#and be offended that materia is a thing

[xkuja]

Kujas ff7 verse is that he does not like Sephiroth very much.

[rottenpumpkin13]

For April fools we need Sephiroth pulling pranks

Sephiroth's Prank

• April 1st is a chaotic date at Shinra HQ. Tseng has to call in multiple Turks to his office to discipline them for pranks like supergluing hair on Rude’s head, adding a dirty sock to the VP’s morning coffee, and nearly suffocating the entire board of directors to death with a stink bomb thrown in the confrence room—all three pranks were done by Reno.

• But April 1st is especially anarchic in nature on the 49th floor. 

• Director Lazard is quite literally trembling in fear as he steps off the elevator early in the morning. 

*Zack intercepts him, stepping out from behind the corner with a grin*

*Lazard screams*

Zack: Good morning, director? Care for a peanut?

*Zack extends a can of peanuts his way*

Lazard: …..Really? A can of colorful worms? I expected more from you.

*He opens the can*

Lazard: I’m pleased that you’re not taking advantage of the date to—-

*The can explodes in his hand, shooting smoke and blue powder all over Lazard’s face*

Lazard:

Zack: I am always two steps ahead. 

Lazard: 

*Zack begins to slink back into the shadows*

Zack: Two steps. Ahead. 

Lazard: 

• Meanwhile, Genesis walks into Angeal’s office where he and Sephiroth are. He sets their coffees down on the desk. 

Genesis: Here’s your coffee. 

*Angeal and Sephiroth pick them up and take sips, Angeal promptly spits his out*

Angeal: EW. DID YOU PUT SALT IN THIS?

Genesis: I’m a mastermind. Happy April fools! 

*Sephiroth continues to drink the coffee*

Angeal: Sephiroth how the fuck are you drinking that???

Sephiroth: Oh, I ordered a salted caramel macchiato. I thought they overdid it. 

*Genesis smugly takes out his copy of Loveless. He tries to flip it open but is unsuccessful. It’s superglued shut*

Genesis: What the—?

*Angeal starts laughing*

Genesis: Ha-ha. Real funny. 

*Genesis tries to put the book down on the desk but it sticks to his hand*

*Angeal laughs harder*

Sephiroth: I don’t see the appeal of April Fools'. It’s just a day where the implications of the date allow people to hurt others with childish pranks. 

Genesis: While I adore you as a friend, Sephiroth, I don’t expect you to understand April Fools'. It’s a fun holiday, for fun people to do fun things. Your boring, stick-in-the-mud personality doesn’t quite fit the requirements. 

*Sephiroth puts his coffee down*

Sephiroth: I’m offended. 

Angeal: What Genesis means is that you’re not really the pranking type, and that’s okay. Lots of people don’t have what it takes to pull pranks. 

Sephiroth: You’re insinuating that I’m incapable of pranking people?

Genesis: Darling, we’re saying it to your face.

*Angeal gets an Email from Lazard—“SUBJECT: HELP, EMAIL: GET ZACK OUT OF MY OFFICE HE HAS A FLAMETHROWER” *

Angeal: I gotta go. Gen, don’t you have materia class with the Thirds in ten minutes?

Genesis: I do. See you, Sephiroth. Don’t let the April fool hit you on your way out!

• They leave the office. Sephiroth sits there with his arms crossed, looking more sour than his coffee. And then he veers sly eyes unto Angeal’s laptop and the printer sitting on the desk. 

Sephiroth: Hmm. 

• A few hours later, Genesis finds himself on his merry way to Sephiroth’s office to grab Sephiroth’s tablet for him. On his way there he passes by Zack (dressed as an evil clown) hiding behind a corner as Lazard approaches (breathing with a paper bag).

• Genesis grabs Sephiroth’s tablet off his desk, but then his eyes fall onto a curious document laying there. He, being the nosy bitch he is, picks it up and behigs flipping through it. His eyes widen, eyebrows creeping higher and higher toward his hairline as he reads. And then he runs out, panicking. 

• He passes by Zack again, this time being disciplined by Lazard, who’s sobbing and beating Zack with his own squeaky mallet. 

*Genesis grabs Angeal and pulls him aside*

Genesis: YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT I FOUND.

*He shoves the document in Angeal’s hands*

Angeal: What’s this?

Genesis, hyperventilating: It’s a classified report from Professor Hojo detailing the extent of Sephiroth’s condition. 

Angeal: His…condition?

Genesis: HE’S PART CAT. 

Angeal:

Genesis:

Angeal: 

Genesis: I’M SERIOUS.

Angeal: Seriously in need of medication. 

Genesis: READ IT. 

*Angeal sighs and begins to flip through the papers*

Angeal: 

Angeal:

Angeal: OH MY GOD. 

Genesis: I KNOW.

Angeal: HE’S HALF CAT? LIKE ACTUALLY HALF CAT. 

Genesis: It makes perfect sense! I don’t know how we didn’t see this sooner! His weird eyes, his fangs, the way he consumes 150 pieces of sushi in 10 minutes. HELL, THAT’S WHY HE LOVES THE BEACH. IT’S A GIANT LITTER BOX. 

Angeal: Gen, calm down. For his sake, we can’t freak out.

Genesis: Why didn’t he tell us!?

Angeal: Probably out of fear we’d have the same reaction you’re having right now. Oh, that poor thing. He must be so embarassed, so lonely with no one to tell him that he’s special as he is. *Angeal begins to tear up* Or to give him head pats. 

Genesis: What do we do now?? How are we supposed to act normally around him knowing he probably PURRS WHEN HE'S HAPPY??

Angeal: I DON’T KNOW! But We have to try! For his sake, we have to be as supportive and accommodating as possible.

Genesis: You’re right.

Angeal: And help him through this without letting him know that we know. 

Genesis: You’re right.

Angeal: And be there for him tonight on the full moon when he fully turns into a cat.

Genesis: You’re righ—WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?

Angeal: DID YOU NOT READ THE FINE PRINT?

Genesis: NO!?

*Genesis snatches the report from him and reads through it again*

Genesis: OH GODDESS HE’S A WEREKITTY

Angeal: THIS IS SICK. HOW COULD HOJO DO THIS TO HIM??

Genesis: NO WONDER HE LIKES CATNIP TEA SO MUCH. THAT BASTARD’S BEEN GETTING HIGH OFF HIS KITTY MIND THIS WHOLE TIME.

*There’s a noise from the cabinet beside them, they turn and see Sephiroth crawling out from under it*

Sephiroth: Hello, gentlemen. 

*Angeal immediately starts sobbing* 

• Later in the day, Genesis is working in his office. Sephiroth sits on the opposite chair playing with a ball of yarn Genesis provided him with.

*Sephiroth sees the glass of water near Genesis. He slowly reaches for it*

Genesis:

*Sephiroth knocks it over*

Genesis:

*sephiroth throws the glass against the wall*

Genesis:

Sephiroth: That was enriching. 

• Even later, Angeal finds Sephiroth kneading a couch cushion in the break room. 

Angeal: 💡

*Angeal takes out a bowl of bread dough from the fridge*

Angeal: For you!

Sephiroth: Thank you, but I prefer the sensation of fabric to that of bread.

*Sephiroth starts chewing the blanket*

Angeal:

Sephiroth: Meow.

• Much later, Genesis enters the materia room and sees Sephiroth perched on a shelf, reading.

Genesis: H-How did you get up there?

*Sephiroth hisses*

Genesis: !?

• And then Angeal enters his office and finds his leather couch completely torn up. Sephiroth sits in a corner, playing with a piece of the foam.

Sephiroth: You’re not mad, are you?

Angeal, tearing up: Of course not! You poor, sweet thing! Would you like me to bring you Genesis’ leather coats for you to play with?

Sephiroth: That would be delightful. 

Angeal: I’m on it!

• Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal walk into the SOLDIER mess hall and see Kunsel and a group of Thirds playing with a laser pointer. 

Kunsel: Hey guys! Check out my new laser pointer! 

*Kunsel aims it at the wall. Sephiroth’s pupils dilate*

Angeal: NO

Genesis: GRAB HIM

*They tackle Sephiroth to the ground*

• Finally evening comes. Angeal and Genesis lay on the couch in the lounge, both of them exhausted after a long day of dealing with Sephiroth. And then an adorable, gray cat walks in.

Cat: Meow.

Angeal: OH MY GOD! SEPHIROTH!

Genesis: HAS IT HAPPENED ALREADY? HAVE YOU TURNED INTO A CAT!?

*They rush to pick up the cat and immediately start coddling it*

Angeal, sobbing: YOU POOR THING. IS THIS WHAT YOU DEAL WITH EVERY FULL MOON?

Genesis: HE’S SO CUTE! ANGEAL! WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF HIM!

Angeal: DON’T WORRY BUDDY! WE’LL PROTECT YOU FROM NOW ON!

*Zack walks in, shirtless, covered in war paint, carrying a shovel*

Zack: The lizard man has banned animals from the 49th floor. 

Angeal: What? Why?

Zack: Because I filled his office with 30 angry chocobos, so now he has guards with tranquilizer guns stationed everywhere. Any animal they see, they shoot and take to the pound.

Genesis: WHAT? Oh no…not good!

Zack: Hey, cute cat! 

Angeal: IT’S SEPHIROTH. 

Zack: Is it? Cool!

Genesis: I know it will be hard to believe, but Sephiroth is half-human, half-cat, and every full moon he turns into a cat! This is him!

Zack: No, no. I believe you.

Angeal: Just like that!?

Zack: Yeah, I mean, I kinda already knew. I’m part of the Sephiroth-is-actually-a-cat conspiracy theory club.

Genesis: the WHAT?

*Zack walks over to a painting on the wall and removes it. Behind it is a white board filled with pictures of Sephiroth, cats and anecdotes*

Angeal: .......

Genesis: .......

Zack: We have an email list and everything. 

Angeal: .......

Genesis: .......

Zack: Back to Sephiroth being a cat. We have to get him out of here before Lazard or the guards see him!

Angeal: I know! Come on, if we’re quiet, we can sneak him up to my place. 

*They walk towards the door, but then Lazard appears with four guards with tranqulizer guns*

Lazard: A-HA! I KNEW IT! I KNEW I HEARD A CAT IN HERE!

Angeal: Director, wait, we can explain! This isn’t just any cat, it’s Sephiroth!

Genesis: He turns into a cat every full moon!

Angeal: He’s innocent! He just wants to knead blankets and nap and scratch up Genesis’s expensive leather coats!

Genesis: Yeah, he—WHAT? 

Angeal, sobbing: You can’t take him away! He may be a cat, but he’s still our best friend! He can’t be taken to the pound! He doesn’t deserve this! 

Genesis: If you want to take cat Sephiroth away, you’ll have to get through me! 

Angeal: And me!

Zack: And me too!

Lazard:

Lazard: What drugs did you three take?

(simultaneously)

Angeal: WE’RE NOT HIGH

Genesis: WE’RE TELLING THE TRUTH

Zack: The doctor said it would help.

*Everyone turns to look at him*

Zack:

Zack: SEPHIROTH IS A CAT. 

Angeal: WE’RE TELLING THE TRUTH!

Genesis: DON’T HURT HIM! 

Lazard: You know what? I’ve heard enough. *He turns to the guards* Take the cat.

*The guards aim at the cat in Angeal’s arms, everyone starts screaming, the guards shoot—And then Zack jumps in front of the cat, taking the tranquilizer dart for it*

Angeal: ZACK!

Genesis: ARE YOU OKAY?

*The cat jumps from Angeal’s arm and runs out the door*

Angeal: WAIT, SEPHIROTH!

Genesis: COME BACK!

• That’s when Sephiroth (the real one) appears in the doorway. He whisks the cat off the floor and starts petting it in his arms. Everyone’s jaw is on the floor—except for Zack, who’s whole body is on the floor. 

Angeal: Sephiroth….you’re not the cat?

Sephiroth: Never was, never have been.

Genesis: You mean you’re not half-cat?? YOU TRICKED US?

Sephiroth: Tell me, what does eating your own words taste like? I wouldn’t know the sensation. 

[dark-elf-writes]

How are the Turks handling Cloud's everything in the leaf house au?

At first when Cissnei comes back to report someone new hanging around Aerith they were skeptical. Particularly when she told them with something between surprise and concern that he had seen her watching them.

(Cissnei is no slouch when it comes to stealth. If she didn’t want to be seen nothing short of a fellow Turk or SOLDIER should have been able to clock her.)

Reno laughed, told her she’s getting rusty, and was ordered to watch Aerith next.

He gets spotted too.

It becomes a bit of a game between them, seeing if any of them can be skipped over by those eyes. Yet without fail no matter who is sent, no matter what the blond is doing, they are spotted at least once. It would be more concerning if Cloud had any real interest in doing anything other than scowling at them while Aerith loaded a basket on his arm with flowers and didn’t almost always have at least one kid at his heels.

Then Tseng gets caught in an ambush between sectors five and six and is down to his last magazine when a blond blur leaps from the shadows and starts taking out the goons and monsters without hesitation.

Even when the sword, rusted and chipped as it shatters in his hands Cloud doesn’t stop as if breaking swords in the middle of battle was normal for him. (If Rude and Shotgun were to be believed it was.)

Tseng keeps shooting until his gun clicks is empty, covering the man his Turks had written off as ‘weird but mostly harmless’ as he cuts a path of distraction with only a broken sword and what looks like shards of materia set in several earrings.

It’s not until the dust settles and the blond is scowling down at his newly broken sword like it personally offended him that Tseng asks.

“Why?”

Blue eyes, brighter than they should be in the gloom but still dimmer than a Soldiers and without the glassy distance of an addict, blink. “They were going to kill you.” He says simply, like that answers everything.

Tseng sees it then, the loyalty this man commands, how he wins it from nearly every corner and gives it back just as readily. It’s intoxicating and alien to see in someone not from his department.

(Shinra would claim that Turks were only ever loyal to the company. In truth the only thing a Turk was ever loyal to were their fellow Turks.)

Cloud doesn’t know what to make of the neatly wrapped box waiting for him in the church the next day, nor does he know what to make of Aerith’s incredibly amused smile as he looks between the sword (far nicer than any of the rusted and broken things that he’s been able to scavenge from the scrap but not so nice that it would paint a target on his back) and her in stunned silence. He really doesn’t know what to make of the job offer Tseng brings him the next day.

He turns down the job, keeps the sword, and pretends like he doesn’t see another Turk giving him the thumbs up out of the corner of his eye when he asks how Tseng is healing.

There’s two betting pools: one for when Cloud (knowingly) lets Tseng take him on a date and the other for when Cloud takes the job offer. As far as the Turks are concerned he’s already one of them, it’s just a waiting game to make it official.

[flowerwiththemachinegun]

Misconduct Chapter 4

For the ending portion i didn’t write in an outfit cause well, personally i like to leave the reader the freedom to add in their own style. Not everyone would like/be comfortable in my own preferences, so I try to allow for freedom on your end. (also cause some fics ive read i say im not wearing that)

Of course Tseng confiscated the PHS. Gifting Genesis with another one and sending him off to training as there was ‘still another hour left’. Though, not before chewing Genesis out for nearly ten minutes on why he should constantly be in the loop for any activity or extra measures being taken in regards to your case. Taking time out to point out that it’s also a ‘safety concern’. Though Genesis was suspicious that Tseng was trying to sneak in petty things to provide Genesis with the reasons he was in this predicament. He certainly didn’t seem to be the most excited to work with the SOLDIER. 

The room the class was held in was dark when he walked in, interrupting what appeared to be an Intro to Materia video. For once Genesis didn’t appreciate all eyes being on him as the room full of Third Class SOLDIERs looked over at him.Gaining more than a few puzzled looks as Genesis made himself comfortable in the desk across from the instructor’s. This is probably the first time he’s felt awkward making his presence known, quite familiar with being the center of attention. Despite this, he wasn’t going to hide in the back, Genesis having always been the type to sit at the front of any and every class he attends. Looking around the room and meeting everyone’s gaze with a disapproving scowl, prompting everyone to quickly refocus on the video. 

Leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed with a huff, legs spread apart wide enough to call it a whorish display. Quietly regarding the instructor at her position in front of the projector screen, fully expecting her to continue teaching. An eyebrow raised in question as she stared back at him with an excited look on her face.

“Is there something you need?” 

