~Fourteen Years After The Disappearace of Raven and Sephiroth~
"Could you please tell me what happened here?" Scythe looked up at the hooded figure that had spoken to him. He heard a sharp gasp as the traveler backed up a few steps. "There has been a confrontation against the President," Scythe answered. "They waged war." "Damnit..." the traveler muttered. "Are you lost or something?" Scythe asked. "I will help you out if you are." "No, I am not lost," the traveler sighed. "You are a good man." Scythe smiled brightly. "You are the first to call me a man," he said. "Most people think I am much younger. I was told that I inherited my mother's soft, almost childlike expressions." "You were told? Haven't you seen your mother?" the traveler asked. "No, she died when I was still a baby. Her and my father both," Scythe answered sadly. "Well they must have been good people to create one such as you. Not too many people are willing to help a wanderer like me," the traveler sighed. "My parents are legends," Scythe announced proudly. "Is that so?" the traveler replied. "Yeah, my father was a great fighter! I want to be exactly like him!" Scythe said. "What about your mother?" the traveler asked. "My mother was better with magic than my father. She was a very passionate woman," Scythe told him. "So imagine if you were as strong as your father and as spirited as your mother," the traveler said. "I have never thought about that," Scythe admitted. "I guess I had better practice more with my magic." "Yes you should. Magic has proven to be a very useful thing. Make sure that you learn to use all of the materia your parents left you," the traveler said, beginning to leave. "Hey! How did you know that they left me materia?" Scythe asked. "Well, if your parents were fighters then it is only logical that they left some materia," the traveler said, turning back around. "How come you don't show your face?" Scythe asked curiously. "I have my reasons," the traveler answered. "You should probably hurry home, its getting dark." Scythe put his hands on his hips. "I am fourteen years old. I can take care of myself!" he announced. "Stubborn like your mother," the traveler muttered under his breath. "What did you say?" Scythe's eyes widened. "Never mind. You should go home," the traveler turned and was gone. Scythe blinked several times and then ran back home as quickly as possible. He ran through the back door, tripping over a box set on the kitchen floor. "Be careful!" Tifa exclaimed. "What's your hurry?" "There was some guy in the woods wearing a cloak and I couldn't see his face and he disappeared and he was asking about my mother and father and he...." "Slow down!" Tifa interupted him, laughing. "I couldn't understand a word you said. Start over but slower this time." Scythe caught his breath and told Tifa what had happened. "This is very strange," she replied. "I think you should tell Jase." "Tell me what?" Jase asked, walking in. Tifa told him what Scythe had told her. "Maybe he was just lonely for someone to talk to," Jase suggested. "That sounds logical," Tifa said. "Not to me," Scythe muttered. The door flung open and all heads turned to see who it was. "Vincent!" Tifa exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" "They've begun the war," he replied. "Reeve wants you and Tifa to go to Midgar. I'll take Scythe with me." Tifa looked at Jase, worried. "Why don't he want you?" Tifa asked Vincent. "I'm a Turk not a war hero," Vincent replied. "I have to get our people, our allies, over to Midgar. There is a warlord here by the name of Janus. He is staying near Costa Del Sol and is slowly taking control of the west. My next stop is Corel to pick up Barret and anyone else who is on our side. What do you say, Scythe?" "Yeah!" he exclaimed. "Lets go!" Tifa sighed. "Alright, well this isn't going to be easy," Jase said. He looked closely at Vincent. "Don't you ever age?!" Vincent chuckled and walked out the door with an excited Scythe close behind.
"There is a boy. I want you to find him." "Who is this boy?" Janus asked. "He is the son of the legendary Sephiroth. I want him captured. Now." "It will be done," Janus replied.
"Wow! This town is huge!" Scythe exclaimed. "Can you believe that the people here once lived in just tents?" Vincent asked. "You're kidding!" Scythe exclaimed. "Hey! Wait! Put me down!" Barret laughed and set Scythe back on his feet. "How ya doin'?" he asked. "Alright," Scythe answered. "You have grown since I seen you last," Barret said. "Barret, I have urgent news from Reeve," Vincent replied. "Janus has started a war." "Why that war loving @&#*$!" Barret growled. "You need to get everyone together and take them across the ocean," Vincent said. "This is an order from Reeve." "Go get Marlene and her husband. Tell them they are to come to me immediately!" Barret said, stopping a townsman. "Yessir," the guy said before running off. "You never told me that Marlene was married," Vincent chuckled. "Well she jes got married a week ago," Barret sighed. "My lil' girl is all grown up now." "Barret, there is a group of men at the gates lookin fer some kid!" a man cried, running to them. "They look like they're up to no good!" "Kid? What would they want with a kid?" Barret asked. "One of 'em said somethin' about it bein' Sephiroth's son. I told 'em Sephiroth had no son!" The man told him. Barret's head jerked to Vincent, "Get Scythe out of here now!" Vincent nodded and grabbed Scythe's arm, dragging him away. "What do they want with me?" Scythe asked Vincent. "I don't know but it couldn't be for any good," Vincent replied.
