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Prologue:
This story starts out very cruelly and may not be something for everyone. Yes, I have strong memories of it – at least in part. But here I gave the main character the chance to lead a better life. Something that unfortunately was partly denied to me.
Of course I don't deviate from my writing style, the homoeroticism, in this story either. However, there will be no detailed act? scenes here. This time I only hint at such scenes.
One of my favorite characters is of course part of the party and as expected, he is not doing very well for the time being. However, this phase doesn't last too long, because I can't stand, read, let alone write such scenes for too long. Why? Well, unfortunately I know such scenes from my own experience... it hasn't been so much different for me...
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The characters Sephiroth, Genesis, Zack, Cloud and Angeal are and remain the property of Square Enix (Final Fantasy VII).
Of course, I have changed these four characters a lot here, in terms of their nature, all that will remain of them are their names.
And another thing: this story has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with Final Fantasy VII or other Final Fantasy games.
And please don't rip my head off when you read this, I still need my head.
And now, I hope you enjoy reading it.
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Chapter 1:
A peaceful little village just outside of London. It was the dead of winter and, consequently, bitterly cold. The snow lay several centimeters thick on the streets and fields, while darkness covered the village like a veil.
The windows of the small village radiated comfort, warmth and wonderful lights. The small accessories hanging in the windows added to the atmosphere. Everyone in this village was happy and content and busy preparing for Christmas Eve, which was to take place in two days.
Unfortunately, not everyone was doing so well and not everyone was so happy.
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“Damn it, where did that boy go again?”, a drunken woman called out questioningly to her equally drunk husband.
“How should I know where you sent him this time?!”
? Then you better go find him. He should bring me my beer, and on the double!?, the woman called back from the living room.?
Yes, yes, I'm on my way!?, the man replied irritably, went into the hallway and climbed a few steps.
The man quickly entered a small room, which looked more like a closet than a child's room, on the upper floor of the house, and slammed the door shut. He immediately grabbed the little four-year-old boy, who was sitting in a corner, completely frightened, by the hair and pulled him out of the corner. The little boy lay on the floor and looked up at his father, who then shouted at him:
“Didn't you hear, you rotten, depraved little brat?! Your mother wants her beer! Bring it to her, but hurry up! and slapped the little boy in the face with the flat of his hand, then kicked him and pulled him out of the room by his hair?down the stairs and into the kitchen?right in front of the fridge, he dropped the little boy.
But the little boy didn't cry. He hadn't had any tears for a long time. Because it was the same nasty game every day – he was no longer used to it.
Humbly, he got up from the floor, took the beer out of the fridge, brought it to his mother in the living room, and received no praise for it, but a strong slap in the face and a kick, just as always.
The same cruel abuse every day? Since he was two years old, the little boy was beaten, abused and deeply humiliated by his parents almost every day. He rarely had any peace and quiet from his parents.
Quietly and as inconspicuously as possible, the little boy left the living room again. Now he had his peace for the time being, he knew. So he took his little jacket from the coat hook in the hallway, pulled it over his battered little body and left the house. His parents wouldn't notice that he was gone now anyway.
Hungry, because he had not had anything to eat for three days, only a sip of water now and then, and freezing, because his thin little jacket could not protect him sufficiently from the biting cold, he walked through the streets of the village and looked at the beautiful colorful windows here and there, which were so wonderfully illuminated. How he longed for something he didn't really know: warmth, just a little warmth.
Bitterly weeping and sobbing, he ran on until he simply could not run anymore, because his little legs could no longer carry him. He sat down on a cold stone wall, in the wet, cold but soft snow, huddled up and tried to defy the cold. His tears, which ran silently down his little face, immediately froze into small glittering ice beads. And yet not a single sound came over his lips. Finally, darkness enveloped the small, delicate, emaciated body, as if in a cloak, and he tipped over to one side.
With his purchases finished and stowed in the car, the eighteen-year-old young man was just about to get into his car and drive back home to his parents when he noticed something dark by his car. Something or someone was leaning against the bumper. He bent down and saw that a small child was leaning against his car. He touched it gently and spoke softly:
“Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?“ Oh dear, you're as cold as ice,” he said more to himself than to the little girl.
Quickly, he opened the car, took out a warm, soft blanket, wrapped the child in it, lifted the little one up and carefully placed it on the back seat of his car. Then he gently strapped it in so that nothing could happen to him while driving.
He then got into the car, started the engine and drove as fast as he could and was allowed to, to the nearest hospital in London.
When he arrived, the little child was immediately examined in the emergency room. The pediatrician who was called knew the child already and asked the young man where he had found the little boy.
The young man, with long silver hair, told exactly and truthfully what had happened.
The doctor nodded and said:
“Young man, you have saved the life of this little boy. He would not have lasted much longer and would have frozen to death. The little boy is now four years old and has been regularly and horribly abused by his parents since he was two years old. He was therefore often brought here. The poor child? poor little Randir?, the doctor finished his explanation.
Please tell me: Why hasn't anyone done anything against these parents, if you can call them monsters, and reported them to the police?, the young man wanted to know further.
Allow me to ask you a counter-question. Who are you actually?, the doctor wanted to know.
My name is Sephiroth Crescent. But now please answer my question.,” the young man replied impatiently and rather irritably, as he didn't understand how ‘parents’ could do something like this to a small child.
We reported the parents many times, but every time the youth welfare office visited the parents, everything was fine. They could never be proven guilty. Another problem is that the youth welfare office has to announce itself before every home visit,” the doctor explained.
