Chapter Summary:
Face to face with Wutai, Sephiroth heeds their council.
...
A/N:
Welcome back!!! Ugh I know!! What a nassive gap between the last chapter and now but life has gathered my attention far more than I care to share. Good and bad. Fortunately never enough to abandon this fic!!
I do hope you all are well! I truly missed posting for you guys so without further delay here it is!
Enjoy and happy reading!!!
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Stop here," Sephiroth tells the pilot, his voice stern but otherwise soft. With the night approaching, Sephiroth had no will to wait until the following day. He's already been on this hunk of metal for two days. That is nearly enough time to mentally stir his brain to an unsatisfying jumble of unresolved actions. He had matters he'd rather discuss in person than hold them dormant until the time of day was appropriate.
"Now? But were not...?" Yuffie quips behind him. Although Sephiroth doesn't answer her, he just keeps his eyes ahead. Whether she realizes but no matter the time of day it was, they'll be taken into consideration one way or another once Wutai found out who they are. Besides, Sephiroth is through with the consistent sitting and waiting for others to act.
By the time this expedition expires, he'll have already been absent from Aerith's warmth for four days, and frankly, having gone their entire journey keeping his distance— for it suited her friend's best interest, he is once again thrown into those patterns thanks to Shinra's tasteless tactics to control him.
"Very well, sir." The pilot declares, gently landing the Highwind on the outskirts of Wutai's grounds. "We'll await here for your next orders."
Sephiroth nods to the modest man, "Very good, thank you." Turning away, he beckons Yuffie to follow with a wave of his arm. He could go without the formalities, for though they might think it, Sephiroth doesn't consider himself a higher rank than them. At this point in their quest, he is merely a man on a mission just as they were the supporters of it. And yet, in the end, he doesn't correct them.
The two quickly leave the room, Yuffie's footsteps are heard behind him, her boots pattering softy, hyper. As he expected her sickness had mellowed out since her mid-day nap, not once had she shown signs of them returning. He feels his lips curve slightly, oddly proud for reasons unknown.
Possibly Yuffie had a better reason to trust him, or he was just happy. After all, they had helped one another lift their lowered spirits. As for whether she drank the remedy potion or not, he couldn't say for certain other than the dramatic change in demeanor she had presented since she awoke.
Still, he can't rightly give himself credit for it. Potion or no. For all he knew her behavior was because she was close to home. Perhaps she had grown homesick and being back fills her with glee. Regardless of which he retains the pleasantries he still feels over their earlier conversation.
Her footsteps slow until finally they cease. "I'm confused, but why stop here? It's still a good way to Wutai. If we go on foot from this far away it'll take at least another hour."
Sephiroth glances at her, rewarding her with his motives. "We can't simply fly into your country's territory and expect to be welcomed. We will walk. This way is the better choice... The smarter one."
"Yeah, but they'll still think we're going to raid them anyway, wouldn't it be best just to make an entrance? It's by all means faster." He can easily understand her skepticism, and he sighs, his face softening despite the unsatisfying loads of questions.
Sephiroth gives her his full attention, crossing his arms. "I don't want them to judge us because we didn't abide by whatever rules or beliefs they may follow. We will stride right up to their front door without resistance or fight. The last thing we need is to cause a bigger uproar than we already got. We came to settle things with the war, not set them in stone."
She begins to open her mouth, indubitably seeking more questions, but Sephiroth holds a gloved hand up to stop her.
"I can see why this would confuse you, but you should worry not, I have had quite a lot of time to think this through. I admit, though I don't know your country's beliefs or customs, I know war. And since the first conflict, Wutai is and has always been tightly guarded. Most assuredly worse now with this blasphemous new addition. If they were to take heed to not only my presence but a Shinra ship too, it's bound to raise a lot of red flags. We don't wish to be gunned down before we even offer our surrender. This way is statistically the safest and more promising in our plight. If they see we are not a threat, then they will allow us limited leverage."
Yuffie purses her lips, amd nods cheerfully acute. She laces her hands behind her, bouncing back on her heels. "I have to say your determination is quite infectious. The will to gather so much increment detail and intel on your rival country is boldly impressive. To think you might have actually eradicated our entire nation with that sharp wit of yours. And yet, here we are, back on these very lands that we both scarred, aiming to protect it. Hm, strange but I think if I were to take command of this nation one day, I might just trust you enough not to wish it ill will." She smiles, and from her tone, Sephiroth gathers that she is attempting playful banter.
The look on her face, so gentle and open makes him feel somewhat uncomfortable. Not to say it's her that makes him so, but the wave of disgust he feels over himself at the reminder. He most certainly should not be given such tenderness from the likes of her. Even with the events of the war having been so long ago, it still felt like a knife in his side, never healing the weight of the tragic memory of an action worth revision.
Ignoring the sudden awfulness of his mood, he carries himself forward, disembarking the Highwind. Sephiroth, though silent, is touched that Yuffie is trying to seek companionship, perhaps in her own childish way, but still, the mere thought matters to him in ways he can say he never would've thought would.
It's easily the same he felt with Aerith at their start, because he too had harmed her and despite knowing that she still found someway to enjoy him for the monster he was. Even going so far as to love him.
Granted Yuffie is in no way connected to that similarity but he feels somewhat glad that she, a Wutaian, the very race he murdered thousands of, is finding ways to move on from the impact he put on her country.
Maybe it's because, at that time, she was but a child...well, a younger, more innocent child than she is now. And having grown up some since then, she is finding the roots of her empathy.
So rather than trying to force those into words she'll understand and possibly failing and choking, he keeps quiet. The last thing he wants is to make a complete ass of himself in front of a girl who doesn't entirely know or trust him as Aerith does.
Yuffie does not indicate that she is bothered as she follows closely behind him, her voice clear of any words, face passive of hidden emotions. For that he is strangely relieved.
Sephiroth takes this pause to look around, and though the sun was setting the landscape was still so beautiful. Its light bouced rays of golden beams off the vibrant moutains and hills, bathing the air in a honey, ember glow.
A soft breeze caressed his face, lifting his hair around him. He breathed in deeply, feeling the tug of a smile grace his lips at the sweet tranquility that was this foreign land. Though Midgar's continent was pure of the depletion of mako due to Minevra's birth, Wutai's was far richer in comparison. As having not fallen victim to the harsh reactors in the first place.
Sephiroth allows the unpolluted world to welcome him, internally glad Shinra had failed in their mission to gain control of the luscious land. The last thing this proud nation needed was the blood of innocence disgustingly seeping into the soil beneath his boots.
He almost prays to the unforgiving gods that they bless him with triumph results. That way, he will never have to spill demure blood for as long as he shall live.
The walk onward was void of banter, and if Sephiroth had the will to acknowledge it he'd say it was a bit unsettling. Once he took a great deal of joy in silence, but now that his life has heartened, he was beginning to dislike it. However, that was his fault for not addressing the young acquaintance.
Of all things he never wished to do was to further drive a rift between Aerith and her friends because he can't muster up the courage to enforce his words. He must look like a complete asshole to them. But he isn't, a bit cold indefinitely, but he truly was trying. He eagerly wants to...for Aerith, for their daughter.
