Beyond Oblivion Author: Silver Rayne Email: kinetic_rayne@yahoo.com Rating: R Pairing: Sephiroth x Cloud Author's Notes: This fanfic was written sometime in 1996 or 1997...? I can't remember exactly but it was a long long time ago. It was one of my first fanfics so it's not that great but it was a start. It is also the sequel to At the Edge of Oblivion. This fanfic should be finished from what I remember but I can't seem to find beyond part 4. >_< Chapter 1 If Aerith had told Sephiroth that he had been dead to the world for more than the few days which had elapsed in his dream state, he would have stamped her out as untruthful. However, the earthquake scenario only drove Cloud to suspect Sephiroth of treachery beyond the grave. His heart had grown cold, his eyes saw nothing but what he wanted them to. Cloud was older, wiser but also stuck at that point in time where Sephiroth had supposedly died. At that road in his life, something inside of Cloud had wilted away. Whenever he gazed upon Sephiroth, he still saw red - blood red. Their rescue came quickly, ruining any effort Sephiroth made to be alone with Cloud. It was amazing enough that he was not beaten to death by the townspeople who came to Cloud�fs aid. They were friendly but acted as if Sephiroth was not even there. It was Cloud who they cared about, not him. He was a stranger in their lands, a trespasser where he didn�ft belong. And he couldn�ft have felt more alone than he already did. �gCloud, would you please grant me a few minutes of your time? All I want is to explain myself to you, beg for a second chance if that�fs what it takes.�h But Cloud hardly raised his eyebrows at Sephiroth�fs request. �gYou deserve nothing from me. I don�ft believe your stupid story about me allowing you mercy all those years ago. I set out to kill you and if I missed, then I�fm very sorry for that.�h He took in the sight of his dismantled home and glowered at the silver haired man. �gHow many years has it been?�h All around them, men, women and children were helping each other find shelter, food and clothing for the ones who had lost their houses. The atmosphere was particularly cheerful as they banded together, sharing their love and kindness for their fellow neighbors. That glowing feeling of warmth wasn�ft present in Cloud. He tightened the blanket which kept the bitter wind from nipping at his shoulders. Then, he gave Sephiroth a look which was worse than any he had ever received from the silver haired man in his time of insanity. �gFive years, Sephiroth. You have been dead and out of my life for that long. Now is not the best time for me to see you return when I was happy thinking of you six feet under.�h �gHow can you say that?�h �gBecause, I was at peace with myself before seeing you again. I rebuilt my life, my friends and my personality. Thanks to you, it will never be what it could have been.�h Sephiroth sighed and crouched beside Cloud who rested against the side of his caved-in house. �gYou don�ft look at peace. This is coming from a man who has been possessed by the scars of his past. If you hate me as much as you say, why not turn me in? Tell all of your friends who I really am, what I did to them and their kind. Go ahead and be done with it.�h �gNo. To me, you don�ft even exist.�h Cloud glanced down at the flowers Sephiroth had given to him before the earthquake had hit. �gAnd you can take these and burn them. Burn them like everything else you set on fire in my life.�h The flowers were swung at Sephiroth�fs face, the leaves smacking him even as the petals fell off. Cloud walked away, slowly, not caring if Sephiroth were to follow. He wanted to keep the anger sizzling between them. How badly he longed to just yell out Sephiroth�fs name, make people stop and stare. They would remember the tales of the psychotic man even if they had not been there to witness his atrocities. The man would not have a hope in hell of surviving the punishment that was rightly his. The further that Cloud moved from the disaster zone, the lonelier he began to feel. His anger faded but he strictly kept going. Time passed but he heard nothing, could not sense anything. Had Sephiroth given up that easily? Was his statement of love just another lie? Cloud couldn�ft take it anymore. He peered over his shoulder and�cthere was Sephiroth. The older man was keeping his distance but also his pace. �gWhat do you want from me?,�h asked an exasperated Cloud. �gI will do whatever it takes to make you happy again.�h �gWell, you aren�ft the answer. Why don�ft you bother someone else?�h The limitless insults and acidic remarks had taken their toll on Sephiroth. He stopped and watched Cloud continue on. At that moment, he knew what it was to be unloved, unwanted and shunned from the only person he cared for. What a fool he had been to ask Aerith for a second chance. The only person getting a second chance was Cloud. And Cloud was using it to exact his revenge on Sephiroth by hurting him as sincerely as he could manage. �gOkay then.�h The words came so quietly that Sephiroth didn�ft realize they were being spoken. Startled, he looked over to see that Cloud had retraced his steps to be at his side. Even Cloud would not be so cruel. His happiness would not be derived from the loss of Sephiroth�fs. �gWhat did you say?�h �gFollow me then. Apologize and do whatever it is you feel will give you retribution. But if you dare take my leniency for granted, you will be very, very sorry.�h �gI promise Cloud, you will not regret this.�h Sephiroth tagged along after Cloud, smiling and blessing his fate. Although he would not boast over his findings, he had never stopped believing that Cloud was incapable of hatred. �gWhere are we going?�h �gThe nearest inn. Unless you�fd rather sleep outside to appease your paranoia.�h �gThe inn will do just fine.�h �gOh, and Sephiroth�c�h �gYes?�h �gDon�ft pick me anymore flowers. I�fm allergic.�h Sephiroth straightened up and left the roots in the soil. He wondered how he was going to shower Cloud with attention if he refused any gift offered to him. Once they reached the inn, Cloud went directly into the dining room to fill his stomach. He had been giving Sephiroth dirty looks up until then. Even as they began their meal, Cloud was still eyeing Sephiroth as if he was a leper. �gWhat is it?�h No one was paying any particular attention to him so it wasn�ft that his identity had been found out. And he knew that his attire was casual enough to fit into the rather poor setting. �gGive me your sword.�h Cloud held out his hand, palm up, waiting for Sephiroth to obey. There were other people in the dining room who found sudden interest in the hostility between the two men. At first Sephiroth objected. �gYou can�ft use it. I need it in case there is danger.�h Was there a hint of paranoia present in his voice? �gHow do you know what I can and cannot use?�h �gIn your bedroom, when you lost your grip on it against the wall. You nearly tore off your arm.�h �gOh, from your little fantasy. Listen up, Sephiroth. That was your fantasy, not mine. See, in my real world, I can use whatever I get my hands on. And I don�ft trust you holding onto it so why not save your breath and give it to me.�h Cloud was still skeptical over Sephiroth�fs fictional story of how he had gone through an alternate universe of what could have been. The part where he chatted with Aerith made his story even more implausible. A bitter moan was all Sephiroth could muster as his sword was propped up beside Cloud�fs chair. His appetite was waning, not even the juicy roast brought to the table could peak his interest. He found himself leaning his elbows onto the table to appraise Cloud. The only thing which didn�ft disturb him was Cloud�fs face, his big, blue mako eyes and the heart he knew was within. �gHow I wish things had been different between us.