As we near the Inn the sun was well beyond the horizon. I wasn't too sure if everyone else followed us back or if they decided to camp out one more night. As Sephiroth steps into the Inn the bodies that were occupying the lobby separate to let him through. The curious mayor hesitantly walks to him to humbly ask questions regarding the beast that we set out to destroy. Sephiroth gives a response that I was not able to hear.
I was cut off from following the General. As more curious bodies gather and crowd around me I am soon bombarded by questions. My mind was jumbled, constantly being pushed and pulled by all the remnants of what occurred today. Appearing as if I was a damsel in distress I was saved. I have accepted the fact that when this man needs anything of me his first intention is to grab my wrist and yank me from whatever situation I am facing. Walking up the stairs the familiar creaks ring through the lobby as we take our leave from the meddlesome crowd and their prying eyes.
Sephiroth leads me to his room. As he approaches the door and swings it open the moon beams down shining light upon him. As he takes another step in I warily tug at my arm hoping my feeble attempt would free me. Unfortunately it does the opposite. Seeming as if I angered the predator he yanks me into the room. As I take my meager steps in, he shuts the door behind me as he proceeds to walk past our shoulders gently brushing against each other.
The veranda entryway was wide open inviting the gentle breeze in. The night sky was clear giving full view of the alluring moon as the stars flicker and dance in the background. He takes a seat in the middle of the bed as he calmly hangs his head down. His arms lightly prompt on the edge of his knees. Everything was luminous and I could see every detail of him. As he hangs his head down majority of his argent hair falls to one side with a few strands falling to the other. His hands were calm, finally a serene moment were he didn't need to grip onto Masamune. He tilts his head towards me our eyes meeting once more. The few strands that decided to rebel gently brushing against his face. He gives a sigh of reprieve; his eyes vibrant within the lightlessness of the room. This whole time as I gaze at him I try to read the expression that his face was giving, it was not hate, not displeasure, not pain, and not annoyance, it was an expression that I have not seen the General wear. He was tranquil; at peace. His lips giving me a slight smile. For a moment I was taken aback. How can such a destructive person change in demeanor? So calm, so quiet it slightly frightens me.
He sits himself up and hangs his head back, now his face looking straight up to the ceiling. His calm demeanor changes and his face is stricken with pain. He grabs his shoulder clutching the metal armor protectant. His breathing fluctuating from slow and steady breathes to deep long ones. As he reaches for the button on the front of his coat my heart accelerates to a rapid beating. The heat from within me slowly crawls out of my body enveloping my skin and kissing every corner. Sephiroth slips the armor off followed by his coat. Crimson drops slowly descending from an open wound that he has been suppressing till now. He shifts his head and gives me a taunting look. So what now?
As I give a panicked gasp I unintentionally yell out his name "GENERAL!" Realizing he was deeply wounded I rush to his side. I gently place my hand over the wound in hopes that I had enough energy to at least seal it. Though the effort was there my stamina was drained.
"Materia? Do you have any more Materia?" he looks at me with a statuesque mask on. He's trying to hide his pain. The wound was extensive in size and deep, the Dragon could have easily ripped his limbs off. I quickly scan the room to see if there was anything thing in there I could use. I get up to grab an ivory towel sitting on the chair beside the dresser and gently pressed it against the injury, he gives a slight wince of pain and then reverts back to his blank expression.
"General, I need to see the rest of the wound..." My mind was trying to calculate the situation. Why was he been hiding his wound? Why is he trying to hide his pain? Putting myself in his situation I would be a wailing child. I grab his free hand and guide it to the towel covering the wound. Only a few more minutes and the towel will be soaked in his blood.
I rush back to my own room in hopes that I had packed spares of Cures. As I rummage through my pack I notice a few orbs neatly tucked away on the bottom. I was ecstatic with my findings. For once my precaution for missions and the over packing of Materia has come in handy. Soon after my findings I hear grunts of pain a few doors down and I quickly grab the needed Materia and make haste back to the General.
Almost colliding into the arches of the doors I notice that Sephiroth is now clutching his arms. The towel thrown onto the floor as its means is now exhausted. The excess crimson that the fabric could not hold slowly crawling every which way it could go. Sephiroth with his head down as he tries to bury and suppress his agony. His jaw tightening as he clenches his teeth. He sits there with his standard Shinra cotton tee ripped off his body. Assuming he removed the article of clothing by himself which only made the injury worse.
I had to admit to myself Sephiroth was not a normal man, though he was destructive he is equally attractive. His physique was firm as his muscles tighten with every pulse of pain sent through his body. Blood slowly weeping down his arm to the bed. He looks at me his face fading; the color of his lips pale.
