Author Note: I've noticed a spike in international readers and I just wanted to say welcome to all of you reading from around the world! I'm honored that you have taken the time to read and hope you are enjoying everything. Now, time for your regularly scheduled dose of Talin and the boys!

Marken: If you like my Genesis, then you're in for a good bit of him this chapter and an even bigger role in chapter 16. Talin really needed a kick in the head (almost literally) to get him to work through some of his issues and, let's face it, no one is better at that than Seph. So many more twists and turns to see these guys work through.

Beta Readers: Pixie, Kiza, and Discord.

I do not own FF7 or any of its characters. Talin, Unit 28, and some other side characters are mine.

Chapter 14

As Sephiroth had recommended, Talin picked up his overnight bag after lunch and then headed back to his Unit. The meeting with Commander Rhapsodos had unnerved him, but he wasn't likely to spend much time around that particular 1st, so he brushed it off.

His arrival in the barracks was greeted with loud calls of welcome followed closely by several crowding around with questions. How he was feeling? What it was like? Did he stay in the lab overnight? And, even though they had seen it before, several wanted to take a look at his now permanently changed eyes. Laughing at the amount of attention he was getting, Talin tried to answer as many as he could while he unpacked his bag. Eventually, he was left alone enough to relax and the rest of the day passes uneventfully, dinner being the only exception.

Whispers had started even before their Unit arrived in the cafeteria. Knowing that there would be a response to his changed eyes, Talin allowed himself to catch the glances of those that were staring before moving on. Better to get it over with now than to keep his eyes down and delay the inevitable curiosity. Happily, only a few people were brazen enough to approach and ask him about the change.

By the time dinner and a short training session were over, Talin was beyond ready to crawl into bed. His head hit the pillow and he was too tired to do more than set his alarm for the morning and throw a blanket over his head before he was asleep.

...

"You were given a gift, a gift from the Goddess. Be proud and use it well."

The echo of the words roll at him from every side in that deep, earthy tone and Talin feels almost soothed by them. The sound of wind draws his attention when the voice fell silent, and he opens his eyes to find himself not in his bed.

Cloudless skies of amazingly clear blue make his eyes ache from the brightness, and he squints as he looks around. Flowers? A field of them... The sweet smell of the blooms, warmth of sunlight, and the wind tickling through his hair. It all felt so real but he knew it had to be a dream. He would take it. Hell, he'd take anything over his memories any day. A gift? Why did he keep hearing that phrase over and over again?

"But, if this was a 'gift', why did it cause so much suffering?" Talin whispered, looking down at his Mako stained hands, not expecting an answer.

"To know what we have, we must sometimes lose what we cherish most." A sense of deep, old sadness is in those words and Talin franticly looks about for its owner. The more he hears it, the more he feels he knows, or should know, who was speaking. It's so familiar...

"Keep to your course, Talin," The words are firm now and spoken as if in slight haste. "Your future, and that of others, depends on your actions. You have come too far, suffered too much to back down. The trials ahead won't be overcome fighting by yourself. Even the strongest among warriors have friends..." The voice started to fade on the last line and Talin jumps to his feet. In an attempt to hear it again, he calls out.

"Wait! What trials? I, I don't get it?" Talin was running now trying to find the voice again, but no one answered him. Just an endless expanse of flowers on a green meadow, under purest blue skies.


The odd dream left an impression on Talin. The next morning, he was more quiet than usual as the group was having breakfast and even throughout Commander Fair's class. By lunchtime, several in his Unit had asked him what was up and he had replied that he just hadn't slept well.

About mid-morning, a text from his General told him that they would be in the VR room for training. Excited for the chance to possibly explore the VR forest again, Talin was slightly disappointed when Sephiroth set the simulation to generate random terrain. When the simulation settled, however, his disappointment quickly vanished, replaced by an uneasy feeling in his gut and goosebumps on his arms.

Sapphire blue skies, cloudless and endless, stretched over a meadow covered in flowers. There was a slight breeze but no sweet smell was carried to him on it and the warmth of the virtual sun did nothing to warm the chill running up his spine.

