The Gift of the Goddess(Genesis)

[Elstan Shadow]

Elstan had just finished putting flowers on her friend's grave. She looked at the sky, a beautiful pale blue. She had invited a few fellow SOLDIERs, but whether they would turn up was a different matter. She liked one colleague in particular... Genesis Rhapsodos. He was so poetic, it just felt so strange to her. However, he was mean to her, calling her childish etc. He didn't fully understand what happened that day in the Northern Crater. She had kept her distance from him these pass few days, and so far it had worked. She couldn't tell him that she had feelings for him, he would just laugh at her. It was completely hopeless.

Walking to her friend's now empty cottage, she sat down at the table and helped herself to a Banora White apple. She bit into it, it tasted so sweet. Elstan's hearing heard distant footsteps. She drew her sword and hid behind the door.

[kriivanwinters]

Genesis had entered the Banora borders, finishing up a mission before a missive was sent that Elstand, one of the SOLDIER classes had requested his presence. What reasons he was unsure, luckily for her, he had a few days off until he would be next assigned; another statement to accommodate yet another mission. However this was Banora Elstan was talking about his home town, where he grew up. He even had found memories here along with his friend Angeal. A sigh of relief escaped his partly opened lips as he closed his eyes with the wind sweeping through his fiery hair and perfect complexioned cheeks. The currents kissing them from either side. It was the dream he had always wanted to fulfill, Sephiroth, Angeal and himself enjoying the Banora white fruit together, he chuckled at the thought of what others came to call it, the Banora "dumb" fruit. Considering its tendencies to grow at the unpredictable times during the entire year.


The battle field he currently stood in was that of destruction, he was sent to stop bandits entering the towns of Banora and he had done so. However the numbers of such fiends were severely underestimated, bodies piled the grounds he stood upon, the crimson liquid that almost matched the fierce redness of his hair stained Gaia's face. The pushing through of tainted bad blood made Genesis recoil his own emotion, the fact that rabble scum such as these would be permitted to live by the Goddess in her world. Could she not see the suffering of the planet? It's people? What Shinra was creating and doing with Mako? Genesis has always been loyal without question, but such thoughts forced themselves in the recces of his mind,causing him to question the authority he fights under.


Genesis turned his form to the large, bulking, ebony colored chopper preparing to take off. He didn't want to see such a sad sight, what the planet had witnessed today was a mistake, it was up to it to remedy the situation that was left.


"Take me to the closest Southern town of Banora" he exclaimed.


He hopped in the helicopter, the pilot acknowledging his order, though he had questions he would not dare to ask a 1st class SOLDIER. Such things were possible in speech to beings such as Genesis, but questioning authority was not one of them. The young swordsman sat within the confines of the chopper, already taking off and taking a view of the dread field he had left behind. It was a massacre! One of his own doings but it did not give him leave to compliment his own talents and skills, in the end they were only bandits, just... A lot of them.


The journey didn't take too long, but long enough to cause Genesis to rest whilst he was able. The knowledge he was back in his home borders gave him sweet dreams of his past, how he played so innocently with Angeal. Their first meeting as children, his father and mother tucking him within the confines of his bed and reading him stories of fantasy and wonder. How dragoons once soared the planet and how the life stream came down from on high and touched those who prayed for help and guidance. The most valuable dream he possessed was when the three 1st class SOLDIERs first met, though it wasn't exactly thrilling, it was still precious.


"Sir, we've arrived." The pilot said swiftly.


It took more than an hour but he would find out what racket Elstan had made, or wanted, they never really spoke and when ever she approached she would either foolishly challenge him for taking the role of LOVELESS or persist in annoying him in other personal affairs. Genesis walked off the chopper and gave leave for them to return to base until he called for them. The atmosphere was strangely tranquil, quiet and peaceful, an unfamiliar surrounding he found himself in, refreshing in some senses but others uncomforting. There lay a cottege a few meters away in walking distance, not too far from the little cottege was signs of a grave. Perhaps there were more in the surrounding areas. The cottege stood upon a lonely hill, but the surface long enough to hold such a large shelter, it was the cliche cottege that was humble in sight. A thatched house, refined wooden frame and architecture making the outside look "cute". Genesis saw there was a chimney with smoke exiting from it, this told him there was a person or persons, within such a place.


