Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 23

"Ashen Skies"

Chapter 23

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Warnings: Mushy angst, Yaoi (implied), Het (interrupted-mild)

 

Author's note: Yes, mushy angst. Special thanks to everyone who has provided feedback, encouragement and critique thus far. Your input helps me improve my style and accuracy. Happy holidays to all.

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*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.*

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We've tunneled out new sleeping quarters to accommodate the added population and there have been new recruits into the ranks of SOLDIER, regular militia and the Turks. We even have a new winged SOLDIER operative, by the name of Cloud Strife. He was originally a resident of Nibelheim and he rose through the ranks quickly. I've mentioned him before when describing the events that led to Hojo's final demise. With guidance from the other winged officers, I suspect Strife could one day become the strongest SOLDIER operative we have at our disposal.

 

The laser weaponry I've designed using scavenged Alpha parts is nearly perfected now. As much as the broad annoys me, Scarlet has been helpful in the manufacture of improved firearms. President Shinra and Director Lazard can be problematic, at times. I'm sure they do their best to put their differences aside for the good of the colony but there is still an obvious power struggle between the two of them. President Shinra seems unwell, but he refuses to acknowledge it or get a more thorough examination. I don't think I'm the only one to notice that his cough hasn't improved.

 

Shalua Rui is doing well on the research team. I'm almost certain now that our initial concerns over her trustworthiness were wrong. Who could blame us for being suspicious of scientists, after everything that's happened? One could say I'm a scientist myself but engineering weapons and machinery is very different from the study and alteration of human biology. I suppose I could be just as capable of using my talents for evil if I were so inclines, so perhaps I'm being unfairly prejudiced.

 

My bargain with Chaos remains in place. He occasionally aids our forces when we patrol to keep the WEAPON population down and in exchange, I allow him to feed on my spiritual energy. Most of the time, he sleeps, but he comes out now and then for personal reasons that I won't go into. Vincent's self-blame over my choice to cooperate with Chaos has finally mellowed and the guilt he suffers for other things that aren't his fault seems to have lessened as well. I attribute that to the steps he and Sephiroth have made toward friendship, even if they'll never enjoy an ideal father-son relationship.

 

We've begun running low on food supplies and have been forced to send out scouts to try and capture wandering livestock and hunt wild game. The hydroponic garden has been providing nicely but the colonists require protein and dairy as well. New life has been born recently. More additions to the population are on the way. This gives me hope, though I may be a fool for allowing it to. Every woman in this colony could be expecting a child and it wouldn't avail us, if we fail to safeguard our last sanctuary.

 

-Reeve Tuesti

 

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

 

As suggested, Cloud started practicing from the ground, the day after his failed dive from his and Sephiroth's den. His first few attempts involved him running across the snowfield within view of the ruins with his wings spread and flapping. He had the notion that he could start out like a kite, using running speed to get the wind beneath his wings and take off. He only managed to lift off the ground a couple of times but he felt he'd made some progress and he was getting tired. He walked back to the ruins to take a breather before trying again and he found Reno standing by one of the dilapidated buildings, smoking a cigarette.

 

"Hey, Strife," greeted the redhead after blowing a jet of smoke into the chill air. "I saw you out there. Ya looked like a buzzard scrambling for a piece of meat, yo."

 

Cloud guessed he'd meant it as a joke, from what he knew of Reno. The comment hurt unreasonably though and his flash of anger dissolved into misery and embarrassment. He felt his eyes burn and he favored Reno with a brief, resentful glare before stalking away toward the bathhouse.

 

"Hey, don't be so sensitive man," Reno called out to his retreating form. "I was just messing with ya!"

 

Cloud's vision blurred and he stared down at his tromping, booted feet. He kicked up snow petulantly and sniffed, trying to reign in his emotions. Lately, his feelings were all too easily hurt. It was hard enough to adjust to the changes he'd gone through without people poking fun at him all the time. A little quiet time and a private soak might relax him a little.

 

As he approached the bathhouse steps, he heard a pair of masculine voices speaking. Cloud swore softly as he recognized Genesis and Angeal standing outside the entrance to the building. He'd had enough teasing for one day and Genesis tended to be just as snarky and insensitive as Reno. Cloud turned around, intending to find a quiet spot somewhere in the ruins until his emotions settled down.

 

"Hello, Cloud."

 

The blond paused and nodded, not turning around as he acknowledged Angeal's greeting. "Hi. Sorry, I didn't know anybody would be here."

 

"It isn't as though we were doing something racy," Genesis said, "so feel free to join us."

 

"No thanks," replied Cloud. "I was just looking for somewhere to rest." He retracted his wings as he started to walk away.