Then I'll report the parents one more time. And another thing: I'll take care of Randir in the future, if possible. And then he'll surely be happier, I can promise you that. Sephiroth spoke with determination and with a little rage in his voice that couldn't be overheard.
Yes, Sephiroth was angry, very angry about how someone could be so cruel to such a small child. He just couldn't understand it.
“Very well, then I'll make the necessary arrangements immediately. Thanks to you, the little one is doing quite well and if you like, you can take him with you right away. I'll just quickly get the medical certificate and a note, which I'll give to you right away. The youth welfare office would then also have to be informed, but I'm sure you know that.”
Sephiroth nodded and waited for the doctor in the treatment room.
While he waited for the doctor, he looked at little Randir and gently stroked his little head with the black hair. He gently touched the little one's hands as well, but the little one didn't seem to notice?
“You'll be fine with us, I promise you, my little one,” Sephiroth spoke gently and very softly.
The doctor entered the room again and handed Sephiroth the certificate and authorization for little Randir, and Sephiroth put the documents in his coat pocket.
“Doctor, tell me: is the little one really all right? Because he's not moving at all. I'm very worried about him,” Sephiroth asked the doctor anxiously.
“Don't worry, Randir is fine. He's just sleeping. Go home with him, keep him warm and take good care of him, and he'll be fine. However, I fear that his little soul has been damaged quite a bit. You should be very careful with him. He has been through a lot in his life so far.,” the doctor replied kindly, because he could already tell that this young man really cared about the little one and he knew that Randir would be fine from now on.
Sephiroth took the little boy in his arms and left the hospital with him.
The doctor and Sephiroth actually pressed charges against Randir's parents again.
When he reached his car, Sephiroth unlocked it, put Randir back in the back seat and fastened him gently with a belt so that little Randir would be safe.
Sephiroth then took Randir home as quickly as possible.
Of course, his parents had been very worried about Sephiroth. But how surprised they were when their son entered the house with a small child in his arms, who was also a beautiful little boy with black hair.
“Oh, isn't he cute?” Dilara enthused immediately and had already taken him into her heart. Reid was also very taken with the little boy.
But both were shocked by the terrible injuries on the little face.
Sephiroth told them both, after they had unloaded the car and entered the house, what had happened to the little one, but that he had already been to the hospital with him and had been examined there.
“I have taken responsibility for Randir, as the little one is called,” and stood, proud and full of determination, before his parents.
His parents understood Sephiroth all too well and offered him their help if there were any difficulties. Of course, the adoption that Sephiroth wanted for the little one had yet to be initiated, but that shouldn't be a problem, given the status that he and his parents enjoyed.
Carefully, Sephiroth laid little Randir on the sofa in the living room and covered him gently and very carefully with a soft blanket. Now the little one could recover and get some sleep.
Dilara and Reid also remained quiet. Now all three sat in the room and watched the little one sleeping so peacefully.
However, the calm was soon over because the doorbell rang. Dilara immediately jumped up, went to the door and opened it. Angeal, Zack and Genesis were standing in front of the door.
“Hello Dilara!” the three greeted her loudly and almost in unison.
But Dilara put her index finger to her mouth after she had greeted the three quietly and gestured to them that they should be quiet. Then she led the three friends quietly into the living room.
When the three saw Randir lying on the sofa with the devoted Sephiroth next to him, they could hardly believe it and first had to sit down in one of the other chairs in the room to take it all in.
“Seph, how long have you had a kid here?” Zack wanted to know.
The little one's name is Randir and I will take care of him from now on.', Sephiroth explained proudly and also told his friends what he had experienced and how he had found the little one.
The three looked first at Sephiroth, then at Randir, and shook their heads.
*-*-*
Chapter 2:
Slowly, Randir awoke at some point and looked around, still a bit drowsy. At first, he saw the face of a young man with long silver hair and thought he was dreaming. But then he saw other people in the room and looked around in fright.
Panic rose up inside of him, his little heart hammering fearfully and just as frantically against his small chest, as if every beat could be his last, while his body trembled like aspen leaves with fear. Then he suddenly jumped up from the sofa and ran somewhere, scared, but he didn't know where. He didn't even know where he was. Finally, he found a small corner in which he cowered, completely distraught, and didn't leave for the time being.
Sephiroth had also jumped up and followed the little one slowly and cautiously, then he found Randir sitting in the corner, completely frightened and huddled up.
Sephiroth squatted down in front of Randir at a great distance and spoke soothingly to him:
“Don't be afraid, little one. You're safe here, no one will hurt you. I'll protect you, I promise. And I'll wait here for you until you come out of your corner. I promise you. Yes, I know that there was no one else there for you, but I will always be there for you. Do you hear me? I will always be there for you, no matter when or where. By the way, my name is Sephiroth. But you can call me Sephi, little Randir. Sephiroth fell silent and just looked into Randir's eyes. But did he not want to stare him dead now, so that he looked away from him now and then and looked somewhere else? But always kept Randir in his field of vision.
After Randir had looked around fearfully and also looked his counterpart in the eye, he slowly came out of “his” corner after about an hour. But for the time being he kept his distance.
It took a while before Randir slowly approached Sephiroth, but he kept stopping after almost every step and kept looking back to “his” corner. When he finally reached Sephiroth, who hadn't moved from the spot and had thus kept his promise,
Very slowly, Randir raised his hand and held it out to Sephiroth. Sephiroth also slowly raised his hand and gently touched the little one's hand before taking it into his own and smiling at him.
