Behind Black Curtains
Amaranthos
Chapter 48: Freedom
Tifa sat there, ready…ready…
There was no finesse to this moment, the moment of her long awaited, anticipated death. The doors were pushed open, and meeting her was the predator who would take her life. She blinked thoughtfully…
"It's a bit early to take a life, Shinra" Tifa's voice extended the large room.
"There's no hour set for revenge, nor taking the enemy's life.." he voiced
"You'll forgive me, I'm still learning about the rules of rubbish"
He smirked, "I thought long and hard about this…" he paused, "this isn't easy for me… at least when I see so much of your grand father in you…"
"Please" she whispered, "I could barely tolerate the hypocrisy of the moment, don't you dare say anything about my grand father" she narrowed her eyes, "if it's my life you seek then take it, for I guarantee you one thing…"
He arched a brow, "and what's that?"
"You won't win this war…"
Her words echoed the grand room and smirking lightly, he momentarily could see the warm eyes of his friend he loved as a brother. He jerked his head away, indeed now was not the time to allow nostalgia to influence his directives.
"You seem so sure…"
"I am…" there was something in her eyes he wasn't quite sure he understood…
"I like your wit child, a shame it will be wasted" he approached her…
"—you wanted to see me" a baritone voice interjected
Joining them for the first time that day, was someone who took her breath away. Her eyes wouldn't lie – the affection, the thrill - the horror of seeing him in those clothes… he advanced closer drawing with him a beautiful katana.
"Yes…" Velrog started, "unwind her wraps and restrain her…"
Sephiroth nodded.
Momentarily confusion crossed her face – wait – what was he doing – wait, was he corroborating with Velrog? It was the feel of his gloved fingers down her arms that reminded her of the things they whispered, the beating heart they shared …
She shook her head – it can't be,.. he'd never aid Shinra; so then what was he doing binding her, was he helping Velrog? It left tears in her eyes, confusion in her mind, questions at the tip of her tongue.
"What are you doing?" she suddenly asked, "why are you –
"—Enough" Sephiroth curtly finished.
Releasing her bonds, she whipped around and the look in her eyes was pure…
"I…." her lips quivered
There was this need to extend his hand and brush her tears away, but there was none of that to be afforded, now that duty was in play
His hands clamped firmly her mouth, and in a quick motion he pulled her head revealing the naked skin of her throat
Her eyes welled in tears, in shock that Sephiroth, her Sephiroth had lied – lied - he had betrayed her. If this was death, and by his hands - the hands of the man she loved, then she wanted to die now
The darkness swallowed her bit by bit as Velrog drew closer with the long impressive katana, ready to finish his duty to both himself and institution.
"It will only hurt for a second child. Be brave" he smirked
The staccato of his steps came closer yet it hadn't changed the fact she was terrified and heartbroken. How could you betray me? The tiny idea of fighting suddenly went limp, as for the first time in her life… she would meet her fate.
Raising the blade above his head, she pressed her eyes shut, welcoming the feel of -
"-Ug…" it was the sound of a groan that filled the halls
Suddenly her eyes opened and…Velrog was dead, the very blade buried in his heart.
Sephiroth removed his hand from her mouth, expertly twisting his blade watching as confusion and horror encompassed his old friend.
Seeing Velrog's life waned, he removed his hand and gently placed the bleeding man to the floor.
"I… don't understand, I t-trusted you…" Velrog whispered
Sephiroth watched on pitifully…
"You… you, were one of us" he croaked
"I was never one of you…" the confession came.
There was something surreal over Velrog's face and before he could utter another word, he lay there…lifeless.
Retracting himself, Sephiroth stood tall his back to the woman who had just witnessed him kill a man.
Slowly he turned and there was a myriad of things floating across her face. Anger, sadness, horror… confusion.
"Now wouldn't be the best time for Arthur's daughter to die –
"—You saved me?" there was a questioning tone in her voice
He arched a brow, what was this – she thought he had deceived her?
"Why do you sound so surprised?" he drew closer
She retracted for a second, unable to trust herself, trust him…
"I thought you… I thought you…" she repeated, "I thought you were going to kill me" she breathed harshly…
"Why would I do that?" he advanced closer
"Because … because you helped him, you bound me…"
It was the deft touch of his fingers on her cheek registering safety. Those same green eyes she had fallen madly in love with beaconed her only in ways her heart knew… she leaned forward, into his warmth, into the thing that gave her solace …
Softly, perfectly… exquisitely, he leaned forward and lips touched and traced lips, softly first, deeply after, harder till her lungs burned.
