Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 11

“Ashen Skies”

Chapter 11

~**********************************~

Warnings: Yaoi (moderate), Het (mild), slightly non-consensual scene

~****************************************~

*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

~***********************************************~

 

Reeve tried to curb his anxiety as the tank finished draining and Chaos stirred within. He swallowed and activated the mechanism that would raise the glass to free the entity and he dearly hoped he wasn't making the biggest mistake of his life. The glass lifted from the seal and Chaos sprawled over the surface, lifting his head slowly. Glowing, amber eyes focused on Reeve and for a moment there was confusion in them. Confusion was soon replaced by dawning comprehension and the being's pale lips twisted into a faint snarl as he took the oxygen mask off.

 

Reeve took a prudent step back as Chaos got to his feet and stared down at him with his head tilted curiously. Water was dripping from the being's horns, body armor and bat-like wings. He had the indignant expression of a cat that had been dunked in a tub of water without warning. The thought made Reeve want to laugh hysterically, even as his instincts told him to get the hell out of there.

 

“Hello, Chaos.” He was proud of how even his voice sounded. “It's been a while.”

 

Chaos narrowed his eyes. “You play a dangerous game, engineer. For what purpose did you wake me, when I made it clear that I desired to sleep?”

 

“The short answer is that we need you,” Reeve explained in a pacifying tone. “I wouldn't have woken you if I didn't think it was necessary. Humanity is in serious danger…as bad as before with Omega.”

 

Chaos sneered derisively. “The troubles of mortals aren't my concern any longer.”

 

“Oh?” Reeve laced his hands behind his back and paced around the being with far more courage than he felt. “Did you intend to hibernate forever, then? Because, that's what you'll be forced to do if humanity is wiped out, you know. You feed on spirit energy. What happens when there's none left for you?”

 

Chaos stared at him sourly. “You make a compelling argument. What precisely do you want me to do, Tuesti?”

 

“Help us, of course,” answered the engineer immediately. “Join our fight and protect the survivors from the WEAPONS that seek to destroy us all. You and Vincent could do a lot of good in this struggle, Chaos.”

 

The being smirked. “Ahh, Vincent. Therein lies your true motive. Has it even occurred to you that perhaps he doesn't want to come back?”

 

“Well, I can't know that until you let me talk to him, can I?” pressed Reeve. “I'm prepared to make a deal with you that will benefit everyone. If you'll allow Vincent to come back and help us with this fight, I'll provide you with sustenance whenever you require it.”

 

Chaos blinked slowly and stepped closer to the engineer, sniffing the air subtly. “Do you think you alone can provide me with the nourishment I require?”

 

Reeve swallowed. “You once told me yourself that I have a strong soul. I seem to recall you expressing an interest in…how did you put it? `Tasting' me.”

 

Chaos ran his tongue over the top of a sharp canine and his eyes glowed brighter with obvious hunger. “What if I have no desire to retreat? Perhaps I'd prefer to stay and leave Vincent dormant within me.”

 

Reeve took a gamble. “The mortal plane bores you. You'd lose interest in staying here after two days, tops.”

 

Chaos smiled at him then. It was a darkly beautiful smile…sensual and predatory at once. “It seems you've got everything planned out, little one.”

 

Reeve glanced down at himself with a frown. “'Little'? I may not be eight feet tall like some people in this room, but I hardly qualify as a shrimp.”

 

“Witty,” complimented the demon. “You're the only mortal I've ever known to face me without fear, Reeve.”

 

“I don't know if that makes me brave or just plain stupid,” answered the engineer with a sigh. “So what is your answer, Chaos? Will you accept my proposal?”

 

Chaos considered him thoughtfully for a moment, his bright gaze roving over the engineer in a way that could be taken for lust if he were a normal man. “I want to see what it is I'm going to be getting,” purred the demon with an assessing look at him. “Remove your clothing.”

 

Reeve's jaw dropped. “I…er…beg your pardon?”

 

Chaos looked completely serious. “I thought I spoke clearly. Undress.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I thought,” Chaos said with growing impatience, “I already made that clear to you.”

 

“You want me to just take my clothes off, right here?” Reeve shot a look at the open door of the workshop. “Anybody could come by!”

 

“There's a door,” Chaos said with a faint smirk of amusement. “Shut it and lock it, if you must. There will be no deal until I see what you're offering me, engineer.”

 

Reeve could hardly believe what he was hearing and for a moment, he just stood there with a stupid look plastered on his face. Chaos watched him silently, giving no indication that he would budge until his wishes were carried out.

 

~What the hell else can I do? We need him.~

 

“Fine,” Reeve said in a clipped tone. He walked across the room and shut the door, making sure to lock it before turning back to his guest. He unbuttoned his shirt and yanked it off almost angrily, humiliated and confused by the ordeal. Chaos watched with eerie, unreadable eyes as the engineer kicked off his loafers and unbuttoned his black trousers. “I don't know why you're insisting on this,” grumbled the engineer. “What difference does it make what I look like naked? My spirit energy is going to taste the same regardless of what I'm wearing.”

 

Chaos lifted an elegant brow. The gesture was partially concealed beneath the red bandanna around his forehead. “What makes you believe my request has anything to do with feeding, Tuesti?”

 

Reeve swallowed again and his eyes immediately went to the entity's groin area. Obviously, he had genitals but Reeve had always been under the impression that Chaos neither required nor wanted sexual intimacy. The way the crotch of the demon's pants was beginning to bulge told the engineer his assumptions had been wrong. He hesitated with his fingers over the fly of his pants, uncertain of what to expect once he was nude and vulnerable. He'd experienced all manner of lovemaking with other men before, but they were mortals like himself. Taking it up the ass from a creature like Chaos could very well kill him.

