Unspoken

By mihoyonagi

Chapter 48: Descend

The chilling winds that rang up from the gaping hole in the planet's crust made a sound that sent shivers up Sephiroth's spine. The biting cold drummed at his cheeks and hammered at his lungs as he descended the ladder into the crater. The last place on the planet he wished to be was the rigid, frozen lip of earth that rose up and threatened to swallow all. How he pined to be back inside the cabin in Mideel, eating cake and generally not giving a damn about the rest of the world.

Aerith, marching in place to keep warm, greeted him at the bottom of the ladder that led back to the Highwind. The sound of the propeller blades as they circled tirelessly could be heard over the ravaging howl of the wind, though only just.

Sephiroth turned around to face those he had been forced to travel with.

Cloud and Tifa manned the front, giving the team direction. "We'll head in as all one group, and split when the roads forks further down. By then, it won't be nearly as cold." The pugilist rubbed her mitten-clad hands against one another, craving even what little warmth the friction gave.

Cloud cleared his throat, continuing where Tifa had left off. "No one can really tell where Jenova is this time, but we can at least check the places she was last time we were in this hell hole. Get as far in as you can, and kill anything that gets in the way. Watch out for Tonberries, though; I don't want to have to use Phoenix Downs unless we absolutely have to. Save your potions and materia for when you need them, and when you need them only."

Yuffie stomped her foot impatiently, shivering as she did so. "Okay, mom, we get it. Now can we please get moving? I'm freezing my toes off, here!"

Trying his best to ignore the ninja's antics, Cloud continued. "Communication is important. Don't lose sight of the person in front of you. I wasn't happy having to come here once, and now we're all here for a second trip. Let's make sure there isn't a third."

As the group began to meander down the steep sides of the lipped wall of rocks that was the crater, Sephiroth was careful to be watchful of anything and everything that moved.

The urge to finally rid the world of the parasite was his driving force, of course, but Aerith's well-being concerned him more than it should have. Dark circles sat below her eyes, as though she hadn't slept in days, and her cheeks and face shone red as if she had caught a fever. She had insisted that it was nothing, and that Sephiroth shouldn't worry. Her statement, however, hadn't lain to rest any of his fears, especially as he watched her walk in front of him; her legs were stiff, her knees wobbly, and she teetered as though she might tip over at any time.

No one had said anything, however. Sephiroth knew they all had their reasons for allowing Aerith peace of mind. And while none but Sephiroth knew that the Jenova cells Aerith had purged from his body were resting inside of his precious flower maiden, he was beginning to assume her friends were establishing suspicions over her suddenly poor health and the reasons for it. Cloud, perhaps, knew better than anyone: Jenova cells worked fast, be the effects good or bad.

It was well later into the day before the temperature rose from freezing-the-boogers-in-your-nose to only freezing-the-breath-in-front-of-you. Though monster encounters were minimal near the lip of the crater, the few beasts that ventured out from behind the craggy rocks and crevices were easily enough beaten down by the larger number of travelers.

The road, just as Tifa and Cloud has mentioned, split, though a good distance into the crater. Cloud stepped to one side of the trail, and then turned around to face the group that had been following him so diligently, yet again, into the crust of the earth. "Vincent, Yuffie, and Red: I want you to take the left trail. Aerith, Tifa, Sephiroth and I will take the right."

Yuffie scoffed, but didn't say anything, obviously feeling left out for one reason or another. Vincent nodded once in recognition, while Red merely rubbed his head and neck against Yuffie's leg as he walked past, silently encouraging her to stay quiet.

It was apparent at once, even without Yuffie's distasteful noise, that Cloud had arranged the parties prior, without consulting either he or Aerith. On any other given day, Sephiroth might find humor in protesting against Cloud's leadership, even if only to piss him off. His worry for Aerith's health, and his want to plunge Masamune into Jenova's withered heart, however, outweighed his mischievousness, and so he kept his face emotionless and put deviance out of his mind.

The two groups split without saying farewells. Sephiroth didn't find it odd, however, when he began to think of the situation. They had, after all, succeeded in venturing to the bottom of the crater and back again once before: Sephiroth was sure that, despite the apprehension in the air, none in the group held doubt in their hearts that they wouldn't succeed. Not sure whether to call it arrogance or simple self-confidence, Sephiroth pushed it from his mind and concentrated on placing one foot after the other.

Further and further into the crater the team ventured, and thicker and thicker the air seemed to become. Their pace, once brisk, had slowed to what seemed like a staggering crawl, and walking was beginning to feel like a chore, even for the toned muscles in Sephiroth's calves. He could only imagine how tired Aerith must be feeling.

"I'm sorry, Cloud. What did you say?"