"Everything alright, Talin?" Sephiroth asked, seeing the disquiet spread across his student's face.

"Do...Do you believe in fate?" The question is quiet and Talin starts wandering slowly through the flowers, keeping his eyes down on the delicate blooms.

"Fate?" Crossing his arms, Sephiroth watched the teen's progress around the field.

"Ya, like each person has a destiny, but they can mess it up if they make too many mistakes." The General wonders at where this conversation is going but answers honestly.

"I believe that each person has a role to play in this world. Minor or major, is all a matter of perspective. Personally, I feel that fate, predestined fate, is a lie. I'd much rather your idea of a possible destiny based on choices." Talin's back was turned to him so he couldn't see what effect his words had. Circling around, he glanced down at his Cadet.

"What prompted this?"

"I told you about the voice that called to me when I found the well," He paused, looking down with a puzzled and wary expression. "I... I keep hearing it. I dreamt I was on a field, just like this one, and it called out to me. It warned me about trials to come that I can't fight alone," He trailed off. Sephiroth moved fully in front of Talin causing him to look up. Eyes so like his own reflected the bright light of the sun and sky but there was a shadow in them, of doubt and worry.

"Whatever trials you have to face will come in their own time. The only reassurance I can offer is that you'll not be alone when they find you." It was a promise, a General to his subordinate, but there was true sincerity in them that relieved some of Talin's worry.

"I'll hold you to that," Talin says with a light smile. Humming his ascent to the vow and, after walking a short distance away, Sephiroth turns back to face his student. The small grin on his face is genuine and slightly mischievous.

"Now, to completely change the tone of our conversation, I'm going to proceed to beat you so thoroughly in hand to hand that your Unit will never envy your sessions with me again." The words were calculated to break the heavy atmosphere and did their job. Talin laughed at this abrupt shift but sobers when he sees the serious glint in those slit eyes as Sephiroth removed his coat and gloves.

"Well, I guess we will see who beats who," With a slightly nervous laugh, he takes a fighting stance.

Talin makes his way back to his barracks to shower and change for dinner. He's bruised, sore, and dead tired. Sephiroth took no pity on him, leaving more than one plowed line in the VR meadow where he had been thrown after a failed counter-attack.

As he comes out of the showers, he can hear a rather heated argument in the main room.

"Weren't you sent here 'cause you got caught?" Zale was laughing from his bunk and nearly half the Unit was gathered around Milo and Hank.

"I only got caught because he was doin' the same thing!" Milo was adamant in his defense and stamped his foot in emphasis.

It was well known by now that the small Cadet had been sent to Shin-Ra as a sort of punishment for being caught trying to pickpocket someone in Junon. He swore blue that the guy was another thief and that's why he got caught, but no one back home had believed him.

"I don't know man... He's a 1st. You might think your good, but you can't be that good." Hank looked skeptical but also hopeful. Confused, Talin finally poked Cal to find out what was up.

Hank, being the SOLDIER fanboy that he was, had finally pulled together the courage to join the Keepers of Honor, a club dedicated to Commander Hewely. When he came back from signing up, Milo had joked that Zack should have Angeal's number and he should ask him for it. This had somehow turned into a scheme on Milo's side to get Zack's phone from him and copy down the other 1st's number. Talin couldn't help his laugh and, knowing that it would be next to impossible to accomplish, decided to put up a wager to make things interesting.

"Ok, Milo. If you really think you can do it then let's make a bet." All eyes were on him now, "If you can get Zack's phone away from him, get the number, and put it back without getting caught, I'll arrange dinner and a movie night for the whole Unit in one of the recreation rooms on the 24th floor."

Milo looked for a moment like he was going to back out and then covered his anxiety with bravado.

"Deal!"

When asked later why he would put up such a bet, he could only say that he was curious about the outcome. No one had expected Milo to actually pull it off.