 

“Why do you hesitate?” Chaos asked him. His hooded amber eyes caressed his bare chest, scanning the dusting of dark hair on it. “I believe my instructions were for you to remove all of your clothing.”

 

“I know that,” answered Reeve past a tightened throat. Dear gods, how did he get himself into situations like this? Well, to be precise, he'd never actually been in a situation like this before. His eyes shot to Chaos' crotch again and he grimaced. He had a feeling he was going to need a lot of lube if his suspicions regarding the entity's intentions were correct. He tore his eyes away from the spot when he noticed Chaos smirking at him and he pressed his lips together and drew his fly down. He pulled his trousers down and stepped out of them, shivering at the chill in the air. His hands covered his groin self-consciously and he tried his best to look dignified as he stood naked before the demon's scrutinizing gaze.

 

“There,” he snapped. “Happy?”

 

Chaos approached and even though his ragged cape was soaked, it stirred as he moved with a life of its own. The being circled slowly around Reeve and the engineer stood stock-still and waited to hear the verdict. His butt clenched unconsciously as Chaos moved around behind him and he felt the demon's hot breath stir the hair at the nape of his neck.

 

“Your appearance…pleases me.” Chaos spoke in a low, husky purr and Reeve was horrified to feel his body reacting to the sensual timber of his voice.

 

“You're too kind.”

 

Chaos clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and ran one clawed hand down Reeve's back in a light, possessive glide. Reeve's skin prickled at the contact and his groin stirred further beneath his concealing hands. “So fearless,” reiterated Chaos. There was a hint of admiration in his voice. He circled around in front of Reeve again and gazed down at him thoughtfully. “Stop covering yourself.”

 

“I'd rather not, thank you.” Despite the chill in the air, Reeve broke into a nervous sweat.

 

“You offer yourself to me and yet you defy my wishes?” Chaos smirked.

 

He caught hold of Reeve's wrists and forced his hands away from his groin. It was another lesson in humiliation; Reeve kept himself in shape and he knew he was no weakling, but Chaos pulled his hands away as easily as if he were a child. The demon held them in place at Reeve's sides as he examined his genitals with interest. Despite the engineer's effort to control his body, his dick steadily rose to attention under the amber gaze. Reeve felt his face going hot beneath his beard and he knew he was blushing like a teenager.

 

“First lesson,” Chaos murmured, catching and holding the engineer's brown eyes, “never defy me. You've offered yourself to me and I accept. You belong to me, engineer.”

 

Reeve stared back at him with as much bravery as he could muster. “Then you accept my proposal?”

 

Chaos inclined his head slightly. “I will, provided I find your taste to my liking as well.” He cupped the back of Reeve's head with one big, clawed hand and lowered his mouth to his. “Don't fight me, Reeve.”

 

Reeve parted his lips to say something but Chaos' mouth covered his before he could even formulate a response. He went still with shock, though logically he should have expected the feeding to require mouth contact. He responded instinctively and stroked Chaos' probing tongue with his own.

 

An odd feeling grew within him as Chaos began to feed. It felt like something was being tugged on inside of him but it wasn't unpleasant, as he'd feared it would be. In fact, it was strangely sensual. His body tingled all over and he tensed when Chaos' hand stroked down his back and cupped his ass. The hard ridges of the demon's body armor dug into Reeve's skin as Chaos pulled him flush against his body. Reeve felt the evidence of his companion's enjoyment pressing hard against his stomach and when Chaos slipped his other hand between their bodies and fondled his erection; the engineer was chagrined to hear himself groan into his mouth.

 

Chaos made another one of those low, purring sounds and stroked the engineer's shaft from root to tip. Reeve gave a muffled protest but his companion was too strong to fight against and his knees were going weak already. His breath quickened and he felt himself lifted against the tall, powerful body. He was lowered to the floor and the cold stone surface pressed against his back as Chaos loomed over him and continued to feed. Reeve began to feel feverish and he was distantly thankful for the chill against his back as his body heated up un-naturally. Chaos' touch was experienced and the engineer cursed inwardly as his stroking threatened to make him orgasm.

 

“H-hold it,” Reeve tried to say, bewildered by the feelings Chaos was invoking in him and the betrayal of his own body. The demon ignored him and continued to draw hungrily on his spirit energy. His hot tongue lanced into Reeve's mouth again, exploring, stroking and curling until he couldn't help but reciprocate once more. He began to pant and squirm with restless pleasure and the feel of the demon's sharp canines against his tongue was strangely exciting.

 

~Goddammit…I'm going to disgrace myself!~

 

There was one upside to it…at least Chaos wasn't trying to fuck him…yet. Reeve honestly didn't know if he could have coped with that, though he was getting the impression that sooner or later, he'd have to. His strength was waning but the ecstasy was increasing in contrast. He caught handfuls of the demon's cape and groaned heavily as Chaos' patient fondling finally drove him over the brink. As his seed left his body, the last of his strength joined it and he lay exhausted beneath his companion, clutching at him weakly.

 

Chaos stopped feeding and he broke the kiss, gazing down at Reeve thoughtfully for a moment. “Very tasty,” he approved. “I believe we have a deal, engineer.” He looked down the length of their bodies and wiped at the creamy fluid that got on his armor when Reeve climaxed. He smeared it between his fingers and looked the engineer in the eye again. “There's more pleasure to be had later…when you've recovered. For now, I'll grant your desire.”