"How in the hell did they know about Scythe?!" Reeve bellowed. "I don't know but I would give my life to protect him," Vincent said. "Then you are the perfect guardian for him until this war is over," Reeve announced. "Gather whatever you need and some trustworthy men. You have full use of the submarine. Who would think to look for him under the ocean?" Vincent nodded and left the room. Reeve stared out the window, "Raven I'll do anything to protect your son." "Janus's army is growing very rapidly," I said. Reeve spun around, eyes wide. "Raven?!" he cried. I was sitting on his desk with my legs crossed. "Oh don't look so surprised!" I said smiling. "But don't tell ANYONE you seen me." Reeve nodded. "How come you never showed yourself? Where have you been? Will you tell me what is going on?!" he asked, grabbing his head. "Well, its a long story, where should I start?" I wondered. "It turns out that I wasn't supposed to be sent to a hell like I though, but instead I was given a job, I guess you could say." "A job?" Reeve asked. "I am supposed to bring peace to the planet. Then me and Sephiroth can go to the Promised Land," I explained. "So Sephiroth stuck around too, huh? So are you kinda like a god?" he inquired. "I guess you could say that," I said. "You wouldn't believe who is on the other side, helping Janus. That's why I had to show myself to you." "So Janus is getting divine help? From who?" he looked puzzled. "I don't know how he did it," I sighed. "Maybe it was just fate. He was awakened the moment we crossed over and has been brewing up this war for the past fourteen years." "Well who is it?" Reeve asked impatiently. I sighed deeply, "Marron."
"Take us all the way down," Vincent instructed. "Crawl along the bottom of the floor out of range of other submarines or ships." "Yessir," the piolet said, turning to his duty. Vincent left the control room and went to the small room he gave Scythe. "How long do we have to stay under here?" he grumbled. "You are so like your mother," Vincent chuckled. "I thought that you were friends with father," Scythe glanced up at him. "Yes I was and to your mother as well. She saved my life once," Vincent said, sitting down. "Everyone thought that I was a goner from a sword wound and she used her special magic to heal the wound even though she was weak and risking her own life in return." "Will you tell me more about her? After Aldous passed away I only had what Tifa and Jase told me. From what I can gather, they weren't there the entire time," Scythe said. Vincent smiled. "I would be glad to tell you everything that I know," he said. "But first I have something for you!" He produced a wooden box and handed it to him. "What is it?" Scythe asked, looking at the heavily worn surface. "Well, it was your mother's when she was around your age," Vincent answered. "She kept it hidden in the house she used to live in when your father was a SOLDIER. I don't know what made me think about it but when I did I had Cid search the house until it was found." Scythe pulled the lid up and looked inside. On top was an old book with yellowed pages. He opened it and marveled at the many drawings inside. "Did my mother draw these?" he asked. "Well that WAS her journal, so yes," Vincent answered. "Wow was she psychic? She knew what I would look like!" Scythe pointed to a drawing. "No, Scythe... thats your father," Vincent told him. His eyes widened as he flipped through the pages. "You see? You look very much like your father!" Vincent smiled. "I have always wanted to see what my parents looked like," Scythe said. "But what about my mother?" "Look in the box," Vincent instructed. Scythe pulled out the bundle of pictures, neatly tied with an old ribbon. "How can I ever thank you for this?" Scythe asked, his eyes shining. "Don't thank me. I owe everything to your mother," he smiled. "Will you help me to improve my magic skills?" Scythe asked. "Certainly," Vincent said. "I will teach you whatever you need to know."
2 years later....
Scythe came running at him full speed. "Where have you been? I have been looking all over for you!" Vincent called. "I was attacked. A woman helped me and she knew my name!" Scythe exclaimed. "Where at?" Vincent asked. "Up that way," Scythe pointed. Vincent climbed up on the hill and looked towards the ocean. "It can't be..." he muttered, wide eyed. "What?" Scythe approached him. Vincent blinked and the vision was gone. He shook his head and turned back the way he came. "Vincent whats wrong?" Scythe asked, confused. He followed Vincent back to the sub. "Lets get settled back in then we'll talk," Vincent instructed and watched Scythe vanish in the sub's hatch. He removed the PHS from his pocket and dialed Jase's frequency. "This is Jase," came the deep voice. "You aren't going to believe what I am about to tell you," Vincent said. "Is something wrong?" Jase asked. "I don't know what to say this is," Vincent muttered. "I am wondering if I may be going insain." "Well what is it?" Jase asked, impatiently. "I just seen Raven and Sephiroth," Vincent announced. "Thats impossible!" Jase cried. "I seen them with my own eyes!" Vincent exclaimed. "And not only that.... Scythe was attacked and helped by a woman who knew his name in the very spot I seen them." "Damn... what in the hell is going on? Find out more from Scythe and call me back," Jase said. "Alright. I will," Vincent said and turned off the PHS. He looked around and then walked towards the sub.
Scythe flipped on the light and sat down on his bed. He looked at the picture box and drew back in surprise. There was another picture laying on top of it. He picked it up with shaking hands and almost cried out when he looked at it. He began to laugh softly. His father carrying his mother on his back and they both looked so happy. He loved the bright smile on his mother's face. It wasn't that way in any of the other pictures. He still couldn't figure out why his father wasn't in any of them. "So how did this one get here?" he wondered to himself. "Scythe?" he heard Vincent walk in and looked up. "What are you so happy about?" Vincent asked, laughing. "Did you leave this here?" Scythe asked handing him the picture. Vincent's eyes widened when he seen it. "How did you get this?" he asked. "I found it laying on top of Mother's box," Scythe answered. "I thought you left it." "No I didn't. I couldn't have," Vincent said. "Your mother carried it around with her. Look at it, its worn and kinda wrinkled from being in her hip pouch." "If she had it then how did it get here?" Scythe asked. "I don't know..." Vincent said quietly. "Tell me about who attacked you and the woman who came to your rescue. Was there more than one attacker? Scythe, you have the strength of your father when he was your age, maybe even a little stronger." "No it was one man and he had amazing skills. He was way too strong for me, he had me down in no time," Scythe told him. "He had long black hair and eyes and carried two swords." "That sounds alot like Marron but he's dead," Vincent said. "What about the woman?" "I only seen her from behind," Scythe reolied. "Her hair was past her waist and she wore all black. She fought with two wicked looking daggers." "Daggers?! Oh what is going on here?!" Vincent grabbed his head. "What do you mean?" Scythe looked at him strangely. "Listen, I think Janus may be playing some mind games with us," he told Scythe. "We still don't even know why he wants you so badly. So we'll have to be extra careful now." Vincent walked out of the room leaving Scythe sitting on his bed, staring at the mysterious picture.
