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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
- 42
- 43
- 44
Chapter 44
'My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess. Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return.' -Loveless, ACT III
"We can talk in here."
Genesis threw open a set of gilded double-doors and strolled inside, never looking behind him as he turned on two strategically placed lamps. A soft glow settled over the center of the library, bringing attention to the antique cherry-wood table and the two matching settees that faced one another over its polished face. There were two matching chairs, complete with overstuffed cushions that Genesis had always favored, sitting on either side of the room's only window. Genesis pulled the shade down and grasped a chair in each hand, using his superior strength to carry them to the table. He placed one at each end of the table and dropped into the last.
"Everyone have a seat," he said with a careless wave of his hand that belied the angry glint in his blue eyes. "Sephiroth has something to tell you."
As the rest of the party made themselves comfortable, Sephiroth leaned back against one of the bookshelves and crossed his arms over his chest. Twelve pairs of questioning eyes came to rest on him, and he fought a strong urge to squirm. He had always hated being the center of attention, and Genesis knew that. This was his way of retaliating, of paying Sephiroth back for his refusal to answer Genesis' earlier question.
And Sephiroth hated that it was working. He sighed quietly and raised his head, not meeting anyone's gaze as he stared at point beyond them all. "Genesis and I were attacked tonight," he said without preamble.
There were several worried exclamations—as well as a few curses—and Sephiroth held his hand up for silence. "She claimed to be a member of Deep Ground," he continued tonelessly, "a Tsviet. She called herself Rosso The Crimson."
Kadaj seemed excited as he leaned across Cloud to whisper, "A Color, Yaz!"
The middle remnant made a non-committal sound even as he nodded his head in understanding. There was a whisper of movement at the other end of the room, where Vincent had hidden himself in the shadows, and Yazoo quickly averted his gaze. The less he exposed himself to Vincent Valentine, the better.
"What's a Color?" Zack asked, leaning back against the foot of the couch and twisting to look up at Kadaj.
"Colors are Tsviets," Kadaj answered, as though it should have been obvious.
Zack blinked, and then asked, "So, what's a Tsviet?"
Kadaj tilted his head to one side as he looked down at the puppy, the puzzled expression eerily reminiscent of Sephiroth's when confronted with something he didn't understand. "They're kind of like the 'elite' of Deep Ground," he explained as patiently as he could. "You're a First. You should know that."
"The Deep Ground project was classified top-secret," Sephiroth reminded the boy, a warning in his pale green eyes. "There was only the vaguest mention of them in Hojo's personal files, and those were never included in the Shinra database. There was no way that Zack could have known about it."
"Oh," Kadaj said with a shrug, "okay. That makes sense. Hojo always did keep a lot of secrets."
Genesis frowned faintly at the short, seemingly meaningful exchange, displeased as he realized that the boys were willing accomplices to Sephiroth's secrecy. "Why do you call them Colors?" he questioned as casually as he could.
Kadaj sent him a veiled look, another expression that was out of place on his youthful face, which usually reflected his feelings all too clearly. "Because they're epithets of color," he said in a slow, cautious manner.
Genesis' lips tightened at what he was sure was an intentionally vague manner. "I see," he said, deliberately deepening his frown to contradict his words. "Kadaj, exactly what does that mean, 'epithets of color'?"
Yazoo stirred at his side, sensing the baby's reluctance to lie to Genesis, whom he now considered family, as well as his unwillingness to go against their progenitor's wishes. "It means that each Tsviet was given an epithet," he explained quietly, believing that the party needed to know exactly what Rufus Shinra had unleashed upon them—and the world, "a unique code-name, if you will. Rosso is Crimson."
Angeal was also frowning as he leaned forward and set his elbows on his knees. "How many of these Tsviets are there?" he asked with concern.
"Five, I believe?" Yazoo glanced at Kadaj for confirmation, and he and Loz both nodded an affirmative. Yazoo turned back to Angeal with a faintly apologetic expression. "I'm afraid that I do not know much more than that, Angeal. I did not pay as much attention to Deep Ground as I should have."
Loz chuckled at that. "Don't worry, Yazoo. You didn't miss much," he said very dryly.
Kadaj snorted his agreement. "They were all flash and no substance, Yaz. We," he made a gesture to indicate the three of them, "could have taken them with no problem."
"Hhmmm." Yazoo only shrugged and settled back in on the couch, stifling what would have been an unhappy smile as he felt the lightest of tugs on his hair. He was not in the mood to play after what had happened with Vincent in the shrine. He sent Reno a warning glance before returning his attention to his brothers. "Perhaps, we will have an opportunity to test ourselves against them, someday."
Kadaj only smiled, slowly, evilly, and said, "Count on it, brother."
Yazoo found that he still couldn't return the smile as the pressure on his hair slowly increased. He reached behind him and casually grasped a thin wrist in his hand. "Reno, when I want you to play with my hair, I will ask you to do so. Until then," he very carefully applied pressure to the point between the radius and ulna bones, "please refrain from doing so."
"Son of a bitch!" Reno exclaimed as pain shot through his arm. "Alright, alright, I'll leave your hair alone! Just let go, already! My wrist's freakin' numb, yo!"
Yazoo turned his head and raised one eyebrow before releasing him. "Thank you," he said coolly.
"Yeah, sure," Reno muttered, almost pouting as he tucked his hand under his right arm protectively. "Next time, just tell me no, yo."
Yazoo merely folded his hands over his crossed knees and said, "No."
Reno just stared at him for along moment before chuckling reluctantly. "Point made, gorgeous. No more touching without permission." He lifted his arms and stretched them out on the back of the sofa, his fingers only inches from Yazoo's hair, as he kept his word and kept his hands to himself. "Don't worry. I got your back, yo."
Yazoo's only response was the smile that had been struggling to break free, surprisingly free of the anguish which still held him in its thrall. Reno winked outrageously in return, probably attempting to lift his spirits, Yazoo concluded fondly. Something that friends did for one another, if his memories of Genesis and Angeal were at all accurate. He would have to repay Reno for his kindness, he thought, once his pain had lessened to a more tolerable degree.
Vincent shifted uncomfortably in the shadows, the sharp talons of jealousy taking hold of him at the sight of that beautiful smile aimed at another man. His demons also protested their pretty one's interest the Turk, particularly in light of the bonding rite they had been all too willing participants in. Yazoo belonged to them, and it was not just Galian and Chaos who thought so. Hellmasker was pacing just below his skin, demanding release, his intent clear despite the demon's inability to verbalize his desires. He was ready and willing to slaughter Reno for touching what belonged to them-the sooner the better-while Death Gigas only pushed at them all and egged the others on. Gigas hated that Chaos was strong enough to keep him contained, and that the more dominant demon was obeying Vincent and keeping them from their newly-claimed mate.
Mine.
Yazoo felt a stirring inside of him, an awakening of something that was new and fragile and partially disturbing, and gasped in silent response. He slowly reached up to touch the ache in his heart, which had shifted, altered in some subtle, indefinable way, although it hadn't abated. As he rubbed his fingers over the spot that metaphorically held his emotions, he couldn't halt the impulse that had him glancing in Vincent's direction.
Eyes that were crimson and gold met his own, and Yazoo was astonished at the plethora of emotions in those brilliantly shifting depths. Shimmering golden light bled into their shining ruby depths, only to darken as threads of ebony seeped into the mix, the darker color dominating the already unusual irises. It was a hauntingly lovely effect, made no less so by the disturbing intensity of that thrice-toned gaze.
Those beautiful eyes flared brilliantly, taking on a stunning scarlet hue that was much brighter than the usual deep crimson of Vincent Valentine's eyes. They seemed to pulse with a combination of mako and some emotion that Yazoo might have believed was love, had he not already known how little Vincent thought of him.
Another demon, then, Yazoo thought with sorrow, forcing himself to look away. It was no wonder that Vincent had turned him away if his control over his demons was so fragile that they could choose a lover not to his liking. Yazoo knew all too well what it was like to take a lover for reasons of necessity rather than of desire, and he would not wish that on anyone, especially not his dark gunman.