Offering a brief apology before explaining that she had a discussion with Director Lazard and Tseng while they added Genesis into the training program. Inquiring if he could assist in the training of new recruits with materia handling along with a Materia Fusion training starting tomorrow. His level of experience, expertise along with his rank and accomplishments being the source of her request. Deciding to mention the lack of inclusion on making decisions on his behalf the moment he saw either one of them.

An odd proposition considering he was placed here partially due to the mishandling of materia. Though, it would be a bit of an upgrade from being a student. In his mind taking it as a leadership role. The idea of teaching helped heal a bit of Genesis’ currently bruised ego. Giving a few visual presentations in the near future didn’t sound like a horrible plan, “Sure, I suppose I wouldn’t mind while I’m around.” What would be the harm in giving a helping hand? Besides the ancient training video they were watching hadn’t changed from the year he became a third class. It was unbelievable they hadn’t updated a single thing to progress the teachings of their soldiers on how to use something as vital as materia. Maybe that’s why SOLDIERs like the Fair boy were becoming a little more common. They didn’t even bother to share new information with their educators, how could they expect the next coming wave of SOLDIER to be of any use.

The materia instructor was clearly overly excited about this opportunity. Whether it was out of genuine delight for teaching the arts of materia or if it was the way she was openly fawning over Genesis in front of everyone had yet to be determined. Resuming her current lesson plan after thanking him profusely, occasionally receiving input or a correction in terminology from Genesis. He truly didn’t mean to offend the instructor. Frankly, she appeared to be trying her hardest. There was no getting around the simple fact that the information was from an old program. It taught the basics at least. 

Lingering around to discuss his role in teaching the class to the instructor. Genesis wasn’t one to deny such a gorgeous individual of his attention, considering she was clearly seeking it out. Easily standing over the short blonde woman, her straight light blonde hair framing her face and falling well past her shoulders. Light blue eyes admiring his features as he approached her desk. Her anticipation was clear as day as Genesis stood in front of her desk with a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips. ‘I could have a bit of fun with this.’ 

“I apologize for being so rude. I don’t believe I caught your name, love.” Genesis’ flirtatious smile comes off as inviting as he grins a bit more, showing off his perfect white teeth as she blushes under his steady eye contact. Her eyes darted down shyly at his question. 

“Erva,” she timidly responds, her voice now a far contrast from the confidence displayed during her lesson. 

‘A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.’ His eyes trailing along her soft features, round face and big eyes partially hidden behind bangs. Genesis wasn’t looking for anything remotely serious but there was no harm in a bit of flirting. Perhaps he could bring her home for a night if her personality appealed to him as well, so far she seemed more than sweet enough. “Well Erva, I’m honored to assist you as long as I remain in your presence. I was thinking I could bring some training material of my own. I’m sure I have more than enough information to provide, it would make for a better guide than the standard Shinra issued tutorial.” 

Erva, doing her best to contain her excitement at the thought of the, Genesis Rhapsodos, creating a lesson plan that would improve the knowledge of those to come. Dually this would further her own learning, being given an opportunity to delve a bit deeper into such an important subject. With a starry eye gaze she nods her head, her enthusiasm coming off as endearing to Genesis. “Of course, if there’s anything I can help you with, please, don’t hesitate to let me know.” 

She couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of Genesis' mouth when he mentioned he was “honored” to teach alongside her. Erva nearly had a hard time understanding Genesis would see this as a positive thing, thinking he would have to be heavily coaxed into putting in that kind of time and effort. 

Extending a gloved hand to Erva, a sense of bliss overcame him as she daintily took his hand in her own. Her features reddened deeply as he shook her hand, still not missing a moment of eye contact. Thanking Erva for having him attend her class before exiting the small classroom. 

“Genesis!” 

Turning his head to acknowledge whoever would be so rude they would dare shout at him in such a way, or at all for that matter. Genesis’ eyes rolling as he sees the source of the unnecessary noises bounding towards him. “Fair.” this wasn’t the same warm aura he had a few seconds prior upon spotting Zack. He didn’t dislike the Third Class, in fact he had grown fond of Zack and his puppy-like ways. Even going out of his way to teach Zack a few tricks from time to time. Typically things Angeal didn’t approve of Zack being shown quite yet. There was a reason it took nearly a year for anyone to let Zack within 20 feet of the materia room without use of the buddy system. Kunsel often the one to supervise Zack on his way through the portion of the building.

Zack was practically shaking with energy, bouncing from one foot to the other. His expression of constant excitement still plastered all over his face. “Angeal has been looking for you everywhere man. Somethin’ about you leaving the other day and you haven’t spoke to em since. What’d he do to you?” Zack didn’t actually think Angeal had done anything wrong and if he did that would certainly come as a surprise. Yet, never the type to point the blame on anyone, also being a bit curious on the matter as a rumor had been going around Shinra that Genesis was taken off duty. He had no information on his current situation and needed to pry a bit.

“Nobody has done anything to me, Zack,” it felt like an absolute lie to say. It had nothing to do with Angeal anyway, Genesis had no ill emotions held to either of the First Class SOLDIERS. “I’ve been busy with a new assignment.” 

“Oh really? I heard you were relieved of your duties. Anyways, gotta get going, training and all of that. Later!” 

Watching Zack’s retreating form for a brief moment, Genesis’ brow furrowing in concern at his words. ‘How would Zack, of all people, know that.’ It didn’t bother Genesis too terribly, after all, he was on assignment. He was working under the Turks for a while, that was all. To think this would even turn into a rumor was outrageous. Already having in mind to pay Angeal and Sephiroth a visit, making Genesis’ need to do so double down as he immediately heads towards their shared office. 

Borderline power walking to their office once he left the elevator. The door flew open, hinges creaking in protest as Genesis burst through the door. The occupants momentarily stunned as the tension in the air thickened as Genesis slammed the door behind him. 

“Who told Fair I’ve been relieved of my SOLDIER duties? I don’t recall it being any of his business.” 

The initial shock quickly wore off as Genesis speaks, replaced with annoyance on Angeal’s part. The reaction earned a smirk from Sephiroth, he hadn’t communicated with Genesis since the day he pushed his buttons at the elevator. He barely did anything to tip Genesis off in his eyes, teasing in the same manner their banter usually consists of.  

“How would we know? You haven’t talked to us since you got back from your mission.” Sephiroth’s voice rang out as he set his pen down. Giving Genesis a look of confusion, his smirk disappearing at his accusation. Genesis could see right through his deception, not being fooled by Sephiroth’s words in the slightest.

Angeal huffs, exchanging a knowing look with Sephiroth, their expressions suggesting they knew more than they were letting on. The subject on hand wasn’t something that should have been a big deal. They knew Genesis wouldn’t be happy to hear he was the topic of the latest Shirna gossip. It was inevitable as other SOLDIER members talked amongst themselves as they saw Genesis was removed from several upcoming missions.

Assuming Genesis heard a version of the story that had been twisted in order for it to seem like something worse than the reality of it all, Angeal attempts to smooth over Genesis’ anger before he went off the deep end over something so trivial. 

“We didn’t hear any details, we heard you were being taken off of any assignments for the foreseeable future. We’ve also been informed by Lazard that we aren’t to attempt to utilize you for SOLDIER roles as you work under Tseng until further notice,” Angeal explained in hopes that it would disincline his red haired companion from making much of a ruckus about such a petty thing. “I was hoping you would be in the mood to finally tell us what’s been going on.” 

“It’s kind of not fair to leave us in the dark like this. You would expect an explanation from us, no?” Sephiroth was right, Genesis would fully have wanted to know every single second leading up to now, fully expecting the only thing to stop them from talking about work have been confidentiality clauses. Even that was a big maybe. 

“I-” picking his words wisely as all three of them know the likeness of any conversation held in the building are more than likely recorded. Especially in more private locations through the building such as the offices. Genesis expression displaying annoyance once he realized he couldn’t freely vent. “Are you going to lunch at the typical time?” 

“Yes, same place as well.” Sephiroth replied knowingly. Cogs turning in his head as worry takes over, concerned as to what the future of Genesis may entail. He didn’t let it show physically, leaning back in his chair comfortably as he looked Genesis over from head to toe. Seeing that he appeared physically fine at least pacifying some of his concerns. 

“I’ll meet you there.”

Sephiroth and Angeal patiently waited at the booth in the back of the small diner. From the looks of the place one wouldn’t think that any of the Firsts would dare stop there. While in nice, clean condition the interior was extremely outdated. Still clinging onto the vintage style that’s probably been around since the day it was built. Six red booth seats lining the left side of the small business. A wooden bar with stools lined up along the counter situated along the right side of the establishment. 

“Always the last one to show up,” Angeal shifted in his seat as Genesis sat in the booth beside him. “Is everything okay?” 

“Yeah,” Genesis wasn’t sure where to begin. He damn near had not a single clue what was going on. While he did receive a lot of information on his new assignment, he couldn’t help but feel left in the dark. He would’ve cracked a small grin at Angeal’s jab at his punctuality if it wasn’t for him genuinely making an attempt to be there in time. “I had to get rid of that stupid phone Tseng gave me. He was blunt about tracking my location, no doubt he’s sitting at his desk listening to me all day.” 

“This is already sounding worse than what I was expecting,” Sephiroth said, his eyebrow raising, lips parted as he was following up with another statement. Leaning over the table, forearms supporting his current posture, speaking in more of a hushed whisper than he previously had been. “Nod if you need help.”

“Yes!” Genesis announced nodding his head vigorously, still trying to maintain a low tone but he couldn’t help the stress bubbling out of his soul. Earning a puzzled look from both of his companions, anticipating the rant they knew was to come. 

“I have no idea what the fuck is going on. All I know is I’m supposed to follow some bitch around for Goddess knows how long and possibly be their friend so I can get information from them.” Genesis props his elbow on the table, thumb placed on his temple as he rubs his forehead in a display of distress. “It’s like I’m their newly appointed probation officer.”

“So it’s an espionage mission?” Sephiroth asks, feeling suspicious of the task the Turks and Lazard set Genesis to handle. 

Angeal interjecting the conversation this time, “They’ve always been notorious for telling us little to nothing whenever they ask for help. I can’t say I’m surprised they’ve got you going in blind.” 

Genesis couldn’t say he was going into this without knowing a single thing. He’s found out a lot about you, rather everything Tseng wanted him to know about you. Explaining to Angeal and Sephiroth what occurred during the discussion between Lazard and Genesis that led to this point. Giving an in depth explanation of your background and what you’re currently known ties to the increase in crime on the top plate. The only thing missing was the oversized file Genesis received for this. Making sure he doesn’t skip details about the requests Tseng has made as far as keeping tabs on you The mentions of using Genesis to assist in pinpointing a drug dealer leaving the other two stumped. “Can you imagine my disbelief when I learned I see this person more or less everyday in traffic, let alone living within walking distance of me?!” 

Quieting himself down when the waiter behind the bar eyed him curiously as he wiped down the counter. He was quite adjusted to these three coming in for lunch or a general meetup. Taking the silent cue from Angeal’s lingering eye contact, the waiter enters the back room in order to give the three more privacy.

Crossing his arms while making an attempt to relax in his seat, Genesis’ back pressed against the soft red cushion of the backrest. “Tseng says, when they move, I move. I've done nothing to deserve this.” The sight was teetering on childlike behavior. Letting out an exasperated huff as he slumped in his seat.

Genesis could've had it worse in both Sephiroth and Angeal’s perspective. It wasn't the greatest thing in the world, but Genesis didn't have to do anything besides solely focus on this one assignment and a bit of training? The downsides being he would constantly be on call alongside with the inability to leave Midgar on a whim. But how often would Genesis really be leaving anyway. Sephiroth’s statement wasn't meant to be a jab at Genesis’ situation, rather an astute observation. 

“Genesis, you destroyed a historical landmark.” 

“And blatantly ignored orders…again.” Angeal quipped in, immediately earning a glare from Genesis.

“Who’s side are you on?” Genesis sounded insulted at being called out by Angeal’s additional comment.  

Angeal didn’t get to entertain a response, the words dying on the tip of his tongue as he saw the bright red hair of Reno in his peripheral vision. He’s not even sure he heard the usual chime announcing when a new patron has entered. It only took a few seconds before Reno made his way through the small space, his destination clearly being where they’re seated. 

Rude followed through the door a split second after, taking his position beside Reno and nodding at the three as a silent greeting. 

Pulling out the PHS from the inner pocket of Rude’s suit, handing it back to Genesis while giving what everyone could only assume was a disapproving look behind his shades. “I’m sure you’ve been informed how important it is to keep this with you at all times.” 

If being traced down by these two wasn’t bad enough, the moment Reno grabbed him by the shoulders to physically pull him out of his seat by the pauldrons was worse. Hearing Sephiroth’s light chuckle at being handled in such a way by Reno sent Genesis further down a path of anger, pushing against the eccentric Turk as he was brought to his feet. 

Embarrassing was certainly the word for it. Taken off guard by just how strong Reno was, his grip unrelenting in Genesis squirmish. Giving him a light push forward down the aisle as Reno let him go, following behind Genesis with Rude in tow. “We don't like having things added to our to-do list. No hiding next time.” 

“Do not touch me again,” Genesis’ voice carried an unspoken threat, as he was ushered out of the door, not even being allowed the time to say anything else to Sephiroth and Angeal. 

“We have to get you ready, you have a big night ahead of you.” Reno states, a hint of mischievous coating his tone. 

Gears were turning in Genesis' mind as he made an attempt to set his anger to the side and figure out what the next turn of events could possibly hold for him. “What do you mean by that?” 

Genesis' eyes narrow at the statement, stopping in his tracks before they could urge him further along. 

Reno, who couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself, once again grabbed Genesis by the shoulders. His grip was more gentle than the first time, but maintaining a closeness that made Genesis' skin crawl as he was urged in the direction of their car. 

If the list of reasons to rip Reno’s hands off wasn’t already long enough in Genesis’ mind, taking notice of the vehicle Genesis purposefully left at Shinra extended his reasoning by miles. Parked horribly and with the convertible roofing tucked away giving away that clearly someone had been enjoying themselves. 

“You stole my fucking car?” Genesis was damn near speechless for once in his life, firmly believing there was no possible way this could have been allowed. The look on his face screamed ‘let me speak to your supervisor.’ 

Rude finally decided to speak up while he rounds Genesis’ car, “You gave us a reason to, by hiding your PHS, not in the smartest place either.” Getting in the passenger seat, Reno following and to the utmost displeasure Genesis could imagine, despite the list of ongoing annoyances, Reno jumps over the door and into the backseat, gesturing for Genesis to be their driver. 

“Let’s go! You have work to tend to.” 

**Reader POV**

By the time you finally woke out of your slumber the sun had gone down, the living room now cloaked in darkness, the only light coming through your window provided by the patio lighting and soft moonlight. 

Sitting up, rubbing your eyes groggily as you try to regain your bearings. ‘My only off day and I slept it away?’ The rest was needed, but there were things you needed to do. Not conventionally fun for you, but now it was too late to turn down the invitation to a party you’ve already accepted. 

The scene was far from your type, never one for big social gatherings but at times being guilt tripped into going or calling yourself doing a favor for a friend by showing up. This party was no different, the knowledge that it would be held on the top plate made the circumstances slightly better. Still, there was no doubting it would be in one of the shadiest bars they could find. 

Keeping in mind that the “party” is supposed to be a small gathering. ‘Not how that usually works.’ You couldn’t push the reality of your upcoming night to the back of your mind. These gatherings always ended in some sort of rowdy fashion. 

Lazily climbing off of the couch and making your way to the bedroom with the half hearted intent of getting dressed, piecing together an outfit that you found to be suitable enough for a night full of unexpected turns. Looking over the outfit choice you nod your head in agreement at your own lovely taste. ‘Yeah, I could get hoes in this or fight them. Choice is theirs.’ 

Passing through the bedroom, you enter the connected master bathroom. Setting the shower to the perfect temperature, hopping in and taking your sweet time to get ready in the hopes of arriving late. 

This gathering was just as insufferable as all of the others. Finding yourself nursing a drink by yourself at a table tucked away from the night’s rowdy events. You weren’t that insociable that you wouldn’t greet your friends, providing them with the bare minimum amount of conversation you could before quickly taking time to unwind away from everyone else. A few drinks would be sure to get you in a friendlier mood, at least that was the hope. 

