In Your Favor

Chapter 6

The next morning he awoke to find the spot next to him where Kira had been sleeping was empty. He sat up and strained to to hear any sounds coming from the hotel suite. There was nothing. Just the quite hum coming from the ceiling fan. He stood up and began to search the apartment for his missing lover but much to his dismay made his way back to the room with no Kira. He sighed rubbing the back of his neck. It hurt and he assumed from all of the rough movement last night. He smiled thinking about all that he had experienced last night with Kira. Then his smile quickly faded as he realized he should probably find her quick. He didn't want to lose her again. He looked for his phone and dialed her number. He heard a ringing coming form the kitchen table. When he got in there his heart sank as he saw her cell phone there on the table with a folded up apiece of paper. He reacehed for the paper and began to read it after carefully unfolding it.

'Dear Sephiroth,
I'm sorry but I must leave now. Mother's here and she's very
unhappy. I guess our destinies have called for us a little
sooner then we thought. I'm going to miss you so much Seph.
I'm trying not to cry but its hard. Mother says I can't ever come
back. She says I'm to wed Noctis Caleum in a few weeks and I
have to go and get prepped for the duties of wifing. I don't think
I'll ever be able to look at him without thinking of you.

Yours Truly,
Akira Crystallis

Sephiroth crumpled the piece of paper in his hand after reading it over several more times. He couldn't believe it, she was gone, so soon. He was just holding her a few hours earlier and now she was away in another world. Far, far from him. He turned to look out the window of the suite. He watched as the clouds moved through the sky endlessly and how the sun shone above as if nothing had happened. As if the bright happy days before, with Kira, were still here. Just then a sensation ran through his body. It started deep in his chest, and it rumbled its way through to his throat and he choked it out. Wetness streaking his cheeks. He moved his fingers to his face. He was crying. He, the Great Sephiroth, was crying. He loved her, he really truly loved her. Just then he looked back out the window. He hated that shining sun, and all those fucking Clouds. He hated the people below running around with all of their loved ones. The people he had mercifully tried to keep safe and save. He hated them all. Just then his phone rang. He looked down at it still in his hand. It was the president.

“Sephiroth.”

“Sephiroth? Now that Kira has returned with her mother I have a new assignment for you. I need you to meet up with Angeal at the outskirts of Edge and investigate the whereabouts of Professor Hollander. He has went missing and contains very important documents and research about new improvements to the mako energy. We want none of our competitors or enemies to get a hold of the information.”

“How do you now about Kira?”

“Her mother showed up here looking for her daughter. I told her I had no idea where she was at the moment. That she was suppose to have been in her Shinra apartment. Then I told her that she was definitely with you. I knew she would find her, shes a Fae that can locate anybody they want whenever they want. Did she give you much trouble?”

“Uh...no. No trouble. Just..unexpected is all.”

He heard a hearty laugh coming from the other end.

“Sephiroth, you act as if you were attached to my niece. You sound almost as though you're...in love with her. Or is it just me?”

Sephiroth said nothing. Then the laughing died and there was an ackward silence coming from the other end. The president cleared his throat.

“Sephiroth, you know that as a 1st Class SOLDIER you never grow attached to the assignment? Don't you?”

Sephiroth scoffed.

“Is that all shew was to you? An assignment?”

“No...what are you...”

“She should have been more than that to you. She was your niece.”

All was quite once more. Sephiroth knew he had crossed the line. He also knew that none of what he had just said was going to make a difference. It would only jeapordize his job.

“Is that all you needed to tell me sir?” Sephiroth asked with a sigh.

“Yes it was. And I....”

“Alright good bye.”

Sephiroth hung up the phone not letting him finish. Then he went to the other room and put on his boots and his jacket with the armor. After grabbing his matsamune that Kira had discarded on the floor he left making his way to the city of Edge.

***

Kira walked around the palace garden. She had been crying ever since she got back. Her mother wouldn't even reason with her. She just ripped her out of the bed away from Sephiroth and disappeared with her to the magical world of Crystallis. She sat down a rock and sighed. She missed him terribly. She didn't know how she was going to be able to cope with all of this. After experiencing what she did with Sephiroth last night she wanted no other man. She wanted him, the Great Sephiroth.
She looked up at the sky and watched all the clouds go bye. She thought about what it was Sephiroth was doing right at that point of time. Then she smiled after thinking that maybe he was watching the clouds too. She sighed again standing up, remembering what he had said about duties and destinies. She heard a throat clear from behind her and turned to see Noctis standing there.

