Vagaries of Fate

Attack

Chapter 27

Genesis took up a protective stance in front of Clarissa and the boys. When Clarissa realized the opponents were more than just enemy combatants, she pushed him toward Rufus. "I can handle the boys. You go take care of the President!"

He hardly spared her a glance, but she could tell he hadn't liked what she said. She barely kept from rolling her eyes. "Now is not the time! I can handle myself, but those two men are going to be next to helpless against Ravens. Go!"

She didn't wait for him to answer before she summoned Shiva. She kept her back to the boys as she had the eidolon create a dome of ice. Once it formed, she looked to the boys. She had expected them to be fearful, but she was shocked to find them all wearing fierce expressions. She had mixed feelings about it, as she completely understood their need to protect themselves, but she didn't want them to have to.

She pushed the feeling aside as she focused on her summon. 'Do not let anything break this dome.' That was her only instruction as she headed toward the single exit. No matter what else happened, nothing was getting to those boys.

Once she was outside, she barely had time to react, as most of the Ravens she had seen were headed to her location. As soon as they reached her, the blades she held became a blur. She gritted her teeth as a wave of anger washed over her. It didn't take much deduction to know that the target was either her or the boys. She had no plans for any of them to fall into Avalanche's clutches.

She barely had a chance to glance in Genesis' direction to see that a group of Ravens had converged on him. She growled when she realized they were focused on keeping him occupied. At least none of them had made any moves toward the two political leaders.

Her attention was drawn back when a fist shot into her field of view. She barely managed to dodge, and it landed on the dome instead. She felt a slight relief when the hole that was created instantly filled again. She could ignore the draw in her spiritual energy for some time still, and it was more than worth it to keep the boys safe.

She followed the fist back and started when she saw the grim face of the man she recognized as Shears. When their eyes met, he finally spoke. "I know that you are more than a Shinra pawn. We have an inkling of what you are, but it begs the question of why you are working as a Soldier."

When he spoke, the Ravens had stopped attacking momentarily. She took the chance to better cover the entrance to the dome she had made and glared back. "I have done what I needed to do to save the world. That is all you need to know!"

He scoffed at her. "Shinra and saving the world do not even belong in the same thought."

She growled as she parried an attack from her side. She didn't give any ground and still managed to pin the man with a glare. "A handful of corrupt and insane men do not make up the company. With those men gone, the company has already started implementing changes to not only undo the damages done but to make the world a better place for everyone."

His only answer was a flurry of quick punches. Since he no longer had the element of surprise, Clarissa had no issue dodging them all. After a moment, he took a step back to reevaluate his strategy. He started pacing when he shot her another dirty look. "If you worked with us, we could allow Gaia to begin anew."

Her eyes widened before she glared again. "I would never help that madman destroy humanity. We can live in harmony with Gaia. It doesn't have to be all or nothing!"

There was a flash of confusion in his expression before he sneered at her. "Helping the planet does not mean destroying humanity."

It was Clarissa's turn to scoff. "That is what I just said. However, that isn't what Fuhito believes. Did you never wonder about Elfe and her predicament? Fuhito knew that the broken materia implant was killing her, and he didn't give a shit. Not as long as he could harness the power it held. He wants to save the planet, but his idea never involved humanity in any way other than annihilation. If you really want what you say you do, then you are following the wrong person."