felt the despised but familiar feeling of being taken over…
Sora was running. Very fast. Gliding was not enough because the silver haired man was swift to teleport behind him. He had been lucky so far, he had been able to hit him a few times. In the first seconds of the battle, when the portal opened on Sephiroth, Sora had been taken aback by the madness in those bright emerald eyes. The tall General was imposing in himself; long, free-flowing silver hair, sculpted traits and muscular stature. The leather was a contrast to his pale complexion, and by seeing him, by his looks, he could understand that Cloud wanted him back. He was looking like a real madman, now, swinging his sword down on the brunette, laughing and smiling deviously.
On the other end of the Coliseum, Seifer and Squall were holding Cloud back, who was almost hysteric. The Ultima weapon was shining on his back, thirsty for JENOVA's blood, who stood idly by the arena, manipulating his puppet. She was controlling him, and Cloud knew that if Sora wanted a chance to beat Sephiroth, they had to get to the alien female first.
- He's out to kill, Cloud!!!
- Don't be stupid! Just stay still, dammit!
- He's not the one I'm after!, screamed Cloud, JENOVA! JENOVA is controlling him! If I don't kill her now, Seph will never come back, even if Sora beats him! He'll be under her control forever!
Squall's eyes widened, and he immediately let go of the blond, ordering Seifer to do the same. What he did, and then Cloud jumped into action. Careful not to attract JENOVA's attention, he ran toward the pillars, using his stealth skills to get to the alien. He stopped breathing, concentrating on his next move, praying to the Gods above that she would be too busy to notice him or defend herself. Slowly, he pried the Ultima Weapon out of its sheath and rose into a charge stance. Just before he lunged for the creature, he tried to contact Sephiroth, what he did, and then attacked.
- DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JENOVA was taken aback and completely defenceless. She never thought that Cloud could have escaped Cerberus. The first swipe she received cut through the strings that were controlling Sephiroth's body, and the second slashed her chest, badly damaging her and she decided immediately to retreat. Cloud looked around, feeling her presence strongly in the air and saw that the silver haired man had started to sway; JENOVA was trying to get inside Sephiroth again, just like she had done so many years ago. Powerless, the small blond did the only thing he could.
- Sora!!!!! Get him down, NOW!!!! Knock him off!
The brunette wasn't told twice. While his opponent was visibly in a period of weakness, he glided to him and swung his blade down. Like Cloud, he hit him square on the back of his head. The silver haired man collapsed immediately. There was a shift in the air, and Cloud closed his eyes. Sephiroth was struggling, he could sense it, so he transported himself near him and gave him enough energy to regain control of his body. However, while he was doing so, JENOVA had materialised again and was preparing to retaliate… His support to Sephiroth stopped abruptly when a tentacle pierced his shoulder.
- You… You again! I won't let you interfere with my plans, not this time, now die, puppet, die!!!
She latched another set of tentacles, wrapping them around the blond's neck. The pain in his shoulder combined to the lack of air made Cloud lose his strength very quickly, and the Ultima Weapon fell with a dull thud to the ground. His vision was becoming darker at each second when the pressure disappeared suddenly. The blond found himself on his knees, sucking air in great heaves. All he was seeing was red; pure rage was now boiling in his veins and when he looked at JENOVA, he saw her struggling against Sephiroth!
The silver haired man had risen form the ground, in full control of himself, and stopped JENOVA from finishing Cloud. Now he was in trouble. Sora was powerless, probably injured, and he couldn't come to his help. Already bleeding heavily from a large gash the alien had made on his back, Sephiroth was starting to show signs of submission. Cloud couldn't stand to see this anymore. Hatred and anger filled his heart, submersed in determined will of protecting his love. Without even knowing it, there was a blade in his hands and Cloud felt the Omnislash drawing near. The red light surrounded him…
- OMNISLASH!!!
The familiar set of blow all hit the target. Cloud was transported by the thought of protecting Sephiroth and his desire to annihilate the immediate danger that represented JENOVA. Her screech resonated in the air and that's the last thing the blond would remember. Sephiroth ran up to him, lifting his body to hold him close. Together they had made it, they got out of hell… Looking down to check on Cloud's injuries, his vision suddenly blurred, then nothing.
