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Story
+ Angel Hunt ~ Streifen +
Future Effects
Twenty Years into the future a new game begins...
A story collaboration between Angel Hunt and Streifen
Chapter Three : Part One
[ Innocence ]
The Demon pays them no mind, his gaze remaining fixed on the grounds below, lost a little in thought.
The last few days have been … interesting to say the least. The child continues to present itself as a child and Aki continues to take care of it as if it were one. Though if he is doing it because of an unfounded sense of responsibility or because he truly cares for the creature, Jenova cannot as of yet – tell.
Regardless of Aki’s intentions, his opinion of it remains the same. He does not trust it.
He has attempted, since that day, to contact his Maker and get a proper explanation for this game. He has also attempted to contact Saiyuri as he knows the girl played a part in this - the Eclipse’s missing feather and the child’s appearance were too close to one another to be mere coincidence. But neither have heeded his call, most likely because they know he is more than just a little annoyed at the situation that has been forced upon him and they do not wish to face him at the moment. They also most likely have stayed from him in hopes his anger will calm before they appear before him again.
His anger has not calmed, nor will it any time soon. He is… less than happy. He does not trust the child anymore than he trusts the source of its creation, and while he does not show Aki one way or another what his true feelings are on this matter as he does not wish to stress the boy further, he continues to keep a close watchful eye on the child.
He also refuses to sleep in its presence; instead he spends his time during the night on guard, making sure that it will not attempt anything as Aki sleeps. The entire household has taken to it though, the guise of innocence lulling them all into a false sense of security that he was not at all surprised to see play out. He wonders mildly, as he stands there, what Fuan will make of this once he returns from the Shrine at the week’s end.
A sigh leaves pale lips and he shakes his head “You play them for fools Father…” he speaks quietly into the wind.
Aki emerges from behind, wrapping his arms around the Demon and holding him tightly. He presses his cheek against warm skin and inhales Jenova’s scent. Clawed fingers move to cover the hands that hold him.
[I know you still don’t trust him… and that’s ok. I’m still not sure what I think of him either. I don’t like that you won’t let yourself sleep around him, though. You need sleep eventually, right? I can see if Ikkairius will take him tonight if you would prefer…]
Jenova sighs with a smile, his eyes never leaving the grounds before him. [Given myself away have I?] Another excited squeal explodes from the bathe behind them, water spraying out from the doorway as the sounds of splashing ring throughout the room. The Demon continues without notice. [I was not aware I my actions had become so… transparent.] A small chuckle leaves pale lips. [There are plenty of matters for you to concern yourself with Akio, this One’s rest should not be among them…]
The Eclipsed laughs to himself. [I should know you at least a little from the years we’ve spent together so far. I never expected you to welcome Sen with open arms, I’m feeling more of a responsibility to him than anything else right now. You don’t trust him, you probably feel he is still a dangerous threat and that he is not merely a child as he appears to be.] Aki removes his arms and steps around to the Demon’s front, blue eyes meeting clear crimson before rewrapping himself around Jenova. [You also think I am a fool for thinking otherwise and that I don’t know how… serious the situation could get, right? I do, I know how potentially dangerous he is, but I do believe he is just a child with no intent other than to seek our approval. And this is where our opinions differ. Time will show us what Sen truly is and until then, I will only go by what he gives me. Nothing more, nothing less.]
Aki’s eyes close as Jenova’s claws run ever so lightly over the skin surrounding the Gioa shard. [If you are so concerned, why not go into his head and find out for yourself what he is? Despite your dislike for it, it would give you an immediate answer…]
[I fear you have misunderstood me…] The Demon smiles, continuing to trace the lines of the shard embedded in Aki’s back. [I do not believe you to be a fool… perhaps… foolish in your trust, but not a fool. I believe where you only see potential, you would do better to see as fact.] His fingers still and he leans down as another bout of gleeful laughter spills out into the room behind them, pale lips touching the crown of Aki’s head. [Though time will tell as you have said. I remain reserved on this situation and will, for your sake. take it a day at a time. How this little… game plays itself out will depend on ourselves in the end no matter the intentions of the ones who would have us play it.]
