Disclaimer: Don't own, why would I need to?

Author note: After writing my first story, the idea for this story popped up in my head. It can be considered as a single story or it can be a prequel to the latter. Anyways, this is a new take of the events of CC. There might be some lyrics in chapters but this is not a song-fic.

This chapter is beta'd by the wonderful Counterfeit God.

This story is rated M, if you can't handle violence this isn't your type.

Summary: Everything was normal, everything. He enjoyed his life and the slight fame Sephiroth's everlasting shadow allowed being his. Until on a fateful day his life, his dreams and his world crumbled to pieces. Being monsters required all they have become.

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"…These wounds won't seem to heal,

This pain is just too real,

There's just too much that time cannot erase…" Evanescence

He collapsed on his knees. The excruciating pain in his left shoulder made him groan. Angeal called his name with obvious worry. The world around him shattered to pieces; the sunset in Junon gave way to the ugly, abused training room. A bitter smirk tugged a corner of his lips. At first, he didn't want to stand up, his body was too drained to do so, but he thought otherwise. Giving Sephiroth the pleasure of hurting him and bringing him to his knees was enough.

"Just a scrape." He could hear his breathing. Deep, fast breaths were the only sounds between the alarm pauses, his chest was heaving as he tried to calm his body. He stood up, still not facing his friends.

"I'll be fine; don't worry."

He retrieved his fallen Rapier from the metal ground; a soft clang rang in the room. Angeal still held his damned, broken sword. Even without looking at him, he could sense how worried he was, he could even tell that his childhood friend felt guilty for letting all of this happen. Sephiroth on the other hand, appeared as calm as a chiseled statue. A part of him knew that Sephiroth, too, was worried about him, but his stubborn side reasoned that the general was proud of his handiwork. Genesis didn't care anymore…

"Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return…"

He passed the General as he went to the door. The latter turned away from him. He wondered why Sephiroth did that as he moved through the corridors of the SOLDIER floor. His shoulder was in agony as he walked. The smell of blood was familiar to his senses, but not his own blood that was turning his black turtleneck darker than what it was.

He reached his quarters in no time and went straight to the bathroom. He left the Rapier outside. He removed his pauldrons one after another, the one over his left shoulder taking more time and care than the other. There was someone calling his name behind the door of his quarters and knocks on the door. Probably Angeal…He decided not to answer and continued with removing his coat. He cautiously removed it over his shoulder and then his PHS started ringing. Genesis cursed under his breath and took it out of his pocket. Angeal's number was flashing across the screen. He left it on the bathroom floor. Taking a pair of scissors out of the cabinet, he stepped in the tub. Finally his PHS silenced and the screen dimmed. Genesis sighed and turned on the water. He stepped under the shower. Crimson tinged the water that pooled under his boots. He leaned to the wall, the coolness suddenly made him shiver. He cut through the soaked fabric over his shoulder, letting the scissors fall down with a clang after he finished. He tried to separate the cloth from his wound but it was stuck. He braced himself and pulled the clothing away. Pearl white teeth bit down on his own lip as he suppressed a cry. Crimson ran down his body in rivulets, tainting the water in the tub. He washed the tender spot gently and stepped out. Looking in the mirror, he inspected the wound. It's nothing, it will heal, he assured himself. He muttered a spell under his breath and then the wound began to close. He reached for the first aid kit he left beside the tub and began bandaging his shoulder.

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Genesis was standing on the canon, Rapier was in his hand as he readied it. The sword glowed in an answer to its master.

"The world needs a new hero."

"Come and try." The always stoic General answered with delight.

"So smug but for how long?" He rushed toward Sephiroth only to find himself in utter darkness. 'Where am I?' he asked himself; the unspoken question rang in the dark. A figure stepped toward him. The sound of boots connecting with the disembodied ground was so familiar.