�h �gThis may be surprising to hear but so do I. You were my idol back when I was just a teenager. The great and powerful Sephiroth, slayer of evil demons and all that heroic stuff. When you snapped, it nearly crushed my hopes and dreams.�h �gYou sound just like you did in my dream.�h Sephiroth took hold of Cloud�fs hand and squeezed it under the table. �gAnd now you�fre real. You don�ft realize it but you have given me back what I lost long ago.�h An inner emotion gnawed away at Cloud, convinced him to allow Sephiroth the comfort he sought. For some distorted reason, he could not watch Sephiroth crumble before him. He wanted the same thing for Sephiroth as the man was trying to give him. But wasn�ft it wrong for a formerly evil man to enjoy his life? Shouldn�ft Sephiroth be in prison, locked away in chains to be tormented for the rest of his life? �gAnd what is that?�h �gMy humanity. I look up to you for guidance now, Cloud. Only you can set the perfect example for me to imitate. For all you�fve done, saved the world and me included, you are the true hero.�h Then Cloud couldn�ft take it anymore. He was cursed to keep seeing mako green eyes wherever his own eyes rested. How many nights had he spent awake and wondering where Sephiroth was? What Sephiroth was doing and if he had died in harmony or stuck in his crazed shell of fear and dread. There was Sephiroth right in front of him, his mouth pasted into an unbreakable smile of joy. The way the light cast on him from the overhead lights made him seem like an angel. He had repented and was free at last. �gDamn you!�h Cloud wrenched his fingers into Sephiroth�fs hair and pulled him across the table. They were only inches apart with Sephiroth anticipating the blow from Cloud which would send his heart to a place from which it could never return. �gHit me then. If that�fs what you desire.�h Bewilderment swam in Cloud�fs vision, causing him to drop Sephiroth, letting him crash onto the table. He hadn�ft been ready to strike the silver haired man, no, his intentions were far more devious. �gYou�fve corrupted me already!�h Cloud tore out of the room, snatching up the sword in his hasty retreat. �gWait!�h Sephiroth hurried after him, knocking over a bottle of wine in the process of getting up. He profusely apologized to the waiter, then to the lady he sent crashing over a chair on his way out. If Cloud disappeared - if he never got the chance to make things right between them - all would be lost. Amazingly, Sephiroth did not have to go far because Cloud was hesitating next to the stairs. He slowed down and was careful not to get into the other man�fs personal space. �gYou really have changed,�h was all Cloud could say. �gIs that good or bad?�h When Cloud raised his head to meet Sephiroth�fs gaze, their hearts nearly collided. Before either of them could speak again, they were in each other�fs arms, holding on tight. The sword harmlessly clattered to the floor. �gWhy did you have to be a former psychopath? Why couldn�ft I have fallen in love with Tifa?�h He shushed Sephiroth�fs answer to his rhetorical question by standing on his toes to kiss the man on the lips. �gYou�fre right, it doesn�ft matter what happened in our past, it can�ft change the way I feel for you now.�h The thumping in Sephiroth�fs heart told him that something had gone inconceivably right. It was like being forgiven by Cloud all over again but this time the words didn�ft need to be said aloud. Here they were, together, at last and nothing was going to break them apart. There was the tiny matter of regaining Cloud�fs love and trust but if they were both willing, they would achieve success. So, they stayed that way for a while, just pressed up against the other. Not shifting, thinking or even stopping to glare back at the innkeeper who thought they were bad for business. Everything would be okay. Chapter 2 From Sephiroth�fs vantage point, all he could see was the back of Cloud�fs head as the younger man scribbled something onto a piece of paper. After that kiss, Cloud had quickly withdrawn his emotions, finding anything to take up his time. He said that he was figuring out how much the repairs to his house were going to cost him. Sephiroth knew that it was just a ploy to avoid discussing their situation. �gWhy don�ft you come over here?�h Sephiroth patted down the cushions on the carpet that he had become comfortable with. He had been pretending to read a business magazine found on one of the racks by the bed. But, it didn�ft interest him in the least. �gNo thanks.�h This was not going to be as easy as Sephiroth had originally thought. Cloud was stubborn as a mule and not getting over it any time soon. �gLet me rephrase that�csit down so that we can talk. You can�ft act like I am not here because I am. Or did I just imagine you kissing me down in the lobby? Hmm?�h �gDon�ft be so smug. I must�fve been drunk. You probably put something in my drink.�h Then quieter under his breath, �gtypical behavior from someone like you.�h �gIs that a fact?�h His hearing was very acute as a result of being exposed to the mystical anger of oblivion. Cloud could whisper along the lines of just breathing but his words would not pass by Sephiroth unnoticed. �gAnd how would you know what my �etypical behavior�f is like?�h �gYou don�ft sound so apologetic anymore. More like the old Sephiroth with a short temper. If what you told me is true, then your mind didn�ft even age while you were wherever you said you were. I matured five years while you just grew moldy in a state of limbo. How could you have changed if you didn�ft even go through the process of maturing over all those years?�h Cloud flung his pad of paper onto the night stand and glared at the older man. �gYou even look the same age.�h �gMoldy?�h The expression on Sephiroth�fs face grew sour. �gIs that how you see me? Surely it was meant as a joke.�h He approached Cloud menacingly. �gYou really believe that I am the same man I was all those years ago? Then you should be very afraid of me. Very, very afraid.�h Inside, he was laughing when Cloud shrank away from him. Cloud had always been gullible. However, Cloud attempted to regain some of his dignity by looking somewhere else. Anywhere but into Sephiroth�fs eyes where he would become victim to his true emotions once more. It was inevitable, that much was true, but human nature demanded the postponing of the inevitable. Humans had nothing better to do than deny what was hammered out in stone. Rebelling against it gave them something to do and occupied their minds. Only Sephiroth realized just how futile it was to resist what was meant to be. �gTrust is difficult to achieve, even in the stupidest of mortal men,�h Sephiroth snarled. �gWhen I believed myself to be immortal and omnipotent, trust didn�ft matter to me. I took it for granted so I appreciate your reasons for mistrusting me. But�clove is another subject entirely. Love is not granted upon two people, it just happens. There is no waiting period to see if it is real or not. When I saw you, I knew�cI knew that I loved you. I couldn�ft care less if you trust me or not.�h �gThat was so touching, I almost cried.