Chapter Thirty-Six: Conspirators

Verian was aware of the nearly silent footsteps that followed him around every corner and turn. When he turned back to look, all he saw were shadows. He didn't call out; he knew who it was. Only when he reached a secluded park did the stranger slip from the darkness. The man was significantly shorter and younger than his brother, but they shared the same silver hair and glowing, catlike green eyes. Unlike his elder brother, however, this man was an ally.

"Aralyn rejected you," Kadaj began, smiling.

Verian frowned but did not comment on the obvious insult. "What do you need?"

"I've come to renew my offer," Kadaj said, idly tossing a materia sphere in his hand as he spoke. "Maybe this time you will accept?"

Verian sighed. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you offering this? Your brother Yazoo clearly disapproves, and if I'm not mistaken, you serve the same master."

Kadaj chuckled darkly. "Hardly. My 'master', as you call him, happens to be away on…business, and what he doesn't know won't hurt me." He caught the materia and rotated it in his palm. It started to glow with a pale yellow light. His voice lost its humor, and became soft, alluring, like a predator coaxing its prey. "I am offering to help you. I believe that what you gain will be worth it to you, and that's all that matters, right? What I gain is my own business. I'm sparing you the petty details."

Verian looked hesitant, so Kadaj continued. "Aralyn is yours by right. Both you and I know that. Do you have another solution?"

Verian turned his back. "Can I have time to think this through?"

"You don't have that time," Kadaj shot back, impatient now. Verian was unnerved by how abruptly Kadaj's mood changed. "Aralyn is dying. She will not survive to fulfill your purposes unless you act quickly."

"You know about…?"

"About her little problem? Of course. And I know more! That little bird has a very enviable gift. Enough to even make a man want to marry, I suppose."

Kadaj's tone was playful, while Verian's was serious and grave. Kadaj gave him another moment, before Verian gave his answer.

"I'll do it."

Kadaj grinned evilly, drawing his blade and swinging it idly. "I'm glad you see reason. Just don't tell anyone, and do exactly as I say—" Out of nowhere, on another whim, Kadaj slashed the air in front of Verian's face. It was so close he could feel the rush of air as it passed. And then suddenly Verian was staring straight into eyes that glowed with as much malice as mako.

"…Or you and the girl will pay dearly."