He ignored the pain that pierced his heart at the thought of never again knowing his dark one's touch, but he would not allow Vincent's demons to force him into a relationship that he did not want. Vincent would be free to find someone who could truly make him happy, and Yazoo would not interfere, providing that it was not Cloud that he chose. He could tolerate anything—or anyone—other than that.
Sephiroth observed the silent, rather eerie exchange, and waited until Yazoo had looked away to clear his throat. He kept his expression carefully blank as Vincent's gaze swung to his, the color bleeding out of them until they were their normal shade of red once more. "You have dealt with Deep Ground before, yes?" he asked, steering the conversation back to its original course. "Rosso in particular?"
The former Turk grimaced at the unpleasant reminder as he stepped forward. He stood on the edge of the ring of light surrounding the party, his ruby eyes reflecting absolutely nothing, as he responded. "Yes. Rosso was a. . . difficult adversary."
"I'm sure." Sephiroth switched his gaze to Cloud, who was shaking his fair head, and realized that this could not be properly discussed with Genesis, Angeal, and Zack in the room. "She seemed to be rather. . .disturbed, emotionally speaking," was all he allowed himself to say.
Cloud let out a strangled laugh at that. "You could say that," he said with dark humor, adding, "She took a liking to Vincent after their first fight."
Aerith giggled with characteristic merriment. "Yes, she certainly did, didn't she?"
"I remember hearing about that, yo," Reno inserted. "According to the reports, she was stalkerific for you, Valentine."
Vincent's deep red gaze showed a glimmer of disgust, and then went opaque once more. "She seemed to have developed an unhealthy interest in killing me," he said in a flat monotone.
"Well, that explains a lot," Genesis muttered, also aware of Vincent's 'moment' with the middle boy, and not liking it one bit. Those unusual crimson eyes moved to him, and he grit his teeth as he explained, "She kept calling Sephiroth 'darling' and flirting with him, even though it was me that she was trying to kill."
Zack tittered at that. "Darling?" he questioned mockingly, and Cissnei had to stifle a laugh at The General's embarrassed expression.
Sephiroth only shrugged, the Tsviet's desires something he did not care to discuss. "When you fought her, did she possess any. . .unusual magic?"
Vincent only shook his head negatively, and Sephiroth sighed again, this time heavily. "Reno, you still speak to your partner on a regular basis, do you not?"
The redheaded Turk nodded, caution bleeding into his narrow features. "What of it, yo?" he questioned warily.
"I need you to contact Tseng, and ask him if there have been any reports of attacks on AVALANCHE."
Reno was surprised by the request, which seemed to come completely out of left field. "Why, yo?"
"Rosso had a barrier similar to that of AVALANCHE's leader, Elfe," Sephiroth answered, surprised that he was explaining himself to the Turk who had once groped him. "It came from an unknown materia that had been grafted to her hand. The barrier was stronger than any I had ever come across—until today."
"Oh, shit!" Reno's eyes widened at that. "Boss Man's gonna be pissed if something's happened to Elfe, yo!"
"Why would Rufus care about AVALANCHE's leader?" Angeal asked with a surprised frown. "AVALANCHE has been a problem for Shinra for years."
"Because Rufus has been freakin' funding AVALANCHE for years!"
"Really?" Cissnei asked with surprise. "Well, that certainly explains a few things."
"But I thought that Shinra and AVALANCHE were enemies?" Kadaj questioned.
Angeal turned his frown on him, and Kadaj shrugged defensively. "We heard things," he lied quickly, "in the lab. The scientists liked to gossip."
The frown deepened as Angeal's expression turned suspicious, and Yazoo calmly stepped in. "Yes, they did," he agreed coolly, which was not a lie, precisely. "Rumor had also had it that our first official 'mission' was going to be Sephiroth himself."
Sephiroth only nodded, unsurprised. "Hojo said as much, before we fought."
"Too bad he never got around to it," Loz said with a pout. "We would have found you a lot sooner if he had."
Sephiroth smiled faintly at that. "I came for you as soon as I was able, Loz."
"Oh, I know that," Loz rushed to assure him. "I just meant that we would've saved you the trouble of having to come get us if we'd been sent to Midgar, first."
He smiled fondly at the oldest remnant, the most childlike version of himself. "I did not mind coming for you, Loz. It was a relief to finally find you."
The boy beamed at him, much the way that Kadaj did when Sephiroth did something to please him, and Sephiroth could feel the hold that his remnants had on his heart tighten fractionally. Whatever power he had lost with their creation had been well worth it, he thought warmly.
Genesis watched his lover's expression soften as he spoke with Loz and felt his own heart turn over. It still amazed him, how open Sephiroth had become in the last few months. He rarely tried to hide his feelings, as he always had in the past, and Genesis once again found himself wondering exactly what had happened to beget such a wonderful, unexpected change in the man he had come to love.
Sephiroth turned his head unexpectedly, his pale green gaze meeting Genesis' own, and those perfect features closed without warning. Sephiroth quickly looked away, tilting his head down so that his hair fell into his face, and Genesis was stunned to realize that Sephiroth was hiding-from him.
Son of a bitch! he thought, angry—and yes, fucking hurt—that Sephiroth had withdrawn from him, especially after the wonderful day they had spent together. He'd thought they were beyond all this bullshit, damn it!
And, as much as Genesis hated to do it, he needed some answers. He wouldn't go after Sephiroth in front of the entire party, but Kadaj had at least one of the answers that he sought, so he might as well ask now.
"Kadaj?" he began as casually as he could. The boy looked at him with an inquiring, almost anticipatory expression, and he smiled tightly. "How did you know about the shrine?"
Sephiroth only sighed and shook his head, wearily amused by his lover's dogged determination. "Now really is not the time for such things, Genesis," he murmured tiredly.
Kadaj only smiled, and it was an approving gesture that Genesis had seen more than once before. In fact, he could almost hear Sephiroth's voice saying, 'Such a clever kitten,' in accompaniment to that wicked grin. That was when Genesis realized that Kadaj didn't share Sephiroth's reluctance to reveal the truth, whatever the hell that was, and that the boy was more than willing to answer his questions.
"I could sense it," Kadaj answered, waving one hand in a careless, dismissive gesture that belied the smile. "We all can. We are half Cetra, you know."
"Mmmm." Genesis sent a curious glance Aerith's way. "And can you sense the shrine, as well?"
Aerith nodded positively, because she could sense The Planet's presence, even if that wasn't the true reason Kadaj had known of the shrine's existence. "The Planet speaks to me," she returned simply.
"Yeah, she can actually hear the voices of people who've returned to The Planet," Zack said with an excited grin. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"An unusual ability, to be sure," Cissnei said, a small smile hovering on her own lips, "but a useful one, I'm sure."
"Sometimes," Aerith agreed, returning their smiles wryly, "when they're not screaming for attention like spoiled children."
"So, do you hear them too?" Reno asked Yazoo, who only nodded positively. "Weird, but yeah, definitely cool."
Loz sighed from his place on the opposite sofa. "I wish I could hear them," he said mournfully.
"You can't?" Genesis asked with surprise.
"No, only Kadaj and Yazoo hear them," Cissnei answered for him, earning her a surprised look from the others, as Loz himself added, "They don't seem to like me much."
Kadaj snorted and crossed his arms at that. "They're a pain in the ass," he grumbled, "always bitching and moaning and whining about stupid shit."
Yazoo reached behind Cloud to finger a lock of the baby's silky hair. "They are dead, Kadaj," he reminded the boy gently. "I would imagine they don't care for that fact too much."
"Yeah," Kadaj sighed at length, "I guess so. I don't want to be dead, either."
He stifled a highly inappropriate laugh at that. "Well, I don't think you'll have to worry about that, tenshi." He sent a fond glance Sephiroth's way. "I believe that Sephiroth has our safety firmly in hand."
Sephiroth smiled slightly at that. "So long as you do not wander away again," he sent a pointed look at the youngest of the remnants, "I believe that I can adequately protect you."
The baby harrumphed and tossed his head before laying it on Cloud's shoulder. "Like we need protection," he groused under his breath.
