Adult-FanFiction.org : Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody	By : DarkSeraphim1 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1315 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core, Before Crisis, or Dirge of Cerberus. I do not profit from the writing and/or posting of this fic. I am just a humble fan paying tribute to another's wonderful creations.

Chapter List
- 40
- 41
- 42
Chapter 42
'When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky. Wings of light and dark spread afar, she guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting' -Loveless, PROLOGUE
"It's done."
Sephiroth turned at simply-stated words, his pale emerald eyes softening as they touched upon his heart. Genesis wore a pleased, nearly smug expression, one which didn't quite hide his relief as he joined Sephiroth in the vast garden that encircled the rear of the Rhapsodos home. He had traded his SOLDIER uniform for casual clothes, more denim jeans and a particularly flattering faun-colored button-up shirt. The warm, pale color complimented Genesis' creamy skin, while highlighting his blaze of crimson locks. He looked exceptionally beautiful today, and Sephiroth told him so in no uncertain terms.
"You look lovely today, kitten."
"Why, thank you, Seph." Genesis looked surprised—but pleased—as he shifted closer and slid an arm around Sephiroth's waist. "You don't look too bad yourself, moonbeam."
Sephiroth merely glanced down at himself, grimacing slightly at the black slacks and pale green shirt that Genesis had insisted that he wear while his leather uniform was being cleaned. He had become so used to wearing his leathers that it almost felt wrong to be in civilian clothing, and he positively loathed the shirt. But Genesis had somehow procured it for him, and then proclaimed that it was the same 'stunning' shade as his eyes, and that Sephiroth had to wear it.
Genesis only grinned, well aware of the path his lover's thoughts had taken. "It does look good on you, Seph," he reiterated for the umpteenth time that morning. "It flatters your complexion, compliments your sexy hair, and it really does bring out your eyes. Thank you for wearing it for me," he added softly.
The younger man only grunted and changed the subject. "How long until we depart?"
Genesis gave a mock sigh and let it go. "The ship will be here in four days. We just have to keep the boys out of sight until then."
Sephiroth merely nodded and wound an arm around his shoulders, his hair slithering over them both with the motion. "I don't think we will have to worry about hiding them," he replied, his good humor restored. "You mother seems to have taken care of that for us."
Genesis could only shake his head at that, still marveling at how easily Kadaj had charmed his standoffish mother. "Mother's taken quite a liking to Kadaj," he said with a shrug, adding, "Our boy is a manipulative little brat, Sephiroth."
"Yes, he is," Sephiroth agreed with a rueful smile, "but I believe that he means well, Gen."
"I know, he does," Genesis acknowledged. "He's very ruthless when it comes to protecting his family. If nothing else, at least I know that he's accepted me, now. He wouldn't have tried to protect me if he hadn't."
"Quite true." Sephiroth pressed his lips to the soft skin of his lover's temple, smiling as the other man turned to burrow deeper into his embrace. "I told you that he would come to see you as you are now."
"And you were right." Genesis closed his eyes and brushed his cheek over Sephiroth's unarmored shoulder, smiling to himself as he felt Sephiroth's hands smooth their way down his back. He thought of the scene he'd spent the morning preparing and prayed that Sephiroth would respond as he hoped he would. "I've got a surprise for you."
Sephiroth raised one silver brow at that. Genesis' surprises always tended to be done on an outrageously grand scale, and he little doubted that this would be much different. "What kind of surprise?" he asked at length, not even attempting hide his wariness.
Genesis raised his head, his aristocratic features taking on a secretive cast, as he said, "You'll see." He took Sephiroth's hand in his own and said, "Come with me. You'll like it, I promise you."
Sephiroth allowed the other man to lead him through the garden, intrigued as they came to the gate that separated the garden from the first of the Rhapsodos orchards. "Genesis, where are we going?" he questioned. "I don't think we should leave the boys alone with your mother for too long."
"They'll be fine," Genesis assured him, opening the wrought-iron gate and gesturing him through. "I've taken care of everything."
Now, Sephiroth was worried. "Genesis. . ."
Genesis shot him a warning glance as he closed the gate, his pure blue eyes narrowing only slightly, but it was enough to convince Sephiroth that discretion was the better part of valor. He closed his mouth and let Genesis take his hand once more, falling silent as he followed his lover through Banora's famous 'dumbapple' fields. The rounded trees arched up above and around them, filling the air with the distinctive scent of Banora Whites, and Sephiroth found himself relaxing against his will.
It was so beautiful here, he thought with admiration, so peaceful. It was nothing like Midgar, either now or in the past, where millions of people filled the streets and trampled anything that happened to be underfoot. Here, the grass grew thick and green, and the air was free of the taint that was produced in more industrialized societies. He was surrounded by the natural bounty that Gaia herself had produced, and he was enjoying every moment of it, even more so because Genesis was at his side.
He cast a sidelong look at the man in question, and was surprised to see Genesis wearing an unusually intense expression. Genesis glanced his way, and the intensity was gone, replaced by a breathtaking smile, though it never left his haunting azure gaze. "Is something wrong?" he asked with concern.
"No, nothing," Genesis assured him. "In fact, everything is just right."
Sephiroth frowned faintly, perplexed by the vague answer, and his lover laughed softly. "Really, Seph, nothing's wrong. I'm just hoping that you'll like my surprise."
Ice-green eyes warmed as they met his own. "I'm sure that I will," Sephiroth murmured, tightening his hand around the other man's. "You have yet to disappoint me, kitten."
Genesis uttered a breathless sound at that. "I love it when you call me that," he admitted in a hushed voice.
Sephiroth's smiled faintly. "You didn't always," he reminded the other man solemnly.
Slender shoulders rose and fell in an embarrassed shrug. "I was never sure whether to take it as an insult or not." The younger man frowned and opened his mouth to protest, and Genesis held up a hand to stop him. "I know you never meant it that way, Seph. It's just. . .a kitten is cute and cuddly and decidedly not dangerous. I was a SOLDIER. I wanted you to see me as your peer, not simply as your lover and subordinate."
Sephiroth halted in mid-step, shocked by the other man's simple, yet devastating admission. He grasped Genesis' shoulders and turned the older man towards him, forcing Genesis to face him. "I have never looked down on you," he told the other man with quiet urgency. "I have always considered you to be my equal, Genesis."