�h The sarcastic tongue of Cloud�fs was more than Sephiroth could handle. Before Cloud could register what was on Sephiroth�fs mind, he had his hair clutched between the man�fs tapered fingers and was being yanked up by it. �gHow could I have ever fallen for an impudent, insulting child such as yourself?�h He seized both of Cloud�fs wrists with one hand, restraining him. �gSee, you haven�ft changed one bit. You�fre going to kill me now, aren�ft you?�h �gNo, Cloud. I�fm going to do something much worse to you.�h Then Sephiroth was pressing his lips tightly to Cloud�fs, smothering him with a harsh kiss. He wouldn�ft accept any struggling, pulling Cloud over by his hair and arms. Just as Cloud was beginning to kiss him back, Sephiroth threw him onto the floor beside the cushions. �gNow, I asked you nicely to join me in a conversation. Do not refuse again.�h �gWhy you�c!�h It was hard to tell if Cloud was about to growl or laugh. He couldn�ft take Sephiroth�fs calm, joking manner. There was an uncharacteristic aspect to it but Cloud liked it. He hadn�ft thought that Sephiroth was capable of any humor or affection but here he was, proving everything Cloud ever knew about him wrong. When Sephiroth was sitting in front of him, he burst into a fit of laughter. Sephiroth was puzzled. This wasn�ft the reaction he had been aiming for. If Cloud was scared, he could be easily manipulated. That would solve any problem he had of gaining Cloud�fs obedient companionship. Why did Cloud find him amusing? �gWould you care to enlighten me on your mental instability?�h His eyes narrowed at Cloud, insulted for being taken so lightly. �gMe? I�fm not the unstable one. Oh�cam I not allowed to laugh while in your presence?�h Cloud cleared his throat and settled down. �gFine. I won�ft laugh at you but you aren�ft scoring any points by ordering me around.�h �gIs that so?�h He shrugged and ran his fingers through Cloud�fs pointy, blonde hair. �gMaybe I need to be more persuasive.�h �gDidn�ft you want to talk?�h �gThe need has passed,�h came his bored response. Instead, his hands had found the buttons to Cloud�fs shirt and were experimentally tugging at them. �gThere are better things we can accomplish tonight.�h Cloud couldn�ft fool himself. He would not turn Sephiroth down in any case. The man was like an icon, a glowing angel in the center of darkness. Even as an insane conqueror, Sephiroth had his moments of glory. Why bother hiding his desire for the man who needed a masculine form of the word �ebeautiful�f to describe him. There would never be another man like Sephiroth. No one could compete with his good looks, his less than sparkling personality and superior intelligence. That was the way it was for Cloud. No other man or woman on the face of the earth could offer or promise him all that Sephiroth had. �gYou can�ft mean�c?�h Cloud found his eyes looking somewhere they shouldn�ft be to see what kind of mood Sephiroth was in. Then, his skin burned a dark red, revealing his embarrassment. �gI�fm impressed, Cloud.�h An evil sparkle glittered in Sephiroth�fs eyes. �gHad I known that you were going to wait for me all these year, I would have solved Aerith�fs riddle quicker.�h Now his hands were wandering down to Cloud�fs belt buckle. �gI didn�ft say that I waited for you. Stop giving yourself so much credit. I could have had any number of men and women, that is none of your business.�h �gOh, but it is. Just by watching you, I know that I will be your first.�h �gPlease!�h Cloud shoved Sephiroth away. �gDo you ever stop gloating? You boast about ruling the world, of the legion of followers who had been ready to die for your cause. And now you want to brag about being the first to score with me? I�fm not a prize to be won!�h The atmosphere was extremely tense between the two men. It was obvious that neither of them were in the mood anymore. �gSleep then, I don�ft want a vile tempered �eboy�f taking up my precious time.�h To think that Sephiroth had assumed Cloud to have matured over the years. But he still acted like a child�cpart of the reason why Sephiroth found him to be so attractive. �gOn second thought.�h He grabbed onto Cloud and dragged him to lie at his side. �gI didn�ft give up an eternity of peace to sleep by myself on the floor. We can do other�cmore entertaining things tomorrow.�h �gI didn�ft say that I was going to sleep with you.�h �gYou will. Now, by staying with me and later by sleeping with me in another sense.�h His grin was purely wicked when Cloud reddened some more. What did Cloud really have to lose? He wanted Sephiroth just as badly and being close to the man made him happy. So long as Sephiroth never discovered how dependent he had become on him, they would both flourish together. �gDon�ft get your hopes up.�h �gI already have.�h He dimmed the lights by hurling his sword carelessly at the switch halfway across the room. His Masamune never failed him, what did was Cloud�fs speechless reaction. Sephiroth had found where he had stowed the sword and had taken perfect aim from an impossible angle. �gIf I weren�ft the gentleman that I am, I would have suggested that we continue what you started in the Promised Land.�h �gHuh? What did I start?�h �gAn unbreakable bond between us. You have sacrificed much to be with me, I see that now. By giving me the Black Materia, you proved that you truly cared for me. Why didn�ft I see it sooner?�h He swept aside Cloud�fs unruly hair and kissed the back of his neck as he held him tightly. �gYou came to me and stayed to see me through my direst days, even if it meant your death. It makes me wonder what you were really after when you chose to stay. If I remember correctly, I was in quite a state of undress when you came across me in my stasis cocoon.�h That got Cloud�fs attention. He was grateful that they were removed from the light of day and of artificial sources thanks to Sephiroth�fs talented use of his sword. If Sephiroth had cat eyes, he would be able to see that Cloud couldn�ft keep a straight face. Where was his self control when he needed it? �gMissing a pair of legs too from what I remember,�h Cloud added. �gCome now, your memory isn�ft that frail. When I invited you into my Promised Land, you saw more of me than you ever could have imagined in your wildest dreams. I could have done whatever I pleased to you then, but I held back. And still you let me keep you there.�h �gI need time.�h Cloud rolled over to face Sephiroth, his anger erased. �gYou can�ft expect me to give in to you in so few days.�h But Sephiroth didn�ft agree with Cloud�fs logic. He pinned Cloud to the cushions beneath them and kissed him. When Cloud kissed him back, this time he didn�ft push him away. They wound up tangled in one of the blankets draped over the cushions, breathing hard from their actions. Sephiroth was pleased with himself for seducing Cloud in record time. It was a sign that they were back on the right track with one another. This was not something he was going to lose. �gDid I ever tell you what kind of powers Aerith bestowed upon me?,�h he whispered into Cloud�fs ear. Cloud shivered with delight and prayed that Sephiroth would decide that his long, black coat wasn�ft required in the next few minutes. �gWhy don�ft you show me,�h he suggested. Even as he was uttering those words, he cringed when they reached his ears. Had he really said that? �gOh, you would like that, wouldn�ft you?�h Another kiss and Cloud was lying breathless beneath him. �gIt isn�ft tangible. More of a psychic ability than anything else. Think of how miraculous it would be if I could see your thoughts. Go into your mind and visualize every moment that you ever fantasized about. See myself the way that you do, through your eyes.