Sephiroth's eyes shot open and he sat up.
What...? It took him a moment to recognize his surroundings and recall what had happened. Looking around the sterile room, he nodded shakily to himself. It was only a dream, of course. It was too strange to have been real, and I'm not dead. I am here, in the lab, and she would never have done such a thing...
It was the Cetra who told her to, came that voice again.
He frowned. I thought I told you to leave me alone.
I cannot remain silent. You must learn the truth before Aeris uses you to fulfill her own agenda.
What in nine hells are you talking about?
She wants to destroy you and Minerva--anyone who carries Jenova's cells. She believes that Jenova is evil, that Jenova is the Crisis from the Sky.
But she is, he stated flatly.
Oh, no, you've been deceived as well. The Cetra are the real parasites of this Planet. They've only tricked the humans into thinking otherwise, and it has become common belief. Of course, the Cetra are naturally more charming and quite capable of making themselves seem vulnerable, worthy of defending. Of course the humans would believe them over the silent, stoic children of Jenova.
Sephiroth was not buying any of this. The Cetra speak to the Planet; they use their magic to heal; they help to protect this Planet. Aeris summoned Holy, while I called Meteor to destroy the Planet. What you say has no logic to it.
This Planet is beyond aid, it is so infested with descendants of the Cetra. The only remedy is to destroy it. It's a shame, really, but the parasites must not be allowed to infect other worlds. They've already ventured into space once. It won't be long.
This is ridiculous, he scoffed.
You would prefer to believe the sweet little Cetra, wouldn't you? She's always been so kind to you.
She has.
The voice laughed at this. She lies to you, pretends to care so that you will sacrifice yourself for her. What a way to get rid of another of our kind! And you, poor misguided boy, believed her. You've fallen in love with the endearing little girl.
What?
You were willing to give yourself to Hojo so that she could remain free. I know how much you hate and fear the Professor...
A knock on the door interrupted the mental argument before Sephiroth could answer this unwanted voice in his head. He looked up as Talya opened the door. She did not enter the room, and there was no smile on her face.
Hmm, the voice commented indifferently, looks like you'll be seeing him soon.
Shut up. Just shut up.
Sephiroth stood and followed Talya down the hall to Hojo's laboratory, not a single word passing between them.
Minerva blinked to clear her vision and checked her hold on Sephiroth. Did I really...? No, she couldn't have fallen asleep. Never had she used enough energy to tire herself out. Not even when Hojo... She shook her head. Best not to think about such things. Perhaps, it had been a daydream? But what kind of daydream was that? Were they not supposed to be pleasant?
Sighing, she stood and paced back and forth in her cell. Perhaps I'm finally going insane, she mused.
That would be a pity, remarked a voice in her head.
I am certain you would quite enjoy taking advantage of me if I did. You probably showed me that just to push me a step closer to that end. But you'll not sway me so easily. I am stronger than Sephiroth.
I know. That's why you're my favorite.
Minerva grimaced. Shut up.
It was not your fault, though.
I don't get any privacy whatsoever, do I? the girl sighed.
It was the Cetra girl who put you to it. You realize that she is the reason for all this madness, don't you? For our suffering.
She is not, Minerva stated, and I refuse to be associated with you. Perhaps you occupy a part of my mind and my body, but you are separate from me. You cannot have me as you did him.
Ah, this strength is what I like about you. Although, if you had gone through what Sephiroth did, perhaps you would not be quite so strong. Still, your stubbornness prides me, daughter.
Do not call me that! she snapped angrily. I am not your daughter.
If you so choose to believe. I trust you'll bring the Cetra to Hojo so he can further my wishes for her. She deserves all the punishment he can give her.
I refuse. I won't go. I'd sooner die.
There is nothing you can do. You were not made to defy him, or me. You were created for destruction, nothing more, and there are but two paths you can take.
Minerva shook her head. I was not created to destroy. My purpose is to guard Sephiroth and that Cetra, Aeris.
And to kill anyone who gets in Hojo's way, the voice added. Destroy anything in his path. Betray them if you must.
No. I have no wish to do so.
But that is your purpose. Your only way out lies with me.
I'd rather stick with Hojo, she spat.
Then you'll capture the Cetra.
I do not want to. I... Minerva faltered. There is something about her that... She should not be caged. I'll refuse.
