Title: 'Imaginings of You'
Chapter: Introduction ~
Characters: Focuses on Genesis Rhapsodos and Cissnei, along with a few other memorable characters having minor roles (such as Zack, Sephiroth, etc.)
Pairings: GenesisxCissnei, or as I call it, Genesisnei. Or GenCiss. Whatever floats your boat ~
Time: Before Crisis Core to Final Fantasy VII as the original.
Genre(s): Romance, friendship and possible angst in the future ~ Yup, my three favourites all in one xD;
Status: On-going for now ~
A/N: Hooray! I'm actually starting a long term Genesisnei fan fiction! The poor fandom of these two is so tiny, and even if the chances of this actually happening are slim, I still think it's really cute. I even have a plan for this story - it's truly shocking, considering I hate planning anything. -faint- It's not finished, but enough to cover at least ten chapters I'm hoping. I've written the first two, and am hoping for some feedback on what people think.
Anyway, without future adieu, I shall let you read! I hope you enjoy it - and I promise, there'll be more cute stuff in the second chapter. ;D Have fun!
Disclaimer: Genesis Rhapsodos, Cissnei and anything else relating to Final Fantasy VII belongs to Square Enix.
'Imaginings of you' - Introduction
Formalities
-------------------------------------------------------
She flipped open the standard ShinRa PHS with a click.
'Incoming call - Tseng.'
Stifling a yawn, Cissnei of the Turks took the final sip of her coffee and carefully placed the styrofoam cup in the lobby bin beside herself. Feeling the caffeine awaken her senses, she placed the PHS beside her ear, saying a quick hello to her supervisor.
"New assignment." A blunt male voice murmured through the speaker of her phone.
"Spit it out." She replied, fingering some of her chestnut curls out of boredom.
"Cissnei, we're sending you on an investigation trip near Icicle Inn to inquire into some of the recent monster outbreaks that have been going on. The harsh conditions and seriousness of this task require us to send one of the SOLDIER operatives with you."
"Mmhm," Cissnei replied, "so when do you want me, Tseng?"
"Now, preferably. You are to meet at the SOLDIER floor. Director Lazard will give you further instructions."
"Got it." Cissnei sighed, lifting herself up from the chair within the lobby of the ShinRa headquarters. She made her way over towards the elevator, storing her sleek mobile phone back in her pocket. After keying in the number for her personal identification whilst having her other finger scanned, the screen next to the elevator flashed 'recognised user: Cissnei'. She walked briskly into the elevator, folding her arms to her chest as the doors glided closed. Hmm…taking orders from the SOLDIER director? How strange.
As the floor numbers slowly ticked upwards, the young female member of the Turks waited patiently to reach her destination. She shivered, finding it uncomfortable to be confined in such a small room that was suspended on long cables. At last, the familiar ring of the elevator signalled the doors to slide open, allowing Cissnei to step out into the foyer of the 49th floor, more commonly known as the SOLDIER floor. Delicately, she stepped over towards the briefing room, expecting that to be where the Director was waiting for her. She passed a few other lower ranking members of SOLDIER on her way, making her mind begin to wonder who exactly was escorting her on this particular mission.
Cissnei passed through a few more sliding doors, finding herself contained with a room that had a large projector screen and several desks lined up with computers.
"Ah, Cissnei. I was expecting you." Lazard, Director of SOLDIER, spun around in his chair to face the member of the Turks, giving her a professional smile.
"Director." She said, offering a nod in Lazard's direction. He motioned for her to take a seat, pulling out the chair of the closest desk as general courtesy. She obliged and sat down in the office chair, turning to face the computer screen in front of her. Across from her desk she could see another figure who hunched over in his seat, making it difficult to see who she was looking at.
"Okay, now that everyone's here, let's begin. Shall we?" Lazard said briskly, tapping a key on his computer screen to reveal the icy wastelands surrounding Icicle Inn on the large projector screen. Cissnei turned her head to look, seeing some footage from one of ShinRa's surveillance machines that had been installed in the area. "We've received reports from Icicle Inn that there have been sightings of severely mutated animals that seem to have come from one of our retired mako excavation facilities."
Concluding this statement, Lazard tapped a few more times on his keyboard, bringing up some footage of what kinds of monsters that the SOLDIER and Turk would be expecting. "Citizens have been sending numerous complaints to our ShinRa representatives and have thus reduced their confidence in our services. Your task is find the source of the problem and eliminate it, depending on the current situation. We'll have further reinforcements on standby in case things take a turn for the worse. Any questions?"