�h Suddenly, the color drained from Cloud�fs face. �gYou can �esee�f my thoughts?�h He gulped. �gYes. I bet that you are wishing that I was wearing less right about now.�h His grin was sly when Cloud bit his bottom lip to keep it from trembling. �gStop it!�h He looked up again, feeling Sephiroth lightly stroking his face while smiling. �gWas that supposed to be funny? You tricked me!�h Cloud batted away Sephiroth�fs hands, humiliated for allowing the man to manipulate him. Then, he merely lay back when Sephiroth removed his jacket, revealing his very appealing body. �gI think that I�fm the one stuck in a fantasy world,�h he gasped. Sephiroth gave him one last teasing glance before lying beside him and dozing off. He kept his eyes firmly shut, listening intently for Cloud�fs reaction. �gStupid bastard,�h came Cloud�fs muttered resentment. How dare Sephiroth play with him as if he were some plastic toy. He was not staying with Sephiroth for the man�fs simple amusement. But Sephiroth continued to taunt him, test his patience, see how far he was willing to go and how much he could take. If it were anyone else, Cloud would have been on his way without a second thought. However, this was the great Sephiroth, his Sephiroth and he had no other alternative but to become the mouse in the game. So, if Sephiroth decided that he was through with the mind games and seduction for one night, then it also ended Cloud�fs mood. There would be no going around the master plan, whatever it was that Sephiroth had in store for him. For Sephiroth, his dreams couldn�ft have been filled with anymore bliss and fuzzy thoughts. He was free. A man of his own reasoning and power. Nothing bothered to alter his peaceful rest. Unfortunately, Cloud was hounded by nightmares, patched swarms of pieces of his past. They coalesced in front of him, turning into a chalky, blue hive of angry bees. And when they sped after him, his entire body rained with the force of their stings. Suddenly, he was back in the City of the Ancients, looking across a small circular dome situated atop a small body of water. It was Aerith�fs home, where her ancestors had lived until they had become extinct. The young woman was kneeling, her head bowed as if deep in a prayer. Whether it was to her people or to God Himself, Cloud had never been sure. The city surrounding them reminded Cloud of folklore about a city carved of seashells which had risen out of the ocean. This city was just as beautiful, unable to do justice to do it with mortal descriptions. And here she was, Aerith, the last of her kind, so at peace with her life. She was just as beautiful as the city, and even more with the odd glowing dome accentuating her every feature. �gWhy am I reliving this?�h Cloud turned to run but found that he was glued to the top of the short staircase leading to the platform where Aerith knelt. �gNo!�h His hands moved, as if led by a puppeteer who was pulling his strings. One of his hands reached back, withdrew his sword, blazing metallic murder in that holy light. �gAerith, run!,�h his mind screamed. She opened her eyes, smiling openly at him with not a hint of fear or comprehension. Her expression seemed to say that she had found something, knew more now. She could stop Sephiroth, end his evil crusade in hunting down the Promised Land. Stop him from killing more people. And also�cgive retribution to his soul. Slowly, her head tilted up ever so slightly, ignoring the threat that Cloud posed. The sword was now outstretched above Aerith�fs head, suspended by the tense arms which held it. Yet�cher smiled remained true. �gSephiroth! You can stop me! You have to stop me!�h Cloud cried out to the mind which was tampering with his own. He couldn�ft make the other understand. Then, he looked up and his heart began a countdown to hell. The first thumping of his heart against his chest signaled the beginning of Sephiroth�fs descent. The second registered Sephiroth�fs cloaked jacket, his long silver-white hair flapping over his shoulders. Should he try to prevent Sephiroth�fs assassination? Could he make it in time? She was only two heartbeats away. He had to�c.he just had to. Again, his heart clicked for the third time and his eyes engulfed the leering madness of Sephiroth�fs Masamune. How the blade glittered in the light, stretched from the sky to nearly touch the ground. Was it possible to wield such a sword? Could Sephiroth keep his balance if he were to fight with it? These questions probed the edges of Cloud�fs consciousness but froze in time. �gIt�fs pointed down,�h he whispered, analyzing the relevance of that fact. Yes, it was staring down, directly at Aerith�fs kneeling body. What did it all mean? A fourth clap of his heart to his ribcage and everything halted quietly. But, it was that quiet mist which deafened Cloud�fs eardrums. It didn�ft seem loud enough when Sephiroth�fs blade slid neatly through Aerith�fs back and plunged straight through her body, impaling her on the length of his Masamune. Her lips parted in a minuscule amount in comparison to the scream her throat should have been shooting out. It wasn�ft that way. She didn�ft fight it, or flee, or beg for her life to be spared. No, Aerith had lived a full life, enjoyed it to the bitter end. In some way, she had known what her fate promised her. Aerith died with a smile on her face, a fragment of puzzlement, maybe some confusion but�cher death was joyous. She welcomed her new existence in a world beyond what she had always known. �gI could have saved her!�h Cloud struggled out of his dream, pushing past the constraints of his mind. �gShe was so close�c.if I had only tried.�h He lifted one arm to brush back his hair and found that he couldn�ft move. His clothes were soaked with sweat, and they clung to him too snugly. �gMy guilt has been alleviated, Cloud. It is time for you to do the same with yours.�h Sephiroth held Cloud closer, calming his frantic breathing. �gYou must know that I was controlling you on that day. No matter how much of an effort you put forth to save Aerith, I would have kept you back. I killed her, not you.�h �gWhy did you do it? After all this time�cI never knew why.�h He looked up and to the right to see Sephiroth leaning onto his shoulder. Their lips almost met�calmost, but not quite. Sephiroth moved away but held his beloved Cloud with no less conviction. �gIs it necessary that you know the answer to that? You may not like my reasoning behind her murder.�h �gTell me.�h �gI killed Aerith out of jealousy. I wanted you all to myself�cshe was always getting in my way. Now, do you hate me all over again? Knowing that she died for some whimsical pleasure of mine.�h Cloud shook his head and rested against Sephiroth, shrugging off his damp shirt to feel the other man�fs skin pressed to his own. It was a nice, comforting pleasure but under the circumstances, not enough to lead into much else. �gIt isn�ft that easy for me to hate you. What I want is to understand you. Maybe then, we can finally be together.�h �gThat would be�cnice.