More than anything he wished to give their daughter a future of fulfillment and love by the people around her. But with him, the way he was almost seemed unfortunately unapproachable.
Clearly he misjudged the situation and falsely thought they were at the start of building something when they upheld that heavy conversation earlier that day.
If he was honest, he quite enjoyed talking to the girl. True she was younger and Wutaian, but that mattered not to him. He still felt obliged to converse with her. Her spirit was like an energetic breath of fresh air, something very uncommon around him since his involvement with Aerith. Slowly he was beginning to familiarize himself around these small wisps of happiness her friends bring.
Sephiroth clears his throat, keeping his eyes forward. "I apologize for my silence earlier. It's not that I don't like the thought of your faith, but the fact that I should need it. After all, Wutai's trust and forgiveness should be forever unapproachable due to the torment I've brought you and your people."
Almost instantly, Yuffie exclaimed. "Ugh this again? Why are you so hard on yourself? Truly I'm curious. Isn't it time to move on from all that? I told you I don't hold you in contempt for it." Sephiroth is greatly taken aback at her carefree tone. As a maturing adolescent, she sure was blunt.
He straightens and continues his trek forward, voice as heavy as his heart. "Aerith asks that question too. And I tell her the same as I am you now. How can I not? You don't know the depths of my sins. Since the beginning of my resurrection, I have done nothing but what was asked of me. Wasn't the entirety of my journey just another selfish act to retain life? Only when I found myself... when I wished to correct my wrongdoings due to Aerith's unfaltering kindness..."
Sephiroth shakes his head, pausing. "That's not it. She was but an added source to my journey of self-repentance. Only as I grew into this person— not only the one she envisioned but me and the planet, did I come to terms that a monster that which I am doesn't warrant goodness. Past or not, my evil deeds will never be outweighed by simple acts of kindness. I can love and be loved in return, but the offenses will never wash away because I wish them too... because Aerith, the planet's daughter, forgives."
"Look, okay, you're right, I don't know, not nowhere close to what Aerith might but I can see with my eyes that what you beat yourself over is nothing but an empty jar of doom and gloom. You need to let that cloud over your head clear. Nothing will come out of remaining in the shadow of a life past and gone. Don't give it power over you. We are free to live life to the fullest because of you, doesn't that amount to something? Now yes, you did some bad things, horrible unspeakable affairs in a life that no longer has ties to this refreshed one, but how should that keep you from defining yourself in becoming a good person in the end? Maybe not right away, but in time for sure?"
Odd for such a young mind she was greatly intelligent and he turned to face her. He wants to meet her eyes as he takes in this girl who was so much more than he originally thought to be.
Her soft brown looks up into his green. Almost instantly he identifies the pain behind the childish innocence. His brows furrow slightly— its death. The blankness of such a deep realization stares back at him and he feels slightly more sympathetic. Even someone as small as her had bore witness to the true horror of the world.
He thinks he understands now, its why she's so mature for being sixteen. In order to survive, one must be given the truths of just what survival brings. Her journey must've been cruel and damaging and its shaped her into this person who thinks rather than ask for help, she hides it away, baring the weight of it on her tiny shoulders in secret. He wonders if that's why he can converse with her so fluently.
He relates... He understands.
Sighing briskly, he rids the thought. It seems they've all endured a harsh journey and all silently gathered their own demons. Ones they'd rather hide than seek shelter upon one another. In time she will find such a person as he had with Aerith whom she can open herself up to fully and honestly. A person that will listen and provide comfort. To heal.
Sephiroth returns his mind to the task at hand. "I may have helped birth this new planet, but I'm far from its savior. Aerith and my daughter are the real heroes. They deserve the glory, not me. It's as Cloud said, just because I save the planet will not change how the world sees me. And I'm okay with that because it doesn't matter what they think. But that doesn't mean I don't still ponder and think of the worst. Like how can I call myself a good person when this pressure of guilt weighs me down due to my role in Gaia's decline? Isn't it namely my fault? Because of my blood of her?"
"You can't blame yourself for that, Aerith doesn't and neither do I. You need to let go as we should, don't you think? Start small, start forgiving yourself, and only then can others forgive you. Ask yourself, is this how you plan to raise Aeris? Doesn't she need a father who thinks only of the bright future for her? Not a man who is forever stuck in the past, reflecting and punishing himself over something feeble and insignificant?" Yuffie huffs, placing her hands on her hips.
He scoffs, smiling gently at the girl. "To think I'm being put in my place by a child." He sighs heavily, his chuckle weak. "Thank you. Although already knowing it's only ever been me stopping from moving on, I won't deny that you are right. However, hearing the words is oddly comforting. Ever since Meteor, I have had this vision of a bright future for Aerith and Aeris, one a monster like myself disgustingly dreams to achieve for them but I cannot help but be reminded that that's the last thing I deserve to share with them. Aerith will always claim I warrant a happy ending, but how could I with the remainder of my "doom and gloom" still overwhelming my person?"
"Holding yourself back because of the weak minds of men who can't let go, namely Cloud, is no way to live when you are trying the best you can to change the way you once carried yourself. I may have been small and simple-minded the first time I caught wind of you, but now, as a promising adult, I can see the genuine acts you are trying to bring forth. Take this trip for example. You do not need to return here, and yet you are risking your very reputation and life to bring peace to a rival country that bears no love for you. It's selfless acts like this that show not only our friends back home but the enemy that you are truly a changed man."
"..." Sephiroth's eyes are forlorn, distant. He doesn't know what to say. Yuffie continues. She chuckles weakly, flushed sheepishly.
"Don't think for once that I know the emotional depth of what I'm saying because I don't, I won't ever relate to your trauma but that doesn't mean I can't try to see you side. Your heart is sincere, Sephiroth I can see that as clearly as this sky above and though I may not know you as I wish I could, I will always try to aim you in the right direction. Not even for Aerith but because I like this person in front of me, wholly and platonic. This person who cares and is soft and will do anything to protect the one he holds dear is the very pinnacle of the person you need to be. With or without your doubt right now, the candor you uphold in these rare moments is the exact person you will ever need to become. Don't change because you think you need to."
Sephiroth's lips part for the very words he means to speak. but there was a sudden instinct of danger and Masamune summons in his hand. He responds without delay, gripping the braided handle with determination. Face hardening, his eyes take in the surroundings, guards on high alert for any movements. "Be on guard, something is amiss."
Yuffie is winded but nods, her Shurikin summoning. "Oh yeah!!! About time, and here I was beginning to think we'd never get to experience our battle synchronicity."
"I'm sorry? But why would you want to know that?" He deadpans, eyeing her with a risen brow.
"How could I not? Aerith tells me how beautiful your fighting is. Why wouldn't I wish to see how the seasoned in battle Sephiroth holds his own in a fight? I've heard so much about it. Isn't it about time I finally witnessed it for myself?" The child seems genuinely thrilled about it.
With a disbelieving shake, he chuckles deeply. "I'll be giving her a thorough talking to for introducing such blasphemous facts."