As you tilt your head up to finish off your first drink your eyes couldn’t miss the unmistakably good looking man who happened to catch your attention. Not an occurrence you came across frequently, mainly lacking interest when it came to messing around with people in general. However you could appreciate eye candy when you spot it. He seemed a bit overdressed for a bar like this. Despite it being on the top plate it was far from the nicest bar around.

Clad in a fairly expensive looking black suit, red dress shirt adding on to his already sharp looks.  Reddish brown hair stood out to you, tall and perfect ocean blue eyes to top off a very well put together…‘SOLDIER’ 

The mako glow of his eyes becomes more prominent as you examine the mystery man. Seeing him gave you a deja vu like sensation, you were unable to put your finger on it, but you were positive you’ve seen this guy before. As you were lost in thought checking out a total stranger, you didn’t have much time to tear your eyes away as he met your gaze.  

Now that he’s caught you red-handed it seems as though you’ve acquired his attention. Mako blue eyes grazing over your features making you squirm in your seat. ‘Fuck, now he’s coming over here’

***********

shoutout to my coworker for not wanting to go to a party, you helped me make this easier to have them cross paths for the first time

How dare I forget props to a very beautiful man who helped ke come up with Erva

[evcryopeneye]

@brokeniisms liked for a starter

A quiet moment. Solem. Different from the usually loud and obnoxious teenager. Well. She would be offended if you called her either one of those things but the mantel fit. While she could hold her own in a fight, and then some, arguably her greatest ninja trick was being able to switch on that smile. Bold and bright. Over the top and into annoyance territory almost by design. She’d learned that being annoying was often much more effective than being distant or refusing to answer questions or deflecting. People simply didn’t bother asking and she got to do what she wanted, win win, right?

“I’m bored~” her statement is almost sing-song as she turned on the narrow rock she’d been perched upon, overlooking the valley below. Unbothered by the height and precarious position she stood in. “This is boring, where are the fiends, and we haven’t found single piece of materia here.” Oh Yuffie, forever self serving. At least for now anyway. 

A dramatic sigh left her, shoulders dropped as she swayed dangerously from side to side, one small step away from the cliff drop. “You think this next place will have a good snack store at least?” If there wasn’t materia, she would settle for sugar.

[ivy-kissobryos]

Salut. A long time ago you recommended Seven Spheres by Rufus Opus in a reading list, but only very recently I was able to actually read it.

I send this ask hoping that maybe you'd be comfortable sharing your experience with the rituals of the book. The author presents the planetary initiation in such a dramatic reality-altering process that I find it a bit hard to put my faith in it at times, so again, if it's okay by you, I'd love to hear your experiences with it.

If I were to be frank, I didn’t follow the instructions exactly as per Rufus Opus’ writing. Although to be fair,I honestly can’t seem to recall instances where I’ve ever performed any ritual exactly as written (aside from certain rites from the Greek Magical Papyri), so this isn’t Opus’ fault or anything. As someone who works extensively with the planets and stars in my practice, I can say that Opus’ rituals are theoretically sound and should provide good results. There are just some things I prefer to change about the rituals. So, what I’ve done is take the concept behind Opus’ workings and devised rituals of my own.

In other words, I think Opus’ rituals can be life changing if you adapt it to suit whatever paradigm you’re working from rather than doing things by the book. For example, some things I changed is that I used hymns from the Picatrix rather than the just the Orphic Hymns. As a witch with a Patron who rules over the night and the stars, I also found it much easier to include Him in the ritual rather than following the original script which calls upon just Christ who I respect but hold no allegiance to.

It should also be noted too that the AOTH ABRAOTH BASYM ISAK SABAOTH IAO section of Opus’ script is directly lifted from the Headless Rite of the Greek Magical Papyri. I don’t know why Opus didn’t explain how he adapted that from the PGM and his reasonings, but I can assure you too that the Headless Rite is incredibly effective in many uses.

But to directly answer your question: even though I can’t claim to have done Opus’ rituals as written, I can confirm via my knowledge and experience with planetary magic that Opus’ ritual are theoretically sound and should provide results. I have taken the backbones of Opus’ method and adapted them for my own needs. It is my take that any intentional and direct engagement with the planets when done properly can be life changing.

This is because planets are gods, if one is approaching planetary work from a perspective of astrolatry rather than pure, planetary magic without any faith involve. Surely you must’ve heard tales of how working with, let’s say, Hekate have changed people’s lives. It’s the same with planets, especially if you approach them asking them to “initiate” you. In this case, the planets will often cause you to lose things in their sphere which does not serve you (Venus breaking off certain friendships or relationships in your life, Jupiter causing you to change jobs etc).

And it is this point that I wish to promote my pamphlet detailing my workings with Venus and an angel of Venus here: https://www.hadeanpress.com/shop/venus-as-mother

Planets can and do cause upheavals in your life.

Thus, I would recommend that — if you don’t already have an established practice in sorcery or planetary magic — you try one of Opus’ rituals as written and see how it goes. The rituals are exceedingly simple, requiring not much materia nor time. There really isn’t much to lose (unless you somehow manage to offend a planet but that’s beside the point). Then, play around with the ritual structure and personalize it to you.

[holly-fixation]

Three Guards: Ch14

Summary: Tifa finds Cloud at the train station in Sector Seven. It’s the first time she’s seen him in seven years. But he’s not alone. Three silver haired boys protected him. Three silver haired boys that triggered memories of her hometown. Of steel through her chest. Of SOLDIER First Class. Of Him.

A new normal took time.

Please Enjoy!

Inspired by the prompt by @im-totally-not-an-alien

Chapter 14: Wasteland

As the team walked ahead, Strife glanced back at the undamaged city. He hoped the vice president would keep the city whole, unlike the former president in his time. So much was up in the air. So much was unknown. So much could be turned on them by Sephiroth. They- no- he needed to be careful, especially with the triplets around his old team. 

The wasteland before stood empty in the smog of the morning sun, save for the packs of monsters struggling to make the dying land their home. No chocobos, no grass, and- worst of all- no transportation. 

It was a long walk to Kalm. It wasn't like Genesis could fly them one by one without Shinra's notice. They ran out of fuel not long into their journey, abandoning their getaway vehicles behind cliffs on the side of the road. They hoped to at least try to hitchhike, even if half of them needed to remain behind due to the size of their party. 

For now, keeping monsters off the road was their top priority. Though they usually split into teams of three, they all pitched into the battles. Bandits, wolves, elfadunks. The size nor number of fiends did not matter. Aerith casted domes around enemies, and Tifa would unleash hell within. Barret and Red slashed and fired together as one. Even Strife and Genesis found themselves in perfect sync, taking down monsters with ease. Sometimes even Sephiroth's remnants would join the fight, working beautifully together with a perfect combination of close combat and marksmanship. 

Outside of battle was a different story. 

“Ha! I found fire materia!” Loz would shout victoriously, holding the green orb in the air. 

“It's not that special…” Yazoo countered, rotating a blue one of his own. “It’s newly born… It doesn’t have any useful spells yet…”

“Well I can fight with mine. You need a weapon to fight with yours! Mine’s better on its own!” He countered. 

“Are you sure about that…?”

“Yeah! And another materia!” Suddenly the blue orb flew through the air and smacked him in the head. “Hey! That's cheating!”

“Is not… it technically can be fought with…” Yazoo grew a small smirk. 

Loz threw it back. His younger brother caught the weapon. 

“Okay, that's enough of that.” Tifa stepped in and took both materia away. 

“Hey! Give it back!” 

“You'll get one when you're responsible enough to stop treating them like rocks.” Oh no. She saw the looks in their eyes. “Do not start throwing rocks at each other.”

Yazoo looked offended. “We would never do such a thing…”

“We're not that young.” The brothers looked at each other, paused, then grumbled, turning away.

Okay, good, they weren't going to attack each other. 

“You two be nice, alright?”

“Yes, Miss Aerith,” they spoke in unison. Aerith giggled a bit and they both couldn't hide the blushing pout from her joy.

Strife found himself silent in moments like these, moments where pieces of his worst enemy truly acted like innocent children. He knew what they were capable of, what they had done to reach Jenova, yet before him stood true children, a nearly human side he had never seen before and did not believe for a minute. Luckily, these moments were scattered between the journey and the remnant’s grief.

In battle, only one member did not team up: Cloud, the odd one from this new time. He fought about as well as Strife expected, but there was no teamwork, no raising anyone else up, no attack that could clearly help them all. Kadaj, still unable to fight, would wait at a safe distance until the battle was over and then glued himself back to Cloud. 

Cloud never sent the injured boy away. Kadaj clung to his leg every second they were out of battle, always keeping at least one hand on the ex-SOLDIER. Cloud gifted him with the occasional head pat, but the boy only squeezed in response. 

“Ya know, even the, it's nice to be outta the city. Come on, breathe the fresh air with me,” Barret made a show, exaggerating his inhale and exhale. All but Kadaj followed his lead. 

“Still not perfect,” Strife commented. 

“Certainly not,” Red added. “We'll have to leave the continent for fresh air at this rate.”

“It'll be easier when we reach the Grasslands.” 

“When I was young, we used to spend the last day of missions in the Grasslands trying to catch a chocobo,” Genesis brushed some dust off his shoulders, “since that land is much more inhabitable than this man-made desert.”

Aerith glanced away, observing the desolate land before them, trying to remember what it once was.

“Oh, I meant to ask, Genesis. How's your back?” Tifa stepped next to the former First. 

“No issues here. Why?”

“Well, I was wondering, how does flying affect your body?” She gestured to the open tear on the back of his coat. 

Loz and Yazoo perked up, all of a sudden surrounding the tall man. 

He tilted his head from side to side. “Well, it's… how do I put this… physically, when I disperse my wing into my body, the soreness of my wing goes with it. However it is incredibly annoying if not preened properly properly.”

“How?” Loz chirped in. 

“It's difficult to describe. Ruffled feathers seem heavier. Alone my wing feels like nothing, but after rough flying, it's a massive weight on my shoulder. It's easier to hide it away now and deal with it when we're in the clear.”

“We are in the clear…” Yazoo mentioned. 

Genesis shook his head. “Red can get away with being your average dog if he doesn't speak. I can't exactly convince anyone I come in peace when I have new limbs visible miles away.”

“Oo! Can I help you preen?” Aerith raised her hand like an excited student. 

“Excuse me?”

“Well, it must be hard getting to those back feathers. Can I help?”

“Bring a mask. He sheds everywhere.” Barret brushed off his clothes, a tiny black feather falling from a seam. “I'm still pulling them out of places they do not belong.”

Red sneezed. Everyone around the Red Mage of Shinra laughed. 

Strife… missed this. Really missed this. In his time, there was too much at stake to afford time around his team. The disease on his arm was top priority. Not for him, but for the child he cared for who simply did not have enough time left. He felt he deserved it, like it was his punishment for what he did.

He prayed his team was okay. That somehow the change in time protected them, cured them. With each memory, he glared at the children, especially the silent one at his younger self’s side that got more than it deserved after puppeteering the children of Edge. Though he normally never wished Hojo on his worst enemy, it seemed fitting in his eyes. 

A gloved hand blocked his view of the boy and his eyes followed it to Cloud. 

His younger self shook his head with a glare. Had he been staring at the boy? 

Kadaj buried his face in Cloud's baggy pants, his broken sobs returning. Both of his brothers appeared at his sides. Yazoo rubbed his back soothingly. Loz tried to give him a new materia to try, but he swatted them both away. 

“Brother, please… talk to us…” Yazoo requested, but his brother shook his head violently. 

“Big Brother, can you-?”

“No, Loz. He'll talk when he's ready. Why don't you try to find an item enhancement materia so we can heal him faster? How about that?” They both nodded at Cloud before running to the head of the pack. Cloud knelt down and hugged the boy, letting fresh tears disappear into his sweater. 

Strife kept his mouth shut and his eyes forward. 

* * * 

Not a single car drove by the pack, not even the chocobo truck from Strife's time. They weren’t going to make it to Kalm that day or even that night at their current rate. With the beginning of twilight, Cloud made a decree. 

“We'll rest for the night and get back on the road tomorrow. As long as we cover Red's tail, no one should find us.” 

“Do you think we can find a cave?” The woman in pink asked. 

“We'll have better luck looking for a small cliff. It should be enough to hide us from the road.”

Thus the group left the asphalt path, settling down with a small magic fire and cooking the edible spoils of their battles that day. The fire went out the moment their meal was ready. Barret made Red a small tent of rocks for the beast's glowing tail. 

Aerith watched with eyes wide both in amazement and fear, the sky above open to millions of stars but the small land before her holding friends and her first ever camping trip. Upon voicing this simple fact, she was immediately bombarded by Barret and Red sharing stories and activities they should do before heading to Kalm. 

“Though these aren't the best circumstances, I find true campfires much calmer than magic ones,” the marked beast explained. 

“Really?” Aerith's head tilted. “Why?”

“You can't beat the smell. And the flames move differently in a real fire. Naturally. With the wind.” 

“What about smoke?”

“If you gather a bunch of leaves, you can make a huge smoke cloud and watch it go poof,” Barret exaggerated, his arms expanding to visualize the concept. 

“Wouldn't that hurt your eyes?” 

“Not if you step back!” The three of them laughed, sharing stories and smiling until nightfall. 

“I’ll keep watch,” Red stated, but Genesis cut him off.

“I’ll keep watch, if Aerith’s willing to make good on her offer.”

It took a second before Aerith gasped in excitement. “Do you mean your wing?!”

“It’s not as easy as it seems, but if you’re still willing to try-”

“Yes!” 

“Can I help?”

Genesis was shocked to see the eldest of the silver boys approach curiously. How could he say no to a piece of the friend he ruined? “Be very gentle.”

The boy nodded. Taking the confirmation, the former First revealed his black wing. Aerith and the boy were on him in a second, both trying to rush ahead before the redhead could even explain or demonstrate how preening actually worked.

Yazoo simply watched the circus of the wing and the conversation between the one armed father as he leaned against a small cliff, one hand kept on Mother’s nameplate. He could see and hear everyone clearly, and he noticed Tifa approach the younger blond.

“Hey.”

Cloud turned immediately. “Hey.”

Tifa sat next to him, resting her arms on her knees. “How’s he doing?”

He glanced down at the boy asleep beside him, his hand trapped under silver hair. “Better. He’s almost completely healed. And you know the drill: lots of cures means lots of sleep. Honestly, he could fight if he wasn’t so…” He sighed, not knowing how to finish. 

“He’s a tough one. He’ll bounce back. Between Hojo and that creature…”

“Yeah.”

“How are you holding up?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

“You know you can always talk to me, right?”

“Never been much of a talker. But you know I’ll always listen, right?” His counter made her smile softly, her ruby eyes twinkling with the stars.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Cloud glanced away, looking down at the boy using his free hand as a pillow. He couldn't leave without waking the child, even if their conversation was clearly over. 

Genesis's voice broke the moment, “Do not yank them out!”

“Sorry!” The boy apologized immediately, his hand marred with a clump of small feathers and drops of blood. “I didn't mean to! I thought it was safe…”

“You have to untie them. It's not like brushing hair,” Aerith explained, moving her hands through the feathers. “Here, watch. See the knot? Now find where the feathers came from, then their ends. Be careful. Be gentle.” 

Strife scoffed under his breath. No one else acknowledged it, but Yazoo did, watching his true Big Brother. He had seen it enough times, Big Brother's hatred and caution around them despite their reduced age and strength. The constant glares. The kindness to his old teammates never shared with his brothers. The anger every time they dared speak to any member of his old team. 

Yazoo glanced around at all of their group and at the landscape before him. Something clicked. Midgar against the sky, the curve of the hills and dips of the wasteland, even the location of the plants. 

He had been here before. 

The middle brother stood, leaving the plate behind, and slowly approached the blond in black. The man noticed him immediately, adjusting the blades in the holster. Yazoo held his hands up in surrender. “There’s something I want to test… It won’t take long… Walk with me…”

Strife glared for a moment before checking on everyone else. His younger self and Tifa were laying down, staring at the stars. They wouldn’t notice if they left. “Don’t try anything stupid. And no sudden movements.”

Yazoo nodded before leading the way, deliberately keeping his hands in True Big Brother’s sight. 

Once they could no longer see the team, Strife took out a blade. “Where are we going?” 

