Vagaries of Fate

Recovery

Chapter 45 

Clarissa knew she was having a nightmare. It was similar to many that she had been having since she was first captured by Fuhito. Though this one had a new element. She hurt all over and wanted nothing more than to curl into a ball and scream. Despite that, her limbs still moved to the strings of some invisible puppetmaster. The new part came in the form of the three boys. Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo were all standing in front of her. She could see their mouths moving, as though they were screaming at her, but she could hear none of it. When she realized what the puppet strings were about to make her do, she fought through the pain and tried to stop it. When her vision was filled with red, she finally screamed and shot up.

She looked around the dark room frantically. None of it looked familiar. Though she did see the machine next to her and the lines that ran from it to her arm. She snarled as she ripped the tubes from her arm and then fumbled to get out of the bed she was laid in. She nearly fell as her feet tangled, but was up immediately and looking for an exit. She wasn't bound, and she wasn't going to lose the opportunity.

She screamed when she felt an arm around her waist and started trying to pummel whoever had her. She froze when she finally heard the voice by her ear. "Starlight, it's me. Stop."

Her tears had immediately started pouring down at the familiar voice she thought she would never hear again. She almost didn't want to turn and see this was still part of her nightmare. Her voice was choked when she responded. "G-genesis? Is that you?"

He gently turned her to face him, and she was shocked by how thin he looked. His eyes held pain, and yet she could still see the love he had for her as he cupped her cheek. She immediately threw herself against him and started bawling. "I thought I would never see you again."

He brushed his hand down her hair as he tried to soothe her. "Hush, I'm here, and you are safe. I give my word that you will always be safe." Despite his tone, she only cried harder.

Unfortunately, he was not given a chance to do more before the door was flung open, and Sephiroth raced in, followed closely by the three boys. They only froze for a moment before the boys rushed forward and grabbed Clarissa as well. Sephiroth kept his voice low when he finally spoke. "We felt her fear. The boys wanted to come as soon as they realized she was awake."

Genesis only sighed as he made room for the others. He should have expected this to happen. He looked down to see Clarissa was hesitant to reach out to the boys. He frowned and almost asked why, but she spoke before he could.

Clarissa reached out a hand to cup Loz's face but pulled it back before she made contact. She shook her head as fresh tears fell. "I'm so sorry. I promised to keep you safe, and then I- I failed. I know I can't ask for forgiveness, but I promise it won't happen again."

Yazoo rolled his eyes before he grabbed her hand and put it on Loz's shoulder. His voice was just shy of full-on snark when he spoke. "We are aware of what has happened. Do not feel like you have wronged us, as that wasn't you. You are our Sister, and we must stick together. That is what you promised, correct?"

Clarissa was caught between crying and laughing as she pulled them all closer, despite Yazoo's complaints. She kissed each of the boys and closed her eyes. She was still not convinced that it was over, but even if this was a dream, she wanted to hold on as long as she could.

Everyone's attention was drawn to Sephiroth as he knelt beside them and placed a hand on Clarissa's shoulder. His eyes were warm, even if his voice was stilted. "He is correct. We are all family, and no matter how difficult something may be, we will always be there for one another."

Clarissa cried harder at his reassurance, but it wasn't long until she finally relaxed. It still felt like a dream, but she was just exhausted enough that she wasn't going to try and prove it wasn't. She needed the comfort.