 

Reeve looked at him with dazed eyes, hardly daring to hope he meant what he thought. He got his proof a moment later when Chaos visibly diminished in size and began to change into a familiar, much missed form. Reeve struggled to sit up as Vincent Valentine collapsed on top of him.

 

“Vincent? Vincent!” Reeve shook the gunman with worry and he breathed a sigh of relief when he stirred. Crimson eyes gazed into brown and for a moment, the two of them just stared at one another.

 

“Reeve,” Vincent said softly. “What have you done?”

 

At that moment, Reeve remembered he was naked and it occurred to him that Vincent probably saw and heard everything. He was shamed and he averted his eyes. “I did what I thought was necessary. Nothing more.”

 

“You've bartered your soul to a demon,” Vincent growled. “A demon that lives in me. You should have left us in stasis.” His tone was flat but Reeve knew him well enough to sense the emotions boiling beneath the surface. It had occurred to him that Vincent would suffer guilt over this bargain as well, but he couldn't see any other way to get him back or recruit the two of them to the cause.

 

“It's done,” Reeve said softly. “I'm just one man, Vincent. There's a whole world out there that needs help and it's a small price for me to pay to see that they get it.”

 

Vincent stared at him through damp, disheveled locks of raven hair. He shook his head slowly, his eyes traveling the engineer's nude form. “Do you realize what this could cost you?”

 

Reeve noticed the way Vincent's gaze scanned his body and he felt an old stirring of desire for the other man. Berating himself for even contemplating putting the moves on Vincent so soon after making out with Chaos, he sighed. “All right, I'll admit it: part of the reason I made this agreement was because I wanted you back. I've missed you, Vincent. I know what a risk I'm taking but if it meant getting you back…” He trailed off and swallowed a lump in his throat, willing himself not to lose control of his emotions.

 

The gunman's alabaster features softened ever so slightly and he got to his feet and offered Reeve his human hand. “You should get dressed.”

 

Reeve took the offered hand and grunted with exertion as he got off the floor with Vincent's help. The gunman's lean body was stronger than it appeared and he put an arm around Reeve and helped him over to the pile of discarded clothing a few feet away. As Reeve dressed, he watched Vincent from the corner of his eye. The other man was trying to be polite but he noticed that his ruby gaze kept sliding over him.

 

“I was weak,” said Vincent once Reeve had his pants on and his shirt partially buttoned. He took a step toward Reeve and the engineer felt his heart begin to pound fiercely. Gaia, he'd forgotten how bloody beautiful Vincent was. The memory of him paled in comparison to the reality. “I've failed you, just as I failed her.”

 

Reeve frowned at the reminder of Vincent's first love, a woman named Lucrecia who bore Sephiroth and died shortly after that. Hojo was to blame for her death and Vincent wouldn't rest until he avenged her, Reeve knew. “You didn't `fail' either of us, Vincent. Lucrecia's death wasn't your fault and neither was my arrangement with Chaos. Some day, you're going to have to forgive yourself.”

 

Vincent stared silently at him, prompting Reeve to speak further. “I know you want revenge for what Hojo did to you and Lucrecia, but you do understand we still need him, don't you?”

 

Vincent sighed and bowed his head with acknowledgement. “I'll stay my hand because you ask it of me Reeve, but I warn you; keep him away from me.”

 

“You have my word,” Reeve promised sincerely, “I'll make it clear to him that he's to stay away from you at all costs and keep his mouth shut if you happen to cross paths.” He staggered and Vincent caught him around the waist and gazed at him with quiet concern. “I'm okay,” Reeve assured him, “just a bit light-headed.”

 

“If I have my way, he'll never emerge to feed on you again,” Vincent said in a low, grim tone.

 

Reeve gave him a shaken smile. “We're going to need Chaos, sooner or later. I'm stronger than you think, Vincent.”

 

The gunman's eyes locked with his and Reeve couldn't resist closing the distance between their lips and kissing him. It was a brief, soft kiss and he didn't dare drag it out for long…not only because he didn't know how Vincent felt about it but because he thought he might try to drag the gunman to the floor and have his way with him if he kept going.

 

When he broke the kiss and looked at Vincent, Reeve's stomach rapidly filled with butterflies. “Well, now you know,” he murmured.

 

Vincent's lips parted with faint wonder. “You never said anything to me.”

 

“I was an idiot.” Reeve shrugged. “I didn't want to ruin our friendship. Now that you're back, I…you should know. Even if you don't return my feelings, you have the right—“

 

Vincent suddenly kissed him, interrupting his nervous babble. This time the kiss lasted longer and when they broke apart again, Vincent's ruby gaze was unusually warm on him. “Why do I always manage to fall into these triangles?”

 

“We'll figure something out,” Reeve insisted. “I hope this doesn't offend you, but I've always considered Chaos to be your other half, in a matter of speaking. He's a part of you, now.”

 

“So you're suggesting I shouldn't be jealous because you're technically with me when you're with him?” Vincent reasoned with a bitter smirk. “What should I think when he hurts you, then?”

 

“I don't think he will,” Reeve tried to assure him. “At least, not much. The arrangement I've made will ensure that no innocent civilians get fed on when he requires it, don't you see?”

 

Vincent nodded. “Yes, I do see. The logic is inescapable and yet, I hate it.” He looked Reeve over again and added: “Especially after…this.”

 

“Let's just try to take it one day at a time,” Reeve insisted.