Yuffie runs up beside him, taking a battle stance. Her stature is even shorter with her bent knees. She giggles heartedly. "I find it cute when she speaks so highly of you."
"So it would seem." Sephiroth jerks his head to the rustling beside him. Quickly, he thrusts Masamune forward, the jaws of the beast circling around the thin blade. It whines in distress, backing away.
"That's it? Just one? How boring." She pouts.
Sephiroth holds out his right arm toward her. "No, we're surrounded, stay sharp, they're coming."
As predicted snarling beasts emerge from around them, murder intent clear in their angry eyes. Her smile of glee widens. "I'll take the group on the left, you the right?" She inquires.
"Sounds fair." Sephiroth instantly runs forward, his swing heavy and precise, Masamune carrying his every thought of attack without delay. The beastual creature jumps back with persistent agility, hunching on its back legs.
Sephiroth hums challenged. He taunts the beast, holding Masamune up. With sharp keen eyes, he watches their silent actions, studying and analyzing their every preparation with ease. Without even trying he can see their weaknesses.
His lips twitch with a risen smirk and the beast runs up to him. The thirst for the kill is heavily set in the enemy's eyes but unlike the unintelligent beast, Sephiroth is prepared.
His hand grips the handle of his sword and in one fluid stroke he meets the pouncing beast, the blade is swift and sharp when it lands, slicing through skin and bone alike, killing it quickly. Sephiroth flicks the blood from Masamune's steel, his voice a mere hmph.
The others surrounding howl and blindly charge him, bloodthirsty to rip him apart for ending the life of one of their own. Sephiroth hastily side-eyed Yuffie, her movements were swift and soft. He smiles tenderly, perhaps the child could hold her own after all. And here he was a bit worried for her.
Sephiroth straightens, returning his attention to the insignificant beast before him and closes his eyes. He calls forth the materia within him. The leather of his glove warms with the pulse of their answer, sparking and charging around his fingertips.
With a turn of his head, he can clearly make out their growls, paws heavy and swift as they carry their weight toward him. He counts at least four sets... no six.
A gentle rush of magic overwhelms him, lifting his hair, and swaying his heavy coat. He's always had a strong familiarity with materia but this spell was unlike all the others, it's more in tune with his element, it evolves and shapes from deep within the ugliness of his soul, breaking way to the truths of what he is.
A monster. Much like them.
A dark purple aura ignites his form, tingling his skin and sparking and dancing around heavy leather. He concentrates on only his spell, reaching even greater heights, building it up enough to end them all in one fell sweep.
When the warmth kisses his cheeks does he know its reach its peak. And with a powerful wave of his arm, the dark magic surrounds him in a shield of purple energy. It bursts up from around him, protecting and guarding in a tornado of ominous swirls. Wisps of light mingle in the rays, dancing in contrast.
The beasts that were nearby immediately cower and falter in fear. Sephiroth grins triumph and ushered the strong waves of magic toward them. Like a river, they are swallowed in his counter offense, their whimpers dissolving with it.
There's a scream behind him and he immediately turns fearful that Yuffie had gotten overpowered. However, the sight he finds is anything but.
With wide brown eyes she stares at him in horror. "What's wrong?" He doesn't know why he bothered asking. He knew all too well what that look meant.
She scared. Of him... of the truth behind the skin of a man. That fearful look brings forth waves of unpleasantness as he is once more reminded of the war. Of all the faces he slaughtered in a situation he thought was for the good of the nation. Oh, how wrong he was.
"T-That aura... It's so like..." Tears build up in her dark eyes, her lips quivering. Sephiroth was almost eager to comfort the poor child but she wouldn't have it were he too, because the last thing she wants right now is him touching her.
Suddenly she crouches, covering her eyes with her hands. "I'm so sorry... I... I... Sonan..." The words Sephiroth wishes to speak are lost on him, nothing he could say could reflect the trauma she's gone through nor could he hope to understand for he was not there to witness it. If he were to guess he'd immediately accuse Shinra because who else but he could inflict so much horror onto her?
There's a nearby rustle and Sephiroth hums, turning toward it. He wasn't surprised when a forgotten monster leapt out from the treeline and rushed toward the unguarded ninja.
Hasitly Sephiroth takes action, stabbing Masamune into the ground, he binds the monster before it ever reaches her. It howls and growls in hate and he rushes forward landing the final blow with a strong swing of his blade, putting an end to its cries.
Yuffie perks up and eyes him with watery orbs. Her lips part, preparing to speak but another's voice spoke above hers. "Stop right there! Get away from her!" Someone demands and Sephiroth sighs, of course they'd immediately jump to that.
Even with a gun pointed at him, Sephiroth de-summons his weapon, holding a hand out for Yuffie to take. She is hesitant but does it anyway. He pulls her up. The last thing he needs right now is the Wutaian soldier thinking he was attacking her.
"We mean no harm. We got ambushed is all." Sephiroth calmly states.
The soldier gives the two a quick once over, his dark eyes quickly widening. Sephiroth notices the disbelief on his face and responds before he is declined the chance. "We've merely come to discuss the coming war. If I could ask you to instruct an audience with whoever is in charge, it would be greatly appreciated."
The man seems dumbstruck. Confused. Sephiroth could see the cogs of whether he should be trusted or not turning in his head. With the age of his face, Sephiroth had the inkling the boy was just barely a man. He might not even have any idea who he was, let alone his involvement with his country, or lack thereof. Perhaps it's his appearance he is baffled upon.
The young soldier quietly pulls out his PHS. He dials a number, pressing it to his ear. The man's voice was hushed and quick and despite not trying to eavesdrop, Sephiroth still could make out that his request had been granted.
Though he didn't once mention him by name, they seemed already well informed. Sephiroth clenched his jaw in confusion, asking himself how they could've aquired such hidden information. Only when he thought of their journey and the reason behind it, did he know how.
Rufus Shinra. Who else but the back-stabbing asshole who leaks valuable information for the thrill of it.
Anger rose upon Sephiroth and he tightened his fists at his sides to calm it. He won't allow Rufus to soil his methods of going there. He will give them the truth. Far more than what the President of Avalanche could ever hope to follow.
"Yes, sir... I will sir. Yuffie Kisaragi is with him, shall I introduce her as well?" There's a pause and Sephiroth takes heed to this little fact that the soldier knows Yuffie. That must mean he is either with Avalanche or knows her personally.
"Thank you, sir!" The man hangs up. "Come." He commands. They both nod, silently following without resistance. "It's nice to see you survived, Yuffie. We thought you were dead."
Said girl blinks, possibly confused. She hastily wipes her face, hiding the breakdown of her earlier episode. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lyn, I am but one of the many leaders that command the Avalanche groups that guard these lands. I, as well as the entire nation, know all about your quest. You have grown quite popular."
Yuffie hesitates before she finds her voice. "If that is so, then how come I was cut off from all connections? Why leave me to fend for myself once Sonan died? In enemy territory at that? Why didn't Avalanche even once come to look for me?"