“Will you come with me, my little one?” Sephiroth asked Randir.
The little one nodded and let Sephiroth take him back to the living room after Sephiroth had stood up and taken the little one in his arms.
Once there, Sephiroth asked him calmly, 'Would you like to sit with me?
' Again, the little one just nodded his head in agreement and looked hopefully at him, wide-eyed.
Then Sephiroth sat Randir down on the sofa next to him. Randir, however, slowly and carefully crawled onto Sephiroth's lap, where he remained sitting quietly and calmly. Sephiroth smiled at Randir and then gently hugged him.
Randir now looked at Sephiroth with a questioning look. He didn't understand what was going on here, why the human was being so affectionate towards him. He didn't know anything like that. He had only ever been beaten and insulted.
“Are you hungry, Randy?” Sephiroth wanted to know, looking lovingly into Randir's eyes.
He then timidly replied,
Yes?“ He was silent, but then spoke again, for fear of saying something wrong and of the expected beating, which did not come, though.
“Randy?” No one had ever called him that before.
“Hey, kid, you can talk?” Sephiroth tried to joke with Randir and gently stroked his little head.
Of course Randir flinched briefly, because he had never experienced affectionate caresses either; he had only ever been beaten and kicked.
“Mum, could you please cook a grieß pudding for Randy? I think he'll like that,” Sephiroth asked his mother, pressing Randir gently and protectively to him.
You like Grie?brei, don't you? Would you like something else to eat, then please say so, little one,” Sephiroth added in a gentle voice.
But Randir just nodded and now looked at Sephiroth, fascinated.
Dilara nodded and went to the kitchen to prepare something for the little boy.
Meanwhile, the three friends and Reid sat silently in the living room. But each of them had their own thoughts. There was only one thing they all agreed on, without knowing it. The little boy should definitely stay here. He didn't deserve to have monsters as parents.
Sephiroth spoke calmly to Randir:
“You see those people sitting here? That's my Dad Reid over there, and he's the best Dad in the world. Genesis is sitting here next to us, Zack is next to him, and Angeal is over there at the table. We are all best friends,? and pointed to each person, who then nodded at the little one with a friendly smile, as Reid did, or, as in the case of Zack, made faces or grinned, like Genesis. The only one who remained a bit more serious was Angeal, but he too gave the little one a brief friendly smile.
Finally, Dilara had the meal ready and beautifully garnished, then she brought it to the living room to her son and perhaps future grandson? little Randir.
The little boy's eyes widened visibly when he saw the plate in front of him. Everything on it was so beautifully colorful, he had never seen anything like it either, so he didn't dare touch the plate for fear of breaking something. And he knew what would happen if he broke something. Still, he looked at everything curiously.
Only when Sephiroth spoke to him:
“Randy, you can eat that. Look, there are strawberries and Smarties on it. Taste it, it tastes great.” and took the spoon in his hand to feed Randir if necessary.
But Randir just held out his small hand and touched everything suspiciously, yet curiously, with his fingers. It felt so good. Finally, he opened his mouth and let Sephiroth feed him.
As if Randir would savor every bite, he chewed slowly on almost everything and then swallowed it down. Only very gradually did Randir gain confidence in Sephiroth. After about half an hour, the plate was empty and Sephiroth caressed Randir very lovingly.
“And did you like it, little one?” Dilara asked softly, looking at the little one with gentle eyes.
Randir looked at Dilara, slightly startled when she spoke to him, came to him and also caressed him gently. Randir clung to Sephiroth with one hand, but still looked at Dilara and answered barely audibly,
“Yes?”
After that, he turned his little head back to Sephiroth, clung to him and didn't look at anyone else?
It was quite late when Genesis, Angeal and Zack said goodbye and left the house. They didn't want to disturb the family any further and would come back another time.
Sephiroth accompanied his friends to the door, with Randir in his arms, and said a friendly goodbye to them.
Then he asked his mother to show him how to bathe, dress and put to bed such a small child. Of course Dilara was happy to show him everything her son wanted.
Sephiroth went into the bathroom with Randir and the boy immediately began to cry and tremble, for he had had a very bad experience in the bathroom, too.
“Shhh... take it easy, my little one. I'll bathe you, dress you and take you to your room to bed, okay. Do you trust me, Randy?”
Randir nodded shyly and looked at Sephiroth, who smiled lovingly at him.
Meanwhile, Dilara had let pleasantly warm water into the bathtub and added fragrant relaxation and healing oil.
Sephiroth dipped his hand into the water and then carefully wetted Randir's face with it.
“You see, nothing happened. It's pleasant, isn't it?” Sephiroth spoke soothingly to Randir.
Again, Randir looked at Sephiroth with wide eyes. He wasn't used to anyone speaking to him so lovingly either, and nothing really did happen to him.
Gradually, and with a lot of coaxing, Sephiroth undressed Randir and saw the many bruises on the little body. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he swallowed and pulled himself together. What must poor little Randir have been through. It must have been hell for the little one, right?
Gently, Sephiroth took the little boy in his arms and carefully placed him in the bathtub. He then very carefully wet Randir's skin with pleasantly warm and fragrant water. And slowly, Randir's trust in Sephiroth grew a little more.
Meanwhile Dilara fetched a small pair of pajamas, which she still had from her son, and a soft bath towel. She brought both to the bathroom and put them on the dresser.
She stayed with her son and watched him carefully, while also giving him a few useful tips.
Sephiroth followed her instructions exactly.