Genesis smiled involuntarily at that. Sephiroth tended to be overprotective when it came to those he loved, and he definitely loved the little bully that was his youngest clone. Of course, Kadaj was very easy to love, which was surprising considering his decidedly shrewish temperament.
"Well, it's been one hellova night already," he said into the silence which followed. "I, for one, am tired as hell. I'm going to grab something to eat and turn in for the night. Yazoo, Kadaj, Loz, you are not to go near the mine again, for any reason. Is that understood?"
Loz nodded his silver head hastily. "Understood, Gen. We'll stay away, promise."
Yazoo nodded more solemnly. "We will stay away from the shrine, Genesis. You have our word," he added simply.
Kadaj scowled even as he inclined his head curtly. "We won't go back," he muttered, pissed that he had missed his chance to talk to Gaia because of the other Genesis.
"Good." Genesis rose to his feet and approached them, bending over to press a kiss to the top of each silver head. "Now, be good, and don't cause any trouble for my mother tonight. We'll be leaving in four days, so try to be good until then, all right?"
Kadaj sat still long enough for Genesis to straighten, and then made a point of grimacing and swiping his hand through his hair. "We're not really children, you know," he pointed out unpleasantly. "You don't have to treat us like babies."
Sephiroth pushed away from the wall, his expression growing stern. "Kadaj, enough."
Kadaj snorted at the quiet rebuke but kept his mouth shut, knowing how protective Sephiroth was of Koneko, even if it was them he was protecting Genesis from. "Sorry," he muttered at length, relieved that it was this Genesis who was here with them now, and not that other asshole. "I didn't mean anything by it, Gen."
Genesis' mouth dropped open in shock, and he quickly snapped it closed. "It's all right, Kadaj," he said as casually as he could. "I'm sorry, too. It wasn't my intention to treat you like a child," he added honestly.
Cat-like green eyes peered up at him through a long fringe of silver bangs, the expression in their pale depths one of suspicion, before Kadaj finally shrugged. "We're good, then?" he asked, just to be sure. "I don't have to apologize again?"
Genesis smothered a laugh at that. "We're good, Kadaj," he assured the boy dryly. "A second apology would only be redundant, don't you think?"
"Hell, yes, it would be!" Kadaj declared, and then grinned suddenly. "Do you think Martha would mind if I asked her for more apples?"
Martha was the cook, who had been with Genesis' parents for as long as he could remember, and was spoiling Kadaj even more than Genesis' mother was. "No," Genesis murmured with a fond smile, "I don't think she'd mind at all, Kadaj."
"Good." The boy turned, pressed a loud, smacking kiss to a startled Cloud's lips, and jumped to his feet. "I'll be in the kitchen."
Genesis waited until he had left to room to finally laugh aloud. He turned to share the moment with Sephiroth, only to find the other man talking to Vincent, who was at the other end of the room. Genesis ignored the ache in his heart as he watched Sephiroth cross his arms and aim a coldly angry look at his father, wishing that he could be at Sephiroth's side for this. But, Sephiroth was angry with him, probably because he'd acted like an asshole back at the shrine, and Genesis knew that if he didn't give him time to cool down, that they'd be fighting before the night was through.
And, damn it, he didn't want to fight with Sephiroth anymore. For the first time in his life, he was happy, and he didn't want to do anything to fuck that up. So, he'd forget the fact that Sephiroth had dodged his earlier question, and he'd wait for the other man to calm down before he tried to approach him. He'd go eat dinner, shower, and wait for Sephiroth to come to his room, and he'd make it up to the other man then.
Feeling good now that he had a plan of action, Genesis strolled out of the room, determined to make this a night that Sephiroth would never forget.

Sephiroth crossed his arms over his chest as he gazed at the man who had sired him with hard green eyes. "What happened in the shrine?" he asked without preamble.
Vincent winced at the blunt query, his eyes sliding from those that reminded him so strongly of both Lucrecia's and Yazoo's. "Gaia tried to attack me," he answered in a low voice. "Chaos manifested to protect me, and I allowed it. I knew that he would be better able to deal with her, and I was right."
A muscle ticked in Sephiroth's jaw at the unexpected answer. "Why did she attack you?" he asked at length, knowing that this was just as important as Yazoo's heartache—if not more so-and hating the knowledge. "The boys are a greater threat. Why didn't she go after them?"
"Because I entered the shrine first." Vincent shrugged once as he explained, "I was afraid that she might try to harm them, so I offered to... scout the area beforehand."
Sephiroth frowned faintly even as he nodded. "What did she say to you?"
"She said nothing to me," Vincent muttered, still angry that The Planet he had been altered to protect had apparently judged him without the benefit of a trial. "However, she had quite a bit to say to Chaos."
"I see." Sephiroth drew a deep, calming breath as he imagined the godlike being who had confronted him challenging Vincent's ancient, winged demon. "And what did Gaia have to say to your. . .to Chaos?"
Scarlet-clad shoulders rose and fell in a simple shrug. "She isn't very fond of him," the gunman explained. "She claimed that he had lost his way, and he accused her of forsaking her duty. They exchanged threats, and Chaos only became alarmed when she threatened to destroy the one thing he holds dear."
Sephiroth cursed silently as realization came to him. "Yazoo," he stated with dismay. "She threatened Yazoo."
"Yes," Vincent confirmed flatly. He looked away for a moment, gathering his courage, before meeting Sephiroth's gaze once more. "Chaos took advantage of the situation, and his control over my body, to initiate a. . .bonding ritual with Yazoo. I don't know exactly what that means, but I do know that our fates are somehow... connected, now. What affects us will affect him, as well."
Sephiroth released a slow breath as he absorbed the vague explanation. Vincent spoke of Chaos' actions with no emotion, his flat voice belying the emotions that caused his eyes to glimmer unsettlingly, and Sephiroth was once again forced to question the former Turk's honor. While Sephiroth hadn't personally been present for this 'bonding ritual', he little doubted that the other man had offered any comfort to Yazoo once it was through. He had likely fled, as he seemed to have done his entire life, and that bothered Sephiroth more than he liked to admit. He was not a coward, and his father should not be one, either.
"I would like to speak with your demon one day," Sephiroth said at last. "I would like to hear from his own lips exactly what this bonding entails."
'I, too, would like to speak to this human,'Chaos sneered from the depths of Vincent's mind. 'I would enjoy showing him just how little I think of The Calamity's chosen son!'
Crimson eyes widened fractionally as Vincent quickly shook his head. "Chaos is. . .unpredictable," he said in gross understatement. "He would not react well to your questions."
Sephiroth's lips thinned impatiently at that. "I would like reassurance that he has not harmed Yazoo."
'I would never harm our pretty one!' the demon declared with outrage. 'Release me, host, and I will tell The Nightmare so!'
The dark gunner only shook his head a second time, his brilliant gaze turning inward, and Sephiroth realized that the demon in question was somehow communicating with Vincent. "What does Chaos have to say about it?" he asked curiously.
Vincent's gaze shot to his, and Sephiroth was shocked to see real fear in their ruby depths. "Chaos may be an ancient demon, but he is still an agent of Gaia," he said, his voice dropping until it was a mere breath of sound, "and you are—"
The older man broke off, but not before Sephiroth divined his meaning. "And I am still Jenova's son," he stated wearily.
Vincent winced. "Sephiroth—"
"I would like to forestall any problems with Kadaj and Loz," Sephiroth told him abruptly, cutting off whatever his father might have said. "I would like your permission to explain the situation to them as it truly is, so that they will not try to. . .retaliate. May I have your permission to do so?"
Vincent gazed at him for a long, painful moment before finally nodding his assent. "I am sorry," he said again. "I never meant for any of this to happen."
Sephiroth only sighed and dropped his arms, exhausted in a way that had nothing to do with the physical. "I'm sure you didn't, Vincent," he assured him quietly. "Events rarely occur as we would like them to."