�h One of Sephiroth�fs rare grins showed itself to Cloud, receiving a shaky one from him. They were on the right path for once and soon, he would have Cloud as his equal. Chapter 3 Cloud was in the middle of a very carefully planned out dream, one of the most pleasant ones he could remember in ages, when he was rudely awakened. There was a low tapping noise which was getting louder and louder with each passing second. Being a light sleeper out of a force of habit, he found it difficult to ignore. It went on for a few more seconds, this time closer to his right ear. What the hell was that sound? He rolled over sleepily, groggy from not getting enough quality rest. His eyes narrowed when he came into direct contact with Sephiroth�fs bemused grin. The sound which he had heard was the strumming of the man�fs fingers on the floorboards. "Idiot!" Cloud yanked a pillow out from under him and whacked Sephiroth over his glorified head. "Do you know what people do at night? They sleep! Why can�ft you leave me alone for a couple of hours?" "Because, you forgave me. That is something which I can�ft take lightly. I did allow you to get the required eight hours so you are hardly justified at hitting me with things." He picked out a stray feather from his mouth. "Especially with distasteful objects." Flinging the feather aside, Sephiroth went back to pestering his love interest. "Should we talk before or after?" "Before what?" Sephiroth�fs eyes narrowed into devious slits of a promised seduction. "Now, now�cwe aren�ft going to start this again, are we?" He sighed, half bored, half content to just lay there with Cloud snuggled up against him. Struggling, but close to him all the same. "Quit squirming. You�fll loosen the sheets and then I can�ft be blamed for you catching a cold." "Aren�ft we going to �eunderstand�f each other first? That doesn�ft happen overnight, you know." Cloud turned back onto his side, dead set on going back to sleep and saving the good stuff for later. It could wait. Sephiroth could wait. The whole damn world could wait until he got some decent rest. Getting haunted by visions of the past and old enemies reborn as potential lovers was not a usual occurrence for Cloud. He needed some time to mull it over and get back to Sephiroth. His brain was not in any condition to�c *Now what?* Cloud flinched when a strange coldness touched the small of his back, traveling around his waist to clench the waistband of his pajama bottoms. That hand instantly heated up, making his stomach swim with the threat of sea sickness. But, it was a different kind of dizziness, more like a desperate need that he had not been aware of. Sephiroth�fs other hand was playing with Cloud�fs hair, flattening the spikiness against his head. "Shouldn�ft we discuss this?" A small level of nervousness was inside of him but more anticipation than anything else. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the person he had never stopped loving. And, it was no longer wrong or evil for him to want to be with a man who had changed. Sephiroth was there for him, spiritually, emotionally and now definitely physically. "Hmm�c" He pondered over it. "No." Sephiroth began to kiss down the back of Cloud�fs neck, turning his head to the side so he could reach his throat. At the same time, Sephiroth�fs hand was stroking up and down Cloud�fs stomach, teasing him. "Are you awake yet?" "Of course I�fm awake!" Cloud shifted over to face Sephiroth, meeting his lips to kiss him as passionately as he dared. He was willing to give himself totally to this man, but it would be as an equal lover. That was a concept which Sephiroth was most likely not accustomed with. The psychotic part of Sephiroth would never have deemed it necessary for Cloud to participate at all. But, it involved both of them and that was something which they would both have to accept. *This is really going to happen.* It was undeniably amazing to Sephiroth that he had finally won over his Cloud. However, the certainty of that fact was starting to drill itself into his head. They were together at last. A tiny prick of pain brought Sephiroth back to his senses. He had been in the middle of an erotic daydream, skipping ahead to the good parts. His lip stung a bit, making him realize that Cloud had purposely bit him. "Why did you do that?" "To make you pay some attention to me. You know me. I�fll do anything to get your attention." Cloud waited until he was certain that the enchanting Mako eyes of Sephiroth had become attuned to only him. "And maybe I�fm tired of all this fighting and making up. It was difficult to be your enemy�cto hunt you down like a ferocious bear, but it has always been good to be your friend." "Ah, now I�fm your friend. This chat of ours is progressing nicely, wouldn�ft you say, boy?" He grinned. "If you keep teasing me, you aren�ft going to get any." There was that playful, annoying tone again which caused Sephiroth to react. He could be manipulated just as easily as Cloud. Making sure that Cloud had nowhere to run, Sephiroth edged his knee between the younger man�fs legs. He spread them apart, pressing his upper body down onto Cloud�fs to occupy him. Then, his hand crept down Cloud�fs torso, underneath his pants, eliciting a moan from the man. He smiled evilly, grasping Cloud�fs erection, softly stroking it. "I�fve become tired of our never ending battle of wits, Cloud dearest." Sephiroth smirked coyly when Cloud gasped with every stroke. "Should we behave like the lustful creatures that we are and leave our bantering for later on in the day? I promise you that this will be much more fulfilling than your sharp tongue." "Only if you stop calling me �eboy�f. And�call those other things." With one quick pull, Cloud had torn Sephiroth�fs shirt in two pieces, popping off each button. "I�fve grown up a lot since you last saw me." He fastened his lips to the older man�fs, reaching downwards at the same time. Then, he smiled. "This shouldn�ft take too long." "On the contrary, I intend to make it a memory that will last forever." That was the last cohesive sentence which was spoken between the two men. The only sounds which could be heard were low moans, a quiet movement of skin against skin. Their kisses burned brightly on bared flesh, sweat glistening under the candle lights. Touching, exploring and marveling at the other�fs body where before they were only permitted to look. They fought as always although now as lovers trying to gain the upper hand. Occasionally, the lone joke would escape from Sephiroth�fs lips, making Cloud punish him with more resistance. It created a long, drawn out lovemaking which went on until late in the afternoon. Hours later, Sephiroth roused from his dreams to feel Cloud shifting under his arm. They had since relocated to the bed seeing as how it was more comfortable. He was never going to hear the end of how he had gotten a splinter in his thigh from the floorboards. "Cloud�chave I exhausted you?" "Hardly." Cloud rolled over to grin at Sephiroth. He was feeling pretty smug about himself. Here was the great and powerful Sephiroth, sharing the same bed as him. Not as a temporary arrangement either. The man was bound by love and would leave him only if he wanted to have the wrath of Cloud hanging over his head. How wonderful it had been to join with Sephiroth as intimately as he had. He knew every part of Sephiroth�fs body. What made the man laugh, cringe or give a strangled moan of pleasure. There was the matter of Sephiroth not knowing how to be completely free with his own enjoyment but that could easily be rectified. "Then, why not speak with me instead of thinking all by yourself up there." He tapped Cloud�fs pointy hair and gave a short laugh. "Unless your brains extend to your hair." "For your information, they do!" Cloud poked Sephiroth in the ribs only to have two fierce hands grab him by his hips. "I�fm ready to go again if you are." "Is