"I-I'm sorry, but we have no idea what you are talking about. We lost communication with you. Our ties to Midgar were severed almost instantly after word of the plate fell. There were actual rumors that you died, that you might've even allied yourself to Shinra's cause. I do apologize for our inactivity to protect you, my princess, but things have been rather crazy here since Meteor."
"Don't call me that." She bit out through gritted teeth. "And I can assure you that I am neither. The fact that you believe I could be killed is truly a weak thought for my once-thriving country. If I didn't know any better I'd think Avalanche wanted me dead that way there would be nothing stopping this new government from taking complete rein over it."
The man seems genuinely thrown at the bluntness of her demand, and he apologized. "Of course not, pri...Yuffie. We, Avalanche want you to return, with what happened to Godo..." Sephiroth hums low in his throat, interest greatly piqued. He gives the man a questionable glare. His face falls and he shrinks away from both his stare and the subject. Sephiroth is even more suspicious.
"Forgive me, I've overstepped. But I must ask, what news have you brought that required you to return? I understand the reasons for your journey back, as this is your home, but why did you bring him of all people with you?" It was an honest question. Frankly, one he's trying to deflect from his minor slip of the tongue.
"It's not what you think, Avalanche and the government will want to hear what he has to say."
The young soldier merely nods. "I don't understand it, but you may be right because, after everything, the government is eager to gain his passage." The soldier looks back at said man. "So don't think to try anything, hero," Sephiroth cringed at the name, even more at the venomous tone behind it. "You have eyes on you from all directions. We won't be blindsided again."
"I assure you that you won't catch me doing anything of the sort. I seek only an audience to those that command you. I do not aim to fight." He said smoothly. He's not once bothered by the cruel tones of the soldier. It's expected and won't be the last, here or in Midgar.
...
"Aerith, why have you come? What exactly did you hope to gain with this visit? Surely not to tell me the start of your life with Sephiroth."
"You make it seem as though I'm hoping to gain something...your approval perhaps? Well, I'm not. Lucrecia, I'll never tire of saying it, but I love Sephiroth, and your opinion isn't what I hoped to seek by coming here, despite it beginning as though I were."
"Then do enlighten me. What is your purpose?" She folds her arms across one another below her chest, eyeing the healer with determination in her dark gaze.
The lift on Aerith's lips was genuinely sincere. "I'm glad you asked... I came because of this," She unsnaps the clasp to her cloak with steady hands, enthusiastic. She reveals her lithe body underneath, the rounded bump of her abdomen the only distinctive pull her body had to offer. Sephiroth may argue and claim his love for her physique, but she's always believed it to be frail for the strength of her inner resolve.
Aerith gives the bump an affectionate stroke. "This child right here is my very purpose for seeking your attention. Sephiroth didn't have to tell me to know that this is what scares you most. I've always asked for so little, and for the second time, I aim to be selfish and help you both. If you would allow me to that is. Hear me now, but I have no hidden agendas besides providing my support and helping heal your pain. I hope to bring you face to face with the darkness that Jenova has left over within your heart."
Lucrecia shakes her head, dark brown bangs kissing her cheeks. "What would you know? You can't relate to me, not even close. I do not need your sympathy. My sins are much too great to forgive, let alone heal. Not even Sephiroth can find the strength too, and he doesn't even know me enough to allow me the chance. Even after he's changed."
Aerith disagrees with her, chestnut ponytail a gentle sway behind her. "You're wrong, Lucrecia, you don't know Sephiroth, not like I do. He is strong, perhaps not in his obstinacy, but he will find it within himself to forgive you when he's ready. His heart is a great pillar of the man he has become since death and in time— like us all, he will find that shred of his humanity for you to look past the horror you became of his birth. Regardless of your unbecoming truths to him, you will always be his mother, and though he may not announce it or even acknowledge it, deep down he loves you. Somewhere in his cracked soul that's slowly piecing back together, will he find the room for you as there was for me and our child."
Lucrecia acts like she wishes to say something, but her lips shut, preventing them. They curl with uncertainty.
Aerith smiles warmly, her green eyes soft and gentle. "Vincent is trying to heal too, you know? He's trying so hard to become that role model you ask of him. Slowly, he is taking back the life stolen from him and aiming to re-learn all those human emotions he had lost. After thirty years isn't it time to move on and live for you too?"
"No. I refuse it passage in my heart because despite the goodness I've unconsciously brought it'll never outweigh the bad. I am touched that you want to try, but I don't want your pity. I don't want Sephiroth's, Vincent's, or Aeris'. I want to be left alone to reflect until I'm ready to move on. Until I feel like the guilt of my past will no longer haunt me. Why can't you respect that?"
"You will always carry guilt, Lucrecia. Just like one that carries pain, loss, love, and life. They are a part of you, and you can't simply discard something you're born with. Eventually we heal, never do we forget. Everyone has experiences they wished they could forget or redo, but how can you learn from them if you can simply try again? I respect you far more than you give credit for because, despite what you think or say, I can see how much your heart screams for closure. I don't know you like I wish I could, like Sephiroth could've, but I don't hate you either. You've been damaged and spilt apart by Jenova, but she is gone now. Don't keep giving into the bitterness she left behind on your soul. To move on you must repair those broken pieces of yourself."
"...It's not as easy as all that, how can one get rid of her blackened stain?"
"Sephiroth's trying to, what's to say you can't also?"
"That's different..."
"How, please tell me how you see it as so? What did he do differently that you can't follow?"
"He has a reason for it! What does healing me reward? I'll never be able to return to this world, I'll never have a purpose to fulfill as he could, I am but an empty shell that needs no love or warmth and I'm okay with that because that is the way it should be. This is the outcome of an action I chose to live by once I sealed myself in that crystal."
Aerith put her hands on her hips, "What if that's not enough? What if I refuse to let you go down this obvious road of pain? It's not like you could stop me."
Lucrecia almost chuckles, but she holds it in, possibly another feat she thinks is lost on her. "I will get through to you because this stubbornness you portray is so very Sephiroth, and seeing it now shows me just who he inherited it from. I got through to him enough to listen. I can you."
"I won't be persuaded by your charm, Aerith, not like he is. You can't wiggle your goodness into my heart and expect I fall to my knees for you. If that's what you thought, then I'm afraid you'll be leaving here with a shattered resolution."
"Who do you think I am? Is that truly what you think I did to Sephiroth? That I dominated him into this weak man in retaliation to my Cetra heritage until he couldn't disobey me?"
"It's in your nature, is it not? This kindness, this blind will to shed light on the world no matter the person's sins? Well, face the facts Aerith, not everyone can be saved. Not by you, or the world, or even themselves. The truth of your race is that this pillar of radiance you think you harness is nothing but a facade to the truth that you can easily bring people...bring him to submission with a gentle voice. He is weak. To you."
Aerith clenched her hands into fists at her side, her brows crinkled in rising anger. "How dare you, I'm sorry, but that is not our relationship, I do not, will not, can not dare to do such a vile thing to him or to anyone for that matter. Sephiroth loves me for me, for helping him come to the person he is now, not because he thinks he doesn't have a choice either, else I rain my Ancient wrath down on him."
"Yet, here you are trying to do the same to me."