Sephiroth glanced over his shoulder, grateful for the opportunity to break eye contact, and was disappointed to see that Genesis had gone. The sight of Yazoo with his head in Reno's did take him aback, however. The youngest remnant was curled into a fetal position, hugging himself as Reno held a book open above his head with an expression of consternation. It was a compilation of romantic poetry—Sephiroth recognized the book from Genesis' own collection—and it certainly explained the Turk's uncertain, dubious look.
"You want me to read this?" he was asking. "Like, out loud, where everybody can hear me?"
Yazoo only continued to stare straight ahead of him, his dainty features drawn, a distant expression in his green eyes. "Just read, Reno," the boy whispered, and Sephiroth flinched inwardly at the pain tingeing that smooth, cultured voice.
Reno finally shrugged and opened the book. "I'll give it my best shot, yo."
Yazoo sighed deeply and closed his eyes, wanting nothing more than to blot out the world he had so foolishly returned to. "Thank you, Reno."
"I wonder what those lovers mean, who say they have giv'n their hearts away. Some good kind lover tell me how; for mine is but a torment to me now."
Reno paused and looked down at the other man. "Hey, are you sure that you want me to read this, Yazoo? It's kinda depressing, yo."
"Just read the damned thing, Reno!"
Reno looked down, shocked at the uncharacteristic outburst, and Sephiroth certainly couldn't blame him. "Sorry, yo," the Turk said quickly, finding his place on the page and beginning to read again. "If so it be one place both hearts contain, for what do they complain? What courtesy can Love do more, than to join hearts that parted were before?"
"Woe to her stubborn heart, if once mine come into the self-same room;" Yazoo opened his eyes and smiled to himself as he listened to the Turk stumble over the unfamiliar words. Only a true friend would embarrass himself like this, he thought, grateful to have found one in such an unlikely person."'Twill tear and blow up all within, like a granado shot into a magazine."
"Oh, okay, now I get it," Reno declared, settling back with the book and dropping one hand to absently stroke silky moonspun threads. "It's got guns and stuff in it, yo. Kind of like Turk humor, only in a poem."
Yazoo lifted one hand to his thigh and squeezed warningly, and Reno grinned hugely. "Yeah, yeah, I'm reading, gorgeous. Chill."
"Then shall Love keep the ashes, and torn parts, of both our broken hearts: Shall out of both one new one make, from hers, th' allay; from mine, the metal take."
The middle remnant seemed to relax as he listened, the stress bleeding out of his fine features, his lips parting on a softer, happier sigh. Sephiroth slanted a sidelong glance at Vincent, only to find the older man watching Yazoo with an expression of tormented longing. Sephiroth set a hand on his shoulder, drawing those miserable red eyes back to his own. He didn't speak, merely squeezed the older man's shoulder in a comforting gesture.
"For of her heart he from the flames will find but little left behind: mine only will remain entire; no dross was there, to perish in the fire."
"Chaos was right," Vincent murmured roughly. "I am a coward."
Sephiroth could offer no comforting words to ease the other man's pain. He only watch with sorrow as the former Turk backed away from his touch and walked away. To survive such much heartbreak and misery, only to shun happiness when it was offered to him. It was such a waste, and yet, Sephiroth could understand Vincent's reluctance to risk his heart again. While he might never be able to do the same, it was a very. . .human reaction.
He waited until Reno had moved onto the next poem, this one pure drivel from Sephiroth's point of view, to approach the middle remnant. He knelt on the carpet before the settee and leveled a solemn smile at the one whose personality most closely matched his own. Yazoo looked up as Reno's voice trailed off, and Sephiroth caught a glimpse of soul-deep pain before those delicate features closed once more.
He reached out and hesitantly pushed a stray strand of silver hair away from the boy's face, much as Genesis had always done for him, and was rewarded with a genuine, if somewhat strained, smile. Sephiroth leaned forward and pressed his lips to Yazoo's hair, and then settled on the floor before him.
"Do not stop on my account," he told Reno, who had fallen silent the moment he had approached. "Continue, Turk."
Reno smirked but did as he was bidden, and Sephiroth was only partially surprised when he felt a slim hand grip his shoulder tightly. He reached back and laid his own over it, and was rewarded with a slow, silent exhalation.
'Thank you.'
Sephiroth only smiled to himself. 'Do not thank me, Yazoo. I have no place I would rather be at this precise moment.'
He couldn't see the remnant's answering smile, but he could feel the boy's relief as Yazoo combed a gloved hand through his hair. 'We did not mean to cause trouble today. We only wanted to help.'
'I know,' Sephiroth acknowledged, 'but you must try to keep Kadaj from doing such reckless things in the future. I will do everything in my power to protect you and your brothers, but even I cannot be in two places at once.'
'I will try,' Yazoo told him, 'but tenshi can be very persuasive when he wants something.'
Sephiroth only nodded his understanding and leaned back, resting his head against his remnant's knee, as he considered his next words. It was not his place to interfere, but he could sense the damage that Vincent's actions had done to Yazoo's fragile sense of self-confidence, and he did not want the boy to withdraw any more that he already had.
'Vincent struggles, Yazoo.' The hand sifting through his hair stilled, and Sephiroth forced himself to continue, 'After all that has happened in his life, he finds himself. . .leery of what he has come to feel for you. Give him time to accept his feelings, if you can.'
'Vincent is. . .scared?' came the tentative, doubtful, hopeful response.
'Yes,' Sephiroth told him firmly. 'A feeling that you can understand, I believe.'
Yazoo's voice was a mere whisper in his mind. 'Yes, I understand fear.'
He'd thought as much, Sephiroth thought simply. Yazoo fell silent, contemplating his words, Sephiroth knew, and he could only hope that Vincent's reticence wouldn't continue for too much longer. He disliked seeing both men so heartrendingly unhappy when there was no need for it.
Sephiroth saw that Angeal was watching them and stifled a smile. Ever vigilant, he thought fondly, and always protective. Angeal caught his perusal and shrugged, offering a crooked smile in return, and Sephiroth let his expression show his own affection. While he and Angeal were not as close as Sephiroth would like, he knew that that was more his doing than Angeal's. Much as he unwittingly had with Genesis, Sephiroth had kept his thoughts and feelings to himself, letting Angeal slip under his guard only when he suffered a 'weak' moment. It was something that Sephiroth had always regretted, even more so now, since he and Genesis and become so much closer.
Perhaps, he mused thoughtfully, it was time change that.
'Genesis is still angry with you, isn't he?'
Yazoo's question shouldn't have surprised Sephiroth. He had already seen for himself just how sensitive Yazoo was to the emotions of those around him, and he should have expected that his remnant would be concerned for him. 'I believe so,' he answered honestly. 'Genesis does not like that I have yet to offer a proper explanation for our. . .situation.'
'Yes, I have seen that,' the silver gunner agreed. 'He believes that he wants the truth, doesn't he?'
Sephiroth's heart skipped a beat at those unspoken words. 'He would not be able to accept the truth of himself, Yazoo. It would unhinge him.'
'And you, as well?'
'And me, as well,' Sephiroth admitted. 'Losing him would be bad enough, but to watch him lose himself a second time. . .I don't believe I would survive that.'
Yazoo removed his left glove and resumed stroking Sephiroth's hair. 'He truly seems to love you, Father. I think you may be underestimating him.'
'That is a chance I cannot take.' Sephiroth's tone brooked no argument as he half-turned to face him. 'Make that clear to your brothers, as well, Yazoo.'
'Very well, Sephiroth.' Yazoo took the words as the warning they were meant to be and let the subject drop. He lifted a lifted a lock of Sephiroth's silver hair, his expression changing to one of curiosity as he fingered it. "Your hair is much lighter than ours," he said aloud. "Why do you think that is?"
Sephiroth blinked, surprised that the remnant had accepted the change in subject so easily. "I do not know," he answered with a shrug, ignoring the way Reno was hanging onto their every word. "Perhaps, your human mothers had something to do with that. I know that I received this," he indicated the natural flare of his bangs, "from mine."
Yazoo only stared at him, his elegant features showing surprise. "We have a human mother?" he asked with amazement.
Sephiroth frowned at the question, and then realized that this was not something that Hojo would have discussed with them. "Yes, Yazoo," he answered in a soft voice, "you were born of a human mother, just as I was."