I looked down at Scythe's young face and sighed. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. I sat down on the bed next to him and brushed back the white hair that had fallen across his face. Even to bed he wore the wrist band that carried the black materia. I seen the empty space on it and smiled. I removed the red orb from my armlet and placed it in the empty spot. He stirred and his eyes fluttered open. "Mother..." he whispered and his eyes closed again. I wiped the tear from my cheek and leaned forward to kiss his forehead before leaving the room.
"I had a dream about my mother last night," Scythe replied. "Really? Will you tell me about it?" Vincent asked. "I dreampt that she was in my room, sitting next to me on my bed. She was smiling at me," Scythe took a deep breath. "And she was holding my hand. This one." He held up his right hand and his eyes widened. "What is it?" Vincent looked worried. "I can't believe it..." Scythe whispered. "Its impossible." "Are you okay?" Vincent asked. Scythe looked up at him, "I will when I find out how I came to have the Knights of the Round materia." Scythe left the room and went to the control room. He looked out the window at the deep blue water. "When is out next surfacing?" Scythe asked. "In one week sir," came the reply. Scythe nodded and left, making his way to the practice room. He tied his long hair back with a black ribbon and started to practice with the long sword. It had taken him many years to get the hang of using it. "Scythe are you alright?" Vincent asked. "You knew..." Scythe muttered. "Why didn't you tell me?" "They asked me not to," Vincent sighed. Scythe spun around angrily. "You knew that my parents were still alive and you didn't tell me!" he accused. "It isn't that simple," Vincent replied. "Then explain it to me," Scythe pleaded. "I suppose you're old enough to know," Vincent closed his eyes and sat down. "I'm nineteen years old," Scythe said. "I can handle anything you tell me." Vincent nodded. "You parents aren't human anymore," Vincent began. He proceded to tell Scythe everything that happened. About me, about Sephiroth, about Marron and Janus. "You're mother was the one who gave me the knowledge of the ancients that I have been teaching you for the past three and a half years. She told me that it was important for you to learn who you are right away so you didn't make the same mistake she and your father made all those years ago. They both lived their lives thinking that they had no mother who loved them. Neither of them knew who they really were until the end. Until it was almost too late. Scythe, your parents do love you. And they both wish that they could have stayed to be with you. But they had to save the planet. They have to stop Marron. And they know if they don't there will be no life for you." Scythe looked down at his hands. "I'm sorry that I yelled at you," he told Vincent. "You're alot liked your mother," Vincent chuckled. "As sweet as she was she could get angry like you wouldn't believe!" "No kidding?" Scythe smiled. "Yeah and she had this attitude..." he laughed. "Really sarcastic and VERY stubborn! Once she had her mind set on something there was no turning back!" He was glad to have Scythe's attention on a lighter suject. Even now, as a man, he loved to hear stories about his parents. He listened with the same enthusiasm as he did five years before when they moved into the sub. "Thank you Vincent," Scythe said. "Thank you for telling me about my parents and for being my teacher... and my friend." "You don't have to thank me," Vincent told him. "Everything I did, I wanted to do. Now finish practicing, we have alot of work to do before we surface for good." Scythe smiled and turned to continue his sword practice.
"I would be 46 years old today," I sighed. "I guess thats the good part about all this. I'll never age. I'll be 26 forever..." "Are you alright?" Reeve asked. "Yeah," I nodded. "Even though I am... this way... I still have my human emotions." I laid my head against Sephiroth's chest and he rubbed my sholder. "Raven, Scythe comes up for good tomarrow," Reeve said. "I know," I looked up at him. "Tomarrow we go find Marron." I stood up and walked to the window. "Midgar looks so wonderful," I breathed. I looked around at the houses and shops, all expanded out so as not to be under the plate. There were no more reactors or garbage in the streets or violent people. The pollution was nearly gone and the plants and trees growing back. It was so peaceful. "You did wonderful work with it." "I used alot of your ideas," Reeve announced. "They were really good and the people liked them. I gave you credit for all that I used as well. I wanted them to remember you and Sephiroth for the good that you did." "Thank you so much Reeve," I said quietly. "You have always been such a good friend to me." "You were my inspiration," he admitted. "When I seen what you did for Sephiroth in the crater and how you gave up everything for this planet and your friends." "You would have done the same thing," I said. "No I wouldn't have," Reeve sighed. "Not then I wouldn't have. But now, after seeing your sacrifice, I would." I glanced at Sephiroth who was looking at me strangely. I smiled and then turned back to Midgar. "We'll attack them before they can attack us again," I said. "We'll take back the smaller islands first. They would expect us to go for the main camp." I turned to look at Sephiroth. "We need to come up with a route." He nodded and got up to help me.