"You know, I think this is the true facade. You want me to get angry, don't you? Perhaps leaving to never return because my methods had failed? Well, I'm sorry to say but that'll never happen because I won't fall for such cheap tricks. I grew up in the slums I know a lie, let alone one from someone who can't hide her words of deceite from manifesting on her face."
Lucrecia's eyes widened slightly before they fell once more to the ground. As she suspected.
Aerith softens, boldly moving forward to embrace the taller woman. "I know you are scared, but don't lie to me thinking you'll push me away because if anything, it'll just bring me closer to you. Despite you going to such drastic levels to falter my will, I can't ever hope to leave knowing we aren't on the same page. Now, just be honest with me, tell me why. Let me be the ear that you need."
"I don't want your forgiveness, most of all." There's a crack in her voice, and Aerith furrows her brows, refusing to let go despite Lucrecia not being physically there. "I fear for your death. For the pain not only toward Sephiroth but you. What if you can't survive this pregnancy? If I did heal what's to say I won't just fall into the same pattern I am now? I don't want this on my conscience any more than I do with the idea of Hojo finding out about Aeris. This is the very truth of why I won't accept your advances because if I do, I might just be cursing you as I was."
"That's just your fear talking, Lucrecia. You are so shaped by your experience that you can't bring yourself this breach of hospitality. You worry over it because, though you don't know me or my daughter, you still feel for others. You blame Jenova for your lack of emotion, but that's just a block you put up to protect yourself, Jenova is merged within you, but you hold all the control. Needless to say what you fear is entirely possible but I can't let that one "maybe" effect the happiness and sacrifice both me and Sephiroth permitted to birth this rare spark of life."
"But how? How can you not lose sleep over it? What brings you to act so carelessly around him?"
Aerith slips away, resting her hands on her shoulders. With a tender curve of her lips she meets her brown eyes. "That's just it, Lucrecia, I present myself right under his nose where he'd least expect to look. Above it all, Sephiroth grants me the very thing you didn't acquire... Protection."
Lucrecia seems to flinch at that, and Aerith finds the confidence to continue. What she has to say must be said regardless.
"Sephiroth will be there for us, protecting, supporting, providing, the very thing you yourself weren't rewarded, not because you didn't deserve it but because you thought you were alone. You knew you had the love and support of Vincent, but you still felt like you couldn't count on him, didn't you? Because of how you felt for his father?"
Lucrecia abruptly pushes Aerith back, and the younger girl gasps surprised, stumbling back. Even more dumbstruck that she was able to do so physically. Vincent quickly runs over and breaks her fall. "Lucrecia!" His voice is rough, dangerously low at such blind behavior. "Don't take your anger out on her again. Unlike you, she tells the truth."
His jaw tighens, his touch on Aerith's back, was both heavy and strained. "I knew, always had, and never once did that bother me, I realized it was unprofessional, but I still fell in love with you." The angry look he gives her is unfamiliar and out of character, and Aerith hopes she never finds herself on the other end of it.
She involuntarily shivers under the hardness of that gaze, immediately brought back to a memory of a man who's glare was much the same. Except his eyes weren't the solid strokes of crimson but a beautiful shade of mako green.
Her heart quickens at the thought of her lover, the heavy thumps in her chest more than eager to return to his safe embrace.
Her cheeks flush unconsciously and Aerith immediately shakes her head from the distracting thoughts her pregnancy hormonal brain was slowly manifesting.
With a deep breath, Aerith smiles strongly, placing a gentle hand to Vincent's forearm. "It's okay, Vincent. I'm not hurt." Her emerald eyes meet his bold red before they close, and he releases her. "Very well."
Aerith can visibly feel his inner turmoil over such honesty, and she finds the motivation to finish. She catches the regretful brown eyes of Lucrecia once more.
"I'm sorry, that was a touchy subject. I felt too forward about mentioning it without consequence. But I still hold my own and do still except an answer. Grimoire Valentine, I know you loved him, but I also know you love Vincent."
She sighs, hands caressing her belly absent-mindedly. "Don't assume I didn't know, for I understand what it's like to love two people. Granted, not in the same life but I know the feeling nonetheless. I imagine from your reaction you feel shame for loving them both but I promise you it's perfectly okay. That pain and doubt you feel will only worsen if you hold it in. All these years, isn't it time to put it to rest? Please, if not me, than let someone help release some of that weight you shoulder. Don't follow in the same footsteps of your past life because its familiar and you are too scared to take a new path. Just this once permit yourself this slip of resistance."
Lucrecia moans, holding her head. "Please stop, quit pretending you know me cause you don't! You'll never know me! Just because Vincent told you the bits of our broken past doesn't make you all-knowing. You are a stupid little girl who thinks too highly of a power she doesn't possess! You can't come to heal everyone with a calm gentle voice!"
Aerith's brows crinkled in stubbornness. "Then tell me! I can see you're suffering, but you have to embrace your past before you can truly heal. This is why you are so blocked off from the world. You must let things go! They are doing nothing but holding you back. Forgive yourself and live for the now. Why won't you just try? You can't keep blaming Jenova for your weakness."
"Weakness?" Lucrecia repeated the look of utter distress so clear on her face. It falls instantly. "Perhaps it is... but what you don't understand is that chasing this little dream of yours will amount to nothing. Vincent will visit and yearn in agony, and you and my son will live a life full of prosperity and freedom. Where do I fit in that beautiful picture?"
"You are family, Lucrecia, this daughter of your son's is your grandchild, and I will not keep her from knowing you, from knowing the torment and hardships you've endured to bring life to both her and her father. We've all gone through so much pain and misery to be given this breath of serenity, and she should know that."
"Why? Why must you evoke such tragedies onto a child, Aerith? Hadn't my son been through enough? Hadn't you?"
Aerith shakes her head. "We had, but I will not raise our daughter in a world that she believes is all sunshine and rainbows because that would be a lie. And there's already too much of that in the world now. I refuse to allow her to think she won't ever be hurt. Aeris will grow into a strong, beautiful, confident woman who sees the truth of the world and learns to adapt and grow as her parents had. You will find it within yourself to accept this child for who she is. Hojo does not hold you by the stings, Lucrecia, fight back against him. Against Jenova. Against yourself and you will feel lighter."
"Leave now, Aerith, and don't come back because I will not welcome you. Eventually, I will find the strength you so think I harbor, but for now, I don't wish to talk about anything you think I need closure on... I don't wish to speak to you any longer."
"Lucrecia, what if you could leave this life? This cave? What if you can find that path that was stolen from you? Start fresh like Sephiroth did? Live for not only yourself but for Vincent who will forever wait for you?"
"Your delusional, Aerith. Please go."
"I'm not. The only reason you are in this crystal is because you put yourself there. You can leave anytime you like. The only person holding you back is you..."
...
Tifa visits the house in Sector 5 slums again today. It's become almost a routine for her, for had Marle not informed her of a lost soul lurking there Tifa might not have ever known. Most of the residents relocated once the plate fell, but others remained, this particular person being one.