Jenova pulls back, crimson eyes traveling down to meet the cerulean beneath him, a slight frown moving quickly over his features. [It seems my Maker and his counterpart have installed a block against this One. Distasteful as it is, I have already attempted this, it would have been…irresponsible for me not to. But there is a closed door deep inside that creature’s head, and I am unable to view a portion of what I seek…it has not eased my … distrust of this situation, only confirmed it.] The Demon raises an eyebrow as Aki gives him a reserved look. [This is not to say that the child is aware, only that something is there – I put nothing past my Maker or his counterpart Aki, and I warn you not to either.]
The Eclipsed nods. [I understand. And again, I thank you for giving him a chance to prove himself.] He smiles. [Or at least the chance to prove me wrong. Either way.]
“Aki papa? ‘Nova papa?” Sen stands at the edge of the bed, cautiously peering beyond at the two out on the balcony. Aki smiles at the child. “I’ll be right there Sen, go get a towel…” The hybrid smiles wide and runs back to the bathe to do as his Aki papa instructed, little wet feet thumping on the hardwood. The Selestarri turns back to Jenova.
“Let me see if Ikkairius will take him for the night, I make no promises though.” Just as Aki turns around, he’s startled by Sen waiting at the door to the balcony.
“Uncle Ikkai? Sen wants to play with Uncle Ikkai! Hurry, Aki papa, hurry!” The Eclipsed can’t help but laugh at the bouncing child, highly impatient for his father to take him to the Ancient Bright. Cerulean eye meet crimson once more. “I fear Ikkairius may not have a choice tonight… I’ll be back.”
“I daresay I almost feel sorry for him…” Jenova shakes his head with a small laugh and turns away, returning his gaze to the grounds outside as Aki makes his way back into the room.
Inside the Bathe, Sen reaches up towards the plush terry cloth towels resting high up on the inset marble tile shelving with small clawed fingers. Wet milky brown locks stick to his tiny body as he bounces in place, unable to reach his goal. He makes grabbing motions at the fabric for a few moments, unaware while amused blue eyes stare on from the doorway. Letting out a small frustrated growl at being unable to reach the towel his father told him to get, the child’s eyes narrow, a look of concentration moving quickly over tiny features. The entire set of towels flies from the shelving a few moments later, landing on Sen’s body and sending him falling back onto wet inlaid tile. His bare butt hits the steam warmed floor with a thump and he squeals, throwing his hands up and tossing the towels from him a moment later.
The boy falls onto the pile as it settles next to him and reaches forward, curling small claws around plush cloth. With an excited giggle he begins rolling around back and forth, winding his small form in the tangle pile beneath him.
“Okay, you need to get dressed.” Aki enters the bathe and scoops up the pile of Sen and towels carrying them into the room and depositing him on the bed. Sifting through the pile, the Eclipsed eventually finds a head of wet milky brown hair followed by two highly entertained clear red eyes. He can’t help the small smiles that crosses his lips even though he is fully aware the Demon is watching them both closely, waiting patiently for the child to show some form of malicious nature. “Dry yourself off.” Sen does his best to do as his father instructs while Aki opens the wardrobe and picks out a small fleece pajama set from the clothing the Demon had made for him a few days prior. Aki assumes it was not Jenova who picked out the small smiley face moon and star motif. Either way, it was cute. He and Sen manage to use up several towels in their attempts to dry him off, slipping the child carefully into clothing soon after. A yawn, revealing tiny fangs leaves Sen’s mouth as he makes a grabbing motion towards Aki, asking to be picked up.
“Sen will go see Uncle Ikkai now?” Aki nods at the child’s question and he smiles half-heartedly at Jenova before exiting the room to head to the first floor.
Ikkairius already knows who is at his door before he opens it. The Ancient Bright figured it would only be a matter of time before he would be used as nanny again. He hates the fact that he always ends up taking care of dangerous children. He’s not child friendly, he doesn’t even like them. Why do they like him?
Ikkairius opens his door to reveal a sleepy Sen in moon and star print pajamas. No Aki to be seen.
The Eclipsed owes him for this, dearly.
