Crimson Heaven

Hermione was in a panic, they had just narrowly escaped the clutches of Yaxley at the Ministry of Magic, and that had left her with two, problems; one – they could no longer return to Grimmauld Place and two – Ron had been Splinched on the way to where they now were.
Harry was busy setting up the tent as she finished calming Ron out of his injury induced shock.
“There now. All better.” She soothed, running her hand gently over his head.

“Th-thank you.” He breathed, sitting up and looking over to where Harry was now emerging.

“All set, except there are actually four rooms not three. Are we expecting Genesis to pop up anytime soon?” as he had spoken he was been walking over to them.

Hermione shook her head, “I don’t think so, no.” I hope not at any rate, I can’t have him see me like this.

“Then who is the fourth room for?” Ron asked as Harry pulled him to his feet by his good arm. “I always remember mum saying that the tent only puts in as many rooms as there are people. It’s meant for maximum comfort, so there must be a friend nearby.”

Hermione was about to say something when a rustle outside the barrier enchantments had them all reaching for their wands. “Peace, all of you, it’s only me.”
Hermione’s eyes went from determination to confusion before falling to surprise.

“Other?! How are you here? More importantly how are you seeing us?” Other simply stepped through the enchantments as though they were not even there.

“I’m the daughter of your Goddess, so naturally I can see you.” This was the first time she had dropped her usual way of talking and told her a straight answer.
When Hermione raised her wand to Other’s chest, Other realised what she had said. “I understand that it sounds farfetched but, please believe me, it is the truth. Now if we could all go inside, I will explain the reason for my visit, and why this marvel of magic has given me my own room.”
Though still not convinced, Hermione lowered her wand and indicated for Other to enter the tent, both she and the boys needed to be careful
“Careful of what? I assure you I am not here to cause you harm, if I was, I would have brought You-Know-Who’s goons with me instead of sending them in the opposite direction.” Hermione stalled.

“You did? But why?” they all sat down at the table, Hermione waved her wand and the kettle began to boil.

“Let’s just say that I am invested in the future…or rather,” Other took a nervous glance at Ron and Harry, “I am invested in your future, Hermione.”

“My future? Again, why?”
Hermione was getting more questions than answers.

Other looked at her hands. Hermione could tell that she was nervous. Placing a comforting hand over hers, Hermione smiled at Other. “Let me guess, you want to tell me, but you can’t because information like that isn’t set in stone. If I don’t like what I hear I may choose to go against what is meant to be. Is that about right?”

Other gave a chuckle, “yes, that is about it. It really is amazing how quickly you can grasp a situation.”

“Well I’m glad she can, because Harry and I are lost.” Ron piped up, causing Hermione to giggle.

Other rolled her eyes playfully. “That is only because she is the only one it concerns. No offence to the two of you, but I can only say so much with you around as you may want to influence the decision that, in the end, is hers and hers alone to make.”

“Okay that we understand. So, how come you’re here then? Can you tell us that, at least?” Harry, who had been silent up until now, passed Hermione her mug of tea.

“Of course, it may concern you two as well as Sephiroth and Angeal.”
Other took a tentative sip of the tea that Harry had handed her. “When you were pulled away from Wutai, Brother and I were actually caught by our Father and Mother.
He was angry with us as we are interfering with two lives that would not have met otherwise. It turns out that this had happened once before, Father and his sister had done this once in other worlds. It did not go as well for my Aunt, as the man that she was trying to help, attacked Father and killed his sister because he did not get the end result that he wanted.”
She stopped to take a sip of tea, before continuing.
“After the death of his sister, Father sewed shut the doors to each world leaving nothing but a peephole in the centre of each one so that he and Mother could watch over the worlds and not be tempted to interfere with what had to be.
One day I happen to stumble across one such doorway, only to find it fully open; it was this world. Brother had also found Gaia’s door wide open too.
We decided to watch two certain individuals in their lives and see how they played out, only when we retrieved your Life Books we noticed something odd.”

“What was it?” Hermione felt she already knew the answer, but for the sake of the boys, she asked anyway.