“If I remember correctly, it's around the next cliff…”

“What is?”

Instead of answering, Yazoo went ahead to confirm. “It's right here.” He gestured. “Take a look.” 

Strife followed, walking ahead until the targeted object was in view. He nearly snapped the boy's neck. 

It was Zack's body. Zack Fair. From Gongaga. Former First Class. No one would recognize it the way it was now, no soulful blue eyes, no muscles worthy of SOLDIER, no spiky hair frilled like a mane. His body was torn by scavengers, most of which returned to dens and nests before nightfall. His hand was broken deliberately, fingers and knuckles forced in unnatural directions. 

“Why?” Strife spat, offering no further prompt. 

“This is where my brothers and I arrived… I hoped something would happen when you came here… Something that…-” He shook his head, destroying the thought attempting to leave his mouth. Something that would take them out of this horrible world. Something that would bring them all home, even if they were fated to lose. “Never mind… It’s pointless now…”

“So you make me look at the dead body of my friend?” His mako gaze burned. 

“I swear, I did not think of it…”

“Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you right now.”

Yazoo looked down, sorrowful and aloof. “...The other you protects us… Just as we protected him…” 

Strife didn't want to see the body but the realization hit him like a truck. Cloud protected the remnants because Zack couldn't pass on his legacy. They became his reason for living.

“We can bury him… if that would help…”

He couldn’t hide the shocked anger at the suggestion alone.

Yazoo turned away. “I’ll head back then…” Without another word from his true big brother, he walked away, returning to the group and leaving the wolf behind.

.

.

.

.

To be continued...

Three Guards Chapter List

Thanks for reading!

[rainbowcarousels]

seven days of valentines

DAY 2: Sephiroth/Genesis with some AGS thrown in. (Just Be Still With Me canon)

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me”. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Genesis was behaving strangely. 

 Given that he always behaved in an inexplicable manner and liked to contradict himself, it would be more accurate to say he had begun behaving more strangely. A little more highly strung than usual, a little more quick to fluster and a lot more likely to resort to fiery retribution if people brought up the issue.  Worse still, Sephiroth couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to do with him. There had been a measurable increase in staring, but he rebuffed active engagement on the topic. There had been more sparring, but it didn't seem to be providing the release it usually did.

 At first he had assumed perhaps the romantic relationship between him and Angeal had hit complications, but aside from the new staring matches and occasional walking off, there wasn't an observable change in his presence.

It had been a suspicion that he had been the cause in Wutai. When they returned a couple of weeks ago, suspicion turned to confirmation. It was clear he was attempting to keep some sort of distance between them because he didn't place his hand on his back to ask him to move, nor did he lounge against him to read and even during the post-mission medical review where he would usually be harder to get rid of than Heidegger's incompetence, he had been distant. It wasn't so much that he looked forward to these actions from him, he just had never stopped to consider that he would miss them if he stopped doing them.

Perhaps Sephiroth had offended him in some way but he doubted it. Genesis had no issue with confronting him if he felt he was wrong in the slightest.  Normally, when Genesis became unreadable, he could go to Angeal for an explanation but the boundaries had shifted in a way he couldn't fully understand and that meant he didn't know if he would cross them and earn his ire as well.

So when Angeal offered to cook dinner the night after a long, long day of justifying why throwing more troopers at a problem was only going to lead to a high death count without more SOLDIER oversight, Sephiroth was relieved to find himself in the quiet (well, as quiet as it ever got around Genesis) company of his friends.  However, once dinner was said and done and Genesis draped himself on the couch instead of sitting on it, the staring happened again made all the more noticeable by the fact Angeal seemed to be doing it too.

Genesis patted the seat by him, “Come and sit with me.”

It felt like a trap, like he was about to trigger something that had been brewing for several months and he wasn't sure he cared because at least then he would know what the problem was. What was more unexpected was Genesis reaching for his hand and placing it in his own lap, letting his thumb rub circles over his palm in a surprisingly soothing motion. Perhaps whatever it was had simply passed and he was eager to reestablish their previous levels of physical communication.

“Would you like one?”  Sephiroth's attention was drawn to Angeal, who was offering one of the dried, candied fruit skins he made when they were here long enough. He was a little full, but there were no scheduled monitoring for his diet here and Angeal had been enjoying them so it seemed rude to refuse one.

“Let me,” Genesis said, fishing his hand into the plastic container and pulling out an oddly shaped scrap he didn't recognise.

Learning a different variety of foods had been one of the more interesting experiences of these dinners, as they both had experience with certain foods he'd never really eaten before and occasionally, with ingredients he had never experienced.

Sephiroth then realised he was literally attempting to feed it to him and his confusion returned. “I'm not injured,” he said. That was the only occasion he tended to need any help eating and it was rare.

“Humour me,” Genesis insisted, holding the piece between his fingers and twisting it around.

It was possible he'd drunk a lot more wine before Sephiroth had arrived and as such, had slipped into a more whimsical mindset. It was also possible that Sephiroth had gotten on his nerves at some point and he'd decided to put something unpleasant in the food. However, if he had, Angeal wouldn't have gone along with it or been eating from the same container, so he did as he was asked.

It was a strange texture, chewy, almost leather like but also had some  fuzzy feeling spots to it. It was peculiar, but he liked peculiar textures, it made it all a bit more interesting. Except then there was a sudden new taste of something inside it and he felt himself squint as his cheeks pulled tight and heard Genesis laughing lightly. 

Was he wrong? Had he done something to it?

“You look like a chipmunk,” Genesis snorted.

“We can strike tart fruit off your list of likes,” Angeal added, ducking his head. “Do you want to try something else?”

“No,” Sephiroth said as the tingle in his cheeks began to fade.

Genesis's staring had resumed, but the quality of the staring had changed in some way. His expression was more open than mischievous and he reached a couple of fingers to the top of Sephiroth's hair parting, threading them down and through. 

“You're ridiculous,” he said softly.

What was so ridiculous about expecting fruit to be sweet? Admittedly, he had begun to develop a taste for sweet things and Angeal was often the driving force behind him finding new things, but it wasn't the first time he'd tried something he wasn't sure he liked.

“You're the one staring,” Sephiroth pointed out.

“Turn about is fair play,” Genesis told him. “You often stare at me.”

“You're impossible to ignore,” Sephiroth said. If he wasn't walking around in bright red with more materia than he could possibly use and spouting Loveless at anyone within his vicinity, he was still outspoken, like the very concept of silence offended him.

“So don't,” Genesis said. ”I don’t want to be ignored.”

Sephiroth hadn't realised he had been. “What do you want?”

“You,” Genesis's smile changed to the more familiar look that sent anyone with sense walking very quickly in the opposite direction because something was going to be set on fire. “Any way I can have you.”

That sounded – from his limited experience on the matter, it sounded intimate which made no sense at all. That was something he and Angeal did together. Sephiroth couldn't help but glance at him, finding he was watching the two of them with an expression that didn't seem upset or angry. It was something else entirely.

“What way do you want?” Sephiroth asked, just to be sure.

“You already know the answer to that,” Genesis tutted. “I know you can be dense but you're not that bad.”

“This is...” It was hard to put into words, so he looked to Angeal “This is something you do together.”

“Yes,” Angeal agreed.

“Then why do you need me?” Sephiroth asked.

“We don't need you,” Genesis said. “You didn't need three servings of the chocolate cream, but you definitely wanted it and enjoyed it. Is want not enough?”

Want he had some experience of. Want was being pawed at by the fan clubs, being told which people to speak to events, who to pose with, who it was imperative he let touch his arm or kiss his cheek because they were very important to the company. 

Want was uncomfortably like owing them something.

“You don't have to say yes,” Angeal said, quietly. “The last thing we want to do is make you feel uncomfortable.”

Uncomfortable was the wrong word. If anything, it felt too comfortable – the feeling of Genesis's thumb ghosting across his hand. the couch, the food and soft surrundings. “Are you certain you want to?”

“It's nothing I've considered before,” Angeal admitted. “But it wouldn't be a hardship either. You would be beautiful to watch together and I would be interested in intimacy with you, if you wanted that.”

“That's hardly a fair comparison,” Genesis said. “I look beautiful regardless of who I'm with.”

“You're our friend first. If you don't want this, that's okay but if you're open to trying it, we would take care of you,” Angeal promised. 

That tone was a promise. It was a strange concept, this idea he could or would need to be taken care of. It did make his heart rate increase when he tried to picture it, but the concept was foreign and he could only come up with vague impressions of feelings that felt too big for his body.

“I don't need taking care of,” Sephiroth said instead.

“But do you want to be?” Angeal pressed.

Taking care of had many meanings. The company took care of his schedule,  his medical needs, clothes and housing but they did already take care of many things for him. Angeal often took it on himself to take care of his nutritional needs or when words could be too difficult. Genesis took care of social engagements where he was often stuck for words while Genesis had plenty to spare and to push him to do things he would never have considered before. They both functionally cared for safety, especially in battles or as sentinels so he could get some rest without interrupting.

“I could take care of you,” Sephiroth offered instead, even if he wasn't entirely sure of how to do that. His experience in the area was extremely limited.

“I know you would,” Angeal said, kind enough not to point it out.

“We're getting a little ahead of ourselves,” Genesis said, giving his hand a pull to bring his attention back. “I would like to kiss you and I think I've been patient enough. Any objections?”

The last time he had been kissed, It had been a sloppy, wet experience from one of the investors wives and he'd wanted to scrub his skin clean away.

“I don't know if I like it,” Sephiroth replied.

“That's because you haven't been kissing me,” Genesis declared. He did love to be the exception to every rule. “Or Angeal for that matter, even if he has wandering hands every time we do.”

“I do not!” Angeal ducked his head away, shaking it slightly. “I'm just trying to get you to keep still.”

“I'm not sure anything short of sedation will do that,” Sephiroth pointed out. Even then, he tended to grip closely as if he were constricting a prey animal.

“We can stop if you don't like it,” Genesis decided. “More 'saying no' practice for you isn't the worst idea either way.”

It wasn’t bad. It was another thing to add onto the list of odd things Genesis did, because he moved strangely slowly for someone who rarely stopped to think about things once he'd made up his mind. He got very close, pressing his nose lightly against his and smiled – small, almost shy and clearly searching his eyes for something before he pressed his lips over his.

It wasn't at all as he expected. His breath was warm, but smelled vaguely of the 'cheap slosh' he'd been drinking all night and it wasn't unpleasant even if he was very, very close. It was slow, hesitant even where he had expected clashing mouths and hitting teeth like a training room duel and not at all like it had been before. No pinpricks of sweat, no desire to push him away and he found himself pressing his hand against his back, trying to get him closer instead, as if he just couldn't feel close enough no matter what. It was engulfing and terrifying.

Then all at once, it was over and he was pulling away and he found he definitely didn't want that so placed his hands on Genesis's hips to stop him.

Genesis laughed taking his hands from his hips and stepping backwards, “Come along,” he said, giving his hands a tug. “Let's go somewhere more comfortable where we can enjoy watching Angeal turn the same colour as his hibiscus.”

[holdin-out-for-a-hero]

Creep- FFVII Biggs X Reader Ch.9/?

Summary: you get on the bad side of one of Don Corneo’s men and now you have a target on your back

A/N: There were some ideas I ditched for this chapter, but I’m not completely sound in that decision. I may add more to it later.

The rest of the mission went swiftly. Not smoothly, swiftly. It was just as action packed as before, but things happened so fast that you could hardly keep up. Chaotic was the best word to describe it. Just as Roche left, more mechs had surrounded your team. Wedge was bound in chains by one of those metal monsters in Cloud’s place, as he had jumped in front of the mercenary. With one less member able to fight, your group was quickly overwhelmed, and for a moment there, it seemed like none of you were going to make it out alive.

Then came the unexpected savior: another Avalanche cell. They swept in just in time to take down the mechs and come to an injured Wedge's aid.

The three of you left as quickly as they came. You didn't mean to abandon Wedge, he was safe with the avalanche cell, but for the sake of the privacy of your team and it's plans, you all had to go. If you didn't, they'd surely capture you and ask questions. Wedge would understand. If anything, he'd be offended if you stayed. He never liked feeling like the team's stumbling block, so staying there and getting caught would hurt his pride more than anything. They'd drop him off sooner or later, completely unharmed.

The three of you figured it was the Avalanche cell that had cleared the entrance of security before you arrived. But what for, exactly? They had something planned, but you had no idea what could be. Since your branch of Avalanche had been booted out from the rest, these kinds of things didn't spread to your group. The rest of the organization rarely ever did concrete work for the cause, they were cowardly, all bark no bite. But a rumor was spreading around, suggesting they were ready to get more forceful with Shinra. Apparently, they were working with Wutai. They had promised to give the nation all the materia they desired if they'd help the effort to take down Shinra. Still, it was just a rumor, and with no evidence to corroborate that claim yet, it would remain just a rumor.

You, Cloud, and Biggs made your way to the rendezvous point Jessie told you about. A large number of Avalanche trucks were parked haphazardly outside, and it seemed like Shinra reinforcements on their way, for you could hear the sirens ringing. Your group really raised hell; Jessie would be proud. As the three of you walked towards the lot, a familiar face peaked from behind a crate.

"You made it! Over here!" Jessie stood up and waved. But then she gasped, looking at something approaching from behind.

There were voices of Avalanche members along with the sound of a vehicle driving closer, and before you could even process what was happening, a hand dragged you towards the outermost crates in the lot, and then an arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you to hide behind them. Without even having to look, you knew it was Biggs. That cologne was unmistakable. His body was almost pressed up against your back, and his arm had not released its firm grip around your middle. You could even feel his breath against your neck... that STUPID little crush of yours just couldn't take a break, now could it?

Jessie watched as the Avalanche truck parked, its inhabitants staying inside for now. An argument could be heard from inside the vehicle. She could see the driver, but the solid walls of the truck obscured the troops from view. So she waited for the driver to turn away, and when he did, she quickly crawled over to where You, Cloud, and Biggs were. At first she glanced at you, and then her eyes traveled to Biggs, and down to his arm around your waist and your back against his chest. She raised an eyebrow at the two of you, which caused you and him to separate quickly.

"Could you guys have been any louder? I mean, it made my job a lot easier, but," she whispered, stopping when she realized a member of the party was missing, "Wait, where's Wedge?"

Just as she spoke, the Avalanche truck threw Wedge out from the side; he landed facedown on the ground, just outside the lot.

"Wedge!" Jessie called, jumping up and ready to run to him. Cloud pulled her back down before she could be spotted. After a moment, the trucks sped away from the warehouse.

"We'll go get him," Cloud said, and Biggs nodded, before they both got up and ran to the boy.

"Hey buddy, how you doing?" Biggs asked as he wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulder, Cloud did the same on the other side. For a moment, Wedge could only grunt in pain as both men got him to his feet. They walked him into the lot, where you and Jessie rushed to his side.

"Not my finest hour..." Wedge groaned, just as Biggs place him down on the ground.

"You get hit?" Biggs asked.

"Just winged, I think," Wedge leaned back to sit up, but as soon as his butt touched the ground he fell forward onto his arms "or SHOT!"

"Really? Let me see." Biggs pulled Wedge's pants and underwear down, revealing the man's ass.

"Don't do that to him, not in front of everybody!" You scolded Biggs, placing a hand on his arm in attempt to get him to quit. He just grinned at you. "I swear, you're just like Jessie!"

"What do you mean?" He asked, and suddenly the rest of the group looked away from Wedge and up at you. Jessie was grinning again. You should've kept your mouth shut...

"Y/N's just upset cause I pantsed her too today," She said. Your face grew red.

"Not pantsed, you just saw my hip!" You retaliated.

"Pretty sure I caught a peak of cheek too, it was very cute."

You turned around, hiding your face with your hands. She just had to come out with that, and right in front of Biggs too... You really couldn't stand her sometimes. And you couldn’t help but remember the comments made about your butt the last two days, all of which weren’t very tasteful. Even just thinking about them made you feel sick.

"You're the worst, Jessie."

"I know someone on the team who might agree with me."

"That's enough, Jessie" Biggs said.

"What? Just gonna act like-"

"Jessie!" He stopped her, and she just laughed. An awkward silence fell upon the group. Well, Awkward for everyone else except Jessie. She seemed to enjoy the uncomfortable scene in front of her.

"Don't leave me like this, guys!" Wedge whined, bringing every back to the present moment.

