Vagaries of Fate

To Wutai

Chapter 20

The next morning Genesis was still not happy about her refusal to quit Soldier. Their morning was quiet as they gathered the last of the things they needed and headed to the helicopter landing pad. The negotiators had already left and would be waiting for them in Junon to take the ferry across. When they arrived, Clarissa smiled for the first time that morning at the sight of both Angeal and Sephiroth in the group that was waiting. She was also surprised to see Rufus with Veld.

When they were noticed, all eyes turned to them. Both Sephiroth and Angeal's smiles faltered when they saw Genesis' frown. They both approached them before they could reach the crowd. Angeal was the first to speak. "I know neither of you wants to go back to Wutai, but I still expected to see smiles this morning."

Genesis' glower only intensified, but Clarissa rolled her eyes at the sight. She gave the man a quick hug before she responded. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."

Sephiroth raised a brow at the fact that she hadn't denied that there was a problem. His curiosity melted into a small smile when he remembered their vows. She obviously planned to uphold them. He gave her a quick hug as well before he looked between them. "You both know that we are family." He gave Clarissa a pointed look. "I believe you were the first to insist on that. We are far from strangers."

Clarissa's eyes widened as she realized what he was saying. She shook her head and looked to Genesis before she responded. "I know, but you don't have to worry."

Genesis moved to shake their hands to change the subject. The last thing he wanted that morning was another reminder that his wife refused to listen to him. "We will be back as soon as possible."

Both Sephiroth and Angeal gave him a hard look at his curt tone, but neither of them remarked on it. Instead, Sephiroth gave him a pointed look. "We have no idea what Godo has planned but stay safe. You may have been the two that instigated the surrender, but there is no reason you should have to bear the burden of blame. If it comes down to it, you have permission to escape. We will leave it to the negotiators to fix it if it comes to that."

Clarissa shook her head at his order and smiled. "I can't say I'm not nervous, but most of me believes it will not come to that. I get the feeling something is going on that we haven't thought of yet. I don't know why, but I feel that this will be a pivotal meeting, not one where Genesis and I will be put on trial."

All three of the men gave her curious looks at that point. It was Genesis that spoke what they were all thinking. "Did you receive a message?"

Clarissa started to shake her head with a rueful look but stopped, and her face turned contemplative. After a moment, she shook her head again, but it was much slower. "Not like the ones I used to get. I didn't even notice it until you asked. It does feel like I am being nudged, though." Her face brightened, and she gave them all a smile. "Minerva did say she would continue looking after me, even if she no longer interfered. I shouldn't be surprised that she is doing what she said."

Genesis' face took on a slightly awed tone, but Sephiroth was obviously still skeptical when he spoke. "I would like to think you are correct, but please do not let your guard down. If it is not as clear as it once was, there is no guarantee you don't just see what you want to."

Clarissa gave him a shocked look that quickly devolved into a frown. His eyes widened slightly when he saw it, and he spoke quickly. "Please do not take that as me thinking you are delusional. I do agree that it is not unlikely that she has sent you a message given what I heard in Banora, but I would rather you stay sharp and alive."

She didn't bother hiding her rolling eyes. "It's a good thing we're family."

Angeal didn't hide his laugh. His eyes were still serious when he spoke. "I agree with him. I know you are both blessed, but it would be best if you keep your eyes open."