“Hello Akira.”

“Hello Noct.”

She gave him a small smile before turning back around. She heard him walk up behind her and she felt him slip an arm around her waist. She pulled forward, away from his touch. He sighed before turning his back to her as well.

“You really should start getting used to the idea of there being an US Kira.”

“I don't feel that way about you Noct. I never had.” Kira screamed turning around to face Noct's back.

Noct sighed before turning back around to face her again.

“Kira? What you think that I want to marry you over Stella? Yes you're beautiful and maybe even a bit more so than Stella but I'm in love with her. I only want this because its in the best interest of both our people. And besides, loving you, like I said before, won't be hard. You're so sweet and kind of heart. You'll be the perfect queen and you'll be mine.”

Kira shook her head.

“Look Noct, I'm sorry. This isn't your fault. An arranged marriage never has anything to do with the ones getting married. That why they call it arranged. Your probably the best friend that I have ever had. I...just...”

She was at a loss for words.

“You met someone while you were gone didn't you?”

Kira looked taken aback but nodded her head.

“Do you love him?”

“I...I don't know. I never really...”

She thought about it. Did she love him? Was he her everything? He had to be if she was feeling all of this? She wanted him more than anything in the world. No one had ever made her so happy in all of her life. No one made her giggle the way Sephiroth did. Then she thought about Sephiroth. His beauty, his strength, his power. No one was close to being her Sephiroth. She would never find another guy like him. So yes, she loved him

“Yes. I do.”

Noct smiled genuinely. He understood what she was feeling. He was going through it with Stella.

“Kira, you don't think I don't feel what you feel? I feel the same thing. I can't have Stella no more than you can have the person you found.”

Kira looked up at Noct and studied him for awhile. He was right. He was in the exact same boat. But he and Stella had actually planned everything out. Their wedding, names for their children. Where as Kira and Sephiroth had only just had sex. She smiled. At least he understood her then. That was a plus for this unwanted situation. Then a thought hit her. She could give over her right as the queen of Crystallis. She couldn't give it to Stella because Stella was a female and wouldn't be allowed to choose who she wanted to marry and her family hated Noct. But Noct was a male and once King, can choose any bride he wishes. Her mother would have a fit if she did any such thing. But, once it was done there would be nothing her mother could do about it. The deal would be done and Kira would be free towed whom ever she wanted. She told Noct.

“Yeah but, Kira wouldn't that be a bit selfish on your part. That might make you look weak and scared to your people. And it's so....”

“So what Noct.... It's fine. You will still be King which is what the world wants and Stella would make a much better queen than me. She's way more attentive, and caring. Where as I'm just me. A rebel who loves to fight, I'm stubborn, I'm slow in the head sometimes... Shall I go on?”

Noct laughed.

“All those are perfect qualities for a queen.”

“No Noct, there all perfect qualities for a modern day woman, not a queen.”

Noct smiled and thought about it for awhile.

“You'll really give your throne to me?”

Kira nodded.

“You would make a perfect King. And you'll be able to free me of my duties.”
Noct thought about it some more.

“Fine. But if ever this world may need you again, you have to come back, and thats my order to you as future King of Crystallis.”

“Deal.”

They hugged each other for what seemed like hours.

“Thank you Kira.”

Kira just smiled. She pulled away and they sat down to discuss how they would go about comleteling the decrowning and recrowning ceremony and then how they would tell Kira's mother, the current Queen of Crystallis.


***

Sephiroth sighed as he approached Angeal who was leaning against a dumbapple tree.

“So they grow here to do they?” Sephiroth asked trying to keep up his spirits.

“Yeah it seem they do.” Angeal chuckled.

Angeal gave Sephiroth a quick look over. He was the only one who knew that something went on between him and Kira. He could tell that she was on Sephiroth's mind.

“I'm sorry. I heard about Kira. She was good for you.”

Sephiroth gave a quizzical look.

“What do you mean by that?”

Angeal shrugged.

“Nothing. Just that, during her stay you seemed different, happier. Before you were like a drone you moved about life and your missions as if there was nothing more. I think Kira gave your life meaning, she gave you a reason to fight.”