Upon their return, Tifa made herself available to those who needed help. Specifically to those who desperately required it that they fall on her namely. For though, she didn't cause the disaster, she felt it was their fault... Avalanche's...
Therefore when she caught wind of this boy, one she had neither recollection of meeting or knowing, immediately sprung a insistent urge to provide. She already felt so horrible, not only in herself but in the world for taking away all this child had. If it wasn't for Ruvie's hospitality she couldn't bear to think what might've happened to him.
The fighter can't say she knew the older woman personally, but she's heard enough of her from the residents of the slums. Ruvie was caring and gentle and welcomed many into her care without reason but to return the unfortunate back onto their feet. She lived life to the fullest despite the location of her home. The slums, though run down and short of supplies was where she felt most prominent in her desire to heal and protect. It was quite honestly fate that brought the boy to her doorstep.
Tifa began to visit daily, or at least she had since Meteor, for before the anomaly fell, she hadn't even known the boy existed. Having found out his story and backgrown from Merle, Tifa did everything she could to help. Not only becuse she eagerly wanted too but because many had lost far more than their homes once the plate fell... since Geostigma took the lives of thousands.
Course she could tell herself how she have helped clense the world of the catastrophic spread but really how could she? In truth she was but a lending hand in a situation she had no means meddling in. Meteor was all Sephiroth's and Aerith's journey— somewhat Cloud's, for the children of their alien blood held more substantial meaning to the great lengths of knowledge not even Tifa could rightly understand fluently.
However, she's come to find that it doesn't bother her. Not influencing at least, because she found her strengths elsewhere. She sought more than acceptance and understanding than what Sephiroth and Aerith unlocked in each other. Perhaps that was their highlight but Tifa, well she achived something greater for her selfless act of involvement. She found discovery. Her mind falls open to the recovery of her trauma now than ever before.
Needless to say finding this beautiful step in her life wasn't nt easy but it was well worth it for she was given a far greater purpose in life. To fulfill not only her dreams but to become the woman she's always felt was held back from a past not worth reflecting. As Aerith once said, the past doesn't define who you can become. It is but a memory of the person you were.
Tifa smiles gently at the memory. She reflects on her past only to give herself the confidence to help assist this little boy in the way she herself as a girl needed all those many years ago. With Ruvie's passing from Geostigma, the least Tifa could do was hope to regain that innocent flicker of his spirt lost.
Reaching her destination, Tifa knocks softly at the door, bag in hand opposite the lifted one. There's no word of response, and she pouts. "Denzel, it's Tifa. I brought food." She knocks again.
Silence.
"Okay, I'm coming in."
Grasping the doorknob, Tifa slowly pushes the door open, poking her head in through the crack. "Denzel? Hello?" Unconsciously, Tifa began to worry. It's not like him to wander outside the house.
Closing the door behind her, Tifa makes her way through the little home of Ruvie's house. She's been here before, so it's no feat as to were she was going.
With a soft clatter, she puts the bag on the counter. She looks around once more. When she isn't greeted with his person, she leaves her spot to check the rest of the house.
Door by door, room by room she thoroughly examines, knocking and calling out his name. She checks each and every hiding spot she knew of his only to be left empty handled. Not once is she rewarded his voice, whine nor whimper.
Unable to discern her worry she digs out her PHS and calls Cloud.
"What's wrong?" He says over the line. If she wasn't so full of distress she might've been flabbergasted that he knows her so well.
"Denzel's gone. Please, tell me he's there with you in town?"
"No, I'm in the shopping center, want me to look around?"
"Could you please if you're not preoccupied. I searched the whole house, he's not here so I'll come to you and help locate him. Call me the second you find him, okay?"
"I will." They both hang up, and Tifa quickly puts the contents she brought away, turning to leave the second she finishes.
She runs frantically, asking around. Each person she encounters hightens her fear as they all give a sympathetic shake of the head. Her heart quickens and she can't begin to fathom when she's gotten so attached to the boy. Despite only knowing him almost two months she feels as though she would were Marlene to up and vanish without word.
As she searches she couldn't begin to think where Denzel would go. It's very unlike him to leave, or at least it was to Tifa. If only she had come sooner, she could've stopped him from doing something he could injure himself by or worse become lost in a sector unfamiliar.
She didn't wish to say she knew him like Ruvie, but she thought with their building friendship, he would've known he was always welcome to call on her. She had even given him his own PHS to reach her by. If in case of emergency he needed to reach her, she would always be available night or day.
Suddenly, it dawned on her, and she cursed herself for not thinking of it sooner.
She halts her quickened stride and calls him. It rings and rings. The more it does the more she fidgets.
Until finally there's an answer. "Denzel? Are you there? It's Tifa."
She isn't greeted with his voice. "Where are you? Denzel, please answer me."
"Town... Flowers... Lost."
"Flowers?" Tifa has two guesses, but she knew the right one, so she backtracks. "Stay there, I'm heading that way now." She hangs up and runs to the direction of Aerith's house.
She calls Cloud again. "He's lost somewhere. He intended to go to Aerith's" She says before he even answers. Not that it'll matter he knew why she was calling. "I'm heading that way now."
"I'll meet you then." He responds a soft murmur of a voice in the background. If Tifa had to guess, she'd say it was a merchant.
"See you soon."
Cloud hangs up first and Tifa makes the trek towards the deeper part of town where Elmyra lives.
She never thought he would actually venture on his own to go see the promising view that was Elmyra's home. He's once told her that Ruvie told him a story of a land so beautiful and rich there in the slums and when she'd be able to seek permission— most assuredly from the flower peddler herself, she'd take him to see them. But she never was able to keep that promise.
Tifa bit the inside of her cheek, how careless of her for not offering to fulfill that promise herself. With her connections to Aerith, she knew the healer wouldn't even hesitate.
Determination and worry overwhelm her still and Tifa lets the weight of it carry her feet faster.
...
"Ah, welcome to Wutai...Or is it welcome back?" The Wutaian leader exclaimed, his voice that much mocking and insinuating.
Sephiroth's lips thin, but he doesn't respond to the man. The last thing he needs right now is to be reminded of that horrible day he nearly lost more than himself. It'll forever be a stain on his heart from having witnessed and enduring such emotional blindness. And never again will he allow himself or her to be brought to such positions again.
"Don't look so grim. You merely scared the healer, no harm done... This time around." His jaw clenched at that, fists tight, and yet with great ability, he still held his tongue. No matter what they might think, he didn't wish to be brought down on actions he further regrets.
Yuffie comes up from behind him, but Sephiroth holds his hand out. "Stay out of this." Even with his gentle tone, it still held authority. She meets his green gaze with honest brown before they turn to the floor forlorn. With a slight bob of her head, she nods complacently. Possibly knowing he didn't need their princess's words as a shield. Sephiroth has always fought his battles alone. Even with Yuffie there, those results will remain the same.
The leader raises a skeptical brow at the display between the two, boring his strong gaze on the young girl opposed to him. "Yuffie Kisaragi, it's truly an honor to meet our future ruler but certainly not under these circumstances. Like father like daughter, it seems... both traitors."
