Twinge Of The Forsaken Chapter 10, a final fantasy vii fanfic

A/N: Whew! Guys, in the event of the considerable amount of trouble it took just to get this chapt uploaded, I must pass a very important tip to fellow writers: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO KEEP LONG-TERM DATA ON A LAPTOP THAT IS AT LEAST FIVE YEARS OLD IF YOU HAVE NO WAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WHEN NEEDED MOST! *pant, pant, pant* ESPECIALLY IF SAID LAPTOP IS AN '03 MODEL WITH DUMB SAVING RESTRICTIONS CUZ IT WAS SCHOOL-GIVEN! Okay, got my venting done… But seriously, I tried over and over and over and over again to post this thing, but my hard drive won't let me save changes unless I delete a billion things first—and that save is only for one time before I have to do the whole process all over again! AND I've had to wait five months to get the damn hardrive replaced, in such and event that I had to rewrite this chapter and the ones I intended to post for Darkened Eclipse! Thus, I have been cursed with the misfortune of making you lovely readers waiting for so long! …Okay, so I wasn't quite done with my ranting, but hey, I bet you guys are ranting right along with me, right? …Or just plotting my inevitable, untraceable murder, lol. N e wayz, hopefully I'll have this problem fixed soon so enjoy!

I'm sorry I can't post review replies this chapter, but I promise I'll send cyber-cookies with the next one! I luv each and every one of you, don't forget and don't doubt! OXOXOX

Chapter Nine: "My Angel"

It was morning, yet still dark when bright blue eyes opened from their deep sleep.

It took a moment for Genesis to realize that the position he'd fallen asleep in was slightly different than that of when he awoke: for starters, there was a soft blanket thrown over him. Him and…Sephiroth. Yes, his head no longer rested on his friend's lap—rather it rested on the arm of the leather couch—but the elder SOLDIER hadn't left him. No, he was sound asleep right behind him, much in the same position.

"Angeal?" he looked around and softly called, but no answer greeted him save for the darkness around him. Instead, two small mugs sitting on the coffee table caught his eye. The ever distant aroma of sweet Banora White tea wafted toward his enhanced nose and he let the faintest of smiles stretch his lips. Angeal always did that when one or all of them needed cheering up.

Genesis slowly sat up, stretching his stiff muscles as he did so. Angeal must have left to retire to his own apartment, but he'd obviously left the two mugs there for Sephiroth and himself. One, he could see was half empty—no doubt Sephiroth was awake earlier. The other still had a small slice of the bluish-purple apple floating on the liquid's surface. Sure, the beverage was undeniably cold now, but Angeal's special tea was always a blessing to consume. And he only ever made it for the three of them.

To say the least, Genesis felt a might better. He couldn't help but smile to himself again as he lifted the cup up to his lips to take a sip. It had been so long since he'd tasted the sweet drink. Years, in fact. The last time he could recall such an occasion was…after that incident. He'd felt even deader than he was now. Angeal and Sephiroth had done everything they could for him, but he was lost to the world at the time. All he could think about was the wretched, filthy feeling of being mutilated. …How all there was around him was pain, misery, loss, dis--

DONG!

Genesis choked on his last sip at the sudden sound of his chime clock striking three in the morning. Between horrid thoughts he couldn't banish and sudden busting of the silence around him, it was safe to say he'd nearly gone into cardiac arrest. Maybe Banora White tea had it in for him, too…

Or maybe he was officially crazy.

Sephiroth was a little cold when he woke up from his rather cramped position on Genesis's sofa. A quick scan around the room told him that was because Genesis was no longer curled up against him. And the blanket had been thrown off. And said blanket was damp in one spot; one of the tea mugs had been upset. Okay…not really a good sign.

The general soundlessly leapt to his feet, straining his senses for any sign of where his younger friend may have bolted off to.

A faint sound drew his attention to the kitchen. Very quiet, very discreet, but more than enough to send Sephiroth into an adrenaline rush. The last time he'd found Genesis alone in the kitchen--anyone but him catching a sense of déjà vu?

Sephiroth wasted no time in hurrying over to the kitchen door. An unmistakable silhouette was leaning over by the sink in the dark--

He switched on the light.