 

Because his back was turned, he couldn't see the look they shared between them. He heard the flap of a wing behind him though and Cloud sighed as Genesis flew overhead and landed in front of him, blocking his path.

 

"The canary's song is flat today," murmured the poet. His aqua gaze studied Cloud's face as the blond averted his gaze. "All right, what's the problem?"

 

"Nothing," muttered Cloud. He felt a tear slip free to roll down his left cheek and he pressed his lips together and lowered his head, trying to hide it.

 

"Strife, are you...crying?"

 

"No," he argued vehemently. "It's just...the cold in the air. It's making my eyes water."

 

"What a load," Genesis sighed. "We don't suffer watery eyes from the air currents and I'm sure you don't either, now."

 

"Genesis, just leave him be," Angeal advised from his spot at the top of the steps.

 

"I just want to sit down somewhere," Cloud murmured. He tried to move around Genesis but the redhead grabbed his arm and shook his head.

 

"You aren't getting away that easily. Now have a chat with us."

 

Cloud might have told him to fuck off, if he weren't feeling so dismal. He was in no mood for further teasing. His depression sufficiently drained his fire however, so he sighed and trudged back toward the steps. Angeal looked down at him with a frown of concern as he dragged his feet up the stairs and came to a stop at his side.

 

"Okay, what?" Cloud grumbled. He wiped at his eyes and waited, fully expecting some sort of sarcastic comment from Genesis.

 

"Why don't you tell us?" Genesis suggested as he ascended the steps and stood on Cloud's other side.

 

Cloud shrugged. "I was just practicing flying from the ground."

 

"How did it go?" Angeal's deep voice was kind and patient.

 

Cloud found it comforting and before he knew it, he blurted out what Reno said.

 

"A buzzard, eh?" Genesis looked as though he wanted to add something to that but Angeal quickly shook his head and warned him to silence.

 

"Can I give you some advice, Cloud?"

 

Cloud looked up at Angeal and thought about it for a moment. The man's handsome, chiseled features had an expression of encouragement on them. He'd been Zack's mentor after all and Zack was about the nicest person Cloud had ever met, aside from Aerith. He nodded, wondering what advice Angeal could give him to help.

 

"First and foremost," Angeal began, "you shouldn't listen to the criticism of those who have never had to learn to fly with their own wings. They don't know what it's like."

 

Cloud's eyes went straight to Genesis. "Yeah? What about people with wings that tell me I suck?"

 

"I never said...oh, wait." Genesis recalled his statement after Cloud and Sephiroth's crash landing the day before. "That was...constructive criticism."

 

"No, it wasn't," argued Cloud, glowering at him. "Telling someone they're the 'epitome of suck' isn't constructive. You could have told me to practice steering techniques or said I was flapping too much and that would have been constructive."

 

Genesis rolled his eyes. "All right, so when it comes to constructive criticism, I'm the one who sucks. That's merely the way I am. Just reconstruct my words into something Zack would say when I do that, if it bothers you."

 

"In Genesis' defense," Angeal explained, "he wouldn't have been there helping with the lesson if he thought you didn't have potential."

 

Cloud gave Genesis a doubtful look and the redhead shrugged and nodded grudgingly, shooting a smirk his lover's way. "He's right. I don't bother with hopeless people."

 

Strangely enough, the reluctant confession made Cloud feel better about Genesis' ruthless criticism. "Maybe I'm just being a sissy."

 

Angeal objected to that. "You're having feelings and reactions to what you're going through. That doesn't make you a sissy."

 

Genesis nodded. "Believe me Strife, there are worse things you could do than shed a tear over hurt feelings. Far worse." His comely features darkened grimly and his eyes seemed to focus on something far away.

 

Remembering the recap on the events that happened years ago when these men got caught up in experimentation, Cloud winced. He supposed being overly sensitive wasn't such a terrible thing, after all. "What other advice can you give me?"

 

"Listen to your instincts," obliged Angeal without hesitation. "We can give you pointers, help you learn how to fight in the air and give our opinions on your progress. That isn't enough, though. No two styles are exactly alike, just like fighting. You learn what you can and adapt. If something feels natural to you, try it out. That's how you create your own unique moves and maneuvers."

 

Cloud found himself smiling a little. "Sounds a lot like some of the things Zack told me when he was helping me improve my fighting skills."

 

Genesis stepped closer to Angeal and clapped him on the shoulder with a gloved hand. "He raised his puppy well."

 

Angeal cast a look at Genesis and his mouth curved into a brief smile. "He was a good student." He turned his attention back to Cloud. "You'll learn your way, like the rest of us. Sephiroth employs a lot of arching dives and Genesis here is the daredevil of the group. I'm a bit more cautious."