"Who's there?" He reached for his Rapier. His hand found thin air. The figure came to a halt in front of him. Black boots, black leather pants, crimson coat. His wide azure eyes darted toward that handsome face he saw everyday in the mirror. 'It's me…' His lookalike stood there, his face devoid of emotion. There was that cut on his copy's left shoulder. Genesis suddenly noticed something out of place. He reached toward those auburn locks and he saw it. A grey hair was what stood out. Suddenly there were more of them. He snatched his hand back as if it was the source of the strange change. It wasn't. His double's hair became completely white in no time. The smooth crimson leather started to turn gray from that damned spot, and continued toward his copy's face. Genesis turned away in both disgust and fright. 'What's happening?' He turned towards the other Genesis. His copy wore the same smirk he did and then there was a shift in the air. A wing jutted out of his copy's shoulder, arching toward Genesis, the tip of it slightly caressing Genesis' cheek. Genesis screamed…

He woke up. His skin was slick with cold sweat. His eyes darted around the room as the images from his nightmare flashed behind his eyes. He got out of the double bed and found his way to the bathroom. His bare feet hit something. He looked down to find his PHS still there with multiple number of missed calls on the screen. He took it and placed it in his pajamas pocket. He turned on the cold water and washed his face. He looked in the mirror, inspecting where his copy had grey hair. He found none and sighed with relief. A faint smell of blood caught his senses. He looked to his shoulder and found the bandages tinted with blood. He undid them and was slightly furious that the wound hadn't closed itself. He muttered the healing spell again and watched the wound. It started its healing process when suddenly stopped. He watched with amazement when he repeated the process over and over to no avail. An uneasy feeling began uncurling in his stomach as he found himself unable to heal it. He took out his PHS and dialed Angeal, waiting impatiently for the probably sleeping man to answer. Finally, someone on the other end yawned and it was muffled when a stern voice he knew too well answered.

"Angeal Hewley."

"It's Genesis, can you come to my quarters?"

He heard Angeal gasp, "Genesis! Do you know how many times I called you? Ok, I'll be there in a minute."

Genesis could hear the shuffling of clothes as his friend hung up. He threw the bloodied bandages in the trash can, knowing that if Angeal saw them he would go on lecturing again. Suddenly Sephiroth came to his mind. Angeal has probably been lecturing him all day. He ran a hand through his hair, making it less disoriented and went to living room, switching on the lights.

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Angeal pulled his shirt down over his head and headed straight for the door. He walked as soundlessly as he could and reached Genesis' quarters. He knocked on the metal door. It opened after a cling and there was his friend with an untreated wound on his shoulder. Angeal frowned. The second the door closed, he opened his mouth to say something, when Genesis interrupted him.

"I know, I know. It was nothing, and it is nothing even now. I tried to heal it with materia but I couldn't." He threw the green orb to his friend."Here, you try."

Angeal tried, and both of them looked closely as the wound closed. Angeal looked at him, his frown deepening.

"Explain." Genesis yanked the orb from his hands and stared back at him. Blue flames were dancing in Genesis eyes and Angeal gave up.

"Ok, suit yourself. Do you want me to stay here?" He knew that it would be only a minute or two before Genesis would explode.

"You don't believe me, do you? Do you think I'm stupid enough to harm myself by not treating it?" Angeal regretted what he had said.

"Genesis, listen. Fir-"

Genesis interrupted him again, a bitter smirk playing on his lips."Ha, I should've known all this time! It was all out of pity, wasn't it? You don't trust me to even handle myself, that's why you called and asked how I was doing when I was on missions." He paused and faced him. Just when Angeal was about to talk once more, Genesis started again."No. You're wrong, I don't need pity, nor do I need your supervision. Face it, Angeal. Being the Mayor's not so spoiled brat doesn't mean that I can't care for myself. I've grown up."