Both the SOLDIER operative and Cissnei shook their heads, taking in the orders quiet well considering that the task may have required more than one day in the frigid conditions.
"If you would, please," Lazard motioned towards the SOLDIER who sat across from Cissnei. He abruptly stood up, returning the chair towards it's correct position under the desk as he stepped around to introduce himself. Cissnei looked up as a young man with silky chestnut hair and familiar glowing mako eyes stepped over to her, a content expression on his face.
"Genesis Rhapsodos." He said quietly, putting out a gloved hand towards her.
"I'm Cissnei." She smiled, shaking his hand slightly.
"Now, the nature of this task probably requires a few nights stay in the local inn, which the company will cover you both for. I shouldn't worry too much about casualties, considering the fact that we're sending a 1st Class SOLDIER and an exceptional Turk on the job." Lazard spoke with a professional tone, motioning towards Genesis and Cissnei. She smiled slightly, feeling privileged to be sent somewhere with the one of the highest ranking members of SOLDIER.
"You're due to leave on this assignment tomorrow morning, so make use of the time between now and then to prepare yourselves. You are both dismissed." Lazard waved a hand, leaving Genesis and Cissnei to attend to their own personal matters before leaving. The redheaded SOLDIER made his way towards the door with Cissnei following behind, pausing to let the Turk though first.
"After you." Genesis smirked, stepping to the side in order to let Cissnei pass.
"Thanks." Cissnei replied with a slight giggle, making her way through the automated sliding door. Heh…chivalry isn't dead after all.
Stepping out onto one of ShinRa's many helipads, a cold Cissnei hugged herself as she felt the chilly wind whipping her hair behind her back. She was finding it difficult to imagine what the conditions in Icicle Inn would be like, considering how cold she was feeling now. Looking up, she saw two infantrymen from the army climbing into the helicopter, causing her expression to change to one of surprise.
"Don't worry. These guys won't be in our way." A silky voice interrupted her train of thought as Genesis Rhapsodos stepped up beside her, looking down at her with a slight smile.
"Mmhm." Cissnei nodded in response, trying not to get distracted by the SOLDIER beside her. I've got to stay focused…
"Ready?" He questioned, motioning to her with his hand. Cissnei quickly looked up with a nod, and swiftly made her way towards the helicopter's front section whilst trying to ignore the spinning blades. She turned around just before opening the entrance to the cockpit, seeing Genesis following behind, walking towards the rear section.
"Someone's got to brief these guys, huh?" He said with a hint of cheek, opening up the hatchway with the press of a button on the helicopter's side. Cissnei smiled out of his attitude, forcing herself to tear her gaze away from his as she let herself into the co-pilot's seat. Why can't I stop looking at him…?
"Prepare for landing, everyone." The helicopter's pilot spoke briefly into his headset's microphone, adjusting the controls to send the machine into descent.
"Roger." Came the response from both SOLDIER and Turk as the helicopter lurched in motion, the blades slicing through the chilly air that surrounded the northern continent.
Adjusting her headset, Cissnei wriggled about in the co-pilot seat and peered out through the foggy window, gazing at the snow-topped mountains that lined the distance. Unexpectedly she smiled to herself - she'd never actually seen so much real snow before. This was her first time off the actual continent that Midgar was situated in - and surprisingly, she was enjoying every minute of it. Despite her strict upbringing within the ShinRa company a pleasant tinge of childhood giddiness surrounded her heart; after all, she was only fifteen and already seeing the world.
As the helicopter descended, the young Turk braced herself through the machine's movements, seeing the ground inching closer and closer. Hold on - it's not snowy enough here…this isn't Icicle Inn, is it?
Seconds later the helicopter touched down, the whirring of the blades slowing down evenly as Cissnei removed her headset and gave the pilot a questioning look.
"We're taking a moment to refuel in Bone Village, miss," he said politely in regards to her expression. Cissnei twitched her mouth in annoyance to the term 'miss', even if it did fit her martial status.
"If the time is available, would we be allowed to take a breather? We've been airborne for three hours." Cissnei requested earnestly, her hand already unfastening her seat restrains and heading for the door.
"You and that SOLDIER are the leaders," the pilot mumbled with a shrug, checking the helicopter was properly prepared for being refuelled. "We're taking a few minutes to refuel," he spoke clearly into his headset, making sure it was projecting to the back compartment of the helicopter where both SOLDIER member and infantrymen were located.
With a slight nod, Cissnei gratefully swung the door open and stepped down onto the rocky grounds around the small village. Seconds later the hatchway glided open and ShinRa army troops quickly stepped out, followed by none other than Genesis who shut the large, horizontal door behind them.