Those unforgettable eyes widened, their pale blue depths filled with amazement, and Sephiroth gazed down at him with saddened disbelief. "No one has ever challenged me as you have, Gen. No other could possibly match me as you do. You are my equal, in every possible way. How could you ever believe otherwise?"
Genesis could only gaze up at him with wide, unblinking eyes, stunned by the emotion that roughened Sephiroth's beautifully deep voice. The staunch conviction that strengthened the younger man's words was echoed in his damnedably beautiful green eyes, and Genesis knew that Sephiroth believed every word he had just uttered. Sephiroth considered him his equal!
"Seph. . ." Genesis raised suddenly trembling hands to Sephiroth's face, shaping those beautiful, ethereal, beloved features with his palms. "You really mean that, don't you?"
Sephiroth only continued to gaze down at him with unrelenting implacability, as though he could make Genesis believe him by the sheer power of his will. "Yes."
Genesis threw his arms around the other man, shuddering as strong arms banded around him in return. "Thank you," he said in a voice that wobbled. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that, Sephiroth."
Sephiroth merely shook his head and buried his face in fiery crimson locks. "I would have said it long ago, had I realized what you were thinking," he said, still shocked to realize that the reason that Genesis had never treated him as an equal was because he hadn't believed that Sephiroth saw him that way. "It never occurred to me that you would believe otherwise, Genesis. Please, believe me when I say that. Had I known—"
Petal-soft lips met his own, cutting off his contrite words in mid-sentence. "Don't," Genesis ordered in a gentle voice. "There was no way you could have known, Seph. I wasn't exactly forthcoming with you, now was I?"
"Yes, but—"
"No buts," Genesis told him firmly, stepping back and taking his hand once again. "Now, come on. You have a surprise waiting for you."
Today was certainly the day for them, Sephiroth thought facetiously as he fell in step beside the other man. He was still in shock, stunned by the knowledge that his fierce kitten had so greatly underestimated his feelings for him. What truly bothered him, though, was the way that Genesis seemed to doubt his own worth. How could he not know how important he was? How could he not realize how much he meant to those who cared for him?
He would, Sephiroth swore to himself, his hand tightening around Genesis' of its own accord. Sephiroth would spend the rest of his life showing Genesis that he was important, but more than that, that he was necessary. Not only to Sephiroth himself, but to the family he himself had helped create. Genesis would be happy, no matter what he had to do to assure it.
"We're almost there."
Genesis smooth, cultured voice broke into his thoughts, and Sephiroth cast a tender glance his way. "I can't wait to see what you have in store for me, koneko."
The other man's aristocratic features lit up as his rose-colored lips curved into a wide smile. "You're just saying that to flatter me into dropping my pants for you," came the completely unexpected response.
Sephiroth burst out laughing at that, he simply couldn't stop himself. He was still laughing as he tugged Genesis closer and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I have no need of such flattery," he said, his voice wavering with the force of his mirth. "I am hard-pressed to keep you from 'dropping your pants', as you so eloquently put it, wherever we may happen to be."
Genesis grinned as he stealthily lowered a hand to the small of his lover's back. "Are saying that I'm easy, Sephiroth?"
"No," Sephiroth assured him laughingly, "easy is the very last word that I would use to describe you, Genesis."
Genesis lifted his hand and smacked Sephiroth's ass as hard as he could in retaliation. Instead of the shocked reaction he was expecting, Sephiroth merely hugged him tighter and continued to laugh. Genesis could only roll his eyes and wait for his lover's amusement to subside, even as he privately exulted in the unusual reaction. He loved how Sephiroth had changed these last few months, opening himself up to those around him, allowing himself to be seen as the wonderful man that he was, instead of the emotionless robot Hojo had tried to mold him into.
"Well, easy or not, I expect to get laid soon," he informed the other man loftily, and was rewarded with the sensation of quivering lips pressing into his temple. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"No," Sephiroth assured him, his chest heaving as he struggled to bring his mirth under control, "no problem at all."
"Good, because we're here."
Sephiroth blinked, surprised to find them standing near a very large Banora White tree. Emerald eyes swept over a scene that had obviously been staged, and staged well, at that. A large checkered blanket had been set at the foot of the tree's massive trunk, a large wicket basket set at an angle on the corner closest to the tree. He spied the stems of two wineglasses peeking out from beneath the lid of the basket and couldn't contain a delighted smile.
"This is all for me?"
"Yep." Genesis smiled lazily and shrugged his arm off, only to set a hand in the center of his back and push once. "You sit there," he pointed to a spot directly in front of the tree-trunk, "and I'll get everything out."
The smaller man flashed him a smile and made his way towards the basket, leaving Sephiroth to stare after him in wonder. While there was always the possibility that he was wrong, he believed that what Genesis had created here was what would be considered an incredibly romantic setting. Wine, food, a blanket that was big enough for two, if they found themselves inclined to make use of it. . .
"All for me," he murmured to himself, astonished and humbled and happy all at once.
"Sephiroth, why aren't you sitting?"
The sharp tone of his lover's voice was enough to spur Sephiroth into action. He strolled to the edge of the blanket, hesitating as he realized that his borrowed shoes would leave smudges on the charming blanket. He bent down and removed the athletic shoes that Angeal had loaned him, setting them neatly to one side, and took his place on the blanket. He leaned back into the tree, shifting until he found a comfortable position against its rough surface, and waited for Genesis to join him.
Genesis smiled as he poured a glass of wine and handed it to Sephiroth. The other man accepted it silently, his green eyes shining with pleasure, and Genesis' heart turned over. He poured his own glass, carefully set the wine bottle inside the basket, and withdrew two Banora Whites. He gave one to Sephiroth, watching with bated breath as his beautiful lover reached out and grasped the ripe fruit. Sephiroth studied the apple with both anticipation and curiosity, as though he sensed that it was somehow important, but made no attempt to eat it. He simply lifted his gaze back to Genesis' and waited patiently.
Genesis grabbed his own apple and very carefully scooted closer. He managed to not spill any of his wine as he quickly made his way to Sephiroth's side. He crossed his legs under him, shifting so that they were facing one another, and lifted his glass. "To us," he said simply, and Sephiroth smiled at him with unconcealed adoration.