As he approached he heard the chime of a sword being unsheathed, it was easy to tell it was Elstan. Always so reckless and jumpy for no reason at all, she was a SOLDIER after all. The least she could do it show courage and identify who her enemies were before foolishly holding a sword to an ally. No wonder some employees at Shinra HQ hated such a woman, such habits would die hard with Genesis, he had grown tired of having something pointed at him especially Elstan.


"Sheath your sword before you cut yourself, I have no intentions of healing anyone today" His tone of voice was ever light and thrift but it also carried the weight of annoyance, he opened the door. Knowing Elstan was behind it and purposely pushed it further than it needed to go, forcing the door in her direction and eventually hitting her sword, which chimed even louder due to the connection of the sword.


Genesis looked around at his surroundings, it was quaint inside, humble, a wooden table with seats stacked inside. Soft plated stones for flooring, a fire place, some books tucked in a far shelter on the opposite side of the room. A bed that lay nestled in the west part of the house, "You called me for a reason, what has happened?" He turned he figure to the female that stood still behind the door, his eyes refrained from being Mako but still the steel blue eyes that were his original natural colors ever stared until he had an answer.

[Elstan Shadow]

Elstan relaxed, ever since she had gotten her friend killed, she had always been on edge, especially from what happened to her in the Northern Crater nearly two years ago. She sheathed her blade and sat down. "Please, have a seat Genesis." Elstan sighed. She was feeling a bit nervous, she had never done this before and her stomach was churning. "Genesis, there has been something I have been meaning to tell you this past year. It may sound dumb, and you may laugh at me, but I have had feelings for you for quite some time." she admitted. Elstan looked away. She had done it, now to wait for the laughter and humiliation. She tried to keep her demonic form under control, however, nothing could stop the dark aura from consuming her hands. This day was going to get worse, she could feel it. She clutched onto her skull shaped diamond pendant. Genesis would never love a demon, that much she was sure about. All she had to do was wait now.

[kriivanwinters]

Genesis took in the comment Elstan had admitted,and for a second a rush of humility over came the young male SOLDIER. the fact that less experienced feminine experimental project had divulged her feelings with little effort and little space, as well as foolish a report that she required assistance only notified Genesis that by all accounts, Elstan pulled off a tactic that fooled him, he underestimated her at every turn, but even a minor gouge that triggered Genesis to come to HER, this fact amazed him.


The door blew open to a lilt allowing the fresh, cool air to rush across the auburn haired SOLDIER, rebellious bringe hair covered his right eye, leaving the left exposed with the look of bewilderment, her tactic and her feelings were, overwhelming, to say the least. There was a silence, not awkward but steady, as if a beat had to be heard before the conversation continued, his hand held his knee in a tight grip, he had never been in this situation before, it was uncomfortable yet, exhilarating, he didn't want this, but rather he needed the feel of rebellious behavior in his life.


Perhaps he was wrong about this supple creature that stood before him, her resemblance of his friend Sephiroth only garnered his attention, the long silvery hair, those mako feline eyes, a slender body along with her curves and attributes that kept Genesis' eyes so intent on her physique, however more had to be known, he established that he was, truth be told, physically attracted to her, but what about emotionally, after all he ha been trained to only be a weapon and nothing more, let alone have a relationship with such a woman, it was against Shinra's rules after all, a SOLDIER of a hierarchy redeeming class could not have a relationship that of an emotional nor physical quality.


Genesis on the other hand was never one for rules, but it had to be taken one step at a time, they were talking about treason after all, if Shinra its self were to find out she would be hurt more badly in reputation and rank than Genesis, that was a truth. His gaze fell to those deep Mako swearing pools of deep hazel and blue of Elstan's with a single unreputed reply, "Be thankful in the knowledge that no one is here, for I myself have felt the same." Poetic as ever he then shifted his gaze to a near by window, making sure no living soul was around to hear his own truth he would tell, after a few brief moments he was sure solitude was theirs, turning his gaze back to Elstan.


"I could have never admitted this to myself, without, unless I were given the chance, to share such a statement."


His own eyes slowly became gentle, like giving his truth to someone he could trust, his expression turned from a business hard line, to form a soft intent of understanding, he lent forward, both hands pressed together as he raised his head to meet her eyes. "I've wanted to admit such feelings, for a time," he was hesitant, he didn't know how to act, he never knew such feelings, his words buckled and he pushed himself back to the chairs rest. "Forgive this, blunder, it is hard, to think, whilst attempting to admit something so..." Genesis lost his words, he shook his head as a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth, it showed a lightness in his face, one that Angeal and Sephiroth had only seen, something precious to behold when others were allowed the chance to see.