 

"You fly like a driving instructor," Genesis snorted. "I swear you'd use blinkers if you had them."

 

Cloud's mouth twitched with amusement but he quickly brought the lapse under control as Angeal regarded him again.

 

"I have one more suggestion for you," the brunet offered. "What helped me get a handle on taking off from the ground in the beginning was leaping. I've seen the jumps you've made and I have no doubt that you can clear the ground high enough to catch the wind current with your wings. You're light in build and you might find it easier than running starts."

 

Cloud thought the idea was a good one. "I'll try it. I think I'm going to call it a day for now and sit down to a book." He bit his lip and regarded the other two Soldiers, feeling the need to express appreciation. "Thanks. I feel...okay now."

 

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

 

After Cloud walked away and was out of earshot, the frown of concern re-appeared on Angeal's face. "Do you think we should be worried?"

 

Genesis considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "Doubtful. He isn't like Sephiroth or me. He'll probably be fine, once he adapts and regains his self-esteem."

 

"Then you'll have to be more careful about what you say to him for a while," Angeal predicted, looking at him sidelong.

 

Genesis sighed. "Very well. I'll try to be nicer to the little fluff-head. Don't expect too much, though."

 

"You don't fool me, you know," Angeal countered with a slow grin. "You've grown fond of him, just like you did with Zackary."

 

Genesis slid a glance of annoyance his way, but he ended up smirking and shrugging. "That doesn't mean I'm going to coddle either of them."

 

"I wouldn't expect you to."

 

Genesis studied the bigger man leisurely, scanning him up and down with sly, intrigued eyes. "Angeal, there's nothing that says we can't take advantage of the bathhouse."

 

The expression on Angeal's face said he knew what sort of "advantage" he wanted to take. He shook his head. "It's in the middle of the day. Someone could come in."

 

Genesis paused for a moment. He wasn't interested in creating a spectacle either, despite the subtle bragging he liked to do now and then. "We could shut ourselves up in one of the private rooms with the smaller tubs, then. There are locks on the doors, after all."

 

Angeal looked at him full on and Genesis could see the resolve in his handsome face wavering. The blue eyes raked over him tellingly and he knew he almost had him. He deftly reached into his coat and searched for something he'd started keeping on his person a lot, lately. He found it and gave Angeal another cajoling smirk.

 

"I'll wear this."

 

Angeal stared at the object presented to him. His lips parted and his eyes darkened with helpless passion. "I...that...you've been carrying it around?"

 

Genesis' crooked grin turned smug. He reached out with his free hand and caught hold of one of Angeal's armor straps, tugging him along with as he pushed the bathhouse door open with his boot. "I win this round."

 

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"I don't care how many times you point at the fucking map," Sephiroth snapped at Rufus. "It doesn't change the location of this base or the Northern Crater."

 

The assembly of leaders stared at him and Sephiroth forced his expression to remain as cool as possible. The meeting consisted of Lazard, Rufus, Tseng, Reeve, Vincent, Scarlet, Barret, Cid and Sephiroth himself. Rufus had an annoying habit of pointing at the map too often and though Sephiroth understood his concerns, he lost patience after the seventh time Rufus stuck his finger out.

 

Rufus' eyebrows went up briefly but he was too disciplined a man to allow even Sephiroth to intimidate him...much. He did, however, refrain from further pointing. "As I was saying, don't any of you find it odd that this base is closer to the source of the primary WEAPON originations than the others were, and yet there have been no concentrated attacks on it?"

 

"I find it pretty damn interesting, myself," Cid agreed, scratching his chin.

 

"The proximity should have made Modeoheim the first logical target," agreed Vincent.

 

"Maybe they're flanking," Barret suggested with a grim look at the map. "Spreading out over the rest of the world before closing in here."

 

"If that's the case, then the noose will eventually tighten and Modeoheim will be completely surrounded on all sides." Lazard narrowed his eyes on the map.

 

"Unless this base is sitting on something that repels the creatures," Rufus theorized, exchanging a look with Scarlet. He turned his attention to Lazard. "Could it be that you've found a means of protection that you've chosen not to share with the other bases?"

 

"That's a severe allegation," Lazard replied coldly. "I suggest you not make it again without proof. If there is any special property to this mountain, the ruins outside or the earth beneath them, I assure you all I'm not aware of it. Frankly, I think Commander Wallace's theory is more likely than a hidden, mystical spot of land."

 

Sephiroth frowned, his mind recalling several subjects of just such a thing. According to legend, the Cetra knew about a place called the Promised Land. Whether it was purely nonsense, myth based on fact or provable fact he didn't know. He knew who might, however. He sincerely doubted that if the Promised Land existed, they were living in it now. He was distracted from his thoughts when Tseng spoke up.