"To us," he echoed, the dark velvet of his voice rife with emotion, as he lifted his own glass.
Genesis gently clanked them together and lifted his glass to his lips, waiting until Sephiroth did the same to drink. He gazed at the younger man over the rim of his glass, his breath halving as he watched sensual pink lips part to accept the pale liquid. He sighed with appreciation, unconsciously running his gaze over Sephiroth's long, deceptively lean body. Gods, but he couldn't wait to feel Sephiroth's hands on him!
But not just yet. Genesis dragged his eyes back to his lover's, only to find Sephiroth watching him with hungry, predatory green eyes. "How's the wine?" he asked breathlessly, desperate to distract himself from his lascivious thoughts. "Not too heavy?"
"No, it is very good." Sephiroth tilted his head to one side, wondering why Genesis had not yet initiated sexual contact. It was not like him to wait when he wanted something so badly. Sephiroth glanced down at the apple, and wondered if it might have something to do with the fact that his passionate, normally impulsive lover had yet to touch him. "Genesis?"
"Yes, Seph?"
Sephiroth hesitated as he wondered how to phrase his request. "May I. . . hold you, now?"
"Of course, you can." Genesis twisted just enough to set his glass on the ground beside the blanket, twisting it just a bit in hopes that the rich Banora soil would be enough to hold it upright, before turning back to him. He took Sephiroth's glass, setting it aside as the other man lifted his arm to make room for him, and shifted closer. He draped himself over Sephiroth's side, stretching his legs out until they tangled with his lover's. "Better?"
A strong arm held him tightly, and Genesis sensed more than heard the contented sigh that escaped Sephiroth's lips. "Much better, Genesis. Thank you."
Genesis smiled at that, resting his head on his lover's shoulder and tilting it back to look up at him. Sephiroth returned the smile, gazing down at him with both need and reverence, and he slowly lifted the apple to his lips. As he bit into the fruit of his father's labor, he could only hope that some part of Sephiroth would sense the significance of this moment. Sephiroth gazed him for a long moment before doing the same, and Genesis held his breath in an agony of suspense. Sephiroth finally bit into the juicy apple, his strong white teeth sinking into the purplish piece of fruit, and Genesis found himself smiling even as he blinked back tears.
The dream had come true.
He quickly lowered his gaze, not wanting to upset Sephiroth, who always panicked when confronted with tears, and took a bite of his own apple. He chewed slowly, buying himself a few moments to compose himself. When he finally raised his head, it was to find Sephiroth watching him intently. "What?" he questioned quizzically.
"This," Sephiroth turned the purplish fruit in hand, "was important to you, wasn't it?"
Genesis hesitated before nodding slowly. "Yes, it was important to me, Sephiroth."
Sephiroth only nodded and took another bite of his apple, his perfect features solemn as he sampled Genesis' offering, and Genesis blurted out, "Aren't you curious as to why it's important to me?"
"Of course, I am," Sephiroth answered with another smile, "but you will tell me when you are ready. I see no reason to demand an explanation from you that you are not yet ready to give. I can wait."
Genesis only smiled tremulously as he gazed up at his lover with unconcealed wonder. "I love you, Seph," he whispered in an emotion-laden voice. "Thank you, for making all of my dreams come true."
Sephiroth's smile took on a gentle but puzzled cast, the gesture slight and infinitely loving, as he lowered his head and brushed his lips over the other man's. "I love you, too, koneko."
Genesis raised his hands, the apple falling from them, forgotten as he basked in the love that he felt emanating from the younger man. He plunged his hands into silken fall of Sephiroth's hair, trembling as muscular arms closed around him in return. His last thought before Sephiroth's touch blotted out conscious thought was that if he were to die now, he would die a happy man.
Sephiroth shuddered as Genesis' tongue slipped passed his lips to tangle sensuously with his own. He slid his one hand into Genesis' fiery hair, angled his head back, and deepened the intimate caress. Genesis groaned into his mouth, the passionate sound muffled, as he returned the kiss with a fervor that made Sephiroth's head swim. Sephiroth echoed the sound as eight days of enforced abstinence caused his body to react with nearly overwhelming ardor.
He dropped a gloved hand to the firm mound of Genesis' ass and dragged him on to his lap, gasping as long legs opened over him, wider and wider until nothing denim and cotton separated them. Genesis was whimpering breathlessly, rubbing his aching erection against Sephiroth's own, and Sephiroth fought an urge to shove him roughly to the ground and take him violently under the warm Banora sun.
He eased them apart with a faint groan, shuddering as he cupped the back of Genesis' head and rested his forehead against the other man's. "You were right," he rasped thickly. "It's been too long."
Genesis shivered at the raw need he heard in that deep, lust-filled voice, his hand clutching at Sephiroth's shoulders convulsively. "Fuck, yes, it has!" he declared huskily, lowering his hands to work at the buttons of Sephiroth's shirt. "Hurry, Sephiroth, I don't know how long I can wait to feel you inside of me!"
Sephiroth's hands shook as he began to work at the fastenings of Genesis' own clothes. His touch was curiously gentle, belying the need that raged through his body, even as his mouth closed over Genesis' once more. Strong, deceptively delicate hands swept down own his body, pulling his shirt from his trousers and shoving it off of his shoulders. Sephiroth released him only long enough to fling the garment aside before reaching for him once more. Genesis rolled his hips against Sephiroth's even as he reached for the waistband of his slacks, savoring the intoxicating sensation of Sephiroth's cock rubbing against his own, and Sephiroth responded all too passionately.
Genesis found himself flat on his back, the soft cotton of the blanket beneath him protecting his skin from the unforgiving earthen floor. Sephiroth loomed up over him, his silver-green eyes shining with mako and lust, sunlight forming a golden halo around the icy fall of his hair. As the other man reached down and began to fumble with the buttons of his jeans, Genesis knew that he would never forget this moment.
Genesis lifted his hips, hissing as the soft denim scraped gently over his aching cock, and was swept from his legs. Sephiroth reached for his own pants next, shoving the black slacks down his own hips with little care. Genesis reached down to help, pushing the soft material down his lover's legs, until Sephiroth could kick them off himself. He eased a hand around the thick, swollen length of his lover's cock, tightening his grip just enough to draw a groan from the man above him. Sephiroth's arched his back, his eyes falling closed, as he began to thrust into Genesis' clever, knowing touch, and Genesis crooned in sensual encouragement.