Yuffie flinched, black brows furrowed, and Sephiroth gives the man a cruel unforgiving glare. He opens his mouth, assuredly to defend the poor child, but the Wutaian leader continues. "Don't. The last thing I need to hear is the sickening companionship you share. I know why you've come, but you've made a wasted trip. We don't seek to call off our allegation. I'm actually baffled those cowards think your presence would intimidate us in doing so."
With a calm voice, Sephiroth puts down their accusations. "You're wrong, Shinra didn't send me. I came of my own volition. My reasoning for this approach is entirely different than what Shinra would wish me to do to you. Yuffie, also, has come on her own. I have no influence in her decision besides entry. However, with the current events, I suppose I didn't need it."
"You're neither right nor wrong. We could've easily gone either way with or without her. Simply call us intrigued for your rash action of daring to show your face here again. We all share ill will for you, but alas curiosity gets the better of us. Speak your lies. Nothing you could say will change our cry for war."
"I would rethink such vicious behavior because if you don't, you'll be falling right into Shinra's trap."
"Oh? And I suppose you expect me to believe you? How noble and pointless."
"No, I don't need you to believe me, but I will have you listen."
The man's brown eyes are hard and judgemental as they look into his mako. Yet, Sephiroth holds the gaze without faltering. Just with his eyes, he could see how much of a feeble little human he was. He barely looked the part for running this country. But perhaps that's just a front, for all Sephiroth knew he could be more than he let on.
Retaining his displeasure he allows the man to study him like a science project. Alas, Sephiroth holds nothing back. He gives the entirety of himself to his forward gaze because that is how he will be given passage.
The leader scoffs, eyes joyfully full. He smirks. "This fire, it's oddly... peculiar. Contrary to that person on the battlefield so many years ago. Hmm, if I had to guess I'd say you've lived many lives, haven't you? Perhaps seeing far more than you are willing to share, maybe so much it's come to understanding the horrors brought onto you by your country..."
Sephiroth's lips part, brows furrowing in the surprise he is currently flaring through. Was he that easy to read? Or did this man know more than he shows? Sephiroth didn't know on either parts but he pulls his guards back up regardless. He was beginning to feel vulnerable and naked under his commanding glare
The Wutaian chuckles at his discorded face. "No need to get offensive, hero, I merely see what you allow. Go ahead and speak your mind, I will grant you this rare opportunity by lending my ear." With arms crossed, he rewards him the very permission he sought.
Sephiroth nods thankful, speaking honest and true.
"We are both being played by the same man. Rufus Shinra. He has funded Avalanche and has played his cards so well that no one dared question or suspect his attendance. So everything that's been brought to Wutai's attention was said from the very mouth of the enemy. And yet, even though Avalanche is flawed, many are still solely loyal and devoted to Wutai. Rufus has his lackeys— no doubt infiltrated from the start, but Avalanche is still dominant over them. Not once nor ever has the Avalanche you envisioned to protect the planet had thought to side with Shinra. That was all a ploy to get Wutai to act."
"I wish to say this surprises me, but with the catastrophes we've found ourselves living, I'd say we're beyond that. So why come here? Why risk everything? What could Rufus hope to gain by going to such great lengths?"
"Isn't it obvious? He wants exactly what you're giving him. War. Shinra wants to fight you and get the world so fucking scared they fall to their knees in submission. And when you fall in battle, Shinra..." Sephiroth retaliates, rephrasing. "No, the world will not shed a tear. Shinra has got them already so weak and dependent, that this little slice of dominance will just set their cowardice and lack of willpower in stone. Rufus claims hopelessly that his army will be the one to fall with the depletion of its strengths, but he wants you to think that. He wants to seem weak, so you think you have the upper hand, and when the time comes, he will unleash the worst monsters that outweigh even me."
With a stern and serious voice, Sephiroth crosses his arms. He meets the Wutaian's eyes, unwavering. "My true purpose is this: Above everything, Wutai needs to call this off. Now. Before it's too late."
"Its? His? Shinra? Odd to explain it in such diversity, is it not? Isn't it ours? My? Mine? Why speak as though you are not included in this conflict? You are very much Shinra as Rufus."
"No, I have retired both my title and employment from that company the moment I died." The leader raises a brown brow, his earlier musings proven correctly. "Shinra refuses my absence in this matter, however, because for I am born of them, I relinquish the decision to do so."
"Hmm, I see. Then tell me, what had impacted you so much to bring upon this change? I know from your sincerity that you're not that same person I saw on that battlefield, but I won't be deceived because I, too have my opinions and have heard more than my eyes could deem to trust. We're all those, too, just more fabrications to distinguish us?"
"No. I am not a good person, I don't claim to be nor should you, but that doesn't mean I'm not empathetic to the pain I've caused others. Wutai included. During my journey, I've come to accept the harsh realities of my actions and deem to amend them. I will always be seen as a monster, but I can still try to change, if not for them, then for myself. As for what you've heard, they aren't fabrications, I did bring on Meteor, but I had no part to play in the Geostigma that swept the planet. That pain was solely Shinra, along with the help of an even more monstrous anomaly than even I credit."
"I appreciate the honesty, but you must know we can't take what you say to heart, not after everything that's brought us to where we are now. It's admirable that you have found this spark of humanity but we cannot applaud it for this could be a means to disarm us. I'm sure you've gathered that or else why would you have come."
"You're right, I didn't seek you out to be forgiven or to even be trusted but merely to give my thoughts on why war is not the way to win against Shinra."
"If I may, why?" Sephiroth feels the conflict from such a question, and the leader chuckles lightly. "Let me rephrase. I can understand the betrayal of your once company, but not you're country? True, this interest could very much be a ploy to get our guard down and welcome you only to stab us in the back, but I want to allow this breach of weakness for a mere second. So if you would, please indulge me, would you?"
"I have no hidden motives to bring you harm. This visit is for me and the future. In a way, I have betrayed neither my country nor my company. The only gain I hope to achieve here is to spare you the same humiliation you've already gone through with that ceasefire. I won't lie, Shinra will plan to force me to fight if you keep up this declaration of war. I have refused for obvious reasons, but Rufus will not take lightly to my disobedience and has gone so far as to hold the one I love most by the throat. I'd die for her in a hearbeat, but I'd rather not so soon for I have immense plans to meet my daughter when she is born."
The man has a astonished look on his face. Was it so unbecoming of him to have a woman who loves him unconditionally at his side? Was he just too much of a monster to ever be given the delicacies of true happiness?
The leader smiles, shortly. "I see." Sephiroth knew immediately from those words, that that was what the man was originally seeking.
The gentleness of them almost has Sephiroth souring with glee, but he knows the truth behind it, and the moment the leader opens his mouth, that feeling of hope disintegrates from within him.
"I'm afraid I must still decline. Wutai has been brought to its knees already, and we have had enough of the disgrace from both Godo Kisaragi and Shinra. I'm sorry, but even knowing your side and the lengths you are sacrificing to breach my trust, I must still argue that we can not be influenced or intimidated by you. I will take your heart into consideration and hold no judgment on your actions were I to see you on the battlefield."