"You two," Genesis motioned towards the two infantrymen, "use the town's facilities if absolutely necessary, but stay on guard after that. Understood?"
"Sir!" They both replied quickly, each attending to their own needs. With a sigh, the SOLDIER took a moment to stretch, letting an audible yawn escape his lips before relaxing again. Cissnei did the same, glad to be out of the confined cockpit.
"Want to, um," Cissnei said awkwardly, glancing up at him, "take a quick look in town?"
"Certainly," he smiled slightly, patting his thigh to make sure his sword was secured properly in its sheath. It took Cissnei less than a second to realise that there was no need for her to retrieve her shuriken from it's position behind her co-pilot's seat, considering she was under the protection of a well respected 1st Class.
Without another thought she quickly trotted up beside him, feeling safe and secure as they began to make their way through some of the overgrowth that bordered the town.
"So," Cissnei said quietly as Genesis picked his way over some uneven ground. He turned back to face her for a moment.
"Feeling alright?" He asked absently, turning his face forward again.
"Yeah," she said politely, following his lead.
"Been out here before?" He inquired with curiosity, kicking aside a few pebbles as they came onto the main path.
"No, actually…" Cissnei trailed off, "I suppose you have, considering you're a SOLDIER."
"A few times," he replied casually, turning his head to catch sight of her as she caught up. "You new as a Turk? Rumour has it you're the youngest ever, you know."
It really got around that quickly? ShinRa staff must gossip a lot… Cissnei mused, shyly putting her hands behind her back.
"Yeah. They inducted me a few months ago. I…" she paused, thinking whether or not to reveal what she was about to say. "Well, I was raised by ShinRa. They spent a lot of time training me as I grew up."
Genesis looked down at her with a hint of astonishment. "Really?" He asked out of impulse, "…that must be kind of tough. I was fortunate as a child…my parents were the landlords of where I came from. Banora."
"I never knew my family." Cissnei said indifferently, shrugging it off. "At least I've got a future ahead of me."
"Mm." Genesis said thoughtfully, his hand shoved in his pocket. The sight of Bone Village came into view rather quickly, great piles of excavated bones and various fossils scattered around the few tents that comprised the village. "Pretty dismal."
"I guess that's just their way of life." Cissnei said matter-of-factly, "if they're happy, then it's perfectly fine."
Genesis paused, surprised to hear an opinion contrasting to his own. Hmm. She reminds me of Angeal…so different yet admirable…
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess…" he mumbled under his breath, absently thinking about the words of the Turk as they both wandered into the main section of town. Over to their left was a small building, part of it still somewhat under construction. To their right was a steep incline of rock that was clearly under excavation, as parts of a much larger structure jutted out randomly from the sides.
A rough man with a hardhat on emerged from the building, wiping some sweat off his brow. His gaze sharpened as he saw the two members of ShinRa approaching, clearly trying to identify their purpose.
"Excuse me," Genesis inquired smoothly, "any places around that sell items or provisions?"
"I'd be expectin' so," the man said with a slight accent, stepping forward, "or we'd be havin' no way of life around here! Jus' though that entrance an' there's a couple of local traders."
Genesis nodded at the man and stepped into the doorway, lifting up a sheet as he entered. Cissnei mouthed a polite 'thank you' as she followed through, a musty smell entering her nose as she did so. Despite the construction work that was going on further in, a few people had set up makeshift trading areas to conduct business with both other locals and foreigners alike.
"Man…" Genesis said, coughing slightly as he waved some sawdust away. Cissnei nodded in sympathy, clearing her throat of dusty fumes. The SOLDIER and Turk sidled along to a table that had small towers of cans and other long lasting food supplies, along with a few different kinds of fresh produce.
Genesis felt a warm smile creep onto his face as he saw two purple apples with a few other fruits, gently picking one up.
"Apple season again." He mused, fumbling around in his pocket for gil. Cissnei eyed the strangely coloured apple with curiosity as Genesis paid for it, watching him take a satisfied bite.
"Banora White," he mumbled between nibbles, "or dumbapple. Whichever suits."
Deciding not to question him now, Cissnei took her fancy to a small can of spaghetti and quickly purchased it, politely taking a plastic fork off the bench's side and thanking the vendor's owner. Once outside again, the two took a seat on a rather hefty rock and indulged in their snacks, glad to enjoy a minute before heading back.
"I've never seen an apple that colour before." Cissnei wondered as she pried the lid off the can, setting it down next to her.