“Come, Sen, let us go to sleep…”
The hybrid reaches out and takes Ikkairius’ outstretched hand with another sleepy yawn and a lazy nod of his little head.
Clear crimson watch as the water drains from the bath, staring without movement while the light filtering from the skylight above dances across the cold liquid to reflect streaks of shifting light across the intricate koi mosaic lining the inset floor.
The Demon spends another minute with the bath before turning and moving into the large oversized room, bare feet making no noise against hardwood as he leans in and sweeps the small pile of wet towels free of the bed. Jenova doesn’t spare it another thought as he turns and falls back into red silk. Snow colored plaits fan out around him as his back hits the goose down, the linen kimono draped over his pale form slipping down as his body settles in, leaving his muscular frame partially covered.
He closes his eyes and pulls clawed fingers up to his temples with a small sigh.
How long would he be expected to play this ridiculous game…? How long would his Maker prolong this nonsense before revealing the child for what it is? He had been playing these games since the beginning of existence and he had grown tired of them long ago. The Demon’s brows furrow and he pulls his fingers from his temple, sliding his hand down to lay it across his chest.
Perhaps this recent game has signaled the time to become more adamant in his research to finally rid himself of those creatures once and for all…
Aki enters the room quietly, smiling at Jenova sprawled on the bed as he reaches the wardrobe. Jeans are deposited on the floor and the Eclipsed throws on a light robe, taking care to ease the fabric over the crystal. Not bothering to tie it, he climbs onto the bed over the Demon’s prone form and lies partially on top of him.
“Now you can get some sleep. Though, I’m going to have hell to pay for this later.” He chuckles. Slender fingers move lightly over exposed pale skin while glass like claws reach up to stroke idly in long ginger hair. This whole situation was tiring, for everyone involved. The child is cute, but he doesn’t exactly return any of the affection that Sen claims to have for his… fathers. If it truly is an innocent child, the feelings will grow over time, he’s sure… he hopes. The fact that Sen has a part of his mind that even Jenova can’t access worries him. What if Sen does have a part of him that was meant for pain and destruction? A child would be the perfect form to disarm; his Creators themselves often use that.
He needs to stop letting Jenova’s paranoia get to him. Until Sen shows him otherwise, he’s just Sen. Jenova’s head turns and pale lips touch at the crown of his head, pulling Aki slightly from his thoughts. Cerulean blue rise up to meet crystal clear crimson and he smiles as a clawed hand wraps around his, pulling his knuckles up to the Demon’s lips a moment later.
Jenova tilts the Eclipse’s hand down and bites at the engraved silver band resting on his right ring finger, amused red eyes locked on entranced blue as he does so. Aki sits up in the slightest, inching his body up along the Demon’s to lean in and brush full lips against pale ones. A soft gasp escapes him when strong hands suddenly wrap around his hips and slide him up and over to straddle the form beneath him.
“I am… unsure I can sleep at the moment.” Jenova speaks softly into Aki’s mouth, red eyes never leaving the blue above him, “while I may be…mentally exhausted from this ordeal…” Using the grip on Aki’s hips, the Demon slides his slender form down against him, a sly grin creeping across pale lips when a whimper is pulled from the Selestarri from the movement, “… it seems physically, I am not…”
The Eclipsed smiles wryly. “Then it seems we’ll have to do something about that. We haven’t exactly been alone for the past few days either.” A blue eyes slip closed and loud moan leaves Aki’s throat when claw tips graze over the skin surrounding the Gioa shard under his robe. Only when Jenova touches the crystal is it enjoyable, the Selestarri has no idea how he does it. Everything that touches the shard hurts, even fabric from clothing.
Aki speaks quietly into the Demon’s mouth. “A few days is an eternity… let’s not go that long without being alone again.”
“No…” Jenova smiles “Let us not…”
The deep indigo shades of the night sky trickle in through large cathedral style windows, blanketing the Ancient Bright’s room in darkness. Small crimson eyes crack open, cutting through the shadows as if it were daylight before him and blinking sleepily at the sleeping face of the older Selestarri besides him. Sen pushes himself up, spending a moment to rub the sleep from his eyes before turning back to Ikkairius. Tiny clawed fingers reach out and he gently pushes on the Bright’s arm, whispering,
“Uncle Ikkai?”