What you feel is only a defense mechanism meant to evoke your compassion.
No, you are wrong, she said with more certainty. Have you not been near her, or do you simply lack the soul required to comprehend that kind of feeling?
It is that very soul that she appeals to. She wants you to feel compassion for her so that she will remain free while those of our race suffer.
She does not mean for us to suffer. She did not mean for Sephiroth to come here. She argued against it, told him to let her be taken. She cares for him.
She only pretends to. She is far more intelligent and much less naïve than she seems. The Cetra works out ways to seduce others so that they will work for her. That is how she builds her strength.
Is this how you are trying to deceive Sephiroth? It will not work with either of us, I assure you, so shut up and leave me be.
Or what? There is nothing you can do.
If you insist on keeping up this idiot game, which, I might add, has not worked on me for seventeen years, then I will tell Sephiroth who you are. That would ruin your plans, would it not?
There was a pause. You will capture the Cetra, whether you want to or not.
At last the voice in her head fell silent, and Minerva sighed. It spoke more and more often now, almost as though it was running out of time. Perhaps that meant that it would soon be gone. Did Sephiroth's refusal to listen make it anxious?
She moved her chair to the wall that separated her room from his. "Sephiroth?" she ventured. She wasn't sure why she wanted to speak with him. Did she want to protect him from the all-too-persistent voice? Perhaps she only welcomed the company.
"Sephiroth," she repeated, louder this time. No answer came, and she sighed. Alone as always. Closing her eyes, she hummed softly to herself, finding little comfort in the empty sound.
"Who are you waiting for?"
Aeris looked up as Katrina took a seat beside her at the bonfire. "A few of my friends are coming to meet me here," she answered guardedly.
"...something's very wrong, isn't it?" the girl asked.
"I suppose I'm not a very good liar," the Cetra sighed, though that wasn't really true; she could lie quite well if the matter concerned only herself.
Katrina shifted anxiously. "Is Sephiroth okay?"
Aeris returned her attention to the gate. "I hope so."
"That woman, Talya, did she... take him back to Hojo?"
It surprised her how much the girl seemed to know. "Yes."
"I don't understand," Katrina said, shaking her head. "Why couldn't he just use his powers to get away?"
Aeris's voice sounded hollow even to herself, and her eyes were fixed on the entrance as though it were her last hope. "Maybe he doesn't remember how," she murmured.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded absently. "I'm fine. Just... tired, that's all."
Katrina obviously did not believe such an answer, but she let it lie. "So, when are they supposed to get here?"
"I'm not sure."
"Is it, um... Cloud and the others? You were all friends, right?"
Aeris nodded. "Some of Elena's friends are coming, too..."
"And they're all willing to help Seph? I mean, the two of us, we know he's changed, but to most everyone else, he's... well... Sephiroth."
"To them, it's not about Sephiroth. It's about killing Hojo. They're all well aware how dangerous it is for him to have his way."
"But, they will end up rescuing Seph."
"I know. I admit I'm worried about what will happen when Cloud meets him..."
Katrina frowned. "Vincent'll be going with, right?"
Aeris nodded. "Hopefully he'll be able to keep Cloud from doing anything stupid." She perked up as she saw the familiar shock of blond hair appear coming up the steps. A relieved smile spread across her face, and she stood. "There he is now..."
Hopping down from the Candle, Aeris ran to meet him, throwing her arms around his neck but maintaining the embrace only briefly. "It's good to see you again," she said when she drew back.
Cloud smiled hesitantly, and both of them glanced at Tifa.
"It's all right," she said.
"Where's Nanaki?" Cloud wondered, looking around.
"I'm not sure," Aeris answered, looking around. "He's probably seen you, though."
"Are the others here yet?" Tifa asked.
The Cetra shook her head. "No, you guys got here first." She started to guide them towards the Candle when Nanaki bounded up, Miera behind him.
"Hello, Cloud, Tifa," he greeted, bowing his head.
Cloud and Tifa both stared. "I thought you were the last of your kind," Cloud said finally.
"Well, it turns out you were wrong," Miera said simply.
Aeris smiled and turned back to her newly arrived friends. "Did you convince Barret or Cid to come?"
"Only Cid," Cloud replied, shaking his head. "Barret's in Midgar, so you can understand he's got his hands full."