He carefully took the little boy out of the tub, wrapped him gently in the bath towel and dried him softly.
Then he dabbed the hematomas with a light healing cream, dressed Randir and then brought him to one of the many rooms that was now to become his.
Sephiroth gently put Randir into the big, soft bed and covered him. Then he wished him good night and was about to leave the room when he heard quiet words:
“Please can you stay here, yes please?” Randir asked, stuttering, and looked hopefully at Sephiroth, still a little afraid.
“Of course, I'll stay with you if you want me to,” Sephiroth promised and added, ‘Please wait for me a moment, yes, I'll just quickly go and wash and change.’ Then he winked at the little boy and left the room for a short time.
Randir remained exactly where Sephiroth had put him. He didn't dare to move even a millimeter.
A little later, Sephiroth entered the room again and lay down in bed with Randir. He gently took him in his arms, caressed him and told him a bedtime story. Randir soon fell asleep in Sephiroth's arms, but Sephiroth also fell asleep peacefully very soon.
Dilara and Reid had also gone to bed and also fell asleep very soon, after they had talked a little about little Randir and made plans.
Sephiroth woke up the next morning because he felt a gentle touch. He slowly opened his eyes and saw little Randir sitting in front of him, gently stroking Sephiroth's face.
Quietly, Sephiroth said,
“Good morning, my little one. Well, did you sleep well?”
Randir only flinched slightly when Sephiroth opened his eyes and spoke to him. But there were no bad 'words' in it, Randir wondered quietly.
'It's all right, little one, you can trust me,' Sephiroth immediately reassured Randir, for he had seen how Randir had flinched.
Randir slowly crawled back to Sephiroth and gave him a small smile, although he was still afraid. Sephiroth just smiled back and caressed Randir, who then snuggled up to Sephiroth and just enjoyed this moment.
And it was really just a moment, because there was already a knock on the door and Dilara, Reid, Angeal, Zack and Genesis came in.
They all had a few small packages, bags and other things with them.
They put all of this on the bed and everywhere else they could find space. Well, the room was big enough.
Dilara had decided early that morning to go shopping with her husband Reid and get everything they could for little Randir. Dilara and Reid had already taken the little boy into their hearts, because for them he was already their grandson. They had really grown fond of him.
On the way, they met their son's friends and immediately involved them.
Dilara then spoke only briefly and smiling:
“Little Randy, this is all for you. Have fun, my little one.” With these words, Dilara giggled again, then the five people left the room again, leaving Sephiroth and Randir alone again.
Of course they had meant well, but the little boy couldn't handle it, because he didn't know anything like that either.
Randir really couldn't believe what he was seeing. All of this was supposed to belong to him? Of all people? That couldn't be right, could it?
Weeping because he really wasn't used to something like this, he lay down on the bed face-down and couldn't calm himself. Randir was simply overwhelmed. Other children would have been happy to have him, but him? Well?
Sephiroth quickly put everything away in a closet. He only took a small fluffy light brown teddy bear and went back to the bed, to Randir.
Sephiroth gently stroked Randir's back and took him very carefully, so that nothing happened, in his arms.
He hugged the little boy lightly and stroked his little head.
“It's okay, my little one, it was probably all a bit much for you, um? I understand,” Sephiroth spoke soothingly to Randir.
Then he showed him the little teddy bear and said:
“Look, Randy, this here is a teddy bear. I give it to you and you can play with it, tell it all your secrets and it will always be with you, as long as you want. Whenever you feel lonely, talk to it and it will always listen to you. He will never betray a secret. Just like I will always be there for you and you can also trust me with everything. I will never betray a secret either. Would you like to give the little one here a name? Hm? and he looked at Randir with a gentle smile.
Randir took the teddy bear and gently hugged it. Then he looked at it, nodded slightly, thought for a moment and then spoke very quietly:
“Moonchild... the teddy bear shall be called Moonchild. Is that good or is it wrong?” Randir was worried and looked at Sephiroth questioningly and a little anxiously at the same time.
Sephiroth listened quietly, nodded, and replied:
“That's a very nice name, Randy. And you certainly didn't do anything wrong, little one. Trust me, Randy.”
Meanwhile, Randir looked first at Sephiroth, then at the little teddy bear, wide-eyed.
Finally, Randir took his teddy bear Mondenkind in his arms, snuggled up to Sephiroth and closed his eyes. Now he felt safe and secure. He was beginning to feel truly loved here.
Sephiroth continued to gently caress him.
“Yes, that's right, my little one, relax and don't be afraid. I'm here and I'll take care of you,” Sephiroth whispered to the little one.
At some point, the two of them got up and went into the bathroom. First, Sephiroth gave the little one a shower and then dressed him. Randir grabbed Mondenkind. Then Sephiroth brought Randir down to the kitchen to the others and sat him on the chair by the window. Gently Sephiroth stroked the little one's head and spoke calmly:
“Randy, I'm going to take a shower and get dressed, okay, and I'll leave you with these people. You don't need to be afraid of anyone here. Because you know these people now, too, don't you. These people here are all very nice, believe me. I'll be back for you in a moment, my little one, and then he left the kitchen, while Randir looked after him, frightened and scared.
Zack was the first to dare approach the little one.
Hey, little one, do you remember me? I'm Zack. Are you as hungry as I am? Come on, let's eat, okay? Zack tried to cheer the little one up, but he already had tears in his eyes.
Sephi will be right back, Randy. Don't be afraid, Zack added, wanting to caress the little one.
But Randir started to cry loudly.