 

"There was a forest not far from Cosmo Canyon on a plateau," announced the Turk leader. "It was a rainforest, to be exact. Clouds always gathered over that spot alone. The WEAPONS never disturbed it."

 

"You didn't think of moving folks there?" Barret asked.

 

"Building habitats in there would have required clearing a substantial amount of the vegetation," explained Tseng. "If that forest is somehow special to the planet, I don't think cutting it down would endear our species to Gaia further."

 

"It didn't clear enough land expanse to sustain the population, regardless," added Rufus. "And there was no tunnel network beneath it to provide emergency shelter."

 

Sephiroth's mind began to sift through information he had stored there, again. Zack and Genesis found Aerith in a ruined Cetra city, hidden not far from Modeoheim. She'd been alone there, the sole life sign their equipment had picked up in the area. Zack's team found her hiding alone in an underground building. Sephiroth had always assumed she never got discovered and killed by WEAPONS because she stayed underground, but what if there was more to it than that?

 

He kept his thoughts to himself. There was no point in bringing it up until he could get some confirmation of his suspicions. He also felt obligated to keep Aerith's origins secret, not only because she was the last of her kind but because she was married to Zackary. Reeve's voice broke through his ponderings.

 

"Well, I suppose there's nothing more we can discuss, right now." Reeve scratched his beard and looked around the table at the others. "I can have the research teams start taking local soil and mineral samples to confirm whether or not there really is something out of the ordinary about this location. Otherwise, I have to agree with the Commander and the Director. It's reasonable to assume the planet will eventually gather its forces here to finish the job."

 

"This meeting is finished," Lazard said. "I'm sure I don't need to remind any of you to keep this discussion from leaking into the civilian population. Widespread hysteria is the last thing we need, right now."

 

There was agreement all around and everyone got up and began to exit the room. Lazard stopped Sephiroth as he started to leave with the others.

 

"General, I need a word with you please."

 

Sephiroth nodded coolly and stayed behind. When they were alone in the room, Lazard pushed the door shut and gave him a contemplative look. "I think perhaps a hiatus is in order for you, General."

 

"I just finished a hiatus," Sephiroth reminded him, frowning. "I assure you, I'm capable of performing my duties. I would have thought the Cosmo rescue was sufficient proof."

 

"Your performance was flawless, as I've come to expect of you," Lazard assured him. "However, you seem to have a volatile temper, these days."

 

"I realize my behavior was unprofessional," Sephiroth murmured, cursing himself for losing his temper with Rufus. "I have no excuse."

 

"Oh, I rather enjoyed seeing the look on the President's face when you put him in his place," Lazard said with a smirk. "I'm not taking you completely off active duty, you understand. I'm only relieving you of your domestic military obligations for a little while. Make no mistake, if a situation arises you'll be called into action with the others. Until then, I'm simply giving you leave to take whatever time you need to sort out your personal business."

 

The look in Lazard's eye left no doubt he'd figured out that Sephiroth's agitation was due in no small part to Cloud's transformation. He was a sophisticated man, discreet in his observations. "Every man has a personal life behind his work."

 

Sephiroth nodded. "Agreed. Does that include you, Director?"

 

Lazard smiled faintly. "When I can fit it in, of course. Dismissed, General."

 

"Sir." Sephiroth inclined his head once and took his leave.

 

Ordinarily, he would do his rounds through the colony at this time of day, checking on the progress of the trainees and inspecting the perimeters for security weaknesses. Having been given a vacation of sorts, his first instinct was to take advantage of the free time to look for Cloud. He had something else he needed to do first, though.

 

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

 

Zack finished the day's combat exercises with his batch of recruits and he dismissed them. They saluted him enthusiastically before departing. The brunet smiled at his wife as he wiped his face off with a towel and approached her at the far end of the training area. Aerith offered him a glass of cool lemonade, as she did each day after watching him train. At first, Zack thought that she was just being a supportive partner but he started figuring out she had other reasons for coming to watch his sessions.

 

"So, did that do anything for you?" Zack winked at her and took a few grateful swallows of his beverage.

 

Aerith blushed lightly and smiled. "Maybe."

 

He chuckled. There was something flattering yet cute about Aerith having a thing for watching him boss people around. She swore up and down that it was because he supposedly "inspired them". He'd caught glimpses of her expression out the corner of his eye when he gave orders or demonstrated an attack, though. She didn't have a poker face.

 

"Hey, you know I get all hot and bothered watching you tend the garden, right?" Zack murmured.

 

"Yes, I figured that out after our wedding night," she admitted with a soft chuckle. "I don't know why you like it so much, though."