"I see," Aeris said. "Did you ask how Marlene was doing?"
He scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry. Forgot to. So, how did you do?"
"Better than I expected, that's for sure. Yuffie's coming, and... well, I'm not sure what you're going to think of this, but the Turks want to help, too."
"What?" Cloud exclaimed.
Aeris tucked her hair behind her ear. "That's okay, right?"
He frowned, but Tifa touched him gently on the arm. "We need all the help we can get, right?" she said softly.
Cloud sighed. "I guess..."
"HOLY SHIT!"
This loud exclamation made all of them turn to see Cid sprinting up the steps.
"Cid!" Aeris greeted happily.
To her surprise, he took her by the shoulders and hugged her. "You really are alive! I mean, I didn't really believe it when Cloud told me, but... Holy shit! It's good to see you!"
She smiled, though she felt a little awkward in his embrace. "I'm glad to see you, too, Cid."
He took a step back and scratched his head, turning to look at the others as though just noticing them. "Uh, hi, everyone." He peered down at Miera. "A new addition to our group of numskulls?"
"I'm afraid our mission is to stay here and guard Aeris," Miera told him with a grin. "The name is Miera."
"Well, in case you hadn't figured it out already, I'm Cid Highwind. Good to meet ya." He seemed about ready to stick out a hand, but stopped himself.
Aeris nudged him with her elbow. "So have you gotten together with Shera yet?"
He ran a hand through his hair in embarrassment and shook his head. "Nah."
Tifa sighed. "What are we going to do with you, Cid?"
"I dunno," he answered with a shrug.
Suddenly Aeris was swept off her feet and into someone's arms.
"Reno!" she cried when she realized what had happened. "Put me down!"
Instead of doing as he was bidden, he twirled around with her, grinning broadly. "How am I supposed to do that?" he wondered. "I mean, hell, you were dead!"
"Reno," Cloud said threateningly. "Put her down."
The redhead at last complied, pushing back his messy hair. "Sorry, couldn't help myself." He grinned again. "I guess you still like her, Cloud. Why'd you marry Tifa?"
Tifa flushed indignantly, but found nothing to say.
"Because I love her," Cloud answered, anger threaded through his voice. This earned him a startled look from Tifa, who then smiled.
"Hey now, no need to get so mad," Reno said, holding up his hands. "I came here to help you all."
Cloud started to say something, but Aeris cleared her throat.
"For once, I agree with Reno," she said. "You shouldn't be fighting." The Turk grinned triumphantly, and she shot him a glare, placing her hands on her hips. "But if you ever do that again..."
"All right, all right, I'm sorry! I'll be good!"
"You promise?"
He nodded solemnly. "Promise."
Aeris looked over towards the gate, noticing that Rude and Reeve had come up during the scene and stood watching, looking, she thought, a little embarrassed on Reno's behalf.
"Hello, Rude," she said hesitantly. "Reeve, I think this is the first time we've really met."
He nodded. "Yes, I guess it is." He smiled shyly and extended a hand. "Pleased to meet you."
Aeris smiled and shook his hand. "Well met, Reeve. But, where's Cait Sith?"
"There's no need for him anymore," he answered simply. "I only had him before because the Shinra wanted me in two places at once."
She sighed, feigning disappointment. "That's too bad. Cait Sith was cute."
"Hey now," Reeve protested, "are you implying that I'm not?"
She laughed and shook her head. "I'm sorry. That's not what I meant."
He folded his arms. "You still owe me a date, if you'll remember."
This statement produced sounds of confusion from a number of their friends.
"That's right," Aeris said, recalling the deal they had made in the Temple all those years ago. "I do, don't I?"
Reno was looking around. "Where's Elena?" he asked. "Even she never sleeps this late."
"I don't know," the Cetra told him, "but she'll probably join us when she notices you've come. In the meantime, why don't we go sit down?"
Her friends all voiced their agreement, and the nine of them went to join Katrina by the Candle. Aeris took a moment to introduce the girl to everyone.
"So you're Katrina," Reno said, and then he looked towards Nanaki and Miera. "Who's the other cat?"
"I am not a cat," Miera stated indignantly.
"Then what the hell am I supposed to call you?"
"Miera," she answered. "My name."