 

~********************************~

 

A week went by and Cloud had his first official Mako infusion, under the watchful eyes of his lover. Sephiroth didn't turn his back for a second while the injection was given and he glared at Hojo warningly every time the professor showed too much interest in the blond. Other candidates received their first treatments as well and Sephiroth stayed to observe those too. A couple of them got sick from the treatment but Cloud seemed to take well to it. The blond kept his training up and his fighting skills continued to improve.

 

“I don't get motion sickness anymore,” Cloud said one night at the end of the week, when he and Sephiroth lay down together in the General's private nest.

 

“I noticed a lack of a green tint to your complexion when we returned from our last mission,” Sephiroth observed with interest. “Perhaps you're growing out of it.”

 

“I thought the Mako might have something to do with it.” Cloud shrugged.

 

Sephiroth frowned. “You didn't receive Mako enhancements until afterwards, though.” ~At least, not that we know of.~

 

“Right.” Cloud looked thoughtful. “I guess I really am just growing out of it.” He caressed the General's chest and kissed his throat. “Maybe the climate agrees with me.”

 

Sephiroth stared at the wall in contemplation. “Perhaps.” He was soon distracted by the blond's kisses and touches and he dragged his thoughts away from morbid possibilities and gave him his full attention.

 

~******************************~

 

By the weekend, it was common knowledge that Vincent Valentine was awake and though he kept to himself, rumors were already buzzing about his relationship with Reeve. Some people remembered him from the Omega incident and they gave him a respectful berth when passing him in the corridors, knowing what he was capable of. Sephiroth and the other Soldier officers remembered him as well and they explained his history with their organization to Cloud and Aerith when the two of them asked questions about him.

 

“Hojo had him locked up in the Shinra mansion basement in Nibelheim,” Zack told them. “He did all kinds of experiments on him.”

 

“Are the rumors about he and Reeve true?” Aerith questioned in confusion.

 

“No idea,” answered Zack truthfully. “I'm pretty sure they had a thing for each other back when we were fighting Deepground but I don't know if they ever acted on it. What's going on with them now is anybody's guess. Valentine's not the easiest guy in the world to read and Reeve's been so busy studying that WEAPON we brought back, I haven't had a chance to talk to him.”

 

“I'm more confused about his age,” Cloud murmured. “He doesn't look any older than us but he's got to be around Hojo's age.”

 

“The experiments,” Sephiroth explained. “Merging him with Chaos halted his aging process.”

 

Cloud shivered. No wonder everyone was so wary of the professor. Everyone at the table went silent and Genesis decided to change the subject. “Has the happy couple decided on a wedding date yet?”

 

Zack and Aerith smiled at each other. “Next weekend,” announced the Lieutenant.

 

Angeal's eyebrows shot up. “You're not wasting any time.”

 

Zack shook his head. “No need to. It's not like there's a lot of planning to do. We've got a judge to do the ceremony and Aerith's dress is being made.”

 

“Plus, he's in a hurry to start making little puppies,” Genesis muttered with a smirk at the couple.

 

Aerith blushed even brighter than before and Zack cleared his throat.

 

~*****************************~

 

A couple more days went by and Reeve finally finished getting the bio signature locked in for the new WEAPONS. The research he was doing with Hojo wasn't conclusive yet but so far, the only thing that seemed to separate the smaller WEAPONS from their larger counterparts was size and power. Internally, they seemed to be put together the same way.

 

Reeve thought he was going to have to intervene when he left the lab with Hojo and came across Vincent on the way to Lazard's office. The gunman stopped in his tracks and stared at Hojo with burning red eyes. Reeve groaned inwardly and prepared for the worst. Thankfully, Hojo was smart enough to keep moving and avoid eye contact with Vincent. Reeve waited until he was safely out of sight before approaching Vincent.

 

“Thank you for restraining yourself,” he murmured.

 

Vincent's eyes stayed on the corridor that Hojo had disappeared down. He didn't answer. Feeling helpless and uncomfortable, Reeve squeezed the gunman's arm. “I'm sorry, Vincent. I know it's a lot to ask of you.”

 

Vincent met his eyes and some of the tension faded from his body. “You have nothing to apologize for.” He favored him with a brief, warm look before turning and walking away.

 

Reeve sighed and stared after him. As far as reunions went, theirs was one of the rockiest ones he'd ever witnessed. He wondered what he could do to salve the wounds he'd obviously caused. He could sense Vincent's desire and affection for him but it was so guarded. He couldn't shake the feeling that his encounter with Chaos was to blame.

 

~*********************************~

 

Cloud had just finished eating dinner and he was preparing to shower and get ready to meet up with Sephiroth when a woman in a lab coat bumped into him. She apologized hastily and Cloud thought nothing of it, nodding politely at her as helped her to right herself. She cast a quick look around and leaned toward him.

 

“Metamorphosis,” she whispered in his ear.

 

Cloud blinked and stared at her as she continued walking past him. He turned his head back around slowly and started down a different path than he'd originally chosen, walking calmly and purposefully toward the medical wing. Instead of walking through the main entry, he took a side corridor that led to the supply area. He stopped at the end of it and stood still, staring blankly at the wall. Someone came up behind him and he didn't move when a thin-fingered hand settled on his shoulder.

 

“Hello there, Mr. Strife. I'm pleased that you could make it to our appointment.”

 

Cloud turned and looked at Hojo, who seemed quite pleased with himself. “Am I late?”

 

“Not at all, my boy.” Hojo guided him toward one of the supply rooms. “Right this way.”