that all you think about?" But he gave no indication that he didn�ft want Sephiroth to continue his caresses. So, the man went on, moving up and down his legs while watching his reaction. "What are we going to do now?" "What do you mean?" "You�fve said on more than one occasion that you want to stay with me, eternally. That�fs a lot of commitment. And, if you are serious, which you�fd better be, then we have to plan for our future." "That would suit you, Cloud. Being my little housewife, ranting and raving over commitment and the fence which I promised to build months ago." "What fence?" "It was an example. Of course I�fm serious about being with you. I know how much you�fve been willing to give up for me. And after all the ruckus that I stirred up all those years ago, there�fs the chance that someone may try to kill me. Needless to say that I will kill them first, having more experience with swords and no conscience." "Sephiroth!" "I�fm only joking. How would you like to move away from it all? To live free in the wilderness without a care in the world." He spoke as if he truly believed in it but Sephiroth despised living like a simpleton. Those had been great times, when he had sought out to rule the world. Not for his insanity but for the awesome attention and riches he had showered himself in. Good food, delicious wine, attentive servants, what more could a man ask for? Cloud sighed and started to braid Sephiroth�fs hair underneath the blankets. He loved the way that it accentuated the man�fs eyes, how it felt so soft to touch. "Don�ft lie to me, idiot! I know that you�fd rather sleep in the middle of the street than in the forest." "Is that the manner which you are going to use on your lover? I�fm offended." He withdrew but playfully pulled Cloud up against him, kissing him passionately. "How about Nanaki? He has that cozy little village and no one should recognize me." "We can try. However, if anyone remembers you, then we�fll have to keep moving. Is that what you want?" "To be with you, I�fd live in the desert." "Quit lying! Without a television set, we�fd both be dead. We can continue to discuss this later, right now I�fm going back to sleep." Cloud�fs eyelids fluttered shut then lifted open a little to peek out at Sephiroth. He wanted to make sure that there would be no surprises from his lover during the night. Once he lost the battle against rest, Cloud would be vulnerable for Sephiroth to commence any number of attacks. If the older man did commence any sneak advances on his body, would it be totally unpleasant? *Not one bit,* Cloud decided. So he snuggled up in Sephiroth�fs arms and dreamt of an existence where they had always been together. "I won�ft fail you this time, Cloud," Sephiroth vowed silently, kissing his lover�fs brow. *Our life together will be different than the one we spent apart. I can�ft allow any room for mistakes.* It became nearly impossible for Sephiroth to just lie still with Cloud pressed to him tighter than crazy glue. But he managed somehow, calming his inner cravings and the voice inside that told him to see just how resilient his new love was. There was much to be done but it didn�ft involve or include Cloud. Maybe later�c "Cloud�c" Could he be sleeping or was it a ruse like the past two times Cloud had fooled him? "Are you asleep?" One poke to the pointy blond hair revealed no movement. A tap on the nose still resisted any awareness. Sephiroth smiled before sliding the tip of his finger along Cloud�fs throat where he was ticklish. Nothing. "It�fs about time." Being extra cautious not to shift his weight too much, Sephiroth inched his way off of the bed. At the corner table beneath the windowsill, he located a pad and paper. Within seconds, the scroll of his fancy handwriting filled the paper. He pasted it above Cloud�fs head on the bed frame using the adhesive stickiness to hold it there. "I�fm afraid that you�fve been left alone for too long, my darling Cloud. You haven�ft had a worthy adventure since my earlier departure. Let�fs see just how much of your former experience you attained in tracking me. I promise you an adventure never to be forgotten." Sephiroth smirked and crept out the door, carrying a very long masamune blade over his shoulder. ** Daybreak. *Mmm�cit�fs so warm in here.* The sun shone past the open curtains to bask Cloud in its warmth. *Sephiroth�c* Cloud rolled over, a big grin on his face�cwhich abruptly vanished. "Sephiroth?" An empty space occupied the other side of the bed, crushed sheets and a lopsided pillow. He had probably woken up early to hunt down breakfast. Or trouble. Either one never escaped Sephiroth�fs carefully engineered plans of mischief. Perhaps the man had grown and mellowed out after his ordeal but Sephiroth could not have the playfulness removed from his heart. Not even if it meant beating it out of him. *And he says I�fm childish?!!* "Sephiroth, where are you?" When Cloud swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his toes brushed against something sharp. "Yeow!" He peered down to find his buster sword standing upright, pointy edge facing him. Now Sephiroth was going to have to pay and in large amounts. "I get it. Instead of having sex you want to have duels now, is that it?" This was not how he pictured waking up in the morning. Cloud reached up to scratch his mussed hair and withdrew his hand with a sticky note attached to it. "Don�ft tell me this was a one night stand." It came out as a joke but rang hollow with him. If that happened to be true, Cloud would just as soon impale himself on his sword than deal with being used. But Sephiroth wouldn�ft do that. He just couldn�ft! " My Dearest Cloud," he laughed out loud. "Since when was I your dearest?" He read on: The time has come for us to begin the ultimate battle. One so creative and outrageous that even you might not be able to figure it out. If that is the case, then you are in desperate need of practice. Although the path will be treacherous and the obstacles difficult, I�fm sure that you will find my prize to be most rewarding. Are you curious yet? Then pick up that rusty old sword of yours, pack your bags and come find me. It is in your best interests that you do so immediately. Consider your future to be held for ransom until you complete this task. Your final journey. Love always, Sephiroth "Aren�ft we melodramatic?" The sarcasm was met with a pinch of curiosity. What did Sephiroth have in mind and why did it include weapons? Could it be a threat of some sort? A hidden mental instability within Sephiroth�fs clever mind? No. This was something far more complicated and complex. If the past could be used as any indication, then the future would be loaded with danger. And it was that uncertainty which prompted Cloud to quickly dress, gather up his belongings and hurry down Sephiroth�fs chilling path. It didn�ft matter how fast he found his lover, the game would only be over when Sephiroth deemed it to be so. Cloud was ready to play a game of a unique tune with the intuition that only good things could come of it. Chapter 4 "Um�cexcuse me." Cloud nervously looked at his feet while addressing the man in charge of watching the docks. There were numerous boats swaying back and forth in the shallow water, splashing sea water onto the wooden planks. A dozen or so seagulls squealed above them, flocking around a scrap of bread. They fought in midair for that mere morsel, flapping wings and pecking their beaks at one another. "Have you seen a tall man come by here quite early this morning? He has long white hair, kind of silver highlights�chas a giant ego." "Nope, sorry son. Can�ft say I�fve seen him but that description sounds familiar." He stroked his beard, eyes narrowing to think of where he had remembered the man from. "That�fs okay," he said hastily to prevent the man from actually pulling Sephiroth, the formerly crazed nutcase, from his memories. "I guess he didn�ft rent a boat from here." *Or steal it either.