"That's it, Seph," he urged, his own excitement mounting as the other man threw his head back and gave him control. Silver hair swept over Genesis' bare legs, and he shivered even as he tightened his grip and redoubled the sensual assault. "Gods, but I love the way you respond to me! Spread your legs just a little more, moonbeam. Yes, like that!"
Genesis reached up and smoothed his upturned palm over the smooth spheres between Sephiroth's legs, and Sephiroth trembled violently, already on the brink of orgasm. "Not yet," Genesis told him shakily, taking a long-fingered hand and lifting it to his lips. "No coming until you're inside of me, Sephiroth."
He pulled the other man's fingers into his mouth and began to bathe them with his tongue, and Sephiroth's eyes immediately snapped open. They glowed with brilliant green light, elliptical pupils dilated with arousal, and Genesis smiled around the long digits. Sephiroth pulled his hand back and immediately thrust a slick finger inside of him. Genesis' breath caught as he pushed back, and for once, he didn't have to urge Sephiroth to hurry. Two fingers, three, and then he was being stretched, prepared for the invasion that couldn't come soon enough for him.
Sephiroth stroked his prostate with gentle fingertips and Genesis gasped as fire shot through his body. "Now!" he cried feverishly, arching his back as his hips moved of their volition. "Sephiroth, now, please!"
Sephiroth hastily reached between them and palmed his aching erection, spreading his pre-come over himself so that he wouldn't hurt his precious kitten, his eyes never leaving Genesis' beautifully flushed face. He lined himself up, waited until those blue, blue eyes met his own, and thrust home.
Genesis let out a high cry as he was filled, and Sephiroth gasped as the sound triggered every possessive instinct that he possessed. He grasped Genesis' slender, deceptively delicate wrists in his hands and anchored them above his head. He blanketed his lover's body with his own, hips body driving furiously into the smaller man's, his mouth taking Genesis' in a masterful kiss. Long legs encircled his waist, locking behind him as Genesis met his thrust for powerful thrust, and Sephiroth moaned deeply.
He slipped a hand between them, spreading Genesis' own moisture over his cock to avoid hurting him, and Genesis' entire body jerked in his arms. His lover began to scream over and over, the sound only barely muffled by their joined mouths, and Sephiroth shifted just enough to stroke him in time with his thrusts. Genesis went wild in his arms, planting his heels on the small of Sephiroth's back and shoving up against him, twisting against the hand holding his wrists, his tongue worked furiously against Sephiroth's own. Sephiroth increased the pressure of his hand and lifted his head, gasping for breath as the music of Genesis' cries filled his ears and intensified his own pleasure.
"Koneko," he rasped gutturally, twisting his hips sharply, "koi watashi no tame."
Genesis' eyes flashed with azure fire as his body responded to the raw demand in his lover's voice. His body tensed as he came, his orgasm pounding through him with cataclysmic intensity, and drug Sephiroth over the edge with him. He held Sephiroth to him as the other man shuddered and strained against him, hips jerking mindlessly as they each lost themselves to their own pleasure.
Genesis stirred first, unlocking his ankles and letting them fall to either side of Sephiroth's hips. "Gods, but I love it when you do that," he said on a wobbly sigh, and he heard a noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter in his ear.
"Fakku anata sabou?"
Genesis grinned in response, running his hands through the damp tangle that was currently Sephiroth's hair. "Yep," he answered smugly.
Sephiroth laughed again, the sound louder this time, as he raised his head. He propped himself up on his elbows, unable to contain a smile as he gazed down at his beautifully disheveled lover. "And I thoroughly enjoy doing it," he returned in a husky murmur.
Genesis stroked his hair back from his face and pulled him close, and Sephiroth obliged him with a gentle kiss. "Aishiteru, Souseiki," he whispered deeply.
"I love you, too, moonbeam."
Sephiroth moved to his side and pulled him close, and Genesis closed his eyes as he rested his head over Sephiroth's heart. The sun beat rose up high overhead, warming their skin even as receding passion cooled it, and Genesis knew that this was a moment that he would never forget. Being held securely in Sephiroth's arms, their nude bodies pressed close together, his most coveted dream now an undeniable reality. He had earned the respect of his childhood hero, as well as the unwavering adoration of the man he loved, and he had been granted three beautiful sons as well. And he knew, deep down in his soul, that he would never need anything more.
He was home.

Kadaj glanced around uneasily as he led the way through the underground mine that stretched out for miles beneath the streets and fields of Banora. He sensed more than heard the footsteps of his brothers as they crept silently behind him. Reno and Cissnei were with them, not quite as quiet as his brothers, but moving stealthily enough to keep any monsters in the area from hearing them. They had left without telling Nii-san—or anyone else—where they were going, wanting to see Koneko's 'Goddess' for themselves. Kadaj had a few choice words for the bitch who kept trying to kill his family!
He could remember 'seeing' this place through his father, as Sephiroth had watched over Zack from the darkness of his otherworldly prison. This was where Koneko had gone after Sephiroth's death, where he had 'grieved' for the friends and family he had lost, for those that he himself had been responsible for killing. It was meant to be a place of worship, but for those of their line, it was a place of death.
An ancient Cetra shrine, he thought with a shake of his silver head, the very place where Gaia had once rejected Genesis, choosing a catatonic Cloud Strife in his stead. Poor Nii-san had lived through one crisis after another, forced to defend the very deity that had allowed his loved ones to be taken from him by Shinra. There was no way in hell that he was letting Nii-san get anywhere near the bitch, which was why he had encouraged Zack to spend some time with Nii-san, so that they could slip out unnoticed.
Of course, finding their way around would be a lot easier if they'd been able to actually see Genesis' memories of this place. But Kadaj knew better than to even attempt a memory-transfer with Koneko. Father would hand him his head if he showed Genesis what had really happened in the past, and Sephiroth was one of the few people on Gaia who actually could!
