Title: Understanding
Author: Garnet Eyes
Archived: y-gallery. net, fanfiction. net
Summary: Some missions involve the worst of luck, but karma has an odd way of balancing. Follows Wutai.
Rating: K
Pairings: None
Author Notes: I have not had the time to watch/play anything in the Final Fantasy VII universe beyond the original game and Advent Children. Therefore, I am certain there are inconsistencies between my writing and newer games or movies.
Disclaimers: Final Fantasy VII is owned by Squaresoft and I in no way, shape, or form profit off of my writing. This is simply for my own pleasure, and may at any time be removed and/or modified as I see fit.
...
The winds had picked up significantly in the past hour. By itself, that was dangerous, but it was far worse with the rocky ground slippery from rainwater. Jade eyes scanned the skies in the limited distance he could, genuinely surprised by the speed with which this storm had hit. Granted, the General had not often been to Wutai since the end of the war and the Planet was changing, but this type of storm was far more common around the Nibel Ranges. Furthermore, the elite was concerned for the soldiers that had been trekking back to town; hopefully, the young men had made the trip safely. If they hadn't, there was very little chance of ever recovering anything as proof of death.
From deeper inside the cave currently being utilized as a shield from the weather came a soft sigh. Turning to face the sound, Sephiroth narrowed his eyes on the blonde sitting on the ground with his back against the rocky wall. The usual helmet was perched atop a worn brown pack on the ground beside the small trooper, leaving the boyish features exposed. Not far from the teen, the fires of Da Chao blazed brightly and azure stared at a point just to the side of the flames on the opposite wall. Cocking his head, the silver warrior watched the boy a moment before stepping away from the cave's entrance and taking an opposing seat against the other wall, mimicking the soldier's stretched-leg position. Silence permeated the air, undisturbed by the patter of rain on rock or the crackle of never-ceasing fire.
The blonde was a bit tense, holding his arm at the elbow and rubbing in a subconsciously soothing gesture. Amused, the SOLDIER observed for a moment longer before bending a leg up to act as a rest for his right arm.
"How is it that we keep meeting one another in poor circumstance on this mission?"
Startled blue eyes darted toward the older male from their idle gaze; apparently the blonde was rather taken aback by the statement.
"I apologize, sir."
Snorting, the silver warrior smiled benignly toward the young trooper.
"For what? The weather?"
Tan cheeks flushed to a subtle pink, embarrassment obvious from the boy's uncomfortable shift into another position, drawing his legs a little closer to himself. That did not deter the General from genuine interest in the words that followed.
"Not that, no. There isn't a lot given to us to study the geography or climate of the area. I – …I meant to apologize for the soldiers you had to deal with three nights ago. They were drunk and I couldn't keep them under control."
Raising a thin brow, the SOLDIER masked his face into an expression of apathy. He much preferred to use this trick when acquiring information since it wouldn't due to appear eager and for some reason everyone outside of SOLDIER seemed under the impression that telling him every minute detail about anything would change his expression to something more pleasing. Although the silver warrior was not interested in petty manipulation, he equally did not like to waste his time wheedling out the information that he needed.
"Oh?"
The blonde nodded once sharply, fully focused on the SOLDIER before him.
"Yes. Therefore, I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble."
His usual trick being rebuffed, the elite changed tactics and smirked as he leaned forward until his chest was braced against his thigh. The arm not resting on his knee lifted to gesticulate a few points to the young soldier.
"One man can only do so much to stem the tide of irresponsibility. Blaming yourself for everything is pointless. You did your best with what you were given to work with. As I have heard, soldiers in the regular army are not very tightly knit. You cannot influence your peers in the way an elite SOLDIER can influence his. Be proud of yourself for the actions you did take and the allies you make for yourself."
Azure eyes blinked several times as the teen absorbed the words, giving the silver warrior the opportunity to relax back against the wall. After a moment's contemplation, pale eyes narrowed and the soldier frowned.
"Whether the fault lays with me or not, everyone ends up labeled by the actions of others, sir. I take the same responsibility for others as I would take for myself."
Jade eyes lidded, clear amusement radiating from the SOLDIER as he replied. That was in no way a standard response from any green soldier; Sephiroth could not help but be intrigued by the blonde.