* The next stop brought Cloud to Midgar�fs brand new railway station. Still no sign of his prey anywhere near the tracks. Since the train departed only once a day in mid-afternoon, there was no chance of finding Sephiroth around it. He would be long gone to make sure he stayed ahead. That would leave Cloud guessing until his mind wrapped itself in knots. Midgar Central Airport. Last place on the list. "I�fm getting so bad at this," Cloud groaned. Years before when he had stalked Sephiroth all across the globe, the man had always been at least two steps in front of him. What was it that made Sephiroth an impossible person to interpret and anticipate? "May I help you?" A short woman wearing pilot gear approached him. He was on private property and it invoked only a twinge of suspicion. Cloud had been considered a hero in his youth and anyone who recognized him let him go about his business. "Cloud Strife, right?" "Yes. I�fm looking for a friend of mine. He might have come this way." He went on to give a vague description of Sephiroth. She mulled over the information only momentarily before her eyes lit up. "You�fre in luck, Cloud. There was a man that came by with some friends to rent our last unoccupied jet. He fits your description all right. Were you supposed to go with him?" "We had a misunderstanding about the time, that�fs all. Who did you say he was with?" That made her cringe a little. "The bigger man swore a lot and his arm was attached to a machine gun. Really scary stuff. I recall seeing the woman at one of the local bars around here�cTiffy�cno Tifa! Did they ever look unhappy!" Tifa and Barett?!! Sephiroth had abducted two of his old friends and taken them who knows where? On a jet, there would be no way Cloud could catch up or even pinpoint their destination. Had he lost already? "Is there any method you can use to track that jet? I really need to find them." "Sure. All of our vehicles are equipped with tracking signals in case they need to be found in an emergency." She was only too eager to help the man that had saved the world back when she was a kid. Cloud was a legend but couldn�ft compare to the widespread knowledge of a man named Sephiroth. "What�fs your name?" "Megan but you can call me Meg." "Well Meg, I�fm going to need your services for the next few days. Do you have any jets that we can use to find my friends?" Hired by the legendary savior on her first day of work! Was she ever fortunate. "No jets but there�fs a state of the art helicopter in one of our holding bays. Will that do?" "It�fll have to." ** 2 hours later, Cloud was scrunched up in the cockpit of a tiny helicopter bouncing in and out of turbulence. "Ohhh�cI think I�fm going to be sick." He clutched at his stomach and turned an unhealthy shade of green. "Are you okay?" Meg asked with concern. "Yeah, I just don�ft take traveling very well. Are we almost there?" "Wutai is just below us. I need to circle a few times to find a decent place to land. The terrain is pretty rough down there." "The sooner you land, the better�cfor your upholstery," he added. Upon touching down, Cloud hopped out and sank to his knees on nice firm soil. "It�fs too bad my gold Chocobo ran away," he complained. "I could have had a much softer trip over here without the churning in my stomach." But his Chocobo had fallen in love with a black one and there was no stopping them. They had eloped from Cloud�fs backyard one night, dragging with them a multicolored bird that the gold female had given birth to. How the baby Chocobo had come out looking like a patchwork quilt, Cloud had no idea. Nature could be so strange at times. *I�fve got to find those birds one day.* "There he is," Meg announced. "Over there by the temple." Indeed it was Sephiroth, magnificent body poised under the glow of many lanterns which illuminated Wutai from the mountain shadows. Barett and Tifa were nowhere in sight but another female now accompanied him in their place. Clutched to his chest with one arm, Sephiroth held the squirming Yuffie. He pulled her towards the jet a few feet behind the temple, paying no attention to his quarry. "Sephiroth! What the hell are you doing?!!" Cloud ran towards him, ignoring the stunned expression that entered Meg�fs face. "Not yet Cloud. You still have a long distance to go." "Cloud, you pointy haired freak! Come and rescue me or I�fll kick your sorry ass back to wherever it came from. I�fm warning you�c.save me!" Yuffie kicked and bit at Sephiroth but could not free herself from his grasp. "Sephiroth, let her go! This isn�ft funny." "Love never is." Sephiroth held up a red orb for Yuffie to see, allowing it to glint under the lanterns�f glow. "So far, so good. Keep it up Cloud and you might just win." He tossed the summon materia at Cloud, activating it before it hit the ground. "I�fll be waiting for you with my prisoners. Don�ft take too long in finding me." A snarling dragon slithered out of the summon materia to block Cloud�fs pursuance. Suddenly, his predicament no longer seemed like an adventure between lovers. It felt like war all over again with the surprises being incredibly lethal. The dragon crept forward, breathing a trail of fiery heat that nearly turned Cloud�fs sword to melted butter. He backed away, measured the dragon�fs strengths and weaknesses all in one glance. He didn�ft have time for this. "The fact that this monster is for beginners is degrading enough. But to have my own lover throw it at me�c" Cloud swung his sword in a high arc as if he were holding a baseball bat and aiming for a long shot. It cut perfectly through the dragon�fs neck, severing the head from the body. Immediately, the beast fell and vanished. "SEPHIROTH!!!" Cloud raced for the departing jet but was too late. It flew into the sky and kept going in the direction of Rocket Town. And who did Cloud know that lived in Rocket Town? "Cid�cVincent. Crap!" "Is he really Sephiroth?" Meg came up behind Cloud to inspect the truthfulness of his answer. "Is he the same Sephiroth that killed so many people and tried to destroy the world?" "Meg, there are some things that you don�ft understand about that time because you weren�ft there. It was not the way people said it was. There were greater forces at work that had been controlling Sephiroth. He was only acting under the guidance of his twisted father. The product of an experiment that Hojo used without conscience. Anyone would go insane if they had been born as a project for their father to work on." "I know. I heard that side of the story too. When I was very little, I remember a nice man that told me all about Sephiroth. That was before any of the Reunion happened. I was watching the soldiers fighting monsters when I saw Sephiroth. He looked really neat fighting but also frightening. When I was discovered spying, a man named Zack came up to me to calm me down. He told me that Sephiroth was his best friend and that they only fought to protect us. At the time, Sephiroth seemed okay but kept to himself. I was so excited that he became my idol for many years, even after what he did." *Her idol�csounds like me when I was younger.