“Let him be?” Genesis said bored, but Angeal also thought that Zack should leave the little one alone.
Only Dilara didn't let it take away, took the little one in her arms and tried to calm him down.
Shhh? Take it easy, my little one. You're not alone, and no one will hurt you. Your Sephi will be right back, okay. Well, tell me, what a cute teddy bear you have there. Does he have a name? Hmm? Dilara spoke lovingly to the little one, whom she was very fond of, and tried to distract him a little.
Randir stopped crying and looked at Dilara in amazement. Then he nodded and told her quietly and with a choked voice:
“The teddy bear's name is Moonchild.”
“But that's a very beautiful name, Randy. Did you think up the name yourself?”
“Yes,” replied Randir, while Dilara gently hugged him and stroked his hair.
Slowly, Randir's tears dried up and he now observed everything and everyone.
Meanwhile Reid was preparing dinner while the three friends sat down on the soft chairs in the kitchen – except for Zack, of course, who couldn't resist trying to get in touch with Randir again. Randir looked at Zack calmly but a little anxiously, while he held on to Dilara and leaned his head on her shoulder.
The food was finally on the table and Sephiroth was finally ready, too. He entered the kitchen and saw that Randir was with Dilara. He wanted to leave it at that. Nevertheless, he made himself noticeable. He went to his mother, stroked the little boy's back and said, smiling,
“Well, Randy, everything okay?”
Immediately, Randir lifted his head and his eyes lit up when he saw “his Sephi”.
He promptly let go of Dilara and stretched out his little arms towards Sephiroth.
Sephiroth took him in his arms and gently hugged him.
“Did you miss me so much, my little one?” Sephiroth asked Randir and sat down at the table with him.
The meal went without major incident, except that Randir didn't know bread rolls either, but after a lot of coaxing from Dilara and Sephiroth, he ate them.
Randir remained a little suspicious, even though he experienced so much good in this family. Of course, everything had to be explained to him before the little one would agree to anything.
After dinner, Sephiroth asked his friends:
“How about it, do you guys feel like going outside a bit? We can take Randy with us if he wants to come.” Turning to his mother, Sephiroth asked, ‘Say, Mom, do we still have the sled?
“Yes, we still have it, it should be up in the attic, Seph,’ Dilara replied.
Okay, then we'll get the sled down,“ Sephiroth decided, looked at Randir and asked him:
“Well, little one, do you want to come with us? But you can also stay with Dilara if you want.”
Randir looked first at Sephiroth, then at Dilara and decided:
“Can I stay with Lara?” Randir replied questioningly.
Of course, my little one. I'll be home soon, too, okay?“ Sephiroth replied, gently hugging his little darling once more and already having an idea of what he wanted to do?
“Mom, is it okay with you if the little one stays with you?” Sephiroth asked, looking at his mother beseechingly.
“Of course, the little one can stay here. We'll keep ourselves busy, won't we, my darling?” Dilara spoke to Randir, and immediately took him gently from Sephiroth's arms and went with him into the living room.
Sephiroth put on his long coat and left the house with his friends. Together they got into Sephiroth's car, and he drove off. He knew where he was going.
Soon he had reached the village where Randir came from and turned into the street where Randir's parents lived. He had gotten the exact address from other sources.
“Umm? Sephiroth? Can you please tell us what you're up to!” Genesis demanded, questioningly.
Sephiroth stopped right in front of the house where Randir's parents lived and spoke resolutely:
“The parents of Randir, those monsters, live here, and I'm going to explain to them how to treat a small child.”
“Sephiroth, please don't make a mistake, okay?” Angeal worriedly.
Don't worry, I won't get my hands dirty with those beasts. You can wait here if you want, or you can come with me,” Sephiroth explained and got out.
The friends had decided to accompany him because they also felt very sorry for the little guy. And the little guy was really lucky that Sephiroth had found him. They still had to get used to the fact that from now on their friend only came in a double pack, but the little guy was really cute and they would all quickly get used to the new situation.
*-*-*
Chapter 3:
Sephiroth stood right in front of the door and rang the bell. His friends were all standing behind him.
A little later, they heard a shuffling sound, then a man who looked rather worn opened the door.
“What is it?” the man asked gruffly.
“Hello, Mr. I'd like to have a little talk with you about your son. May we come in?“ Sephiroth replied as politely as he could, considering the monster standing before him.
“Yes, okay, come in. Where is the boy, anyway?” the man asked casually.
The four friends entered the house and followed the man into the living room, which looked more like a garbage dump, just like the whole house.
In an armchair, near the television, sat a drunk woman who at first didn't even realize that anyone was there and therefore didn't greet them.
The man offered the strange men a seat, but they firmly refused.
“Listen, we're not here to have a coffee klatch with you. And to get back to your question: the 'rascal' is called Randir and he won't be coming back to you anymore! You will never trample on him again! Is that clear?”
The man and the woman seemed to be stone-cold sober immediately, because the woman also got up from her chair and looked questioningly at the “figures” in front of her.
“What does that mean?!” the woman asked indignantly.
What that means, I'll tell you. It means that Randir will live with me from now on and I'll adopt him. The little one doesn't deserve monsters like you! Sephiroth got worked up and Genesis added his two cents as well:
The little one is so afraid of everything, it's not normal anymore, what have they done to the little one? Man, if you have parents like that, you really don't need enemies anymore.
Zack and Angeal kept out of it and thought their part.
They'll regret this, we won't let them take our son away just like that. You can count on that,“ the man said loudly and aggressively.