Ikkairius doesn’t stir and Sen tries once more before giving up and turning to crawl over to the end of the bed. Inching his little body over the edge like he did the first time he’d been brought to the Bright, he scoots himself back. He gets halfway over the bed before he remembers what Ikkairius had said about ripping other people’s things. Sen decides to let go, so he uncurls small clawed hands from the bedding and allows himself fall completely free. He hits the floor hard and stumbles back onto his butt. Unfazed by the fall or the landing, the hybrid twists himself around and pulls himself to his feet. Making his way to the door, he stares up at the brass knob high above him for a moment before rising up on his tippy toes in an attempt to grab it.
Lifting one foot off the floor and stretching as far as he can, he only manages to touch the very tips of his claws on the metal knob. Sen sinks back down onto both feet, a frustrated look flashing across his tiny features before it changes to a look of concentration. His telekinetics wrap around the fixture and the knob quickly clicks open, the door creaking in the slightest and allowing him access to the hallway beyond.
Bare feet pad on cold marble tile as he slips out into the hall, the door closing quietly behind him from the smallest amount of thought lent. Sen turns in a circle, looking over his surroundings before he makes up his mind and heads to his left, straight towards the center stairwell. Milky brown hair slides down his back as his head falls, eyes staring up at the vast flight of stairs before him. The child takes in a determined breath and moves forward, beginning his long ascent towards the fourth floor where his fathers lay.
Stepping onto the landing, the child moves towards his goal only to slow to a stop as he passes the former Angel’s room. Clear red eyes stare up at the door in curiosity. Spending only a moment deciding, the door creaks open as his telekinetics wrap around the knob. Sen peers in cautiously before taking tentative steps inside.
Aki rolls over in bed again. He was so distracted by Jenova that he forgot to eat dinner and hunger pangs were now keeping him from falling back asleep. He had been trying for the past hour to ignore them, not wanting to leave the comfortable bed or the Demon’s warmth, but to no avail. If he wanted to sleep, he was going to have to haul himself downstairs and get something to eat.
The Eclipsed pulls his robe from the edge of the bed where the article was discarded earlier and eases it over his shoulders as he makes his way to the door. The mansion is dark and quiet but right before Aki places his foot down on the first step, a stream of excited giggles grabs his attention from down the hall. He narrows his eyes attempting futilely to peer through the darkness.
“Sen? Where are you?” Tentative steps take Aki down the hall in the direction of Fuan’s room. Shit. Jenova’s NOT going to be happy if he finds Sen in there. How in the world did he… oh yeah, both Aki and Jenova have access to the room, therefore Sen being parts of the two of them, he could automatically get in because of that. That probably also means he could enter Jenova’s room. He figured Jenova has probably already figured on that one… but.
Aki reaches the doorway to the dark room and calls out to Sen, weaving a small pattern to light the chandelier on the ceiling so he can see. As the room illuminates He finds the child at the former Angel’s wardrobe, door open and piles of clothing strewn about all over Sen.
Red eyes peer out from a particularly frilly gown and he giggles, “Aki papa look,” the hybrid extends his arms, half stuffed into the garment and laughing when the black lace sinks to cover his tiny hands, “it’s funny.”
The Eclipsed can’t help but smile at Sen’s silliness, until the reality of what Jenova will do to the child if he finds him in here sinks in. “Sen, you can’t be in here, this is Fuan’s room and it will make Jenova angry if he finds out you got through his seal. Fuan will be here next week and you can meet him then and play with his dresses if he allows it, ok?”