"Sorry, Wedge," you said to the boy; everyone went back to looking at his wound.

"That's... wow," Jessie started, eyebrowes furrowed as she studied the injury. Once she was done, her face relaxed, and she turned to look at his face, "Your ass is fine. Maybe singed, but the only casualty is your underwear. This is like a bruise or a mild burn at worst."

And then she slapped him on the bottom, causing him to suck in a breath of air. He recovered quickly though, pulling up his pants.

"What's it with you and slapping people's wounds?" You asked her, and she just raised a hand to your hip, evil smirk on her face. You took a step away, keeping a hand out to block her just in case she tried anything.

"Now that was a gunshot," Wedge said, finally getting up to his knees. The mercenary let out the softest, smallest chuckle, which Jessie took notice of.

"Is that a smile I spy?" She pointed out, and Cloud quickly reverted to his cold demeanor. It was too late, though. Everyone had seen that little smirk on his lips. She approached him, hands on her hips, to which he took a few steps back, looking anywhere but her eyes.

"It's not safe here, we should go," he lied, turning away from the group and walking off on his own. That poor boy, so capable, so talented, yet so awkward. Jessie let out a chuckle as she watched him walk away.

—————————————————————

Jessie wouldn't tell you how you were getting back to the slums, and that was beginning to worry you. She's always been the mischievous type, and by the way she was describing it, her method was probably unconventional at best and dangerous at worst. Whatever it was, you hoped it was a discreet way to get back to the slums, you didn't want to bump into that creep again... Jessie led your group closer and closer to the plate edge. What could she possibly have in mind?

"Should be somewhere around here..." she said, opening up a large crate, "Bingo. I half figured my dad got it wrong, but nope! They're here just like he said."

You turned to see what she was looking at. Were those... parachutes? 3 parachutes in that container. Your heart skipped a beat. Of course she'd pick parachutes. Apparently robbing a Shinra warehouse while her friends fought off a whole militia for her sake wasn't exciting enough, she just had to go skydiving too.

"Jessie..." you said, but your voice was drowned out by Wedge's.

"Wait, what do you mean 'half figured?'" He asked. She turned around to face him.

"Fifty-fifty is pretty good odds if you ask me!"

"So we're gonna jump off the plate?"  You asked, trying and failing to hide the fear in your voice, "You're kidding, right?"

"What, you scared? I'm sure one of these big, strong men can go with you!" She gestured to the three men beside her.

"I can't believe this..."

"Come on, at least give it a chance! Who do you want to go with?"

You glanced at all three men. Wedge looked like he was just as terrified as you, if not more, to jump off the plate, so no real comfort there. Cloud would be a fine choice, but... you knew Biggs longer, and you always felt safe with him. You glanced to the man in question, gazing into his eyes longer than you did the rest. He got the hint, nodding to you, a small smile forming on his lips.

"Wow, real surprise there." Jessie said, tossing Biggs one of the parachutes.

The others had made their arrangements. Cloud volunteered to go with Wedge, because someone would have to push that guy off. There's no way he'd jump himself. Although true, You bet Cloud used it as an excuse to not have to go with Jessie. Wedge appreciated it nonetheless. So that left Jessie alone with the last parachute.

You stood against Biggs' chest, trying to buckle the straps that laced around his back in front of your own chest. Your hands shook slightly, making it difficult to actually succeed in that task.

"Your hands are shaking," he noted.

"I'm aware,"  you replied, much quicker and colder than you had intended. Finally, and with much concentration, you got the buckle to click. He only laughed, chest vibrating into your back.

"It's gonna turn out fine, trust me," he said, hot breath hitting your ear, which you tried to ignore.

"You're not scared?"

"No, I'm terrified," his arms wrapped around your waist as he fastened the next straps, tightening them into place. You smiled, it was good to know you weren't the only one.

"Well, just like you said, it'll probably be fine," you tried to comfort him, "I'm guessing you've ever been skydiving before?"

"No. Never cared to try it either, but here we are," he held out the next two straps in his hands, "Hey Jessie, where do these go?"

"In between both of your legs, they connect to the waist strap," she called.

"Oh... ok," Biggs replied, holding them out just a second longer, unsure of how to go about this. Jessie noticed his hesitation and your red face.

"You two are pitiful," she said before helping you with the last buckles on your parachute.

————————————————————

Jessie stood to the very left of the group, looking out onto the sector seven slums below. It was a terrifying sight, and yet she couldn't help but smile. Her heart began to race, a feeling she rather enjoyed. This was going to be fun. She craned her head to right to look at you and Biggs and Cloud and Wedge.

"Thanks guys, I really appreciate you coming all this way with me. And like I said before, I'd like it if you kept this between us until after the mission. I don't wanna... complicate things."

"Sure," Biggs nodded, and the five of you were left staring down below, wondering who was going to initiate it, who was going to jump first. None of you were too thrilled to plummet over a thousand feet into the slums, except maybe Jessie, but she was, well, Jessie. "Hey Cloud," Biggs turned the the merc, "You let him down gently, alright?"

"Yep."

This was the moment, you thought. Everyone else was getting ready, too, bracing themselves for the descent below. Oh, how you hated to be doing this. But now it was too late to turn back, and too late to admit you had a fear of heights. You were stuck now.

Jessie readied herself for jump, looking back down at the daunting sight. It scared her, but she enjoyed the thrill of scary things. And to be able to do this with her best friends and a cute mercenary, she felt so lucky. Wait, the mercenary... her eyes widened. She remembered she had to tell him something.

"Oh wait, I almost forgot! One more thing." Jessie said, pressing her hands together in front of her chest. And then she rushed toward Cloud. The issue was, you and Biggs were in between Jessie and Cloud.

"W-woah!" Biggs said, holding onto the railing behind him, as Jessie nearly knocked the both of you backwards. "S-stop it, what the hell are you trying to-"

"Jessie!" You yelled, for she was leaning over your body to whisper into the merc's ear. Her ponytail fell directly in you face, her hair nearly suffocating you with the scent of green apple. You couldn't lean back either, as you were sandwiched between both Jessie and Biggs' bodies. You tilted your head up for air, using your only accessible hand to move her hair out of your face.

After telling him to meet up at her place after the mission, she studied the boy's expression for a moment. His eyes held the same emotions they always did when she flirted with him: awkward, bashful, and confused. He was so cute, she thought. She smiled, giving him a fist bump. Then she moved back to her place on the ledge both quickly and sloppily, causing you and Biggs to fight for balance again. Finally, the both of you found your footing.

She leaned forward, gave a wink Cloud's way, and then jumped, her screams filling the night sky. Your stomach dropped as you watched her fall, and you let out a breath you didn't even realize you were holding when her parachute opened up.

"Are you ready?" Biggs asked, his voice in your ear.

"As ready as I'll ever be," you said, taking a long breath in order to calm your nerves. His arms wrapped around your waist.

"You sure?"

"What? don't tell me you wanna back out," You looked back at him, to which he nodded no, "Then let's get this over with."

You jumped. And it was terrifying. You and Biggs screamed so loud you were sure the entire city below could hear you. The wind rushed past your face and whistled in your ears. It, along with the screaming, was so loud you figured you lost some hearing during the whole ordeal. After a few moments, Biggs opened the parachute, and the recoil caused the both of you to jerk upwards.

You floated towards the slums slowly, peacefully, and your heart finally had a break, it's pace slowing to a normal rate. Cloud and Wedge opened their parachute just a moment later, floating just far enough away that you could talk without them hearing.

"So, what do you think about the mercenary?" Biggs probed, catching you off guard.

"He seems alright," you admitted. Aside from the fact that he was cold to you and your group, he was great to work with.

"Jessie certainly thinks he's attractive," he hummed, and you glanced at the man in question.

"I mean, she's not wrong. But he's more her type anyway. Not really my cup of tea." Upon hearing this, Biggs breathed a small sigh of relief.

"And why's that?"

"He's a little too... cold I guess? and brooding, he's really broody." He laughed at your comment.

"Brooding, huh? You're one to talk!"

"I'm not that broody!"

"Yes you are!"

And so the two of you argued like children the whole way down to the ground.

————————————————————

Your parachute had flown off course at some point, making you land in deeper into the scrapyard than intended. Luckily, you didn't run into any monsters on the way back to the slums. That didn't mean you were safe, though, not yet. Ever since yesterday's incident, the streets had lost their safety. And since it was late, only a few shady figures wandered through the narrow alleys, their shadows looming in the night.

You stuck by his side, hand held tightly over your gun, and Biggs did the same. Your neck craned at every sound, every rustling of the wind, every meow of a street cat. They were all false alarms, which you were thankful for. To say you were paranoid was an understatement. A big understatement.

The route you two took was rather out of the way, since you didn't want to pass your house. The thought that they could be out there waiting for you was terrifying, so you avoided that area altogether. But Jessie's house should be safe, right? That was where Barrett told you to stay for the night, and you trusted his judgement.

You turned your head to look behind again, gasping when you saw a figure in the distance. Biggs turned around quick, but both of you relaxed when you realized it was just Cloud.

You turned the corner to Jessie's house, she was standing outside, unlocking the door. Turning her head, she smiled at the two of you.

"Welcome to my humble abode!" She announced, holding the door open, "Did either of you see Cloud by any chance?"

"Yeah, he was walking a little ways behind us, why?" You replied. She looked down the narrow alleyway behind you.

"Hurry up, he's coming! Now shut up and hide!" She whispered, rushed you through the door before closing it. The two of you, instead of hiding, just stood out of sight of the doorway. A mere 30 seconds later there was a knock on the door, Jessie promptly opened it, eyes shining brightly at the man just outside, "Well, if it isn't Cloud Strife! I was wondering when you'd show up."

Why was she rushing you in to her home and telling you to hide? To flirt with the mercenary of course. You should have known... She’s been all over him the past two days. That poor boy.

You and Biggs listened in as she shamelessly flirted with Cloud. You had to give her credit, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to be direct. Cloud didn’t sound too interested though. Just awkward, like usual.

“Wanna come over to my place tomorrow? My roommates are gone for a few days,” She asked the boy.

You nearly cackled in shock, having to cover your mouth to muffle any sound that wanted to come out. You and Biggs looked to each other, his eyes were wide and it seemed like he was stifling a small laugh of his own. Both of you knew what was gonna happen next, how awkward it was gonna be when he rejected her.

“No promises, but I’ll think about it,” he said.

Your jaw dropped, eyes widening to the same size as Biggs’. He didn’t reject her... He seemed so uncomfortable all night, though. But maybe that was just him.

She closed the door, and quickly opened it again, "Psych!" She winked at the Merc, before really closing the door this time. She turned to look back at the two of you, her face dropping as she saw the dumb grins you both wore.

"Psych!" Biggs mocked.

"Oh don't start, at least I'm getting somewhere with the person I like. Unlike the both of you"

[winebrightruby]

Hi Ruby! I hope you’re holding up well. I have a question for when you have the time or the will to answer it (if you want of course): is approaching the greek deities through planetary magic different from doing so through worship in a non- magical way? I’m learning about PM and it looks really cool but I also identify as a hellenic pol and wouldn’t want to offend the gods with my hubris simply calling to them for somth. so, should one first start worship and offerings before doing so?

Hello dear! I am 100% confident the outcome of this election is decided and also I am covered in Venus materia on this pleasant Friday, so I personally feel great.

My answer to your question will not be the universal Right And Correct Way To Do This. I’m just going to share what some of my experiences have been. Others might have different experiences.

“is approaching the greek deities through planetary magic different from doing so through worship in a non- magical way” Yes. Engaging with gods and spirits to work magic is different from ‘only’ worshiping them. However, it’s not always a hundred percent opposite. The kind of magic you’re doing, the way you approach them, your goals and methods, what your worship is like, all of those things can ... I don’t know if “bridge the gap” is quite the right phrasing, but there can be similarities. 

Worship was the basis I started from. My first experiences with planetary magic were simply timing spells to the correct day and hour plus leaning into the color/herb/stone correspondences. I didn’t start bringing the gods into it until later. My personal belief is that if you intend to do any sort of work with the Greek gods, worship is the strongest place to start from. At this point, I make weekly offerings (on the appropriate planetary day of course :P) to maintain my devotional relationships.

I tend to view the planets as massive umbrellas of archetypes, if I may employ a vague metaphor. The Greek gods are one ‘doorway’ into the planets. Because I’ve spent years worshiping the Greek gods, it makes sense for me to pursue planetary magic ‘through’ them, because they already like me. But it’s not necessary: you can call directly on the planets, or only on the gods, or build both relationships (the devotional and the magical) at once. 

This post is tangentially related and might be of interest for you. Thank you for your question.

[silver-wield]

1. I don't get CA fans, i was talking with one about Sephiroth and what he is up to, like wth is going on with the plot, and this person was like: 'I made him blow up with Aerith and Cloud lol', and when i said 'thats cool i used Tifa like crazy, she can punch thing like a boss and Cloud and Barret were just there watching her' THEY LOST THEIR FUCKING MIND, they got so offended because i don't play with Aerith, accused me of hating her and no getting her character... i'm sorry what?

2. Dude... i don't play with her because she is super slow and all my good materia is with the others, i hate having to change it in every fight, i was lucky i didnt get her on the final battle, it has nothing to do with loving or hating her. I dont know why they got so mad, what happens in my playthrough doesn't affect them at all ¯\_(ツ)_/¯... I knew some of them were a little crazy but I never experienced it firsthand

Lol yeah that sounds about right. They go on about how Aerith appears first, so that's canon, when it's based on how you fight the whispers. And the majority of people I've seen comment on that say Tifa shows first. She's just the superior fighter. Hell, she's more fun to play with than Cloud. She's fast, graceful and has killer moves. Ofc she's fun to fight with. Cloud seems slow next to her, so Aerith is like a snail doing baton tricks lol

They get mad because you dared to use Tifa and enjoy having her in your team. Because in their fucked up world Tifa's an npc and only in the game because fanservice.

I've never heard of an npc that's playable for 15 chapters, but go off guess 🤷‍♀️

[angelicorn]

Chapter 3 Reactions

Chapter 1-2 Reactions

I present to you my reactions to playing FF7R for the first time. I voice recorded myself as I played through each chapter. I finished the game and will slowly be writing down most of my commentary as I played. My sister, who has no prior exposure to the lore of FF7 (sequels, movies, novellas, etc.), watched me as well and I will be including her fresh perspective here as well. I also use the word “bitch” affectionately. I call my besties by that word so if you are easily offended, don’t read. 

Heavy cloti reactions for this chapter, so if you don’t like cloti, don’t read. 

I’m crying. I know I said I was crying before, but I was just saying that bc I was crying internally. I’m literally crying actual tears rn. (Sis: Angelica, are you really--you’re so dramatic.)

The music is perfect. I need to look up the sheet music. They did this shit on purpose. It’s making me feel happy and sad at the same time. (Sis: Angelica, just play the fucking game) I’m on a feels trip rn, let me go through the motions!

(I literally stopped to listen to the music) I’m going to have to analyze the songs at a later time and write my thoughts all down.

Did the Shinra manager just say that about us? You wanna repeat that again to me and my flower, motherfucker?!

I demand you to put that poster back on the board, now!

What? (Sis: Why’d the thing fall out of the sky?)

Whaaaat? (Sis: It’s the dementors again!)

I ship them (new recruit & senior officer) (Sis: They don’t even have names! Why do you ship them? Me: They do, bitch. Top and Bottom, duh.)

Ahh, sector 7, my heart. (Sis: This is the fucking ghetto.)

The music. Ohhhh, the music. TIFA’S THEME. IT’S BEAUTIFUL. 

*drunks bois outside talking about using Tifa’s friends to get close to Tifa* Sis: Ok, who is this baddie? I gotta see who everyone is tripping and stumbling for.

TIFA MY QUEEN. (Sis: *gasp* SHE’S SO PRETTY!)

(Tifa says Marlene’s name) Sis: MARLENE’S SO CUTE. PROTECT HER AT ALL COSTS. GIVE THE FLOWER TO HER.

What...? I can’t give the flower to Marlene?! *gasp* It’s not optional! THE FLOWER GOES TO TIFA. HOLY SHIT.

Why’d they change it? I mean, I was gonna give it to Tifa anyway, but I was soo prepared to make the choice awwww.

Sis: Talk to Marlene! 

Ho shit, Barret was ready to throw down, Best dad award. 

Cloud and Tifa talking to each other is so gentle, I love it. wtfffff. (Sis: Does he like her? If you fucking say you’ll see one more time, I’m going to punch you. Me: You’re going to have to speculate for now! We have to finish the game to find out more.)

The way Cloud says “don’t worry about me” He’s trying so hard to be cool in front of her hahaha

Who tf is in the other room, Tifa? (Sis: She’s got a boyfriend she never told you about! me: Over my dead body)

Can I go inside Tifa’s room? LOL (sis: Don’t be one of those) 

*tries to open her door anyway* Cloud: That’s Tifa’s room. Don’t be weird. (Sis: Yeah, Angelica. Don’t be weird.)

How tf is Cloud able to sleep with that shoulder guard on, wtf.

I should wake Tifa up first and let her know the neighbor has stomach problems??? (Sis: Stop trying to get into her room, you weirdo.)

WTF? YOOO. SEPHIROTH??? 

Cloud’s a scared idiot. His voice and face are so different when he’s triggered

The landlady is my new fave character. (Sis: So does that mean Cloud is trying to be with Tifa? Me:...You’ll see... Sis: Ah, I had that one coming.) 

*Cloud groans about the water filters* (Sis: Cloud is an insufferable bitch. How are you gonna get the girl with that piss attitude??)

Cloud is so jealous and over protective, my god.

Tifa’s so patient with him, I love her. 

LOL Marle just loves to shit on Cloud hahahaha

Salty weapon vendor lol. fuck you too. 

TIFA IS SO FUN TO PLAY AS.

*after hearing battle dialogue* Sis: are they fucking flirting? The sexual tension is thicc!

EVERY TIME CLOUD AND TIFA TALK TO EACH OTHER, THEY’RE LOWKEY FLIRTING I LOVE IT.

Tifa punching Johnny. She’s a Goddess. Ughhh.

Cloud seeing Tifa punch Johnny boi is like WOT THA FOCK hahaha

Damn, Cloud is pissed at Johnny. Bruh.

Fuck, we scared Tifa, noooo.

Tifa is da real one. Real eyes, realize, real lies. (Sis: Was Cloud nicer before...? me: um... Sis: Right, you’ll see.)

She wants us to go back to apartments? (Sis: THEY GON FUCK)

“COME OVER WHEN YOU’RE DONE” 

Her room is so cute! She has a fucking punching bag, yesssss.

He’s lyyyying. He ain’t no soldier boi.

WE GET TO GO ON A DATE WITH TIFA.

CLOUD CALLS HER BEAUTIFUL

Ugh, no, get drunk with me! Don’t go, Tifa! She’s such a tease, she’s really working that alluring angle! (Sis: She hella swerves him without being a bitch, she got class)

Wow, did I just get kicked out of the bar?

Sis: Tifa’s like the popular girlfriend that’s out of his league. Me: I’m salty that I can’t hang out with them.

Was Cloud going to rat Barret out? wtf. Diiick.

Jessie makes everything seem like we’re planning to bang LOL

I’ll do whatever you want for materia, bb Jessie.

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Those Who Went Before - A Zerith Fanfiction

https://www.archiveofourown.org/works/24378685

Aerith’s PoV

Aerith was somewhat ashamed to admit it… but there were certainly days that she spent contemplating the sky and her fear of it.

The Ancient wasn’t sure what it was about it that frightened her so… perhaps it was that she’d spent most of her life under the plate, and so had gotten used to seeing the steel plate above her. So, when she saw segments of blue above her instead of that, it took her back?

But why she thought it was going to open up and swallow her, Aerith didn’t know. She didn’t worry about that with the plate, so why

Or perhaps her uneasiness was because shrapnel could fall down from the plate... Only slight rain and snow came from the sky, that she only slightly got to experience through the plate, so was it the otherness of the sky that she couldn’t deal with? Especially since so little was known about how the sky came to be, compared to the giant pizza?

…But then he dropped into her life, giving her all the answers about the sky (and maybe even SOLDIER), that she had needed to know.

He was an example, after all, of all the good things that could come from there, or so Aerith believed.

But even so… Aerith much preferred the color of the sky in Zack’s eyes than the sky itself, and one day Zack seemed to notice this.

"Aerith?” he asked, as the two of them were making the rare walk to Aerith’s house to go see Elmyra. Sometimes, Aerith got the impression that her mother didn’t like Zack much… but for the life of her, she couldn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t like the puppy that he essentially was. “…Can I ask you why you're afraid of the sky?" Aerith bit her lip and pulled her hand from Zack’s as she refused to face him. And she hoped he didn’t think she was punishing him, or anything like that, this was just… a hard topic for her. Especially since she thought she’d finally figured out her issue with the thing. If he asked, she’d lie and say she was focused on the strange piece of materia that was in her garden and not that she was nervous and hurt. "…Because it takes everyone I love."

And faster than Aerith could blink, she found herself encircled in Zack’s arms. And a ridiculous part of her wanted to push him away—because she didn’t want to be getting emotional like this, damnit—and a girl who had grown up in the Shinra building didn’t need comfort. She’d learned how to comfort herself long ago, and yet she couldn’t help from leaning into him and thanking him, anyway. “Th-thank you, Zack. This means a lot.”

“I get it, Aerith,” Zack said earnestly, as he pushed her away from him some so he could presumably look into her face. And she was glad he had, because—ironically—looking into his sky-colored eyes now were anchoring her better than anything else could. “I mean, you know how I was after- after Angeal. But what if I could prove you wrong?” Aerith shrugged at this, as a way to say she wasn’t going to veto it but also wasn’t crazy about the idea. She had a feeling she knew what he was going to do, and that it didn’t work. But still! If it gave her more time with Zack, she’d happily agree.

“Sure, Zack! Do whatever you’d like to try and prove me wrong. Surprise me!”

And he would… but it wouldn’t be for months—and that did make Aerith’s heart sink some—because Shinra called him away again. But the moment she saw him again, he was full of ideas for fun games… and it was like the time without him had never happened at all.

A few feet from the church—a place where the two of them had tried to sell flowers before—Zack had placed a beautiful cerulean blanket onto a frame, and was rolling himself into it so that it was now wrapped around him—the way one might accidentally get caught up in a curtain.

"See, Aerith?" Zack asked now—with an amusing twinkle in his eyes, that seemed to indicate to Aerith that if he succeeded in this he might try out for Loveless. "This model of the sky isn't swallowing me, is it?"

Aerith understood where Zack was coming from with this, she did, because it certainly wasn't eating him... but she also did think Zack was unintentionally proving her right some. Because wasn’t he stuck in the material now? The Cetra got up from where she’d been sitting in the “audience” to tell her boyfriend this... but as she came his way, she somehow tripped over her own feet and knocked them both into the brown leg of the easel.

As Aerith had flown towards it, she had seen nothing but chocolate as far as the eye could see—and not the blue she was afraid of—and got hurt by it rather than the latter... as did Zack. As Aerith rolled away from the leg and rubbed at her offended nose, she decided that Zack had just been proven right with this.

"Oh, okay!” she relented, as she refused to look at her beau’s face, lest she lose all grace and burst out laughing at the silliness of it all. “You win! It wasn't the 'sky' that hurt me here, but something else. And I guess it goes to show that anything can do that, and I shouldn't just have a phobia of the sky. But damn! I can't believe you got this to work! I honestly didn’t think you would…"

Even though Aerith wasn’t laughing, Zack was as he held Aerith in his arms—and the sound of it was music to her ears, and what she’d been longing for for months… maybe even before that—and neither of them were at all interested in getting up from where they’d fallen on the ground.

"I'm glad- I'm glad it worked, Aerith," Zack replied, seeming suddenly serious as he looked off into the distance. And as he continued speaking, Aerith found herself wondering if he was worried that with how little he got to see his parents… the next time he got to do so, might be in the afterlife. “Those who went before you... I don't think they'd want you to fear the sky. I think they'd want you to live your life to the fullest and enjoy it... and maybe even be glad you'll someday see them again in it. But then again, I dunno.” And here Zack was rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly and trying not to look at her, it seemed.

But Zack certainly wasn't wrong... and while Aerith hadn't yet told him she was a Cetra—it still hurt too much to talk about—she did ponder if he'd just unknowingly stumbled onto some truths about the Promised Land there: a place she did desperately want to see. Aerith nuzzled her face under Zack's chin and began doodling circles on his chest... as she did, the words she’d been working towards all along seemed to finally free themselves. "Well, let’s go and see the sky together, then! …At least someday." And it was a promise Zack actually held onto, Aerith would one day see... for when she finally reached him in the sky and he took her hand, the first thing he did was show her the sky from their new vantage point.

And Aerith looked across the desert he'd once marched across to try and see her again, and Aerith grabbed onto Zack’s hand and cried.

"You did it, Aerith," he whispered into her ear sweetly now, as she leaned ever closer to him. "You enjoyed life—and yes, even the sky for the most part—and made it to your loved ones here."

And suddenly behind him as he said this, were her parents Ifalna and Gast… and Aerith pulled Zack with her so she could hug all three of her most important people at once.

Author’s Note: Since FFVII Remake, I wrote a CloTi and it’s only fair that I wrote a Zerith, too:) Though I actually started this before the Remake, when I got smacked with the Zerith feels again one night.

[snippychicke]

Dedicated to @unbiddenrhythm for getting me hooked on this seriously rare-pair. Although our Assistants have slightly different names, Rea is heavily inspired by her head cannons, so she's like, 99% hers.

This started out as a short drabble for OTP prompts, and just...evolved. the prompt was: Which one gets jealous more often.

Short answer: Rea does, partly because she often feels like she Reeve is far out of her league.

Long answer: well, this:

Fluffyish piece of ReevexAssistant below. Mentions of jealous, hints of slight sexual harassment (not between the main couple). Spoiler free! 

Oddly enough, Rea tends to get jealous more often.

Reeve Tuesti was really the poster boy of Shinra directors. Granted, compared to the other three males that made up the board of directors, it wasn't that surprising. Anyone would look good compared to Palmer, Heidegger, and Hojo. 

The only other Shinra Executive the gossip columnists wrote more about was Rufus, and since his assignment to Junon and virtual banishment from Midgar, he had been forced to the limelight. Leaving Reeve to endure the spotlight and rather unwanted attention.

Rea knew she shouldn't be reading the trashy magazines that were little more than fluff pieces that barely disguised Shinra propaganda. But when Reeve was on the latest cover, it was hard for her to resist. Her official reason was to study the gossip and figure out if she needed to give the poor man a heads up about the latest rumors (like when they published his favorite cafe and the 'fans' were flooding to the small cat cafe in Sector 3 to catch a glimpse) or start counter-arguments derailing the misconceptions that tended to sprout from time to time (like that he was yet another Shinra bastard son). 

It was just a coincidence that the side bonus was to be able to.study her boss's appearance without the risk of being caught. (Not that the paparazzi ever got a picture of his true smile, or really captured the small little glint in his eyes he got when he was amused. But they did get a rather good side profile when he was jogging on the treadmill on the rec floor that she was rather fond of.)

However, this time the articles left her more than a little disquieted. It was a special edition covering President Shinra's birthday party from the weekend prior. It had been a through who's-who affair, with everyone dressed to impress. She skipped over the details of the designers, and briefly wrinkled her nose at the image of Hojo and Palmer and their suits. Not even the best tailors in the world could make them half-decent, though she questioned who thought to let Palmer wear a suit that was a rather gross mix of brown and green that reminded her of things that belong in a toilet. 

She did have to admit lingering on the first couple images of her boss in the well-fitted black suit made his long legs and thin form even more prominent than usual. The remaining articles that weren't dedicated to praising the President were focused on the Urban Development Director…

...and questioning his relationship with Scarlett.

 Nearly every picture had the two in close proximity, and in more than a couple, Scarlett was hanging from Reeve's arm, a sultry smile on her shimmery lips and a smug look in her eyes that made something akin to anger flare in Rea's chest. As if the older woman was looking straight at her and boasting at achieving what Rea could only dream about. 

Looking at those pictures...Rea had to admit to the small ember of jealousy that burned in her stomach. She wanted to be able to wrap her arm around Reeve like that. To gaze up into his eyes and see that warmth and tenderness looking back at her. 

And unfortunately for Rea, the rumors of Reeve and Scarlett spread like wildfire through Shinra's fertile grapevine. Sure Scarlett was a few years older than Reeve, but many people pointed out that it wasn't that much of an age gap. Then there were the counter-arguments that she had undeniable looks and 'experience', musing maybe it was something right up the soft-spoken man's alley.

The conversations down that particular path made Rea feel physically sick. Few were privy to just exactly how ruthless and abusive the lone female director was, and she had a hard time thinking anyone would find that...attractive, let alone her boss. Granted Reeve did his best not to speak too poorly about his peers, but she was sure she didn't imagine the scowl that graced his features whenever he returned from meetings with her. She had thought that Reeve disapproved of such things...but all the pictures of the two together and the gossip that followed suit made her start to question that maybe she was wrong?  

It made her question if she was reading all the signs between her and her director wrong. Over the last few months, she had started hope that maybe this feeling wasn't quite as one-sided as she had first thought. But maybe he was just being kind and helpful and she was just seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Maybe she wasn't at all his type. 

And if Scarlett was his type...did she really know him that well? 

"Oh please," Reeve groaned, making Rea jump slightly in her chair as he entered the office and caught her flipping through the infamous magazine, "I will literally buy you a fire materia if you promise to burn that wretched thing. 

"Sir?" She squeaked, not used to hearing him speak so...candidly. Never through the months of her 'research' had he commented so negatively. Usually, it was a bemused 'really?' Or a 'what are those scavengers lying about now?'

"Those pictures of me and Scarlett," he gestured tiredly. "I swear I am going to retch if I see another one. First I had to endure her pawing at me that entire night, and the nightmare only continues. 'Older and experienced, ha!' The woman is a money digging cougar."

Rea bit her lip trying to contain a smile as that sickly feeling evaporated. Everything suddenly seemed better, and the world once more made sense. Jealousy and doubt had really made her think crazy ideas. Reeve, interested in Scarlett? That was not the man she admired and respected. "...I do think they sell fire materia downstairs, actually…"

Reeve paused for a moment, his dark eyes meeting hers. His expression was serious, but she swore she could see some amusement and gratitude in them."Don't tempt me, because I don't know if I can resist."

Those words made butterflies flutter in her stomach, and she had to look away to regain her senses. The magazine was open to a page where Scarlett was pressed against his side, her cleavage prominent, and now she could see the reserved annoyance on her Director's face as he pointedly looked away from the woman. " ...usually I wouldn't condone such acts, however, this time is a little different." Rea gave a small impish smile as she looked back at him, and was delighted when he started to grin back at her. 

"You, my dear, are the best," there was a pause as he glanced at the offending text. "...would you think any less of me if I asked you to use my account to buy the last of those magazines? I could reserve the SOLDIERS' VR training room for after hours. I think it's fireproof." 

Rea was shocked by his words temporarily before realization sunk in. He really hated the rumors floating about him this.time, and it struck a nerve. Righteous anger flared along with determination.

"It would be my pleasure. In fact, I'll split the cost with you." 

---

It was close to eight at night, and the bonfire of every magazine they could find reached into the simulated night sky. Was it petty? Possibly. Poor use of time to go to every floor and search for every copy they could find? Absolutely. 

Did she regret any of it? Not a bit. She felt younger, lighter as she and Reeve snuck about after hours, taking turns keeping watch as the other sifted through the magazine in the numerous lounge areas, stuffing the offending copies into a bag. 

Neither were very surprised when the reached the archives, and one of the many library bots merrily greeted them with a stack of magazines. "Scarlett is a whore," it chirped innocently, making them both break out in surprised laughter. 

"You know the techs still don't know how or why those bots are 'faulty'," Reeve said as they left the archives, the thick stack split between them. 

"Grandad mentioned they keep trying to fix them," she hummed. "Mr. Hart has caught newbie techs trying to hack their system so many times he thinks its a hazing rite." 

"I wouldn't put it past them. Their funding for AI is geared towards military purposes, but many of them are interested in creating true Artificial Intelligence. And well, their programming was actually the basis for my own side project." 

"You keep hinting at your side projects," she pouted playfully, feeling daring. "But you never talk about them much."

There was a playful light in Reeve's eyes as he winked down at her. "Maybe one of these days I'll introduce you."

---

While the techs of the VR room did give them odd looks, nothing was said as they brought in the bags of magazines and Reeve asked them to generate specific coordinates before they entered. 

It always amazed Rea to watch the silver room give way to the virtual reality. The ceiling rippled into a cloudless night sky, the steel floor becoming gently rolling hills that led to a picture-perfect sandy beach. She could even taste the salty air of the ocean as the waves gently crashed near her feet. 

"Where are we?" She asked as she helped pile the magazines into a decent mound. 

"A beach not far from where I grew up," he answered easily, surprising her. "I spent many nights here stargazing when I was stuck on problems when I was younger. I admit, when I'm facing a challenging situation I'll use this place after hours to help brainstorm. It's still not quite the same though. Usually, you would be able to hear crickets chirping and the occasional seagull." 

"Sounds beautiful." Rea pulled the new fire-materia from her pocket and held it kut to him once he was finished organizing the magazines into a suitable pile. "I believe you should have the honor, sir," she insisted when he hesitated. "All things considered."

He looked at the small green orb twinkling with an inner light, illuminating her plain but well-manicured nails. He placed his hand over hers, enveloping the materia. 

"How about we do it together?" He offered. "Granted, I haven't dual-casted since I first learned how to use materia, but I think we could manage it." 

Rea was thankful it was dark enough to hide the blush she felt creeping across her cheeks as she shifted to stand next to Reeve, their fingers brushing as they cradled the materia. "One...two…" Reeve counted, and on three she felt the magic flow into the materia. Dual casting was usually only used to teach another person how to use materia, because you had the odd sense of the other person's magic, and it was often too distracting to focus. 

And it was very distracting, as well as oddly intimate to feel his magic mix with hers as fire erupted from the magazines. His careful arranging assured an even and thorough fire that reached up to the stars. 

"I didn't think this would be this relaxing," Reeve admitted as they watched the pages begin to curl. While their arms were no longer stretched out, neither seemed willing to let go quite yet.

"Fire is rather cleansing," Rea replied softly, wondering if it was wrong of her to feel a little smug. Scarlett may have pushed Reeve into allowing her to hang off him against his will, but here she was, more or less holding hands with him...and he didn't seem at all bothered by her close proximity.

"It is… thank you," he added a moment later, looking down at her, his soft expression lit by the flames, "for indulging my moment of insanity."

"Happily sir," she tried for a light tone while her throat was blocked by her heart. Gaia, she though, he was handsome like this. Hair just a little messy, the weight and stress lifted from his shoulders and a true smile pulling at his lips. He looked so...happy. Content. And she was at least partly responsible.

Take that, Scarlett. 

There was a long pause before Reeve cleared his throat. "So, um, I heard one of the techs from the science department had asked you out the other night."

"Oh, yeah." Rea wrinkled her nose at the memory of the man she had barely met trying to pressure her to go kut on a date when she had turned down all his subtle advances before.

"How did that go?" 

"Mm, it didn't. He's not quite my type."

Rea was sure she imagined the relieved sigh and his shoulder relaxing. "Ah. Good. Well, I mean, I'm glad you know what your type is," he quickly added on, sounding a bit flustered, making her raise a brow. "It's good to know that. I think." 

Rea laughed as she looked over at him, wondering if his cheeks were pink due to the fire. "What about you, sir? Do you know your type?"

He paused, his eyes meeting hers for a long moment. "I think I'm finally figuring it out." 

"But it's not Scarlett?"

That made him laugh, the rich sound flowing over her along with the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the sand. "Oh Gaia, no. Absolutely not! The woman I like is...kind, and caring. She always puts others before herself, and can be a little bit of a hypocrite for lecturing others on their workaholic behaviors." 

Rea's heart thumped in her chest and tried to keep her mind from jumping to conclusions. She forced herself to focus on where the tips of the flames met the night sky. "Sounds less like a type and more like an individual, sir." 

"Yeah, maybe," he admitted quietly. A peek towards him revealed he was still looking at her with that expression from before. The same expression she had daydreamed of since this infatuation of hers begun. 

Surely not. Surely she was just seeing things through rose-colored glasses again. Except his hand drifted from the materia to brush shyly against hers, almost to ask for permission. 

Only to drop away as reality forced its way back in, the sky and ocean disappearing in a violent ripple. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" A scientist barged in, using a fire extinguisher to put out their makeshift bonfire as the two jumped away from each other. "YOU JUST CAN'T BURN THINGS INSIDE THE TOWER! WHAT WERE YOU TWO THINKING?!"

[moodysnowflake]

First of all, gigantic

SPOILER ALERT

'Cause everybody shoud say it before starting.

Sure, it's not really a spoiler by definition, 'cause it's been 23 years, but still.

It's almost like with Harry Potter. Who read the books knows, and if you just started, it would be a really mean and dickish move to say anything.

Just because you've played FFVII, it doesn't give you the permission to rob the experience from new players, if they try not to get spoiled. Even if the game has been out there for two decades.

It would be like if, knowing the actual plot by Nomura-san himself, I will leak it you, old player.

You wouldn't like that very much now, would you?

Also, please let's keep it human and reasonable, this is just a stream of consciousness and my personal thoughts, I'm not going to insult anyone, nor players, nor Square Enix, so I would appreciate the same respect. Thank you.

I've already written stuff so far in order not to reveal, and if you, knew player, are insisting on continuing...well, what can I say? You've got a big storm coming; you just decided you didin't care, I'm not going to be responsible for ruining your experience. I warned you, you've spoiled yourself, and I'm sorry for that.

That being said.

This is exactly what it looks like, a huge steam blow, to get all my convoluted trains of thoughts out of my head, and see if someone else is perceiving the same things as me or, if not, is able to discuss it in a civil and constructive manner.

What I think about FFVII:R story and ending.

To start, I will be referring to the gameplay's events as timeline 2, and the original as timeline 1. You'll get why.

I think that, despite the dubious ending, we've all been already played, and what we think being the first destiny's divergence, a.k.a. Zack's survival, is actually a flashback of timeline 2. So yes, something that already happened in the actual game and influenced the story so far.

Why is that?

Let's start from the beginning. Or the end, depends on how you look at it.

Aerith.

'Not Sephiroth?' you might ask.

Nope. Not Sephiroth. Aerith indeed.

In timeline 1, she died, and become one with the Life Stream. We know it. That's okay, I'm not trying to argue with that.

I'm considering it for its very meaning. Aerith became one with the planet, so one with destiny itself.

Let's try to look at this perspective: if you were given the power to change destiny, anywhere you want, for everyone you know...Would you really not give it a try? If you were ever given the chance to save the person you love, and everybody who died because of your fuck ups, would you not even consider to change things? Not even once?

Aerith has always been energetic, sometimes naive, so full of life and hope, especially HOPE, despite everything, even being afraid of freedom and the unknown, but giving it a go anyway. So why couldn't she have tried? I can see that happening.

It wasn't Sephiroth who destroyed the Whispers of Midgar in that shiny, golden, big-ass explosiong which knowcked Zack off of his feet. It was her.

Zack was not supposed to reach Midgar, and Aerith interfered, saving him...for what time we're allowed to see until the end of the game.

Being the Whispers a sort of "defence line", I don't think that she got rid of them for good, because they're part of the very backup system of Gaia, so I'm more inclined to think that she just managed to temporarly shut them down.

Hoping to give Zack more time...but, in my opinion, not that much.

Let's be real; Zack's death has been one of the most tragic and emotional ones of the compilation, because Zack Fair is as near as you can go to the definition of Best Boy and everybody should love him. Yes, he was not immune to the SOLDIER's madness, because he was obsessed to become a hero, to be able to save someone.

But we have to thank him if Aerith decided to sell the flowers; if it wasn't for him, Aerith and Cloud would never have met (in every timeline).

He was the reason of the Seventh Heaven's name. He's the reason of that goddamned squatting minigame (yeah...you didn't think about that, did you?).

And naturally, he's the reason why our adorkable Cloud Strife not only is still alive, but also the source of his combat abilities.

Sure, Spike was trained and filled up to the brim with mako, but where do you think he was pulling all of his batshit crazy stunts from, if not Zack's memories?

e.g.: the very first landing in Crisis Core is e x a c t l y the same movement, the only difference being Zack touching the ground putting the weight on his right side while Cloud did it on his left. The only reason I can think about is because Zack wasn't holding the Buster, and that is how you would handle your balance if you were rigth-handed.

First digression done...it's gonna be painful...

Nobody is forcing you: don't like, don't read.

Feel free to stop whenever you like, I'm not gonna get offended.

So, Aerith tried, because she is the ultimate cinnamol roll and she wants to believe. She's fantastic and hopeful, and she firmly believe in trying to change destiny, saving as many people as she can. Why wouldn't she?

So she tried (why not from his mother's death? She could have tried, but Ifalna migth have said she didn't want to be saved. Who knows. I definitely don’t.), but it simply didn't work, because Zack had to die anyway, the Whispers de-bugged themselves and everything spectacularly backfired.

The question is how he's gonna die. If Crisic Core’s death was the worst, how could it go more bananas? I have some alternatives:

- Cloud (by Sephiroth intervention) killing Zack with his own hands without realizing it until the very end, Zack accepting it and trying to comfort him while drifting away [the less likely one for me];

- Zack dies again (maybe in the sewers?) because of Cloud's fault, either giving him the Buster to defend himself (remaining disarmed) or because he physically shields Cloud from a bullet shower or an explosion (something has to get rid of Shinra's troops to let Spike escape);

All of these theories imply that Zack still dies like a hero and knowing it.

- Let's go Cruelty: Full Cowling. Let's shatter even that one joy, the most important thing Zack managed to accomplish in his mad chase, reaching for his dream: die a hero. He could have managed to hide Cloud, giving him the Buster, running in the opposite direction and getting captured instead of insta-killed. Returning in Hojo's nightmare, this time dying a slow, agonizing, dark death. What if the bastard, in Zack’s very lasts moments, will deceive him, telling him they found Cloud, even if they haven't, just to mess up with him? That would be devastating: Zack would die feeling completely useless, absolutely worthless, even if he's not. He's still a hero, but he will never know.

This is where Sephiroth might come along.

Specifically, Advent Children's Sephiroth.

Who, at some point, gave/activated/infused/whateverisgonnabe timeline 1 Cloud's memories into him. Because Cloud has friggin’ Jenova's cells within him, so Sephiroth can do what the heck he wants and toy with the guy as long as he sees fit. As he has done throughout the game.

When could we see it?

- "I've killed you with my own [hands]...": Sephiroth is doing a vibe-check, to see how much Cloud remembers, and simply goes masterfully along with it, starting to fuck with him right then; he needs for Cloud to be as mentally unstable as possible, because of Black Materia reasons. He is one of the best manipulators in the game, after all. If not the best one.

- "But that is then, and this is now." Criptic af, could be interpreted as both Cloud canonically remembering in a modified timeline 1, or timeline 2 innest. Being Sephiroth, the jackass could be referring to both of them, just becasue he can.

- "Promise you'll come and save me" scene. Timeline 1 Cloud shouldn't remember it at that point in the game. Also, this wouldn't lead to the heart to hearth with Tifa right after. If it's not a modified timeline 1, to show that spiky boi is not a total socially awkward blond artichoke.

- Aerith's death and Holy's flashes. What could possibly confuse you more than that, together with a blasting migraine? I think this is Sephiroth not-verbal way to say "You're not gonna be able to save her. Ever. You didn't succeded then, you're not gonna make it now, not even if she knows it. It's gonna happend anyway."

- At the Edge of Creation, when he asks for Cloud's help, Cloud has a blink-moment in which his right hand seems to move towards him, an uncoordinated gesture, but still there (memory of timeline 1...when he sort of did it)

*What about Zack's name being said in Emerald Park and nothign really happening to Cloud? Well, if you have been innested another timeline's memories, things would be pretty screwed up in your head, wouldn't they? That could be why Cloud had just a crippling aneurisma hearing it: his brain was probably trying not to melt in a puddle. Also, Aerith could have been interfering with it (but I'm explaining that later), blocking his possible messed up recollection, because that would have been quite the situatuion both for Spike's sanity and the players'.

Advent Childrend's (AC) Sephiroth? Why not another one? Come on, we've got plenty of evidence of it during the gameplay (I'll be referring to both English and Japanese [coming from the Italian adaptation, which is the closest one {yep, I’m Italian, but I think the English adaptation is still the best in terms of localization and conversations’ management}]):

- The very first thing he says to Cloud, when he blabbers "You're not real...You're...dead.", is the trolling (and perfect) "I am?"...I mean...has he ever really been? Cloud's words implies (because this is Japanese) that you might also read it as "This is just my PTSD fucking with me, you're a memory".

- Aaaand which line hits you like a truck? "I will never be...a memory." (last line of Sephiroth in AC before smiling and disappearing)

- Last Sephiroth's line of the cutscene, which in English is a very uncospicuous (but very menacing, almost Itachi-like) "Hold on to that hatred.", in Japanese is "Never forget me." That's pretty different.

- Aaaand which line hits you like a wrecking ball again? Never forget me..."I will never be...a memory."

- While you, old player, are still wondering what the fuck just happened, 'The Promised Land' (AC soundtrack) starts playing...

If all of this wasn't enough to let your plot bunny run like it was on a carrot high, let's talk about the scene in Hojo lab's corridor, when Cloud, seeing Sephiroth materializing, yells in pain and grips fiercely at his left arm. Which happens to be the very same arm that is gonna get Geostigma (Sephiroth's lovely life-threatening plague-ish gift to humanity in AC). 

And the three glowy whispers in chapter 18? Have you noticed that they move like Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo, and have the same weapons (one-handed sword, a gauntlet and two guns, respectively)? With a lot less whining, fortunately. Colors' scheme seems to make sense as well: Kadaj should be Sephiroth's hatred and rage (red), Loz his strenght and speed (yellow) and Yazoo the coldness and detachment (blue/green).

I’m leaving the last variable at the end, ‘cause this way I don’t seem a complete paranoid, even if it has been there all the way: the black feathers. The flippin’ black feathers. Which Sephiroth has ONLY at the end of FFVII: Advent Children. Then, and just then. Not everywhere else. Nowhere. 

 They’re there from chapter 1, joyfully swaying in the wind, Cloud sees one and it doesn’t seems to have that much of a significance, like for new players (meanwhile old players are screaming for their life, looking for cover), and they keep coming up, up, up, up, all over the place. And at the very end, the player sees that gorgeous black wing and they think “Oh! Holy crap, he has been there the whole time.”...and the old players yells “Fuck! He’s AC Sephiroth? We’re screwed. We’re done. This was his plan from the very beginning. Crap, crap, crap.”

This is the game tellying us “Shall I give you dispair?”

All the other interactions could easly come from timeline 1 events, up to the end of the game, and that's okay, because they make you realise that Sephiroth knows shit he's not supposed to have knowledge of at this point. He’s in total control, he has been through the entirety of the game, the sexy bastard.

So yeah, after making his last elegant and terrifying threat to AC's Cloud, our favourite one-winged angel decide to go back to the first checkpoint and retry in Critical Mode.

Fancy meeting timeline 1 Aerith there, in timeline 2, already fucking shit up in his stead. I can see him in my mind's eye, witnessing her intervention and thinking "This is actually really nice!". Since destiny has to be restored, he would have destiny itself playing by his side; he seriously couldn't ask for more.

Do I think part of Aerith is coming back from future too? Yes, she behaves like she knows too much stuff:

- "It's good for nothing at all" when you met her after projectile-crashing from the upper plate; if Zack dies like I hypothsized, this line would get all the more meaning, having her failed to save him;

- When Cloud is on his merry way of vivisecting Reno precisely in half, in English she yells "Stop!", but in Japanese she actually says "No, it's wrong!". How could she possibly know that Cloud shouldn't kill the Turk?;

[short digression over Cloud murderous behaviour towards people (a.k.a. Johnny and Reno) compared to the original game: why not, since he’s been bombarded by splitting headaches, seeing the man (who was his hero and destroyed his life) he killed with his hands very much real (to him but not to anybody else) and messying around, driving him cracker day by day. Anyone will lose their cookies.]

- On the highway, she and Sephiroth have an educated banter, in which she clearly knows something's up with the Sephiroth who's standing in front of them. He's the wrong one. But, at the same time, he's the true one too; He's not a projection channeled by Cloud Jenova's cells, nor using a copy to be seen by the others. So he's not using someone else from timeline 2,  he's not part of timeline 2, that's why he's wrong. Not just because he wants to, you know, eradicate life from the planet. Despite him being his true self, the last one existing, he's from timeline 1, so he doesn’t really belong in timeline 2. That's the biggest hint we have about Aerith coming from whatever happens after, together with the next point;

- When asked how the heck she knows about destiny’s crossroads, she answer with a nice "I'm not really sure.". She's not really sure...anymore, due to the Whispers trying to reset her consciousness and memories back to square timeline 1. She says she loses something everytime they touch her.

I imagine the scene of Aerith feeling Zack's death, again, while she's at home, at night, among the flowers, feeling useless, realizing she couldn't do anything in the end: that is gonna be nerve-wracking.

Sephiroth would appear, maybe using Marco's body (or maybe even his own body), emerging from the darkness of the alley. They would look at each other while he slowly walks down the wood stairs and glides over the surface of the pond, speaking while never breaking eye contact, both knowing where and when they really are from. He would probably say, in his soft velvet voice, something along the line of "I told you it was not meant to work. You're playing with powers you're not able to control, and you're destined to fail. I'm going to ruin him (Cloud) and everything else you cherish. You will experience what true despair means (because why not, let's throw another AC reference, shall we?)." A very Sephiroth way to say "You did such a good job. Here, let me help you screw this up more, Aerith."

He would lift from the pond, silent and tall and silver and monstrous, smiling with his jade eyes pinning hers down, stretching his black wing out, towering over her, before folding it around himself and disappear (like in AC), leaving only Marco behind to collapse over the bed of flowers.

That would be a heck of a war declaration.

Last, and least, the final confrontation at the Edge of Creation, a.k.a. Sephiroth ultimately fucking with our sanity.

Paraphrasing his first senteces, ”I’m not gonna die and I won’t let you die as well”, should be the very final hint which shows he’s AC Sephiroth, as he used Cloud’s memories of him to create a core indipendent from the Life Stream (this is how he managed to bounce back); he needs Cloud to remain alive in order to exist himself. That’s why he feels (to the very confused new players, and the grumpy old ones who think Remake Sephiroth is not coming from the future) so obsessed with Cloud now; he wasn’t in timeline 1 until the last part. This would make sense for now to be timeline 2, because he understood how important it is to keep Spike alive and as insane as possible.

Cloud tries to open Sephiroth up like a can using Omnislash, the original killing blow, and Sephiroth parry and deflects it. Smirking, probably thinking “Nope, I’ve already seen this happening before, not gonna fool me twice.”

The bloody "7 seconds till the end. Time enough for you...perhaps. But what will you do with it? Let's see"

Which in Japanese is - 7 seconds remaining until the end. But you're still in time. The future is in your hands...Cloud -

The flippin’ end. Which one, Aerith or Meteor? I personally think it’s Meteor.

The future is in his hands because he was the one shutting down the Whispers with the final blow? Are they really gone this time? I don't think so. The future might be in Cloud's hands, but Sephiroth is gonna make sure to have his strings tightly wrapped around them.

The fact that he appears way more in the remake makes sense because of what he’s doing (at least what I and other people think he’s doing), and it doesn’t make him less dreadful. Not one bit. Cloud’s reaction seeing him for the first time should set the mood for the new players (I don’t know who this big-ass silver tree is, his voice is so soft it’s disturbing, his eyes are making me really uncomfortable and apparently he should be dead, but still scare the main badass character shitless, so I should watch out for him as well) as much as the old ones (Holy fuck, what the heck are you doing here, Seph?! How? It’s impossible [you do realize you and Cloud had the same emotional response, yes?{Chadley pun perfectly intended}]).

Anxiety is not resolving during the game; he’s still intimidating and scary as fuck whenever he comes out of fricking nowhere, creeping all over you.

I think the only one who knows what's up is him, and he's not gonna give anything away anytime soon. He's just gonna smile, drop an emotional bomb whenever he can and flutter away, leaving behind utter confusion and sheer panic.

Is Aerith gonna die? I really hope so. Don't get me wrong: I love her to the very bottom of my heart, but FFVII is not only a story about love, courage and fight against destiny, it's also about loss, suffering and death. As much as I would really like for her to survive, she shouldn't.

Like Sephiroth, she's a singuarity too, and at some point, she will have to met her fate, regardless of what’s happening.

Did they really have to show Zack? Everybody was secretly hoping to see him, nobody could make me think otherwise. And again, this is another surprise effect, recreating that same impact that old players got: “who’s this guy that looks like Cloud and has his sword (and he’s probably the guy Aerith is talking about)?”, while we are freaking out looking at him dragging spiky boi, limping towards Midgar, criminally handsome and very much alive.

New players don’t really need to know more, because that’s exactly what we knew back then.

As for Sephiroth’s presence in the game. In the original, he appears way later. Here, it’s conceptually the same; he’s there because of Cloud (mind, body/cells, memories) and the copies. He’s the real, complete one only at the very end, that’s why One Winged Angel is playing only then, and it’s just a faint presence here and there, merged in previous tracks (interestingly, it’s also the very first musical phrase we hear in the gameplay, and I think that’s because Aerith sensed him coming from somewhere. It wasn’t because of the whispers, I think it was because of him).

Same for Sephiroth’s backstory, which is none existent, for new players: that’s okay. you see him, you get that he’s unhinged and awfully strong. He’s a cold, collected bitch and he’s clearly plotting something.

That’s okay, it’s enough for now, they’re gonna get the rest in the next rounds. And boy, do I dread that day, ‘cause that’s gonna hurt.

Am I forgetting about Stamp? Of course I am. Not.

Barret stated in chapter 5 that Shinra changed the breed for the military propaganda, and that’s okay. We saw his graffiti, and he’s a beagle. In Zack’s scene, an empty chips bags flies around, clearly showcasing a different Stamp, a terrier of some sort. With a big-ass “Original“ claim in the top left corner. This might mislead you to believe that you’re looking at a different timeline. 

Well...too bad the very same bag is laying on the table of Jessie’s parents...

The hint has always been there: Original. Barret said they changed the breed form the original one...so, yeah, this might prove Zack’s scene is a flashback.

Is Wedge alive? Probably yes.

Is Jessie alive? Probably yes.

Why Bigg's still alive? I don't know.

But I know that you don't build characters up that way to let them live a long life and die peacefully. Someone in this story is really good at giving hopes and then crushing them in the blink of an eye...

The Remake, as it has been said, is incorporating The Compilation, and it’s evident througout the gameplay, from Before Crisis all the way to Dirge of Cerberus and the novels (Leslie and Kyrie come from those. Still waiting on Evan).

I don’t think it has been made to rewrite nor modify FFVII, but to create a definitive end which organically weaves within it.

The story is still alive, kicking, and is the very foundation of the remake. You still have to play the compilation to have the ultimate understanding, because that is the destiny trying to be defied by Aerith and Sephiroth.  

 You can’t try to change fate, if you don’t have one to mess up with in the first place.

Lastly, if Zack will ever be playable at some point, I hope with all of my heart and soul to find myself beating the ever loving crap out of someone with a white and blue parasol.

*End Of Rant*

I'm forgetting something for sure, but well, this is the majority of the stuff that I needed to get out of my system.

If you managed to reach this point, thank you for dealing with me and my madness.

If you want to share your thougths you're very welcome to do so, as long as you can articulate your opinions in a civil discussion.

Have a good day/night.

Finger crossed for 2023.

[maraudesmap]

23 May, 1992

Today in Italy is the anniversary of the death of the magistrate Giovanni Falcone, his wife Francesca, also a magistrate, and three police officers and their bodyguards: Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo and Antonio Montinaro.

They lost their lives in a mafia attack called "Strage di Capaci" (the Capaci bombing), which took place on the A29 motorway at 17:57 in 1992.

I'm not writing this post to teach history or even for a sudden poetic surge of melancholy. I'm writing because I see more and more often on socials like this one an attitude of romanticization of the mafia, often also by cosplayers and people that I esteem so much and that I find inspiring and that I don't want in any way to offend. Surely these people create their content knowing what they are talking about but maybe some of their followers base their knowledge on these AU or on comics read or other conjectures. So I want to talk to these people who maybe think that mafias are not a totally negative thing.

I understand that abroad there may have remained an image of the mafia like Al Capone or similar... of men of other times, criminals of course, but with values like, for example, the untouchability of women and children. Perhaps (I am not an expert on the subject, so it may be possible) in the past organized crime had a sort of ethical code; but, if it ever existed, it hasn't existed for a very long time. Because the mafia, the real one, the one that still terrorizes countries in the south but also in the north of Italy, kills men, women and even children indiscriminately.

It kills men who fight for the freedom of the state and for legality, like the magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

It kills boys like Giuseppe (Peppino) Impastato, a young journalist and activist in his early thirties who rebelled against Cosa Nostra, because he believed that the terrified Sicilian people could be freed from this scourge.

It kills women like Graziella Campagna and Emanuela Loi. The first "guilty" of having collaborated with the justice system for the arrest of a fugitive mafia man, discovering his identity by chance while doing her job as a laundress; the second one, instead, was one of the first women policeman of the bodyguard service, entrusted to the protection of Borsellino and, like him, blown up outside a building in the Strage di Via D'Amelio (Via D'Amelio bombing).

It kills kids like Giuseppe Di Matteo, kidnapped at the age of 12, held hostage for more than a year, then killed and dissolved in acid just because he was the son of a repentant boss.

It kills children like Mariangela or Noemi who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It kills people on the street just because he looks like a member of an enemy clan and therefore "uups, wrong person".

The mafia here in Italy is serious. Despite the fact that some young people answer "it's not here in my house, so I don't care" it's a disease that seems incurable, worse than Covid19.

It's not only about southern Italy as many people think, the small town where I live is one of the (minor) centers of the mafia in the north of the peninsula, just 10 years ago there were arrests and "gambizzazioni" (shooting another person in the legs as a warning or a gesture of revenge) just behind my house.

So, please, however imaginary "the Boss" may have his charm, don't make him pass for the misunderstood one, the one who in the end does good even though he bypasses the law because in this way you only spit on all the dead, as you would do if you would excuse the perpetrators of the massacres in schools or other kinds of attacks.

With this I'm not saying that in Italy we have to pay attention to every dark alley or similar (I mean, in those cases you have to pay attention wherever you are, but not because of the mafias). Ours is a wonderful country with a unique history and culture that can't be found anywhere else, as well as all the cultures of this world; so, once this mess with Covid19 is over, come and take a tour and enjoy the beautiful cities like Naples, Rome, Turin, Florence and Bologna or see the wonders of our Alps or beaches.

As a fangirl and a cosplayer I love good AU's and the creation of original and eye-catching OC's... but the important thing is to be able to distinguish fantasy from reality.

I know that not many people will have read all this post and many will have found it heavy and boring but I invite you to do some research, even just type on google "Strage di Via D'Amelio" and "Strage di Capaci" which are the most sadly famous. Look at the photos. Look how they destroyed roads to hit a single man, in both cases. Then you can go back to cosplaying and writing and reading fanfiction, you have every right but at least you will do it with more awareness.

 P.s: This applies to all mafias, both Italian and foreign.

 P.p.s: Since English is not my native language and I have never studied it so much, I hope I haven't made too many mistakes and that the sense of the post is still clear.

///

Oggi in Italia è l'anniversario della morte del magistrato Giovanni Falcone, della moglie Francesca, anche lei magistrato, e di tre agenti della loro scorta: Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo e Antonio Montinaro.

Hanno perso la vita in un attentato mafioso che prende il nome di Strage di Capaci, avvenuto nel tratto autostradale A29 alle 17:57, nel 1992. Non scrivo questo post per insegnare la storia e neanche per un improvviso slancio poetico di malinconia. Sto scrivendo perchè vedo sempre più spesso su social come questo un atteggiamento di romanticizzazione della mafia, spesso anche da parte di cosplayer e persone che stimo tantissimo e che trovo d'ispirazione e che non vorrei in nessun modo offendere. Sicuramente queste persone creano i proprio contenuti sapendo di cosa stanno parlando ma magari alcuni loro follower basano le proprie conoscenze su questi AU o su fumetti letti o altre congetture. Voglio quindi parlare a queste persone che magari pensano che le mafie non siano una cosa totalmente negativa.

Capisco che all'estero possa essere rimasta un'immagine della mafia tipo Al Capone o simili... di uomini d'altri tempi, criminali certo ma con dei valori come, per esempio, l'intoccabilità di donne e bambini.

Forse (non sono un'esperta in materia quindi può essere possibile) in passato la criminalità organizzata aveva una specie di codice etico; ma, se mai c’è stato, non esiste più da tantissimo tempo.

Perchè la mafia, quella vera, quella che terrorizza ancora paesi del sud ma anche del nord Italia, uccide indistintamente uomini, donne e perfino bambini.

Ammazza uomini che combattono per la libertà dello stato e per la legalità, come i magistrati Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino.

Ammazzano ragazzi come Giuseppe (Peppino) Impastato, un giovane giornalista e attivista appena trentenne che si ribellava contro Cosa Nostra, perchè credeva che da questa piaga il popolo siciliano terrorizzato si potesse liberare.

Ammazzano donne come Graziella Campagna e Emanuela Loi. La prima "colpevole" di aver collaborato con la giustizia per l'arresto di un mafioso latitante, scoprendo l'identità dell'uomo per caso svolgendo il proprio lavoro di lavandaia; la seconda, invece, è stata una delle prime donne poliziotto del servizio scorte in Italia, affidata alla scorta di Borsellino e, come lui, saltata in aria fuori da un palazzo nella Strage di via d'Amelio.

Ammazzano ragazzini come Giuseppe Di Matteo, rapito a 12 anni, tenuto in ostaggio per più di un anno, poi ucciso e sciolto nell'acido solo perchè figlio di un boss pentito.

Ammazzano bambini come Mariangela o Noemi che si trovavano solo nel posto sbagliato al momento sbagliato.

Ammazzano gente per strada solo perchè somiglia a uno appartenente ad un clan nemico e quindi "uups, persona sbagliata".

La mafia qui in Italia è una cosa seria. Nonostante alcuni giovani rispondano "non c'è qui a casa mia, quindi non mi interessa" è una malattia che sembra incurabile, peggio del Covid19.

Non riguarda solo il sud Italia come molti pensano, il paese dove abito è uno dei centri (minori) della mafia al nord, solo 10 anni fa ci sono stati arresti e "gambizzazioni" giusto dietro casa mia. Riguarda tutti, anche chi nasconde la testa sotto la sabbia.

Quindi, per favore, per quanto nell'immaginario "il Boss" abbia il suo fascino, non fatelo passare per quello incompreso, quello che alla fine fa del bene nonostante scavalchi la legge perchè così non fate che sputare su tutti i morti, così come fareste se scusereste gli artefici delle stragi nelle scuole o attentati di altro tipo.

Con questo non sto dicendo che in Italia dobbiamo fare attenzione ad ogni vicolo buio o simili (insomma, in quei casi si deve fare attenzione in ogni caso ovunque si è, ma non per via delle mafie). Il nostro è un paese meraviglioso con una storia e una cultura unici e introvabili da altre parti, così come tutte le culture di questo mondo; quindi, una volta finito questo casino col Covid19, venite pure a farvi un giro e a godervi le splendide città come Napoli, Roma, Torino, Firenze e Bologna o a vedere le meraviglie delle nostre alpi o spiagge.

Da fangirl e cosplayer adoro delle buone AU e la creazione di OC originali e accattivanti... ma l'importante è riuscire a distinguere la fantasia dalla realtà dei fatti.

So che non molti avranno letto tutto questo post e moltissimi l'avranno trovato pesante e palloso ma vi invito a fare delle ricerche, anche solo digitare su google "Strage di via D'Amelio" e "Strage di Capaci" che sono le più tristemente famose. Guardate le foto. Guardate come hanno distrutto strade per colpire un singolo uomo, in entrambi i casi. Poi potete tornate a fare cosplay e a scrivere e leggere fanfiction, ne avete tutto il diritto ma almeno lo farete con più consapevolezza.

P.s: Questo discorso vale per tutte le mafie, sia italiane che estere.