Father was certainly protective of his little kitten, Kadaj thought caustically. He conveniently ignored that fact that, not so long ago, he had been too. Sephiroth kept Genesis close to his side, always including him in his decisions, asking his opinion as though it actually meant something, treating Koneko as though he were something precious, instead of the sharp-tongued viper Kadaj knew him to be. But Sephiroth believed that Koneko loved him now, and Kadaj had to admit that it certainly seemed like he did. Genesis was still as stubborn and defiant and proud as Kadaj remembered, but he was different too. It was almost as if falling in love with Father had tempered some of the bitter jealousy that had always come between them before.
Maybe, Father had been right, Kadaj thought with equal parts of doubt and hope. Maybe, Genesis really had changed. It would be nice to know that they could trust him, when they needed his help so badly. Genesis' goddess was out to get to them, and he might be the only one who could convince Gaia to leave them the fuck alone.
Of course, Genesis didn't know that yet, but Father couldn't hide it from him forever. Eventually, he would have to be told the truth, so that he would know how to help them when the time came.
Kadaj knew that Sephiroth was afraid of Koneko's reaction to the truth of what he—of what they all—were, and he didn't blame him for that. After the way Nii-san had reacted when he'd realized what Kadaj was, he could totally understand his father's fears.
He'd give Father a little more time, Kadaj decided magnanimously, but only a little. If Sephiroth waited too long to reveal the truth, then he would do it for him, and to hell with the consequences.
Of course, he'd have to make sure that Koneko realized how high the stakes were. Sure, Genesis would be shocked, and probably horrified, once he realized that they were monsters, but that wouldn't last too long. Once the initial shock wore off, he'd see just how important saving Father was, and he'd help them. Kadaj was suddenly sure of it. Genesis would help them fight Gaia, and he'd save Nii-san from being forced to kill Father again.
Which was exactly what Kadaj feared might happen, once they reached Nibelheim. Like Kadaj himself, Sephiroth was still susceptible to Mother. Kadaj knew that she had been active in Father's mind for a long time now, because she had been talking to him as well. She hadn't yet tried to overwhelm them, but it was only a matter of time before she did. She wanted her favorite son back, and she would stop at nothing to get him.
Kadaj didn't know if Jenova was aware of Sephiroth's plans for her, but he couldn't ignore the possibility. Sephiroth hadn't spoken of his plans for killing Mother, but Kadaj had read his intentions in his progenitor's mind, and that meant that Mother probably had too. Father fully intended to kill the alien bitch and dispose of her mako-preserved carcass, he just wasn't sure how to go about doing it, and Jenova had to know that.
Kadaj had a few ideas of his own on that matter. Jenova had always ranted about her unjust imprisonment, her ultimate goal being to regain her freedom. While she definitely despised the human race, killing The Planet was just a necessary step towards that end. Mother needed a vessel so that she could 'sail the cosmos', and Gaia happened to be the only one available. Slaughtering the indigenous population was only a bonus for Heaven's Dark Harbinger.
If Jenova wanted to sail the cosmos, they should let her, Kadaj reasoned. They should drag her crazy ass to Rocket Town and launch the bitch into space. Let her go infect some other world if she wanted to, but she would be done fucking with this one!
A loud, skill-splitting screech echoed through his mind, and Kadaj grinned with malicious pleasure as his 'mother' made her displeasure known. Oh, yeah, he thought spitefully, fly the friendly fucking skies, bitch!
Yazoo gasped behind him, and Kadaj cast a quick look over his shoulder. Yazoo's green eyes were wide, indicating that he had heard of the silent exchange, and Kadaj lifted one eyebrow in return. It was a good idea, and as his brother's expression took on a thoughtful cast, Kadaj knew that he was giving it serious consideration. What better way to rid themselves on Calamity, without risking infection on a global scale? It was not the only way, but it was the best one, and Yazoo was smart enough to realize it. It was the only way to guarantee Gaia's survival—and their own—without jeopardizing The Planet further.
That just left Gaia and stupid President Shinra, Kadaj thought with a sudden scowl. There wasn't anything that any of them could do about Gaia—that would be all Genesis—but there had to be a way to make Rufus back the fuck off. He wasn't all that worried about Deep Ground. Their foot-soldiers were weak compared to he and his, and the mutated Dog Soldiers were little more than slobbering beasts. Not even the Colors were enough to stir more than a dim feeling of anticipation at the challenge they would present when they finally met in battle.
No, it was Rufus Shinra that worried Kadaj, mostly because he was so different from what Kadaj remembered from before. Rufus been a child during Sephiroth's own lifetime, easily overlooked in his youth and inexperience, and he'd been little more than a broken man when Kadaj had confronted him last year. Sure, he'd been calm and collected, mocking even, during their 'talk', but he'd also been in a fucking wheelchair. While Kadaj didn't know how Rufus had ended up in such a sorry state, he'd been smart enough to realize that the older man was dying, with or without the 'Stigma, and he'd wanted to make things right before he returned to the Lifestream. Not that Kadaj had cared at the time, but he sure as hell did now.
It still surprised Kadaj that Nii-san had been willing to ally with Rufus Shinra, especially in light his past history with Shinra Electric Power Company, but as he came to know Cloud, he had slowly realized that his powerful lover still saw himself as a human being. He knew that he was more, that Gaia had allowed Hojo to change him into a WEAPON, but still saw himself as the same awkward mountain boy who had challenged an insane Sephiroth and somehow survived the encounter. It was kind of pathetic to Kadaj, who didn't understand why anyone would want to a weak, puny human being, but it was an integral part of the man he loved, so Kadaj had to accept it, even if he thought it was stupid.
And he did love Cloud, Kadaj thought with a sudden scowl. Even though Nii-san was barely speaking to him. They hadn't a chance to be alone since leaving Fort Condor, and it irked him. They were supposed to be on the same side in this, not fighting all the fucking time!
Of course, he had given Nii-san an ultimatum, and thinking back on it, that might not have been the smartest thing to do. The older man could be damned stubborn sometimes, and Kadaj should have remembered that.
Still, Kadaj knew that Nii-san loved him. Cloud had come back for him, to save him so that they could be together. Nii-san had brought Souba to him, and had even let Loz hug him so hard that he'd nearly been crushed. Further proof that Kadaj was important to Cloud, even if his lover had yet to make an effort to reach out to Yazoo.