“Is that so? We'll see about that. If necessary, we'll go to court and then a judge will decide where the little one stays.” “Mr.,” is a promise. And what do you think the judge will do when he finds out what you've done to the little one? By the way, a report has been filed against you anyway.”
“You can't be serious! Besides, you can't prove a thing!“ the woman now shouted.
“Yes, miss, I am dead serious and I can very well prove it. You'll both be hearing from the police very soon. Good day, ‘gentlemen,’” Sephiroth now spoke calmly again and then left this 'dump' with his friends.
In the fresh air, everyone took a deep breath. The smell in there had been truly nauseating and unbearable, and the friends felt even sorrier for the little boy.
Genesis then suggested:
“Friends, what do you think about buying a few more presents for the little one? I mean, tomorrow is Christmas Eve anyway, so it's kind of fitting.”
That's a good idea, Genesis. We'll do it like that., Sephiroth, Zack and Angeal agreed.
Immediately the four got back into the car and drove away. Back in London, Sephiroth drove to the best department store he knew, stopped and all four got out of the car.
Then it was time for a big shopping spree for 'Randir'?
Meanwhile, Dilara took a little time to spend with the little one and she had already called the youth welfare office and described the case to them.
The case worker agreed to the adoption request and asked the family, along with little Randir and Sephiroth, to come to the office after Christmas. The adoption would then be carried out immediately. The case worker knew Dilara's family very well, but also little Randir's family, and therefore had no objections. They had often taken in foster children and always given them a lot of love.
Meanwhile, Randir was sitting in his room playing with his toys. But Dilara also sat with him after the phone call and played with the little boy so that he would not be so alone.
Slowly, Randir began to trust Dilara a little, and his fear diminished as well. This happened slowly but surely.
He began to move and behave normally, without fear. He could even laugh a little. And he had a sweet laugh, as Dilara thought. When Randir laughed, his eyes laughed with him. Yes, they really sparkled.
It was still early in the evening when Sephiroth came home and asked his father to keep the present for the little one safe. Reid agreed and had to grin.
“Um, Dad, is it okay if my friends are here tomorrow too, because they also want to give Randy a little something?” Sephiroth asked his father.
“Of course, that's no problem. But you know you shouldn't buy Randir with gifts, don't you?” Reid agreed, with a slight admonishment.
“Thanks, Dad. And, yes, I know that,” Sephiroth replied.
Then he left the living room and went up to Randir's room. He leaned casually against the doorframe and watched Dilara and Randir playing and laughing for a while. Then he cleared his throat and said with a smile,
“Well, where is my little angel?”
Randir immediately turned around, dropped all of his toys and ran towards Sephiroth.
“SEPHI!!!!” Randir was happy and with one leap, he almost jumped into Sephiroth's arms.
Sephiroth caught the little one, lifted him up and twirled him around. Randir began to laugh and to beam.
“Yes, hello, my little one, you can laugh so sweetly. I love you so much, Randy,” Sephiroth spoke gently.
Dilara watched them both, impressed, and was glad that Randir was finally doing well.
After the big welcome, Sephiroth sat down with his little treasure in the armchair by the window. Dilara sat down on the bed and then spoke:
“Sephiroth, I called the youth welfare office today. They're arranging the adoption and we're supposed to come to the office after Christmas to sign the papers.”
“Really! Hey, Mom, you're the best. Thanks.,” Sephiroth said happily and embraced his mother joyfully.
Then he looked at his little darling and said,
“Did you hear that, Randy!? You never have to go anywhere again and can stay with us forever. But tell me, is that what you want?“ Sephiroth wanted to know, teasing a little, from Randir.
But Randir just nodded his head violently and then said,
“Do you want to stay here with my Sephi?” and just beamed at Sephiroth.
“I thought so,“ Sephiroth said happily, gently hugging Randir.
“All right, my little one, now it's time for a bath and then you'll go to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas and you want to be well rested, right?” Sephiroth said to Randir, who just looked at him questioningly.
Don't tell me you don't know Christmas either? Oh dear, what have they done to you? Come on, I'll explain it to you. And Sephiroth explained to Randir, in a few words, what Christmas is. Randir understood that, and went voluntarily with him to the bathroom and let himself be made ready for bed by “his Sephi”.
Since Dilara and Reid had already eaten with the little one, the little one could go to bed right away.
Randir was put to bed by Sephiroth, Dilara and Reid. All caressed him lovingly, only Sephiroth then read him a little bedtime story. Finally, he asked his little darling:
'Are you sleeping alone tonight, my darling?' and put his little teddy bear 'Moonchild' into his bed as well.
Randir nodded, smiling, and replied,
'Yes, I'll try. Love you, Sephi.' At these words, tears welled up in Sephiroth's eyes and he had to swallow hard to keep from crying.
He gently hugged the little boy once more.
“I love you too, little one,” Sephiroth replied quietly.
Then he stood up, went to the door and said,
“Little one, if anything should happen, if you have a bad dream or feel lonely, then come to me, okay? I'll be right in the next room. Good night, my darling. Sleep well.' With these words, Sephiroth extinguished the light, but left the door open a crack, and then went downstairs to his parents in the living room, where they were still watching a movie on TV together and talking.
Randir, meanwhile, lay in his bed, looked up at the ceiling for quite a while and smiled. For the first time in his life, he was happy. He felt very welcome and loved here. He hugged Mondenkind close, snuggled into the pillow and the blanket, and then fell blissfully asleep.