A tiny gasp jerked out of the younger's throat. Genesis spun around with surprise in his eyes, but his expression melted back into its complete, impassive façade. A silver utensil slipped to the floor. Sephiroth smelt…sugar?

"S-Seph? What are you do--? Did I wake you?"

Okay, this scene was not at all what the general had been expecting. A half-gallon tub of ice cream, a clear glass bowl, and a harmless silver spoon?

As if this wasn't awkward…

"Wh--I just--no," Sephiroth let his temporary shock drift into one of relief and warmly smiled. "You didn't wake me. Um, midnight snack?" he added with a gesture towards the frozen dessert.

Genesis glanced back behind him, and then returned his gaze to Sephiroth. He looked a bit uncertain, now, "Uh, yeah. I just--I had another bad dream and…I couldn't go back to sleep and, well…" the statement hung in the air for a while until Genesis abruptly retrieved the fallen spoon and tossed it in the sink. "Um, do you..?"

Again, Sephiroth allowed himself to smile a bit. Taking the unasked offer, he gathered two fresh spoons and joined his friend's side. "Why not? I haven't a reputation to guard up here." At first he'd reached for the bowl that had slid across the counter, but after exchanging a look with Genesis, the two just dug into the tub itself.

For a while, neither one of them spoke. Nonetheless, Sephiroth knew something was nagging at the younger's mind. He'd let him speak first, though.

And he did. One more sideways glace at Sephiroth and Genesis set his spoon down with a sigh, "Look, I…I know what you were thinking…" Sephiroth sent him a curious look. (Though it looked a little funny with a spoon still in his mouth. "When you rushed in here…you thought I was--"

"Genesis, I didn't mean anything by that. I was just…worried."

"Seph, I hadn't tried anything like that in years," Genesis softly retorted, lightly scraping the Rocky Road ice cream with his silver utensil. "Do you still not trust me?"

This time, Sephiroth sighed, sticking his spoon into the frozen dessert. "Listen, it's not about lack of trust; I just know what you've gone through and I…don't want to risk losing you."

Genesis looked up and realized his friend had stepped closer to him, one gloved hand running absently through his slightly tousled hair. He shivered a little. Turning away, he pulled Sephiroth's hand off of him and stepped back a little. "What would I accomplish by taking my own life, now? The child is long dead and I no longer have anything to worry over."

"Genny…" at the sound of that damned nickname, Genesis turned away further, not wanting old emotions to rise back up. "I know how it still hurts you. You didn't want anything that Hojo pushed upon you, but I remember how you loved the child the moment he was placed in your arms. And no matter how you try to deny it," the general urged, circling around the younger to catch sight of his shadowed face again. "You're still human."

Genesis didn't say anything for the longest time. When he finally did, Sephiroth's superior sense of smell caught a faint whiff of salt. That hadn't happened for years, either, "I'm sorry."

"What?"

"I'm sorry I put you through all of this…"

Okay, Sephiroth was very confused, now, "What are you talking about?" he asked again, reaching up to wipe the raw tears away from Genesis's cheeks. "Why are you apologizing?" Genesis shook his head, trying to turn away again, but Sephiroth's gentle hold wouldn't allow him to. "No. What's the matter?"

"Everything that's happened—I've just always made things harder on you. I've been such a complete wreck and…I'm sorry. I never meant to…to drag you down with me. I-I don't see how you're still my friend."

There was a long pause. This was the last thing Sephiroth expected. "Look at me," he softly urged, tilting his friend's gaze up with gentle fingers. "I will always be your friend, no matter what befalls us. Nothing will change that. I promised when we were children that I'd look out for you—and I've done so the best I can."

The two stood frozen for another few minutes before Genesis pulled away once again. He didn't turn his back to the other as usual, but proceeded to stare at anything but the general.

"Why do you pity me so? What did you ever see in me that gave you the delusion I am something to care about? Why you? …And why Angeal?"

"I do not know."