By some turn of fortune, Commander Fair had changed their Tuesday class from lecture hall, to hand to hand in the gym. It gave Milo just the excuse to get close to their teacher and, at some point during their three-round sparring match, the little Cadet had actually done it. After the first round, Milo came over to Chase to get some water, handed off the sleek phone, and then went back in for round two. When he came back over before the last match, he took the phone back and, without anyone being able to figure out when, placed it in the Commander's pocket.

The little shit is good... Talin chuckled to himself as he tried to figure out what to make for movie night.

After the class was released, they all ran into an unoccupied training room and loudly congratulated a smug Milo. Chase had jotted the number down on a scrap of paper and was cracking up that Zack had Angeal listed as 'The oh so Honorable Angeal'. All the celebrating was nice, but Talin felt he needed to ensure some order before this got out of hand.

Using a burst of Mako, he bolted past Chase and swiped the scrap of paper from him. The sudden movement and glow of Mako cut off all conversation. Having their undivided attention, Talin flipped the paper between his fingers.

"As impressed as I am, Milo, I don't really think we should have this..." Complaints started immediately but he held up his hand and, with a bit more sternness in his tone, "This is the private number for a SOLDIER 1st Class and a person that I know we all respect a great deal."

"Oh, c'mon Talin, The Keepers of Honor won't abuse that number! I swear!" Hank begged. With a great sigh, Talin quickly considered his options.

"Fine, but on two conditions," He said, holding up two fingers. "First, none of you will keep a copy of this number. It goes straight to the Keepers and nowhere else." The guys nodded and Talin continued. "Second, this number will appear anonymously in the record book for the Keepers of Honor. No one is to take credit for it now or ever. I think we all know that there would be serious consequences for such a violation of privacy if it was ever found out." At this, several of the Unit paled and nodded franticly. They all remembered some of the stories of cadets being forced to do janitorial duty for a month or more for lesser offenses.

"Good. Now that I have your promise on that, Hank, this is your responsibility," Talin stated handing the slip of paper over to the other cadet. Hank saluted and held the valuable scrap to his chest.

"Yes, Sir, Captain!" He barked out causing a string of laughter from the others and a chuckle from Talin. Elijah's nickname for him just wouldn't die...

"Don't 'Sir' me Hank. Just take care of it. Now come on, we are going to be late to the next session," He laughed and motioned for the group to hurry back towards the classrooms.

As they settled into their seats in Military History, Talin received a text.

SMS Message from: Zack

Zack: Hey, how's it going Cadet?

Talin was confused by the out-of-the-blue message but had a few minutes before class started to respond.

Talin: Good. Just getting ready for my next class. Did you need me for something Commander?

Zack: No, no, just wanted to know if Cadet Tomlin got what he wanted off my phone...

Talin about choked.

Zack: I'm not angry, so don't panic. Just need to know if I have to change my number again.

Talin: Umm, not you but Commander Angeal might want to change his. I'm sorry Sir.

Zack: Hey, no worries! It happens about once a year. Let me guess, the Keepers of Honor made a bet with your teammate?

Talin: Actually, it was me, but I didn't seriously think he would take the bet.

Zack: Hope you didn't lose anything too important

Talin: Na, I just promised to arrange a dinner and movie night for the Unit. Anyways, class is about to start

Zack: K, take it easy Red, and I'll let Angeal know that it's time for a new number again 😛

Chuckling at the oddly normal conversation with the 1st, Talin tucked his phone away and settled in for class.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Classes passed, lunch was full of conversation about the movie night, and the sparing session with Sephiroth went smoothly. On his way back to the barracks afterward, he stopped in on the 24th floor to reserve a room for that Saturday. Wanting some practice before he has to cook for his Unit, he messages Angeal.

SMS Message to: Commander Angeal

Talin: Hey Commander, I was wondering, if you're not busy, if your offer of some cooking lessons was still available?

Angeal: Of course! I have some time tomorrow night if you'd like? We can cook dinner for Sephiroth, Zack, and Genesis, now that he's back.

Talin has a moment of panic thinking of cooking for that particular group. Sephiroth wouldn't be so bad, and Zack would probably eat anything, but Commander Genesis was still a big unknown to him. Got to start somewhere He thought to himself.