"Remarkable," Yazoo murmured thoughtfully. "I had always assumed that we were. . .otherwise produced. We all did."
Sephiroth only nodded at that. "Hojo was not one to repeat his mistakes. Although I tried to hide it, he saw how I reacted to the lie that my birth took my mother's life, and he must have realized that it was simpler to offer no explanation at all."
"Perhaps." Yazoo sighed as lifted his head, only to lay it on Sephiroth's shoulder. "It is nice to know that we have human blood, that we are not perfectus beluae."
Sephiroth smiled sadly at the archaic pronunciation of what Genesis had once named him. "No," he rasped with sudden emotion, "we are not perfect monsters."
Sephiroth heard Angeal gasp as he reached up and cupped the back of Yazoo's head. He ignored his friend as he closed his eyes, turning his face until he could press his lips against the boy's forehead, offering silent comfort even as he took the same in return. He could feel the accursed Jenova cells within him clamoring for Reunion, but there was more to his feelings for his remnants than a mere biological imperative. He did not wish to destroy and absorb Yazoo, he wanted only to protect him, as he did the boy's brothers. As far as Sephiroth was concerned, they were his children, and woe to anyone who ever attempted to separate them.
He felt a surge of emotions not his own just moments before he was tackled from behind. He found himself locked in a one-armed bear hug, and he forced himself to ignore his instincts—which screamed for him to attack—as he reached up and awkwardly patted Loz's muscular arm. He opened his eyes to find that Yazoo had been likely caught by surprise, his fine features showing both affection and irritation as he raised his head, and Sephiroth couldn't stifle the laughter that spilled forth.
"I believe your brother feels left out," he said wryly.
"So I see." Yazoo patted his brother's back and rested his head on Reno's lap once more, his silver-green eyes gleaming with a tranquility that Sephiroth had not seen since finding the boys in Gaia's shrine. "You're not crying, are you, Loz?"
A sniffle sounded, followed by a solid denial. "No, I'm not crying!"
Yazoo only smiled beatifically and tilted his head back to gaze up at Reno. "You stopped reading," he pointed out in a mild voice.
"You're kidding, yo. I wouldn't have missed this for all the gil in the world!"
A musical laugh escaped Yazoo at the fervent exclamation. "Gave you a new fantasy, did it?"
"Oh, yeah." Reno looked from him to Sephiroth, sighed dreamily, and then focused on him once more. "I'm so going to rub one out tonight, yo."
"Ugh!" Cloud exclaimed with disgust, edging away from all of them. "Do you have to say stuff like that when I'm around to hear it?"
"Yeah!" Loz frowned at him as he released Sephiroth. "Father doesn't need to you hear you saying things like that about him!"
Reno only grinned devilishly. "Yeah, like he's not used to it," he quipped smugly. "I've been chasing after his ass for years."
Sephiroth fought a blush as he raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Reno, your fantasies are not a subject of interest for me," he said in what he hoped was a commanding voice. "Please, refrain from speaking of them—or my ass—any further."
A gleam entered those aquamarine eyes. "But you've got a great ass, yo."
Zack laughed hard at that, clutching his stomach as he curled into a ball at Angeal's feet. "Reno," he gasped breathlessly, "he's so going to kick your ass if you don't shut up!"
Reno pretended to consider that as he looked Sephiroth over. "It just might be worth it, Zack, so long as I survive."
Angeal let out a reluctant chuckle at that, grinning as Sephiroth sent him an exasperated look. He was relieved that Sephiroth and Yazoo had stopped speaking of themselves as monsters, and that Sephiroth wasn't too embarrassed by the young Turk's off-color comments.
"Reno, you are either very brave, or very stupid," Angeal told him seriously. "I have yet to decide which one it is."
"Probably a little of both, yo." Reno looked over at Cissnei, who was smiling as she silently watched them, and rolled his eyes. "SOLDIERs," he stated with mock annoyance, his grin widening as she shook her head and laughed. "Must be something in the mako, yo."
Cissnei pushed her bangs out of her face, her deep amber eyes sparkling with mirth. "Because it couldn't possibly be that you have a big mouth," she shot back facetiously.
"Who, me?" he drawled with exaggerated innocence. "Nah, couldn't be."
Aerith laughed at that, reaching over to touch Angeal's knee in a spontaneous gesture of affection. "Reno never gives up," she told him in a dry voice, "no matter how much one might want him to."
"And I most assuredly want him to," Sephiroth said on a long-suffering sigh, hiding a smile at Angeal's suddenly uncomfortable expression. "Reno, remind me again, exactly why did I save you?"
"Oh, now that hurts." Reno pushed his thin bottom lip out in a sorry excuse for a pout. "You know you luv me, babe. Just admit it."
Sephiroth snorted and swatted the hand that was reaching for his hair aside. "Don't make me find another wall," he returned, only half joking.
Reno immediately dropped his hand to Yazoo's hair. "I'm good, yo."
Yazoo turned onto his back and gazed up at him with one eyebrow raised. "Are you, now?" he all but purred. "That remains to be seen, doesn't it?"
Sephiroth cleared his throat and pushed himself to his feet. "I believe that is my cue to go," he said quickly, reaching down to clasp Yazoo's shoulder briefly. "Don't stay up too late. I doubt that Mrs. Rhapsodos would approve."
"Oh, don't worry about Magdalene," Yazoo told him with a serene smile. "Kadaj has her firmly in hand."
He only shook his head and lifted a hand to the rest of the room. "I'll see you all in the morning. Sleep well," he added before sweeping out of the room.
He made his way to his room in east wing and closed the door gratefully behind him. As much as he enjoyed the company of his friends and family, it was always nice to have time to himself. Not that he would have much of that tonight, he reminded himself hastily. He had promised Genesis that he would go to his room, so he could not linger here for too long. The fact that Genesis might still be upset with him was immaterial. He had made a promise, and he would keep it, regardless of whether or not it was wise for him to do so.
Sephiroth shook his head at his foolishness, but in truth, he did not want to be without his kitten. He fully expected Genesis to come at him with claws unsheathed, and a part of him was looking forward to it, simply because it would be a sign that Genesis still cared for him.
While he had always hated fighting with the other man, he would prefer it to spending a sleepless night alone in his own bed. Perhaps, he would be able to come up an answer or two that would not require too much prevarication on his part. It was the very least he owed Genesis, and unfortunately, it was all he could give him.
At least, Genesis had shown no further signs of degradation, Sephiroth comforted himself. He was still as quick and nimble as always, as he had shown during their confrontation with Rosso The Crimson, and powerful enough to still use his magic spells at full strength. While the appearance of Genesis' Dark Energy spell had surprised him, Sephiroth had no way of knowing if it was a symptom of the degradation, or if Genesis had simply been cultivating the ability all along. It wouldn't have been the first time he had taught himself a new spell without telling anyone, and Sephiroth had only 'seen' him use it during his confrontation with Zack in Gaia's shrine almost nine years ago. He didn't know when Genesis had originally developed the skill, and he simply didn't have enough information to make a solid judgment on the matter.
And he could very well be fooling himself, Sephiroth thought with a sigh. He did not want to see signs of sickness in his lover, and so he might unconsciously try to blind himself to the truth. He could only hope that he was correct, and that Genesis' new ability, coupled with the bullet wounds that had not automatically healed themselves, were merely unusual coincidences.
Sephiroth conveniently ignored the fact that he didn't believe in coincidences, so desperate was he to believe that he had not failed Genesis. While he knew that he would have to contact Hollander soon, he was not looking forward to doing so. He did not like the reminder that his love's life could be in danger, especially from an enemy that he himself could not conquer.
Sephiroth shuddered violently and thrust the thought away. Genesis was safe and healthy and whole, and he would not allow himself to think otherwise unless presented with incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.
Keeping that thought firmly in the forefront of his mind, Sephiroth glanced at the open closet and was surprised to see his leather uniform hanging from a cleaner's hangar. He approached the closet and ran a hand over the supple leather with a wistful sigh. Unfortunately, he did not have an excuse to wear the familiar, comforting clothing tonight. Although, he did remember Genesis once mentioning something about his boots. . .