* "So you�fll still help me?" "Of course. But, do you think that Sephiroth has snapped again?" "I hope not." Cloud entered the helicopter feeling a bit depressed. What if she was right and Sephiroth had resorted to being his old nasty self again. Then what? Their future together would be wiped out entirely without a second thought. Cloud didn�ft want to hurt Sephiroth but if any of his friends were in mortal danger, he would not have a choice. To think that he had shared the same bed with the man just yesterday. Been intimate and bled his heart out to Sephiroth all in that same day. The thought of it all being a lie made Cloud feel very ill to his stomach and not from air sickness. ** Knock. Knock. "Coming." Knock. Knock. "I said I�fm coming you stupid, deaf mule!" The door swung inwards to reveal a disgruntled man in his boxers and slippers. "Bloody hell!" Cid jerked backwards, searching for the rifle that was pinned to the wall beside him. But the door was pushed into him for Sephiroth to block that weapon. "Is that any way to greet a visitor?" Sephiroth took the rifle and emptied out the ammunition. "You and I need to have a talk, Cid." "Over my dead body! If you�fre a ghost, then I�fll make you a dead one in a minute." Cid lunged for the taller man�fs throat but was seized before he could latch on. "I can stand up to you any day! Even if you�fve come back as some flaming omnipotent bastard, I can still mop the floors with you." And so he used his weight to shove Sephiroth into the open door, grinding the man�fs spine against the edge of it. "Very bad manners." Pulling to one side, Sephiroth yanked Cid towards him and let go to watch him fall flat on his face. "Now, I believe there is someone else in here that would like to join us. Tell Vincent to come on out, Cid. If you behave, I�fll spare your insignificant hide." "Never! Vincent, get out of here!" A quiet shadow appeared in the hallway, barefoot and covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Vincent looked drowsy as if he had just woken up but exhausted too like he had just run a marathon. Even his long, ebony hair hung limply from being damp, nearly touching the small of his back where a bed sheet had been wrapped to his waist. "My. My! What have you two been up to?" Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, very amused to have caught Vincent and Cid at the worst of times. Cid was not giving any indication that he would get to his feet any time soon. So, Sephiroth didn�ft bother about him when Vincent balled his hands into fists. Deal with one at a time. When Cid lost his temper, he was no good without a weapon to vent that fury out with. It made him clumsy and affected his judgment. But Vincent always reacted on instinct and insightful positioning during fights that gave him an advantage. "Shouldn�ft you get dressed first?" But Vincent came barreling at Sephiroth, his lithe frame coiling into what would be a powerful attack�cfor him. Without the ability to change, Vincent was nothing more than a kitten with no claws. Still, Sephiroth was careful when he flipped the man over and onto his back. The second Vincent hit the floor, Cid was up and screaming bloody murder. "Cid�clook out!" Vincent�fs warning came too late. Cid wound up behind the door with a bruise on his forehead, seeing stars. He bit his lip when Sephiroth returned to him and his tangled bed sheets. How embarrassing! "Here." Sephiroth offered his hand to Vincent and actually helped him up. "Now that your angry roommate has stopped cursing, I can tell you why I came here." And Vincent listened, eyes opening wide at what he was hearing. In the end, both Vincent and Cid disappeared with Sephiroth to join his other captives. ** "Vincent! Cid!" Cloud rushed through the open door to find signs of a struggle. He continued down the hall to check out every room and hiding place in the whole house. They were gone. How could Sephiroth have overpowered those two at the same time? Unless they had been caught unawares and the shock of seeing their old enemy blinded any battle sense. Whatever the reason, there was no trace of either the mysterious man or the one that began and ended every sentence with a curse. Sephiroth had gotten them. "Now what?" "We continue to follow them." *Wait a minute.* Over by the door, on the welcome mat rested another tiny note. Only two words were written on it: Cosmo Canyon. How hard could that be? Just go there, get Nanaki�fs help and rid Sephiroth of his problems. This was not a game by any means. It had to be a cry for help on Sephiroth�fs behalf. Maybe he was trying to say that some of his insanity still lingered on the outskirts of his mind. A gnawing evil nature that couldn�ft be destroyed so readily. But Cloud hadn�ft made love to a wicked man. Sephiroth had been nothing but kind, honest and one hundred percent devoted to the act. It wasn�ft about revenge or anything so meager. No matter how hard Cloud tried, he could not figure out Sephiroth�fs motives. "What if those people he abducted are harmed?" Meg asked fearfully. She spoke to Tifa personally every Friday night when she had gotten away from her pilot�fs training. Even though the woman�fs name had been hard to come by, the advice had been free. Tifa was a very kind woman and made everyone feel at home in her bar. Meg felt sorry for her and the predicament they were all in. "Sephiroth would never harm anyone." And the conviction in Cloud�fs voice spoke great volumes. He still trusted Sephiroth even with all the mystery surrounding his actions. There had to be an explanation. Even if it took him all night, he would figure it out. "Get the helicopter started, we�fre going to Cosmo Canyon." "I�fm afraid you�fll have to go there on foot, alone. I can only take you in so far before the surface area becomes too difficult to land on. When one of those Weapons destroyed half the land, it made it very rocky. If I land, the helicopter might get damaged and it will come out of my pay." "I understand. Take me as far as you can. I can manage the rest of the way." ** Around a big campfire, Sephiroth held himself proudly for all of his captives to see. He gazed down at them shivering under the chill of nightfall and smiled. This was going to be an occasion that would be memorable for all. "Let�fs see now�c" Sephiroth looked from one face to another. "I�fve got Tifa and Barett�cYuffie, Vincent, Cid�c," he called out as if checking them off of an invisible list. "And oh yes, my faithful pet, Nanaki." "I�fm not your pet," Nanaki whined. His tail wagged back and forth indignantly. "I think that�fs everyone." Sephiroth clapped his hands together eagerly. "As soon as the guest of honor arrives, we�fll be able to start this party." Vincent exchanged glances with Cid, blushing when the man possessively tugged him closer. They looked up at Sephiroth wandering around the fire, muttering feats of glory to himself. "Should we knock him into the fire?" Vincent mused. "I�fd love to�cbut I kind of can�ft." "Neither can I." "I know I speak for the rest of us when I say, Sephiroth is going to pay for this!" Yuffie growled and tried to chew off the ropes binding her hands and feet together. "Just wait! When Cloud gets here, we�fre all going to get our revenge," Barett bellowed loudly. But nothing could deter Sephiroth from his plans that would soon reach fruition. (I'm currently searching for the next chapter to add to this fanfic. If anyone has it saved anywhere that would be very helpful! :) ) Back to FF7 Fanfiction