Very late that evening, Reid, Dilara and Sephiroth also went to their sleeping chambers. But before they did so, they checked on the little one to make sure he was all right.
Quietly, they opened the door and entered the room.
“Look how he's sleeping, all sweet and good. Isn't he adorable??, Dilara enthused, who would have liked to take Randir in her arms and hug him immediately.
But of course she held back. Reid whispered to his son:
?You did well to bring the little one here. And I agree with your mother?the little one is really adorable.?
Sephiroth just nodded and looked at his little treasure for a long time, then he caressed him again and went to bed as well.
The next day, Randir got up very early, ran to the bathroom, showered as best he could, didn't forget to brush his teeth, got dressed and ran down the stairs when Reid came towards him:
“Hey, hey, hey? Not so rough, little man,“ Reid laughed and stroked the little one's head. Then he spoke lovingly.
“My little one, today you can't go into the living room yet, okay? Not until we call you,” Reid explained to Randir, who then looked at him with wide eyes and nodded.
Finally, he walked on and went into the kitchen, where he sat obediently at the window and looked out. Reid had just smiled as he watched the little one and was pleased that the little one had already settled in to some extent.
Sephiroth was still asleep, for he had been very tired and enjoyed this time out.
Meanwhile, Dilara had already gotten up, had a shower and got dressed. Then she also went to the kitchen, where she met Randir, who was sitting obediently at the window.
“Good morning, my darling,” Dilara greeted Randir joyfully, took him lovingly in her arms and pressed him gently to her. Randir was also happy to see Dilara and wrapped his little arms around her.
“Yes, my little one. I love you. Do you know what, you and I are going to have breakfast now, okay. Would you like to help me?“ Dilara asked Randir, gently stroking Randir.
Randir looked at Dilara and nodded, beaming with joy.
“Well then, come on, my darling. Here are the plates, you put them on the table,” Dilara explained to Randir.
He beamed and did as Dilara said. Dilara handed him the plates and he placed them on the table, one at each place. This went on until the table was completely set. Then, however, the doorbell rang.
Sephiroth woke up when the doorbell rang. He got up, looked out of the window and thought his part. He quickly put on some clothes, then ran down the stairs, but he was too late, because his mother had already opened the door and his father was standing next to Dilara.
Sephiroth stood behind his parents and asked them to take care of Randir, he would sort this out alone.
Dilara and Reid nodded and left Sephiroth alone with the two people.
“Should you need help?”, Reid still spoke to Sephiroth, in his departure, but was then interrupted by his son:
I know, I'll let you know. But father, please don't worry. I know what I'm doing., then Dilara and Reid disappeared through the door and went to the kitchen to Randir.
“Well, to them. As I already told them, Randir stays with us and I'll adopt him, do you understand me!? I won't give them the little one!, Sephiroth declared consistently, sensing what the two wanted.
“Then you'll force us to call the police!, Randir's father now threatened.
“Please, shall I bring you the phone?! I'm curious to see what the police will say about the hematomas that result from their abuse, which Randir has all over his body!“ Sephiroth also threatened, and there was anger in his voice, but he pulled himself together.
“All right, all right. Let's talk to each other sensibly,” Randir's mother replied soothingly.
Yes, sure, I should give them Randir. Never! I love the little one and my parents have taken him into their hearts as well, and he is welcome here. Be honest for once, you don't love your son at all. You just need your doormat back anyway. No, but not with me. Why don't you just drink another crate of beer?!!!!, Sephiroth mocked them, looking at them scornfully.
The man and the woman didn't stand a chance against Sephiroth and had to leave without having gotten anything. Sephiroth let the door fall shut and went to the kitchen to his parents and Randir.
First, Sephiroth greeted Randir.
“Hello, my little one. Good morning. Did you sleep well and dream of something nice?” Sephiroth asked Randir, then looked at him more closely and asked him further:
“Well, look at you, you're already dressed. Did Dilara get you ready?”
Randir shook his head and replied, “I washed and dressed myself and I even brushed my teeth.” and bowed his head.
“Hey, little one, that's no reason to hang your head. You did very well, my darling. I'm very proud of you,” Sephiroth cheered the little one up and lovingly took him in his arms.
Dilara now intervened and said,
“Our little one has even set the table for breakfast already.” With these words, Dilara winked at Randir and smiled.
Randir also gave Dilara a loving smile. Sephiroth didn't let go of the little one at all and, after he had looked at the table, praised him:
“You've done a really nice job, Randy. I love you...”
Randir looked at Sephiroth and slightly blushed. He wasn't used to praise and had to get used to it first. But it felt so good for him, so very different from his parents, although he was happy and everyone here loved him. Tears welled up in his eyes and he began to cry. Sephiroth saw that Randir had begun to weep and Dilara and Reid also saw their little darling crying.
“You've been through a lot, little one. Um, it's all good. You don't know this, do you? But we love you, Randy, and that will never change. You'll never have to go back to those monsters either. I won't, we'll all protect you and stand up for you. No one will ever hurt you like that again., Sephiroth tried to comfort Randir.
Dilara and Reid also comforted Randir very lovingly.
This went on for quite a while, then Randir had calmed down a little, his tears had dried up and everyone was having breakfast together.
After breakfast, Sephiroth grabbed his little treasure, put a warm jacket on him, took him by the hand and went for a walk with him.
Meanwhile, Dilara prepared lunch and Reid decorated the Christmas tree. Reid also put all the presents under the Christmas tree, except for Sephiroth's, which Sephiroth wanted to give to Randir himself.