Sephiroth glanced down at the shiny black footwear and smiled slowly. Yes, Genesis was angry with him, but perhaps he wouldn't be quite so unreasonable if Sephiroth indulged him in another of his fantasies. And, Sephiroth had to admit that he was curious as the effect it would have on his stunningly passionate lover.
He quickly removed his running shoes and slacks and pulled the midnight leather of his boots up his legs. He made sure that they were securely fastened before donning the slacks once more. If nothing else, he knew that Genesis would be surprised when he finally calmed down enough to decide that he wanted to initiate sexual contact. That alone made wearing the boots under these horrible civilian clothes worthwhile.
Sephiroth chuckled to himself and bent down to retrieve his army-issue duffel bag. He carefully folded the rest of his uniform and set it inside, grateful that he would soon be able to wear his normal clothing once more. Genesis was not the only one who preferred Sephiroth in leather.
He shouldered the bag, switched the lamp off, and slipped out of the room. He made his way quietly down the hall, taking special care as he passed the Rhapsodos' bedroom suite. While he did not know if Genesis' workaholic father had gone to bed yet, he knew that Genesis' mother turned in quite early. She was likely already asleep, and last thing he wanted was for her to awaken and catch him in the act of sneaking into her son's bedroom. He could well imagine the scene which would follow, and he wanted absolutely no part of it.
He could hear Kadaj's voice coming from the center of the house and smiled involuntarily as the boy chattered away. Martha, the Rhapsodos' cook, would murmur every so often, her voice laced with affection, and Sephiroth could only marvel at the boy's ability to charm the adults around him. He was very much like Genesis, using his arrogance as a shield with those he didn't like or know, even as he captivated them with the sheer force of his charismatic personality. He wondered if Genesis would ever allow himself to see their many similarities?
Sephiroth crept stealthily towards Genesis' bedroom, alert for any sounds of movement within. He could hear a faint rustle of what he perceived to be paper, and concluded that his lover was reading, more than likely from the edition of Loveless that he carried with him at all times. He wished for a moment that Genesis had stayed in the library long enough to listen to Reno stumble over that poem. He would have enjoyed sharing that moment with Yazoo and Loz even more than Sephiroth had.
There would be ample time for that in the future, Sephiroth assured himself as he grasped the doorknob and carefully turned it. He pushed the door open silently and slipped inside. He quickly closed it and turned towards the center of the room to find Genesis sitting up in bed, clad in nothing more than a silk robe, gazing at him with one fiery eyebrow arched just so.
"It took you long enough," he said in lieu of greeting, his voice unexpectedly mild as he closed the large book—not Loveless, surprisingly—and set his hands over the cover. "I was beginning to think that you'd forgotten about me."
Sephiroth only shook his head, scattering his overlong hair, deceptively calm as he approached the bed. "You say that as though it were possible," he murmured as he sat down and stretched out beside the other man, dropping the duffel bag to the floor. "You should know better than that by now, Genesis."
"Hmph." Genesis slanted him a sidelong glance, his eyes traveling the length of Sephiroth's deceptively lean body, his hunger hidden by the fringe of his hair. "So, are you still mad at me?"
Sephiroth's lips parted in surprise at the unexpected question. "Why would you think I am angry with you?" he questioned with confusion.
Genesis shrugged his silk-clad shoulders casually. "I acted like an asshole back at the shrine," he answered in abnormally quiet voice. "And I wasn't much better in the library. I don't blame you for being pissed off."
Sephiroth only sighed and shook his head, reaching out to lay one hand over both of Genesis'. "I am not angry with you, Genesis. I am merely," exhausted, tense, unsure of myself, "tired."
Genesis echoed his sigh and clasped long-fingered hands in his own. "You're not alone in this, Seph. I'm right here." He tightened his hold to emphasize his words. "If you'd only let me in, I could help you deal with what's happening."
Sephiroth shifted closer, freeing one arm to slide it around the other man's shoulders, and laid his cheek on the fiery crown of Genesis' head. "I am not used to relying on others," he admitted at length. "It is. . .difficult for me to ask for help."
"Then, don't ask." Genesis turned and hugged him tightly, burying his face in his lover's thick fall of hair. "You don't even have to allude to it. You can casually mention what's bothering you, and I'll do my best to help you work through it. You can trust me, Seph. I won't ever betray you. You have to know that by now."
"I do," Sephiroth assured him gently, cupping the back of his slender neck as he held his kitten close. "You have been a great comfort to me, kitten. Never believe otherwise."
Genesis raised his head and gazed at him with soulful blue eyes. "Then please, Sephiroth, let me in."
Sephiroth combed his fingers through Genesis' fire-imbued tresses and nodded slowly. "What do you want to know?" he asked, unable to resist that heartfelt plea. "I will answer your questions as best I can."
Genesis considered all of the questions that he had once had for his stoic, closed-mouthed lover, and decided to start with what was bothering him the most. "Exactly what's going on with Vincent and Yazoo?" he asked at length. "Why is Vincent treating him so badly? Why did regaining his memories drive them apart?"
"I am not entirely sure what has passed between them," Sephiroth answered uncomfortably, wishing that Genesis had chosen a less personal subject to address first. "I only know that Yazoo loves Vincent very much. I believe that Vincent feels the same, but he has been hurt before, and he fears being hurt again."
"Your mother?" Genesis questioned softly.
"Yes," Sephiroth answered simply.
Genesis laid his head on Sephiroth's shoulder, knowing how hard it was for the other man to speak of such personal things when it didn't involve the two of them. "And his memories?"
"That is what I am unsure of," Sephiroth said, frowning slightly as he thought about it. Yes, he had observed the remnants and their failed Reunion, but he did not remember seeing Yazoo and Vincent in an intimate situation. "I do not know how they would have met, when Vincent had been imprisoned not long after Hojo killed him."
"I do." Sephiroth gazed down at him with surprise, and Genesis graciously explained, "Cloud said that he found Vincent in a coffin in Nibelheim, and that's where the boys were kept before Cloud escaped and lost track of them. They probably met there."
Sephiroth blinked once as he realized that Genesis' quick mind had obviously been contemplating this for quite some time. "I had not thought of that," he admitted freely, smiling at Genesis' proud expression. "Not only beautiful, but clever, as well."
"And that's another thing I want to talk to you about," the other man announced, ignoring the confusion that flickered through those gorgeous ice-green eyes. "I want to know exactly what it is that the boys are helping you hide, Sephiroth."
Wariness crept into those damnably beautiful eyes, and Genesis gripped Sephiroth's chin with a firm hand. "Kadaj wants to tell me," he told the other man warningly, "and if you don't answer my question here and now, I'll get my answer from him. Is that what you want?"
"No," Sephiroth whispered, closing his eyes in defeat. His kitten was too clever. "Genesis, there is so much that I do not understand about what is happening to us that I do not even know how to begin explaining it all to you."
"Start with Deep Ground," Genesis suggested, even as he rubbed his thumb over Sephiroth's chin in silent apology. But damn it all, he had to know. "Tell me why Kadaj was so reluctant to answer my questions about them, when he had no problems answering Zack's, of all people's?"
"Deep Ground was Hojo's personal pet project," Sephiroth answered with a frown. "Not even President Shinra was aware of their existence. Kadaj shouldn't have know about them—I shouldn't have known about them. He was simply being cautious."
"Hmmmm." Genesis gazed at him thoughtfully, an all too familiar glint appearing in his sky-blue eyes, before finally releasing him. "I could believe that, if he hadn't answered Zack's question about The Tsviets so damned easily. Keep trying, Sephiroth."
The frown deepened as Sephiroth watched his lover toss his head in a defiant gesture that echoed the warning in his words. Kadaj had been wary because of Genesis' ties to Deep Ground, of the cells he had once donated to them, and that had been used in the Tsviet's creation years earlier. How could he answer Genesis' question when the truth could only lead to his lover's destruction?
