The Awakening/Archive10

&lt;&lt; I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X &gt;&gt;

[quote source="/post/94/thread" author="@vincent" timestamp="1272452350"][blockquote][font color="990000"]Vincent nodded to Sephiroth as he took to the air before moving on. More than a hunch, the direction of the cave became a feeling, like he could sense it. He kept walking, noticing the Cait kept checking behind them, probably to make sure Violet and Sephiroth were still there. It wasn't long before the feeling was...right under them. He stopped, surveying the surroundings. The air smelled of salt, and he could hear the ocean. They appeared to be on a wide rock formation rising up from the ocean. Vincent shuffled towards the side, looking to see a rough path along the side of the hill, leading around the cliff. [b]“It appears the cave is somewhere in the cliff face.”[/b] He followed the path with his gaze, tracing it behind them, up the side of the hill at a more level and less ocean-lined part of the land. [b]“There's a path, but we need to be careful going down. I don't think there's any monsters out here, so we can focus on the ground we're treading.”[/b] He finished, looking to the others and nodding.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She turned to look up at Sephiroth for a moment before following Vincent. [b]“Ya know, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have wings.”[/b] Was said as she climbed the hill and looked over the cliff to the landing below. Hues then snapped to the path as she shook her head. [b]“It doesn’t look that far, why don’t you just jump down?”[/b] She asked, now turning to walk down the hill a little ways – she was gonna make a jump for it and hope she landed on her feet, but that didn’t go as planned…[/font][/font]

[i][font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"]He just shook his head, looking to the landing and then watched as Violet backed up. [b]“This wing is a symbol that I am nothing but a mere monster.”[/b] A light shake of the head was given as he followed the girl, quickly swooping down as his right arm wrapped around her waist. [b]“I don’t think jumping would be the best option – the rocks look kind of sharp and I don’t think it would feel pleasant if you landed on them.”[/b] He nodded to that, lifting her off the ground as he flew towards the cliff once again, catlike hues still keeping watch over the area.[/font][/font][/i]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Violet was about to take off running when she felt an arm wrap around her waist and lift her off the ground. [b]“He--- HEY!”[/b] She squeaked, squirming just a bit as she looked to the ground below. [b]“This isn’t what I meant!”[/b] A light sigh passed lips as she just wrapped her arms around his neck and hung on for dear life. A dark brow rose as she heard him mention monsters. [b]“Says who?”[/b] A light pause was given as she looked down to the water below before looking to Sephiroth. [b]“I don’t think you’re a monster – wings are supposed to symbolize freedom.”[/b] She smiled for a moment. [b]“Sephie, you’re an angel and someone once told me that the one thing angels desire most is freedom.”[/b] Head tilted slightly as she just looked away now, feeling kind of strange.[/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent felt relieved when he saw Sephiroth pick Violet up. It was certainly better than her jumping. [font color="3333cc"][b]“Let's not do that, alright?”[/b][/font] The cat, who was still on his shoulder, said as he scratched the back of his head. [b]“Of course...Although, I do have wings of my own if you'd like to...”[/b] Vincent replied, not bothering to hide a sly grin. The cat just shook his head, his hands over his ears. [font color="3333cc"][b]“I like the ground a little better, thanks.”[/b][/font] Hearing this, Vincent just shrugged, [b]“Your loss...”[/b] Before heading down the path kinda quickly, the cat clinging for dear life.[/font]

[i][font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"]A silver brow slowly rose as he looked to Violet, lightly shaking his head. [b]“Freedom from?”[/b] He asked, slowly landing on the flat surface in front of the cave. [b]“You’ve already given me freedom from the cells as Faremis says, is that what you meant?”[/b] He made she was had he balance before letting go as booted feet came to rest upon the rocky surface. [b]“I don’t know if it’s freedom or a curse anymore.”[/b] A light sigh was given as he turned away from her. [b]“Everything is slowly coming together though.”[/b] Hues now set on the entrance to the cave as he just sighed once more.[/font][/font][/i]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She just shook her head, taking a few steps away as he turned. [b]“I really can’t answer that, but I know you’re not a monsterrrrrr…”[/b] She trailed off as a winged humanoid swooped down and hovered before her. [b]“It’s you again… You’re following me aren’t you?”[/b] Was said low and she observed the creature. He was wearing a long red coat with black underneath and held what looked to be a ShinRa issued rifle. Head tilted slightly as she stepped towards him, now noticing a black blindfold fitted carefully over his eyes. The creature seemed so familiar but she couldn’t place the face and if looked as if it’s hair and the tip of its wing were gradually turning grey. And then it dawned on her – she knew who it was. [b]“Genesis?”[/b] She asked, but all the creature did in return was point the rifle at her. All she could do was shake her head as she slowly crouched, covering herself with bladed arms. [b]“I knew you were still alive…”[/b][/font][/font]

[i][font color="33FF99"][font face="Times"]When she spoke of that name, it made his blood boil for some unknown reason and he was compelled to do nothing but kill. Heavy frame quickly turned as he spotted the figure from his past and Violet, cowering in fear. A low growl passed pale lips as he darted towards her, the single wing folding around her as leather clad arms wrapped around her tiny frame. The wing deflected the bullets that were fired before he rose and gripped the handle of the six foot blade which was swung, knocking the creature to the ground. Teeth ground together as he jumped in to the air, pointing the sword at the figure that laid there squirming and then a grunt was heard as the blade was shoved through its chest, killing it instantly. A nod of approval was given as he pulled his sword back and flung the blood off the blade before re sheathing it beneath his coat.[/font][/font][/i]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Hues widened as she heard the bullets and she knew this was the end – or was it? She felt strong arms wrap around her and saw the wing which shielded her from the bullets before Sephiroth lunged towards the creature, killing it without remorse. Slim frame rose as she darted over to the dead creature, pulling the blindfold from its eyes. [b]“It’s…”[/b] She started, but was interrupted.[/font][/font]

[i][font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][b]“Only a copy.”[/b] He said, walking away. [b]“And you know as well as I do, if you leave a Genesis copy for too long it will kill you.”[/b] A light nod was given to that as his wing disappeared, leaving nothing behind but a few stray black feathers. [b]“It seems the degradation was passed down from the original. But I suppose the ones that are left will rot just like he did.”[/b] His tone was cold, but stoic as arms slowly crossed.[/font][/font][/i]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Violet stood, looking to Sephiroth as she just shook her head. [b]“You know Genesis is still alive right? He never returned to the planet.”[/b] Dark brows knitted together as she just shook her head, looking once more to the copy that was beginning to fade into nothingness.[/font][/font]

[i][font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][b]“Well, if he knows what’s good for him, he will stay away…”[/b] A nod was given to that as that usual dark look crossed pale features. [b]“Genesis told me eight years ago that he needed Jenova’s cells in order to stop the degradation – he didn’t get them from me then and he’s not going to be able to now.”[/b] He paused for a moment. [b]“He’ll be after you next and I’m not going to let that happen…”[/b][/font][/font][/i]

[font color="990000"]Rounding the cliff to the landing Vincent caught a glimpse of what happened. Copies of someone? That sounded familiar. Either way, he made his way over to the copy. [b]“Genesis...?”[/b] He looked down at it for a moment. [i]“Your weapons are useless - My body is one with Omega....Just as yours is with Chaos.”[/i] Flashed through his mind. This man, this....Genesis. He looked like... [b]“Weiss.”[/b] Was said solidly as he returned to reality. Looking at the others, he shook his head, facing the cave. [b]“It's nothing. Let's go.”[/b] He went ahead into the cave. It was just about time to see Lucrecia again.[/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote timestamp="1272590414" source="/post/95/thread" author="@vincent"][blockquote][font color="990000"]Upon entering the cave, everything was dark except for the faint glow of the mako crystals at the back of the cave. Vincent went in a bit further, holding his hand behind him, telling the others to stay back. As he continued inside, the crystals became clearer and brighter. He noticed their positions were different, as always. The only crystal that remained in the same spot every time was... [b]“Lucrecia...”[/b] He said quietly, looking up at her, encased in her bright crystalline tomb. Except it wasn't so, as the woman was still alive. [b]“I have...returned.”[/b] He said, stepping a bit closer.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“So you have.”[/i] A light sigh was heard in the back of Vincent’s mind as Lucrecia spoke. [i]“I haven’t seen you in a while, what brings you back so suddenly?”[/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"][b]“It's...a bit hard to explain.”[/b] He said, looking down. [b]“It's...he's alive. Your son, Sephiroth.”[/b] He sighed heavily. There was no easy way to say this. [b]“Despite what I had told you then... He's alive, but free of what Hojo did to him. Almost. I'm sorry.”[/b] He apologized out of nowhere.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"]Another sigh was heard and then silence before she spoke. [i]“You lied to me Vincent, but it’s to be expected. You did it for my own good.”[/i] Nothing but silence was heard yet again as the crystals in the cave seemed to take on a eerie glow. [i]“So he’s alive? How and why? And the Jenova cells – are you trying to tell me they’re gone too?”[/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent nodded. [b]“We saved the plant from Jenova and...yes, her cells are gone from him. However, he's never seen his real mother. He doesn't even know it's you. If he...if he were to see you...He might realize it. 'The mother never forgets the child, and the child, in turn, remembers his mother.' Isn't that how it went?”[/b] He said, hinting at a smile.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“So you were listening to my parenting advice.”[/i] A faint giggle was heard. [i]“I always thought it went in one ear and out the other.”[/i] She just sighed at the mention of Jenova. [i]“Sephiroth thinks Jenova is his mother doesn’t he? Not surprising at all seeing just who his father is.”[/i] She just didn’t want to remember the anguish she went through with Hojo – he would never let her see Sephiroth and she knew then she would never see him. But it seemed like things were different now and after all, she trusted Vincent. [i]“I remember telling a certain hellion that a parent always forgives their child no matter what they do – so if Sephiroth wishes to see me then that’s fine, I will… Try my best.”[/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent nodded, then turned, looking towards the others before nodding again. He then moved aside to allow them full view of Lucrecia.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Violet had been standing in the darkest part of the cave, near the entrance along with Sephiroth and Cait Sith, who had jumped from Vincent’s shoulder and into her arms as they entered. I guess he figured Vincent had to go first because well, he just had this weird connection with Lucrecia. [b]“Well, this is it…”[/b] She said low, looking up to Sephiroth. [b]“Are you ready?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]He just shook his head and turned for the exit. [b]“I-”[/b] A pause was given as he stopped for a moment before continuing on. [b]“Don’t know if I can.”[/b] Was said low as he spotted the light reflecting from outside.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She dropped Cait Sith as Sephiroth turned to leave. [b]“No-no-no-no!”[/b] Was said low as she grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back. [b]“C’mon, just try Sephie! You don’t have to be scared.”[/b] He didn’t come out and say it, but she knew he was. [b]“I’m here with you and everything is gonna be ok.”[/b] A light smile was given as she felt him slowly begin to ease back into the cave.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]A silver brow rose as he turned back, looking to Violet for a moment as a light smile crept across pale lips. He hadn’t heard those words in a very long time but he still couldn’t remember who had said them. A nod was given as he followed her into the cave a little more. [b]“I guess I have no choice other than to believe you.”[/b] He said low as catlike hues began to look at each and every Mako crystal they passed.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Head tilted curiously as she let go of Sephiroth and then reached down to pick up the toy cat. At first, she didn’t think this was the right place – it just looked so different, but then she saw as Vincent stepped aside. There was only one thing in that cave that remained the same. [b]“Well, don’t be bashful, go talk to her…”[/b] Was said as she lightly poked Sephiroth in the upper arm.[/font][/font]

[font color="33FF99"][font face="Times"][i]Catlike hues pulsed as he looked up to the young woman that seemed to be frozen in a large Mako crystal. She looked familiar, like he had seen her somewhere but he couldn’t remember. [b]“M…. Mother?”[/b] He asked, slowly stepping towards her as images of Jenova sealed in cryogen flashed in his head.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“Sephiroth…”[/i] Her voice was light and almost ghostly as a light sigh was heard in the back of his mind. [i]“So we finally meet – I never thought I would get to see you.”[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]Brows knitted together and he shook his head. The images of Jenova were fading – this woman just didn’t sound like her at all. [b]“You’re not-”[/b] He started, but then Lucrecia began to speak to him once more.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“No, I’m not Jenova. Is that what your Father has told you all these years?”[/i] A frustrated grunt was heard as she continued. [i]“It doesn’t surprise me at all – Hojo, he took you from me the second you were born and refused to let me see you. And then I guess he drilled it into your head that Jenova was your Mother.”[/i] A light pause was given as she just sighed. [i]“I… I’m so sorry.”[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i][b]“Hojo was my Father?”[/b] A low growl passed pale lips as he just looked down before stepping closer to Lucrecia. [b]“So Genesis was right – project S, Jenova cells.”[/b] A pause was given as leather clad hands were pressed against the large Mako crystal. [b]“I was the perfect monster and you let it happen…”[/b] Forehead was then pressed against the crystal as he just sighed. [b]“No, I don’t blame you Mother – we all know how persistent Hojo was. Somehow I have the feeling that you had no choice.” [/b][/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]So, he did realize it. While Vincent knew it was entirely possible, he didn't think the connection would be instant. Just as well, Lucrecia shouldn't be apologizing for that wretch Hojo, but...she had felt so bad for it. Maybe now her mind will be more at ease, knowing that her son is well and not intent on bringing Jenova back. Vincent nodded and began to make his way to the darker part of the cave where Violet and Cait Sith were, figuring they needed some alone time.[/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote author="@violet" timestamp="1272591715" source="/post/96/thread"][blockquote][font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Hues looked up to Vincent as he approached as a light smile crossed her lips. She had taken Cait Sith back towards the darker part of the cave and found a rock to sit on. [b]“Acceptance is the key I suppose.”[/b] Was said low as she just watched from afar. “And without it, we would all be living in denial.” A light sigh passed lips as she thought back to the prophecies. [b][i]“I’ll accept it when I get good and damn ready to.”[/i][/b] She thought as hues fell shut.[/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent smiled, nodding. [b]“Exactly.”[/b] He said simply, leaning on the side of the cave. Acceptance may be difficult, but it's an important part of life. He then looked to Cait Sith, who hadn't really been talking at all. It must have something to do with Reeve directly monitoring them. It was strange, though, that the cat wasn't directly watching Sephiroth and Lucrecia. That's what he was observing, right?[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“I tried to stop him but it seems there was just no point in it. That’s why I sealed myself here – I just wanted to disappear from all the madness and destruction.”[/i] A light pause was given as she sighed. [i]“And I couldn’t bear to watch Hojo turn my baby into-”[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i][b]“A monster…”[/b] Was said low as hues slowly opened. [b]“But the cells are gone and according to Doctor Faremis, I’m no longer a threat to humanity.”[/b] He looked up to Lucrecia once more, a hint of child-like innocence now crossing pale features. [b]“So that means you can come out now, right?”[/b] Was asked as his head tilted slightly.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“I wish it were as simple as that.”[/i] She said low. [i]“I still carry the cells and those cells are the reason I still continue to live. I don’t know but – Jenova just won’t let me die. So, if I were to come back, I would become a monster and that is why I must remain here; but I will always be with you no matter where you go.”[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]A tear slowly rolled down his cheek as he just shook his head. [b]“But the cells can be removed…”[/b] He glanced over his shoulder, eying Violet for a moment before looking back to his mother. [b]“And I know she would do it.”[/b] He said low as silver brows knitted together.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="CCFFFF"][i]“They can be removed at what cost?”[/i] Was said in a rather stern tone as she just sighed once more. [i]“I’m sure there are many complications when it comes to a procedure like that and it just feels like – something is missing but I can’t place my finger on it. So I must remain as I am now and forever."[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i][b]“So you’re just going to give up and stay here – I see.”[/b] Was said in his usual stoic tone as he slowly rose and turned towards the cave entrance. [b]“Then I will accept your decision; I won’t like it, but I accept it.”[/b] And that was all he said as he slowly made his way past Violet and Vincent. He stepped out of the cave onto the landing stopping to wait for the others. [/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent looked up as Sephiroth as he walked by, then pushed himself off the wall. [b]“I guess it's time to go back.”[/b] He said before turning to follow Sephiroth out of the cave.[/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Hues opened as she heard Vincent before he turned to leave. “Finished already?” She asked slowly standing. It didn’t seem like they had been there for very long at all. A light sigh was given as she stepped into the cave, looking to Lucrecia one last time. Violet had a feeling she told Sephiroth something he didn’t want to hear. [b]“Miss. Lucrecia…”[/b] Was said as she just turned and made her way through the darkness until she was out on the landing again. Hues snapped to Vincent for a moment and then to Sephiroth who was now sitting on the ground, gazing out at the ocean. She shook he head as the toy cat she was holding hopped back over to Vincent’s shoulder. [b]“Humph love you too Cait.”[/b] Was mumbled as brows knitted together. A light shake of the head was given as she slowly stepped over to Sephiroth, kneeling behind him so that her knees came to rest upon his back. [b]“What happened?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]Catlike hues pulsed as he felt light pressure upon his back and then heard that familiar voice. He just let his head come to rest on a leather clad knee as a frustrated sigh was heard. [b]“I don’t want to talk about it.”[/b] He mumbled.[/i] [font color="Blue"][b]“Ok then, if you want to stay then I’ll stay with you.”[/b][/font] [i]She let her head rest upon his shoulder as a light smile crossed her lips. [b]“No, go away – I don’t need a babysitter.”[/b] Was hissed as his head slowly rose.[/i] [font color="Blue"][b]“I never said you needed a babysitter and I’m going to stay in case you do decide to talk.”[/b][/font] [i]Arms then reached up to wrap around his chest as she heard him sigh once more. [b]“Why are you so stubborn?”[/b] He asked as a gloved hand came to rest upon hers.[/i] [font color="Blue"][b]“Because I can be.”[/b][/font] [i]She said with a smile as hues fell shut.[/i][/font][/font]

[font color="990000"]Vincent saw the two sit down and watched them a moment before turning to head back up the path. [font color="3333cc"][b]“Hey! Wait just a minute!”[/b][/font] The cat said, a bit angry. Vincent stopped, sighing. [b]“They'll be fine. Let's head back.”[/b] He said before continuing, not hearing any more protesting from the cat. Surely the two of them could handle anything that tried to come after them.[/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote timestamp="1272592866" source="/post/97/thread" author="@sephiroth"][blockquote][font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]Sephiroth hoped that Violet would just give up and leave after Vincent and the cat left, but no such luck – she just stayed in the same position for the longest time. [b]“Fine, if you want me to talk then answer me this-”[/b] He started, slowly scooting to the edge of the cliff. [b]“How did you separate me from Jenova? Where did you get that kind of power and why did you bring a monster such as me back into this world?”[/b] Was asked as he lightly pushed her away slowly crossing his arms.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Violet sighed lightly as she just let him go, slowly standing. [b]“You never were a monster.”[/b] The clicking or heels against rock echoed through the small alcove as she took a seat on the cliff beside him. [b]“Well, I was born with it.”[/b] A light nod was given as she looked to him with a smile. [b]“There were two types of Ancients – Cetra which were the scholars and philosophers. They pretty much had the answer to any question imaginable; hell, they even wrote that big book of lies I’m always carrying around.”[/b] A light pause was given as she leaned back, propping herself up on her elbows. [b]“Most of the information you find is about the Cetra because they outlived the Azure which is what I am.”[/b] She just shook her head. [b]“Azure are born with the power of Holy fused into their blood and is the guardians of both the people and the planet – and Holy just happens to be one of Jenova’s weaknesses so-”[/b] A light shrug was given. [b]“I did some research and found that out as well as the fact it can be used to merge ones consciousness back into their body; and that about sums it up.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"]He thought for a moment before looking to her as a brow slowly rose. [b]“So you and Vincent are Ancients?”[/b] Was asked as he thought for a moment. [b]“Neither of them seems like it…”[/b] A light shake of the head was given as he gazed back out at the ocean with a sigh.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]A light giggle was heard as she just shook her head, leaning forward. [b]“Oh no-no-no-no – Vincent isn’t my biological Father.”[/b] She just looked away as hues fell shut. [b]“I never knew my real parents; Hojo took care of that for me but its ok I guess because they returned to the planet and I suppose they’re happy.”[/b] She then nodded, looking back to him. [b]“They died protecting me because Hojo wanted to use me in experiments and Vincent – well, he took care of me. So did Lucrecia, Tseng, Reno, Rude, Angeal, Doctor Gast-”[/b] A light pause was given as she just smiled. [b]“And you.”[/b] Slim frame slowly rose as she stepped behind him and kneeled down to let her knees rest upon his back once more. [b]“You used to get so angry when Hojo would pick at me…”[/b] Arms slowly wrapped around his neck as she giggled again. [b]“You always told him that if he ever touched me, he’d rue the day.”[/b] A light sigh was then heard as hues fell shut. [b]“But then again, he said that you and I were the greatest experiment of all time. I never understood, but I guess that was his intentions.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]He just sighed letting his head rest upon her hands. [b]“I guess Faremis was right about adopted children – you two could have fooled me any day.”[/b] A smirk tightened across pale lips as he just shook his head. [b]“Lies, slander, deception and murder; I guess that’s what Hojo did best and it kind of turns my stomach knowing he was my Father.”[/b] His head slowly rose as he looked up to the sky, not knowing what else to say. Sure, he could tell her he was sorry but that wouldn’t make a bit of difference – it wouldn’t condone for the things Hojo had done to destroy the girl’s life. [b]“So, you had all these people to watch over you huh?”[/b] A light nod was given to that. [b]“I just don’t see how I became one of your guardians. Did I really get that mad at Hojo when he heckled you?”[/b][/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"][b]“Well you never stop loving your parents even if they are cruel – you may think you do, but deep down the love is still there in the shadows of hate. I guess it would be screwed up if I were to say yeah, Hojo cared about you.”[/b] She just shook her head lightly as arms slowly unfolded and moved to his back. [b]“But I’m sure in his own twisted way he did.”