Scythe jumped out of the sub and glanced around. "We're heading for Fort Condor first," Vincent replied. "Then we'll head to Junon Harbor." He looked up at Scythe who was standing on a large rock, looking north where Fort Condor was located. He climbed down and he and Vincent went on their way. It was dark by the time they reached the fort so the people there let them stay the night. Vincent was glad of the fact that these people had never really seen Sephiroth so they didn't stare at him as much. Scythe was still astonishing to look at with his long white hair and green eyes, so much like Sephiroth. His face wasn't as sharp as Sephiroth's but the lines were much more softer like my own. He was built large and about two or three inches taller than Sephiroth. His strength was unimaginable and his vast knowledge and use of magic made him an even deadlier opponent. He mastered the use of both the twin daggers and the long sword. He wore all black, like his parents, as well. "Hello guys," Cid climbed down the ladder and turned to look at them. "Wow, you've gotten @&#* big!" he exclaimed when he seen Scythe. Scythe nodded. "Yeah, well alot changes in six years," he replied. Cid walked towards him and looked up at him. "From a distance one could easily mistake you for Sephiroth but up close you can see the Raven in you," Cid said. "What are you doing here?" Vincent asked. "Reeve sent me to fetch you two," Cid answered. "They're preparing an attack on the small isalands under Janus's control." "Damn," Vincent muttered. They followed Cid out to the Highwind. "You sure move fast for an old man," Vincent told Cid. "You should talk!" Cid laughed. "You aren't much younger." It didn't take very long to reach Junon and land on top of the building. Reeve was waiting for them inside. He couldn't supress his shock when he seen Scythe. Nor could Jase, Tifa and Barret who were also in the room. "Glad you're here finally," Reeve said to Scythe. "I have been waiting a long time to meet you." "And I you," Scythe said. "I've heard alot about you." "All good I hope," Reeve chuckled. Then he turned to Vincent. "We're attacking the three surrounding islands before we hit the main land. We need all the help we can get. Vincent you are to remain with Scythe, apparently no longer his protector but as a guide and a back up in case of trouble. You two will go with the group going to the northern island. He needs some field experience before he goes with us on the main attack." Vincent nodded. "Then, after the three islands have been taken we'll attack Janus's army from four sides. We have to do this before he has a chance to attack anywhere else." Scythe walked outside onto the balcony to look out at the ocean. Vincent sighed and sat down. "Is he alright?" Tifa asked. "Yeah, he's fine," Vincent replied. "He thinks alot." Everyone nodded knowingly. "He has that air about him," Reeve said. "You can almost sense Raven and Sephiroth."
"Look at the way he fights," I said as I watched the battle in the valley. Sephiroth held his sword, gripped tightly in his left hand. I could tell that he was itching to fight. I took a deep breath. "Sephiroth, that is the most powerful that I have seen any one man get." "He is as good with magic as he is with weapons," Sephiroth observed. "It is like he was given each of our strengths and combined them into one. Raven he is definately the one. You can't deny it anymore." "I know," I said. "He will fight Janus... and he will win."
"We have severely damaged Janus's defences," Reeve said. "He will be relying on his strong offence so you must be careful. This will be dangerous and some of us may not be coming back. I want you all to back eachother up. Look out for one another. If we fight as a team then we will win!" The SilverSOLDIERs yelled as they held their weapons in the air. All wore silver and black instead of the old blue of the Shinra. Each division was seperated by colors, they wore armbands to distinguish eachother. The green carried the swords and the red carried the guns, these two were the front line. The purple team carried various weapons but relied moreso on magic. Lastly, the blue team was the long range fighters that took up the backline. They carried the bows and the cannons, whatever hit from afar. Reeve took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then he gave the signal to move. The SilverSOLDIERs did as commanded and went straight into Janus's army. Reeve used his PHS to signal the other commanders to send in from the rear and the sides. Scythe cut through the onslaught of attackers, making a trail of bloody corpses behind him. He was going for Janus. Vincent couldn't keep up with him and was forced to take on several battles along the way. The battle was brutal and massive. "Janus!" Scythe growled when he seen the dark haired man. He grinned a devilish grin and his gray eyes blazed with evil. Scythe couldn't understand why he looked so young. He looked to be no older than 27! "I have been waiting for you son of Sephiroth," Janus said smoothly. "Allow me to take you to someplace more... private!" Janus cast a spell that teleported him and Scythe into a secluded area in the mountains. Scythe knew that Janus was getting rid of any extra defence that he might have had. He prayed that his parents were near to him. Janus withdrew a deadly looking sword that was large and heavy. Janus attacked and Scythe ducked to avoid the first blow. He swung his long sword and barely missed by inches hitting Janus's leg. Scythe's limit break powered up his sword and he attacked Janus hard, cutting his defences down. Janus growled and hit Scythe with a powerful fire3 spell and then shadow flare. Scythe used full cure and then reflect on himself. He hit Janus with lightning3 and which Janus countered with Ice3. The ice spell was reflected back to Janus and he began to grow angry. He used dispell on Scythe. Scythe knew that he was preparing to use a powerful attack to try and finish him off. "Knights of the Round!" Scythe summoned before Janus could utter a word. Janus was soon reduced to near death and laid upon the ground unable to move. "Aaaaaaarragghhhh!" Marron growled, appearing. "How did you get so powerful? Janus get up!" Janus groaned, the sound muffled by the hair that was covering his face. "Janus, damnit! Get up! You can't lose so easily!" Marron roared. "Well then I will just kill the little bastard myself!" Marron stepped forward and stopped when I appeared in front of Scythe. "Damnit! This just isn't my day," Marron groaned. I put my hands on my hips and glared at him. "So your little puppet couldn't take it, I see," I hissed. "He's powerful but his defences are weak," Marron stated. "You had better move out of my way or I'll kill you as well!" "I'm not going anywhere," I replied. "You know, Raven, my offer still stands. You could always leave Sephiroth for me!" Marron laughed. "Never!" I growled. "Mother?!" I turned to look at Scythe and spotted Sephiroth appear nearby. Then I felt the sharp bite of pain and shock radiated through me as I looked down at the sword that had passed through me. "No!!" Scythe screamed catching