That does it. Angeal turned around and left, without a word. He knew Genesis would regret his words tomorrow but for Goddess' sake, he wasn't the most patient man on Gaia. He had his limits, and Genesis did what he wanted. Tomorrow he would come, say that he's sorry and he didn't mean it and then the good Angeal would forgive him. Of course he would; he was his childhood friend after all.

Angeal went back to his quarters and took off his shirt and went back to bed. He knew that he couldn't sleep; it was a failed attempt even at first. He mused over Genesis' words. Genesis really must have tried to heal it but why hadn't the wound closed? His friend was a master with materias which made him really wonder why. Maybe they should tell Hollander about it. Angeal swung his legs and sat on the edge of his bed in the darkness. What if the wound didn't heal? An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. He cursed himself for letting the two duel in the first place. Also for letting such nonsense invade his mind. It's just a wound like the other ones…He stood up and went to take a shower.

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It was around 10 a.m. when Lazard finally released them. After what they brought upon the poor training room, it was inevitable. They were told, no, ordered not to fool around anymore. However it was covered up so that the news wouldn't leak out. Repairing the virtual room would probably cause heavy expenses for the company. It was the tactic. It wasn't always necessary for people to know everything, even them, the SOLDIER's elite members, were kept in the dark whenever the higher ups deemed it necessary. Angeal headed for the elevator, along with Genesis. His poet friend was unusually silent during their trip to lower floors, which made him wonder.

"Is your wound Ok?" Angeal broke the silence, but too late. The elevator doors opened and Genesis walked out. When Angeal followed him, he quickened his pace."Genesis! Wait!" Angeal called after him. When Genesis reached his room, the door slammed shut in Angeal's face. Angeal could feel curious stares behind him but ignored them. With a sigh, he went to his office. He had guessed wrong last night. It seemed Genesis wasn't in speaking terms with him yet. Angeal tried to concentrate on his paperwork.

Several hours passed and Angeal's head was stuck in his pile of paperwork when the ringing tone of his PHS filled the quiet room. He took it out and flipped it open.

"Angeal Hewley."

"It's Lazard. Genesis is in some trouble. Come to laboratory, ASAP." The other end went dead. Angeal stared at the PHS in his hand. He had bad a feeling about this.

It took him five minutes to reach there. He passed the sterile white washed walls and went straight to the room were Genesis was kept. Lazard was already leaving.

"What's happened, director?" Lazard glanced back at one door and then back to him, fixing his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

"It seems that he was training with a squad when he injured himself. Hollander will explain more to you." When he was about to exit, he added."Sephiroth has been informed and is on his way here." Angeal leaned back to the wall. He knew his other friend didn't have good memories of the labs; he didn't expect him to come there to check on Genesis, although, Sephiroth appeared to be thoughtful the very moment Genesis got injured. Maybe that was why he hadn't seen his friend as much as before. Sephiroth probably blames himself.

The sound of boots connecting softly with the floor outside in the corridors brought him out of his thoughts. So, Sephiroth came. His friend nodded his head in acknowledgement and Angeal repeated the gesture. He, too, leaned beside Angeal on the wall, both of them waiting for Genesis or Hollander to make an appearance. Angeal crossed his hands and his feet, letting his head hang down as he waited, listening keenly for any sound. Sephiroth's coming here showed his respect for Genesis, even with what Genesis had done yesterday. Genesis was wrong; he hadn't grown up as he believed himself to. He had let his jealousy get better of him and brought this upon himself. Damn those swords! Angeal cursed under his breath. He could sense the aura of uneasiness around his silent friend. Sephiroth had every right to feel that way. Coming to the very place he had been forced to live in and also doing it for someone who showed his hostility toward you openly wasn't expected of the General.

The door opened mechanically, and Hollander stepped out of the isolated room. Upon seeing him, Angeal left his place beside the wall.

"Professor Hollander, How's Genesis' condition?"

He heard Sephiroth stepping beside him but he kept his eyes on Hollander. The professor didn't look very pleased.