Sephiroth just stared at Angeal. Angeal had always had that special insight into other peoples lives and feelings. He hated that about him but right now it rang truth through his body like water in a creek. He shivered turning to the East where the breeze swooped in from. Angeal followed his gaze.

“I heard Hollander checked into a local Inn right at the outskirts of Edge, not far from here. We should get going and get this over with. I'll take you out for a drink afterwards. It looks like you need it.”

Sephiroth nodded. He wasn't normally one to stoop to alcohol when he had problems but this problem was different and needed stronger tending to than extra training. They headed off after Angeal pushed off of the tree and grabbed his buster sword. Once in the city they could see the tiny Inn. SOLDIER opperatives were used to the big extravagant ones. But they guessed Hollander wasn't trying to be found easily. Once they checked with the Inn attendant to see what room Hollander was in they headed up the stairs. Standing outside the door they listened for any sounds or movement. They heard nothing so they kicked in the door and found Hollander with a naked woman in his bed. Hollander jumped and the woman screamed. She had had her face in his groin area and was wiping her mouth. She looked completely embarrassed and Sephiroth cringed at the sight of her. She was definitely a whore. She was pretty flabby and looked as if she had had a few babies, maybe even one recently. Her face was caked with makeup that was now smeared. But Sephiroth questioned rather or not it had recently been smeared or applied yesterday. Angeal must have been thinking the same thing because neither of them said anything for a good minute. Finally Hollander broke the silence.

“How'd you fools find me?”

“It appears that you're the fool for being found Hollander.” Sephiroth remarked.

Angeal was still too scarred at the current sight of the woman to say anything. Hollander noticed Angeal looking at the woman.

“Would you like a piece of my whore Angeal?”

Angeals eyes grew wide with disbelief and the whore took it as her cue. She quickly climbed off the bed and went to Angeal dropping to her knees in front of Angeal. Angeal grabbed her hands as she began to undo his pants and he shoved her to the floor.

“Oh Claudette, it looks as if Angeal wants nothing to do with you. He is after all a SOLDIER 1st Class, he could get a better looking whore than you.”

Claudette looked hurt and she turned away from all of the men. She was only trying to take care of her children the best way she knew how. No one understood her. Angeal saw this and regretted shoving her like he did. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt a womans feelings, even if she was a prostitute.

“Thats not it at all. I just...”

“Angeal don't worry about it we have bigger things to worry about.”

They watched as the woman fled the room with tears streaming down her eyes. Angeal turned back to the other two men after the look of guilt washed over his face and placed itself in the back of his mind.

“Hollander you know what we're here for.”

“Yes, Yes.”

Hollander was in no need to argue with these men. If anything their orders were more than likely to bring in the research he stole with Hollander dead or alive. He pointed to the desk next to his bed. He watched as Sephiroth approached the table. He saw Sephiroths face wrinkle in horror and smiled.

“Do you see something you like Sephiroth?”

Sephiroth turned to Angeal and motioned for him to cuff Hollander and call for the Turks to come and pick him up. Angeal left to take their prisoner downstairs and to the hellicopter that would be arriving shortly. Sephiroth stayed there and began to review the documents. The folder he had first laid his eyes upon was what he picked up first. He stared at the cover and the words on it for a moment, hoping it wasn't what he thought it was. Then he opened the folder and began to read the contents.

Project K

Name: Kira Crystallis
Gender: Female
Race: 50% Fae, 30% Jenova, 20% Human
Eye Color: Undecided (constantly changing, depends on her mood)
Hair Color: Undecided (blond to light brown, depends on her mood)
Body build: lean, petite

Project K, or Project Kira, was given a Jenova injection on site two days after coming to this
planet. She was unwilling so we administered the injections while she was sleeping. She comes
in for weekly check ups at the request of her Uncle, President Shinra.

Day 1, Injection 1-

She seems shaken up. Very paranoid. Has the jitters and is reclusive.

Day 2, Injection 2-

She has calmed down. Seems to be back to her normal behavior. May have become a little
more sexually interested. It is unlike a Fae to take sexual interests but she is also 20% human so we aren't sure if its the human blood in her or the injections raising her labido. She's also very talkative.

Day 3, -

Kira has accompanied 1st Class SOLDIER Sephiroth on one of his missions. So her third injection can not be given to her. When she returns we must restart the injections from Da1, Injection 1.

Day 4, -

Still no Kira, Sephiroth has yet to return.