me as Marron withdrew his sword. "Damn you!" Sephiroth attacked Marron with a fierce rage that had burned inside of him.. Scythe looked down at me as I laid cradled in his lap. I could see the tears in his eyes when I looked up at him. "Scythe..." I said quietly. "You must help your father." "I cannot leave you like this mother," Scythe choked. "Do not worry about me," I said. "As I am now I die very slowly. What is important is defeating Marron." Sephiroth knocked Marron backwards and Marron roled out of the way to avoid the swordblow. He laughed and picked up a protesting Janus. There was a strange light as the two became one and began to grow, transforming into a large double headed dragon. I put my hand on Scythe's forehead and whispered a few ancient words. There was a soft glow that surrounded me and Scythe and then was gone. "Listen carefully my son," I said. "You are now the possesser of the shadow materia. You were told of this when you were young." He nodded, "I remember." "Please Scythe... help your father," I pleaded. "....Sephiroth..." I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. "I will be here when you get back," I breathed. "Please go." Scythe laid me down very gently and got up. His father was attacking the huge beast but was obviously having difficulty with two heads snapping at him. Scythe looked down at his hands, at the blood that covered them. He slowly lifted his gaze to look at the dragon, his eyes glowing as mine had done long ago. He lifted his sword and lunged forward in an awesome attack. I sat up and tore the leg of my pants off to the knee and used a dagger to cut it. I wrapped it around my waist to stop the bleeding so I could do what I needed to do. Slowly I rose to my feet and watched as father and son fought together, working as a team. Scythe was using the shadow materia as if he had owned it all of his life. I couldn't help but to smile. The heads snapped at them making a deafening sound. I closed my eyes and felt the wind lift my hair as I raised my arms. "Ancient sages give me your power to strike his heart and the very blood that flows through his veins!" I cried out. Clouds rolled into the sky over the sun, making it darker. Scythe hit on half of the beast with 'Havoc' a powerful shadow spell as Sephiroth hit it with 'Fallen Angel' his very own magic that he rarely used. I delivered the final blow using 'Chaos Angel' that was given to me when I was awakened as a sage. The dragon roared as it began to fade back to Janus and Marron who both laid face down on the ground. Sephiroth lifted the sword for the final blow that would destroy Marron forever. "Wait!" I cried. "Jenova is gone." I fell to my knees. Sephiroth raced to my side and dropped down beside me. I sighed when his arms surrounded me. "It looks as though I won't be cheating death this time," I whispered. Sephiroth helped me to lay back. Scythe lowered himself beside me and took my hand in his. Sephiroth looked up at him and their eyes met. "An ancient like Sephiroth..." I whispered with a small smile. Both looked down at me and my smile grew. "It is strange... almost like seeing double." Sephiroth smiled softly. "Help me to sit, my love," I requested. Sephiroth pulled me up slowly and I embraced our son. "Do not regret this day Scythe," I said quietly. "There are great things waiting for you in this life. And one day you shall go on to the Promised Land." I looked into his green eyes and smiled. "I love you, my son.... and so does your father," I whispered as I began to lose my strength. Scythe looked up at Sephiroth who nodded. "You have grown up well. I am proud," Sephiroth told him. I reached into my leather pouch and withdrew a folded piece of paper. "Take this Scythe. I had written it this very day in hopes to give it to you. I had hoped to tell you these things myself but it looks now that I will not have that chance," I winced as the pain pulsed through me. "Mother you can't die now!" Scythe cried. "Not when I have only just found you!" "Oh Scythe... please don't grieve. My life may not have been long but it was a fullfilling one," I sighed. "I, at least, got to watch you grow into a man. I want you to live a long happy life. Please..." I closed my eyes, unable to keep them open any longer. "I love you....." I breathed before falling into a deep sleep, so near death. Sephiroth pulled me against his chest and Scythe wiped away the tears that had escaped. A bright light shone and two silhoettes emerged from within. The light vanished and Sephiroth looked up at Aeris and Cloud. "What are you doing here?" he asked surprised. "We've come for Raven," Aeris stated. "If she dies here on earth then she will go into the lifestream." "Oh no," Sephiroth muttered. "She has to go to the Promised Land right now," Cloud said. He lifted me up and Sephiroth stood. Aeris looked at Sephiroth and then at Scythe and got a confused look on her face. "Aeris, twenty years have passed on earth. This is Scythe... mine and Raven's son," Sephiroth explained. She smiled brightly. "I have a nephew? I can see your mother inside of you. And just as equally your father. One day you will come to the Promised Land and we can catch up then. I have to go back now," she said. She gave him a hug. "Oh what a wonderful surprise!" Scythe smiled at her words. "Take care of yourself," Cloud said smiling. He and Aeris turned and Cloud carried me back into the light. Sephiroth looked at Scythe. "I want you to have this," Sephiroth held out the holy sword that he had carried all of his life. Scythe's eyes widened as he took his father's masamune. "I will send you back now," Sephiroth said. "Use your life wisely." Father and son embraced and then Sephiroth cast the teleportation spell to send Scythe back to where he belonged. He turned to Marron and Janus who were stirring. "What happened?" Janus rubbed his head. "Send him home," Sephiroth commanded Marron. Marron did as instructed and Janus disappeared. "Where is Raven?" Marron asked. "She would have died if her sister had not come and taken her to the Promised Land," Sephiroth announced angrily. "I'm sorry," Marron sighed. "Is there anything that I can do to make up for it?" Sephiroth nodded. "You will be the guardian of this planet so that it will live long and heal well," Sephiroth said. "Raven has rid you of Jenova's evil so you are free to make your own decisions." Marron lowered his head. "Thank you for sparing me," he told Sephiroth. "That wasn't my decision," Sephiroth admitted. "It was Raven who saved you from my wrath." "Then I am indebted to her," Marron announced. "Then take care of her planet and those she loves," Sephiroth said. "It will be done," Marron said straightening to his full height and watched as Sephiroth turned and walked towards the portal of light. "Tell Raven that I am sorry," Marron yelled. Sephiroth turned around. "It will be done," he said. And with one step back Sephiroth and the light were gone. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My dearest Scythe,
Scythe looked out at the setting sun and sat there in deep thought until the sky was black and dotted with twinkleing stars.
