In this story, various people will be telling it through their point of veiw, although, the majority of the time, it shall be through Cloud's.
"More SOLDIERs. This time they brought a girl with them." I dryly noted as I leaned against the window.
I watched as the black-haired one helped the pink-wearing female out of the truck. The two SOLDIERs who were already here, ran out and saluted smartly before leading the group. It was obvious that the silver haired one was General Sephiroth. The one in the red coat was the Crimson General: Genesis Rhapsodos. And the black-haired one had to be the Black General: Zack Fair. Zack was also Sephiroth's Second in Command, taking over after the death of the first Black General: Angeal Hewley.
"Interesting." The rough, yet at the same time silky, voice echoed in the darkness.
"Sephiroth." At the name, a man emerged from the shadows. His glowing red eyes were trained on me. The rest of his face was covered by the collar of his blood red cloak. Under that he wore nothing but black, and wore a gun holster on his leg. His left arm was encased in a bronze claw. Also he wore point bronze boots that made no noise. A red bandana kept his waist-length raven hair out of his eyes.
"What?" He growled out.
"I said 'Sephiroth', Vincent. Are you going deaf on me?" He growled, but said nothing. I adjusted my sword, which I had designed and made. It hung from my waist, at an angle. Standing up it came to about my shoulder, and was about just as wide as I was. But I could handle it all the same. When I adjusted my sword, I also had to adjust my harness for it, which meant adjusting a bit of my outfit.
I wore pure black. Much like Vincent, except he had his red cape thingy. My pants were baggy, but tight enough not to restrict movement. There was a cloth that hung down on my left pant leg, it was the way the pants had come and I didn't really mind it. I wore black combat boots, however, my pants pretty much covered them. For a top, I usually wore a black sleeveless shirt that zipped up the middle. However, under the shoulder guard, I could attach a left sleeve, much like how I had it now. My gloves came up to about my elbows. On my shoulder guard, there was a silver wolf's head with a ring in its mouth. Cloudy Wolf was its name. It came with an earring, of the same design, which I wore as well on my right ear. My harness was wrapped around my waist, and then over my right shoulder and to my shoulder guard. A very confusing setup, but one that I was used to.
"My son?"
"Yes, you immortal demon thing. Your son." Vincent growled.
Immortal demon thing. That's what he was. He was immortal and he had I think three or four demons residing in him, the most prominent and dangerous being Chaos. Then again, I really couldn't talk when it came to immortal. As I was very much the same. It was only recently that I had found my way out of the mako I had been imprisoned in. I had fallen into accidentally, and now this was my cost. Although, I could change my age from anywhere between six to twenty-one. Vincent was stuck at what ever age he was, then again, I didn't have a blood-thirsty, slightly crazed demon inside me.
"Tifa looks pissed." I noted as she followed the SOLDIERs and the pink-dressed girl into the inn. A few minutes later and Tifa and the girl were exiting. I admired Tifa from a distance. She was a formidable enemy in hand-to-hand, and since I sucked at that form of combat… she could easily beat me. Also, few females were allowed to fight here. Tifa was a pleasant change.
"Probably because of the SOLDIERs… if only I had been able to get them all instead of just one." The wistful tone in Vincent's voice made me look at him, raising an eyebrow. He grinned slightly, a slight hint of gold overshadowing the natural red. Chaos… I'm sure he was upset he missed a chance where Vincent actually let him get away with murder.
"I'm going to check on Fenrir. I haven't been giving him as much love as I should." Vincent grunted, the gold fading. I left the room I was in.
The mansion really was creepy. Dust layered almost every surface, of course, Vincent and I could maneuver in such a way he dust seemed hardly disturbed. Besides, the monsters disturbed it enough. I could hear the toe nails of a few monsters, but they never approached me. I went down the central stairs, looking around the empty room. Then I walked around until I found where I wanted. I exited quickly and silently. I whistled, the low tone echoing and bouncing off all surfaces.