"General...here..." As I rustle to find a comfortable position for him so that I can start the Cure. His head slowly falls onto my shoulder and one hand placed on my leg and the other on the bed holding himself up. His body slowly starts to concave and his weight is shifted onto my shoulder; on my end I was holding my body and core steady to prevent both of us from collapsing onto the floor. As I place my trembling hands on his wound he cringes and proceeds to grab hold of my leg. His large hand fully gripping my upper thighs as he squeezes it to the point that I feel his nails dig into my flesh.
Having one hand on the wound I raised my free hand and proceed to brush his silky bloodstained hair to the shoulder that was in better condition, keeping my hand on the back of his head as I caress it in comfort. His muscle, skin, and bones start to regenerate as palpitation of movement and shards of metal is drawn out. Every time there is a fluctuation of pain he would squeeze my leg as if holding me for leverage. After moments of silence his wound is fully healed. I take a moment for myself to think. Still caressing the back of his head and neck; then a sigh of relief.
"(Your Name)!" My name was being called downstairs. Though the voice was somewhat muffled I knew it belonged to Cloud. They must have decided to head back instead of camp, I thought. It was also good to know that Cloud was well. As I turn my head to face the door my name is called out once more.
Sephiroth grabs hold of me and lifts me up onto his lap. Keeping his head buried in my shoulder he holds me close. Wrapping his healed arm around my waist as the other crawls across my back. The tightness of his hold made me slightly arch my back forcing my body closer to his. His breath somewhat skimming my neck sending tremors down my spine. Our body heat mingling, clashing amidst our skins touching. My hands now free just hovering over him not knowing how to respond. Before I could take another breathe he sets me on my feet his focus still to the floor and lips one word, Go.
Walking downstairs I could hear the people clapping and rejoicing upon the news. For some odd reason I had this feeling of regret as if I shouldn't have left the General on his own. Angeal and Aerith was talking to the mayor while Zack, Cloud, and Genesis were huddled together doing their best to not get caught within the crowd. Zack nudges Cloud's arm as he sees me walking up. He turns and I greet him with a smile. This mission has definitely brought us closer and I could see why Seloria and Crys trust him.
"Hey, you good?" Clouds eyes shifts up and down scanning my body to see if I had any injuries of my own. But I'm more than positive that he will notice the blood stains on my clothes and body.
"Are you bleeding?! Why do you have blood all over yourself?! And what's with that huge bruise on your leg?!" Cloud slightly raising his voice has now attracted a few unwanted eyes. He grabs my upper arms and brings himself closer.
"No, Cloud. I'm fine." I shrug his hold away and I continue. "It's Sephiroth's." Peaking Genesis attention he walks over and stands next to me.
"What? Sephiroth's? What happened?" He inquires as his brows start to furrow and his nonchalant demeanor changes to worry.
I tell them almost everything, of course leaving out the part where he held me. After my brief speech Genesis heads upstairs to check on his friend. I tell Cloud I'm going to freshen up and then get some rest, suggesting the same for both him and Zack.
By the time I got back to my room Aerith was also preparing to freshen up. She looks like a goddess who just won victory over evil. Her soft brown curls now freely laying on her back. She walks around to the other side of her bed closer to mines and sits. She stares at me inviting me into a conversation, I knew what she wanted to talk about. Why we left and the odd occurrences that have been happening during this mission. I walk over to the other side of my own bed and take a seat. For a moment the atmosphere was awkward. I couldn't really explain much, I was in the same predicament as she was.
"Are you ok?" she asks hesitantly.
"Yes...I'm fine. Today was just a tough day. But..." I hesitate, I wasn't sure what else to say.
"But...?" Aerith asks with curious eyes.
"But...*sigh of relief*... I'm glad everyone is safe and sound. I apologize for leaving you guys. I didn't really have much of a choice." I break eye contact with Aerith and stare at the floorboards. I felt somewhat guilty I knew I could have tried harder to get back to the others but I let my fear control me. But now I wonder if it was fear.
She gives her own sigh of relief and smiles. She prompts herself to stand and reached over her bed to grab a few things and her garments. She walks over and hands me a few boxes. Presents from the towns people, a thank you for getting rid of the Red Dragon and saving their lives. This was definitely a kind gesture and deeply appreciated. As she starts to head out to the washroom she turns to me her expression sincere.