Of course, Yazoo hadn't warmed up to him yet either, and that worried Kadaj to no end. He needed his brothers to get along with Cloud. They were going to be spending the rest of their lives together, after all. But Yazoo was stubborn, maybe even more than Nii-san himself was, and he still blamed Cloud for killing Kadaj during their stupid quest to please their bitch-mother. Yaz had said that he didn't hate Cloud, and Kadaj believed him, but he also knew that his quiet, sensitive brother hadn't yet forgiven the other man, either.
And then, there was Vincent Valentine. The silent gunner hadn't approached Yazoo in the last week, hadn't even seemed to notice him at all. Kadaj knew better, of course. No one could ignore Yazoo's beauty, not even Vincent 'Asshole' Valentine, no matter how hard he tried. Kadaj had caught Vincent watching his brother at night, when everyone was supposed to be sleeping. The gunman had sat on the outskirts of camp, unmoving, his red eyes gleaming unnaturally in the darkness as he just stared at Yazoo.
And Yaz never woke to see it. His brother hadn't mentioned his 'dark one' since his 'death' back at the fort, but Kadaj could tell that Yazoo was still hurting. Even if their bond hadn't made reading his sibling's feelings ridiculously easy, he knew his brother. Yazoo had never been rejected by a lover before, and he hadn't known how to react to the phenomenon. That's why Kadaj had encouraged him with Reno. The Turk might be crass and uncouth, but he was pretty enough, and Yazoo needed to regain the confidence that Vincent's rebuff had stolen from him.
While Yazoo might be trying to move past Vincent by taking another lover, Kadaj knew that it wouldn't work. His brother felt things deeply, as they all did, and his love for Vincent was no exception. Yazoo might find comfort in fucking Reno, but it wouldn't last. Eventually, Reno would move on, and Yazoo would be forced to deal with his feelings all over again.
If he were in his brother's place, Kadaj silently fumed, he'd make the one who hurt him pay. Preferably, in blood.
Kadaj thought of Sephiroth's words the night of their escape, of how Vincent had seemed to be an honorable man, and sniffed disdainfully. Fuck honor, he thought angrily. Vincent lacked loyalty, and that was more important than anything else, even love.
Kadaj waved Yazoo closer, and his brother moved forward obligingly. Yazoo sent him a questioning glance, Kadaj shook his head negatively, silently indicating that he didn't need anything. He just wanted his brother near him as they drew closer to Gaia's earthly residence. "Can you feel her?" he asked, annoyed as his voice came out as an awe-filled whisper.
"Yes, I feel her, tenshi," Yazoo murmured, his own voice hushed.
"She's strong, 'Daj," Loz stage-whispered from behind them. "Real strong."
Kadaj snorted, wincing as the sound echoed through the cavernous corridor. "We're stronger," he stated, his voice quiet but firm. "We're going to tell her exactly what we're doing, and see if she won't back the fuck off. Got it?"
"Yes, tenshi," the older boy said meekly.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, yo?" Reno asked worriedly. "Maybe, we should've at least told Mama Asshole where we were going before we came down here."
"Grow a set, Turk," Kadaj retorted with a scowl. "Until we can talk Sephiroth into telling Koneko the truth, we've got to find a way to make The Planet leave us the hell alone."
"And you think she'll listen to you?" Cissnei questioned soberly.
"Hell, no," the youngest remnant answered, his tone scornful. "But if nothing else, maybe she'll realize that we're trying to save her worthless ass, and she'll go easier on Father and Koneko and Angeal."
"Zack and Cloud, too," Reno reminded him.
"Yeah, the puppy and Nii-san, too." Kadaj shot him an exasperated look. "Sheesh, you think that I could forget Nii-san? Boy, you are as big an idiot as we always believed."
Yazoo frowned in his direction. "Kadaj, that was uncalled for."
The quiet rebuke had the baby rolling his eyes as he turned and huffily stomped away. Yazoo traded a quick, fond smile with Reno before he moved to follow. Loz chuckled as he reached out and slapped Reno on the back. Reno staggered as the force of the friendly blow nearly sent him staggering to the floor, and Loz hurriedly grabbed his shoulders to steady him.
"Sorry, Reno," he said earnestly, "I didn't mean to knock ya over like that."
Reno shrugged his thin shoulders, aggravated that his knee had given out so unexpectedly. "It's all good, yo. Just don't do it, again," he added as he ambled past him.
Loz stared after him with a sad expression. "I don't think your friend likes me, bibishii."
Cissnei only shook her head as she took his hand in hers and began to walk. "It's not you that he doesn't like," she told him as they made their way towards the others. "His knee goes out on him sometimes, and it makes him feel. . .well, weak. It's got nothing to do with you," she added firmly.
"Really?" She nodded emphatically, and Loz let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, good. If he's going to be Yaz' new boyfriend, I don't want him to hate me."
Cissnei only smiled at him, charmed by his simplistic view of the complicated world around them. "I think that he and Yazoo are going to be good friends, but he won't be your brother's boyfriend, Loz. Reno still loves Rufus."
Loz pondered that for a moment before nodding. "Makes sense," he said. "Yazoo still loves Vincent, you know. He probably won't ever be able to love anyone else."
"That's beautiful, Loz," she told him with surprise. "Sad, too."
"Yeah," Loz agreed, his expression dimming. "We're too much like Father, in that aspect."
She sent him a questioning look, and he explained, "We only love once, Cissnei, and we never love anyone else. Sometimes, I think it would be easier if we could."
"Yes, it probably would," Cissnie allowed, squeezing his hand meaningfully, "but I kind of like you this way, Loz. I don't want you to change."
He ducked his silver head and smiled at her shyly. "Oh, I won't change, bibishii. I'm a one-woman kind of guy."
"Good." Cissnei leaned towards him and planted a kiss on his sculpted cheek. "Come on, I want to see this goddess the kid keeps talking about for myself."
"Okay," he returned cheerfully, quickening his pace as she did. "Just don't get too close to her, okay? I don't want her hurting you, Cissnei."
"I won't, Loz."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Oh, puhleeze." Kadaj shot them a disgusted look over his shoulder. "Give the verbal foreplay a rest, why don't you? We're here on serious business, you know."