Cloud turned around suddenly, facing Aerith. "What?" A clear look of confusion was beset upon his face.

Aerith, in turn, made just as confused a facial expression as Cloud. "You didn't say anything? I could have sworn you called out my name and then asked me something."

Tifa, apprehensive, laid a hand on her friend's shoulder. "It's the depth, and all the concentrated energy. It's getting to all of us." Looking up, Tifa met Cloud's gaze. "Why don't we take a little rest? I'm sure I'm not the only one here who's hungry for some lunch."

To be perfectly honest, the last thing on Sephiroth's mind was food. Yet, even if only for Aerith, he sat down and graciously accepted the sandwich handed to him.

Lunch was silently consumed. Sephiroth carefully watched both Aerith and Cloud out of the corner of his eyes, noting suddenly that both seemed weary as the other. Sephiroth recalled that Cloud most likely still had Jenova cells inside of him. The voice of the parasitic bitch was most likely calling out to both of them, her far-reaching tendrils of consciousness probably trying desperately to soak up as much energy as they could. Sephiroth knew, all too well, what it felt like to be under Jenova's influence. Even though hew knew Cloud would hate him for it, Sephiroth couldn't help but feel empathy for him.

"Tifa? I have to go to the bathroom, but I don't think it's a good idea to go alone. Could I bother you into coming with me?" Aerith's plea made enough sense, and was filled with enough honesty, that Tifa didn't waste a moment in acquiescing. The two were up and wondering off at once.

Cloud didn't miss his chance. As soon as the girls were out of earshot, he began glaring daggers at Sephiroth. "I'm not really sure where you get off telling her shit like that, but I don't believe you're capable of meaning any of it."

It was obvious, both from the tone of his voice as well as the scowl on his face, that Cloud was referring to the declaration of affection Sephiroth had presented Aerith with the night previous, before Yuffie, Vincent, and Red had entered the room.

Sephiroth tossed Cloud the reply he had written out in the notebook.

'I don't really see how it's any of your damned business, to tell you the honest truth. If she'll have me, who I am to complain?'

Cloud spat in the dirt, apparently not pleased with what he was given as a reply. "She deserves better, and you damn well know it. You don't have any right to hold her heart, and I don't think for one second she means shit to you. What are you planning? What are you going to use her for?"

Another message was scribbled upon the notebook's pages. 'You really think I'm playing here? You think I don't notice her for the woman she is, the kindness she freely shoves at others, and the warmth of her heart? A man would have to be blind to shun her affections, else a fool.'

Cloud heaved a sigh. "You're not a man, Sephiroth: you're a monster."

Undeterred, Sephiroth snatched back his notebook and began another message.

'I am sure that you remember what time, though limited, we spent in SOLDIER, fighting side by side. You respected me then. We shared a common friend in Zax. I am now, more than ever, trying to be the man you once sought to be, Strife. I am not perfect, but I am damn well trying to be decent.'

Cloud heaved a heavy sigh. "Then she already returns the messed up feelings you have for her?"

Sephiroth rolled his eyes, wishing he could write faster. 'Despise me if you must, but she's the only thing in the past thirty-odd years to even come close to making me sane, to making me feel like everything could be better instead of filled with pain and torment. Irony is what makes the beast love the maiden, and, for some sick twist of fate, for her to return the favor in kind.'

Another sigh escaped Cloud's lips. "You really care for her then? Shiva above, Ifrit below – this is some kind of messed up."

Had he the ability to make a loud noise of protest, Sephiroth would have more than obliged the inner feeling of annoyance that was bubbling up within him. Being tortured and denied happiness for nearly all of his childhood, and well into his teenaged years? Sephiroth considered that messed up. Willingly accepting that a parasitic alien was your mother and allowing her to convince you to destroy the world in order to rule over it? Sephiroth considered that, too, beyond sanity. But loving, and being loved by, someone he had once wronged? Alright, it was slightly messed up given the circumstance that he had killed Aerith, not to mention the fact that he had been reborn despite his sins, but really- where was Sephiroth to draw the line? The entirety of his existence was messed up, by all accounts.

Cloud didn't have time to try to guilt Sephiroth any further, for Aerith and Tifa closed in upon them.

"Everyone ready to go?" Tifa casually rested her hands on her hips.

An enormous tremor rippled through the cavern, followed by a scream so shrill it chilled Sephiroth down to the marrow. Another tremor followed. Everyone fell into their respective fighting stance, preparing themselves for anything. Four pairs of eyes swept over the cavern, alert and focused, making sure nothing was coming their way.

After several minutes, all became still and silent once more. "Was that Jenova?" Tifa, uneasily, shifted her weight from one foot to another.