 

Cloud allowed him to lead him along and he stood passively while the professor looked around before producing a second keycard from within his lab coat. He ran it through the scanner on the door and the lock clicked. He pushed the door open and ushered Cloud inside, casting one last look down the hall before following him in and shutting the door behind them.

 

“I was beginning to wonder if our work would be delayed indefinitely,” Hojo said conversationally to the blond as he walked to the far end of the room and pushed aside a wheeled shelf unit. “Last week, we were almost spotted.” He felt along the wall and pressed something. A small section of the wall slid open with a grinding sound to reveal an access panel. Hojo slipped a keycard into the slot and a larger section of the wall slid open. The professor gestured for Cloud to follow him. “This way, Mr. Strife. We have to be quick about it.”

 

Cloud followed obediently, his conscious mind completely suppressed by the suggestion Hojo had planted in his brain.

 

~***************************************~

 

“You look pale,” Sephiroth said with a frown as he met up with Cloud later in the den. “And you're late. Is the Mako treatment taking a bad turn?”

 

Cloud shook his head. “No, I just started feeling a little sick after dinner. Maybe it was something I ate.”

 

Sephiroth relaxed slightly. He'd already had Hojo's examination room more thoroughly inspected and he honestly had no evidence that the man had done something to Cloud in secret. He was behaving in an uncharacteristically protective manner. Not only was it unlike him, but Cloud had already proven that he could take care of himself.

 

“Very well. I suppose it's nothing that a bit of rest can't take care of.”

 

Sephiroth started toward the den exit that connected to the tunnel leading outside. Cloud walked beside him silently and they both ignored the curious looks they got here and there from civilians and other militia they passed. Like Angeal and Genesis, they were conservative about how they expressed their feelings in public. There was no formal rule against same-gender romance within the ranks but it kept complications to a minimum to avoid feeding gossip with public displays of affection.

 

~Sometimes, I envy Zackary. He at least has the option of openly expressing himself without anyone objecting to it.~

 

Of course, even if he had the option himself, Sephiroth doubted he'd be nearly as affectionate as Zack was. It simply wasn't in his nature. He looked sidelong at his lover and he wondered if it was enough for Cloud. So far, the blond didn't seem to mind and with his shy nature, he probably would only get embarrassed by such a thing.

 

They made it outside and they walked away from the exit and the guards for privacy before Cloud put his arms around Sephiroth's neck and the General in turn embraced him around the waist. Sephiroth spread his wing and the two of them were airborne and flying toward his little nook in the mountaintop within moments. Cloud's knees buckled a little when they landed outside and Sephiroth supported him with masked concern. He helped him to the sleeping pallet and lit the lantern before removing the top layers of his clothing and lying down beside him.

 

“I'm okay,” Cloud insisted with a little smile as Sephiroth covered their bodies with the blankets and furs.

 

“I'm sure you are,” agreed the General.

 

“Then why do you look worried?”

 

Sephiroth paused and gazed into the direct blue eyes. “I look worried to you?”

 

Cloud nodded. “Just a little. It's harder to see on your face, though.”

 

That made Sephiroth's lips twitch a little and he put an arm around the blond in a loose embrace and lay his head on the pillow. “It seems I need to practice my poker face, then.”

 

Cloud sobered and gazed at him earnestly. “Is it the Mako infusions that are bothering you, or the fact that Hojo's still involved with them?”

 

Sephiroth grimaced with annoyance. “I would be a hypocrite to have issues with the Mako treatments. Hojo's involvement does trouble me, though. I can't stress enough how conniving and dangerous he is, Cloud.”

 

“Then why haven't you killed him?” Cloud looked completely serious as he asked the question.

 

Sephiroth sighed deeply. “It isn't because he's my father, if that's your concern. He's useful, so long as he's kept under tight control. With Hollander gone, I would only be setting our cause back by killing the man. Sometimes, one has to allow practicality to rule over personal feelings.”

 

Cloud nodded. “I understand. I just don't want people to worry so much about me.”

 

Sephiroth opened his mouth to try and trivialize the concern he'd evidently been showing without meaning to, but the warning sirens went off in the distance and he stiffened instead. Cloud tensed beside him as Reeve's voice warned of an approaching WEAPON over the loud speakers.

 

“Should we go back inside?” Cloud asked uncertainly. He could already hear the distant stomps of a huge creature coming closer. It sounded like it was approaching from the south somewhere. The sirens died down after sufficient warning was given. They never left them blaring for long, to avoid the chance that approaching WEAPONS might hear it and realize there were people living inside the mountain behind Modeoheim.

 

Sephiroth stretched out and extinguished the lantern, shaking his head. “It's closing in too quickly,” he murmured, cocking his head to listen with sharp ears. The heavy footsteps were growing louder fast. He could already feel the faint vibrations in the floor and walls of the little cavern. He looked at Cloud's shadowed face with glittering, emerald eyes and he paused, frowning.

 

Cloud's eyes were glowing faintly in the dark. To normal human sight, it might not have been perceptible but Sephiroth's enhanced vision caught the distinguishing difference. One Mako treatment shouldn't have been enough to cause that glow. Usually, it took up to four before the effect occurred. Now wasn't the time to worry about it, though.

 

“Sephiroth?” Cloud whispered tensely. He was still inexperienced enough to show his fear.

 

“We're safer in here,” Sephiroth assured him. “The entrance is difficult to find unless someone's specifically looking for it, Cloud. Just be still and wait. Plenty of WEAPONS have passed right by me in the past without sparing a second glance.”

 

“What if this one doesn't?” Cloud asked ominously.