Okay, honestly, that sort of slipped out. Not that there was a negative insinuation behind the statement, but truthfully, Sephiroth had never stopped to think about why it was he and Angeal suddenly grew so close to the tortured soul standing before him. He and Genesis were similar, yes, in so many ways, but lots of people wander the world in the same manner and upbringing of so many others that they'll probably never meet and it never makes much of a difference.

Okay, just where the hell is this train of thought going?

Oh, yeah…

"We do not pity you," Sephiroth softly added with a sigh. "We care for you."

Something akin to a confused looked flashed across the shadow of Genesis face, but only for a second, "Care?"

"Yes, Genesis, care. Can someone not care for another without any legitimate reason?"

The reaction Sephiroth received was certainly not one he saw coming. Or even had a chance of it: Genesis's posture returned to its typical, blank yet erect indifference before he strode passed his friend, back to where the abandoned ice cream sat. The younger slammed the lid back atop the plastic rim before moving to place it back into his freezer. His next destination turned out to be the kitchen doorway. Had Sephiroth said something wrong?

"It's late, General. I should be returning to bed; we do have a meeting with the Executive Director this morning."

"Genesis, I believe that's quite enough."

Sephiroth's sudden morph into an authoritative manner—not to mention stern tone of voice—had Genesis freezing upon nearly reaching his living room. "How long are do you plan on running away from me and anyone else who tries to get close to you?"

"I am not running. I merely prefer my space."

A low laugh of slight bitterness escaped Sephiroth's throat, "That hardly makes sense. Have you forgotten how you insist on me accompanying you whenever you must venture anywhere below the SOLDIER floors?"

Genesis's still form stiffened. Sephiroth could have sworn the room's temperature dropped a few degrees. "Very well, then. If it is that bothersome to you, I had no idea. I will trouble you no longer." With that said, he began to evenly make his way out of the kitchen.

Sephiroth inwardly cursed, following after a few seconds, "Genesis, wait. I didn't mean--"

"Good night, General."

Another drop of perspiration slid down the glass of iced water. It was truly amazing how fascinating the simplest of things can be.

Director Lazard's voice drifted over Genesis's head. Another top-priority mission had come to their attention. The commander hardly paid attention to these meetings anymore. It was just he and the other two top-rank SOLDIERS here, again. It was these kinds of missions the company only trusted to them. Well, to Angeal and Sephiroth, at any rate. Genesis was still required to attend, but as far as trust of him went in these situations…

Genesis couldn't recall the last time he had been on a fairly dire and complicated mission as this one. Hm, must have been a few years. Ever since…that time, no body seemed to trust him as much anymore. Sure, he still remained well-deserving of his rank—training the newbies to their toughest, nearly outclassing Angeal in almost every routine training simulation every month, oh, and lets not for get the biggest one of all: patrol duty! Okay, maybe that one wasn't exactly very impressive, but everyone and their mothers knew not to question Genesis Rhapsodos's capability as a top-SOLDIER.

It's not that Genesis wasn't allowed to take on missions likes these, but it was just an unspoken fact that 'Genesis Rhapsodos didn't go on missions such as this one.' Everyone seemed to think it best that he stay in the confines of the building, signing paperwork and whatnot while the others…helped and saved people. Tch, how very honorable.

"…The Crescent Unit has enabled a bomb to go off within a short time should any interference occur, so you'll have to be quick." Thank you, Director Obvious. Of course they'd have to be quick! Like anyone would want to stick around for a firework show of that magnitude! "Now, Sephiroth's A Unit will infiltrate here," a white-gloved finger indicated to a specific place on the digital map on the wall behind them all. "Drive back the Wutai's forces, with any luck leading them towards the bank, here, where they'll be cornered. B Unit, led by Angeal, will sneak into the camp off the West Side, here, and try to release as many of the hostages as possible. My advice would be to secure the women and young children first."

"Any particular reason as to why there are priorities concerning who we free first?" Angeal asked as he stared at the screen, sitting one leg up on the table while Sephiroth stood cross-armed behind him.

Lazard sighed, wearily running a hand through his hair before answering, "Because you only have three minutes before the bomb ignites."

Well, if that isn't a kick in the nuts, Genesis thought emotionlessly.