“The lives of Hermione Granger and Genesis Rhapsodos came together on one fateful day. Brother and I played out what the books said in perfect detail, that way nothing bad would happen.
But we hit a snag when you were attacked by You-Know-Who, at that moment you and Genesis must have thought of each other at the exact same time, because for a split second, Genesis was able to cross into your world to save you, without help from either me or Brother.
But it also meant that, for a few moments at least, he had become visible and known to this world’s darkness, which alerted Father and Mother to what we were doing, though they did not know who or how until we began to explain.”

Hermione, Harry and Ron waited for her to continue. “As we finished telling them the truth, Mother began to theorize something that neither she nor Father wanted you or Genesis to know about as – as far as they were concerned – the two of you would never be meeting again….”

“What?!” Hermione blurted, startling everyone else in the tent.

“Yes, but hush a moment whilst I finish because this is very important.” Hermione became silent, tears already forming in her eyes.
“Mother’s brother, Uncle. He was the one responsible for your two doorways being opened. He must have an ulterior motive, but we have yet to discover what it is. Not that Brother and I can find out much now, anyway.”

“Why?” Ron asked, he was worried too, he had grown to like Genesis as a friend.

“We disobeyed our parents. They told us that we were to have no more contact with either of you ever again. Well this was unfair as we were… are so invested in you two. So, we slipped through the respective doors and will remain beside you and Genesis until it is time for the ultimate decision to be made.”
The boys looked over at Hermione, who was mulling over all of this information in her head.

“You are aware that we will have to fight sometimes, right? Can you fight?” Hermione asked.

Other shook her head. “No, I cannot, it goes against my vows, but that does not mean that I cannot help out a little, after all, I’m breaking the rules now. It’s a bit exciting really.” They all giggled at this.
Other jumped slightly at a scratching sound coming from the jar in the centre of the table.
“Is that it? The Horcrux?”

The trio nodded. Other took a deep steadying breath, Hermione could feel something was off with her, but decided against asking.
“Come on. Let’s get this food cooking and then we can get some sleep.” She announced, getting up and opening up a stew pack and began to cook.

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Brother had just finished explaining things to Genesis too.
Unlike his sister, however, he did not show himself to Sephiroth and Angeal. “Why won’t you show yourself to them? They know everything about you that I do.” Genesis was sat in the public cafe with Brother, who had donned the clothing of the locals just as his sister had done.

“I’m afraid you’ll laugh at me if I told you the truth.” Brother really didn’t want to admit it, but he was terrified of Sephiroth.
Genesis must have got his answer from Brother’s eyes, because he suddenly started to grin wickedly.
“You see? I told you, you would laugh if I told you.”

“Sephiroth is not as terrifying as he seems. He’s just not used to being around new faces, that’s all. Come on,” the Crimson Commander got to his feet. “We’ll go and see them, introduce you to them, that way you don’t have to keep hiding from everyone.”

As the two left the hall, Genesis flinched and leant against the wall. Brother rushed to his side.
“Are you alright, Genesis?” he asked, concern growing ever stronger in his chest as he watched Genesis rub his left shoulder.
His wound has reopened since we last met. If his pain is anything to go by, then it is getting worse.

“I’m fine, it’s just my shoulder, and it’s been playing up recently. Getting worse as the days go by, especially since Wutai, when I last saw Hermione.”
Giving a groan, Genesis pushed himself up against the wall, steadying himself, as he looked over at Brother.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Come on, I want to catch the other two before they’re inundated with paperwork.”

The worry, however, was now cutting so deep into Brother’s heart, that he feared this would mark the start of everything. What am I supposed to do? I cannot simply walk beside this man and let him-

“Hey! You’re going to wrong way.” Genesis’ voice called him back and he saw Genesis heading down the left corridor whereas Brother has wandered down the right. Cocking his head in confusion, Brother looked down the corridor he had been wandering, something has to be down here, or else I wouldn’t have wandered this way...

“Sorry, I guess I was so deep in thought I didn’t see you turn off.” Hurrying after Genesis, Brother felt a chill go up his spine.

Several days pass without any further problems with Genesis’ shoulder plaguing him, so Brother began to observe the two he surrounded himself with. As anticipated, Sephiroth was not happy about Brother’s sudden appearance, but Genesis had clearly been completely open about Brother’s comings and goings and was willing to share his home with him, on the condition that he didn’t snoop in areas he didn’t belong, and stuck by Genesis at all times during the day.
“Well in all honesty, General, what do you think I’m doing here? I did not defy my Mother and Father just to walk around nosing into other people’s business. Besides which, I know more about this company that even ShinRa himself.” When Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at this statement, Brother just tapped his nose and winked with a grin. “Sorry, can’t tell you all my secrets now, can I?”