A few minutes later, Fenrir came. I had found Fenrir as a pup, even then, I could sense the lifestream inside him was strong, and that he would be a strong asset. My prediction proved to be right, and the huge level eighty wolf listened to my every command. I rubbed and ran my fingers through his long black and silver hair. He needed a bath. Violet eyes became trained on me, and I grinned.
"Hey, how ya doin'?" I bugged me, but the Nibelheim accent had embedded itself into my speech. As Tifa was the only person from town that I really spoke to, I noticed that her accent had faded some. Strange how that works. After grooming Fenrir, I headed back into the mansion and fell into a light sleep.
When I woke, I decided to go out to town. At Vincent's advice, I left my sword. Fenrir was waiting for me, so I decided to take him along. At first the town's people hadn't liked Fenrir, but they grew to accept him.
I paused as I heard a conversation.
"We tried. He had his pet Nibel Wolf attack us. Fenrir I think he said its name was. Then again, I wasn't paying too much attention. I had the king of all Nibel Wolves on my heels." That was the voice of one of the SOLDIERs who had tried to break it not he mansion after asking me for help. I remember that I had sent Fenrir on them. Their cries had been amusing.
"A level twenty three. You were scared by a level twenty three?" A smooth voice that sounded similar to Vincent's spoke. I could hear the irritation in it. Then again, I don't blame the person. Most Nibel Wolves were level twenty three, and if a SOLDIER had told me that a level twenty three had beat three level three SOLDIER's butts, I wouldn't have believed it either. I walked up to the conversation, Fenrir following. The man froze as he pointed to us.
"Actually Fenrir is about level eighty, but that doesn't really matter." I informed the Silver, Crimson, and Black Generals. They all turned, and I noticed the Crimson sidestep to protect the girl that was with them. I took in their appearances. The one SOLDIER ran.
The Silver General had long silver hair, that reached his waist. His bangs stuck up and over his face, reminding me of a picture of that girl that Vincent loves so much. Although his eyes and face were completely different colored than Vincent's, they were the same in shape. Narrow, catlike, green eyes observed me. His skin was pale, almost as pale as mine, but his held a slightly blue tint, almost unnoticeable. He wore black, no surprise. I wondered where Masamune was, as such a large bade (about six and a half meters long) would defiantly be noticeable, yet I did not see any sign of the legendary blade.
The Crimson General had gotten his name from the long crimson over coat he often wore. He wore black underneath and I immediately thought of Vincent. The right side of his face was slightly covered by his chin-length, layered auburn hair. Despite that, I could still see the black dagger earring on his right ear. His eyes reminded me of the sky, except they were narrow, and glaring at me. His skin was milky in color. More color than mine, but way less that the last general. Although, I could not see it, I didn't doubt that he had Rapier on him.
The last general, the Black General, wore the standard uniform. His shoulder-length black hair was styled into spikes, only two stubborn strands not slicked back. His tan skin was evident compared to the milky white of the girl and Crimson General, and the Silver General's icy white. There was a cross scar on his left check bone. Violet eyes were staring at Fenrir in shock. He was the only one that had his sword in plain view. The thing was as large as First Tsurugi, my own. I also noticed he had his right ear pierced.
The girl had pale milky skin, and long brown hair. Her bangs were very similar to Sephiroth's. There was a pink bow tied high in her hair. The brown strands were in a braid. Wide green eyes, more grass colored, like the lifestream, were staring at Fenrir. She wore a simple pink dress with brown boots and a red jacket. As a necklace, she wore a simple, thin, black ribbon.
Fenrir growled. I raised a hand to calm him, stroking his fur gently.
"Sephiroth," I heard Genesis mutter.
"Why are you here?" Zack took a step back as Fenrir growled once more.
"Orders." Sephiroth replied. I frowned. He seemed to be just like his father, how fitting.