"Genesis, exactly what do you want me to say?" he asked with a touch of frustration, hating the lies that were even now eating away at what they had built together. "While the boys and I are capable of sharing our thoughts, I have yet to learn how to enter their minds. Kadaj's motives are his own, and he has not made me privy to them."
"Bullshit!" the other man snapped, and Sephiroth was very much afraid that they would spend the night fighting, as he had expected. "You're lying to me, Sephiroth, keeping secrets from me, and I want it to stop! Tell me the truth, godsdamnit, or you can sleep by your fucking self tonight!"
"I am not omniscient, Genesis. I do not have all of the answers." Sephiroth eyed him coldly, hurt and scared and angry all at once, as the consequences of keeping his kitten safely ensconced in the dark threatened to undo all of his hard work. "You expect me to have the answers you seek, and then threaten to punish me when I do not. Tell me what you want to hear, and I will say it, if for no other than to keep the peace between us."
"Fuck you!" Genesis flared, jumping to his feet so quickly that the book on his lap flew several feet before landing on the floor. He was outraged that Sephiroth would try to pander to him, and then have the nerve to admit it to his face. "Get the hell out of here, Sephiroth! If you can't be honest with me then I don't want you here!"
Sephiroth inhaled sharply, quickly schooling his features to blandness, as pain clawed at his heart. He swung his legs to the floor, grasped the handle of his bag, and swiftly rose to his feet. He didn't look at Genesis as he made his way to the door, knowing that his fierce kitten had too much pride to call him back, even if Genesis were to find himself regretting the outburst, which Sephiroth highly doubted. Genesis had worked himself into a self-righteous fury, and it could be weeks before he even deigned to speak to Sephiroth again. In light of their current situation, he found the thought both alarming and dismally depressing.
Sephiroth let himself out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him, and walked back to his own. He used none of the stealth that had marked his first trip here, because he knew that it no longer mattered. How could he care what anyone else might think of him when Genesis believed him to be a liar?
He was still stunned by Genesis' sudden, ferocious reaction to his attempts at honesty. While Genesis had always had a volatile temperament, Sephiroth had seen little of the near-manic mood swings that had always marked his lover's behavior. That the other man had turned on him so quickly, and with so little provocation, was an all too painful reminder of the way that things had once been between them.
Sephiroth had truly believed that it had been Genesis' dissatisfaction with his life that had caused him to be so unreasonable, and he had taken measures to permanently eliminate all sources of the other man's unhappiness. He had changed himself, giving Genesis more than even he had believed himself capable of, and Genesis had thrown it all back in his face in a fit of childish temper. What did that say about the love that Genesis claimed to feel for him?
For the first time, Sephiroth found himself wondering if he had been wrong all these years. He had always believed that Genesis loved him, in his own unique way, and had forgiven him all because of that belief. Was it possible that Genesis had never truly loved him at all, and that Sephiroth had loved him so much that he had willingly blinded himself to the truth?
No, Sephiroth told himself sternly, he couldn't allow himself to think this way. He could not doubt Genesis now, when the other man had given up everything he held dear to be with him. Genesis did love him. The other man had destroyed The Planet in his grief over Sephiroth's death, damning the souls of those he cared for in the process. How much more proof did Sephiroth require?
But it hurt, a small voice cried in the back of his mind, and Sephiroth lips twisted bitterly in silent agreement. Genesis had been so happy today, laughing and smiling and light-hearted, only to turn on him, those beautiful lips Sephiroth had spent hours worshipping spouting obscenities as he pushed Sephiroth away. Had the time they had spent together since their reunion truly meant so little to him? Hadn't Genesis' words of love and devotion meant anything at all?
'Foolish child, did you learn nothing from the past?'
Sephiroth stumbled as the words ran lovingly through his vulnerable mind, realizing too late where all of his doubts were coming from. "No," he whispered harshly, panic filling him as he attempted to close his mind and failed, "leave me be!"
'I will never leave you,' came the eerie, confident response, ' my son.'
'I am not your son,' Sephiroth bit out, flinching as ghostly talons tore into the defenseless layers of his mind. 'My mother was human.'
'Never!' Heaven's Dark Harbinger let out an angry squeal as she appeared before him, grotesquely mesmerizing in all her mutated glory, the mental image so strong that she could have been standing before him. Her single eye glowed with the force of her indomitable will as she drew back tentacled arms and lunged for him. 'You are mine!'
'Get the fuck away from him, you bitch!' Kadaj's voice rang through his mind, his tone venomous as he mentally inserted himself between Sephiroth and the alien being that they called Mother. 'Father, go back to your room and wait for Yazoo. Loz and I will take of 'Mommy'.'
Sephiroth gasped as he reached out and laid a hand on the wall to steady himself, a different kind of panic rushing through him. 'No, little one,' he pleaded as his head spun, 'she is too strong for you. Withdraw and allow me to deal with her.'
'Hell, no!' Loz's deep voice boomed through Sephiroth's mind, completely overriding any answer Kadaj might have had. 'Listen to tenshi and go wait for Yazoo. We've got this bitch covered.'
Jenova screeched angrily at the ingratitude of her children, her emotions dark and intense and all consuming. Sephiroth didn't withdraw from the mental battlefield as much as he was thrust from it by the iron will of his youngest remnant. He found himself kneeling in the hall, his fists clenched at his temples, as Yazoo ran silently towards him. "Kadaj and Loz," he began, only to be shushed.
"They'll be fine," Yazoo rushed to assure him. He gripped Sephiroth's hand and pulled his arm over his shoulder, pulling the taller man to his feet. "Come, Sephiroth. We do not want anyone to witness this moment of weakness."
Sephiroth wondered dimly if 'anyone' meant Genesis, or Cloud Strife. "She is too strong for them," he said, appalled to hear his voice waver precariously as images of Kadaj and Loz lifting their weapons in challenge flashed through his mind. "They cannot defeat her."
Yazoo slipped an arm around his waist and carefully began to guide him through the darkened hallway. "They need not defeat her," he said in a murmur. "They need only occupy her until we have rendered your mind inaccessible to her."
"How will we do that?" Sephiroth asked, flinching as Jenova continued to sift through his damaged mind, even while battling her wayward sons. Kadaj might have been strong enough to severe the connection between them, but Sephiroth could not keep her out. "I cannot close my mind to her. She has found a way to circumvent my attempts to do so."
"I can teach you," Yazoo told him confidently, fully aware of his brothers as they attempted to flank the shape-shifting monster while her attention was divided between Sephiroth, and them. "I was able to teach Loz and Kadaj how to guard their minds while traversing the Lifestream, and I can show you how to, as well."
Sephiroth found himself clinging to his remnant, grateful for the boy's self-possession as he fought to reclaim his own. Yazoo felt his gratitude and squeezed his waist once in response. "All will be well, Father. We are here to care for you, now."
Sephiroth was surprised by the relief that swept over him upon hearing those calmly uttered words. He truly hadn't realized just how great a burden his self-appointed mission had become until this moment. He had felt utterly alone, unable to share his troubles with those he trusted the most, because they were the very ones he was striving so hard to save. He still felt very uncomfortable around Cloud, and he truly did not know Vincent, so confiding in them had been out of the question. And as for his remnants. . .
He slid a sidelong glance at Yazoo, who only met his gaze with serene green eyes, and he realized that his attempts to ensure their safety had partially hampered the bond between them. While young, the boys were powerful, and more well versed in matters of the mind than he. Had he made an attempt to reach out to them, to ask for the help that he'd so desperately needed, he might have found more than comfort. He might very well have found a way to forestall the disaster which now loomed over them.
"I am. . .scared," he whispered at last, and Yazoo made a soft humming sound as he opened the door to Sephiroth's bedroom. "I know you are, Father, but we're here to help you. We won't let you fall alone."
Sephiroth shuddered at the young man's words, not protesting as Yazoo led him to the bed and eased him onto it. Yazoo didn't turn on any lights, only moved to the window and pushed it open, allowing the cool Banora air in hopes of soothing Sephiroth. The boy turned back to the other man, not surprised to see that his progenitor was holding his head in pain. Jenova's attack had been very sudden, carefully chosen when her son was at his weakest, and Sephiroth had been unable to fight her. Luckily, Kadaj and Loz were having no such problems.