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Other and Brother were now both fast asleep, communicating with one another.
“Brother, how is Genesis?”

“Weakening by the day, Sister, he is no longer pushing himself against Sephiroth as much, but the rivalry between the two is becoming worrisome. I fear he will lose his fight soon, if he is not careful. What of Hermione?”

Other looked to the side, her eyes darkening. “She too, is beginning to see black. There is darkness in her heart, one that is fuelled by anguish and worry for Genesis. She is also losing sleep over this Horcrux they have here... Brother, it makes me uneasy. The foul object is trying to tear the three of them apart, it has already found its way into the cracks in Ronald Weasley’s heart, it is only a matter of time before Hermione’s heart becomes at risk.”

Brother placed a comforting hand on his Sister’s shoulder. “Perhaps a visit is in order.”

Looking at her Brother, she nodded, “Yes, perhaps you are right, only this time I think it is high time, Sephiroth and Angeal came to their world. Can you arrange it for tomorrow?”

“I shall tell Genesis that he is to lead Sephiroth and Angeal out of Midgar tomorrow. The three of them have a week off, so I think they can travel with your three for now. Just to offer support.”

Other nodded, “Then it is settled. I shall see you tomorrow, Brother.”

“Goodnight, Sister. Sleep well.”

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Genesis awoke the next morning to find a note on his bedside table, getting up and dressing, he was greeted by Sephiroth and Angeal, both of whom were holding identical letters.
“It would appear as though your friend wants us to join him for some reason. Though why he wants us to join him outside the city I do not know.”
The ever suspicious Sephiroth spoke as the three of them gathered their weapons and departed. The letter had also explained that Lazard – the Director of SOLDIER – was only aware that the three were going on vacation, that way no one would miss them if they didn’t come home tonight.

Having reread that part again, Genesis suddenly grinned, “We’re going to see her!”
Racing down the staircase, he left a puzzled Sephiroth and Angeal in the dust to catch up.

“Going to see her...? Oooh, you mean Hermione.” Angeal shared a sly grin with Sephiroth. “You really like this one, don’t you?”

“What’s not to like?” Genesis replied, turning towards Sector 5 train Station, this would take them to the market in the Slums, from there, they simply followed the road out of the city.
“I mean, she’s smart, she’s beautiful and she has an inner fire that makes her a formidable woman, she is truly a marvel.”

Once the three of them were clear of the city only two and a half hours later, did the SOLDIERs meet Brother, who was waiting beside a door.
“This is the only way my Sister and I can get you all to and from the two worlds without Mother and Father knowing. Simply step through and follow the red bird, I shall await you at the campsite.” Brother greeted, opening the door and stepping aside to let them go through first.
Genesis entered without a second hesitation. Angeal and Sephiroth looked at each other before Sephiroth walked forward cautiously, closely followed by Angeal.
As Genesis exited the other side, he stepped to the left to allow the other two through.
“I wonder where we are?” he mumbled as the other two got their bearings.

A red bird suddenly flew under Sephiroth’s nose whirling round their heads until Angeal caught it gently in his hands.
“This is like no bird I have ever seen,” he stated, looking at the other two.

“Maybe it’s native to here.” Sephiroth suggested, looking at Genesis, he frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Follow the red bird. That was what he said. Angeal let it go. I think it’ll lead up to where we need to be.” Doing as instructed, the three followed the red bird before coming to a stop in a glade.

“How far do you think we’ll have to go?” Sephiroth asked, Genesis, having no answer to give, just remained silent.
Night had fallen by the time the trio had reached the glade; it was illuminated by the moonlight and there were around six rather nasty looking men surrounding the glade, the cause the three to stop and hide.

“AHHH!” the men suddenly screamed, all of them seeming to spontaneously combust, it was then that Genesis saw it. The red bird was circling the area just above the burning men.

“Harry, Ron, take Other and GO!” Hermione’s voice rang out in the darkness, the flames burning the men dying as three other figures made for Genesis’ hiding place.

“But what about Hermione?!” Other made to turn back but was held back by Harry.