"(Your name)." She is now standing in front of me reaching to hold my hand, she looks at me, her eyes shining against her porcelain skin, she continues... "I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself; especially your heart. But... Sephiroth... he's different. He's fighting a battle, trying to escape a cruel storm that won't let him free...I just don't want you to get entangled in the storm that I know he himself is having difficulty overcoming." She gently puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes it as she turns to walk away. Aerith looks back one more time, then again she maybe the light that he needs.
As the moon ascends higher above our heads I found it more difficult to get some rest. As Aerith drifts off to deeper sleep I decided I wanted to take a stroll one last time in the garden.
Walking up the cobblestone path, the different greeneries reached out as if craving attention from those passing by. The night sky glazing the foliage making it luster underneath its grace. Though the climate was a bit humid there were moments of refreshing breathes of air. The breeze flowing through my white cotton dress making the beautiful lace over lay dance around was quite amusing. As I make my way up the familiar path the light that lit up the way slowly retreats and I am bound by the picturesque beauty of the scene, as the familiar Sophora trees linger and the gentle breeze again caressing my face I notice that I am beaten once again.
"Oh. I apologize, I didn't mean to intrude." I stood there stumbling over myself waiting for his permission to be dismissed.
The great General Sephiroth proceeds to a stone bench overlooking the beautiful cliff side scenery as he extends his invitation to me. He looks at me his piercing eyes drawing me in.
The stone bench was cold to the touch as I sat down beside him. The mood this time was different from before, though my heart was racing I was comfortable.
With my curiosity peaking I try to steal a glance. As my eyes shift toward Sephiroth I am impaled by his gaze. His mako eyes lucent against the moon. He lifts his hands and cups my face. Feeling his palms brush my cheek as the tips of his fingers mingle with my hair, left me breathless. His moments of affection baffle me. It leaves me confused and uncomposed. I stutter and lose myself by the end of everything all I can do is sit there and stare at him doe-eyed.
"Back then if you looked at me like that I would have crushed you with my sword." His composure anchored, not changing; saying those words as if they were words of endearment. Shocked and somewhat afraid my eyes widen and I pull my eyes away from him down to the dirt floor. Wait what? What is happening right now?
Sephiroth gives a chuckle as he pulls his hand away. By the time I look back up he is back to his cool composure. He turns to me and his gaze falls onto my legs he lightly brushes the back of his hand on the bruise he inflicted on my upper thigh as his expression on his face turns to frustration. Though he said nothing his eyes did all the talking. He apologized a million times over and I knew the last thing that he wanted was for me to be hurt; especially by him. I give him a reassuring smile to let him know that I'm fine and that I understand.
Him sitting next to me wearing regular civilian clothing still made him look ever so elegant. As his white tee flitters in the cool breeze giving just a slight peak to his chiseled chest. As we both stare out into the distance another gust of cool air wraps around us and a slight shiver crawls up my arms.
"You should head back." Without questions him I get up, give him a respectful bow, and I make my way back to the Inn. I turn back one last time for one last glimpse. Many say that a man's back can tell them many things. As I lay my eyes on Sephiroth, his back shows strength but in contrast to that it gives feeling of sadness and loneliness.
His past is no secret to the world since Shinra decided to take on a new route they knew they had to let the world know. With the work that we are doing with the WRO (World Regenesis Organization) and the Turks our mission is to help revive the globe. Now working for the people, I know for a fact that there are monsters that he is fighting on his own. I'm not too sure what I play in that part but this beating heart of mine will forever be a secret of my own. I can't get caught in his storm.
The next day passed quickly. We said our farewells to the town's people and headed back to the headquarters. Right as we arrive we were escorted to the briefing room. In the fore front of the room were the leaders of Shinra, WRO, and the Turks. Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth give each other questioning looks as they make their way up to the front.
"Thank you to everyone who has given us their time. Throughout the years we have been working towards a unison goal, that goal is to keep our planet safe from those who wish it harm. Though we had many obstacles throughout the way we are all now walking the same path. To our Elite Generals we give thanks to your endless dedication to this cause. With that said in honor to all those who have spent countless hours and days on missions we are organizing a Ball. Of course the public themselves will also be invited. It will be a great experience and opportunity for both sides to mingle and finally get to know one another. I hope that everyone enjoy themselves and please, remember to represent us to the highest honor." Reeve Tuesti finishes. He is the known leader for the WRO and works closely with Shinra.
Surprisingly enough the Generals nod in favor of the event. My thoughts are positive towards this outreach to the public. I do believe that our public relation will be more positive once both people and media see that we are all working towards a better future. As we all bustle out of the briefing room my arms are grabbed and I have both Seloria and Crys on both arms. They look at me with gleaming eyes. I know they are curious about my mission and that tonight was going to be a long night of missed friends and conversations.