"We are here," he said as softly as he could, sitting beside the older man and pulling him to him. Yazoo leaned back against the headboard and held Sephiroth tightly, offering him silent comfort, bolstered by the support he felt coming from his brother's as they battled Mother. He ran a hand over Sephiroth's hair in a gesture he observed Genesis performing often, and made his first foray into his father's shattered mind.
'Concentrate on me, Father. Follow the sound of my voice, and I will lead you to safety.'
Sephiroth couldn't control the tremors that wracked the length of his body as he desperately followed his remnant's instructions and fled from Mother. He found himself in the standing the landscape of his mind, surrounded by the moments that had defined the man he had once been, and had created the penitent monster that he was now. Genesis featured prominently in each scene, his wing flaring darkly, his eyes glowing a beautiful, unearthly blue. Angeal was there as well, his wing as white as Sephiroth's own was black, the Buster Sword held loosely in his hand as he faced Sephiroth in a hallway of the Shinra building.
Even Zack was with him, Sephiroth noted with surprise, his easy smile lighting up his face as he told Sephiroth about the brave young infantryman who had saved his life in Modeoheim. Sephiroth remembered how he had once shied away from the boy's tale, hating to be reminded of Genesis and Angeal and the pain of their desertion, and felt a pang of sorrow. Zack had needed him and he had turned away, all but blinded by his own pain.
'Sephiroth, you will lose your way if you do not come to me now.'
Sephiroth whirled around to see Yazoo standing before him, looking pale and perfect against the backdrop of the Sleeping Forest. The slender, willowy remnant extended a hand, and Sephiroth stepped forward to take it. 'Is this where you feel safe?' he asked, his deep voice hushed as he instinctively sought to preserve the tranquil silence of the Cetra's lands.
'Yes,' Yazoo answered, gripping his hand as he cast a glance around them. 'My best memories are here. The only time I have ever felt happiness was here, in our ancestors' realm.'
Sephiroth knew then that his earlier suspicions had been correct. 'This is where you met Vincent,' he stated with certainty.
'Not Vincent,' the young remnant said with a shake of his silver head, 'but my dark one. Vincent bears very little resemblance to him, I'm afraid.'
Sephiroth squeezed his hand tightly, and was rewarded with a gentle smile. 'You must find a place of your own, Sephiroth. A place where no one can touch you, where your memories will protect you, even from her.'
'Genesis was always my haven,' he murmured sorrowfully in response. 'There is no peace without him.'
'Then, find your most cherished memory of him, the one that made you feel safest, and lose yourself there. She will be unable to touch you, once you do.'
Sephiroth sighed heavily as he shook his own head. 'Memories are not enough, Yazoo. There never were.'
'You'd be surprised, Father.' Yazoo smiled and lifted his bare hands to Sephiroth's face, cupping it with infinite tenderness. 'Let's find you a new haven, mmmm?'
Sephiroth found himself lost in the vortex of his memories, and he would have been frightened as the entirety of his life flashed and whorled around him, if not for Yazoo's peaceful presence. His remnant guided him through the baffling archives of his own mind, studying memories which made Sephiroth cringe with fear, as well as gasp in embarrassment. Yazoo only smiled as he moved on, searching for that one, perfect moment that save Sephiroth from Jenova—and himself.
There, Yazoo thought with excitement, very surprised to see which memory Sephiroth had chosen. They were in Bone Village, just outside of the Sleeping Forest, and that was Genesis was rushing towards them, Rapier flaming with magical power. Sephiroth turned towards him, manifesting Masamune and flying to meet Genesis, and their swords met in a flash of awe-inspiring power. Yazoo made sure to keep out of their way as he watched the two men spar, both smiling at one another as they cut and dodged and thrust their way across the ancient WEAPON's carcass.
So, this was his father's most treasured memory, Yazoo mused thoughtfully. Sparring with their—with his—kitten, meeting as equals for what appeared to be the first time. As Genesis drew his hand back and gathered enough spirit energy for a fire spell, Yazoo realized that he had never seen Sephiroth so happy. Sephiroth was like them, his existence one of steel and blood and adrenaline, no matter how much he might wish otherwise. He was a warrior born and bred, and he would never be anything else, nor would Genesis.
But that did not mean that he could not strive to be more, Yazoo told himself as he smiled and slowly began to withdraw. If Sephiroth wanted to live a life of peace, he should be able to do so. There were enough challenges in this world to keep a warrior of even Sephiroth's caliber quite busy, no matter what kind of life he chose for himself, and Yazoo realized it even if his father did not.
Yazoo came back to himself to find himself in Sephiroth's room, still holding his father to him, his arms aching with the physical effort he had unknowingly exerted to keep the older man safe. He sighed to himself and loosened his hold, but didn't release him. Sephiroth would need human contact when he came back to himself, and Yazoo was determined to provide it for him, since Genesis seemed unable to.
Yazoo had to admit that he was disappointed in Genesis. Genesis had been so gentle with him when he'd been ill, and yet he offered no comfort to the one who needed him most. Sephiroth had built his entire life around him, and Genesis did not seem to appreciate it, or to even be aware of it. Sephiroth's kitten was completely oblivious to the fact that his lover's sanity, and perhaps even his life, depended solely on him, and Yazoo knew then that Kadaj had been right.
Genesis needed to be told the truth.
Or, at least, a portion of it, Yazoo amended silently. Perhaps, they could find a way to explain Jenova's ability to manipulate Father's mind without revealing her alien origins. Genesis already knew that he and his brother's were partially Cetran, and it was certainly no mental leap to conclude that Sephiroth was, as well. In fact, Yazoo would be surprised if the notion hadn't already come to Genesis, who was quite intelligent, if somewhat stubborn.
Yazoo felt his brothers react to his thoughts, sensing Loz's silent worry, as well as Kadaj's approval, and knew then what they would do. They would tell Genesis their own version of the truth, and hope that his love for Sephiroth would be enough to prevent him from asking too many questions.
"How is he?"
"He is. . .better." Yazoo smiled at his brothers as they entered the room, both looking pale and worn, but unharmed. "He was worried that she would be too much for you."
Kadaj snorted in dismissal as he carefully set Souba against the nightstand and climbed onto the bed. "She was so busy screwing with Sephiroth that she didn't have enough strength left to fight us."
Loz nodded in agreement as he eased his heavy frame onto the bed. "She was pretty easy, Yaz. She must have really been working Father over."
Yazoo's smile vanished at his words. "She was," he responded quietly, meeting the baby's gaze as he added, "She very nearly took him, Kadaj."
Kadaj looked at Sephiroth through a veil of silver hair, his cherubic features showing both concern and determination. "We have to stop her, Yazoo," he said, reaching out and laying one hand on Sephiroth's calf. "We can't spare Koneko's feelings any more. We have to tell him what's going on, so he can keep her from stealing Father from us."
"But not the whole truth, right?" Loz asked hopefully.
"No, we won't tell him everything," Kadaj answered with a slight shake of his head. "Just enough to convince him that Sephiroth really does need him. He seems to love him this time, so maybe, he'll listen to us."
"Of course, he'll listen, tenshi," Yazoo assured him calmly. "Genesis cares for him, and he will welcome the chance to have some of his questions answered."
Loz bit his lower lip as he glanced at the unconscious man in his brother's arms. "I hope so, Yaz," he said in low whisper. "I don't think I'd like seeing Father the way he was in Nibelheim, again."
Yazoo reached over Sephiroth until he could take Loz's hand in his own. "Nor would I, brother."
He watched with fond eyes as Kadaj crawled up the bed and curled up against their Father's chest. Sephiroth's arms closed around the baby, hugging Kadaj to him in an automatic gesture, and Yazoo shared a smile with Loz over their heads. His older brother quickly scooted in to curl protectively around Kadaj, guarding he and Sephiroth both, while Yazoo guarded Sephiroth's back. Anyone—or anything-that tried to harm Father would have to go through them to do it, and there was very little in this world that could.
Sephiroth would be safe.
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Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody