And with this, Sephiroth doesn't fall into the sock drawer of evil, Zack lives to see another day and Cloud doesn't turn into an emo, PTSD diagnosed mercenary! X3
I can not thank you all enough for sticking with me through this adventure! You, yes YOU, are a lovely, lovely person who deserves only the best desserts for the rest of your life!
Although hesitant at first, I'm glad I ended up extending this story! I was worried it would ruin the initial impact the original ending had, but in retrospect, there logically would be aftermath after Zack and Sephiroth's battle, and it was relieving to tie those ends up (although I definitely strived more away from canon than originally intended. Hopefully the 28 Days Later scenes weren't too out there xD).
As stated in the beginning, this story was written with incredible soul — saving one of my favorite video game characters of all time from the claws of villainy! Since day one I've supported (or at least appreciated) the Jenova Theory, and it was a relief to put that theory to paper!
A prequel of Zack and Sephiroth's bond is in the making! Not sure when it'll be done as school's starting up again soon, but for those interested, stay tuned! Promise it won't be as convoluted and bizarre as this! X3 (I also want to try and create some cute one-shots in addition to that, so I'll see how those come along!)
Thank you all to the stars and back! *hugs*
ShinRa's General Sephiroth has been lifted of all criminal charges. Further investigations have shown that the General was being influenced by
an outside source, and therefore can not be held responsible for his actions. Evidence was provided by the General's second-in-command, Commander Zack Fair. Meanwhile, General Sephiroth is currently resting in the town's own hospital where he is being treated for various mental strains. Doctors expect him to awake any day now. We would also like to wish our sincerest condolences to those who have been lost during the attack. The town and ShinRa stands by you.
We owe many thanks to Commander Fair for evincing the innocence of an guiltless man, and for his assistance during these unusual circumstances. It still remains a mystery as to how General Sephiroth was brought back to his natural state, but some have speculated that Commander Fair's connection to the man played a significant role. Whether or not that is the case is irrelevant. What matters is that the lives of the residents of Nibelheim, and these two SOLDIERs will proceed as normal.
-The Nibelheim Press
Zack set down his newspaper, peeking over the fine-print to examine the highlighted man. Sephiroth was sleeping peacefully, nestled in the white blanket. His expression was calm, and Zack couldn't help but chuckle at the pieces of rebellious silver hair that had fallen over his eyes.
Three days had passed since Seph had collapsed. Three days Zack had practically lived in this hospital room, sleeping in the same chair and eating whatever food was offered. Nurses had encouraged him to take walks, which he did relent, but immediately retreated to Seph's room afterwards to watch over his friend.
The villagers were relieved to see that Sephiroth's violent rampage had finally been stopped. Zack's little 'intervention' had been enough for most people to be convinced of Jenova's influence. Mayor Lockhart had apologized to Zack of the cruel punishment's brought upon his commander, and although grateful, had to sympathize. Of course they would hold an ill will against the person who tried to burn their town to the ground, and later tried mauling residents alive!
Zack shivered, glancing up to see that air conditioning was blasting. He casted a quick glimpse over to Seph. Humming softly to himself, Zack shuffled to the bedside as he pulled Seph's quilt around him more securely. The aqua eyes were shining bright.
As Zack returned to his chair, the distant sound of moaning latched his attention. His head shot up, right along with a drumming heart.
The emeralds feebly slid awake. They blinked, adjusting to the world behind their glass coating. Directly in his line of sight, blurred but visible, was Zack. A warm smile stretched across his features as he gazed right back into the warrior's eyes. And maybe it was his groggy delirium, but he swore that he could perfectly imagine an ecstatic puppy tail with the way he was bridling his happiness.
"Hey, pal," he spoke softly, the joyous smile somehow broadening. "Welcome back."
A vague smile played on Sephiroth's lips as well. He yawned, waking up just a bit more and trying to straighten way earlier than he should.
Amused in spite of it, Zack rushed over to the bedside, gently gripping Seph's shoulder as he helped the other rise.
"I can manage," Sephiroth mumbled, rubbing one of his eyes with an ungloved hand.
Zack chuckled to himself as he let go. "Yep, you're back alright."
Sephiroth brushed the accusing bangs from his face, now digesting the room around him. "What happened?"
Zack leaned against the frame, gazing at his friend with a certain sadness. "How much do you remember?"
Sephiroth strained for the memories, mockingly parading around his mind. He grasped at what he could.
"I was in the chamber..." he recalled, turning to Zack as if for confirmation. "Then the Mayor was there... and then..." Sephiroth winced, a headache coming on as he tried to glue the pieces back together. A groan rode his breath.
"Hey, hey! Don't strain yourself!" Zack intervened. "All that matters is that you're safe now."