[/b] A shrug was given to that as she shifted slightly, looking out to the never ending sea. [b]“Mmmhum… You blew a fuse even if Hojo just silently passed me in the hallway and you weren’t [i]just[/i] my guardian; you were so much more.”[/b] Another giggle was heard as she quickly pushed him from the ledge to the landing below; she then rose and hopped off herself.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i][b]“Well, that doesn’t stop me from saying I hate the man with a burning passion.”[/b] Silver brows knitted together as he leaned back against her with a light sigh. [b]“Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t but that’s something I’ll never know.”[/b] And it was something he didn’t want to know either. It seemed everyone hated Hojo so much but they had their reasons as he had his; but it still irked him in the worst ways. He was about to close his eyes when he felt the push that sent him flying over the edge of the small cliff. A frustrated grunt was heard as he landed on his feet in a crouching position before standing up. Catlike hues looked up to the girl – and he could only smile at her. [b]“So I was more than just a guardian you say…”[/b] Leather clad arms slowly crossed as he shook his head. [b]“Then what exactly was I?”[/b] Was said as arms then uncrossed to reach out to catch her as she jumped.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]A shy smile crossed crimson coated lips as he caught her. [b]“Well, I can’t tell you anymore because that would defeat the whole purpose of you remembering yourself.”[/b] She looked up to him as her head tilted to one side. [b]“And I know you can remember – part of you still does, we’ve done proven that but I don’t think I can trigger anymore without telling you more than I already have.”[/b] Arms then reached up to wrap around his neck as her head came to rest upon his chest. [b]“I never thought you were a monster though – maybe a little brutal at times, but never a monster.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"]A heavy sigh just rolled off his chest as he held her close, trying so hard to place her in his past but he just couldn’t. They had a connection though, he felt it every time she was around him and there were times when he was alone and just wanted to be near her but couldn’t. [b]“I think I have a pretty good idea.”[/b] Was said low as hues fell shut for a moment. [b]“So hypothetically speaking, let’s say I don’t get my full memory back-”[/b] Eyes slowly opened as he looked down to her. [b]“Is there any chance that we could start over?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She just smiled and shook her head, looking up to him. [b]“Possibly but I think-”[/b] A light sigh was given as arms slowly slid from his neck to his chest and then to his arms. [b]“Things are too far fetched at this point.”[/b] She pushed herself from his grasp and slowly walked down the rocky ledge as arms came to rest behind her back. [b]“And I don’t think it would be fair because I still remember everything and memories are important.”[/b] Hues looked down as she kicked a rock into the still water below. [b]“That’s why I want you to keep trying – if it helps any, there’s something you promised me a long time ago and so far, you’ve lived up to your word.”[/b] A light pause was given as she just smiled. [b]“And I think when you can remember what that promise was, and you can say it to me again then yes, I’ll be willing to start over if you don’t remember any more than that.”[/b] She then gave a nod, turning back to him. [b]“But I know that if you remember that promise then you’ll remember everything else that went along with it.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF99"][i]A confused look crossed pale features as he willingly let go of her; it was her wish and he wasn’t going to object to it. [b]“I guess you’re right, it would just be too awkward I suppose.”[/b] Arms slowly crossed as he watched her and listened to what she had to say before he looked down thinking for a moment, trying to remember the promise he had made to her. [b]“I… I’ll try my hardest to remember Violet but I can’t guarantee it; I don’t want to make another promise that I’ll wind up forgetting.”[/b] He just sighed once more, looking to the pathway leading to the top landing. [b]“So you wanna get out of here before they come back looking for you?”[/b] Was said low as he just headed for the path deep in thought.[/i][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]A light nod was given as she followed him, arms slowly crossing as they started up the path. [b]“Well then, I’ll hold you to that and I think you can remember if you just dig down deep into your heart.”[/b] She just had to smile now, thinking of that single promise he made to her… [b][i]“And despite everything that Jenova has made you do, you kept your promise – you said as long as you were living and breathing, you wouldn’t let anything happen to me and you would never hurt me... Sephie, I remember but I just wish you could…”[/i][/b][/font][/font][/blockquote][/quote]

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