 

Zack grinned. He really did interrupt her gardening a lot, now that he thought of it. "It's the way you hum when you do it, and the way you sway your hips when you move from plant to plant." Now he was blushing a little. "You look like you're almost dancing. Like a pretty little dryad or something."

 

Aerith stepped closer to him and gazed up at him. Her eyes had that look he was familiar with and she ran her fingers over the surface of the glass in his hand. "I may as well confess. The way you inspire those men and women to work so hard for you isn't the only thing that makes me...um...you know."

 

Zack felt his pulse quicken. "Yeah?" The teasing glide of her fingertips over the glass made his pants start to tent in an obvious way.

 

She nodded. "Yes. It's also how authoritative you are. Your voice is so commanding and your moves are so...so..."

 

Zack dropped the towel on the floor and put an arm around her to draw her closer, unable to bear it any more. He damned near dropped the glass too but he somehow remembered to hold onto it as their lips met. She put her arms around his neck and reciprocated the caress of his mouth and tongue with careless passion. At least he wasn't the only one crazy with lust right now. He forgot where he was and he clumsily set the glass down on a nearby bench before lifting his wife into his arms. He wasn't sure what he intended to do...maybe drag her off to the supply closet in the room for some quick satisfaction before heading to their bunk at a more reserved pace.

 

Zack vaguely heard a sigh of exasperation but it didn't really faze him until Sephiroth's voice spoke up. "Apologies for interrupting your perpetual honeymoon, but I need to speak with you both and this really isn't the place for snogging."

 

Zack hastily set his wife back on her feet and she hopped away from him, red-faced and wide-eyed.

 

"Seph," Zack blurted as the General approached from the tunnel entrance. "You...uh..."

 

"You can both stop acting like a pair of teenagers caught with your pants down," Sephiroth responded dryly. "Although I do wish you would either declare mating season to be over with or control your urges in public."

 

Poor Aerith looked like she wanted to hang Zack's discarded towel over her head in shame. Zack accepted the verbal whipping with a wince. He knew he should have just whispered a suggestion to his wife and joined her in the privacy of their bunk. Just because they were married didn't mean he should hump her like a dog every chance he got.

 

"When you're right, you're right," conceded Zack. "I'll try to be more careful. So, did you come to check on the cadets' progress or what?"

 

"No, I came to have a word with your wife." Sephiroth gave Aerith a courteous nod. "Somewhere private, so that others don't overhear."

 

Zack's embarrassment faded into suspicion as protective urges arose. "What's this about, Seph?"

 

"Don't be paranoid. You'll be coming with us; I simply don't want the wrong ears to hear the discussion, understood?"

 

Zack looked at Aerith questioningly. She looked a bit wary but she nodded her consent. "All right. Where do you want to go?"

 

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

 

"This will do," Sephiroth approved as he inspected the small building.

 

It was one of the few still left standing in the broken village and he presumed it might have once served as a general store. He stood aside for his companions and waited for them to come in before shutting the rickety door.

 

"Okay, we've got privacy," Zack said. "What's the big secret?"

 

Sephiroth gave Aerith a searching look. "I need to know more about where you were found, Aerith. I know it was once a Cetra city, but I'd like to know if there are any unique properties to it."

 

"Properties?" Her brow crinkled and she looked both wary and confused. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand."

 

"Mystical ones," explained Sephiroth, "something that makes the location unique, aside from who once dwelled there."

 

She lowered her eyes and folded her hands into her lap. "Oh. It's a sacred place."

 

"In what way?" Persisted Sephiroth, tilting his head. He felt like he was onto something but he needed more.

 

She raised her eyes to him again and appeared to be trying to decide whether she should tell him more or not.

 

Sephiroth decided to try another route. He softened his voice and spoke earnestly to her. "Legends talk of the Promised Land and the ability of the Cetra people to find it. Can you tell me if there is any truth to this?"

 

"The Promised Land is peace," she said simply.

 

Sephiroth noticed that Zack shared his look of confusion. "Can you elaborate on that?"

 

"I can try," she sighed. "Some of my people became nomads, so that they could search for the Promised Land. What they were really looking for was a place of peace and happiness. When you find that, you've found the Promised Land."

 

Sephiroth found the concept boggling in its simplicity. "That's annoyingly unhelpful."

 

"General, may I ask what this has to do with the Forgotten City?"

 

Sensing that he was getting somewhere despite the obscure definition she'd given him, he stared into her eyes. "You say the place is sacred. What makes it so? It's very important, Aerith."

 

"My ancestors used to pray there," she supplied reluctantly. "Mama said those prayers made the city beloved to Gaia. That's all I know."