"You never see them much outside of Banora. My parents never told me they'd started exporting this far out," Genesis replied, taking another bite into the purple skin. "They're a type of apple that only grow in Banora and have a strange habit of blooming…whenever they like, actually. Normally we would call them 'Banora Whites', but locals like me call them 'dumbapples' for a joke."
"I see," Cissnei said, concentrating as she tried to get a decent amount of pasta onto her fork. "Next time I ought to try them."
"You should," Genesis replied quickly, smiling proudly. The Turk giggled slightly, shoving a fork-full of spaghetti into her mouth. For the next few minutes they enjoyed the odd silence that came with being so far away from Midgar, finishing off their rather undignified lunch and taking in their new surroundings.
"Shall we be off?" Genesis smirked, slowly standing up.
"Ready when you are." Cissnei said, discarding her can remains into a rundown bin.
Both ShinRa operatives headed back down the makeshift path, lost in their own thoughts until a low toned growl interrupted both of them. Streaking out of the woods came a pack of three wolf-like monsters, the leader snarling and spitting at the intruders. Cissnei felt her heart leap into her throat as she tried to suppress her fear as Genesis immediately drew his crimson rapier from his coat, tensing his muscles as he focused on their opponents.
"Bandersnatches," he hissed, his eyes darting to the side to see Cissnei hurriedly checking whatever materia she had on her person. She didn't bring her weapon, did she…
"Stay out of the way, " he whispered quickly, much to Cissnei's displeasure.
"I'm not completely useless!" She replied defiantly, lowering her head down in concentration as the SOLDIER made his move. Catching the bandersnatches off guard, Genesis deftly ran forward and jabbed his sword forward, catching the pack leader in the foreleg as the other two backed away a step out of reflex. Howling in pain, the wolf retaliated with a vicious bite, narrowly missing Genesis' forearm.
The other two bandersnatches had focused their attention on the Turk, who had a strange aura surrounding her as a warm glow emanated from her hand. Just as one of the monsters prepared to pounce, a strong fire erupted around Cissnei's closed fist as she drew her hand back. A split second later she released the fira with a cry, sending two fireballs hurtling towards the wolves. One of them managed to dodge whilst the other took the full force, flying backwards and hitting the ground with a muffled whimper.
Meanwhile, Genesis had his attention solely focused on the head of the pack and was just about to land the final slash before the beast retaliated with it's hind legs. As Genesis' silver-edged rapier pierced the bandersnatch's abdomen, it's hind claws managed to scrape across his cheek before the creature toppled to the ground, moaning in pain. Taking a sharp breath as the stinging rushed to the wound, Genesis grimaced as he turned his attention back to Cissnei, who was almost forced back against a tree. As soon as the wolf saw the stronger warrior approach, fear invaded its mind after seeing what had become of it's fellow pack members. Howling in terror the wolf-like monster fled, leaving the SOLDIER and Turk with each other for company.
Sighing in relief, Cissnei turned her attention back to Genesis, only to let out a short gasp at the blood running from his left cheek. Wordlessly she focused on her heal materia, ignoring the SOLDIER's insistence that she shouldn't waste her spirit energy. Seconds later a pale green glow surrounded the three cuts along Genesis' face and the wounds healed themselves quickly, leaving only a few light pink lines where they had once been.
"I…I could have fixed that…" Genesis trailed off, seeing Cissnei smoothing out her suit.
"Well, I told you I wasn't useless." She said boldly, looking up at him determinedly. Genesis couldn't help but smile at her as he wiped his sword clean on some of the bushes to the side of the path.
"We'd better hurry back," Cissnei said, all business. Genesis suppressed a snort as they began walking again, finding it rather amusing that she had a professional attitude at such a young age.
She's just trying to remember our objective, I suppose. She could be quite the industrious worker at ShinRa in a few years. I reckon she could even push Tseng off his lieutenant perch later on…
Cissnei noticed his amused expression as they walked, wondering what he was thinking.
"Something funny?" She asked politely.
"Oh, no…nothing…" Genesis trailed off, trying to distance his thoughts again.
Cissnei raised an eyebrow but kept walking, feeling a little relieved that she could see the outline of their helicopter through some of the overgrowth.
That Genesis…he's an interesting character, for sure.
N/A: Well, that's the first chapter for you! I really hope I've gotten a good grip on their characters - that's something I always worry about. -sweatdrop- Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed their interaction together! 83 ~ And lol, sorry to those who aren't familiar with Bone Village…it's just a place in FFVII where they do all these excavations and stuff. It's near Icicle Inn. Yeah.
Until the next chapter!
- Lioneh