“Provided we are not caught, Hermione will find us, she’ll be fine, now move!” Harry hauled Other away but stopped short of running into Ron. “Ron, go! She’ll be fine!”

“Alright!” They bolted past Genesis who was about to call out to them when he was pulled back by Brother.

“Wait.” He said, “not yet.”

“Get them! I’ll take care of the little firecracker here! CRUCIO!”
The wizard was clearly not expecting Hermione to avoid the spell. They danced until another wizard caught her off guard.

“Now, go! You two, with me, Genesis you get Hermione, and remember, follow the bird!” Brother led Sephiroth and Angeal after Harry and Ron whilst Genesis felt his anger boil as the wizard with the wand decided to sucker punch his Golden Flower.

“Get away from her!” he shouted, using his SOLDIER speed to catch one of the two men off guard, killing him outright.

“Stay back! Or I’ll kill your girlfriend in an instant!” the one holding his Golden Flower hostage pulled the two of them back causing Hermione to wince in pain.

Standing up straight Genesis spoke to Hermione. “Are you hurt?”

“No, just a little embarrassed that I never saw him coming.” Her voice was calm, as though having a casual conversation. “Now that you are here, however, perhaps you can help me?”

Catching her drift, Genesis smirked, “My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the Goddess.”
Hermione head butted the creep from behind then hit the floor as Genesis threw a fireball at him, Hermione kicked his leg out from under him sending him screaming to the ground.

Genesis was then caught off guard by something he never thought he would see.
“Why couldn’t you have just left us alone?!” she pulled out a kitchen knife and Genesis watched as though in slow motion as Hermione Granger drove the knife right through her attacker’s larynx killing him instantly.

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Other stopped short, causing the others to stop. “Oh no.” She breathed, looking back in the direction of Genesis and Hermione.

“What is it Sister?” Brother placed a worried hand on her shoulder. Other turned to face the group, a lonely tear falling down her face as rain began to fall.

“He has gotten to her, Brother.” she threw herself into Brother’s arms and sobbed, leaving everyone else looking around wondering what had happened.

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Hermione felt something cold hit the back of her neck, flinching, she came to the realisation that it was raining.
“Her-Hermione?”
Snapping her head to the side, Hermione saw her Crimson Angel approaching her half a step at a time, the way one would approach someone who was about to jump off of a bridge.
“Are you alright?”

Hermione frowned, “yes, I’m fine, why?” Her frown deepened when she felt something in her hand.
Looking down at her hand she froze, her eyes widening as they stared in disbelief at the blood-soaked knife being held in her bloodstained hand.
Shaking at the reality of what she had just done, Hermione began to hyperventilate, tears blurring her vision, releasing the knife, she made to wipe them away only to see the blood on her hand again, this time she screamed.

Her scream was heartbreaking, feeling strong arms wrap themselves around her shoulders pulling her close and holding her tight, crying she gripped onto whoever it was holding onto her afraid that, if she let go, she would fall back into that abyss.

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“Shh, shh, it’s okay, it’s okay.” It was all Genesis could say.
Hearing rustling from behind him, he released her, summoning his blade and shielding his Golden Flower from further harm.
As he raised his blade, he heard it clash with another blade, causing them to sing. Breathing a sigh of relief, Genesis knew that blade, “Sephiroth.”

“Genesis,” the two lowered their weapons, Genesis took note that Sephiroth was the only one who had come back.
“Angeal and I took care of the other attackers, the boys and the twins are with him, they’re inside a churchyard. I told Angeal I would come and fetch y-” Genesis watched as Sephiroth’s eyes fell on the dead body and the unusually quiet form of Hermione.
“What happened?”

Genesis looked at the ground, “I don’t really know myself. She just snapped.”

“She did this?” Genesis nodded glumly. Sephiroth puffed his cheeks out, blowing out a sigh. “Well we cannot let the others see her in this state. I hear a stream nearby. Let’s get her cleaned up.”

“What about the body?”

“Leave that to me.” Other suddenly appeared, startling the two SOLDIERs. “I can hide the body, just get her cleaned up and then we can go.” She was oddly serious, her eyes dark.

“You aren’t angry with her, are you?” Genesis asked, picking up his flower.

“No. Just my Uncle. He is the cause of this darkness that is now beginning to fester in her heart.” The words were cold and unlike her or her brother.