Aerith was talking with Sora, who, after being treated by Hercules, was still wondering how the Cloud had took the Keyblade from him and why he had been able to use it against JENOVA. They were in Traverse Town. Apollo, back on Olympia had helped Cid and Vincent to dress the numerous wounds on the injured couple just before they could take them back. They were still out cold, and currently under observation in the small clinic of the town. Zack was often going there to see them, and if it hasn't been for his condition, he would work there, too… But the local doctor, Kamei Trek, was trying to arrange a small office to use his abilities and knowledge. Donald and Goofy had gone to the item shop to replenish their supplies and sell some stuff they didn't need anymore.
- You were unconscious, stated Aerith, and the Keyblade probably looked for the strongest heart. You may want to be careful and keep your faith in the Keyblade up above anything, if not, the Keyblade could momentarily chose a new bearer. Some Heartless can take appealing forms and others are very intelligent and could use your own feelings against you.
Sora nodded as Vincent came back and he asked if anyone had seen Cid. The Cetra shook her head and offered the dark haired man a cup of tea that he accepted. He looked a little tired, and listened to their conversation for a while before Aerith asked him what was going on. But the vampire didn't answer.
- Err… I think he nodded off.
- Hmmm… It's better not to wake him. Cid told me he haven't gotten much sleep since he learned Sephiroth had disappeared.
- I'll go and try to find Leon, maybe he'll teach me a few more tricks. And I'll speak to Donald and Goofy about what you told me. We'll be careful.
Aerith escorted him to the town's square, leaving her guest snoring in the sofa. She encountered Cid on her way back, who, surprise, surprise, wanted to know if she had seen Vincent. When Aerith asked him why, the smile the pilot shot her was enough and she understood that both Sephiroth and Cloud must have woken up.
Cloud looked down at his sleeping lover, still very, very tired and well nested into the bed. He seemed to the blond he would be that way for a few days before he would wake up completely from the oblivion he was in. But his rest was deep and dreamless. Once or twice a day he would wake for a few minutes, just the time to eat a little something, and then he would drift off again. He gently caressed his cheek, then tried to slip into his shirt, but the pain, still fresh in his shoulder, was forbidding it. Sighing in desperation, he slipped his right arm into a sling, making a face when he moved his arm.
- Sleep well, Seph. And don't worry for anything, I'll be alright. If I can find my vest, that is.
A shiver went down his spine and he spotted the said garment on a chair nearby. Draping it over his shoulders, Cloud stayed in the bedroom a little longer, watching his angel sleep before going into Zack's to check on him, too. Zell was up with Sky downstairs, so the spiky silver haired man was alone, and probably victim of his hormones right now. Indeed, he found him in the bathroom, sprawled on the tiles next to the toilet. He kneeled and passed a cold washcloth on his neck.
- Don't give up, it will pass, eventually. You are about to live the wonderful experience of giving life. That in itself is priceless.
- Dad? What if Zell doesn't want to-
- Don't talk like that. Sephiroth wasn't so sure about it, neither, and I was very afraid when I had you. The first weeks were hell, and if Vincent and Cid hadn't been there, I think we wouldn't be able to go through this. You have to be strong, Zack.
- How?
- Give Zell the support he needs. Tell him it'll be alright, tell him he is not going to be alone. Neither of your are perfect, but I know you'll do your best. And let him help you, too… Stubborn as ever, ne?
Zack mumbled something like 'maybe a little', and Cloud chuckled. He helped his son to his feet, dragging him back to the bed. The silver haired man heaved a sigh, and the blond felt how reassured his son was, and it was a good sign. Sitting down, Zack passed his arms around his father's torso, squeezing himself on him. Cloud returned the gesture.
- I'm glad you're back…
And Cloud smiled warmly.
End
Author's notes
Okay… I know I promised a quick update. Now, let me tell you this: This is all my boss's fault!!! In order to have a complete week off for the holidays, we have to work 2 Saturday this month! Nov 27th and Dec 11th!!! I'm beat! I'm so tired, and the worst, I aggravated my knee injury and my exam is the 19th… BloodRaevynn and Lauren, I would like to have news! These days, all the comps at work were rebooted, so we couldn't get any access to the Internet, so I am a little at loss, here… Anyway. See ya all in: Ansem's demise.