"But, please you..." Yuffie speaks up, but the leader turns his back to them. 'I'm sorry, but I've expressed all I care to share."
"I have just one more question," Sephiroth speaks up, his voice deep and purposeful.
The Wutaian leader hesitates before facing him once more.
"Why did you enforce this war? Was it all truly Shinra? Or do you have a secret agenda? I imagine I'm privileged this much."
"It's as I've expressed to Rufus, we feel cheated. Perhaps maybe you are right and this is all a game played by your president but I can't betray my country for something I have no proof of. My people already feel betrayed and having lost faith in their ruler because of such acts of us allowing Shinra to steal the support of Avalanche. You of all people must understand that I simply can't allow that as I will be no different than Godo if I turn the other cheek. As a Soldier wouldn't you rather fight for what you believe, for the ones you cherish than stab them in the back with a surrender that brings nothing but more misery?"
"I do. Far more than you but you can't deny that this could just hurt your people furher. Excuse my blunt approach but this confidence in your strength could very much result in Wutai's downfall. Shinra will not be lenient this time, Rufus will unleash his entire army of both Soldiers, super Soldiers, and monsters his scientist had born, just to ensure your land is his to claim."
"I commend your concern, truly I do, but this is my choice. As the leader of Wutai's government. I will take my chances with Shinra, we are a proud race and will not be taken down so easily. Shinra is arrogant, and that is something I can work with."
"What if I said this blind ignorance can hurt the newly risen planet?"
He grins, unbelieving. "I'd say you're bluffing and grasping at straws."
"I assure you, I am not. If Shinra defeats you in battle he will build another Midgar here. One far worse than the one we already have. If the planet mother Minerva is unpleased with our reawakened actions, she might just kill us all."
"The planet is just that, Sephiroth, it doesn't have a will."
"Maybe that's what you believe, but my fiancé is her daughter, and having been born from the very Ancients you tell your children about, she has special links to hear the planet's musings. Having found out secrets from the last, she sought to do everything in her power to ensure nothing of harm comes its way again. What do you suppose that could do to a person? Cruelly finding out not only will you die, but the planet as well in a war that is considered by all means unnecessary?"
"..."
"Believe what you will, but I would not dare lie about something the love of my life had been through to protect this world she loves."
"That's quite the story, and I'm sure it is far more in depth that what you allow to give, but I can't run my country on the root of a fairytale. Not to say it didn't happen, but in our opposing positions, I imagine it'll be the same were you in my shoes."
"You're right, and I don't expect you to believe it right away but perhaps it could be considered. If Meteor has shown you the limits of the planet, it should be acknowledged by now that anything is possible."
"Meteor is dangerous magic, no? Then what's to say she isn't too?" Sephiroth's eyes widened slightly before that surprise morphs to rising anger. "Aerith is not, or will ever be a person to fear. She is the one person who'd sacrifice herself above anything just to keep the peace."
"How am I to know this? A man from a foreign country fights for peace when not so many years ago he had fought with cruel obedience and dangerous vigor. A woman from a foreign country aims to transpire prosperity and acts on selfless methods to protect this planet whom she was born from. Both these facts you present could very much be truth but again how am I to easily believe it so?"
"Because despite what I am, I have never lied willingly. Not since my death, and certainly not now since my rebirth. Every word I've given has been brought to you in pure unshadowed honesty. Haven't I proved my worth enough to be gifted a slimmer of trust?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, Sephiroth, it's that I won't. As a man in my position I am sure you can come to see from my side that blindly putting trust in you, after everything you had brought this country, simply cannot be given. You are in no right to force these onto me, I can see your bleeding heart. I feel this radiance of hope and light you let off but I refuse to allow it to overcome me, because that would be ill advised of me as a leader. I have taken you into consideration, I have listened to your heartfelt plea, but I will grant you no pass further."
The Wutaian leader bows respectfully, "It is late, please excuse the Soldier and the princess out."
"Wait!"
"I have heard all that I am willing, thank you for your time."
"I wish to speak to Godo Kisaragi!"
The man halts, turning his head to the side, his back still to the Soldier. "You are in no position to ask this of me. You're best to remember that."
"I don't care, if you won't heed me then I wish to inform him of my findings. As the former ruler he is required to know how far his country is fallen from his absence."
"Godo Kisaragi is a traitor, he is given no right to that title."
"No, he is but a man who lost his faith, he can be rectified onto the right path again."
The Wutaian leader chuckles, the guards around him a soft snicker in tune. "Your heart is too big for such a hard soul, but I cannot reward you this request."
"Why? What's a man imprisoned going to harm?"
Turning, the leader stares into Sephiroth's green gaze, his dark eyes peircing and sharp. "I cannot give you this because Godo Kisaragi is dead."
...
A/N:
Ooh what a cliff hanger, and so angsty.
I hope Yuffie isn't too ooc, but I feel her character gets so lost and shadowed by the others. She truly is a great personality to see and I enjoyed her a lot in intermission. Far more than what the original gave us.
Now much like how she acts in the new trailer of Rebirth, (which btw LOVE ) Yuffie is still heavily traumatized by what occurred in the Deepground. As still only a child, and having grown up in a world of war, i believe her to be well trained with holding her emotions and fears (besides her motion sickness ofc) back, allowing only this childish selfish front to take hold. Perhaps this is a facade to not only protect herself but to remind her than she is still young and can't let a war she had no play in define her from who she means to become as a adult. However, that's not to say she doesn't have powerful emotions beside her love for materia and bringing Wutai back to its former glory. As as a teen one is bound to bite onto more than they can chew. Which is quite frankly deepground. The trauma she endured will never leave her, and that is what she goes through in this chapter. I wished to pile on more of her with Sephiroth but held it back for length reasons. This chapter is already long and i didnt want it to become too boring and repetitive.
Yes I know it's quite the stretch to say Lucrecia could leave her crystal. But I hold my own when I say that not once is it said that she "actually dies". I've done my fair share of research and it is said above all that Lucrecia couldn't die because Jenova refuses her to. No matter how many times she tried to kill herself she couldn't so the only way she could be free was to lock herself away. Perhaps the crystal depleted her strength or just nullified Jenova's will. I don't know, but I felt with the way this fic has turned out, and with Jenova no longer having rein over those she corrupted I could toy with the storyline and bring those more unfortunate to the fold. Lucrecia being one of said people.
Ahhhhh welcome Denzel!!! I have been itching to introduce him but I couldn't find the right time or place. I felt now, before shit really hits the fan was a good time. Though it's only implied in earlier chapters,Tifa met Denzel during the one month skip.
And yes Wutai is a stubborn nation (but seriously can we blame them)? Unfortunately, I am very unfamiliar and not hightly confident in doing anything resembling Wutai justice. There is just so little out there about the country that I merely go on what I, as the author envisions of this powerful tribe. So truly sorry if some are unhappy with the way its portrayed.
Hope you all enjoyed, and I do apologize it took this long to get it here. I have no means to leave this unfinished so always know even if it's slow, I will always post.
As always love you all, leave your reviews if you have any to share, I adore both good and bad!! See you next chapter!!