 

Sephiroth's wing slowly emerged and embraced the blond instinctively. His feathers ruffled and his eyes flashed. “If for some reason it decides to investigate too closely, I'll fly out and draw it away.”

 

Cloud shook his head. “Like hell, you will. I can fight—“

 

“Not from a small ledge with a drop like that beneath you,” countered Sephiroth firmly. “If it discovers us, I'll leave my communication equipment with you so that you can call for help. Until then, just be quiet and wait.”

 

Cloud visibly swallowed and Sephiroth held him closer impulsively.

 

~***********************************~

 

“This one's a doozy.”

 

Lazard came up beside Reeve and glanced up at the ceiling as it trembled and dust rained down. “How big?”

 

“Goliath, by these readings.” Reeve showed the scanner to the Director and pointed out the huge blip that was slowly circling just over their heads. “This thing could wipe out half the colony if it decides to start blasting. We could be dealing with tunnel collapses just from the disturbance caused by it walking through the village.”

 

Lazard pressed his lips together grimly. “I want military personnel on duty right away. We need to contain the civilian panic that's likely to come of this and I want all civilians moved to the most stable caverns and tunnels. Make sure the livestock is sufficiently contained…a stampede wouldn't help matters. Medical staff needs to be ready to deal with injuries as soon as possible.”

 

Reeve nodded. “I'll send the word out.” The engineer hurried away to start the chain of command, reaching for his satellite phone as he ran.

 

Lazard activated his phone and tried to get in touch with Sephiroth first. When he didn't get an answer, he chose not to waste time and he tried Angeal instead. When Angeal picked up, he relayed his orders to him.

 

~********************************~

 

“I don't think being herded by armed MP's is doing much to keep these folks calm,” Zack observed as he jogged alongside Genesis and did his part to help move people to safer areas. “I haven't seen Cloud or Seph, either.”

 

“They're probably in their nest,” guessed Genesis. A little girl tripped near him and the redhead caught her up and handed her to her father without even thinking about it.

 

Zack stopped and stared off in the general direction of said cave, far above ground. “Shit, I hope not!”

 

Genesis stopped beside him and muttered so that passing civilians wouldn't hear him. “Zackary, they're probably safer up there than we are down here. At least if something goes wrong, Sephiroth can fly Cloud away. We—on the other hand—are trapped like rats.”

 

Zack saw his point and his tension mounted further. His thoughts went from Cloud and Sephiroth to Aerith, whom he'd escorted to one of the designated safe areas moments ago. “I'm going to go check on my girl,” he informed the other officer. “Think you can take it from here, Gen?”

 

Genesis nodded. “Of course.”

 

~******************************~

 

Aerith was overcome by the screams echoing in her head. The approach of the newest WEAPON threat brought with it the planet's rage and though she tried her best to endure the psychic backlash, she soon sank to her knees against the tunnel wall and clutched her head.

 

“S-stop it,” she cried. She felt the power welling within her and she wondered if she should try and find a more private spot, before her Life Current began to glow.

 

Someone knelt before her and she raised pain-filled green eyes to find Professor Hojo regarding her curiously. She swallowed and tried to control her reaction to the noise and the agony lancing her brain.

 

“What seems to be the problem, young woman?”

 

“I have a migraine,” she fibbed. The tunnel shook as the WEAPON outside walked around the base of the mountain and she used it to her advantage. “The noise…from the creature,” she excused.

 

Hojo looked up at the ceiling as a bit of rock fell from it. Other survivors were huddled together and at the end of the tunnel, the military and SOLDIER personnel were bringing in more. “Why don't you come with me, Miss…Gainsborough, was it? I can give you something for your ailment.” He regarded her much the same way he had the first time they met, as if he recognized her from somewhere before and was trying to recall it.

 

“We aren't supposed to leave the tunnel,” Aerith argued as politely as she could. Her anxiety increased when the professor's hand closed around her wrist and tugged.

 

“It's only a short walk to the medic ward,” insisted Hojo. “It's stable there. I'd like to run some tests and find out what's been causing these…migraines…of yours.”

 

Aerith only grew more alarmed. So, he had been paying attention to rumors about her episodes. She tried to hide her fear as she resisted his efforts to coax her along with her. She could yell for help but there was no sign of Zack or anyone else she trusted nearby and Hojo would probably play it off like she was hysterical and needed medication. She could use her abilities to make him sleep or force him away from her, but that would reveal her powers to the public and raise further questions.

 

“I'll be okay,” She told him as he practically dragged her to her feet.

 

“Why are you so opposed to a simple medical examination and pain medication?” Hojo narrowed his dark eyes on her and continued pulling her along with him. He was surprisingly strong for such a lanky looking man.

 

“Please, let go of me!” Aerith cried. It was as much a warning as a plea. Her powers churned inside of her and she didn't know what they might do to him or anyone else nearby if she unleashed them.

 

“There's nothing to be afraid of, my dear,” Hojo grunted. His annoyance was coming through in his tone and he pulled her along with him despite her struggles.

 

Another stomp from above shook the ground and made them both stagger. Hojo lost his grip on her as he caught his balance and as he reached out to grab her again, he found himself staring down the barrel of a wicked-looking revolver. Aerith also froze and looked up at the man who wielded the gun. Narrowed crimson eyes glared at Hojo from beneath a blood-red bandanna. The eyes were set in a pale, fine-boned face and a deep, resonant voice emerged from the man's mouth.

 

“The girl said `no'.”

 

Hojo froze and his face looked both snide and fearful as he stared back at the gunman. “This is none of your concern, former Turk. I was going to treat her for a migraine.”