Sephiroth withdrew the hand from his temple. "Wait... I do remember..." his eyes widened. "We were in the village, and..." Acute panic flashed through the emeralds. "Are they...?"
Zack shook his head, still maintaining his gleam. "Everyone's just fine, I promise."
Sephiroth seemed to relax a bit -- not completely -- but it was a start. He leaned back into the plush. "Thank Gaia..." His eyes then ventured to his friend's cheek, newly stitched. A knife went into his heart.
"Did I...?"
The smile faded, replaced by something much more solemn. "No... The Stranger did." But before Seph could retort, he was quick to perk up. "But it's ok! It was only a few stitches. I'll be good as new in no time!"
Although still sore, Sephiroth felt the wounds in his heart begin to mend. Same old Zack.
"Puppies never grow old," he shook his head with a sigh. Behind the bangs, however, there was a smirk.
"Hey!" Zack pouted. "I told you to not call me that!"
"And I told you not to massacre my name."
"Alright... touché," Zack submitted, folding his arms in defeat. But then he smirked. "Not that I'll ever stop, of course."
Sephiroth grunted, adamant with his stoic expression. "I don't think all the Gil in Gaia would convince you to stop."
"Sounds 'bout right," Zack completed the joke. His visage brightened with remembrance. "Oh yeah! Speaking of which, I got ya something!"
Sephiroth quirked an eyebrow. "Do I dare ask?"
Zack fished through a plastic bag tied to the back of his chair. When his hand was withdrawn, a fluffy Nibel Wolf came with it.
"Got it at the general shop!" he chirped, tossing the gift over to Seph's lap.
A stunned Sephiroth scooped up the plush, running his fingers through the artificial fur. He flipped it over, examining each paw and ear as if it was an incendiary.
"It's not gonna explode!" Zack assured, terribly amused.
"We'll see." Sephiroth set the plush aside. "What's it for?"
"Well..." Zack rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly sheepish. "I guess I thought... I wanted you to have something, just in case..." He looked at his friend with vulnerable, earnest eyes. "...You ever forgot about me again."
Sephiroth didn't respond. For a moment, he simply sat there, letting his lengthy bangs shield the afflicted visage. He reclaimed his present from the nightstand, lacing his fingers around its fuzzy muzzle.
"...I don't think I'll need this," he finally said, returning Zack's gaze.
The brunet was just about to reply when a knock interrupted their exchange. The door creaked ajar, and in stepped a bashful Cloud. Sephiroth instantly shoved his plush under the covers.
"Hey, Spike!" Zack waved, pushing his previous heartache aside.
Cloud offered a flimsy smile in return. "May I come in, Sir?"
"Go ahead."
The blonde walked up the bedside, unable to make proper eye contact. Sephiroth's heart was wrenched all over again. Strife was a resident...
"Cadet, I'm..."
Cloud shook his head. "No, Sir. I'm sorry. I... I shouldn't have ever accused you. I know you would have never hurt anyone... not if you could help it."
Sephiroth was taken aback by the heartfelt apology. He closed his eyes, contemplating an appropriate response. Zack sat patiently, simply observing.
"There is no need to apologize, Strife," Sephiroth laid a hand on the bars, straightening in a fragile attempt to regain some dignity. "You had no way of knowing that my behavior was altered, and truthfully, I'm surprised that Commander Fair was able to decipher such a thing." He signaled towards Zack. "But I digress. Your reaction and anger was all but justified, Cadet. Although your sincerity is appreciated." Sephiroth allowed his visage to thaw, albeit slightly.
Cloud was again loss for words. He pivoted his shoe, only returning the General's explanation when satisfied with a reply.
"Thank you, Sir. I'm glad you understand." The blonde again looked to the wooden floor, feeling his cheeks flush. "I guess... I just wanted to say that I'm really glad to call you my General."
"Awww," Zack could feel the radiating warmth, smiling in a mocking yet wholesome way.
And Sephiroth, for his part, was touched. His lips quirked into a small smile. "Thank you, Strife."
Feeling he had gotten what he needed to off his chest, Cloud turned back to the door. "Well, guess I should let you rest."
"See ya soon, little buddy!" Zack called through the closing door. Sephiroth, not attuned to the casualties of conversation, simply nodded.
"Well would'ja look at that," Zack beamed once they were alone again.
Sephiroth just shrugged in a noncommittal manner.
Zack opened his mouth, ready to berate the other for such a reaction. Instead, he found himself staring at the stoic but lovable enigma that was Seph, the person whom he thought had been lost forever. But here he was, slipping back into their friendship as if nothing was ever wrong. And then, the rest of his emotions spilled over.
Zack threw himself forward, wrapping his arms around his dear friend. His eyes squeezed shut as he burrowed into the warrior's coat, clutching tight with no intention of ever letting go.
Sephiroth stiffened at first, out of reflex if nothing else. But once the initial shock passed, he found himself relaxing. Raising his own arms, he enveloped the other in a secure embrace, resting his head against the familiar raven nest.
"I missed you so much..."
"I know," Sephiroth sighed, blowing some of the charcoal locks in the wind. "But I'm back now. I'm right here."
"Yeah..." Zack's voice was muffled by the leather. "Just... don't leave again, okay?"
Sephiroth inwardly chuckled. "I don't plan to."
"I'll hold you to that," Zack smiled through the cloak. "I don't wanna go on another goose chase. They're exhausting."
Sephiroth's chest tightened. "You... snuck into Hojo's lab." It was a statement, not a question.
"Yep... but he wasn't so bad. The place smelled like rotten socks, but I got what I needed."
Sephiroth felt himself relax, the knots in his chest untying into an alleviating brew of relief and pride. "Heh... so you made it out I assume?"
"Had a bit of a scrap with Hojo..." Zack felt a pang in his heart. He paused for a moment, choosing his words with care. "Seph... what was that rule with self-defense again?"
"Hmm?"
"Well... let's just say someone was about to be, I dunno, shot or something... and in order to survive they-"
"You killed Hojo."
Zack's insides churned as his eyes began to mist, creating a wet stain against the black. "Yes..." he sniffled, "I did... Oh man, I killed him..."
At the sudden spike in tension, Sephiroth just squeezed tighter, urging Zack's muscles to relax. "Shh... calm down. It's going to be alright."
"No, it's not! I-"
"You just told me that it was an act out of defense," Sephiroth soothed. "You did everything you could. I know you would never kill him unless it was an absolute last resort. You held that faith in me. So please, let me do the same for you."
Zack sniveled. He briefly pulled away, clearing his eyes before nestling back into the cloak. "Thanks, Seph... But what about ShinRa? Are they gonna come after me?"
"Not if they want to deal with me."
Zack couldn't help but chuckle. "I sure as heck wouldn't. But...-"
"Zack." Sephiroth locked his eyes with sapphire. "I will protect you."
And they both knew he truly meant it.
It took a moment for Sephiroth to fully digest the impact behind Zack's statement. His priority had been calming him down, but now that it was achieved, everything else came into focus.
Hojo was dead. The greasy, slimy creature that insisted on raising like a lab rat; sticking needles in him as if a sewing machine, dismissing any social interaction and feeding him only when it pleased the man. And Zack... he had avenged him in a way. At least that's how Sephiroth saw it with his eyes squinted.
Hojo had frowned upon relationships, claiming that they 'softened one's exterior' and 'tainted the warrior's soul.' And without any outside sources to prove otherwise, Sephiroth had evaded growing close to others at any and all costs.
But now, staring down at the bundle of love and joy who wormed into his heart, sticking like glue and refusing to peel off his side, he knew that Hojo was wrong. He always was.
"I'm proud of you, Seph."
Sephiroth blinked. "Proud?"
Zack nodded, sinking further into his friend's arms. "You came back," he elaborated. "You came back all on your own."
The warrior's eyes grew somber. "I caused so much pain, Zack. To you, to everyone. That is nothing to be proud for." The bitterness and disgust directed at himself was more than clear. It broke Zack's heart.
"But you didn't stop fighting..." he protested, squeezing even tighter. "You didn't let her win. You didn't stop until you were you again, and you did it. You did it, Seph..."
Sephiroth was silent for a moment. He closed his eyes, contemplating his friend's reasoning.
I did, he realized then. I did...
Returning to the present, he offered a gentle smirk. "I wouldn't say it was all on my own. I had some assistance, after all."
"Well... maybe a little," Zack beamed, pleased that Seph accepted his explanation. He looked up to meet him in the eyes. "Are you gonna be okay, pal? This has been some week. Maybe we oughta just take a vacation." The aqua orbs glistened with inspiration. "Hey, I know! You can come visit Gongaga with me! You'll love it!"
Sephiroth grunted. "For some strange reason, I can't envision myself blending in well with your brand of people... if they're anything like you, that is."
"Guess I'll just have to Zack-you-up a bit! We can start with your hair."
"Careful, Fair. I can discharge you anytime."
"How 'bout just the coat?"
"Not a chance."
"Shoes?"
"Mm... I'll consider it."
Zack burst into quiet laughter. He held his dear friend close, finally assured that the storm had passed. For the first time since he had arrived, the young Soldier was truly happy. Not artificial cheer or a pretend skip in his step, but a crater in his heart that had been filled.
And Sephiroth, clutching the person whom he had come to love so dearly, felt the same. A warm, honest, and grateful smile brought light to the warrior's lips. He was wanted; the person before the General, the heart before the skill. And no one could ever take that away from him.
"Yes," Sephiroth smiled, drawing Zack closer, "I think I'm going to be just fine."