"I've tried injecting Mako but it doesn't seem to be working." There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. It's too soon to be disappointed; it's a simple cut after all, Angeal assured himself.

"Is there no other way to treat him?"

"Well, first he'll need some blood." When Hollander was finished, Sephiroth came forth, the act clearly showing that he was completely willing to offer his blood. Angeal held a hand in front of him. He saw confusion flash in Sephiroth's eyes, but Angeal turned his face toward Hollander. The scientist shook his head, only offering a brief answer that Angeal knew would raise more questions in his friend's mind.

"You won't do," Hollander said to Sephiroth.

It wasn't the reason Angeal stopped him; he felt himself guilty and wanted to repay Genesis. Hollander's answer was strange for him even; it was no doubt Sephiroth would bring up the subject the moment they were together after this. Hollander gestured him to follow and Angeal did, leaving Sephiroth outside.

Inside, Genesis was lying on the bed, his coat and turtleneck resting on the metallic headboard. The usually dark sweater was a shade darker than what he remembered. He noticed bloodied bandages in the trashcan under Genesis' bed. Genesis' half closed eyes were fixed on him as he neared his bed.

"What's happened Genesis?"

Hollander's presence was completely forgotten as he went to ready things for blood transfusion. Genesis shook his head, the smallest of smiles touching his lips.

"The wound didn't heal…Angeal, I…I didn't mean to hurt you last night…"

Angeal peered at the wound. The mattress was bloodied. Genesis was right, it hadn't healed in the slightest.

"It doesn't matter. You should rest; I'm sure Hollander knows how to treat it."

Hollander was coming their way when he finished. Angeal sat on the chair beside Genesis' bed, holding out his hand as Hollander was about to do his job. Angeal kept looking to his friend as Hollander sterilized the spot. He turned his head away and looked back at the needle that was prodding his body. He stared at his blood as it was sucked into a plastic bag.

"Professor, what did you mean back there when you said that Sephiroth's blood wouldn't do?" Angeal heard a quiet gasp and turned to Genesis who was gazing at him.

"What did you say?" Genesis asked him, his voice nearly inaudible. Angeal smiled back as he nodded.

"Sephiroth was here. When Hollander told us that you needed some blood, he offered his own."

Angeal saw the look of shock on Genesis' face. His friend turned around, facing the ceiling as he bit his lip, erasing Angeal's smile off of his face.

"What is it Genesis?"

He felt a sting in his arm and looked sharply back to see the needle being withdrawn from his arm.

"You can go now if you want. You might feel a little dizzy, but that's normal." He nodded his head and stood up. Genesis had closed his eyes as Hollander began transfusing his blood. He was leaving the room when Genesis called after him.

"Stay…"

Angeal obeyed and leaned back to the wall beside Genesis' bed. It's taken so long, Sephiroth's probably gone now. He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.

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It was around evening when Hollander told they could go. When they exited the room, Sephiroth was nowhere to be found. A part of him wanted Sephiroth to be here when they were leaving. They made their way past the blinding white corridors and to the elevator. He didn't utter a word and Angeal seemed to be content with that. He expected him to ask as many question he had but all he had done was helping him.

"What happened in the training room?" Genesis looked to Angeal.

"It was nothing to worry about. I didn't think that the wound wasn't healed. I sparred with several soldiers and then I lost balance."

There was a ding and the elevator doors opened. Angeal came with him to his quarter. When he opened the door Angeal was starting to leave.

"If you needed anything, call me."

Genesis nodded his head and when he was about to close the door, his stomach turned. He rushed to the toilet, and began vomiting. Angeal was running to his aid. He massaged his shoulders as he threw up. He opened his eyes to see blood oozing from his mouth. Why had he vomited blood? His frame began shaking but Angeal held him steady. Genesis washed his face with shaking hands. Angeal helped him to get to his bedroom and lay him on his bed.