“Come on, Gen, let’s get her cleaned up, we need not speak of this to Harry and Ron.” Sephiroth spoke gently so as not to worry Hermione, who was showing classic signs of having gone into a deep state of shock.

“Agreed. So where was this stream?”
The two walked in silence until Sephiroth motioned for Genesis to follow his lead.
“Ah, there it is. We can replenish their water supply whilst we are here.”

“Good thinking, they do have more mouths to feed now.” Sephiroth held Hermione still whilst Genesis cleaned the blood from her hands and face.
“Hm? What’s this?”

“What’s what?” Genesis looked over at Sephiroth who looked back at him thoughtfully.

“Forgive me, Hermione, I just want to get a closer look.” Genesis looked at him in curiosity as Sephiroth circled a slender finger around Hermione’s neck, pulling out a golden chain.
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Meanwhile, Other was disposing of the body when she felt a malevolent presence behind her. “Uncle.”

“Ah, sweet Niece, so it is you and your Brother.” Having fully disposed of the corpse, Other turned to face her Uncle.
Like Mother, he had a platinum blonde hair but he had darker skin that she, his face was marred with scars from a fight he had been in with Father.
“What a pleasant surprise. How are you?”

“Enough of the pleasantries, Uncle. What do you want with them?” Other stood defiant, but she silently hoped Genesis would return, this man was someone she was not strong enough to defeat.

“Ever the impatient one, aren’t we?” He stroked her cheek, his sickly-sweet smile belaying an evil intent. “I am afraid, however, that you are going to have to wait and see, wouldn’t want you to ruin the game now that it has gotten interesting. Farewell, Niece, I shall see you soon.” And with that, he vanished.

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“Other?” Hermione came out into the clearing with Genesis and Sephiroth in tow.

“Nice to see you back on your feet.” Other smiled gently at her Chosen One. “How are you feeling?”

“A little better, I think.” Hermione hugged herself a shudder running up her spine.

“We think we know what caused her outburst.” Genesis announced, holding up the locket that Hermione had been wearing. “I believe this is one of those Horcruxes, yes?”
Other nodded, “good. Then it would appear as though it fed off of Hermione’s inner darkness, though how someone like you could have that kind of inner darkness is a mystery for another day.” Pocketing the locket, Genesis clapped his hands. “Now, let’s get back to the others, lest they think we have abandoned them.”

Sephiroth led them to the church where Harry and Ron raced over to greet Hermione with a warm hug that she all but fell into.
Hermione watched from the corner of her eye as Genesis snuck the locket into the glass jar Other had pulled out of Hermione’s beaded bag.
Shivering from the cold, Hermione broke the embrace and picked up a long stick.
“Come on, we’d best go.”

Everyone took hold of one part of the stick – three looking utterly perplexed – and Hermione thought of the next place to hide.
It turned out to be a small town, and it was market day.
“Good job I have money. I’ll go and get some food, Harry,” Harry turned to Hermione who was busy scribbling something onto a scrap of paper. “I want you to lead everyone else to this place, just pretend that you’re showing some tourists the site, I’ll meet you there in an hour.”
Without waiting for a reply, she took off towards the market; she did not see Sephiroth give Genesis a nudge in her direction.

“Hermione?” Genesis caught up with her as she entered the shop.

“Oh, hello. I would have thought you would have stayed with the others.” Hermione’s voice sounded annoyed; Genesis smiled. He knew what was wrong.

“We need to talk about what happened back there.” He leant in closer and wrapped his hand around the shopping trolley’s handle, effectively pushing her out of the way.

“No, we don’t.” She snapped.

Hermione stopped suddenly in her tracks as Genesis swung the trolley about-face and caused her to walk into the front of it with an “oof!”
“Yes. We. Do.” His eyes flashed dangerously. “I have no idea where that came from you back there, but I know I do not want to see it again.”

“Genesis, I am in no mood for this, let’s just get the food and get out of here.” Hermione pushed past him.
They walked in silence through the store, with Genesis only speaking up when there was something on a shelf that he didn’t know.