No one had time to answer her question, however, for as suddenly as the tremors began so did Aerith and Cloud fall to their knees, clutching their heads.

"Goddamn!" Cloud cursed, pressing his palms against the sides of his head.

Aerith whimpered in pain. Sephiroth fell to his knees beside her, reaching out and placing both of his hands upon either side of her face. He forced her to look at him, to make eye contact. Though no words fell from his mouth, he knew his eyes clearly conveyed the message his heart tried desperately to shout: 'I am here.'

Sephiroth could feel Aerith try to gather her wits and her strength. Slowly, she stood and walked toward Cloud. Sephiroth was hardly half a pace behind her, worried she would collapse.

"Cloud," her voice called. She was shaking.

Shaking his head violently in protest, Cloud stood and tried to edge away from Aerith. Tifa reached a hand out toward him, but Cloud shook her off before she could get near.

"Cloud, look at me."

This time, for whatever reason, Cloud looked toward Aerith.

Reaching out a shaking hand, she extended her forefinger and pressed it against Cloud's brow.

By the time Sephiroth realized what was happening, it was too late: bright light erupted from the tip of Aerith's finger and suddenly she was falling backwards, her arms limp, towards the rocky earth. It was only by pure reflex that Sephiroth had managed to catch her before her backside made contact with the gravel of the cave floor. He pulled her close, gently allowing her to sit, before he turned to face Cloud.

Bewilderment and terror fell across Cloud's features. It was only a moment later that realization hit his eyes.

Aerith had just extracted the Jenova cells from Cloud's body.

Sephiroth looked back to the woman in his arms. Despite her pale face or sweat on her forehead, Aerith smiled up at him as if nothing at all were wrong with the world.

Cloud and Tifa, each bent on one knee, knelt next to Sephiroth, looking fearfully at Aerith. "Are you going to be okay?" Tifa's normally confident voice sounded shaken.

Aerith lazily allowed her head to loll toward where Tifa was. Again, the flower girl offered a peaceful smile, though no words.

Cloud cursed, running a hand through his spiky hair. "Aerith, why did you do that? What happened? I don't understand!"

Heaving a heavy sigh, Aerith turned to face Cloud. "I couldn't hear the planet when we were in Mideel, Cloud, so I couldn't do anything about the Jenova cells in your body. But being so close to the Lifestream here in the crater, I was able to hear a little of what it wanted from me, despite Jenova's influence. Her cells are still within you, just like the cells themselves are within Sephiroth, but now her influence and control are within me. It's all I can do. You'll still be as strong as you are, but no more headaches. For the most part, you're free."

Tentatively, Cloud reached out and gathered one of Aerith's limp hands within his own. "Aerith, why? It's you we need down here! You're the one who has the power to get rid of Jenova!"

Aerith let her head roll from side to side. "You don't understand, Cloud. My powers are limited. Why do you think I wasn't able to kill her the first time?"

Tifa gasped.

Sephiroth felt his blood go cold. What, dear Ramuh in the sky, were they meant to do if Aerith couldn't help?

Struggling, Aerith stood. Sephiroth aided her as best he could, despite her obvious wish to be independent. She looked to her comrades and heaved a heavy sigh. "We have to keep moving. We have to."

No one questioned her motives. No one even questioned her health. Sephiroth stuck out his elbow for Aerith to take hold of and without so much as another word the group began once more to descend into the bowels of the planet.

The further they went, the louder the howling became. The screams of the planet were apparent even to Tifa, who was, in all respects, human and shouldn't have been able to hear the sounds the earth made. She covered her ears on several occasions, but made no complaint. Sephiroth found, albeit grudgingly, a bit of respect for her; even his ears were tiring to the point that if he had a voice, he might be thinking of hollering back at the damn noise. It was almost too much to take.

"There. She's up there. Around the corner and to the right."

No one questioned how Aerith knew where Jenova was. They merely kept walking, placing one foot after the other.

The screaming stopped, and Sephiroth found himself shaking. His heart beat frantically, his nerves frayed, as he helped Aerith to the cliff that delved deep into the core of the planet.

There, perched upon a rock nearing the lip of the hole, sat the bulbous, seething form of Jenova. Her mouth opened, revealing saliva-covered yellow teeth as a hiss of pure hatred issued fourth from her mouth.

Sephiroth heard Cloud swallow a large breath of air. "What do we do?"

It was odd for Sephiroth to hear Cloud asking for direction so shamelessly.

Aerith took a deep breath, heaving it outward and trying not to fall. "Draw your weapons. This ends now."