~Epilouge~
Scythe stepped into the beautiful city of Midgar and stopped an old man to ask where the town square was. The old man hgave him the directions and Scythe thanked him. He headed off in that direction to the place where Reeve requested him to come to. Scythe stopped short when he seen the beautifully crafted statue standing in the city's center. His father stood with his masamune clutched in his right hand and I was under his left arm, laying my face against his chest. Underneath was carved our names and a long message about us to all who read it. "They will live on for all eternity," Reeve told Scythe. Scythe couldn't take his eyes from the statue. "I can't believe the resemblance," he breathed. "I had the best sculpters in the world make it," Reeve explained. "They were the ones who saved this world. They deserve to be remembered." "All of that and more," Scythe said. "I want everyone to know their story. Mother left me a book." "Raven wrote a book?" Reeve asked. "Yes," Scythe answered. "It is all written by hand but it can always be printed out." Scythe turned to Reeve and smiled. "When I was fourteen a traveler stopped me in the woods to ask me about Janus. We ended up talking about my parents. I told the traveler that my parents were legendary and I was right. My mother and father are a wonderful legend. A legend that I hope will imspire many people in the future." "Yes, I hope so too," Reeve sighed. "Who was the traveler?" "That was the strange part. He never showed his face and he spoke fondly of my mother," Scythe replied smiling. "The traveler was my father."
"Vincent sent me to fetch you. It is time to go back under." Scythe turned to look at the crewman and nodded. "I'll be right there," he said. The crewman left and he turned to look back out at the ocean. "At last we meet." Scythe heard the laughing voice behind him and turned, drawing his sword. "Who are you?" Scythe asked the tall man with dark hair and black eyes. "I am your fate," the strange man said. "I am here to destroy you." He lunged at Scythe, attacking with twin swords. Scythe fought hard and even knocked one sword from his grasp but he was just too powerful. The sword flew from his fingers and he tripped over a large rock. He covered his head in a foolish attempt to block the final blow. "Scythe! Get out of here now!" he heard the familiar voice along with the clash of metal against metal. He looked up to see a woman fending off the dark man. Her two daggers were crossed to catch the blade that was bearing down on him. All he could really see of her was the mane of brown hair, cascading down her back, past her waist. "How did you know my name?" Scythe asked. "Never mind that! Do as I say and get out of here NOW!" she yelled. Scythe stood up and raced towards the harbor. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?!" I growled. "Ah Raven, what a surprise!" Marron laughed. "I knew you would come running if I attacked your brat." "You leave him alone," I narrowed my eyes. Marron laughed then he lunged at me. I swung my daggers at him in a powerful anger I had never felt before. "Tell me how you got this way!" I yelled at him. "That one's easy!" he laughed. We stopped fighting for the moment. I held my stance firm, not trusting him not to attack again. After you two killed me I went into the lifestream. Then you died... by the poison in my sword. You touched the lifestream before Sephiroth brought you back. I was there. I was close enough to get to you. I slept, hidden inside of you until you crossed over. Then I was released to reek havoc wherever I pleased!" He attacked a second time, harder. "You've gotten better!" he laughed. It seemed to take forever. Marron's sword slashed my leg causing me to fall back. My head struck a large rock, causing me to black out. Marron laughed at his conquest. "Its time to end this. Once you are gone then defeating Sephiroth and this stupid world will be easy!" he laughed. "I don't think it will be that easy Marron," Sephiroth said. Marron spun around, his eyes glowing with fury. "You might have won this battle, Sephiroth, but I will win the war!" Marron growled, then he vanished. I groaned and sat up. Sephiroth helped me to my feet and I laid my head against his chest. "Did you see him? He is getting stronger..." I sighed. "He is so much like you," Sephiroth said. "Like me!? He looks just like YOU!" I said, looking at him. He grinned at me, "Yes but he acts just like YOU." I smiled up at him. "I wish we could have raised him ourselves," I said. "There is so much I would like to tell him." "You know that there was no possible way we could have," Sephiroth said quietly. I sighed again, "We'll be with him one day, right?" Sephiroth nodded and smiled softly. He rubbed away a tear from my cheek and kissed me gently.