The redhead shook his head. "Jeez. I didn't know cat girls got as touchy as human ones."
She fixed him with a none-too-friendly stare.
"I mean, whatever-you-are girls. Hells, what do you want from me?"
At last Miera let up and laughed. The exchange seemed to lighten up some of the tensions in the group that had formed upon Reno's arrival. Aeris wondered if that had been Miera's intention.
It was then that Elena came down to sit with them, and the Turks welcomed her with no little teasing. Eventually, their conversation died out, and everyone turned their eyes on her, her old companions on her left, the Turks on her right, and Katrina just beside her.
It seemed that the role of leader had somehow fallen to Aeris, and she was not used to it.
When she failed to say anything, Reeve brought up the question they were all wondering: "It seems like everyone's here; what are we waiting for...?"
"Yuffie's coming from Wutai," Aeris explained. "That's probably why she's late in coming."
"What about vampire-boy?" Cid queried.
"Vincent's looking after Lucrecia," she answered, realizing only after she had said it that none of them knew what she was talking about. She really had not slept well enough the night before. "You remember," she prompted, "his lost love? I... um... resurrected her."
Astonishment replaced their confusion.
"You can do that?" Reno wondered, both eyebrows raised.
"Yes," Aeris said, shifting uncomfortably under their stares. "I only followed Sephiroth's example. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how."
Nanaki, who had already known, merely appeared intrigued. "You learned the spell from Sephiroth?" he asked. "Interesting. So, it isn't any different for--?"
"RED!"
All heads turned as Yuffie made her entrance and flung her arms around the startled Nanaki.
"I've missed you a lot!" she exclaimed.
The feline grunted. "Would you kindly get off of me?"
"Oh! Sorry!" Yuffie sat up and looked around at all the others, her eyes widening once they reached Aeris. Getting to her feet, she crossed to the other side of the Candle to give the Cetra a hug. "It's good to have you back," she said. Seating herself just on Aeris's left, she finished her appraisal of the group. "Someone tell me why the Turks are here?"
"Hey, Shinra's long gone; we're on your side now," Reno said amicably. When this earned him several skeptical glances, he went on, "We came to this decision while sober, I might add."
"One has to wonder if you're still sober," Cloud muttered. Aloud he said, "Now that everyone's here, we might as well get down to business. Aeris?"
She gave a start, then nodded. "Right. I'm assuming everyone here has the gist of what we're trying to do. Our first task really is to find out exactly where Hojo is. The Planet mentioned to me that one of the Midgar reactors is still functioning, and that's where he's working from, but it didn't say which."
"If I remember correctly, the southeast part of Midgar was hit the worst," Reeve considered. "So maybe the Number 8 Reactor... Do you think Barret checked it out?"
"I dunno," said Cloud, shrugging. "The wreckage probably makes it hard to get inside."
"I guess you'll just have to take a look for yourselves," Aeris sighed.
"So now that we know where we're going," Reno began, "what'll we be up against once we get there? You mentioned a silver-haired chick..."
Elena sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. "Reno..."
"The girl's name is Minerva," Aeris said before Elena could say much more. "It seems she's a successful attempt at creating another Sephiroth. I don't think that she has any desire to be working for Hojo, but he's got some sort of control over her--Elena suggested some sort of technological implant, but we don't really know."
Here, Reno and Rude exchanged surprised glances and looked at Elena, who flushed in embarrassment.
"So," said Yuffie, "the thing to do is to kill Hojo first, and then she'll be on our side, right?"
"That would make things easy," Aeris agreed, "but I doubt you'll be able to get to Hojo first."
Cloud spoke up. "What about the other woman you said was working for him?"
"That's Talya," the Cetra answered.
"Talya?" Reeve asked before she could go on. He sounded as though he recognized the name.
"Yes. An ex-Turk, so maybe you've heard of her. I think she was originally assigned to Hojo during the Jenova Project and never left his service. She's been experimented on, though, so she's similar to Vincent."
"So we gotta kick both their asses to get to Hojo?" Cid asked, frowning.
"That's right."
"Hojo should be a piece of cake," Yuffie declared.
"I don't think so," Tifa disagreed. "He has Jenova in him, doesn't he? He'll have some strong spells to throw at us..."
"Great," Reno commented. "Anyone else we have to worry about?"
