Warning: This story is rated ‘T’ for somewhat graphic violence and gore… This is the same as the first warning. But also know that there will eventually be an AerisxSephiroth pairing, so if you can’t stand that don’t read. Told from a first person point of view…
Chapter 2: Freedom
“Men are never really willing to die except for the sake of freedom: therefore they do not believe in dying completely.” ~Albert Camus
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There were no sounds in the secluded examination room, save for the steady humming of the devices monitoring vital signs and the specimen’s even breathing. Where am I? I couldn’t help but groan when a stabbing pain in my head made itself evident as my consciousness returned. Coming back to the present was unpleasant, but the lesser of two evils. To remain in the comfortable void would only endanger me further.
Suppressing a tortured moan, I forced open my eyes, their lids feeling heavy like lead curtains. When a blinding light immediately filled my vision and I allowed my eyelids to shield me from it once again and turned my face away from the agonizing brightness. The pain in my head slowly reduced to a dull ache as I lay still to recover my wits.
As I remained motionless I couldn’t help but notice the rough straps at my wrists and ankles that held them against hard steel or how similar belts restrain my shoulders, chest, hips and legs so tightly. A distressed gasp was made, as I came to realize my location. Carefully glancing around the room my suspicions were confirmed, my body rested on a metal examination table with a single artificial light above. It looks like some kind of laboratory…
My tired eyes opened wide in horror, as my entire body shuddered at the very idea. I have to escape!! Without another thought I fought will all my strength to loosen my restraints even in the slightest, but it was in vain. The leather held viciously tight, unyielding to my attempts, I only managed to barely shake the table in my efforts. After a while my useless onslaught ceased, my energy drained.
A shaky breath left my lips as the sharp pain in my head returned. There’s no way I can break these restraints, I’m just too weak. I stared up at the light that had been a painful brilliance earlier, but now I saw that it was one of the few sources of illumination in the room. Glancing around once more, I found the humming machines dutifully recording my heartbeat, brainwaves, blood pressure, temperature and others things I didn’t understand. But other than those, it seemed that I was alone in the room which was without windows and possessed only one door.
Staring at the metal gateway I noticed that there was neither a handle or knob to grasp nor a lock to pick, instead a strange grid hung by the door, glowing with a red light. So even if I managed to get off this table… I still couldn’t escape. I sighed, closing my eyes to rest as other thoughts took place of my panic.
Why didn’t I listen? Mother told me it was unsafe to go out today, that Shinra had increased their patrols. Swallowing, it felt like my mouth was full of cotton, but the pain had receded into an ache like before much to my relief. I’m so dumb! But I just had to check on the flowers…
Reminiscing I couldn’t help but wonder why the Planet had called to me. It had always protected me, warning when danger was near. ‘Come, come Child. Must help…’ It had sounded so urgent and had never misled me before. Have I been abandoned now? I reached out with my mind, trying to hear the soothing song that had always offered comfort and support. But I could only sense the barest of mental caresses; the Planet’s voice was too far away to understand.
My green eyes snapped open and my blood ran cold. Oh no. My breathing became frantic as the direness of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks. “..no…” my voice rose with my alarm, “NO!!!!!!!” I didn’t care if someone would come in to investigate my scream or that straining against my bonds was pointless.
I was too far from home. I was no longer on the surface of the Planet! My struggles became halfhearted as I openly sobbed grief stricken. After all, how could I hope to be rescued when I could not call for help? No one in these labs would liberate a prized specimen. I quieted my weeping, because crying my eyes out wouldn’t save me. I couldn’t give in to hopelessness, doing that would seal my fate. My captors had taken me onto their Spaceship, where my family could not reach.
My struggles slowly stilled; my crying reduced to sniffles and whimpering. Why, why? I had been blindfolded after the Turks had found me, but had still been conscious. They had transported me to their destination right away, never giving me a chance. Trying my best to be a sweet little girl I had hoped the lab assistants might have been more lenient, most of them were kinder… But once the Professor had arrived any compassion had vanished.
I shivered remembering the gaunt scientist and how his dark eyes had lit up with madness when he saw me. He had smiled, but it was twisted and full of malice. Hojo… Inhumane, heartless monster! I squeezed my eyes shut, remembering how they had tried to drag me into a room for some sort of ‘examination’. I had struggled and screamed, doing anything to prevent myself from entering the room. The Professor must have had enough, when I bit one of the lab assistants. Hojo must have drugged me. The ache in my head suddenly pulsed as if to agree.
I gave a shaky sigh, finally noticing how uncomfortable I truly was. Struggling against the rough leather straps had left my exposed skin chafed and raw; I wouldn’t be surprised if my wrists were now bleeding. My recent tears had dried, leaving my face to feel dry and a bit scratchy. My long curls tickled my neck mercilessly and created an uneven surface for my stiff back. The one light above me was more irritating than ever, it shone down making part of my body unpleasantly hot while the metal of the examination table was so cold that parts of my body felt numb.
‘Now you know how fast food feels.’ I couldn’t help but weakly giggle as Zack’s voice came to my mind. Silly Zack… If he was in my place he’d probably crack jokes and be a smart aleck, before he’d come up with a getaway plan. I let another sigh escape my lips. But he wouldn’t wallow in self pity either… I felt an ache in my heart as my thoughts returned to my situation. Zack, I can’t expect you to rescue me can I?
I’m all alone… I felt the sting of tears gathering in my eyes, but it didn’t matter. No one was here to see a little girl cry. I couldn’t help but snort at the idea, to the people of these labs I was a specimen not a person. Those scientists were eager enough to get their hands on me. But now that I’m here, now that I’ve been captured, do I matter anymore? A whimper escaped my lips, knowing here that I’d matter a great deal more than I’d ever want to. What are they going to do to me? Dark thoughts entered my already desperate mind, scenarios that shouldn’t exist. But here they did, in the secret labs of Shinra any depravity was excusable.