 

Sephiroth had a feeling she knew more, but the answer she'd given intrigued him. "Beloved to Gaia," he repeated in a whisper, his eyes narrowed.

 

"Why are you asking her all these questions, Seph?" Zack stepped closer to his wife unconsciously.

 

"Quell your protective urges, Zackary. I've kept her secret for this long, haven't I?"

 

Zack appeared properly contrite. "Sorry, it's just that I don't get where this is going. What does the Ancient City have to do with...with...oh."

 

Sephiroth smirked. "You see it now, do you?"

 

If anything, Aerith looked more anxious. She even looked guilty when her husband looked down at her curiously. Sephiroth was about to say something but Zack beat him to it.

 

"Aerith, did any WEAPONS ever come poking around there?"

 

Her mouth worked and she appeared to be struggling with herself. Sephiroth silently applauded Zack for thinking to ask the question. It was clear to everyone that Aerith loved him with all her heart and Sephiroth doubted that she would lie to him or refuse to answer.

 

She gave a defeated little sigh and shook her head. "No. Never."

 

"Then it could serve as a true sanctuary for what remains of humanity," Sephiroth announced, satisfied that he was right.

 

"I...I suppose."

 

Zack gazed at her with a concerned expression. "Sephiroth, would you mind giving us a few minutes alone?"

 

"Of course."

 

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

 

Zack ran his fingers through his hair and paced as he struggled to gather his thoughts. Aerith sat on the stool looking up at him with a sorrowful, guilty expression on her face. She looked as though she thought he was going to denounce her a traitor and tell her to get out of his life.

 

~She knew. She knew that place was safe but she never said anything.~

 

He was confused and heartsick. He paused to look at her and upon gazing into her eyes, he walked to her and knelt down in front of her.

 

"Aerith, can you just tell me why you never said anything?"

 

She took a deep, trembling breath and reached up to wipe away the tears that were forming in her eyes. "For the same reason I made you promise not to tell anyone what I did, that day you rescued me and got hurt."

 

He thought back to that fateful day. They'd both come close to death but if it weren't for Aerith's strange powers, he'd have bled out in the snow within moments. That was the day he knew he loved her. It was the day they shared their first kiss, while a WEAPON stomped right outside their tiny hiding place.

 

Zack gave her a soft, wistful smile and took one of her hands in his. "I think I get it, Aerith. You didn't want humans to know about it, right?"

 

"I'm sorry," she said in a bare whisper.

 

He shook his head. "Don't. Your people were driven nearly extinct, you and your family were hunted and let's face it; humans caused this mess. You're trying to preserve what's left of your people, right? A bunch of humans swarming in might tear down those old buildings and cut down the forest surrounding the place. Power reactors, war, pollution, murder."

 

She gazed at him with her heart in her eyes and opened her mouth to speak but he shushed her. "Hear me out before you say anything, okay?"

 

She nodded.

 

"Humans suck."

 

She blinked. "Not all of you," she argued.

 

"Yeah, we do. Maybe not all the time but we're all boneheads. Look at what we've done to our world, Aerith. Look at what we did to ourselves. You had every right to hide, every right to be afraid and every right to protect that city."

 

She bit her lip. "My father was human. So is my husband. Cloud is human and so are all of the other new friends I've made. Stop saying you all suck."

 

Zack chuckled and at the same time, he felt his throat tighten with bittersweet affection for her. "Okay, so maybe some of us aren't too bad. Still, if you look at our batting average as a species, there's no shame in protecting your city from us. You had a good reason, Aerith."

 

She didn't look any happier. "My fear might as well have caused the death of those poor people."

 

He couldn't stand her self-blame, but there was a grain of truth in what she said. He sighed and caressed her hand. "There's nothing we can do about that now. Just tell me one more thing, Aerith. You were safe and protected there. Why did you go with us? Why did you let me take you out of that place?"

 

"I was lonely," she admitted softly, "and afraid. When I saw you and heard you, I knew you wouldn't hurt me. I felt safe with you, like everything would be all right."

 

Zack stared at her, a little bewildered. "Really? I mean, from the start? You trusted me that much?"

 

She gave him a tremulous smile and she nodded. "I did. I've told you before, Zack; you're a good man. I knew it as soon as I saw you."

 

Zack sighed and he hugged her gently. "I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe."

 

"What do you think Sephiroth is going to do?"

 

Zack grimaced. Sephiroth's duty was to serve and protect--like his own. However, things weren't always black and white. Where Sephiroth was concerned, nothing was ever simple. Zack didn't think he would try to hurt Aerith but convincing him to keep her lineage a secret now might be futile.

 

"Let's find out," Zack said after a moment of thought. He kissed her on the forehead and went to the door.