"Rules are meant to be broken, as are orders. What's life without a bit of Chaos." Chaos would be so proud of me if he heard me say that. Vincent on the other hand… not so much.
"Trust me, if these orders could be ignored, I would have done it. No offense, but I hate small towns." Genesis hissed. The girl batted him slightly on the arm.
"You must be Cloud. I am Aeris. This is Sephiroth, Zack and Genesis." She ignored the SOLDIERs and just walked up to me, holding out her hand. She tilted her head as she smiled. Cautiously I took her hand and shook it. Fenrir sniffed her hair, before turning away and sneezing.
"Yeah, that's me. This is Fenrir. Don't worry, he won't attach unless I'm in trouble or I give the command." The last part was directed to the three SOLDIERs, who seemed to be freaked by the fact that Aeris was so close to me and Fenrir. Then again, most people didn't like Fenrir, they just grew to ignore him. Aeris giggled.
"I know. I can feel the bond you have with him." I blinked at her, looking deep in her green eyes. Cetra The planet informed me, the voice echoing slightly in my mind. I had thought the Cetra had died out, apparently I was mistaken.
"I don't think he'll hurt us… not unless we give him reason."
"Tell him why you're here and he'll find reason." The SOLDIER who had run when I approached was hiding behind a barrel and he now spoke.
"We are here to clean out the mansion and stuff." Zack supplied. I narrowed my eyes but did nothing.
"We were wondering if you could please escort us into the mansion, since the town's folk seem to believe that you know hoe to get in." Aeris asked. I turned my attention to her.
"Sure. Just tell me when." In out rage, the SOLDIER who had been hinding jumped out and stormed up to me.
"What?! You help them but not me?! Why not?!" He ranted for a good wo seconds before I opened my mouth.
"Yddylg." At my word, the SOLDIER stiffened, and then turned and ran as fast as he could. In response, Fenrir bound after him. " Hu pmuut." I called after the wolf. The SOLDIER stared at me in shock, even as the cries of the SOLDIER reached their ears. A few seconds later, I stepped neatly to the side as Fenrir threw the SOLDIER past me. Aeris stood open mouthed, before turning to me. Fenrir ran past and picked the man up by his shirt, careful not to hit the skin.
"Stop him, please."
"Cdub." Fenrir fell still, the man now dangling from his teeth. "Tnub." The man was dropped. I nodded at the girl. "Better?" She nodded, watching as the SOLDIER scooted back from the massive wolf and then stood and ran for all it was worth. Now I turned to the Generals, who looked very upset. "Before you get all mad. Let me explain. Your SOLDIERs know nothing of common courtesy. They had just come to me and demanded that I take them into the mansion. When I replied 'no' they threatened me." Sephiroth let out a heavy breath. Zack let out a small growl, and Genesis just shook his head.
"Now, when do you wish to enter the mansion?"
"Before that, we were told that the third SOLDIER stationed here was eaten by something inside there…" Genesis started.
"Possibly." Definitely. "I do not know what became of the SOLDIER." Chaos ate him, it was a sick sight. "And I found no trace of blood in the mansion." I had to scrub for months to get the stain out. "Apparently, the body was found outside town hall." I dragged it there, and then covered up the drag marks. The Cetra was looking at em funny, as if she could sense my lies. Sephiroth was also raising an eyebrow.
"Okay. What about secret labs in the mansion?" Genesis glared and hit Zack's arm.
"Secret labs? If there are any, then I assure you that they are indeed secret." If secret includes finding and looking through. Finding a man in a coffin, saving said man, and then burning equipment and helping man destroy equipment. Then yes, secret. Oh, can't forget book burning. That was fun. Once again, weird looks. This time from Genesis and Zack.
"That doesn't even bother you?" Genesis asked weakly.
"Not really. It isn't my business, so why should I care?" Fenrir gave a growl of agreement. "Fenrir agrees. I worry and care about what I need to and what is my business. If a man dies in there, I could care less as long as I or someone I care about, are not the person being killed." Aeris understood first.