"Very impressive analysis. I have a question, though. Do you know who I am?"
Blue eyes blinked once, an expression overcoming youthful features that exclaimed the sheer absurdity of the question.
"Of course, sir."
Closing his eyes, the General leaned his head against the wall.
"Good. Then I expect you to be able to refer to me by name… Strife, was it not?"
The silver warrior did not need to look in order to feel the surprise radiating off of the teen. The next move was the blonde's, however, in this subtle game of words.
"Yes, sir. As you order, sir."
With a rueful smirk, the older male gestured vaguely to the empty air beside himself.
"This is about the time Zackary would say something entertaining to help you relax. I must confess, I am very poor at that particular skill."
Silence fell between them, unfortunately thick, before a sudden break occurred in the patterns Sephiroth had grown accustomed to. Usually by now, if the individual was outside of SOLDIER, he or she would be far too wound up to say another thing to the elite.
"I'm not particularly good at this either, sir. It's got nothing to do with you personally."
Feline eyes blinked open, still heavily lidded as they gazed at the small blonde. The boy still looked uncomfortable, true, but there was no real change in the level of discomfort from before.
"I see. Perhaps we might distract ourselves, then. Tell me, how did you decide to become a medic?"
Continuing to rub his elbow, the blonde turned to look at the cave entrance. Although the fire was to the back of his head, casting shadows on the smooth face, to the SOLDIER's vision it hardly mattered.
"I'm not that great at physical combat. I'm too small to be good with much more than a gun, although that's more for parade than anything. My commanding officer noticed that I don't have the same difficulty casting as the others in the troop, so he turned me over to the med unit."
Sephiroth hummed softly, closing his eyes once more. The teen lacked confidence in himself. That issue needed to be attended, but it could wait for a better time when the blonde did not feel expressly trapped and unable to bow out at all.
"Is there anything in particular you would like to do in the military?"
There was no hesitation in the blonde's response, surprisingly enough for his ambition.
"Join SOLDIER."
Jade eyes slit open, noting the serious expression on the boy's face. Bringing himself into a more upright position, the General opened his eyes and vaguely gestured toward the teen.
"Might I ask why?"
Azure eyes turned from the mouth of the cave, locking onto feline pupils.
"I made a promise."
There was obviously more to the explanation, but nothing else was volunteered. Instead, the young medic cocked his head and nodded toward the elite.
"What about you, sir? Why did you become a SOLDIER?"
Jade eyes blinked twice, the unexpected question throwing the silver warrior for a moment. He could not recall ever actually being asked such a question before.
"I was born into the career path I am on, Strife."
The blonde frowned, but did not speak for a minute or so while his attentions focused inward. When he finally spoke, azure gaze once more returned to jade, his voice was almost drowned out by the nearby fire.
"I don't think I would cope well with my life being planned out for me. There would be no surprise."
A grin quirked at his lips as the SOLDIER replied.
"The unexpected never fails to occur."
Tan lips curled in a shy return smile as azure eyes closed, head bowing to nearly touch uniformed chest in apparent weariness.
"If only it would be more helpful when it does."
The General shut feline eyes, resting his head against the wall again and ignoring the loud clap of thunder outside that echoed over the teen's prior words.
"Matter of perspective."
Another clap of thunder rumbled over rocky terrain, the downpour suddenly growing in strength.
"You believe in silver linings, then."
The SOLDIER snorted, but nevertheless responded.
"I suppose that would be one way to put it."
There was a short sound like stifled laughter from the blonde, causing one jade eye to open. The teen was relaxed back against the cave wall in a fashion very similar to the silver warrior, eyes still closed.
"I wouldn't have pegged you for an optimist."
Wryly, the elite smirked and casually waved a hand in a dismissive gesture, even though his companion could not see the movement.
"I would hardly call myself optimistic. I find myself rather cynical most of the time."
The medic waved his hand dismissively, although the gesture seemed somehow stilted.
"One doesn't preclude the other, Sephiroth."
The elite opened his mouth to dispute the statement, but paused before a single sound passed his lips. While he could argue with such a confounding and primarily illogical statement without difficulty, instead a genuine smile settled over pale features as he closed his eye and relaxed his limbs.
"I suppose."