Day 5,-

…

Kira has returned home. We weren't able to obtain very much information but it seems that
Kira's blood samples prove to be good specimens still. Her blood with the mako energy
increase the power of the 3rd Class SOLDIERS. They seem to react well to their daily injections. The President has yet to approve the injections for all of the SOLDIERS.

We are now several days into the daily injections since our last entry. The 3rd Class SOLDIERS are no longer reacting very well to the injections. Their bodies are reacting similar to that of a degrading Jenova creature. Although they are not dying. It appears that their bodies are unable to withstand Kira's blood. The reason, her Jenova blood or her Fae blood, still unknown.

The president has given his disapproval of the injections. We have pulled out of the experiments. Much to our dismay.

We have launched another investigation into the breeding program from Project S, or Project Sephiroth. Sephiroth carries seed but we don't think any human female can carry the baby. The woman who carried him, Lucrecia Crescent, died before giving birth to him. Approximately 4 months before her full gestation period. Sephiroth barely survived the remainder of the gestation period in a cryogenic tube with only luck. We feel we may have the same trouble creating his offspring. Although Project Kira may be the answer to our studies. She offers a very strong female body. Which gives us a strong enough womb to house a second Sephiroth. We shared our knews with the President in hopes that he could bring her back to our world so we could carry out the breeding program but he refused. He only stated that she wouldn't be coming back and there was nothing that he could do about it. He told us to work with what we have.

Conclusion-

We have concluded that there can be no further advances into the Project K experiments. We
are closing down Project K.

Sephiroth grabbed the rest of the paperwork and left. He didn't say a word to Angeal as they made there back to Midgar. Once he made it to Shinra headquarters he turned to Angeal.

“Tell Shinra that we found know research. Tell him that I will personally go back and ramsack that place in the morning to find his important documents.”

“I don't understand.”

“The important research is about Kira. Shes one of their experiments. I want to finish reading up on what her Uncle was trying to do with her.”

Angeal nodded his head understanding entirely then turned and headed to the briefing room where Director Lazard would be waiting for his and Sephiroths report. Sephiroth then headed for the sixth floor 1st Class SOLDIER quarters. Once in his old apartment he didn't bother to take off any of his armor he only sat down and began to read through the rest of the research. The night drug on and Sephiroth never noticed the sun coming up as his mind was filled with endless amounts of knowledge about his previous lover.

***

Kira waited in the drawing room for her mother. She and Noctis had decided to have her de-crowned and re-crowned the previous night before telling her mother. They knew that her mother would never allow it. Simply because 'her' daughter wouldn't be the Queen. The damage had been done, now she had to tell her mother that she was going back to the human world with Noctis' permission. She was worried her mother would never want to see her again. Then the drawing room doors swung open and in flew her mother.

“Akira tell me it isn't true.”

Kira looked her mother in straight in the face.

“Yes.”

Her mother felt a thousands spears pierce her heart.

“Why Akira? Why? You were gonna have everything.”

“No I wasn't. I'm not in love with Noctis mother. I love....someone else.”

Kira was careful. She knew she was treading on thin ice.

“That...Sephiroth? The SOLDIER? You know he has no heart right? He's a fighter. And the worst part of it is he fights for no importance. He fights because its asked of him. Someone like that can't carry the burden that comes with a heart.”

“But I've seen it, I've seen his heart.”

Her mother laughed.

“And has he said he loves you back?”

Kira looked to the floor as her mother let out another roar of laughter.

“If a man hasn't admitted his undying love for you then he loves you not Akira.”

“I don't care. Noctis is the Prince of Crystallis now and he and Stella are going to wed this time tomorrow. They shall be King and Queen. And Stella will rule much better than I ever could have. What's done is done and I'm leaving. He may not love me but I love him and...well...I have to try and tell him.”

Her mother just stared at her in disbelief. She couldn't believe it, her daughter was leaving her.

“If you honor your mother you'll stay.”

“If you love me you'll let me go.”

They stared at each other for a brief moment. Her mother gave a curt nod and turned away. Kira turned her back as well. She sighed before walking out of the double doors of the drawing room. She leaned her back against the closed doors and sighed. She had expected it to be worst then this and was relieved that it ended with subtly. But still, she had this uneasiness about her. She wished her mother would give her her blessing. She sighed again knowing that her wishing was pointless. She left the palace. She took nothing with her. If Sephiroth didn't want her than she would make a life of her own in world unknown.