"What's happening to me Angeal?" His voice was hoarse and shaky as he spoke.

Angeal went to bring him a glass of water. He came soon afterwards and handed him the glass, sitting on the floor beside his bed. Genesis gulped down the cool water eagerly, using both hands to hold the fragile object. Angeal took it and placed it on the nightstand.

"Do you want to call Hollander?" Even Angeal was shocked; he could read his eyes as he spoke to him. He shook his head.

"I only need to rest. You can go now."

Angeal stood up and was left. Genesis turned his face to the large window that occupied the whole right wall of the room.

"Thanks Angeal." He whispered when the door of his room opened and closed. He curled himself on the mattress, playing mindlessly with the tip of the quilt and closed his eyes. He didn't want to sleep but forced himself to do.

A faint ringing sounded in his room. He forced his heavy eyelids open. He sat on the bed, looking around the room wearily. The ringing finally stopped. He felt dizzy as he got up and came into the living room. The lights were off but it wasn't long before his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He knew it was night, the lit windows were light dots among the darkness like stars. Midgar was a frightening sight to behold from these heights. The city was doomed with grey clouds that covered it; not a single day, they breached to let the sunrays touch the plate below. At nights, the Mako beams that were reaching for the skies were arms of a fallen beast, tainting the pure unattainable. Genesis turned away from the picture window and grimaced, suddenly feeling his stomach turning. He didn't reach the toilet in time and vomited on the floor. His eyes widened as thick dark liquid oozed from his mouth and the stink of blood filled his nostrils, making him feel sicker. When the retches ended, he lay on the floor, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The image of his rotting copy flashed painfully in front of his eyes and he closed them, trying to erase that picture from his mind but it lingered there. Those vibrant azure eyes turned dull and the fiery auburn locks turned grey but yet, his copy wore a sly smile. He stood up from the hard floor and went toward the huge window; his reflection following the example until he was inches away and stopped. His right hand rose to his replica's face, caressing his cheek. He looked closely for any grey hair and found none and relaxed. Turning around, he sat down with his back to the window and brought his knees to his chest. He closed his eyes; he still had time to rest.

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A week had passed since the accident. None of them spoke about it, even the company. But Genesis was running out of patience. A week had passed but his condition was becoming worse with each day passing. His nausea was a frequent event now; he would wake up at night and in the morning he would find himself in the bathroom. Recently a dull ache was spreading slowly from his left shoulder blade and no matter how many pain killers he took, it didn't cease. Angeal was worried sick and stayed in his apartment, nursing him. Sephiroth was keeping the distance and quiet. Maybe it was because he blamed the accident on himself or thought that Genesis hated him now; maybe it was because he was too arrogant to check on him. Genesis didn't care; it seemed he was of no importance for the stoic General. The company let him take some days off and he refused all but one. But what was driving him crazy was that they didn't let him go on missions. He was forced to sit in his office, behind his desk and do paperwork. They didn't even let him train his squad and instead replaced him with Angeal. They thought he was too weak to do his job, to do dangerous things. He cursed Lazard and Sephiroth for doing this to him. Of course it had something to do with his friend. Damn, Sephiroth pitied him and he knew Genesis hated it.

He looked at the clock. It was already noon. He shut down his computer and walked toward the door, turning off the light. The door closed behind him and he headed toward the elevator. Angeal was there. First he decided to go to him but then noticed a black haired boy talking enthusiastically with him. He turned around and walked back to his office and sat leisurely on his chair and closed his eyes. The life was good outside, people were doing their daily routines and were happy, even Angeal. He ran his hand through his head and sighed. It did him no good just to sit back here, shunning the world. He will prove to all of them that he wasn't weak. He exited his office toward the elevator, feeling a bit relaxed that corridors were empty. Every day, when he walked down these corridors, he heard young cadets and soldiers speak in hushed tones, felt their eyes boring holes in his back but he started not to care, just ignored them. It's time to pay Lazard a visit. He kept his cold, arrogant façade, a smirk playing on his lips.