Burying his hands into her hair, he violently crushed his mouth to hers…
Pulling back suddenly, he breathed.
Tall wet lashes slowly batted open staring deliriously at his parted lips; he smirked.
"We must get you out of here…" he ushered her out the room and into an adjacent room full of uniforms.
Locking the door behind him, he said anew, "take off your clothes and get into one of those…"
"What? Why?" she quizzically looked around.
"You want to live don't you?" he inquired
"Seph –
"—get dressed and I'll explain the rest later" he interjected seeing this was going no where.
She nodded. Quickly she eased into the uniform looking much like a young soldier with not an ounce of experience.
"Wrap your hair up and place it into the helmet." He ordered
She did as she was told and stood back, feeling completely … manly, was that the word?
"What now?" she asked
"Now we say good bye"
"What?" she narrowed her brows
"Now I get you back to Arthur Lockhart, once and for all."
"Wait, what about you?" she clasped fingers to his jacket.
"Don't worry about me. It's you who's important"
"Sephiroth wait" she stopped him, "come with me, please, you don't have to fight for these people anymore…"
He poked her forehead, "you're impossible Lockhart" he smirked, "but this war is young, and Black Crescents has a strong fighting chance…" he paused, "I must do what I was contracted now at the assented time to rid Black Crescents once and for all"
"But… but there's no telling if you'll make it"
"Don't you remember what I said to you?" he asked
She breathed deeply, "what?"
"I told you that for a long time… too long" he introspected for a second, "my heart has been dead until…"
She leaned closer, almost child-like
"I met you…" he confessed, "there is no promise of life at the end of this war for any of us, especially me" he whispered, "but there is possibility… that there might be"
"Seph –
"- You must trust, that it is enough to believe in…"
"In what exactly?" her eyes welled
He leaned closer, "in us" his lips touched hers and it excited and frightened her all at once that he hoped…
"I love you Sephiroth…" she paused, "madly…"
His eyes held hers for sometime…
Always so messy… so difficult. She made it impossible. His heart certainly felt the twist that shouldn't have been, yet with Tifa Lockhart things he thought dead, weren't dead at all, but in deep slumber.
"You must go" there was a sudden abruptness in his voice
She nodded.
She followed him through doors, down the stairs, through the gates, around the courtyard and into the horse barn. She got on a black horse and looking down at him she could see green eyes so convicted, so beautiful…
"What if… what if someone from Red Hearts tries to attack me?" she asked
"Not likely. Your father and his troops will be notified of your horse and direction. Go into the east as far as you can, they will find you…"
"I'm scared Sephiroth…"
He smiled softly, "you surprise me more and more…"
"How so?"
"Well… when you see me again, I'll tell you"
She smiled, "… I'm looking forward to it"
"Go" he slapped the horse and off she charged into the east, out through the very gates that kept her prisoner
Freedom…
After so long, so incredibly long freedom was finally hers. Nothing could explain the thrill of the fierce horse galloping through those gates and her heart racing like a beast itself. She was free, yet her eyes couldn't help looking back at the silver-headed General who stood there looking on…
Why does the heart hurt so much when the violence of love becomes tried by circumstance and fear? Tears fell down her cheeks and she knew, she believed they would see each other someday. For now, she would cry in her heart and gallop away, leaving behind the monsters and darkness that once called her by name.
The darkness… it knew her, yet within it, she found love… herself… perspective… purpose… possibility…
Taking a deep breath, conviction came over her and she charged faster into the distance; hopefully and with luck she'd be reunited with her people.
The animal belted through the parched land, past the towers, past the tanks, past the curated regiments, past the walled gates…
"To freedom… "
Alas he had arrived, and arriving no less in some semblance of style. Arthur Lockhart had started his descent to Black Crescents, manning his mech of astronomical size and power.
There was nothing to be displeased as her power matched her capability. She stood tall overlooking the vista, giving his accompanying land troops the advantage for possible sting attacks. The journey was surprisingly clean, a term used for minimal to no attack from the enemy. He smirked, his men did a good job and he'd be sure to congratulate them for a job well done when this was all well and over.
It was ten in the morning and he prepared himself to arrive early considering the bay was somewhat stabilized by Delta and Alpha teams alike. Nonetheless, Black Crescents had surprisingly remained dominant which he expected to a point, yet the reports fluctuated almost hourly which wasn't a good sign.
Genesis and Noctis had gone through a dozen contingencies, with not a shred of success. Expected, all to be expected! Velrog worked the bay ever since he forged Black Crescents - that and it didn't help he was proactive about buying every metal junkie and engineer who could build armadas or submarines.