Loz blushed deeply, and Cissnei merely smiled fondly at the youngest boy. Kadaj might be a royal pain, but he cared about Loz, even though he showed it in the worst possible ways. Brat, she thought affectionately.
"Kadaj, I believe we're close."
Kadaj jerked his attention back to Yazoo, who was frowning as he hesitated just outside of a large, cavernous room. There were chests strewn everywhere, at least eight that Kadaj saw at first glance, and they were all surrounded by intense beams of greenish-white light. The scent of mako was strong here, much stronger than in any of the other passages they had explored, and Kadaj knew that Yazoo had right. They were close.
"All right, we need to check out those chests," Kadaj said, immediately taking charge as he pointed to several small, ornate chests scattered about the area. "There might be something in them that we'll need to protect us if it comes down to a fight with Gaia. Loz, you and Cissnei take the west side of the room. Yazoo, take Reno and check the east. I'll take the north."
His brothers nodded and turned away, and he added, "And don't go near the light beams! They're bad!"
"Gotcha, 'Daj," Loz called out as he and Cissnei headed west.
"Understood, tenshi," Yazoo said simply as he led Reno to the opposite side of the cavern.
Kadaj unsheathed Souba and held it loosely in his left hand as he started forward. He didn't know exactly what was in the beams of light, but they stank of Gaia, mako, and monster, and he didn't want to find out. Normally, he'd relish the thought of slaughtering just about anything, but right now, he only wanted to get to Gaia. If she decided to attack them, they'd need all of their resources, both physical and spiritual, to fight her. That meant not wasting time and energy on monsters if they didn't have to.
He came to a large, rocky outcropping and skirted around it. There was a beam to his right as he neared the top of the giant, boulder-like stone, and he was very careful to avoid physical contact with it. He passed it with a silent sigh of relief, grinning to himself as he reached the first chest. He reached for the lock and hesitated, wishing for a moment that he had Yazoo's gift for physical empathy, so that he could sense what was inside. Instead, he settled on using Souba to lift first the latch, and then the lid itself.
"Huh." Kadaj stared down at a beautiful, ultimately useless piece of summons materia, just like the four they had found in the part of the mine that had been called 'The Depths Of Judgment'. Yazoo had held each one and declared them, Heaven, Light, Star, and Sound, which were really stupid names. "More useless junk."
Kadaj snorted to himself as he reached down and retrieved the bright red materia orb. While he knew that they wouldn't need the materia—or the incomplete beings sleeping inside of them—for their confrontation with Gaia, he was pretty sure that they'd need them later on. Maybe before Nibelheim, maybe after. He wasn't exactly sure on the particulars, just that they would need them for something important, and that they might as well collect them now, than have to backtrack and make a second trip to Banora for them.
He'd have Yazoo feel this one before they went after Gaia, Kadaj decided as he shoved the materia into his weapons pack and moved on. He found two more chests in his section of the cavern, but they held nothing more than an X-Potion, and a yellow Mug materia. Yeah, like he needed any help with that. Still he pocketed the items and turn around, intending to go back and wait for his brothers. What he saw stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Uh, hi, Nii-san."
Cloud's bright blue eyes blazed with anger as he reached out, grabbed Kadaj's arm, and began to drag him across the cave. "Now, Nii-san, I can explain—"
"Don't," was all Cloud said, but it was enough to draw a wince out of him.
Kadaj opened his mouth to try again, only to snap it closed as he realized that Cloud wasn't alone. Vincent and Zack were with him, waiting for them near the entrance to the cavern. "Why are they here?" he asked in a fierce whisper. "The puppy can't be here, Nii-san. It's not safe. You have to get him out of here!"
"You think I don't know that?" Cloud snapped, incensed as his fear from finding his lover gone coalesced into something more manageable. "It's your fault that he's down here, Kadaj!"
"Hey, don't try to lay this on me!" Kadaj shot right back, jerking his arm free and coming to a halt. "You were supposed to be spending time with your friend, not traipsing around here following me!"
"I want to know what the hell you were thinking?" Cloud demanded, rounding on him furiously. "Do you even know what's down here Kadaj?"
"Of course, I do," Kadaj snapped. "Koneko's goddess is here."
Cloud stared at him with disbelief. "You know that Gaia is here, and you came anyway?"
Kadaj's eyes took on a determined glint that Cloud didn't like at all. "We have to talk to her, Nii-san. We have to make her understand, before she tries to take our family away from us!"
"You can't force The Planet to listen to you," he stated angrily. "Gaia would kill you as soon as look at you. You have to know that!"
"Fuck that bitch!" Kadaj hissed. "We're trying to save her, Nii-san. The least she can do is stop trying to kill us!"
Cloud made a frustrated sound. "Kadaj, it doesn't work like that—"
"Kadaj?" Yazoo glided up to them gracefully, a gleaming red orb in his bare hands, Reno at his side. "We found another materia, tenshi."
Reno nodded from his place at Yazoo's side. "This one is Sabbath, yo."
Kadaj held his hand out and Yazoo carefully set the materia in his upturned palm. "Did you get anything more out it?" he asked hopefully.
Yazoo shook his head negatively. "Only it's name, brother."
"Figures," Kadaj muttered with disgust. He pulled the materia he'd found out of his supply pack and tossed it to his brother. "See if you can get anything from that."
The middle remnant closed both hands over the materia, smiling faintly as it flared brightly between his pale palms. "This one is Life," he said simply.
Kadaj considered that for a moment. "Keep it then," he ordered in a quiet voice. "Life is your thing, Yaz, not mine."
Yazoo looked surprised even as he said, "Thank you, tenshi."
"You're welcome, Yazoo." Kadaj felt the floor quake beneath his feet and rolled his eyes. "Loz, get your ass over here before you bring the whole place down around our heads!"
"Coming, tenshi." Loz appeared at his side in series of blue flashes, putting his superior speed to good use, a windblown Cissnei resting comfortably in his arms. "Here you go, 'Daj. Cissnei found this one for us."
Kadaj barely refrain from rolling his eyes at the proud tone of his brother's voice as he passed the materia orb to Yazoo. Yazoo held it in one hand and said, "Being," in a bored voice.
"The materia's name is Being?"
