Vagaries of Fate

Taking My Starlight

Chapter 44 

It was only a moment later that Fuhito spoke again. "Ah, I see you have noticed my newest addition."

Sephiroth's shock turned to a glare, but Genesis stepped forward with a snarl. Although he ignored the man and turned to the woman by his side. Clarissa was staring straight ahead as though she didn't see them. His eyes traveled over her from head to foot to make sure she was unharmed. He barely noted the unfamiliar armor as he finally spoke. "Clarissa? Can you hear me?"

When there was no reaction from her at all, Fuhito chuckled again. He put a hand on her shoulder as he answered for her. "Of course she can hear you. Though that doesn't mean she will respond. We have had plenty of time to come to terms, and she is now one of mine." He paused long enough to shoot the small group a smile that never reached his eyes. His voice was sugary-sweet when he continued. "I would hate to think that the best the planet has to offer would be destroyed today. You could join me as well so that we can create a brighter future for Gaia."

Genesis took a threatening step forward and snarled out his answer. "What have you done to my wife?"

Sephiroth stepped forward and put a calming hand on his friend's arm. They needed to figure out what was happening before they jumped into battle. Though his voice was just as hard when he added his own input. "We have already told you that Shinra has laid out a new directive to not only help the people but also the planet. We are not on opposing sides. Though your treatment of Clarissa voids any chance you had to become an ally."

Fuhito's smile fell, but it was quickly back as he continued. "Are you certain? Look around. Is this a battle you are prepared to fight?" He then pointedly looked at the boys behind the General before he continued. "Especially since you are not alone."

He didn't give them a chance to respond before he finally looked at Shears. "And you. While I am not surprised to see you have run like an ignorant coward, I would hope you understand the gravity of this situation. Surely if you could not watch me try to convince my Dove to help, then you could not stand to see anything happen to these people."

That was the last straw for Genesis. He lunged forward as he growled. "Your Dove?" His voice had been full of fire, which also licked up along his blade as he tried to reach the smug scientist. Unfortunately, the Ravens closed rank.

Genesis could barely see Fuhito turn to Clarissa, though he heard him well enough, even over the sound of his blade clashing with those of the Ravens. "Dove."

Clarissa's head snapped to attention and over to Fuhito when he spoke. She didn't say anything as he gave her his instructions. "Kill all the intruders, except for the children. Bring them to me."

She gave him a sharp nod, but he stopped her before she could move. "Oh, and start with the red-head first."

As soon as he let go of her arm, she lunged forward. The Ravens jumped out of her way and instead focused on Sephiroth, as he and Shears were working to keep them away from the boys.

Clarissa had both of her kōdachi in hand, and they clanged loudly with Rapier as Genesis blocked her first blow. His eyes looked desperate as he called out to her. "Clarissa, stop. It's me, your husband."

There was not even a blink of her eyes to indicate she acknowledged him. Genesis grimaced when he heard Fuhito call out again. "My voice is the only one she will respond to. If you don't want to be killed or injure her, then it would be best if you left."

Genesis snarled at the man, but he didn't respond. At least not to Fuhito. He turned back to Clarissa with a pleading look. "Please, snap out of this."