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Lazard was sitting behind his computer when he entered the simple office. Both walls were book shelves filled with books. Genesis nodded his head in silent salute and Lazard did the same, tearing his gaze from his computer.

"Commander Rhapsodos, what brings you here?"

"I wanted to…I…Why have you removed me from accepting missions? As a first, I have the right to take part in missions and you can't decline that."Genesis was almost glaring at him.

"I understand Genesis but you condition hasn't improved, I certainly can't allow risking your life."

"No one will question you, you're the director. I assure you, I can handle myself."

"But Genesis, I can't-"Genesis interrupted him, "Just this once." Genesis wasn't begging, his tone more resembling a command than anything else. Lazard understood and nodded his head.

"You will be dispatched to Wutai in less than an hour. Gather your things." Genesis smiled haughtily and exited the office.

In less than an hour he was on the roof of Shin-Ra building, his back pack was hanging loosely from his hand. Helicopter blades whipped through the air, disheveling his hair. He shielded his eyes with his hand as he climbed into the aircraft. Tseng followed after him, closed the door and went to piloting cabin. Genesis watched through the window as they lifted from the roof and toward their destination. The war was still raging; it was a very good chance for him to show that he was capable of things Sephiroth did to earn him the title of hero. Everyone thought Sephiroth was very special, he would prove them wrong. Even the thought of stepping out of his friend's long lasting shadow brought a genuine smile to his lips. The trip to Wutai was tiresome but he kept himself busy; checking his bag for possible missed objects, he found none. He let his eyes wander back to the window to see the ocean that separated their continents. Soon, I will be the new hero.

They reached Wutai in an hour and a half. The helicopter landed softly on the foreign ground. Genesis exited the aircraft, ignoring the salutes that were headed his way. A third class SOLDIER led him to the commanding tents. Finally the sound of the leaving helicopter ceased and he could hear the soft singing of birds. The peace wouldn't last long. He thought to himself bitterly.

"General, soldiers have besieged the city. What are your orders?"

The third class SOLDIER stood at the door of the tent. Genesis left his bag in one corner, unsheathing Rapier as he exited the tent. A soldier came forth and handed him a map. Genesis looked at him. He was so young, barely even twenty. Genesis didn't knew his name, wouldn't know and wouldn't remember him if he died. How many of them, like this boy, died on the battlefield; never remembered by people, only having their small family mourning them. The boy didn't understand what was going on his mind, didn't see the sadness spread its veil over azure eyes. He just looked up to his General with obvious awe, wanting to become just like one of them. Genesis tore his eyes away from him and focused on the map. The city was located on a plain, wasn't heavily guarded but was one of important cities of Wutai. He gathered as much information from the map as he could and handed it back. He gathered the best squad he could and headed for the city.

Infantrymen surrounded the city, out of reach of rifles and machine guns. Genesis made his way through rows and rows of soldiers to the front line. The gate was still closed.

"How many days have you besieged the city?" Genesis asked, deep in thought.

"A week, sir."

A smirk uncurled on Genesis' lips; It will fall today.

"Bring down the gate!" He ordered and a few soldiers came forth.

Other soldiers stood or crouched around them, their rifles and machine guns held ready. In unison, grenades were shot toward the gate. A huge crash sounded and seconds after that bullets ripped through the air, temporarily deafening him as they fired continuously.