"You live like a wolf. On your own, until you meet your pack, and then you'll give your all to protect said pack, and really couldn't give anything about another pack." The SOLDIERs exchanged looks.
"Yes. So for the last time, when."
"Tomorrow, if that is okay with you." Sephiroth spoke.
"It is fine. Eight in the morning sound too early. I know it is for most in this town."
"Eight is fine." I nodded, turned and then whistled. Fenrir came to my side, and I left town. As I left, I could hear Zack comment.
"Strange kid."
Yes, I was a strange kid. Then again, could I really be considered a kid? I mused over Zack's comment as I stood in my favorite room. It was a simple room. The large window that basically made up a wall, had somehow remained intact. It gave me both an easy escape if one was ever needed, and a beautiful view of the town. There was a small cot in here that I used as a bed, with an animal-fur blanket. There wasn't any electricity or anything, but I was fine with that. It wasn't like I needed it.
"What are you thinking of?" Vincent's gruff voice cut across the room.
"Sephiroth is going to be inside the mansion tomorrow." I replied. Hoping to throw off Vincent. Normally he would jump at anything related to his son.
"That's not what is on your thoughts." I mentally frowned, keeping my face neutral.
"Yes it is."
"Don't lie to me. Anyone else but me." I sighed, knowing that I wouldn't lie to him for long.
"Zack said I'm a strange kid." Vincent tilted his head to the side.
"And that affects you why?"
"I'm not a kid… I mean yeah I'm strange… but… strange doesn't really exist… along side perfect and normal. What is normal for one might be strange for another… and its just…" I sighed and bowed my head.
"You're over thinking it." I snapped up at him. "And I think I know why. Remember the last time, you nearly went insane." I cut him off before he could say more.
"I'm fine. Shouldn't you be worrying more about the fact your son, Sephiroth, the Demon of Wutai, the Silver General, and all his other titles will be coming here…"
"You are just as much my son." With a growl, I stalked past him and exited the mansion. I ran into the forest, letting Fenrir flank my side. Finally, when I came to a stop, I felt all my pent up frustration was gone and I could relax. Being surrounded by nature often helped me to relax. Fenrir was nuzzling my shoulder, asking if something was wrong.
"Hu, hudrehk." I replied. He seemed to have bought it since he settled down. He became a blanket and pillow for me as I fell asleep.
I woke just before sunrise. I made my way back to the mansion, at times letting Fenrir carry me. Once I reached the mansion I changed clothes, and went down tot eh square to wait for the SOLDIERs. Although it wasn't eight, I was surprised to find the three just exiting their inns and heading to the village square.
"Early birds?" Zack jumped, although the other two didn't.
"Yes. Since we are all here, do you think we could go ahead and go through the mansion. Also, just to inform you, we will be spending a year here, so be expecting to take us into the mansion often until we know how ourselves." I raised an eyebrow at the Silver General's words.
"Alright. Well then, follow me." We reached the mansion and I led them past the front door. Zack paused.
"Wouldn't it be easy to use the front door?"
"Yeah, if you want to die. The door is a nesting ground for a type of flesh eating bug, touching the door attracts them. And then you're screwed. And if you do get past the door, the floor right on the other side was rotten and fell away, revealing a huge gaping hole." I informed the SOLDIERs. They exchanged glances.
"Sounds fun." Genesis dryly noted. I chuckled. "So how did you get in?"
"I hadn't meant to, it just kind of happened. Here." I pointed to the ivy that I knew hid the broken door to the inside.
"Here?" Sephiroth asked, staring at the hole.
"Here." And then I stepped through, only to be tackled by Vincent. A few seconds later, I heard Zack, Sephiroth, and Genesis call out my name.
"Great now he left us." Zack muttered.
"Who cares, he got us in here and that was just job." Genesis replied.
"But he was cute, and what if something happens to him." Zack whined. What warrior whined? Vincent seemed to be thinking the same thing, as I could see it in his face.