Randir had great fun, because Sephiroth had taken him to a large park with lots of snow.
First, they went sledding down a somewhat larger hill, then they built a snowman together, and after that, they had a really big snowball fight. Randir had never had more fun or enjoyed himself more.
The two were watched by Randir's parents, who of course didn't dare to approach the two. They had followed Randir and Sephiroth the whole way. They had waited until someone would leave the house, but they couldn't know that it was Sephiroth and Randir, of all people.
They would have liked to take Randir with them right away, but they didn't want to mess with a guy like Sephiroth. They knew very well that Sephiroth would protect the little one with all his might, at least that's how it seemed to the two, the way the young man had stood up for their son.
Well, they would get the little one back, they were sure of that.
Sometime later, Sephiroth and Randir made their way back home. After both had entered the house, they went to the bathroom to wash their hands. After that, dinner was on the table and everyone enjoyed the meal together. Little Randir was surprised over and over again.
After that, Dilara took Randir to his room for a short time.
“Randy, you stay here nicely until we call you, okay?” With these words, Dilara stroked Randir's head and left the door ajar so that the little one would not feel locked in.
The doorbell rang and Dilara went to open the door to let the three guests in.
Everyone gathered in the living room, then Dilara fetched the little one from his room and brought him slowly into the living room.
Once there, Randir could hardly close his mouth. His eyes widened visibly and began to shine brighter than the sun itself.
Never before in his life had Randir seen such a Christmas tree, or any Christmas tree at all. He stood rooted to the spot in front of the tree and was almost beside himself with joy. Speechless, he looked at the tree a little closer and touched it gently. Then he turned around and saw Sephiroth, Dilara, Reid and Sephiroth's friends standing in the room.
Reid and Dilara were the first to approach Randir and wish him a Merry Christmas. Then he was allowed to take three packages that were under the tree. Of course, he opened these gifts right away and was very happy about everything.
But he also opened the presents from Sephiroth, Genesis, Zack and Angeal immediately and continued to be overjoyed. He didn't know what to say to all of it, except,
“Thank you,” and now seemed to be very overwhelmed again.
Amidst all the presents and all the nice people, Randir suddenly stood there and didn't say a word. Finally, he looked around questioningly, while the first small tears ran down his face, and then he ran away, crying.
He quickly left the house and ran as far as his little legs would carry him. That is, he would have run if it hadn't been for Genesis, who ran after the little boy and soon caught up with him. But Sephiroth was quick too, and soon caught up with him as well?
Genesis gently held Randir:
Hey, little one, what's wrong?
But Randir just looked at him, with tears streaming down his face.
Sephiroth knelt down in front of Randir, took him gently in his arms and comforted him. Meanwhile, he gestured to Genesis that he should go back into the house. Genesis did so.
After that, Sephiroth spoke to Randir, very calmly:
“Please listen to me, my little one. I know you don't know any of this, and I'm very sorry that we've once again overwhelmed you a little, but please don't run away when something becomes too much for you. I'm just afraid that something might happen to you. Do you understand? I love you very much and all I want is for you to be happy and for you to be fine. It was probably a bit much for you again, um... I understand that well. Will you come back inside anyway, or... do you want to stay out here a little longer?, Sephiroth consoled his little angel.
Randir looked at Sephiroth and answered quietly:
“Inside. It's so cold out here.” ‘Sorry, I ran away. I didn't mean to.’ With these words, Randir snuggled up to Sephiroth, hoping he would forgive him.
Hey, it's all right, my little one. You don't have to apologize for anything. Come on, let's go inside. It really is very cold out here. And another thing: If something gets to be too much for you, then talk to me, okay? And with all the gifts, you can do whatever you want, but please do everything very slowly and only as far as you're comfortable with, okay?”
Randir nodded while looking at Sephiroth. After that, Sephiroth took the little boy in his arms and went back into the house with him. Once in the living room, he sat the little one on the sofa and the others left him alone for the time being, chatting a little among themselves and drinking their tea, though keeping an eye on Randir and watching him a little. After all, it had been clear to them all that Randir would have to get used to everything first, right?
At first, Randir remained sitting quietly on the sofa, but then he looked around carefully once more and then slowly left the sofa. Once more, he went to the Christmas tree, stood in front of it and looked at it thoroughly from all sides.
Very slowly, he went to the table with the presents and looked at one present after the other very carefully. He did everything with a lot of feeling and very carefully.
Among the many gifts were two small game consoles, along with the corresponding games. He sat down on the floor with the consoles and looked at them for a while. Finally, he turned one of the consoles on, looked carefully at the screen, and slowly realized what he had to do. He was busy with this for quite a while. He was now only visible, not audible? He still held Mondenkind in his arms?
Naturally, he was observed a little by those present. They were glad and very happy that Randir had calmed down and now seemed to be enjoying himself after all.
However, nothing bothered him anymore – these consoles had sparked his full interest.
Zack, who was also interested in video games, stood up, went to Randir, sat down next to him and watched him with interest.
“Hey kid, you're doing great. Have you been playing for long and have you ever played a game like this before?” Zack addressed the little guy.
Randir didn't look at Zack, but he quietly replied,
“No, I've never played anything like this before. Is this the first time?”
Zack's eyes grew wide and he looked at the little guy next to him in amazement.
“Wow, for being new at this, you're really good, Randy,” Zack praised the little guy and grinned.
Randir looked at Zack and gave him a quiet smile.
After a while, both were having a great time and getting along well.
*-*-*