Vincent stepped into into the large room Scythe used to train in and looked around. He knew that the boy practiced the hardest with his parent's chosen weapons. "He is so determined to be like them," he said outloud to himself. He lifted his PHS and began to dial the code. "You shouldn't do that." Vincent spun around and pointed his gun at me. "No... this is some sort of twisted joke isn't it?" Vincent shook his head. "I'm sorry but it isn't," I sighed. "Raven? But how?" Vincent looked confused. I told him everything that I had told Reeve, including the presence of Marron. He sat down and looked at me. "Vincent...." Sephiroth said, appearing behind him. Vincent turned to look at him. "So Janus is after Scythe because of Marron?" Vincent asked. "Yes," Sephiroth answered. "The Jenova cells in Marron are dominating him completely." "Sephiroth, how did you get over the Jenova cells?" Vincent asked. "Raven," he answered. "What do you mean?" Vincent persued. "She purified my body by pushing out the Jenova cells and replacing them magically," Sephiroth explained. "As long as Jenova cells remain on the planet, the planet can't heal itself." "Can't she do that to Marron?" Vincent looked at me. "I don't even know how I did it the first time," I admitted. "It apparently happened in the crater when I transformed him into his normal self." "What exactly does Jenova do?" he asked me. "Its a virus," I replied. "A virus?" he appeared confused. "A virus that causes madness," Sephiroth added. "Raven, you have to find a way to do it again," Vincent said. I nodded, closing my eyes. "I will try," I said quietly. "So you are the one who left the picture in Scythe's room?" Vincent asked me. Sephiroth looked at me, surprised. "I wanted him to have it!" I protested. Sephiroth sighed. "Well he'll find out about us eventually," he said. "But don't tell him yet. He isn't ready." "Ready for what?" Vincent looked at Sephiroth. "Vincent, he needs to be trained hard but don't wear him out," I said. "He'll have to fight Janus one day," Sephiroth said. "Janus is very strong because of Marron," I explained. "If Janus is getting divine help then so is Scythe," Sephiroth muttered. I dropped down on a bench and put my head in my hands with my elbows propped up on my knees. "I was so worried about Scythe when Marron killed Aldous. I want Scythe to know everything about his heritage. At least he still has the black materia," I replied. "Marron killed Aldous? Scythe has the black materia?" Vincent was clearly surprised. I looked up at him, "You didn't know?" He shook his head. "Its equipped in one of Sephiroth's old wrist bands. You remember that the materia came back smaller..." I told him. "But don't worry, Aldous explained to him what it was and that it was imperative that he not lose it. Marron knew that Aldous was Scythe's teacher and killed him." "Did Aldous know about you?" Vincent asked. I nodded. I stood up and groaned. Sephiroth came to my side. "I think the wound came back open," I moaned, closing my eyes. Sephiroth helped me to sit back down and knelt to look at the cut that Marron had left on my leg. "I was under the impression that you guys were invinsible," Vincent replied. "We are," Sephiroth said. "But only to humans." "I don't understand," Vincent said. "Between me, Raven and Marron we can hurt eachother," Sephiroth explained. "But humans cannot hurt us." "Damn, now I'll have to find some new pants," I complained. "Damn that Marron." Vincent couldn't supress a light laugh. I looked at Vincent and smiled. "No matter what we are like physically we will always be the same on the inside," I assured him. "Please take good care of our son." "I owe you everything," he told me. "I will gaurd him with my own life." Sephiroth finished fixing a bandage over the wound and I stood up. I put my hand against Vincent's forehead and closed my eyes. After whispering a few words from the ancient languge I lowered my hand and opened my eyes. "What did you do?" he asked me. "I have given you the knowledge of the ancients," I said. "Please teach it to Scythe. This has insurred your passage into the Promised Land." He nodded. "You have less than four years," I warned him before me and Sephiroth vanished.
Scythe looked out at the battlefield and watched as they lead Janus away. He sat down on a large rock and unfolded the paper I had slipped into his hand.
There were so many things I wanted to tell you. If I have you this letter then
I am not here anymore even though I wish I was.... I used to sit beside your
bed at night and just look at your young face. I wanted to wake you up and
tell you that I was there with you but I couldn't. It was too dangerous for
anyone to know of my presence. Still, I have insured that I was able to tell you
about my and Sephiroth's life. With Sephiroth's help I was able to write it all
down as a book. I hope that you, my son, will be able to finish the ending for
me. You will find the book on the alter in the forbidden city. Do wit it what
you think is right. With your help Sephiroth and I will live on forever within
these pages. And the son of ours that made our lives worth it. Give my love and
my thanks to my beloved friends... Jase, Vincent, Reeve, Tifa, Cid and Barret
for helping me with you. Me and your father love you, Scythe. Don't ever forget
that.