The fiery-haired SOLDIER then stood and swiftly made his way to Elstan, taking both hands into his, his touch was warm and comforting, he acted out of character, least to those who hardly knew him, it had only shown what he could truly offer to an individual, like LOVELESS he would devote everything to another, if the same price would be returned, he remained silent and ever gazed into Elstan's eyes, it was never her prowess, her strength, even her attitude that she can give off, but it was her as a whole being that Genesis wanted, he wanted to know her personally, share moments with her, help her if she required such things, the reality was, that irony allowed him to temper his judgment of Elstan, and only allow him to fall for her, even at first sight.


He was still quiet, but he kept her hands gently placed in his, "What I wanted to say Elstan, was, well, I was hoping, would you be with me?" He was still hopeless at reality and how to even ask a female out, he could destroy hundreds upon hundreds of bandits without short of breath, but when it came to a woman, he would rather slay the bandits, it made it so much easier, Genesis felt tense, he didn't allow to show it but it was there, he couldn't handle his own emotions well as he kept them away for years on end accept for a few times with Angeal or Sephiroth, Genesis wanted to attempt to be with someone, to prove he wasn't a monster, to prove he could love like an ordinary human, he just needed a chance.


With Elstan's blessing and hopeful acceptance, he would get that chance.

[Elstan Shadow]

Elstan was shocked when Genesis held her hands. The dark aura around them completely vanished. Could this be the love Elstan had been wishing for these long years. she thought about the incident in the Northern Crater, how the demonic voice had said to her that only true friends and true love could bring her back from her demonic possesions. Elstan gazed into Genesis' beautiful Mako eyes with her own feline ones. "So, a love thst will be the same as my favourite play." she smiled.

She rested her forehead on Genesis's with a smile. "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." she whispered. Her heart was beating so fast, she was worried it would burst through her chest. If ShinRa was to find out about their love, it would truly be like Romeo and Juliet. Elstan being Juliet Capulet and Genesis Romeo Montague. Star-crossed lovers, but this time it wasn't a stage production, it was really happening. At last one of her desired dreams had been fulfilled, to be with the man she admired, even if he was a stuck up rich boy on the outside, he was a caring and honest man on the inside. She edged closer and softly kissed him on the lips, then retreated with a gentle sigh.

[kriivanwinters]

The red-haired man smiled at the responce of a single, light kiss and the physical contact as a whole, it told him that she did indeed feel the same way he did, but something was wrong with her. He couldnt place his finger on it but something was bothering Elstan, considering he did indeed want to get to know her better and on a personal level now was his time. Genesis moved closer to her still keeping a gaze upon her eyes.


"What troubles you?" It was a simple question but his tone was indeed careing and concerned for her, perhaps it was something she did before he had gotten there, or a thought that this newly kindled relationsship woudnt last due to Shinra,if it was any of those thoughts at all he would do his best to answer and place those heart-felt thoughts to rest.

[Elstan Shadow]

Elstan rested her head on his shoulder. "I just want to know what I am, where I came from." she sighed. "Genesis, would you accompany me to the Northern Crater, there are still some questions that I have that have been unanswered." she said. His scent was indeed heavenly, she could just stay in his arms forever. She then thought of something. Elstan took off her necklace and handed it to Genesis. "Just something for when we are at work." she smiled.

Elstan left the cottage and went back to her friend's grave. It still pained her to think that she was the one responsible for Kytara's death. The SOLDIER 1st cClass looked at the sky, a breeze blew and Elstan's metallic coloured hair blew across her pale face. She looked at her friend's resting place again. "I'm so sorry Kytara, if I could turn back time... I... I could've prevented your death." Elstan said, her voice cracking with sorrow. Tears fell onto the green earth, it was one of the reasons Elstan rarely showed any emotion because if she did the people she cared about would die. She cried softly, memories flooding back to her. A single bat like wing shot out from Elstan's right shoulder blade, the dark aura consumed her body. "No... No please.... NO!" she screamed. The demonic creature, the Angel of Death took her over... Love and friendship could break the connection. Elstan however, was still confused to why the demon had chosen her and not Sephiroth.