"Cute? He looked ready to kill us yesterday with that massive pet of his." Vincent narrowed his eyes at me, and I shook my head to try to disprove Genesis' statement.
"Bu-" Before Zack could finish there was a small roar.
"Will the both of you shut the hell up?" They fell silent to Sephiroth's demand. "I hear breathing from over here." I head footsteps, indicating that he was coming this way.
"Hey, if he's been here, why are there no footsteps in the dust?" Zack asked softly. They stopped.
"Good point." Genesis muttered.
"Ghost!" Not quite. Close enough. Vincent was suddenly gone. And I feared slightly for the SOLDIERs.
"The only ghosts that will be here will be you if you do not leave."
"Who the fuck are you?" Genesis replied to Vincent.
"Was that a threat?" Sephiroth asked quietly.
"You look like your mother." I heard Vincent mutter. "No. A warning."
"Mother, you know of Jenova?" I heard the eagerness in Sephiroth's voice. I frowned, where… no when had I heard that before?
"Your mother is not Jenova. Now, if you do not mind, I have matters to attend to, and I don't want to attack you. One SOLDIER's death is enough, do not make me spill more blood."
"You killed the other SOLDIER?" Zack sounded angry. I wanted to step out and tell them not to blame Vincent, but I stayed still.
"How do you know my mother. If she is not Jenova, then who is she? Was my father lying to me?"
"Hojo is not your father." Vincent all but hissed, I knew his eyes had flashed gold at that moment. If there was one feeling that was mutual between Vincent and Chaos, it was their hatred for Hojo.
"Then who is? Tell me!" Genesis and Zack had fallen quiet.
"I don't have to. Now leave."
"Why?"
"Because if you don't, I'll kill the blonde and then I'll head for the inn, where I know the pink-dressed girl is." There was the sound of a snarl, and then a gun going off. Tneh sound of a shout and wood giving away. I could barely restrain myself from going into the fight then.
"Zack!" Sephiroth and Genesis shouted.
"You friend is as good as dead now. Even if he survives the fall, he won't survive the monsters." Zack might not, but I could. I made note of the place we were in the mansion before moving to the basement. Quickly, but quietly. I found Zack just in time.
As I neared, the monsters that had gathered quickly scattered, frightened by my aura. I kneeled beside Zack, checking his unconscious form for any injuries. I found on. the wood that had given out on him was impaling him. He was coming to, and I knew he had to be in a lot of pain. I grimaced as I could already feel the lifestream within him trying to escape and join the larger lifestream.
"Zack?" I whispered, calling his name. He looked up at me, unable to focus. "This will hurt." He grunted, and I pulled the stick impaling him out, then I quickly healed. I felt a fresh wave of energy flow inside of me, I closed my eyes, and just held on to Zack. After a few minutes, he was perfectly unharmed and asleep. I heard someone jump from above, and Vincent's shout of 'don't.' I quickly backed away, and hid myself in the shadows.
"Zack? Zack? Are you alright? I see and smell blood." Sephiroth had a wing. A huge black wing, but a wing none the less. I stared at it in shock, as Sephiroth made it disappear as he landed next to his SiC.
"Seph?" Zack muttered.
"Yeah?" I could see that Sephiroth was worried.
"I met an angel." He gave a soft laugh before completely losing consciousness. I watched as the three SOLDIERs left. The Silver and Crimson Generals supporting the Black.
"So you did." Vincent muttered. I frowned and only looked down. Questioning my own actions.
"I have nothing to say to you." I replied, turning and going to my room. I could hear Vincent sigh behind me.
If anyone is confused about the commands Cloud gives Fenrir, they are in Al Bhed. Simple things like "Attack; stop; drop; no, nothing." I believe that those were all the commands I used.
If anone is confused by the last part, don't worry. I intended it to be like that. Just to make you wonder what they were talking about.