"Charge!" He yelled, his hand indicating his order for those his voice didn't reach. The city was desolated so there was no possibility for receiving food and supplies from outside sources. Rapier tore through flesh, bone, everything that dared came his way. Unleashing his fury on the battlefield was the easiest way, Poor souls. Wutai soldiers were his first victims, after that followed innocent people. It didn't matter anymore; he had too much blood on his hands to think about that now. It was war, the abominable side of humanity showing its ugly face. Death, the inevitable, was here; its smell filled the air, its shadow danced on the rivers of blood like a tempter. A warm glow surrounded his hand and in a split second the houses caught fire. Women, children, men ran out of the house, screaming, thinking that they have saved their lives only to fall victim for bloodthirsty swords. A soldier appeared in front of him, his sword aimed for his abdomen. It was like a slow motion, the sword inching toward him; he knew what thoughts were on the soldier's head; I would kill the General, the honor all mine. Genesis smirked and the soldier's head was flying away a second later and Genesis was bathed in a wild spray of blood as the body fell on the ground with a sickening thud. He wiped the blood off his face and inhaled the intoxicating scent. It set him on fire. His hand rose and fell, Rapier coated in blood to the hilt as he killed them in frenzy.

The battle was finally over; once again Shin-Ra claimed something that wasn't rightfully his. Genesis stood in the central square, his azure eyes reflecting the flames that were consuming the houses around him ardently. Soldiers were dealing the final blows to the fallen, making sure that no one would escape this hell. Blood dripped from his bangs on his face on his face, slowly drying, urging him to wipe it with the back of his palm. It was of no use, only smearing it across his cheek. They called him the crimson General, the title so befitting, specially now. He was a frightening sight to behold, tinged with apparent arrogance. Soldiers glanced at him while doing their tedious grim task, a mixture of awe and fear reflected in their hollow eyes. Everything was done perfectly. He couldn't wait to go back to Midgar. They were waiting for him, the city waiting to welcome the hero of the day. He would finally fulfill his wish.

Suddenly he was brought on his knees. Rapier falling with a clank out of his grasp as his hands reached out subconsciously to steady him. There were a few muffled shouts and voices. Soldiers were calling him but he couldn't answer. He clenched his teeth as the agonizing pain shot through his body, the familiar metallic taste filling his mouth as blood oozed from the corner of his mouth. His second in command shouted incoherent orders and he felt his rigid body lifted off the ground, two soldiers carrying him out of the feverish hell and one was requesting medical help. Everything was blurry; Genesis blinked several times to clear his vision but to no avail. When they reached the camp, he was struggling to keep his eyes open. A gust of wind hit him as they took him out of the truck to the open air, nearing the source of restlessness. The loud deafening noise was familiar to his ears; he opened his eyes to make out the silhouette of a helicopter waiting for them. They finally reached inside, all the noise and wind ceasing. He was laid on the seats causing a stifled moan escape his lips. Genesis looked around through his half closed eyelids. A soldier was sitting on the opposite seats, escorting him. He tried to push himself to a sitting position when a hand gently pressed him down.

"You must rest, sir."

Genesis didn't want to go back like this. Everything was perfect minutes ago and now he was escorted back to Midgar, weak. He was the hero, he shouldn't show any weaknesses and now he couldn't even lift himself. All his dreams crumbled into nothingness. He wanted to wipe that arrogant smile away from the demon of Wutai. But now, he was sure Sephiroth would look down at him. Goddess knew how much he liked to crush him. He closed his eyes, not having the energy to stay awake, much to his dismay and succumbed to sleep. Not like this…