"This is an entire village being held captive here, Commander," Lazard continued. "It's not likely you'll be able to save everyone."

"…I understand."

"Now, as far as teams go, I recommend you recruit the best and most experienced SOLDIERS—those who do not have many issues with difficult and snap decisions. They will need to be notified half an hour before departure."

"Very well," Sephiroth affirmed. "Then I'll take Saige and his usual squad. He has accompanied me in the past and has proven himself more than capable."

Lazard nodded and turned to Angeal, who kept his gaze averted to everyone, obviously in deep contemplation. After a moment, he rubbed his chin a little in thought and said, "I do not feel comfortable bringing Zack on a mission like this… Then I suppose I'll take along Dawson and Soukawich; they and their comrades are fairly acclaimed for their experience in these kinds of situations."

"You know Walters is far more experienced and efficient," Genesis's voice surprised the other three men in the room. The youngest occupant did not look at them; rather he kept his eyes on the interesting glass of water, "He's been decorated for both hostage retrieval and espionage. Not to mention he is far more acclaimed for his combat skills and stealth than Dawson and Soukawich combined."

The first to recover from the shock of Genesis speaking up was Angeal, "But, Genesis, Walters is usually your accompaniment."

"I know that. I'll go."

If the first instance of the silent commander speaking was a shock, the second almost sent the other three into overdrive.

Sephiroth exchanged glances with Angeal before carefully responding, "Genesis, this mission is--"

"Quite within the capability range for one of ShinRa's top-ranking First Classes, if I am not mistaken. And, if I'm not mistaken, it has been quite some time since I last embarked on a mission. I believe I could use the outing, wouldn't you say?"

At Sephiroth's and Angeal's lack of response, Lazard turned to the copper-haired SOLDIER, "This assignment is not easy, Commander. Perhaps if you--"

"Hardly any assignment is easy, Director. And if I do not step up to a challenge every once in a while, I'm bound to lose my touch, by and by. Such is not acceptable in the SOLDIER program, is it?"

Finally, after a long silence, Sephiroth sighed, "Very well. Commander Rhapsodos shall take Commander Hewley's place. I will accompany with my own unit. When do we depart?"

"As soon as your teams are ready," Lazard replied just as Genesis stood from his seat. "Commander Genesis," said SOLDIER stopped in his trek to the door. "As I pointed out before, it's next to impossible to save everyone. There will undoubtedly be casualties, and many of them."

"Of course."

"And it is highly likely you may lose some of your men if some of Wutai's forces break through into your squadron."

"I am aware of that."

Lazard gave a satisfied nod Genesis couldn't see and turned away, "Just as long as you understand that."

"Certainly," finally, Genesis turned to face them all with a flourish and an arrogant air. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must inform the invitees and get ready for the party." With that and an exaggerated mock salute, Genesis had gone and the other three stood in ice-cold silence.

Then Angeal turned to Sephiroth, "What are you standing there for?" when the General gave him a confused look, he added. "Go after him! Tell him he can't take on this assignment!"

Sephiroth sighed and turned to lean against the table, casting his eyes to the floor, "He hasn't been on a real mission for too long a time. I can't refuse him this; he has all the legitimacy possible for grounds to go."

"Company standards aside, Seph, he's not ready for this kind of mission yet—you know that!"

"Don't worry; I'll look out for him," when he looked up to see Angeal far from comforted or convinced, tried again. "Besides, perhaps getting out and helping someone is just what he may need. He's getting better, slowly but surely."

"He's getting reckless, Seph," Angeal argued, shifting to lean beside his friend. "Granted, that is a small trace of his past self, but it's not a good one. You know that when he did things like this in the past—rushing himself into something too soon—it often got him hurt. And him going out on a mission where a lot of people will be dying around him is the last thing he needs."

"We can protect him from a lot of things, Angeal," Sephiroth said after a moment. A small fly buzzing near the corner of the ceiling caught his eye. As he watched, it flew unknowingly into a small spiderweb. Sephiroth glanced away as the thin, black spider caught it and bit its deadly fangs into its prey. "But we can't protect him from the whole world."