I stifled a sob as more tears blazed hot trails down my face, and my heart pounded with fear. Could I even hope to escape this unaltered? Both Mother and Zack had been captured at one time. Mother still had nightmares of waking inside one of the lab’s rejuvenation tanks after undergoing horrible procedures, and Zack’s eyes glowed blue because of the Mako treatments.
My thoughts shattered at an electronic beep; I turned my head to see the strange grid briefly turn green before the door opened. Swiftly a tall figure stepped soundlessly into room and I couldn’t look away. Between the glaring light above me and the darkness that encased the rest of the room, this new arrival was hard to make out. But the build was quite obviously humanoid and male, the light from the hallway outlining his sinuous yet thin body.
Then the door abruptly shut behind the stranger and my mind was numbed with fear. His eyes, which burned like a pair of green flames, were fixed on me, their expression as cold and hard as ice. Those eyes, resembled more of a predator’s than a man’s, slitted and glowing like that of a dragon. I couldn’t get past those eyes as they scanned over me, seemingly assessing my appearance as if I was some new found discovery. When he stared directly at my face I whispered without thinking, “Keep away.”
As he continued to stare I once again began to struggle at my bonds, the rational side of my mind returning ever so slowly. Finally I was able to force my body to stop straining against the tight straps; panic was the last thing I needed. He hasn’t done anything to me yet… The stranger cocked his head to the side and I gathered the courage to take in the rest of his appearance, as much as the darkness chose to reveal…
Despite his height, he was very young most likely only a few years older than myself. He was clad in the same plain, white shirt and pants that the lab assistants had me change into; the coarse fabric was truly the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever had to wear. His hair was long, falling to his waist with oddly familiar bangs framing his shadowed face; it also seemed to gleam like polished metal.
The stranger suddenly frowned, though it didn’t seem to be directed at me. By his appearance, I felt relieved if only a little, he wasn’t a lab assistant or scientist. He shook his head as if reading my thoughts. Why is he here? My wandering eyes noted that he was barefoot, but held something in his hands…
My heart stopped at the sight, he held a large knife in one hand and a severed human hand in the other. Fear flooded my mind and my body began to shiver uncontrollably. How? Why? What? Coherent thought was eluding me for the moment it seemed. I looked into his ice green eyes as he looked over me again and despaired. What is he? Does he plan to murder me?
Suddenly a soft melody entered my mind and a comforting voice weakly uttered, ‘Must help.. friend...’ It was the Planet, though the voice was barely audible. The music slipped away, but calmed my fraying nerves as it left. Help? Friend?
I stared at the stranger; he had looked away from me with an almost pained expression in his eyes. Is he here to help me? He walked towards me, slowly, silently keeping his hands at his sides. His glowing eyes gazed into mine, but their cold edge was gone. These softer eyes searched my own, and it seemed that he had found whatever he was looking for.
“Come with me, if you want to share my dream…” his voice was deep with a pleasant timbre. Now that his countenance was revealed by the light, I found my fear being replaced by awe. He, in a word, was breathtaking! No less, than an incarnation of beauty with ashen flesh and silver mane.
But what was this Adonis doing in a place one could compare to the Underworld? A coy smile crept onto my lips, noticing my sudden change of heart. The drugs must be affecting my brain in more than one way… The pain in my head returned unbidden, to pull me back to into reality.
“If you wish to be free!” he then exclaimed. The wave of joy that rushed over me was strong enough that I momentarily lost my breath. Is this real? Please tell me this is not a very cruel dream! When my breath returned it was rushed as my heart pounded painfully against my ribcage.
I gazed up at this surreal stranger to see him smiling benevolently down upon me, patiently waiting for my answer. “..yes…” my voice was hoarse because of my earlier crying so I repeated my answer, “Yes… Yes, yes, YES!!!” I hadn’t meant to scream, but my body wanted to affirm this savior’s existence, that he wouldn’t just dissipate into thin air once I had given an answer.
However, when I screamed he bent low to whisper in my ear, “Shh… We’ll go soon. We’ll escape and be free…” His soft murmuring hushed my frantic cries and his warm breath against my ear was more than enough to prove that he was a being of reality. He leaned back and knelt for a moment; I heard a clang from the knife and the soft thud from the.. ug, hand as he set them on the floor.
Afterwards, he stood to his full height firmly commanding, “Hold still.” Gripping the rough leather, his large hands easily snapped my bonds as if they were made from tissue paper. I bit my lip to suppress a gasp of pain when he grasped the straps on my wrists. He glanced at me before cautiously breaking the belts and I let out a relieved sigh. Though the air stung my open sores it was much better than to be under harsh restraints.
When I struggled to sit upright, he assisted with a supportive hand against my aching back. “T-thank you…” my voice was shaking with barely suppressed emotion. Another strained breath escaped my lips as the sharp pain assaulted my senses; it became a quiet groan as it intensified with my movement.
I’m so happy! But, ug… My head hurts so much. One of my shaking hands rose to rub my forehead and I closed my eyes trying to ease the pain. This stinks!
“Do you have the ability…” my entrancing savior placed both of his large hands upon my shoulders. Glancing at them, I felt so small and fragile compared to him. As I stared at his hands my mind wandered. His hands look so strong, can hands even look muscular? His fingernails are so clear, but they look really hard… How can his skin be so pale? It’s almost like he has never seen the sun…
He gave a dry sigh, “Do you think you are capable of escape?”