Love, from your mother, Raven
Scythe walked through Bone Villiage ignoring the stars that he had grown accustomed to. He entered the sleeping forest and traveled through it. Every step he took he could sense the presence of his mother and father. Ghosts from the past seemed to be everywhere. The moment he took his first step into the ancient city he heard laughter. "Sephiroth are you crazy?! Ahhhh! No! Hahahaha!" Scythe's eyes widened as the transparent figure ran down the pathe running from another. "Gotcha!... hey! Come back here!" Scythe watched the ghost drop out of Sephiroth's grasp and crawl under his legs only to come up behind him and tug on his hair before he started to chase me again, into the trees straight ahead. Scythe hurried in that direction. "You're crazy if you think that you can get away from me so easily!" Sephiroth cried disappearing into the forest. Scythe seen the little house and ran inside. In the center of the house were the steps that lead down to the Forbidden City. He walked down the steps cautiously at first then he took them two at a time once he heard the laughter again. He came out of the little building and looked down. Sephiroth caught up with me and I squealed when he lifted me up from behind. "Okay, okay! I give up!" I laughed. "Its about time," he chuckled setting me on my feet. I turned around and looked up at him with a serious expression on her face. "One day we're going to have a child," I said. He smiled softly. "And he will look just like you," I went on. "How do you know it will be a 'he'?" Sephiroth asked with a grin. "I just do!" I giggled. "Well what will we name him?" Sephiroth asked picking me up. "Hmmm..." I thought for a moment. "How about Scythe?" He laughed at my excited face and lifted me into the air. "Scythe is perfect!" he exclaimed. He lowered me and I threw my arms around his neck happily. "I can't wait to see an ancient like the great Sephiroth!" I cried out. Scythe stepped forward after the ghosts disappeared. He looked up the steps of the alter and seen the light shining down in a pillar surrounding the leather bound book. Scythe walked up the steps slowly and lifted the book in his hands. He sat on the steps and just stared at it for a long time. He opened the book to the middle and looked at the neat handwriting that covered the pages. He flipped through to near the end wanting to know the events surrounding his own birth. "Sephiroth I have something to tell you...." I whispered to him one night while we sat together under the stars. "What is it? Is something wrong?" he leaned over my sholder to look at my face. I sighed and leaned back against him. I was sitting inbetween his legs with my arms propped up on his knees. "I... uh... well... I...." I sighed not knowing what to say. "You what? Are you okay?" he looked worried. I looked up at him and smiled softly. "An ancient like Sephiroth...." I whispered. His eyes widened and he pulled me closer. I laughed lightly, so incredibly happy. He wrapped his arms around me and leaned back against the wall of the temple. I put my hands up on his arms and looked up at the full moon. "In five months there will be a lunar eclipse," I replied. "How about we sit on top of the temple and watch it together?" he asked. "That would be wonderful," I said quietly. "There is no one else I would rather watch it with." We sat there for many hours just staring wonderously at the starry night. Scythe flipped through the book searching for more information. I sat with my knees cuddled up to my chest staring at the seven doors. Sephiroth let me stay behind, knowing of my condition. I had not been feeling well for the past couple of weeks. A strange calmness seemed to be seeping over me. "Are you alright?" Aldous asked me, walking back into the round room. "You do not look well." "Aldous I have something very important to talk to you about," I replied sadly. "I have a really bad feeling about all this. I... I am with child and I need you to help me... In case something happens to me and Sephiroth." Aldous knew not to question my insticts. Instead, he sat down to listen intently. "The only way that I will be able to send this child to the Promised Land is if Sephiroth or I go. We both know that I cannot go until the time comes. I will send Sephiroth with Aeris, and believe me, the time will come. I can feel it. If I am right I will need to make plans to secure the child's safety." "I will do anything," Aldous said. "In less than five months time, the child will be born. I wish for you to take it to Aeris's mother until I can come for him. If I cannot... I want you to ask Jase, my cousin, to take care of him. It would be nice if he found a girlfriend, if she has a good heart. And Aldous, I wish for you to remain and be his teacher and guide. It is important that he knows about himself. Or else he will make the same mistakes as me and Sephiroth." "I will do all that you ask," Aldous said. I smiled, "Thank you Aldous." A few more pages... "The curse..." I breathed. "It is gone!" "I'm sorry mistress but that is only temporary," Aldous said. "This child is a special child and in a way he is protecting you and himself at this moment." "Where is Sephiroth? Where is my love?" I gasped. "He cannot be here," Aldous said sadly. "Please rest. You need to relax." I laid there for many hours in torturous pain. I cried wishing that Sephiroth could be here with me. Finally Aldous put the child in my arms. I looked down at the tiny face and began to cry. "I was right," I whispered. "You have the look of your father." He just stared up at me, his green eyes bright. "Raven you do not have much time left," Aldous said quietly, regretfully. "An ancient like Sephiroth..." I whispered tearfully. "Scythe..... I love you my son. I am so sorry that I won't be with you. I hope that one day, when you are older and can understang why we left, that you will forgive me and your father. Aldous take him now to Aeris's mother and put them in a safe place, where I don't know where they will be until all of this is over. The curse is coming back slowly but I can feel it." He took the tiny baby boy from my arms after I kissed his little cheek. I looked up at Aldous, "I trust you..." "I forgive you mother," Scythe whispered. Sephiroth followed Aldous into the tiny secluded house. Sephiroth spotted the baby, almost instantly, laying asleep. He knelt beside the bed and looked down at him. "Raven was right..." he whispered. "She gave me a son." He touched Scythe's little cheek and smiled. "You will be the greatest man who ever lived if you are anything like you're mother..." Sephiroth turned and left, a single tear dropped from his eye. Scythe flipped to the end of the book where there were several blank pages left for the end of the story. He smiled softly thinging of my request in the letter. He bookmarked the blank pages with the folded up letter and then turned to the front to begin reading the story.
~The End~