 

“You aren't authorized to treat anyone without proper supervision,” the gunman informed him evenly. “And, you're treading very thin ice.”

 

Hojo scowled at him and backed off. As he walked away, Aerith looked at her mysterious benefactor again and it dawned on her who he must be. This was her first time to actually meet him face to face and she'd only seen him from a distance before.

 

“Mr. Valentine?” She guessed.

 

The raven-haired gunman stared after Hojo with an eerie intensity before slowly holstering his weapon and regarding her. His ruby eyes lost some of their fierceness and he nodded. “You should avoid Hojo,” he advised.

 

She nodded. “I will. Thank you.” She clenched her jaw as the screams rose again. It seemed the closer a WEAPON got to her, the louder the spirit voices howled.

 

“Aerith!”

 

She and Vincent turned at the sound of the familiar shout and she immediately felt a sense of relief as Zack made his way through the crowd to them. He looked her over and he must have noticed the strained expression on her face and the grim look on Vincent's. “You okay?” He asked as he stroked her hair. The ground shook again and he put an arm around her and spread his feet for balance.

 

“I am now,” she said truthfully. Her head still ached but his soothing presence had a quieting effect on the voices. They softened to a more bearable level and she looked up at him with gratitude, wondering if he was aware of how much his proximity helped her. She didn't know if he had some latent Cetra talent to quiet the voices or if his presence simply calmed her enough to muffle them herself but she was thankful.

 

“Hojo was trying to persuade her away from the crowds,” Vincent informed the Soldier grimly. When Zack gave him an openly alarmed look, the gunman nodded. “Yes, you should be concerned. Whenever Hojo takes an interest in someone, it's never a good thing.” With that said, he took his leave of them.

 

Aerith watched Vincent go and she shivered at the thought of what could have happened if Hojo had continued to press her. The professor would have probably discovered her origins one way or the other, if Vincent hadn't intervened. There was also the matter of her father, who shared the same name as the professor Zack and the others had mentioned when they talked about the events that happened with Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal. She didn't think it was a coincidence that their Professor Gast studied the Cetra just like her father and bore the same surname.

 

“That's it,” Zack said. “I'm not letting you out of my sight from now on.”

 

“You can't watch over me every minute of every day,” Aerith reminded him gently. She granted him a little smile. “I know how to make myself scarce, Zack. The danger's over now and we've got more to worry about.”

 

An earth shaking roar from somewhere just outside the mountain emphasized her statement as if on cue and she pressed closer to him and paled a little. Frightened cries erupted from the throats of the other civilians and the military personnel reminded everyone to stay calm and did their best to keep order.

 

~******************************************~

 

Sephiroth and Cloud had armed themselves and they crouched by the cave exit and pulled aside the covering enough to watch the monstrosity walk into the Modeoheim ruins below. It was no wonder this WEAPON's footsteps were so heavy…it had four legs and the thing was so huge that its head was probably almost level with Sephiroth's cave. It had a humanoid body from the waist up and a lion's body from the waist down. A curving, segmented tail swayed behind it as it explored, resembling a scorpion's stinger. The creature was a stone-grey color except for its extremities, which blended into white.

 

“Have you ever seen one that big?” Cloud asked in a whisper to his lover.

 

Sephiroth shook his head. “No. This one is a record-breaker.”

 

The creature poked around almost curiously, crushing small buildings like cheap toys under its paws as it tramped along. The bath-house was saved because it was on the edge of town against the mountainside, but what remained of the other buildings were quickly being crushed to kindling and rubble under the WEAPON's careless feet.

 

~I…I really don't want to fight that thing,~ thought Cloud as it peered at the opening in the bottom of the larger mountain. It was easy to find bravery in the middle of a firefight, when the adrenaline was already pumping. Finding it while crouched in a tiny cave hiding from a giant like that was another matter. He tensed as the beast took notice of the entrance in the mountainside and he felt Sephiroth stiffen beside him.

 

They might not have a choice. If the WEAPON picked up the scent of the humans hiding inside the mountain, the only option would be to fight it or try to evacuate the colonists before too many got killed.

 

“Cloud, give me my satellite phone,” ordered Sephiroth in a low voice.

 

The blond complied and he was ashamed to find his hands shaking as he handed the communication device over to its owner. Sephiroth glanced at the buttons and dialed before bringing the phone to his ear. His feline gaze stayed on the spectacle of the WEAPON below, which was showing far too much interest in the base entrance. It was too big to fit more than a paw or hand through the opening but it could easily start blasting at the mountainside with its energy weapons or begin widening the hole through brute strength.

 

“Director,” Sephiroth spoke into the phone when the other line picked up. “It's Sephiroth. Do you copy? Yes, Private Strife and I are in my personal quarters outside of town. We're watching the WEAPON now and I think you may need to consider sending our teams out to divert its attention.” He paused to listen and he grimaced. “No sir, I sincerely doubt it. Perhaps with backup from Cosmo Canyon or Fort Condor, but the best we can hope for on our own is to lure it away and damage it enough to make it lose interest. Yes Sir. I'm prepared to join the fight, if it comes to it.”

 

Sephiroth listened again and agreed with whatever Lazard said before ending the call. He put his satellite phone in his jacket and looked Cloud in the eye. “If the creature starts attacking, they'll send out our forces. We'll join them when we see them emerge from the mountain. Understood?”

 

Cloud nodded and looked at the creature with wide blue eyes. He licked dry lips and tried to calm his racing heart, determined to at least appear brave in front of his lover. He felt Sephiroth squeeze his shoulder in a silent, encouraging gesture and he raised his hand and laid it over the General's, grateful for his understanding.