That statement halted my wandering thoughts, as reality slapped me in the face. Could I escape? It would require running and coherence at the least, so could I? Without another thought I tried to hop off the table onto my feet, an action that earned me a bout of dizziness that turned the world upside down. Luckily the stranger was close enough that I fell against him, rather than the tiled floor, when my bare feet gave out beneath me.
“Sorry.” I muffled into his shirt, which my quivering hands currently clutched its coarse fabric for stability. I barely heard his sound of frustration, but felt it rumble in his chest. My eyes cautiously peeked up to see him glaring away from me in aggravation. Is he mad at me? I also absently noted that he was taller than I first thought. By Shiva, he’s got over a foot on me!! I tensed when the sharp ache returned to block any humor in my discovery, as my cramping muscles also decided to rain on my parade. I can’t make a getaway like this!
I looked up again to see his fierce green eyes darting back and forth between me and the items he had entered the room holding. I shuddered at the thought of the severed human hand and tried not to think about it. Then I wondered if he was trying to figure out how to carry me and still keep the items with him. I could feel a hot blush spread over my face at the thought of this ideal man whisking me out of these horrible labs like a new bride. Don’t be silly Aeris! That’s just impractical… It wouldn’t solve my poor health condition either.
Another headache, a most harsh one distracted me to the point that I almost didn’t notice my liberator wrap a toned arm around my back and stoop to hook the other under my knees. I pushed him back a bit, shaking my head to clear my senses.
At this his silvery eyebrows furrowed and his glowing eyes hardened, “I will not leave you to the humans.”
His response took me back a bit, both his statement and the malice underlying his use of the word ‘humans.’ “Wait…” I hastily plead as he moved to sweep me off my feet. Those dragon-like orbs glared directly into my own and I could feel my heart jump, the intensity in his eyes seemed to make them glow even brighter. I cringed under his scrutiny, “Please…”
I watched as his irritation was replaced with bemusement, stilling his movements. It was almost like no one had ever told him that magic word. “I think…” when I spoke he blinked and regained his composure. Nervous, I bit my bottom lip, “I think I might be able to cure myself.”
His grip on me slowly loosened until he had backed away and I stood on my own. My legs wobbled a bit without his support, but I soon found my balance. Sending him a quick smile I closed my eyes and recalled my lessons in white magic. Concentrating harder than I had ever wanted to, I reached out to the Planet until I could feel beads of sweat gathering upon my forehead. Finally I felt the Planet respond, a rush of energy surrounding me. I heard the stranger make an alarmed noise and I opened my eyes to find myself wrapped in a soothing, green glow. Sighing in relief I felt my cramped and aching muscles relax, the skin of my wrists healed and the pain in my head disappeared completely!
Looking up I found my pale companion staring at me with wide eyes, I couldn’t help but giggle. He slightly jumped at the sound, as if it was foreign to him. The spell’s glow faded with my giggles, concern replacing my amusement. I slowly reached out to him, “Are you alright?”
Glancing at me with another confused look, he suspiciously asked, “Was that a healing spell?” I withdrew my hand at his sudden distrust and nodded. He then muttered, “Casting magic without materia…” Biting my lip I glanced away, that is until I felt one of his elegant fingers lightly tracing my jaw line. I gazed frantically back at the attractive stranger, he had closed the space between us and I had not even heard him move! “Amazing.” he spoke with near admiration and smiled gently down upon me.
I stared back at him in confusion and could feel a heated blush creep onto my cheeks. His fingers wandered the features of my flushed face, a mere feather touch. When his finger moved to trace my bottom lip I blurted out, “My name’s Aeris! What’s yours?!”
He swiftly retraced his hand and was once again gazing at me wide eyed. I couldn’t help but stare at his shocked countenance. Why do such normal things surprise him so? There was silence that made it feel like hours were passing; I shifted uncomfortably as he continued to stare unmoving.
“My name…” his voice was almost subdued when he finally replied, “My name is.. Sephiroth.” I looked into his ice green eyes and their expression was one resembling hurt.
I smiled as best I could as he gazed at me somberly. “Sephiroth?” I repeated hoping not to offend him. He slowly nodded and I continued cautiously, “I-I think it really suits you! It’s a wonderful name…” I flushed and glanced around, why was my heart beating so fast?
“Aeris…” he called to me in a near whisper. I found a light glimmering in his eyes that I couldn’t place. “Say it again…” there was such longing in his voice, “Please.”
I swallowed a lump that had formed in my throat and gazed back into his ethereal eyes, “Sephiroth..?” I gasped when his face drew steadily closer and tried not to panic, “Sephiroth?!”
Suddenly he froze and his eyes grew hostile, “Someone approaches.” Then he was a blur, fetching his set aside items and silently rushing into the shadows beside the doorway. Only the sheen of his moon-pale strands and the icy gleam of his eyes told me that he had not walked straight through the wall.
There was an electronic beep and the grid by the doorway flashed green. Once the door had opened a short lab assistant stepped into the room while meticulously jotting something down upon a clipboard. “Well, you should be awake now, Miss Aeris…” he spoke absently without looking up. The door closed behind him and he continued, “Our apologies for the tranquilizers after affects.” He then looked up and panic replaced his professional calm, “What the-”
Sephiroth didn’t give him the chance to finish, suddenly appearing behind the assistant and slamming a well aimed fist to the back of his head. The short man dropped to the floor out cold, his clipboard and pen clattering beside him on the tile.
“Don’t you know not to talk crudely in the presence of your betters?” he coolly asked the unconscious man. Sephiroth then carelessly tossed the severed hand away, both to my relief and dismay. He grabbed the assistant’s lab coat by the back of the collar and looked over to me, “Are you ready to be rid of our prison, Aeris?”
I stared at him, still a bit dumbfounded by the rapid speed in which this was all happening. But soon my feet moved eagerly to his side and I replied, “Whenever you are Sephiroth.”
A small smile tugged at his lips when he whispered, “Always…” His expression hardened immediately afterwards and looking at me he nodded his head towards the door. He lifted the unconscious assistant over his shoulder, as I shuffled to the door still a bit flustered. Deftly shifting the unconscious man, he placed his palm onto the grid. With a positive beep the door slid open and Sephiroth cautiously glanced out before wordlessly signaling to move out.
As we snuck through the dismal hallways I couldn’t help but wince as my bare footsteps echoed throughout them, no matter how cautious my pace. My silver haired companion, on the other hand, was as silent as a cat and just as graceful. I pouted, scolding myself when an unreasonable pang of envy jolted through my mind. How can I be jealous of him? He’s saving me from this horrid place and I’m-
I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts when I walked right into Sephiroth, who had become as still as a statue by the corner of the next turn. I managed not to make any noise and he didn’t so much as blink, let alone react. Once I had regained my balance I stilled my own body also, trying not to start shaking with fright. Is someone coming? What’s going on?
Then there was the familiar sound of an elevator bell, signaling the arrival at its designated floor. I swallowed thickly, my heart pounding when I heard the door open and a pair speaking as they exited.
“Well you know how the Professor is… Science is his one and only god, his love and his life.” said a gruff masculine voice.
There was a sigh and the conversation continued, “I know, but making those kinds of plans? She’s just a girl!” This voice definitely belonged to a woman, most likely a bit elderly.
There was a pause in which I could hear their shoes step out of the elevator onto the hallway tile. “You can’t think of the specimens like that… Especially ones like her, it would be heartbreaking to become attached.” the man spoke with a reluctant edge to his voice. I felt my heart speed up, knowing I was the subject of their conversation.
“I know.” the old woman replied, “She seems so sweet and innocent though. It-”
“It’s her own fault for being caught!” the man suddenly snapped, “If the Professor wants to breed her, then that’s what we’ll do. Her body is mature enough, so she’ll survive the procedures.” There was another sigh and the conversation continued in a quieter volume.
I couldn’t hear them, but I didn’t really want to at this point. My body was shivering and I was trying not to burst into tears. Breed..? Like livestock? I cringed at the very idea; I had always wanted to have a family with children. But this?! One of my shaking hands covered my mouth when I felt nauseous. That’s just sick!
When I closed my eyes to ease the queasy feeling I noticed that the conversationalists footsteps were headed away from us. “What do you think he’ll breed her with?” the woman’s volume rose for the incredulous comment.
Shaking my head, I blocked any possible answers my imagination tried to throw into my mind. I let out a quiet sigh and opened my eyes again. I glanced up to see Sephiroth peeking around the corner, watching the two retreating to who-knows-where to do who-knows-what. I don’t care! I bit my lip to maintain my composure. I just want to go home…
Without warning Sephiroth silently dashed over beside the closed elevator doors. He shifted the man on his shoulder, so that his face was by some sort of electronic eye. I rose onto my tiptoes to see him parting the comatose assistant’s lids, so that a red light could scan over the man’s eye. Lowering my shivering self, I glanced around the corner at the two down the hall who were still too close in my opinion.
Just then the elevator door opened with a squeak and the man glanced back at the noise, which was in our direction. When he began to turn fully towards us I yelled in panic, “Sephiroth!”
His head jerked up to see that the two had spotted us, or at least him. “He’s trying to escape!” the man bellowed, “Subject 01 is on the loose!!” The woman screamed in terror and took off down the hallway.
Sephiroth’s expression became a hatred filled snarl as he tossed the unconscious lab assistant into the elevator. When he darted into the elevator as well, I sprinted for it; fear gripping my limbs. Because of my body’s quaking I lost my footing and sprawled out onto the unforgiving tile.
“Aeris!” Sephiroth shouted as I fell, making it halfway to the elevator. My eyes grew wide with horror as I saw the man quickly coming towards me, precious few paces remaining until he reached me.
I desperately clawed the smooth flooring trying to get to my feet, panic beginning to flood my senses. I managed to start running again, when a buzzing alarm filled the air. That old woman raised the alarm! It’s hopeless!!! A metallic screech pierced the clamor and I glanced over to find Sephiroth forcing the shuddering elevators doors to stay open. “Hurry!” he ordered through gritted teeth.
Just as I was about to dart into the elevator I was jerked back by my long chestnut curls. Crying out in fear and pain I fought against the pull, throwing my weight towards my savior. How bitterly ironic that the man had caught me by the long, princess-like locks that I prided myself with. Pride comes before fall.
When the man yanked on my hair a second time I fell back a step, my head throbbing. Hot tears fell down my face as I gazed into Sephiroth’s ice green eyes; they looked as desperate as I felt. Throwing my arms out towards him, my own green eyes plead to be free of this nightmare! It was a pathetic, self-centered action but I needed to be free. I wanted it as much as he did.
I didn’t even see his arm move or his hand wrap around my own, but I did see the steel door it had previously been holding open slam onto his side. I winced, the door had hit him with a lot of force, but he didn’t let go of me. Though my scalp felt like it was on fire, I smiled at my silver haired Adonis.
“Release her, you deranged lab rat!” the man clutching my hair hollered, obviously alarmed by the young man’s actions.
Sephiroth actually snarled in response, his eyes glowing furiously. Abruptly clamping his jaw shut, he suddenly spit something straight into the man’s right eye. Screaming in pain he let go of my hair and I was swiftly pulled into the elevator.
Sephiroth allowed me to drop to the floor once the doors had slammed shut. He then punched the sides of each of the doors by the wall, effectively warping them so that they couldn’t open. At least on this floor they couldn’t open the doors to get us.
I stared at the deep impressions in the steel, idly noting that the buzzing alarm was now somewhat muffled. I also noticed that Sephiroth was trembling, barely but still noticeable. He then collapsed against the second set of elevator doors when they too closed.
I rushed to his side, hoping nothing fatal had happened. Both his hands were shaking and in tight fists, his right clenching the handle of the knife. Fine tremors were running through his toned body, his head hung low with bangs hiding his face. I cringed when I lifted the left side of his shirt to find his ashen flesh discolored with bruising.
A drop of crimson liquid then fell to the polished elevator floor below him. “Sephiroth?” I placed one of my hands on his muscled arm while using the other to wipe away my remaining tears. When he finally turned his face up to me I gasped.
A small trail of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, which was grimaced in pain. It was coming from one of his teeth which looked cracked. The corners of his eyes were tight and his expression was forlorn. His beautifully fierce eyes were suddenly dull…
He broke one of his teeth to spit at that man! It must hurt so much… But he did it for me. I felt fresh tears gathering in my eyes. Now because of my clumsiness.. I’ve ruined his dreams of freedom. He continued to stare at me despondent, as I blinked away burning tears. “I’m so sorry…” my voice was nothing more than a pathetic whimper.
His eyes suddenly edged with suspicion as he continued to stare at me. I stifled a sob, “Please forgive my weakness…” The distrust fled from his eyes at my words. “I’m sorry!” It will be my fault if we’re caught. It’ll be all my fault!
I covered my face with my hands in shame, “I… I don’t deserve… Y-your kindness.” After all what had I repaid him with? Pain, and possibly to be imprisoned again. If only I could draw power from the Planet and brandish magic, like a true Cetra should. The tears escaped, “I’m sorry…”
I felt his hand lightly push against my own and I let them fall limply to my sides. Gazing at him with tear stained eyes; he was still collapsed against the doors. With his head tiredly set against the metal, his thumb gently brushed away a lingering tear. His eyes gazed into my own, before he let out a sigh. “I will heal…” his voice was heavy with thought, “You may cry after we escape…”
With that he rose to his feet and pressed one of many buttons of the elevator’s panel. I could only stare at him; did he really think escape was still possible? I shakily rose to my feet, “But-”
Sephiroth silenced me with a single, elegant finger pressed to my lips. He turned his perfect face to me, “We will gain our freedom, or die trying.” I paused but nodded, understanding his thoughts. At least if we died, we would be free of this place.
A foreign groan suddenly came from the back of the elevator. My eyes darted over to the shifting form of the lab assistant. His eye fluttered a couple times, before his body tensed and went limp again. I glanced up to see Sephiroth glaring at his prone form. “Isn’t he still unconscious?” at least that’s how he looked to me.
Sephiroth shook his head, his long hair following the waves. “He tensed up when he realized his current predicament.” he stated, “If he was truly comatose, his breathing would be more relaxed and even.”
At Sephiroth’s words the lab assistant’s eye snapped open and darted from his tall form to mine. The poor man looked petrified when glancing at the silver haired male, he quickly averted his eyes. “What do you plan to do with me?” he asked with a voice shaking with fear.
“Hopefully you’ll prove a useful hostage…” I watched a cruel smirk form on his pale lips, “But you human, should know how the Professor is…” Sephiroth shrugged as if it didn’t matter to him.
A look of pure horror passed over the short man’s face, but he started laughing nervously. “Of all the experiments, Subject 01… Of course it would be Professor Hojo’s pet project that would escape.”
Sephiroth’s expression darkened considerably, “That tongue of yours is not a vital organ. Should I remove it for you?” The nervous laughter stopped immediately. “You will be a useful tool in our escape or a human shield; either suits me just fine…” Turning he glowered at the various buttons on the elevator’s panel.
Looking at the now terrified and self-appointed mute, my mind wandered. Hojo’s pet project? Why doesn’t anyone address Sephiroth by his name? I turned to find my pale companion still glaring at nothing in particular. By chance I noticed a tattoo on the back of the hand clutching the knife, his right hand: JES-01 He really is only an experiment to them. But… I timidly wrapped my hand around his larger one and his eyes shifted towards me. Giving him a warm smile, I squeezed his hand trying to speak to him with my eyes. You’re worth so much more than that, Sephiroth.
No longer glaring, my attractive savior turned his face towards me curiously, lightly gripping my hand in his. I could feel my face flush as he gazed into my eyes bemused. The lab assistant shifted noisily to his feet and I glanced at him from the corner of my eyes. I noticed the disgusted expression on his face and my smile faltered a bit.
Sephiroth noticed too, he quickly turned towards him with a threatening gleam in his eyes. The short man’s expression quickly became one of a person ready to soil himself.
Sighing I slipped my hand from his larger one. “I guess we should get ready…” Nodding Sephiroth quickly herded the lab assistant before us by the door, with the large knife poised at the side of his neck. He was so close that I could see the furious pounding of his pulse; I couldn’t help but pity the short man if even a little.
The elevator stopped with a cheerful ding and the doors slowly opened. I blinked in bemusement; I had expected to be looking down the barrels of countless guns while people screamed at us. Instead the hallway looked completely vacant and I noticed that the alarm’s buzzing had ceased. That’s really strange… I looked over to Sephiroth who appeared just as suspicious, but he nodded for us to exit.
Stepping cautiously out of the elevator, I noticed how eerily silent and empty it was. ‘I think I saw a tumbleweed!’ Zack’s voice excitedly spoke in my mind. Smiling I glanced around again, the thought helped my uneasiness a bit.
“What is this?” Sephiroth quietly asked the lab assistant.
“I-I don’t know!” our hostage squeaked in alarm. His eyes darted back and forth, “If the alarm was raised you shouldn’t have been able to exit the elevator. I don’t know!”
Sephiroth didn’t reply, but a look of displeasure was clear on his countenance. When the elevator doors slowly shut behind us, the buzzing alarm didn’t return. Glancing around the single hallway once last time, he shook his head. “Remain alert.” he ordered with a hushed tone, “We shall see how far we are allowed.” Nudging the assistant to walk, we proceeded down the barren hallway.
As we warily advance, I noticed that this hallway was different than the indistinguishable corridors we had previously been sneaking through. It held both empty and sealed doorways and large glass windows, which led to rooms hidden in shadow. The hall lights are on but not in the rooms? I unconsciously leaned closer to Sephiroth, my stomach clenching uneasily. Looking ahead I could see that the hall eventually forked into separate paths, one to the right and the other to the left. I’ve got a very bad feeling about this…
It was so quiet, the furious pounding of my heart resounded in my ears. There was the awkward shuffling and squeaking of the lab assistant’s shoes on the tile, my own bare footfalls and Sephiroth’s unnervingly silent step. Glancing at my silver haired companion from the corner of my eyes, I saw that his body was taut and his eyes were trying to look at everything at once. His face was devoid of expression but I could feel his wary aura, every movement he made was one on edge. Observing our surroundings, I eagerly noted that we were about halfway down the windowed corridor.
Suddenly I glimpsed one of the unlit windows was open by the smallest crack and something was pressed up against the opening, something made of metal. Then I noticed that whatever that something was had a large shadow behind it; it was about to have a direct shot at Sephiroth as we passed by. Quickly pointing at the shadow I shouted without another thought, “Look out!”
Sephiroth reacted instantaneously, pulling back his right arm and hurling the knife through the window in one swift motion. The shadow screamed in pain and weapons fire erupted briefly, a few laser blasts flying past us to destroy the panel of a door across the hall. Our hostage yelped in surprise and backpedaled heedlessly.
Wrapping a strong arm around my shoulders, Sephiroth pulled me protectively against his side, his other hand lashing out to seize the lab assistant by the neck. The short man gasped loudly clawing uselessly at the large hand restricting his airway. Even when his breathing became harsh and panicked, he could not pry away one of those elegant fingers.
“Show yourselves!” Sephiroth suddenly shouted, but there was no response. “I know you can hear me…” his tone was threatening. The harsh breathing of the lab assistant soon became strangled gasps as the pale young man tightened his grip; I tried not to think of how desperate it sounded.
“Subject 01.” said an electronically synthesized voice. A dark figure stepped out of the shadows of an open doorway ahead of us. Its movements were sharp and mechanical, its footsteps heavy and solid. It was covered in black; in fact it looked like it had been painted on. Only a pair of bright, inhuman eyes broke the pitch-black coat. Then it dawned upon me, despite its appearance this creature wasn’t human at all. “You are surrounded. Resistance is futile.” It spoke in that cold, computerized tone.
I pressed myself closer to my protector, unnerved by the humanoid machine. Suddenly many more dark garbed figures exited the shadowed rooms, some humans openly brandishing weapons others not. They were on all sides of us, forcing us to back up towards the window Sephiroth had thrown the knife through. We’re being cornered. They blocked off the hall at both ends, though keeping a rather far distance.
The first black construct approached us however, causing Sephiroth to tighten his grip on both me and the lab assistant. “Release, Assistant 48-D.” its voice was devoid of emotion, “Harm him further and we will not hesitate to open fire.” Sephiroth eased his tight grip on the short man’s neck, who instantly began coughing and sputtering.
“That is sufficient.” the silver haired man replied guardedly.
But the android shook its head, “Release the human and turn over the Research Specimen.” It then opened a panel on its arm and typed some sort of code. The circular ID located over the lab assistant’s chest lit up and the man let out a startled squeak. “I have activated the locating beacon of his Sectional ID. With him we can track your every move; he is now more of a liability than an asset.” the jet colored construct explained, shutting the panel.
Sephiroth’s silvery brows furrowed, it seemed that the robot was telling the truth. I tensed when he let go of his neck suddenly, and propelled the man forwards with a foot so that he fell face down to the tiled floor before the android. My silver haired companion then held his free arm out defensively, turning so that he shielded me from most of the dark assailants’ view. “There is your pawn.” venom laced his voice, “But you cannot have Aeris. You will not touch her.” The android didn’t react when the lab assistant quickly scrambled to his feet and ran past one of the guarded lines, away from danger.
“On a first name basis are you?” a chilling voice suddenly asked, “Intriguing…” The black android held up its palm and a hologram was projected into the air. It showed the profile of a gaunt man with greasy black hair pulled back on the nape of his neck. A pair of dark, sterile eyes peered out at us from behind rimmed glasses. It was that man, no that monster. He was grinning wickedly, “Decided to take her with you? To what ends?”
“Hojo.” I ground out through clenched teeth. This thing, was the one preventing our escape? Of course it would be that mad man whom would deny us freedom.
The professor laughed dryly, “Charmed you remember me, little Ancient.” His attention switched to the tall male beside me, “Your escape plan nearly succeeded, but there were a few details you didn’t account for.. Disappointing, but a relative success considering your lack of knowledge.”
I glanced to see Sephiroth guarding himself with an emotionless mask, but his eyes burned with a murderous light, his facade covering barely restrained rage. He glared at the hologram like it was responsible for every evil in the world. His breathing became deep and controlled; I prayed he wouldn’t lose his cool. “You coward.” his voice shook with emotion, “Why don’t you show your true face?!”
Hojo only smiled cruelly, “In do time… Once you are both recaptured, I’ll make sure we have a heart-to-heart.” Growling at the idea of imprisonment, I could feel Sephiroth’s aura radiating unbridled hatred. The professor’s eyes then grew calculating, “In fact, since you two seem to be so close… I’ll allow you to father the Cetra’s offspring, I’m sure mixing both of your unique blood will create fascinating results.” Before either of us could react to the statement, the hologram blinked out of existence.
“Surrender, Subject 01.” the black android ordered, his outstretched hand transforming into a large gun. Sephiroth however, took up a ready position, his eyes growing wild and hostile. Seeing his aggressive stance the dark construct spoke, “Your actions are illogical. Your existence is a result of an experiment; only in these labs will you fulfill your purpose.” The gun arm began to build energy, “You cannot escape.”
I blinked and Sephiroth had sped over to the android, kicking its head clean off the shoulders. I screamed, falling back when the gun arm discharged, the ball of energy shattering the window across the hall. Sephiroth had turned the gun arm toward one of the lines of guards, letting it discharge onto them. The explosion caught them off guard, flinging them through windows and walls. The lightning fast man then used the decapitated body as a shield when the second row of guards opened fire.
Curling into a defensive ball, I tried to calm my hammering pulse. I cried out when a stray laser blast grazed my arm. I watched through my fingers as Sephiroth launched the android’s body at the remaining guards, hitting a few and scattering the rest. Right after, I jumped to my feet and rushed into his open arms. We might still be able to get out of this! We might escape!
Wrapping his arms around me, he quickly tumbled through the open window. Gently yet swiftly dropping me to the floor, he overturned a large steel table. I scrambled out of the way when I saw him lift it towards the broken window. He shoved the table into the space, forcefully dislodging parts of the wall to make the table fit.
The room became pitch-black; the only sounds were our heavy breathing. “It will not keep them out for long.” He opened his eyes and a faint green glow settled over the disrupted room. “We need to find something, quickly.” he sighed.
I nodded trying to force my eyes to adjust to the darkness. As I began to sort through the debris I noticed other glowing lights. I pulled the anomalies out and found that they were colorful, smooth stones, which reminded me of giant marbles. “What are these?” I asked discovering about a dozen of them.
The strange sound of an unsheathing sword caught my attention; I turned to see the gleam of a polished blade. Gathering the glowing orbs into my arms I faced Sephiroth to see him holding some sort of sword. How can he hope to wield that? It’s as long as he is!
His slitted eyes focused on the giant marbles I was carrying. “You found materia!” he sounded excited, “Put them in this sack.” The said item flew at my unprepared head and I managed to grab it in my teeth. I frowned as best I could, not comprehending the importance of these things. Setting aside my aggravation of being kept in the dark, I managed to roll all the ‘materia’ into the sack. My hands now free I allowed the full sack to drop into awaiting arms.
Looking up, I gasped when I found Sephiroth’s glowing eyes right before me. Calming myself I asked, “What can these ‘materia’ do?” I watched nervously as an amused glint entered his eyes. Shifting the sack, he grabbed an orb from it and held it before my eyes. But before he could reply there was a click by the broken door.
“Get down!” he shouted before pouncing on me. Luckily we were safely on the floor when explosions blasted open a doorway to the chaotic room. A couple of androids like the one earlier stepped through with charged guns. Sephiroth jumped up, holding out the hand which held the strange orb. Static seemed to crackle on his hand; it almost looked like there was lightning behind his eyes. A sudden bolt of hot blue light knocked both humanoid machines back out the door with a pulse of electricity, leaving them shuddering and crackling in its wake.
As Sephiroth charged out the opening with his long blade in one hand and crystallized lightning in the other, I pushed myself onto my feet and held the bag of magic marbles close. Before I could also exit the room I heard screams, sounds of swordplay and weapons fire. Don’t look, just run. Just keep running!
Steeling my senses I dashed out to follow my liberator, ignoring the carnage I passed. It was hard to ignore the pungent stench of blood and fried circuitry; it was even harder to ignore the pained groans that filled the air. Looking ahead I saw the remaining guards were being neatly cut down by Sephiroth. When a laser blast grazed his leg he halted long enough to let loose another brilliant arc of electricity.
Despite the gruesome battlefield my heart soared at the sight of an open hallway, without waiting for Sephiroth’s order I ran to the split in the corridor. Once there I stopped to gaze down both passageways, each led to a large teleporter. Sephiroth was by my side in a second, his sword wiped clean.
A strange flash of light drew our attention to the teleporter on the left, two bulky machines had appeared. I heard my companion inhale sharply as all they both fired a dozen missiles in our direction. “GO!” he shouted tugging me down the right corridor towards the empty teleporter. The hall was shaken by the missile explosions and I barely kept my footing.
Suddenly the other teleporter wasn’t empty anymore; another guard looked at us down the barrel of a rifle. I almost stopped running, I was set dead in its sights and he pulled the trigger. Sephiroth pushed me out of the way, but didn’t have enough time to avoid the shot himself. I could only watch as it tore through his shoulder leaving a bloody mess. But before I could call out to him, he had charged at the guard. The guard managed two more shots directly into my savior’s chest, but he still skewered the man right through the heart with his long blade.
He ripped the sword from the fresh corpse and stumbling, he fell back into the teleporter. “Sephiroth!” I sprinted to him, kneeling beside him in the teleporter, “Sephiroth!”
His eyes were glazed in pain, another trickle of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. “Pr-press the white panel.” he managed to tell me before being choked by a fit of coughs. I looked up frantically to see a colorful multitude of buttons; I quickly slammed a fist onto the white panel. “They ca-” he suddenly gasped for breath, “S-safe.”
Returning to him I lowered myself to sit, setting the sack of materia beside me. Carefully I lifted Sephiroth’s head so that he rested on my lap. Though his breathing was ragged his eyes blinked lazily, as if fighting off slumber. Blood stained his clothes and long pale locks, the wounds in his chest and shoulder already a deep crimson. I felt that I had surpassed panic, nestled in the dead void beyond tears falling unbidden down my cheeks. Smoothing wayward strands of his ice-tinted hair I whispered the only words I could think, “I’m sorry…”
The corners of his lips twitched upwards, “N-not yet.” He paused when his body suddenly spasmed, “Almost… almost…” His weak chuckling transformed into horrible coughs. He suddenly groped for the sack; I helped his hand find it. Pulling out a green marble he tried to speak again, “Cu-” it sounded like liquid had begun to fill one of his lungs, “Cure!”
I wanted to strangle myself when he finally managed the word. Snatching the orb from him, I held it in a death grip. Please! I have to save him, please! I sobbed when nothing happened and closed my eyes. Please… he shouldn’t have to die. Suddenly soothing music pulsed in my mind and a familiar power coursed through my veins. My eyes snapped open and I saw that he was wrapped in the healing green glow. He looked exhausted, but he managed to smile at me before passing out.
Relief rushed over me, but it was soon replaced by all too familiar panic. I shook him, “Sephiroth!” Though I knew at this moment he was dead to the world. I sobbed pathetically, “What am I supposed to do now?” I heard muffled noises outside the teleporter, and my heart jumped. If we stayed here, they would eventually get in and capture us. No…
Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I clasped my hands together and bowed my head. I searched my soul for that well of power I knew was hidden, deeply guarded. I pictured the Planet, my home and loving family, a place far from these horrible labs. Most of all I pictured a place where Sephiroth could live his dream of freedom.
To be as the wind, free and untamed.
Take us from this prison, with horrors unnamed.
Let this child return to the Earth from whence she came.
Let this lost angel find such a place the same.
Take us home!
I heard the soft melody of the Planet rush to meet me, opening the well of power. A tingling sensation overcame my body as we were teleported to the Planet. My first true spell had worked!
The chirping of crickets and the musical rustle of the meadow filled my ears. Opening my eyes, I glanced up to see a velvet sky filled with glittering stars. Tears rolled down my cheeks, but this time they were caused by joy. We’re free!
A cool wind tugged playfully at my long curls, it felt so good. The voice of the Planet sang happily in the back of my mind; it was good to hear my old friend again. I glanced down to see Sephiroth’s head still resting on my lap, his expression one of peaceful repose. I smiled and giggling in ecstasy. You’re free Sephiroth.
Then I heard someone trampling their way towards us and I felt a strange mixture of jubilation and anxiety. That was until I saw the mop of black spikes coming towards us. “There you are!” Zack exclaimed, “I can’t believe you, ‘Ris! Those flowers will be the death of you-” His mako blue eyes then zeroed in on my pale companion, “Huh? Should I even ask?”
I couldn’t help but grin mischievously at him, batting my eyelashes a few times. “Can I keep him?” I teased the wild maned youth.
Zack only raised an eyebrow, “I don’t know… Taking care of an angel is a big responsibility young lady, and I don’t think you can handle it!” He motioned to all the bloodstains, “I mean look! You already managed to loose his wings!”
I giggled at his antics, still joy filled at the thought of being free… “Zackary,” my smile faded, “Shinra is coming, aren’t they?” When he nodded solemnly I bit my lip, I couldn’t waste any more time.
I’m sorry, but I need to make this choice for you. I looked at Zack with the big green eyes, I know he loves, “His name is Sephiroth and he’s a friend. He needs our help.” Forgive my weakness.
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Author’s notes:
I humongous thanks to everyone who reviewed! You are such wonderful people! My apologies that the update took so long as well, school won’t help either. Yeah… But if you’ve got any questions just ask and if they’re relevant (stupid questions get stupid answers) I’ll try to answer them!
Boy, I’d hate to go commando, run around without *koff* support… Especially if the fabric was itchy! Bleg! They didn’t have a choice, I suppose… I’m just a little pampered high school girl anyways, so ‘meh.
Some Greek allusion in this chapter! What in the world does Aeris do in her free time? Also sorry if I got corny with drugged up Aeris’ random thoughts, just means you knows she was tired right? Oh wait, that might’ve been the author…
It would really hurt to break your own tooth… Once when I wasn’t numb enough from the shot, I felt the drill on my tooth. It hurt, a lot. Ouch, then they rebuked me because my body jumped and I was thinking: WHAT THE HECK!
But why didn’t Aeris just heal poor Sephy? Well she was in the panicking-on-verge-of-breakdown mode, but I’m sure she later thought of that and scolded herself. Poor, poor Sephiroth, you take so much abuse.
I have to say that Phantasy Star Online androids are my favorite, since they actually look like robots instead of actors: “Hey I’m an android, I just look human!” The only exception to my dislike of that is Terminator. I know that PSO androids don’t really have weapons built into them, but hey if Barret can have a gun arm why can’t they?
I’ll try to make the next chapter have a lighter, more comical perspective and a special black haired someone is gonna help me. I other words next up is Zack.
Disclaimer: See before chapter.
Oh, and please review, even one will fill my girlish heart with joy! But flames, not so much…
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” ~Abraham Lincoln