Though for only a moment, Sephiroth caught Clouds' gaze in his own. Both men nodded toward one another only once, recognizing that their situation was do-or-die, and neither had any plan to join the planet quite yet. Sephiroth reached for his belt, placing a hand on Masamune's leather hilt, while Cloud reached behind his head, pulling his Buster Sword from the holster fastened to his back. Slowly, each of the two men returned their gazes toward the hole before them, and the parasite that plagued the planet.

But, as fate would have it, they were a moment too late. A thrashing tentacle shot upward out of the gaping pit, and sped toward them. Sephiroth moved to unsheathe Masamune, but hadn't been expecting a full-on attack so quickly. The appendage shot toward them, and at the last minute, veered toward Sephiroth.

He braced himself, readying his body for the worst, but an unexpected pressure from his side sent him an extra step to his side.

Jenova's tentacle pieced Aerith's chest.

The limb retracted, and a scream of victory echoed through the walls of the planet's core.

Sephiroth thought it peculiar that everything had begun to move in slow motion. He felt cold, a bone-freezing chill, all over, as if he had been dunked in a hot tub then thrown into an ice bath. He fell to his knees, reaching out for Aerith, but his hands felt like clubs of meat and his fingers refused to do as he bade them.

A terrible tremor ripped trough Sephiroth's body as the most horrifying sound rippled throughout the enclosure. The sound continued, even as his hands managed to find their way around Aerith.

As she lay, bleeding, in his arms, Sephiroth realized what the sound that shook his very being was: a cry of anguish delivered straight from his own mouth.

No words; raw and simple agony slipped passed his lips and bounced off the rocks around them.

Was that what it was like to lose the one you love?

Was that what he had done to Cloud and the others when he had harmed his flower girl so?

"We have to get her out of here. Shit, how did I let this happen?" Cloud face was pale, and his hands shook as he reached out for Aerith's hand.

Her eyes were glazed over, but still she took breath. She convulsed once, then spat blood and closed her eyes. Her breathing became frantic.

"I am so scared, Seph. I thought I was ready to die, like last time, but I don't want to go. I don't want to be without you."

Everything in Sephiroth's world stopped. Suddenly, his body was numb and cold, his disposition relaxed. He knew what needed to be done.

Ever so carefully Sephiroth stood, picking Aerith up and gently handing her to Cloud's open arms.

A look of panic struck Cloud's features. "What are we-"

Sephiroth shook his head, holding up a hand to shut Cloud up.

With a great effort, Sephiroth wrote as quickly as he could and handed his message to Cloud.

'Call Vincent. Have Chaos fly Aerith to Mideel. Doc Rej can help. Go now or she'll die. I can kill Jenova.'

Shaking his head, Cloud tried to protest.

It was, however, Tifa, who interjected on Sephiroth's behalf and, with a fully open palm, slapped Cloud across the face.

"Get it together! We need to get Aerith out of her, now! Sephiroth is giving us time."

Without so much as waiting for a reaction, Tifa pulled her cell phone from her pocket and jammed Vincent's number into the number pad. Her message was short and simple. "Aerith's hurt bad. Get Chaos down here- we have an emergency!"

Tifa turned, tugging Cloud toward the way they had only just come from. "He's going to meet us just up ahead. He doesn't want to phase too close to Jenova- we can't afford anyone else getting hurt."

Cloud looked to Sephiroth for a moment longer.

"You really love her, don't you?"

Just once, Sephiroth nodded.

"And you're willing to die to protect the planet she loves so much, aren't you?"

To this, Sephiroth only smiled.

Cloud turned and followed Tifa down the tunnel. Neither of them looked back.

No, Sephiroth wouldn't die. For him to die would also mean that Aerith would die.

Sephiroth had a much easier way to save what Aerith cared so much to protect.

Just like in Nibelheim, Sephiroth would allow the mako to encase him. Much like his own mother had done to herself, Sephiroth would be put into a state of suspended animation. Aerith would have to learn to live without him, for he saw no other way.

He would have to jump into the deepest part of the crater to destroy Jenova, but in doing so he would trap himself.

Reaching out with his consciousness, Sephiroth probed the area around him, noting the gentle ebb and flow of the lifestream that gushed forth in tiny spurts from the hole Jenova had implanted herself within. When he was satisfied that he no longer sensed sentient life within the crater, he took a step toward the crater.

Jenova hissed upward at him again. Sephiroth smirked when he saw how feeble she had truly become. The tentacle had been meant for him, that much was for sure, but it had been all Jenova had within her. Her hisses and snarls were the only fight left in her. So desperate in her attempt for revenge was she that she had expended nearly all of her energy on one attack.

Sephiroth stood on the edge of the hole. Masamune now drawn and held tight within his hand, he took a deep breath.

'Aerith,' he prayed with all of his heart. 'Forgive me. This is the only way I know to save you.'

Thrusting Masamune in front of him, Sephiroth jumped.