Red eyes found the picture of his daughter stuck on the dashboard of his cockpit. He missed her - her laughter, incessant talking, those damn questions…
When her mother died there were so many questions about the world, about why things turned out the way they did. She questioned him into the ugly corners of his mind, heart - things that troubled him about himself…
He shook his head; he missed her and couldn't wait to wrap his arms around her, hopefully Sephiroth would get her before Velrog did; nonetheless Arthur had promised to be there before anyone could do her harm.
The mech approached a quiet green zone, attended by a few on site commanders. Things were well here, but five clicks north, things weren't so optimistic. Arthur proceeded on route with his land team, but on arrival was shock at the machines, and shear force little Rufus had packed. Though inexperienced and immature, the boy was prepared… unfortunately, the number of machines didn't guarantee success…
If there were one thing he knew better than his name, was his ability to wield a situation. He retracted and instructed land troops to swarm the encroaching tanks, with a side attack. At first the initial surprise surprises Black Crescents, but they were prepared in equal strike. They had lined the field with mines, and lit it as a demonstration of their tactical prowess. Arthur watched his men die and something cold settled in his heart. No matter, land troops proceeded with rapid fire doing damage where they could but with little to no pay off. Unfortunately his mech couldn't risk being at the center of this rain fire. He'd never make it to the gates or bay.
"Genesis, I'll need you to patch me through to Delta's green zone. I need a status now" Arthur spoke
"Delta's fine. What's your status there?"
"Not good." He scoffed, "We're in a pickle at the moment. I need to disembark from the team and proceed to another green zone…"
"You're fine for ten clicks out. I'll keep you posted on any changes" he informed.
"Good" he paused, "any word from Sephiroth?"
"Nothing. At this point in time, I assume his transmissions have been compromised and he's just prowling around trying to act all convincing" he sighed, "you know Sephiroth, he's the actor when he wants to be…"
Arthur scoffed, "cheeky bastard!" he paused, "inform me asap when he's updated you"
"Roger that sir"
Transmission was cut, and Arthur veered his mech through the fire, not without taking some beating. When he arrived at the secured green zone, he ejected and descended. Thoughtfully he examined his machine.
"Relax, she looks fine, a lil banged up but nothing we can't fix" a familiar voice greeted
Arthur momentarily found himself smirking.
"Since when does Commander Fair know how to fix mechs?" the elder man inquired.
The youth smirked, "I don't." he indicated, "cheer up, you worry too much"
"How are things here?" the man scanned his eyes over the secured base
Zack looked around, "as you can see, as good as it gets. We're on a second by second update, so for the second…" he paused, "we're doing okay"
"Congratulations on securing base."
"That's um…" Zack scratched his head, "that would be Cloud. The kid bust in and played hero tch" he sighed, "but the squirt did it; 'makes the rest of us look like little nillies" he shook his head.
"Where is he?" Arthur inquired, looking past Zack's shoulder
"Eh, he was here a minute ago. I guess he's wandering around trying to find himself some useful employment" he paused, "that's good old Cloud for yah." He sighed, "any word on Tifa?"
"Mm.. I haven't had transmission all day, I'm beginning to think something happened" Arthur admitted
"Could it be our inside man just hasn't had the opportunity to send a status update?"
"Not likely." Arthur paused, "nonetheless it's early so I remain hopeful"
"General Lockhart…" a voice interjected.
"Cloud…" Arthur found himself saying absently…
Seeing the look on the elder man's face, Zack took it as a sign to queue his leave, leaving the pair to rekindle.
"You look well—
"—Did you plan to let us all die?" Cloud interjected.
Seeing the stony look in his eyes, Arthur took a deep breath before approaching, "pardon me?"
"Don't condescend me, Arthur" it was the first time Cloud addressed his superior by name.
Surely something had happened to the little Cloud Strife he had known.
"Congratulations on securing the base…"
"Heh" Cloud scoffed, "prefer me than five hundred"
"Clearly there's a matter here to needs to be addressed, why not disclose it and rid yourself this vex"
"How can I? When my vex is you"
There was a cold severity apparent and Arthur was confused it's presence in the first place. He approached Cloud, a hand coming to the younger man's shoulder.
"Cloud… my boy"
"Don't my boy me" Cloud snapped his hand away, "I trusted you like those soldiers and I feel…" he gritted his teeth, "I feel cheated that you knew how to …" he swallowed, "how to manipulate the most willing of us to do the most awful things…"
Arthur stood there quiet.
"I looked up to you like a father, I believed in you like a hero but now I know what you really are…"
"Grab a hold of yourself. Now isn't the time for mental breakdowns and life changing revelations" Arthur informed.