Sen’s expression drops immediately when Aki tells him his other father will be angry with him. He quickly untangles his small body from the former Angel’s clothing and reaches down, wrapping his hands around as much of the pile of gowns as he can, scooping them in close,
“Sen is sorry,” his words are muffled as he lifts the fabric and turns, trying to stuff the clothing back into the wardrobe. He falls onto the pile and crawls forward, trying to push everything back in while still on top of half of it, the worry coming from inside the opened wardrobe door clear in his wavering voice, “sorry Aki papa, sorry…” He apologizes while he continues to push the garments inside, “tell ‘Nova papa I’m sorry, Sen didn’t know it was special Fuan’s and he doesn’t want ‘Nova papa to be mad at him.” Aki can hear the slight hiccup in the boy’s voice as he peeks his head out, still pulling the pile of clothing towards him, gold streaking clear crimson as tears well in his eyes, “Aki papa, Sen is really sorry.”
Aki kneels down and sighs, extending his arms, motioning for Sen to come to him. “It’s okay, come with me, we’ll go get something to eat together.”
The boy nods and pulls himself from the wardrobe, slowly making his way over while glancing back towards the mess behind him, subtle hiccups visibly shaking his small form “Aki papa, Sen didn’t mean to…”
“It’s ok Sen, you didn’t know. There is no harm done. Jenova is very strict on things when it comes to Fuan. But now you know, so all you need to do is not make the mistake again, ok?” The boy nods up to his father as the pair exit Fuan’s room and Aki weaves a pattern to extinguish the chandelier before closing the door. He kneels down and scoops up the still visibly upset child. “Oh Sen… you’re fine. Jenova will appreciate that you are trying so hard to be good.” The Eclipsed hugs the hybrid child tightly, surprised by his own reaction. He truly felt bad for Sen, the child really was trying. Aki only hoped the truth would be revealed one way or another soon. He wasn’t sure he could continue to see Sen hurt by the fact that the Demon wasn’t accepting him. He also needed to remember to clean that mess up before Fuan arrives, or Jenova sees.
“Please be only what you appear to be, Sen…” He whispers into the child’s hair.
The child latches onto Aki tightly and rests his chin on the Eclipse’s shoulder as he’s carried down the stairs, the gold streaking in red eyes glowing softly in the darkness as they descend each floor. Sen’s small form has calmed completely by the time they step onto the first floor landing but he continues to hold tightly as Aki walks the pair down the vast hallway and into the kitchen.
The Selestarri moves over to the section untouched by the GodBeast Crane and sets the child onto the countertop directly next to the refrigerator. Light spills out into the darkened area from the open fridge door as clear crimson eyes watch his father rummage inside. Clawed fingers reach forward and grab at the small feet folded to his front and he begins rocking in place.
“Aki papa, how come ‘Nova papa only likes you and special Fuan?” He asks suddenly, his gaze dropping to his feet and slight pout forming on his lips, “Sen is really special too…”
The Eclipsed stops moving for a moment while he thinks of what to say, emerging soon after with some cheese and hands a slice to Sen who pulls it to his mouth and takes a bite. “It took a really long time for Jenova to like me and Fuan. We had to earn it and you will have to do the same. Your… grandfathers aren’t always the most honest of creatures and they have hurt Jenova in the past. He doesn’t know if they were sneaky and made parts in you that you don’t know about that might hurt him again. He’s afraid that if there is something there, something that you can’t control, that it will be used to hurt me and Fuan as well. Fuan is not very strong at all so Jenova worries a lot because it’s very easy to hurt him. That’s very important to remember about Fuan, he’s fragile to you have to be extra careful around him.” Aki sighs.
“Sen, you are very special, but special only goes so far. It will take time to earn Jenova’s attention and the best way to do that, as I said before, is to just listen and behave. You are doing that very well, but you just need to be patient. You’ve only been here a few days. I know it’s hard, but it’s the only way. If you can earn Jenova’s love, it’s forever and he will do anything for you.”
The child pulls the partially eaten cheese slice from his mouth and scowls, “Sen won’t let Haysee and Eee do anything bad to his fathers or hurt ‘Nova papa ever again so he doesn’t have to worry. Sen will be really careful with special Fuan too and he'll never touch special Fuan’s things again because Sen really loves his papas and he’ll keep trying really hard so ‘Nova papa can see that there’s nothing inside Sen except Sen.” He smiles wide as small fingers return the cheese to his mouth, taking another bite. A determined look replaces the smile as he chews, “Sen will be patient so ‘Nova papa can love Sen the way Sen loves him.” He nods to himself and takes another bite.