 

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

 

"I just want you to know right now," Zack said as Sephiroth prepared to go back inside, "I'll defend Aerith with my life. I'm not letting anyone hurt her or our kid, Seph."

 

"Understood," answered the General. His face and voice were both expressionless.

 

Zack tensed as he went back inside with Sephiroth and he felt an urge to reach for the sword strapped to his back. No, he wouldn't draw on his friend unless he was sure he was a threat. He couldn't. But, he couldn't let his wife get hurt or killed either and he knew Sephiroth would do what he thought was necessary...usually without giving warning.

 

"Mrs. Fair," Sephiroth addressed Aerith cordially, putting emphasis on the surname. "I think a compromise is in order, here."

 

Zack paused, regarding his superior and friend warily. The emphasis on the name seemed to be a hidden message. Was Sephiroth trying to be reassuring? Could he be hinting that he considered Aerith one of them now? He couldn't be sure. His emotions were all over the place and he suffered two kinds of uncertainty as he waited to hear what sort of compromise Sephiroth had in mind.

 

"What kind of compromise?" Aerith inadvertently echoed Zack's thoughts. "I don't have anything to bargain with."

 

Sephiroth stared silently at her for a moment, as if turning things over in his mind. "Your concerns are valid. I want you to know that."

 

Zack gave the General a hopeful look. He hadn't expected Seph to be understanding or sympathetic but then, the guy was deep.

 

Aerith lowered her gaze. "Maybe that isn't a good enough excuse."

 

"Then you would agree to the colony moving into the Forgotten City?"

 

Aerith looked up at Sephiroth again. The surprise and confusion on her face matched Zack's. "Do I really have a say in it?"

 

"No," answered Sephiroth readily, "but I would prefer you willingly invite us. If that city is the one settlement left the planet will leave in peace, taking it by force might provoke Gaia to withdraw protection. An invitation from the descendant of the original residents might prevent that. Do you understand what I'm saying, Mrs. Fair?" Again, he used her married surname, reminding her that she was wed to one of the humans the planet wanted dead.

 

She nodded and clasped her hands in her lap again. "I understand."

 

Zack went to her side and put an arm around her. "Maybe we don't have to migrate," he suggested. "Maybe we can keep on the way we've been doing. We haven't done a bad job, so far."

 

Sephiroth gave him a level, intense stare. He shook his head. "No, we can't. That's the problem, Zackary."

 

Zack cocked his head and frowned. "What are you talking about? We've got more fighters now than we ever had before. More weapons, more transports--"

 

"Less time," interrupted the General. "The only reason we have these additional resources is because they've come from what remained of the other two bases. If the WEAPONS converged on the other fortresses, they'll eventually do the same to us. We're all that's left. They are steadily surrounding us, Zackary."

 

Zack went pale. He wanted to deny the statement but he'd known for a long time that it would probably come to such a thing. He felt Aerith tremble and he looked down to see her place a hand over her lower abdomen protectively.

 

Sephiroth evidently noticed the gesture as well. "Every man, woman and child will die. We'll fight to the death but if Gaia sends all of her forces after us, humankind will end. You're the last remaining Cetra. Your race will be wiped out with ours and so will that child you're carrying."

 

"That's enough," Zack growled, feeling sick.

 

"No, it isn't," countered the General. He looked at Aerith's colorless face. "The choice is yours. Take some time to think about it but don't wait for very long. I can promise you that I'll do my part to ensure that the colony treats your city with respect. You have to agree to allow it, first."

 

Zack settled a hand on top of the one Aerith was pressing over her abdomen. He hated Sephiroth's cold manner but he knew the man well enough to understand it was just his nature. He was telling the facts and there was no getting around that.

 

Sephiroth's expression softened ever so slightly as he watched their exchange. "I'll leave the two of you alone now. Zackary, let me know when she's made her decision." He began to walk out the door but Aerith immediately got off the stool and followed him.

 

"General," she said urgently, "I agree."

 

Sephiroth turned to look at her. "I can take you to speak with the Director whenever you're ready. You'll have to explain everything to him as best you can, of course. You can trust him to be discreet. He'll arrange the migration without publicizing your origins and I'm sure he'll see to it that rules are laid down to preserve your city's inheritance."

 

Aerith looked at Zack uncertainly. He nodded in agreement with Sephiroth and put an arm around her. "Do you remember what I told you when everyone had triggers? I told you Lazard was one of the people you should go to if you saw someone acting weird. Seph's right, you can trust the Director."

 

"I remember," she said, "but I also remember his order to kill that girl."

 

"That was different," Zack said, even as he grimaced with the memory, "he did that because he thought she was a threat because of her ties to Deepground. The Cetra didn't try to wipe out humanity and you're trying to protect everyone."