Cloud smirked, "this coming from the man we call leader"
Arthur had had enough, he grabbed a fistful of Cloud's shirt and wrung him close, "listen Cloud… things are bad enough with so many are dead at my expense. Sorry there wasn't a moment to spoon-feed the expectations of a soldier. Needless to say experience is the best teacher…"
"Are you seriously kidding me?" Cloud whispered, "we spoke about red honour, or was that just words to you?"
Arthur released his grasp, remembering their conversation…
"…" the elder man heavily sighed, "please, you need to trust me -
"Trust you? You didn't tell me about the damn mech, muchless the inside man…" blue eyes fell to the floor, "so don't talk to me about trust - that's something you'll earn"
"That's enough." Arthur shook his head, "I don't have time for this…"
"Sure because it's so damn easy to walk away and forget the cog who serves in your plan"
"Enough!" Arthur shouted, "there's no time to explain the wrongs or injustices I've done. I don't claim to be a hero or a father … even that title's been taken from me. I know what you've seen here and experienced has changed you…"
"—why don't you stop pretending to give a damn" Cloud walked away…
For the first time in a long time, Arthur Lockhart stood there absolutely stunned, confused and if he could admit it, hurt. The blond head boy he'd taken under his wing, had certainly grown alright, but grew into something he wasn't sure he liked. He knew the vices of war often had her way with the sensitive ones, but he didn't imagine Cloud of all people to become affected like this…
Zack joined Arthur's side, looking at the blond fade into the distance.
"Don't take it personally, he's been through a lot – he's just getting rid of some steam" Zack patted the elder man's back
"I expected him to hate me one day for the travesties I've succumbed him. It's a shame it had to be so early…"
Zack looked down, "you couldn't hold the veil over his eyes forever…"
"Pray why not?"
"Because you asked him to be a soldier"
Arthur scoffed, Zack was right. He probably could hinder the travesties of a man, but a soldier who sees all…now that was a tough one.
"He's wild and reckless, I don't want him getting the wrong idea his free-spirit is what we need at a time like this. He needs to stick to protocol…"
"I think sir… for now, you need to let him blow off his steam" Zack paused, "there's going to be a time for explanations and discussions, unfortunately nows not the time…" Zack informed.
Arthur nodded, Zack was right. Now wasn't the time…
"Where the hell am I?" she asked aloud, turning her head from left to right nothing but trees and bush to confront her.
"So… I'm lost" she confirmed, getting off her horse and looking around just momentarily.
She'd been travelling for the last few hours, desperately hoping she'd run into Red Hearts military personnel. This path though, her eyes followed the trail, was unnaturally quiet, for not even Black Crescent soldiers were here, so where in the world was she?
For a minute she stopped to level her breathing and think about her situation. She felt unnaturally warm, the uniform no doubt heavy. The humidity and bugs started to get at her, and managing to rid the jacket, she was glad she wore an undergarment. The wind caught a lift through the trees, sending a nice chill against her skin. It was the sound of wings that alerted her she wasn't safe.
She cautiously crept to her horse who finally was having a breather. Grabbing her helmet she placed it back on and readied herself to journey out. There was no direction, she mused. Not a sound of a gun, tank or plane, which felt ominous considering there was a war!
She came closer to a river and almost smiled. The thought of water against her skin perked her up instantly. She charged her beast closer to the river bank, a big smile to her face, yet noticing the tide's peculiar shade… she pondered why the water seem so dark… red?
Her eyes enlarged, realization suddenly hitting her
"Blood…" she found herself absently whispering
One by one they came down the channel, body after body, dead…
She covered her mouth, counting them by the dozens. Tears engulfed her eyes, and being unable to keep it together, she retched instantaneously, weak in the knees
There were things she had seen - men who had died before her eyes but this… this all together a different test of character. She closed her eyes doing her best to blot out the image unfortunately, the smell of rotten flesh had her retching again.
When she was sure she had vomited everything, she leveled her breathing and red eyes focused on the river.
For a while quietness found her, and the smell of death too… it wasn't courage that found her, but inadequacy…
Reminded that war had a very expensive price, she shakily got to her feet and mounted her horse. She was alive all these months because fate had spared her, so now was not the time to coward herself, at least when she had finally earned her freedom. The creature moved through the water and she did her best not to eye the bodies or the feel of cold water and blood on her skin.
On the other side of the bank she charged through tall bushes and back into forest. Like before it felt like some maze… a never-ending maze.
Hell…her only pray now was to find her people…
To be continued..
AN: Mechs are gundams in BBC. Please read and review.