Aeris shook her head. "Not that I know of. But I'm guessing that Minerva will be guarding Sephiroth, so if you defeat her, you'll gain him as an ally."
"But just how much will he be able to help?" Katrina asked. "You said he might not remember his spells and all."
The Cetra frowned. "Maybe he's forgotten them, but his skill as a swordsman should count for something."
"So, is that everything?" Reeve asked.
"I think so. If I've forgotten anything, you can ask Vincent. He'll be going with you, of course."
"Dangit," Yuffie muttered. "He gives me the creeps."
"Live with it," Cid told her flatly.
"Cid? Did you bring the Highwind?" Cloud queried.
"Sure did. I set her down a ways west o' here."
The blond nodded and climbed to his feet. "All right, everyone. Let's get going." As the others headed for the gate, he turned to Aeris. "You want to go get Vincent?"
She nodded and hurried off to the inn. A soft "Come in" from Vincent answered her knock, and she stepped inside the room.
"Everyone's leaving," she told him as she walked over to the bed. Lucrecia, she saw, was still asleep. "I'll tell her where you went, all right?"
Vincent hesitated and then got up from the bed. "...and tell her that I promise to bring her son back to her."
Aeris nodded. "What about promising not to get yourself killed?"
He looked down at her thoughtfully for a moment. "That, too, shall be my promise to her."
She smiled. "Go on, now. You shouldn't keep everyone waiting. I'll take good care of Lucrecia, so you won't have to worry."
"Thank you." Vincent brushed past her and went on outside.
Aeris followed him at a slower pace, joining Katrina, Nanaki, and Miera at the gate. Most of her friends had started down the stairs after Cid as soon as Vincent had arrived. Reno hung back to blow Aeris a kiss before he followed them. She shook her head at him.
Cloud was the last to go. "We'll kill Hojo and bring Sephiroth back no problem," he assured her.
"I wish I could go with you..."
He shook his head, a grin tugging at his mouth. "I can't let you; it's too dangerous."
She smiled slightly. "You'd better get going," she told him, "or they'll take off without you. Call me if anything comes up."
"I will."
"Goodbye then."
"Bye." With a wave, Cloud turned down the steps, taking them two at a time to catch up with the others.
Aeris watched them until they were out of sight, then turned to head back to the inn. Katrina went with her, sitting down on the other bed as Aeris bent down by Lucrecia.
"So that's Sephiroth's mom, huh?" Katrina remarked. "She's pretty."
"She is," the Cetra agreed. "Sephiroth must have gotten everything from her, because I certainly don't see any of Hojo in him."
"I've never met Hojo, but from everything I've heard about him, you're right." The girl paused, and then asked, "Are Lucrecia and Vincent going to get together?"
"I don't see why they wouldn't."
"Then Sephiroth will have parents, right? That'd be cool."
Aeris nodded her agreement. "He certainly was a neglected child... I think he still feels that way."
"He shouldn't feel that way."
"No, he shouldn't, not when he has so many who do care about him."
Katrina's gaze on her grew more scrutinizing. "Looks like somebody's got a crush," she remarked.
The Cetra shook her head. "No, it's not that. I don't know him well enough to... I'm just worried about him. You are, too, aren't you?"
"Yeah," the girl admitted.
"But from here, about all we can do is pray."
To this, Katrina did not reply.
Aeris sighed wearily. "Do you mind if I go back to sleep for a little while? I still haven't got my strength back, and I didn't sleep well last night."
"Go ahead and rest. I'll watch Lucrecia."
The Cetra smiled gratefully and moved to the other bed, lying back and closing her eyes. Despite her worries, sleep found her almost immediately.
Author's Notes
I'm not sure if I ever made it crystal clear, but yes, Sephiroth and Minerva shared Aeris's dream. Actually, I think I did something to explain it in the Afterwards, but since that's been cut from this version, this brief statement will have to do. Also, if the italics in Sephiroth's and Minerva's scenes are confusing, they're meant to be. Even Sephiroth had trouble distinguishing his own thoughts from the foreign ones at first, so you should, too.
As far as the rest of it... well, erm, I had Barret stay behind because I really don't enjoy writing him. heh. I mean, I've got nothing against the guy, but writing him isn't much fun at all. He only makes one brief appearance in the entire story.