Yazoo looked to his left to find Vincent striding towards them, his crimson eyes flashing gold as they ran over him. "Yes," he answered coolly, careful not to meet that beautiful, devastating gaze. "It calls itself Being."
Zack jogged up to them, looking fascinated, as he said, "You can tell that just by touching it?"
Yazoo only nodded, not quite sure what to say to the boy they had once betrayed in the name of 'family'. "That's pretty cool, Yazoo," Zack told him with a smile, and Yazoo found himself returning it despite himself. "Thank you, Zachary."
"You're welcome."
Kadaj took the materia back and shoved it into his weapons pack, keeping it sealed away, safe for future use. "Okay, so we've got seven of the damned things now," he said with a frown. "We've got Heaven, Light, Star, Sound, Life, Being, and Sabbath. We don't need them now, but we will. I can feel it. We need to keep them safe, make sure that neither of them get their hands on them."
Yazoo opened his mouth to speak, and Kadaj cut him off. "No, you keep Life, Yazoo. It's. . .it's important that you have it," he added with a shrug. "Don't ask me why."
"Very well, Kadaj." Yazoo held the materia over his right arm and watched as it was absorbed into his leather armor. He felt Life reach out to the Phoenix materia which rested beside it, and was surprised when the two materias made the decision to link to one another. Perhaps, Kadaj was right, and he was meant to have it.
"Now, if you're done reaming me," Kadaj cast a dirty look in Cloud's direction, "we have a mission to complete. Loz, Yazoo, you're with me. Cissnei and Reno, you guard our backs. Nii-san, you can do whatever the hell you want, but we've got work to do. Either help us or stay out of our way. Got it?
Cloud's eyes narrowed dangerously even as he said, "I'm not leaving you alone down here, Kadaj."
"Good, we could probably use your help. Let's go."
Cloud traded a grim glance with Vincent, who nodded his own intention to stay and guard the three young remnants, and then at Zack. He wished to hell that he hadn't insisted on coming down here with him, but since he had, there was nothing he could do but try to protect him.
And he would, Cloud swore silently, even if he had to sacrifice his own life to do it. It was what Zack had once done for him, and he would do no less for his best friend. "Hey, Zack," he said with a forced smile, "want to help me keep my boyfriend from getting himself killed?"
Zack snickered at that. "You got it, Chocobo Boy."
The smile became genuine as he retorted, "Yeah, you're one to talk, Puppy."
"Yeah, I know." Zack reached out and ruffled his friend's soft blond spikes affectionately. "But you really do have hair like a chocobo, Cloud."
Cloud lifted his hand and very slowly extended his middle finger, causing the other man to explode in peals of light-hearted laughter. Yazoo glanced over his shoulder, charmed by the sound he remembered so well, and smiled fondly. "If you boys are done insulting one another, perhaps you could remember that we are on a mission, and adjust your behavior accordingly?"
Cloud just stared at him as a memory of Sephiroth, saying the very same thing to he and Zack, flashed through his mind. Gods, but it was creepy, catching these glimpses of Sephiroth in Kadaj and his brothers. He knew that they were remnants of Jenova's—of Sephiroth's—power, but if they changed the past, would they change the remnants' memories as well?
"Don't think about it," Vincent murmured as though reading his mind. "Just concentrate on the moment, Cloud. In the end, that's really all that we have."
Cloud could only nod his spiky head in solemn agreement. Right now, in this moment, he had his best friend, his lover, and his mentor at his side. How could he possibly ask for anything more?
"This is it," Kadaj announced, slowing as they approached a large, light-filled passage. "She's in there, guys."
"Yes, she is," Yazoo confirmed in faint voice, "and she's angry, Kadaj."
Reno slung an arm around his shoulders and roughly yanked him close. "Don't worry, gorgeous, I'll protect you."
"Hmmm." Yazoo slid him a sidelong glance, his smile faintly mocking. "Will you, now?"
"Oh, give the flirting a rest," Kadaj told them impatiently. "First Loz, now you. I'm surrounded by horny morons!"
"You only say that because you're not getting any," Reno drawled lazily, slanting a meaningful look at Cloud over his shoulder. "Time to step up to the plate, yo."
Cloud shot him a dark look as he felt himself blush profusely. "Shut the hell up, Reno!"
Zack laughed again, thoroughly enjoying his best friend's discomfiture. "No need to be embarrassed, Cloud. You're not the only one who's going without on this little adventure."
Vincent hid a smile behind the cowl of his cloak, surprised to find himself actually liking Zack Fair, despite the young man's annoying tendency to talk at all times. He slipped past them and approached the youngest remnant, his concern for Yazoo's safety enough to make him risk speaking with the volatile silver-haired boy.
"What you attempting is dangerous," he said in a low voice.
"Duh." Kadaj sent him a scornful look before looking back at the lighted entranced. "We don't have a choice here. I have to at least try to make her understand."
"Then, let me go first." At the boy's suspicious expression, Vincent explained, "As strong as you and your brothers are, I am nearly indestructible. I will survive if Gaia attacks without warning, and I can buy you time to escape, should it become necessary."
Kadaj crossed his arms over his chest, frowning faintly as he considered the gunman's words. "Why would you help us?" he asked with a touch of anger. "You hate us, remember?"
Crimson eyes met and held his own. "I don't hate you, Kadaj."
"Really?" One silver eyebrow climbed upwards in an unbearably arrogant manner. "Since when?"
"Our situation is complicated," Vincent stated cryptically, as though that were answer enough.
And it was. In the end, Kadaj merely nodded and dropped his arms. "Take point, then," he ordered imperiously, "but remember that we'll be right behind you!"
Pale lips curved upwards in the smallest of smiles. "Understood."
Vincent turned, flipped his red cape away from his gun in a dramatic gesture, and stepped into the light. Kadj rolled his eyes at the former Turk's eccentricities, drew Souba, and gestured for the others to follow. As he took his first steps into that brilliant radiance, Kadaj drew a deep breath and prayed that this would work.

Japanese translations: Koneko = kitten, koi = come, watashi no tame = for me, Fakku anata sabou = fuck you hard. Please note that I don't speak Japanese, and these translations are all found through online translators. Hopefully, they're used in the right context
- 40
- 41
- 42
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody