What You Treasure

Community: 30_Tears

Theme: #7. Hello; goodbye

A/N: I'd like to thank everyone that did review. I was debating if I should bother continueing working on this. As I stated I have played the game and seen the movie. Not a whole lot was shown of Sephiroth's character, not from his point of view anyways. So, I'm trying to keep him in character as best as possible. And to respond to a review, I agree, total waste if Sephiroth were to be gay b/c then I couldn't have him. He's too hot to waste, specially the movie version. *Drools* Has those eyes that make you want to pounce. Anyways, please read and review. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Three


The dark corner of the building suited his needs for now. How long had he been awake? Days or perhaps weeks? His body still felt strange, the nerves healing. What had awoken him? His mind couldn’t recall anything up to a certain point. The feeling of hands upon his person. Tiny pin pricks of pain, rapid thoughts and strange images. A voice that he despised more than anything; his. That pathetic excuse for a clone. That boy had interfered in his plans once again. It was just as well, that Kadaj’s body hadn’t been suitable for his needs. Nothing like the real thing.


Dawn hadn’t arrived again, bringing another day with it. The planet still thrived as usual, he’d end that soon enough. First, he had other plans. He should have disposed of Cloud when he had the chance. Leaving him alone had proved to be a major mistake. The fools at Shinra must believe him to be cremated and reduced to ash by now. That fool hadn’t suffered like he should have. Right before waking he’d felt a hand touching him in a intimate way. His induced hibernation had been perfectly planned out. He’d taken the time to use a large mass of Jenova’s cells to produce a clone, the perfect replica of himself. It had been almost as powerful as the original, enough to stop Cloud from interfering with Meteor’s decent. Using the last of his strength he’d fought against the boy. Controlling the clone from the safety of his seal. He’d needed to rest after the loss. Figures Shinra wouldn’t leave well enough alone. His hatred for them burned just as bright.


First they’d found Mother’s remains. That fool Kadaj actually thought himself good enough to join with her. His power had been mediocre at best. Still something good had come of it, he had the answers he needed. As he’d fought Cloud he saw the images going through his mind. The man had many weaknesses, all friends and family. One person filled his mind, a girl. The brunette that had been there the entire time. She’d remained at the puppet’s side. His childhood friend was the closest to his heart now that the Centra was dead.


He would have enjoyed playing with the last remaining Ancient but he didn’t have the time. She was trying to get in his way. Her death was a top priority then. It had filled him with joy to see her die. Yet, the man didn’t cry. As soon as his body was back functional he’d find where the girl was. He longed to take away the thing he treasured the most. To watch the pain as he lost it. Would killing her do it? Or would the man be his usual self and contain the pain? Sticking a blade in her chest wouldn’t suffice this time. A simple death would be quick and simple. Not the impact he was going for. Kidnaping her wouldn’t do either, it needed to be more. More to draw out the man’s pain and suffering. Taking the girl from him for some time, letting him know that she was suffering and he couldn’t save her. The man might assume she was dead after he took her so he’d have to make sure the girl relayed her pain.


There was a slight pain in his arms as he headed for the door. Clothes would be needed then he had to make some preparations. Soon, he’d have his revenge. Cloud would wish he were dead long before it was granted. The girl would be the perfect pawn in this game. With that thought he went in search for a new weapon and the means to live for the next few months.


~~~~ A Month Later~~~~


Tifa turned off the water, when she heard the bathroom door knob turn slightly. Confusion filled her at the noise. Everyone was gone for the evening. Cloud was delivering something for a client and Marlene was spending the week with Barrett. The house should be empty. Unless, one of the others had stopped by. Somehow she doubted that they show up unannounced and try to walk in on her. Evening had just set in, dusk settling over the city. Not having many customers she’d decided to close up shop early. Take an evening to relax and read a book. Better to keep her mind of her other problems. While the death of Sephiroth should have been something to celebrate Cloud seemed more forlorn than happy.


Did the man refuse to let go of the past and move on? He really was being stubborn. Her thoughts went back to the problem at hand. She quickly stepped out of the stall. The white towel wrapped around her dripping form. Taking a deep breath she reached for the knob. Scowling she shook off her fear, there wasn’t much she couldn’t handle. If it was someone breaking in to steal they’d learn their mistake quick enough.


As it jerked open she almost screamed. The other girl was sitting on the bed her feet dangling. She had her head down in a defeated pose. What the hell was she doing here? Tonight of all nights and how did she get in? Stomping her foot against the plush blue carpet she scolded the girl, “What are you doing here Yuffie? You scared me, I was trying to take a shower.”


“Where’s Cloud?” The ninja leaned back and examined the girl. Her hair was clinging to her exposed shoulders in soaked tendrils. She looked tensed as she looked around the room. Getting up, Yuffie went to look out the window. It was a crappy view of the city. Not that she was expecting much in the slums. Didn’t she make any money with the business? It should be booming with all the boozers in the area.


“He’s gone.” Tifa tensed as she walked over to the other girl. What was she doing here? The ninja had mentioned heading back to Wutai after Cid had dropped them off. The only ones that had been left on the airship were Cid, Vincent and her. Had something happened between her and the solemn Vincent? The two weren’t the best of friends but they were still comrades. “Did you want to speak to him?”


“Not really, I came to talk to you. See I was heading to Wutai, just like I said. I swear that Vincent really annoys me. He’s worse than that old man.” The sheet crumpled under her fisted palm. He made her so mad. That cold nature of his was aggravating, not to mention he stole her materia. She’d handed it over when he asked to see it. Then he refused to give it back, politely saying, “I’ll return it later.”


The ninja came alert as the sounds of someone walking up the stairs was heard. Nodding she took out her weapon as Tifa backed up away from the bedroom door. Whomever it was didn’t bother trying to hide their presence. The stairs creaked as they continued. The steps were hard as if announcing their presence. “Are you expecting company?”


“No, did you see anything as you came in?” Tifa didn’t have time to get dressed as the steps got louder. The intruder was being rude, making his steps hard while taking his time. As if stalking his way up the stairs. A female couldn’t produce those steps, unless she was extremely heavy set. Instinct told her it was a male and a dangerous one. The hairs stood on the nape of her neck. This wasn’t how she wanted to spend her evening. Yuffie’s company could be overlooked, the girl was a friend. As curious as she was to know why the girl had arrived, they had another problem. How long had the intruder been downstairs?


“The door was open, so I assumed you were open. I came up when I heard the shower going and decided to wait on you. I didn’t see anyone downstairs or in the bar.” Yuffie readied herself, allowing Tifa room to fight as well. She should have known something was wrong when the girl had been in the shower with the door wide open. But her mind had been occupied with her own problems, so she hadn’t thought that much into it. She’d come to speak to the other girl about a personal matter, her feelings. If anyone could understand loving someone that loved another it was Tifa.


The intruder stopped outside the door, the crack showing only a black boot. Was it one of Kadaj’s minions that had survived? Tifa waited hoping it was Cloud and not someone unwanted. The man might have come back early. It would explain why the door was open and he wasn’t making any attempt to hide his presence. The wood began to push forward, revealing the one behind it.


Yuffie struck first, pushing past the shock. It had to be a cruel hoax, she wasn’t afraid. Shinra had disposed of his body. Scowling she tossed the weapon at the man. As he grabbed the large shuriken, Tifa finally moved. Her fist went for the man’s face. Which remained with a bored expression, the fist was caught. With un-imaginary strength he gripped the hand, to toss the brunette across the room. “Tifa!”


She felt her back slam into the dresser and groaned. He’d swatted her away as if she were nothing more than a fly. She heard Yuffie’s scream as she tried to get up. Panic made her move and attack the man. Her mind refused to believe it was the real thing. He’d been destroyed, plus he’d go after Cloud first not her. But had he come looking for Cloud? Is that why he hadn’t come upstairs first? She managed to land a kick to his back. Pale features turned to her as he tossed Yuffie to the floor. She didn’t have time to attack again, the back of his hand caught her across the face.


Sephiroth kicked the scrawny girl near his feet. Were these really the people that had helped the puppet defeat him? The little ninja glared up at him as his foot came to rest upon her throat. The urge to kill her was strong but he had a better use for her. He wanted Cloud to know exactly who had taken the girl. He’d been planning on leaving a note but this was better. As he’d been surveying the place, she’d shown up in time to be useful. Leaning over, he used the materia that he’d picked up. “You will tell him what you witness here. Once you are able to move again, I’ll expect you to find him.”


Yuffie panicked when her body became numb. He’d paralyzed her entire body but she was aware of everything. She tried to shout for Tifa to run but the girl was trying to get back on her feet. Horror filled her as the man moved suddenly to toss the girl back on the floor. Was he going to kill her? Grief and anger filled her as her body refused to obey and move. The man wore nothing but a tight black shirt cut off on the shoulders leaving his arms free. Black pants clung to his form tightly, down to the black boots. It was strange seeing him without that long coat he’d seemed fond of. There was no mistaking the stoic face and long silver hair. The long blade remained attached to his back, his hand never going for the weapon.


Tifa groaned, the impact on the floor enough to knock the breath from her lungs. She found herself looking up into penetrating green eyes. This had to be a nightmare. Where was Cloud? Her eyes sought the ninja laying prone on the ground. She cried out seeing the girl just laying there. The steady fall and rise of her back said the girl was still alive. Alive but unable to move but was watching. She swung her foot out to trip him. Disbelief filled her as he stepped to the side in time. “Ow.”


Getting tired of her measly attempts at fighting, he pounced. Grabbing a handful of hair, the back of her head slammed into the floor. It stunned her long enough to yank the large towel away from her body. A sadistic smile crossed his features knowing the other female was watching. His eyes narrowed as her nude form was there for him to examine. The breasts were large but firm, perfectly shaped and round. Her stomach was lean and well defined, heading down to a pair of flaring hips. She was a real piece of work, no wonder the puppet was infatuated with her.


Tifa blushed as the towel was removed. Shame filled her as hand roughly grabbed a soft breast, pinching the nipple hard. Anger filled her at the act, she struck him across the face. She didn’t scream as he returned the favor. Blood filled her mouth from the busted lips. She struggled as her thighs were painfully pushed apart with just one of his knees. This couldn’t be the real thing, he wouldn’t lower himself to do such a degrading thing. A hand held both her wrists above her head.


Yuffie closed her eyes not wanting to watch. The man couldn’t be cruel enough to rape the girl in front of her. Yet, this was Sephiroth, there was no telling what he was capable of. If he would be crazy enough to destroy the planet he was sitting his merry ass on, he would do anything. Something scraped across the floor. Her eyes snapped open at the sound. The man finally withdrew his famous weapon, gripping it tightly. A hand had the edge of Tifa’s hair fisting it as he yanked her up to her knees. He ignored the fists pounding into his thighs and groin. A scream finally managed to escape as the sword came down.


Tifa saw her death coming as it arched into the air. He was going to deliver her head to Cloud! Knowing she couldn’t stop it, she closed her eyes. The tension left her scalp as she tumbled forward. A trembling hand went to her head. Shock filled her to see that her hair now ended at her shoulders. Looking up she saw him walking over to toss the mass at Yuffie’s fallen form. The hair scattered across the floor, as the man pressed a foot on the girl’s chest.


“Deliver this message to him, I have what he treasures. As he searches it will be in vain, to know that everyday he fails she suffers.” He delivered the message and turned back to his goal. The girl was trying to get to her feet, a fighter to the end. It would do no good. The hilt of his sword impacted with the back of her skull. With a sickening thud she fell to the floor, finally out. She weighed almost nothing as he slung her over his shoulders. The smell of lavender assaulted his nose. Seeing the ninja beginning to come around he took his leave. Soon, Cloud’s suffering would begin.


Next Chapter: Yuffie relays the message and Tifa gets to see her Home away from Home... Please read and review