Once night had fallen over the campsite and dinner was cooking, however, Genesis took Hermione by surprise by suddenly standing. “Angeal, if you wouldn’t mind taking over dinner for me, Hermione and I need to have a private conversation,” Hermione blinked as Genesis lowered a glare at her, his pale blue eyes glowing in the darkness. “Whether she likes it or not.”
Harry and Ron were about to object when Other silenced them with a hand on each of their arms. Hermione sighed in defeat and handed Angeal the spatula.

Following her Crimson Angel, Hermione kept the frustration off of her face as best as possible.
“What is it Genesis?”
She took three steps back as Genesis spun around, blade in hand, resting it just at her left jugular artery.
“Genesis, what are you doing?”

“Finding out what caused that inner darkness in you. In order to do that, I need to put you into a threatening situation.” Genesis advance on her.
Hermione’s mind reeled.

“Or you could just ask –”

“So, you can tell me there was nothing wrong?” Genesis snapped at her, this boiled Hermione’s blood, why wasn’t he listening to her?

“I didn’t want to talk about it inside the supermarket now put that bloody thing down and I’ll talk to you!” Hermione shouted.
Twigs suddenly caught fire, the fire was blue and spreading around Hermione’s feet.

“Oh really?” he replied sceptically. Watching him cock his head to the side, Hermione realised that this was the reaction he wanted the whole time. “Well it would appear as though your emotions really do control your power.” Heaving a sigh, Genesis lowered his weapon, Hermione dropped her guard. “Alright, we’ll talk over here, come and sit with me.”
Both, however, were still on high alert of the other.
Sitting down on the log, Genesis leant on his knees, knitting his fingers together, regarding his Golden Flower as he spoke the one question that had been bothering him all night.
“What happened to you back there?”

He watched as she mulled over the question, her head sinking into her hands as she shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know. I just felt a darkness surround the campsite; I had only just put the locket around my neck as we don’t Apparate with it in the jar under normal circumstances. Other can’t wear it and I guess she didn’t think to ask one of you three to wear it.
But as soon as I put it on and the Death Eaters came into the camp, I lost all control of my anger. One of them had struck Other and I felt angry, but I had also never felt such a power surge before.” She stood and Genesis watched her wave her arms around her as she explained.
“The rush of power that surged through my veins... oh it was intoxicating, I heard a little voice in the back of my head telling me to roll with it, so I did. As for killing that man, I actually don’t remember doing it. All I remember was the feeling of immense satisfaction before I came round to see my hands covered in blood and a knife in his throat.” She looked down at Genesis.
“An inner darkness... maybe there’s more to Other’s story that I want to admit.”
Hermione sat down hard on the floor.
“What do you think?”

Genesis blinked, not expecting the question. “Me? Personally, I think you’re falling into what we call a SOLDIER’s Slump.”

“Huh?”

“Basically, when a new member of SOLDIER joins the ranks and goes into a major battle or a war for the first time, he gets himself into a slump.
Allows himself to get swept up by the darkness of killing people, only once he returns with his comrades to the campsite, he has no real notion of how he was able to do it. Mulling over it for a time he becomes snappy, ill-tempered and frustrated with even those closest to him.
We had one that snapped at Sephiroth once, and he just stood there and let the greenhorn vent, before Sephiroth just placed his hands on the boy’s shoulders and told him that it was going to be alright.
That he was just suffering from the human condition, guilt and other feelings all fighting one another for dominance. This then creates depression which causes the slump.” Genesis stood himself.
“You are going through the first stage of it. Eventually you’ll become like us and it’ll just wash over you, the feelings just won’t be there anymore.”
Placing his hand on Hermione’s shoulder he looked her in the eyes. “But I don’t want you to stop feeling emotions, because they are what keep you from making mistakes and getting a taste for blood and death, just like us.”

He saw confusion set into Hermione’s eyes. “Just be you. The you that I have grown very fond of, the you that always thinks before she attacks and knows better than to kill. I know its war, but sometimes you become the better person if you don’t spill blood. You are not me, Hermione.”
It sunk in this time. Now he just pulled her close and held her tight, revelling in the comfort.

“Genesis? Hermione?” Sephiroth’s voice broke through the silence, startling the other two as he came through the trees.
“Forgive the intrusion, but Angeal says that the dinner is done.”

“Thank you, Sephiroth,” Hermione said in a quiet voice.

Sephiroth smiled down at her, “are you feeling better now?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “Much better. Thank you.”
Sephiroth nodded in reply and led the way back to the camp.