The hybrid’s chewing slows and a thoughtful look crosses his features, “How come Sen's grandpas hurt ‘Nova papa? Even though Uncle Ikkai said his papas didn’t ask for Sen like Haysee and Eee grandpa said, why would they hurt him when they love him enough to give Sen as a gift to Aki and ‘Nova papa…?”
This child was too cute. “Your grandfathers don’t see things the same ways as everyone else. They can’t get hurt so they don’t really understand what it’s like for others. I suppose it’s not really their fault, but it doesn’t change the fact that they do hurt people. They like to play games with each other and, unfortunately, everyone around them ends up being what they use to entertain themselves. I don’t think they made you for Jenova because they love him… I think they made you because they wanted to play and see what would happen if they gave you to us without warning. So Jenova is very suspicious that they made you to appear innocent when deep down you might not be. Jenova doesn’t like being part of their games, they don’t ask him before including him.” Aki puts his own food down and looks Sen squarely in the eyes.
“Sen, don’t think that Jenova hates you, he doesn’t. I don’t hate you either, we just didn’t know you were coming, but now that you are here we are going to make the best of it. If you can prove to Jenova that you are just Sen and nothing more then it will all be ok. You are very smart Sen and I know you will do well around Jenova, just… give him some time.”
“Okay…” Sen nods solemnly.
The two finish their food and the Eclipsed carries the hybrid back to Ikkairius’ room. “You have to stay with Ikkairius tonight because Jenova needs some rest, but tomorrow you can come back and stay with us. When you go to sleep somewhere, you need to stay there so we know where you are when we wake up, ok? This is a big house and it’s easy to get lost.”
Sen nods and clings a little tighter around Aki’s neck, “Aki papa doesn’t need to worry, Sen won’t get lost but he understands and he’ll stay with Uncle Ikkai so ‘Nova papa can rest” He leans in and hugs the Eclipsed tight, turning to kiss him on the cheek. Aki sets him onto his feet, turning the knob to the Bright’s room as quietly as he can to allow the child access once again.
Tiny glass like claws slide from the Selestarri’s hand as Sen slips inside the darkened room, turning back to meet cerulean blue with bright crimson.
“SEN WILL SEE AKI PAPA TOMORROW.” He whispers loudly with a wide grin.
“Good night Sen.” The Eclipsed gives a tired smile and waves at the child while closing the door slowly.
Candles on the chandelier flicker while Aki picks up the crumpled pieces of Fuan’s clothing and puts them back in the wardrobe one by one. Sen was growing on him. The hybrid reminds him of how he was growing up, how hard he tried to meet everyone’s approval, to do well and make his mother proud. Aki frowns, except his mother only created him to fulfill a purpose. He was a goal to be had, not a child to be loved. When he refused his purpose, he was told how worthless and ungrateful he was.
His friends always told him how lucky he was to know at least one of his creators and to be raised individually instead of communally. Though he often wished he never knew that woman. To know that Sen was created for a purpose, a game, brings back memories that should have died over twenty years ago with his ‘mother’. This child deserves to be loved simply for being there, not because he will serve to further a goal.
He will do his damndest to find out what game Sen was created for and he will undermine the goals of Jenova’s creators. The child will be a child, and nothing more.
No games. No goals. No pawns.
This may mean he will have to speak with one of the Makers and Jenova will not like that but any information is better than none and perhaps he can appeal to their competitive nature.
Aki turns to leave after finishing and meets the curious red eyes of his Demon watching him from the door.
“Decide to play a little dress up did we?” Jenova raises an eyebrow as the mildly startled Eclipsed falters only momentarily before continuing forward.
Aki stops directly to the Demon’s front, reaching out to touch at the pale form before him, cerulean eyes slowly rising to meet clear crimson. White plaits spill to the side as Jenova leans down and slides his head over the slender shoulder before him, turning to bring pale lips the Aki’s ear and speaking softly, “I was unaware your tastes had changed in such a manner…”
Aki smirks. “No, they haven’t changed; I was just cleaning Fuan’s room up for him.” He weaves a pattern to extinguish the candles and closes the door behind him, unsure of how to proceed with the conversation. It was stupid for him to think Jenova didn’t already know so he may as well be honest.