 

He leaned closer to her and murmured, "There's no way I'd agree to this if I didn't trust him."

 

She forced a smile. "I know, Zack."

 

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

 

Zack insisted on being there when Aerith went in to speak with Lazard and Sephiroth didn't try to deter him. He went in with the couple and explained to the Director why he'd requested the appointment. He gave the basic facts and he found it odd that Lazard only seemed mildly surprised with the news of what Aerith truly was. The man was observant though and he was adept at hiding his inner feelings--which was why Sephiroth respected him so much.

 

"It seems Rufus wasn't entirely wrong," Lazard said dryly when the conversation finished. He took his glasses off and polished them with a handkerchief before replacing them. "There is a place that emits warding energies against the WEAPONS, it's just not here."

 

"I promised Mrs. Fair that we would respect the architecture of the city and the forest around it in exchange for safe haven," Sephiroth announced.

 

Lazard nodded. "Of course." He looked from Aerith to Zack and back again. "I really do wish you'd provided this information earlier. Given the state of the world and the history of your people, I won't hold you responsible."

 

Aerith and Zack both visibly relaxed. The lieutenant put an arm around his wife and clasped one of her hands in his. "So what happens now, Sir?"

 

"Nothing. At least, nothing immediately." Lazard tapped his gloved fingers on the desk, narrowing his eyes as he worked things over in his mind. "People have just begun to settle down from the Cosmo incident. We can't announce a migration so abruptly; it would provoke rumors and fear. Moving everyone from this fort will take more than one trip, not to mention the livestock, produce and supplies. A fuel source is also a concern."

 

"Bone Village," Sephiroth suggested immediately. "There are fossil fuels in abundance there, even if it's uninhabited. It isn't far from the Forgotten City."

 

Lazard nodded. "Good thinking. Extracting them without attracting the attention of WEAPONS could prove daunting, but we've managed before. We'll begin the migration in two weeks. Until then, I want double the amount of scouting patrols at twice the range. If there are any sign of abnormal WEAPON activities, we'll have to speed up the process."

 

Sephiroth imagined the questions the other leaders would likely bring up. "What do you intend to tell the others, Director?"

 

"I'll tell them that we have reason to believe the destination has similar properties to the forest near Cosmo Canyon. I'm afraid I'll have to implicate you as the source of information, General--if the question comes up."

 

Sephiroth shrugged. "I'll improvise."

 

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

 

The sun had nearly set by the time Sephiroth finally got the chance to look for Cloud. His stomach was growling and he imagined Cloud's might be doing the same, so he presumed he'd find him in the cafeteria. When he didn't spot the familiar head of fluffy hair, he searched the den and the garden. He was too private a person to ask around right away but after checking through all of Cloud's usual haunts in the fortress, he decided he might have to bury his pride.

 

Not one to jump to conclusions, Sephiroth went outside and scanned the snowfields. He knew Cloud intended to practice his flying and knowing the blond's stubborn determination, it would be just like him to still be out there training. Sephiroth and the others offered to tutor him more but Cloud said that he wanted to try the little things on his own first. After the disaster of the day before, Sephiroth couldn't blame him.

 

Having no luck spotting Cloud on the fields, Sephiroth decided to try the bathhouse as a last resort. He was beginning to feel anxious and he didn't much care for the emotion. If he didn't find Cloud soon, he would start asking people and should that fail, he'd begin scouting from the air himself.

 

When Sephiroth ascended the steps to the entrance of the bathhouse, the main doors opened and a familiar couple stepped out. He began to speak, feeling comfortable enough with them to ask if they'd seen Cloud, but he stopped when he saw the open smile on Angeal's face. They were both fully dressed but they had damp hair. Genesis made a purring sound at the bigger man and Angeal murmured something in return. They noticed him and stopped their interactions.

 

"Sephiroth," Angeal greeted with a nod. His voice wasn't entirely steady, which meant one of two things: either he'd just finished having sex or he'd had a few drinks. If the satisfied expression on Genesis' face and heavy-lidded aqua eyes were any indication, sex was the culprit.

 

"If you're seeking your canary," Genesis said in a breezy tone, "He said he was going to go in and read something."

 

Sephiroth then noticed something around the redhead's neck that he'd never seen before. He smirked and reached out, catching the trailing end of a leash, which connected to the spiked, red leather collar.

 

"I trust you learned this information before Angeal took you for a walk?"

 

Genesis quickly snatched the leash out of Sephiroth's hand. He hastily tucked the trailing end of it into his shirt and cleared his throat. "We have our needs, you smug bastard."

 

Sephiroth was tempted to chuckle. "I'm sure you do. I won't keep you, then."

 

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

 

-To be continued