At the time of writing there is currently one review. I would like to thank you kind stranger for your suggestions, I appreciated them a lot. Now we get into the story, beginning from the POV of one Genesis Rhapsodis.
Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or its characters (I wish...)
Genesis was not happy. Within a week he had gone from his regular monotone self to downright bitchy. First of all, When he had sparred with the other two Firsts, his shoulder had been injured. That wouldn't be so bad if his shoulder had healed properly. Then he had gone to talk to Hollander, only to find the man didn't have a cure, and only might be able to produce one if he left ShinRa. He was actually okay with leaving the company, After all, what could it do for him? It had done nothing but use him and they probably would have killed him if they knew about his Injury. So here he was, in a transport truck heading out of the city to Junon, to sail to Wutai. And now, the screams outside alerted him to the fact his transport was being attacked. The redhead Banoran cursed as he rose from his seat, the seconds and thirds not quite understanding what was happening outside. Genesis drew Rapier, his rune enchanted blade, before cursing under his breath as he headed for the truck's exit.
Many things happened in the next few seconds. One: The truck's top was peeled back like a tuna can. Two: Genesis made out the distinct sound of a wing flapping, and turned with his blade raised. Three: the red mage of ShinRa was plucked into the air by his good arm, and was quickly carried into the sky before anyone could get a good look at the creature. Four: Genesis let out a string of curses strong enough to make Cid Highwind proud.
When Genesis regained his composure, he quickly looked up and analyzed his situation, which was unfavorable. He was already several hundred feet off the ground, and falling from this distance if he were to attack the creature, would either kill him or put him in critical condition. And with his wounds not healing it would be a very quick death, so going on the offensive was not an option. Next was the matter of the creature kidnapping him. To his surprise, his kidnapper was what appeared to be an adult humanoid with a single black wing extending out his left side. This is what caused the Crimson Commander to speak.
"What... The hell are you?" He asked, unsure what to make of it.
The creature, undoubtedly male now, replied in a calm lighter tone of voice "A human who has been through a tub of mako and a mad scientist."
Genesis mused over that for a moment, the thought of Hojo crossing his mind. "And why are you carrying me off?"
The man chuckled "I heard through the grapevine you needed a cure."
The commander's head snapped up again, his voice filled with suspicion and hope "And there will be a price?"
Underneath his black hood, the spiky blond smirk. The redhead picked up quickly "Really only a few small favors." He slightly shrugged. Eyeing the area they were swiftly approaching, he slowly began his descent. Upon looking down, Genesis noted that they were about to land on the outskirts of Kalm "What kind of 'small favor'?" He asked, unable to keep the suspicion out of his voice.
Cloud responded easily "I want to replace Hojo and Hollander as head of the science department. However, that involves their rather sad and untimely demise. But with a recommendation from the late professor found under a stack of notes, I'm sure ShinRa could move on." With that, he landed right on the outskirts of Kalm, next an abandoned house. To Cloud's relief, the house was still abandoned, and now they were far enough from Midgar it would take them at least three days to organize a search party for him. He opened the door and beckon the startles commander inside.
Genesis was still stunned even after being seated on a couch across from the blond, who had now taken down his hood and sat with his boots on the table between them. The redhead had but one question right now. "Why?"
The blond across from him grimaced and gestured to his wing "It is because of that monster Hojo that I ended up like this. He experiments with people and sentient creatures with no pity or remorse. He only does what benefits him and kills whatever gets in his way. He believes himself to be untouchable, a good with no faults." Cloud's blue eyes glared into Genesis's "And if he falls alone Hollander will be no better. And if your promise to help me..." From his pocket, he withdrew the Lifestream Water and placed it on the table "It's yours. You can take it right now. BUT' He quickly added as the redhead reached for the vial "When you take it, because of the nature of what ails you, you will be in immense pain and completely out of action for at least 48 hours, if not more. Now commander." He pulled his feet of the table and leaned forward, gloved hand extended "Do we have a deal?"
The red mage considered it for a moment before nodding, and with a smirk, shook the man's hand."I think we do...?"
"Strife." Cloud grinned "The names Strife."
Reviews for a humble writer? Genesis, desperate for the cure is now on board with Strife's plan. The story unfolds... See you next chapter!