“I’m sure you know why I was cleaning up Fuan’s room without me having to tell you...” Blue eyes meet knowing red as a partial smirk forms on the Demon’s mouth. Aki sighs and continues, “…Sen was on his way back to us and he found this room and then the dresses. He had no clue it was Fuan’s room and when I told him you would be angry if you found him in here he… well he apologized profusely and attempted to put the clothes back. It was kind of sad. We went downstairs and had a small talk about why you aren’t exactly warm and fuzzy to him. The conversation turned to why he was created. I explained it the best I could and I actually think he’s upset with your Maker for doing it.” The Eclipsed chuckles to himself. “I know he’s too young to truly understand but he’s trying and he’s trying even harder to please you. Sen wants to earn your trust and show you that he really is only … Sen. I told him it would take time and he needed to be patient. He reminds me of how I was growing up. I was the same exact way.” Pained cerulean eyes meet crimson again.
“I don’t want him to be like I was, created for a purpose, to further someone’s goals. He doesn’t deserve it. It’s not fair to him to be a game piece, he doesn’t understand. He truly doesn’t. It’s not a façade and it’s not a lie, he is consistent and genuine. If there is a part of him that’s not then he isn’t aware of it.”
Jenova takes Aki’s hand in his own, bringing his palm up to pale lips and kissing the smooth flesh softly before pulling his hand back down. He reaches up with his other to sweep long ginger bangs from the Eclipse’s line of vision. “You see yourself in the child and so you are willing to drop all walls and trust it so completely this soon into the game…”
The Demon shakes his head with a sigh, letting his grip go and turning away to walk back towards the room, “I suppose you cannot help it. When presented with such a guise, even the intelligent are easily pulled into a false sense of security…” Crimson eyes shift back briefly, “it is easy to believe helplessness and innocence when the package it resides in is that of a child.” Jenova smirks as he steps past the threshold of their shared room without a backwards glance, “my Maker and his counterpart are skilled in what they do …unfortunately…”
Aki follows closely behind Jenova. “But what if it is just a child? I know the potential for it not to be is there, but what if it truly is what it seems? Then we will spend forever in this cycle of distrust with no good reason. Lack of proof one way isn’t total proof of the opposite.” The Demon remains silent as he continues towards the French patio doors at the far end of the room. Aki continues to speak behind him, trailing close behind. “Jenova, what will it take to show you one way or the other? I’d rather find out now then to watch the hurt and disappointment on his face anymore. I know you have the patience of a saint but the rest of us don’t. If there is part of me in him, why does that part have to be nullified completely?” The Eclipsed stops himself before he starts to sound hysterical, he had no idea the child was effecting him so much. He knows Jenova thinks he’s being blinded by false innocence, but it doesn’t stop what is happening right in front of him. Jenova will never give in and will never trust without proof of the child’s intentions one way or another. Even then, it may not be enough. He can’t watch the child be hurt for no reason.
Tomorrow, Aki will speak with one of the Makers.
As the Demon steps out onto the stone encasement, Aki moves around him and meets Jenova’s gaze in determination and anger. “This game cannot continue like it has, something has to change. Someone will win if Sen is destroyed and someone will win if he is not, either way, WE lose and Sen pays the price. Innocent or not, he does not deserve to be used like this. I am tired of being put at odds against you over this. I don’t care how good they are, they are careless. One will slip up, in their arrogance they will give themselves away.” He looks away in frustration. “This is exactly what they want…”
Clawed fingers wrap around Aki’s jaw and pulls his face back, frustrated cerulean blue eyes meeting calm crimson, “you are asking this One to throw away every single lesson that has been learned since the time I was forced into solid form and simply… Trust? You ask me to set aside what I know of the ones who created that creature, betrayals they have done, lives they have ended, civilizations they have wiped clean, planets and universes they’ve destroyed for mere games and entertainments time and time again solely because their most recent playing piece shares your genetics…”
Jenova narrows his eyes, “you ask me to negate my entire life’s experiences for a creature we have known for all of three days?” The Demon slides his hand away from the Selestarri’s jaw and shakes his head, turning to face the darkened grounds, “…I do not wish to be at odds with you in this matter either Akio” clear red eyes shift back, “but what you ask of me in this regard is… difficult.”