 

~*****************************~

 

Reeve and the officers got the message that the WEAPON had noticed the entrance and they discussed preparations for a fight. “Their olfaction facilities are fairly strong,” Reeve said in a low voice to the others as they gathered away from the main population of civilians. “If this beast decides to sniff around, it's probably going to detect us.”

 

“What if we mask the human scent?” Suggested Vincent.

 

“How?” Asked a militia officer in frustration.

 

“We could use smoke,” Genesis offered.

 

“But it might associate that with humans,” Lazard pointed out.

 

Zack scratched his chin and an idea came to him. “How about poo? That ought to do the trick, right? We haul a bunch of crap from the animal pens and fan it down the main exit tunnel.”

 

The others looked at him and then looked at one another.

 

~*********************************~

 

“Dear goddess, this stench!” Genesis gagged softly before he could stop himself as he fanned the air above the piles of cow, chocobo and goat dung in the direction of the tunnel leading outside.

 

“It's shit,” Zack whispered in an equally disgusted tone, “it's supposed to smell.”

 

“Both of you shut up,” Angeal hissed. “The exit may be far up the tunnel but we don't know how sharp this creature's hearing is.”

 

The two other officers quieted down and did their best to control their gagging as they continued fanning the odors up the tunnel with the others. So far, it seemed to be working. The WEAPON gave a couple of confused snorts as the smell hit its nostrils and it hadn't attacked yet.

 

Angeal and Genesis were using their wings to fan the fumes, while the other militia, officers and civilians used hides and blankets. Having no care for animals, the WEAPON should lose interest if the smell covered up the human scent sufficiently. That was the theory, at least.

 

One woman started gagging too much from the fumes and Aerith quickly stepped up and took her place when she had to back off or risk passing out. The Cetra had a scarf tied around her mouth and nose and Zack grinned at her despite the situation, admiring her calmness. Her eyes smiled back at him as she took up a blanket and joined in the effort. Even Lazard was doing his part and much to Zack's surprise, he seemed to be enduring the stink better than Genesis.

 

~**************************~

 

“I don't believe it,” Sephiroth muttered. “I think it's getting ready to leave.”

 

Cloud was equally surprised. Maybe it was his imagination, but he could have sworn the creature looked almost offended after it stuck its nose in the base entrance and sniffed around. It drew back, snorted and wiped at its muzzle as if it was fighting a sneeze. It sniffed the tunnel entrance once more and gave another snort before backing up and turning away from the mountainside.

 

“Maybe this one doesn't have it in for humans,” Cloud whispered.

 

“Doubtful,” Sephiroth replied in a low voice. He looked as if he wanted to say more but he glanced out again and quickly shut the layers of cover over his side. He jerked his chin in the direction of the interior of the little cave and urged Cloud away from the exit. The interior of the cave trembled as the WEAPON approached and Cloud scrambled silently with his lover back into the interior, banging his knee painfully on the floor before he made it to the back of the shelter.

 

They huddled against the left wall together, staying out of visual range of the tunnel in case the creature found the entrance and peered inside. Both men got their weapons ready just in case and they hardly breathed as the WEAPON slowly passed right by their nest. Bits of rock from the ceiling came down from the shaking and Sephiroth covered himself and Cloud with his wing to shield them from the debris. Eventually the shaking lessened and the booming footsteps faded off into the distance again.

 

“I feel dizzy,” Cloud blurted when it was safe to talk.

 

“You've been holding your breath,” Sephiroth reminded him. He favored the blond with a smirk. “You can breathe now.”

 

Cloud sucked in a deep breath and the dizziness cleared.

 

~********************************~

 

“Okay, it's leaving,” Reeve announced. When everyone continued fanning as if they hadn't heard him, he raised his voice. “People, you can stop!”

 

Slowly, the men and women eased up and stopped fanning the fumes. Genesis put both hands over his mouth and gagged again, while Reeve swallowed several times to keep his stomach down. “I think I might throw up,” muttered the engineer to Vincent. There hadn't been time to consider putting a mask on and several people looked like they were going to add vomit to the stench at any moment.

 

“Let's get this rubbish transported outside,” Lazard ordered. “Send in a clean-up crew afterwards to disinfect the area.”

 

As disgusting as it was, the plan had probably saved the colony and they were fortunate that the WEAPON had come around before the next pen-cleaning day. People who weren't on the verge of getting sick or passing out immediately got to work shoveling the manure into wheelbarrows and transporting it outside. Others went to collect buckets of water and soap to help mop up the cavern floors once they were cleared.

 

Angeal stoically assisted with the transport and as he finished dumping a load off in the compost pile outside, he spotted Sephiroth coming in for a landing with Cloud in his arms. The big man paused in his work and jogged over to them, glad to see them unharmed. Sephiroth's nose wrinkled as soon as Angeal approached and Cloud made a face.

 

“Dare I ask?” said the General.

 

Angeal shrugged. “We had to come up with something to keep it from detecting us. Valentine suggested we try to mask the human smell and Zack came up with the idea of using animal dung and fanning the fumes towards the exit.”

 

“I see,” Sephiroth answered. “Crude, yet effective.” His mouth twisted and he looked back towards his nest. “I think we'll return, now that the crisis is averted.”

 

“It might come back,” Angeal pointed out.

 

“They rarely do right away when they find nothing of interest,” Sephiroth countered. “And I'd rather not spend the night with shit fumes wafting up my nose.”

 

~***********************************~

 

-To be continued