Sephiroth stands on the hill, looking over everyone there and the complicated way down. He’s still the way he left himself after the end of his performance, with the seven wings on his back. He sees no reason to hide them now. He offered to take anyone down who wanted to go, but so far he hasn’t had anyone take him up on it and he’s not sure if he wasn’t heard or if they don’t trust him to do it.

How could they trust him, a madman who thought himself a god, destroyed towns and innocent lives, and tried to damage the entire Planet in his thirst for knowledge and power?

What will happen back in town? Should he resign his position? Leon still accepts him, but will others?

He doesn’t know what to think. Everyone’s pain was laid bare for everyone else to see. If the demons wanted it to tear them all apart, it looks more like they’re adapting, still caring, still ... accepting and trusting.

But does that include him?

He really wants to go home to Zack and Lucy, petting their soft fur and just being silent for a while. But ... if most everyone wants to stay here tonight, should he linger? It doesn’t look like he’s needed. Would leaving look bad?

Does he care? He never used to, but ... he never had the chance for any kind of a normal life before. He doesn’t want to ruin it. If he hasn’t already.

Still ... he wants to go home.

He stands by, feeling on the outside of everything, watching the others yet not feeling truly involved in their methods of coping.

How he wishes the human Zack were here. And Angeal.

And Cloud ... no matter how foolish it is to wish that. But Cloud will never accept, never forgive. Of course he won't. He shouldn't. And Sephiroth will never try to force his way back into Cloud's life, despite longing for Cloud to care about him when he's sane.

He turns away tiredly, starting to spread his wings.