The Eclipsed looks down, bringing his hand up to the side of his face. “No, I’m not asking that of you. I just want to know the truth, either way. No matter what the answer, I want to know. I don’t know how to make that happen… I want it to end but I want it to end without the child’s destruction if it is an innocent. I know what I want is idealistic, but I just can’t do it any other way.”
He wasn’t angry with Jenova, he was frustrated with himself. It was so aggravating to watch it all happen, to have this game play out and not being able to do anything to stop it. He’s also afraid. He’s afraid to trust the hybrid and become attached only to have it ripped away either by Jenova destroying the child or finding out that Sen is not what he seems. He’s suffocating under his own emotions. Maybe he should have stepped out of the way when the Demon pointed his sword at the child. A wave of disgust rushes over him from even entertaining the thought. He needs to get out of here and clear his head. This isn’t like him.
Aki walks over to the stone railing and grips on tightly, taking in a deep breath before releasing the seal on his wings. The physical pain is dizzying but a welcome change to the emotional one. He hops up on the railing, not turning to the Demon as he speaks. He doesn’t want Jenova to see how weak he is right now.
“I’ll be right back…”
The Demon nods as the Eclipsed straightens on the ledge, soft liquid notes leaving pale lips in perfect Selestarri.
“As you wish…” Jenova turns, his pale form moving silently back into their room “Simply call this One should you need assistance and I will be there…”
Aki smiles softly and replies in Jenova’s own language. “Thank you…”
Leaping off the balcony railing, the Eclipsed lets himself drop for a few moments before spreading his wings wide and gliding out over the grounds and into the twilight sky. The fresh air was definitely helping him to calm down. He needed to think. More importantly, he can’t just call on a God and not know what he wants to say, or even which one to call.
The Selestarri isn’t stupid, he doesn’t expect them to tell him the truth, it’s what they don’t tell him that will help. He also needs to work it out in such a way where just ending his life isn’t a favorable option for them.
Which one?
One probably wants Jenova to kill Sen, the other doesn’t. Aki assumes that’s what the game is, will he kill or won’t he. If that’s the case, then Jenova’s maker is the one that would want him to kill. He always wants him to kill and gets frustrated when the Demon won’t comply. Jenova was created to kill, after all. It was rather ironic that he himself was raised to do just the opposite, yet they get along so well.
Until a pair of selfish Gods throw a wrench into it.
The white-haired one must want Sen alive. Considering the Eclipsed is basically what is keeping the hybrid child alive, it would be in that God’s best interest to help him in order to win his game. How would he make sure that the one who shows up is the right one though? They can change shape at will.
Megumi.
She will know if it’s her father or not. He will have to do this near Megumi. That will also be a lovely visual remind that should he lay a hand on the Selestarri, he will lose his daughter again. Aki hates to have to manipulate anyone like that, but there is no other way when it comes to them. Considering the one called Io could kill him with a single look, he needs to give him a damn good reason not to.
Just because he didn’t like to play dirty doesn’t mean he isn’t capable.
He will ask about the block that is keeping Jenova out. Io’s reaction will tell him much. It’s to Io’s advantage to have the child truly be innocent, a hidden malice would give Jenova immediate cause to kill Sen. He will also offer to help the God gain advantage by his active participation. They are terrible cheaters, Jenova being prime example of that. The Eclipsed knows Io will do anything to win. It’s their nature, even if he can’t trust them as far as he could throw their little skirt covered ruffle bums.
If he can count on one thing from unpredictable and cruel gods, it’s that they are pretty predicable in that cruelty.
Aki spends another half hour or so gliding over the mansion grounds before returning to Jenova’s balcony. He doesn’t dare tell the Demon his plan, he would never allow him to get close to either of those two. If this works, he won’t have to do anything, the gods will do it themselves.