To honor the 100 followers and favorites of Natus Ex Nihilo (Holy crap guys thanks so much for the love) I decided to put together this little side series. This will follow along with the main story and simply add to it, so I'd suggest reading a bit of that before starting this.

Each chapter is a little scene I either had cut out or decided it simply diverted to much from the main story (Like their isn't enough filler as it is). Little Pov bits from other characters while things are going on. Things that were glossed over or just eluded to. I intend to keep it as chronological as I can. This will likely mean new chapters will be posted sporadically at best.

As always review are appreciated. I'm a very quiet person and rarely message people directly, so don't be discouraged if you don't get a pm from me. I do read each of my reviews and am very grateful to those who take the time to write them. Something I really should do more of myself… but I ramble! Enjoy! ;3

Chapter 1 – Clashing Steel

*Genesis vs. Angeal during Chapter 5*

Genesis hummed a jaunty tune as he led Angeal across the Soldier floor to the VR room. Angeal watched his friend cautiously.

Genesis was a volatile personality at the best of times with moods that could shift as easily as the weather. Since his diagnosis it kept more to the gloomy turn stormy range, making this sudden sunny disposition rather disturbing. Not that he wasn't glad for the change. It was just so... odd. Just yesterday he'd nearly burnt off Heidegger's face when he slapped the redhead on the back a little too close to his injured shoulder. He was fuming and spiting flames the entire day after that until he finally locked himself away in his office to try and cool down. The degradation had been hitting him hard... and now he was cured? Just like that?

Angeal watched Genesis shoo off a group of Seconds loitering around the simulation chamber.

"So... how did that Reactor mission go? You came out of it pretty rough I hear," Angeal prodded at the other First in hopes of getting an idea what the hell was going on. Genesis shot him a rather paranoid glare.

"Why who's been talking?"

Angeal chuckled, "Oh just a few of the folks working late at the office. Said you looked like you were chewed up and spat out by something... smelled like it to."

Genesis gave a grunt of annoyance, "Not far off... Hojo causing his usual trouble, mutated Grashtrikes and a big queen one to."

Angeal gave a sympathetic hum, "Bugs are the worst... Who was the girl you brought in?" The redhead stilled at the mention of Ryo. Angeal's brow rose, his sudden tensing not going unnoticed. "Mmm... just a new recruit."

"To Soldier? Genesis women can't join Soldier!" The raven haired First looked downright horrified. He grabbed the sleeve of Gen's coat, "It's like a death sentence! You know how many have tried in the past. They can't handle the treatment."

Genesis pulled away from his grip, "She will be fine."

Angeal gaped at him as he walked past him into the chamber, "How can you be so dismissive about this?! She-"

Genesis turned sharply, "'Geal... trust me on this. She will be fine. I've never seen someone handle Mako like she can. If anyone has a chance of surviving the treatment it's her."

He calmed at Gen's assurance and looked at his friend skeptically, "If you say so."

With a humph Gen turned away to fiddle with the command console by the door. His irritated demeanor letting Angeal know he was done with the subject. With a sigh Angeal shook his head... Gen could be so stubborn and spoiled at times. It was years of dealing with the man and accumulating patience that allowed him to handle his energetic student so well. At least Zack isn't so temperamental.

"What simulation should we run?"

Angeal blanked at the question and Genesis repeated it looking mildly annoyed. He shrugged and Gen shot him another glare. A moment later the air around them rippled, but didn't change drastically. They were in a small nondescript square room. A very simple sparing room.

"Humph they really out did themselves with this one. Such boundless creativity our science team has..." Gen sneered as he waved a hand at the bleak gray and white walls.

Angeal chuckled softly. It did seem a bit pointless. The crimson First drew his sword and gave a few testing swings before taking his stance. Angeal drew his regulation longsword and stood at the ready.

Genesis burst forward in a rush of red. Bright sparks flew as their blades clashed. They moved fluidly. Angeal blocking and parrying Genesis' flurry of blows with practiced ease. The pace quickened suddenly, Genesis' strikes came in swift, striking low pushing for an opening. A slight frown marred his sharp features.

No matter how hard he pushed Angeal wouldn't go on the offensive. His jaw locked in place. He won't push back. The strength behind the next blow left the room ringing with the sound of steel. Fight back damn it! Gens' hand ran along the length of his blade charging it with elemental fire before it came down in a wide arch. The Buster sword gave a deep resonating tone as it met the fire engulfed blade. Gen quirked a grin at Angeals serious frown. The regulation longsword clanged noisily as it clattered to the floor.

"You know it's on when the Buster comes out."

"That was reckless Gen," Angeal voice was low and angry.

Gen rolled his eyes at the disapproving glare, "I wouldn't push you if you'd just fight me."

Angeal sighed heavily and let the Buster sword drop low, "I don't want to hurt you Gen. Even if you are cured, you're still recovering. You shouldn't push yourself-"

Angeals little lecture fell silent and he was forced to backpedal. Genesis charged forward with an enraged cry. The shear strength behind the blow sent Angeal sliding across training room floor. Genesis pinned him blade to blade against the far wall.

"Do I look like a cripple to you?" He snarled.

Angeal stared at the other wide eyed. Physically Genesis has always been the weakest of the three. He had never felt such strength from the man. Not before his degradation and certainly not since he developed the strange illness.

"Alright... you made your point," The raven haired First grunted under the surprising strength.

Gen lets up and stepped back from the other First to give them some distance. Angeal warily watched Genesis pace and swing his sword idly in agitation. Angeal rubbed his shoulder watching Gen with concern and curiosity.

"I'm sorry Gen. You know I'm just worried about you..." Genesis huffed irritably, but said nothing. Angeal smiled warily, "You're really better then." Gen shot him another glare.

Angeal scoffed at the redhead and shook his head. When he turned back to him his stern face held a playful grin, "Good… because Zack really can't take a hit."

Gen didn't get a chance to bite back at the man. Genesis was forced to scramble backwards as the powerful First charged him, putting him on the defensive. His eyes sparkled with joy and he met Angeal head on.