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It was a week after he came back from Wutai. The mission was a success but it wasn't even like what he had wanted. All the events happened in a blur, as though in dreams. Only his dreams were nightmarish. His home was a mess now. Bloody bandages here, bloody sheets there. Shards were scattered here and there. A bloody knife was on the coffee table. Genesis was clutching his left shoulder in the middle of a bloody mess. Blood ran down his bare back, pooling around him. His azure eyes were closed in pain, pearl white teeth biting his lower lip until it bled. His head was resting on the glassy surface of the table. A ringing filled the unnaturally silent room. Genesis opened his eyes tiredly, searching for the whereabouts of his PHS. It wasn't the first time they called. He thought they had stopped calling him when he didn't answer. Sephiroth was probably back from war and absolutely angry about him going on a mission without his permission. He was the General of the Army, after all. Genesis didn't give a damn about it. He stood up, his free hand grabbing the arm of his sofa for support as he swayed slightly. He went to the kitchen, opening the fridge. He took a bottle of Vodka from it and closed the door, taking a glass on his way out. He came back to his spot beside the table and put the glass on it. The bottle opened with a click and he poured the bitter liquor in it. He drank it in one gulp, refilling his glass. He repeated the act until the bottle was empty. He took the knife with his trembling fingers and went toward his bedroom. He held onto the wooden frame of the looking glass, inspecting the wound that now stretched from his shoulder to his vertebrae. The gash was likely the source of the pain that shot like electricity through his body. Hollander told him not to fiddle with it. He brought the knife to the gash, pressing the tip very slightly to the tender exposed flesh. He bit his broken abused lip as he applied more pressure. More blood ran down his torso. He couldn't take it anymore. Genesis threw the knife away. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn't see his lively past self. Something caught his eye. He looked closely at his hair and backed away from the mirror. He climbed on the bed and looked on the crimson pillows. His trembling hand found a white strand of hair. No… His lips moved in silent denial. No, No, No, NO! He stormed out of his bedroom, looking wildly around everywhere. THIS shouldn't be happening to me! He hurled the bottle to the wall and the glass followed after it. He flipped the glass coffee table away. The huge crash made him shudder and he froze.

No… He slid to the ground, his back to the wall that was the only support he had now. Tears were welling up in his eyes as the realization dawned on him and he tried to calm himself, blinking his eyes, trying to will them away. Why me? His hopeless question rang on deaf ears. No one would ever answer, no one. No one ever heard nor answered silent pleas. What was his goddess doing now? Did she even hear? What was she doing now that he was in such agony? Probably enjoying the show. He thought bitterly. As though his goddess was angered by such insolent words, a new wave of pain spread through his body, making him grit his teeth. Fresh blood oozed from the wound on his back, tracing slowly down the wall like his invisible crimson tears. Azure eyes were closed shut, his eyelashes quivering gently. A lonely tear rolled down his cheek. Sky blue eyes fluttered open, a trembling hand touched the long forgotten dampness. He stared at the tip of his fingers, the pain all but forgotten. All you wanted all along… He hissed inwardly. A mirthless, bitter laugh rang in the empty room as Genesis stood up, Rapier materializing in his hand at once. He turned around slowly, his head thrown back, his eyes closed as Rapier rested on his shoulder; and turned around again, lush lips moving voicelessly, and around and around. He knew his head was spinning.

"Is it what You've wanted all along?" Azure eyes were wide, the screaming melodic voice rang loudly through the room as Genesis lashed out with his sword. Losing his balance, he fell to the ground on all four. Emotions were burning in sky blue eyes; anger, hatred, hurt. Tears dropped freely to the ground now.

Drip…drip…thud…drip…thud…drip…stop.

Something erupted from his back and Genesis screamed as loud as he could, unaware of the eyes staring at him in shock and worry. He looked spitefully at the intruder standing at his door, azure eyes unfocused. Black oversized feathers were cascading around him…

"Genesis…"

A beautiful crimson arc adorned the wall in front of him…

He tried to stand. The black appendage was so new to his body. It flipped violently, as though trying to make itself known, only to spatter more blood everywhere. Genesis turned toward his unwanted visitor, his vision blurred. Ebony, Alabaster, Crimson…He fell…

"Genesis!"

Thud…Thud…Thud…

His fall was endless…

Strong hands held him. Fresh tears were sliding down his face. Gentle hands wiped them away. He opened his eyes, his hand reaching for his savior's face. His fingers smeared the fresh crimson on alabaster skin.

Alabaster, Crimson, Emerald, Silver…

Black.

"…You cried, I'd wipe away all of your tears,

You screamed, I'd fight away all of your fears…" Evanescence