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound coming from Lazard's reorganizing files and descriptions previously covered in the meeting. Soon, Angeal's quiet voice spoke up again, this time sad and pleading rather than lecturing, "Don't let him go, Sephiroth. This assignment will mostly likely hurt him in the long run. Please…order him to stay."

"I can't deny him the assignment, but let me talk to him; perhaps I can convince him to change his mind."

At the abrupt knock on his front door, Genesis looked up from his current point of interest in front of his sofa, "Entrée vu." Upon seeing his visitor in the mirror above his mantelpiece, his lips curled into a smile that was sickening to see in its unnaturalness, his eyes still bearing that haunted blankness, "Ah, General. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"What are you doing, Genesis?"

"Oh, me?" the younger asked in a surprised tone that couldn't have been genuine. "I'm merely readying to head out on our mission. You can't head into battle without the necessary equipment, can you?"

"That's not it," Sephiroth's stern voice replied as the door shut behind him. "I mean what are you doing taking on this assignment? This isn't like you."

"What is like me?" came that same, cold and lifeless voice the General knew so well. "This is merely a break from routine; I'm tired of staying cooped up in this place while you and all the other SOLDIERS spend their time risking their very lives to save others. Meanwhile, I'm here being treated like a liability no one trusts, doing nothing but training others, and going over and filling out paperwork, and acing the same training simulations to no point. Here, I'm naught but the 'lifeless First Class Genesis' who cannot be trusted with signing his own name."

Sephiroth sighed, his voice becoming lower, "Is that it, then? Are you volunteering for this mission to prove something to yourself? To me?" Genesis froze and the room suddenly got cooler. "If this is about our discussion last night, then--"

"You assume too much. Don't you think it's time I was treated like a SOLDIER and not merely a defenseless child? Besides, we both know Angeal doesn't do well on missions where he knows innocent people are going to die. If you'd like, think of it also as me doing him a favor."

"You're not ready for this, Genesis." At Sephiroth's words, Genesis resumed his task from before, his actions quicker and harsher. "Since you haven't had mission experience lately, it isn't within my power to hold you back." A sharp scrape of metal sounded as a scabbard was quickly slid off of a shining red sword. Genesis skillfully twirled the hilt around his fingers, easily as if he'd never skipped a day with handling it. "But it's still too soon."

"I see. You're protecting me," Genesis's dead voice taunted as his red-gloved fingers run across the blade's silver-lined edge, "But I seem to recall you lecturing me not six hours ago of how you tired of such an act."

"You misunderstood me," Sephiroth said gently as he took a few steps closer. "I meant I didn't want you to turn away from me anymore. You've shut the rest of the world out; I didn't want those doors to close on me too."

"I'm going on this mission, Sephiroth. Nothing you say will stop me."

Sephiroth bowed his head a little in defeat, "I can see there's no changing your mind."

"About time."

"But I do want you to promise me one thing," Genesis let the sword's tip sink a little and he tilted his head the slightest bit to acknowledge he was listening. "If things begin to cut too close, don't try and be a hero; I want you to get away to safety. If things get beyond your control, I want you to call me. I will come to you. Don't…do anything reckless."

There was no reply at first. Instead, Genesis merely propped his prized sword up against the wall next to him before picking up a weapon SOLDIERS rarely used: a handgun. After slipping in a fresh, loaded magazine, Genesis finally offered a quiet response, "I can take care of my self, thank you."

"Genesis." The aforementioned SOLDIER didn't acknowledge him until he felt a gentle hand on his arm, at which he violently flinched with a gasp. He looked up to his left to find Sephiroth's eyes very close to his. "I want you to promise me that."

They stared into on another's eyes for quite a while. Green staring into blue. Their breaths tickled each other's lips. When he realized just how close the two were, Genesis weakly yanked his arm from Sephiroth's hold, "Don't touch me." With that, he took a few steps away and continued the task of readying his weapons.

Sephiroth never got his promise.

A/N: Yeep! Genny's stepping outta the house! I wonder how this mission will affect him? Will he handle it okay? Or will a little malfunction in the assignment trigger some more bad memories or thoughts? …oops! ……………Tell me what you think; I'd LOOOOOOVE to know! -_^