Talin: Talk about trial by fire but, sure. That would be great. When and where?

Angeal: Your lesson with Sephiroth usually ends at 5:30 right? Well, how about 6 and we take over his kitchen. 😉

Talin couldn't help but laugh at the wink and the thought of taking over Sephiroth's kitchen. Hopefully, he won't mind.

Talin: haha, ok sounds like a plan. Need me to bring anything?

Angeal: Nope. Just yourself and your willingness to learn. See you tomorrow.


The next day, Talin is excited to cook with Angeal but still nervous about who he is cooking for. After letting Callian know that he won't be back till curfew, he heads up to his training session with Sephiroth.

The General had decided to work with him on reading an opponent's actions by looking for tells in how they move. A fighter often telegraphed what he was going to do, most commonly with his feet, and Talin's job was to watch for those movements and dodge accordingly.

Near the end of the training session, Talin felt like he was doing rather well, but he should have known better than to get cocky.

Sephiroth came at him again and mid-attack switched from the assault on his raised guard, to sweeping his legs from under him. Talin caught the change in focus and jumped to take advantage of the opening as Sephiroth went to kick out where his legs had been. He didn't realize until it was too late that it was another fake-out.

Already in the air, Talin couldn't avoid the straight punch to his chest that sent him flying backward like a rag doll. Doubly unfortunate was that the trajectory of that hit sent him crashing into a heavy metal stand by one wall. His right leg, shoulder, and ribs connected solidly with the unyielding steel, toppling the whole thing over with him sprawled on top.

"Talin?" came the concerned voice of his General as Sephiroth walked over to check on him.

"Ya, I'm fine, but I sure feel stupid for falling for that," Talin wheezed as he pulled himself from atop the pile. His ribs and shoulder hurt, but he didn't want to stop because of a few more bruises.

They regrouped in the center of the room and went over what Talin had missed during the exchange that resulted in the accident. Sephiroth made him do the fight over and, after catching the shift of the General's weight on his feet, was able to successfully dodge the feint and follow up punch. To Talin's frustration, he ended up on his back again in the next round looking up at his exasperated mentor.

"You know that I have to cook for you in about an hour, right?" Talin said from his prone position on the floor. Sephiroth gave him an amused look.

"And I expect it to be delicious but that doesn't give you a pass on training," the SOLDIER said as he helped Talin to his feet. A pinching pain in his ribs made the Cadet wince and he was glad when he was released a bit early to give him time to clean up before meeting Angeal.

Back in his barracks, Talin stripped his shirt off and saw the deep bruises that had formed on his right side. The shoulder looked like someone had spilled dark paint on him but his ribs were worse. Deep black already covered much of the area and a small amount of blood had trickled from the scrapes. Frustrated but unwilling to slow down, he threw his clothes into the hamper and carefully showered.

They'll heal, just like all the others. He thought to himself as he softly patted the area dry. The scrapes weren't so bad and stopped bleeding after he used a little medical jell but the bruises would have to wait till he had time to rub in some bruise cream.

The General's door is answered by Zack who quickly pulls him inside.

"C'mon, Angeal is in the kitchen already." All three 1sts had changed out of their normal uniforms. Talin was tempted to snap a picture of Commander Hewely for Hank but thought better of it. Sephiroth was seated on the couch going over some paperwork while Angeal was pulling pots and pans out in the kitchen.

"Where's Commander Rhapsodos?" Talin asked when he didn't see the notorious 1st.

"He had a late meeting with Director Lazard but will be here before dinner's ready," Zack said before flopping down on the couch near the General. Thankful for the momentary respite from Genesis, he moved into the kitchen and greeted Commander Hewely.

"Glad you could make it," The SOLDIER said and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Thank you again for teaching me, Sir..."

"No need for 'Sir' here, Talin. You can call me Angeal, I don't mind." Talin only had time for a quick nod before he was being pulled to one of the kitchen counters to start working on dinner.

Cooking with Angeal was fun. They were making a simple Wutai dish but there were a number of steps to each part of the meal. With patience learned from years of training Zack, Angeal walked him through each step and then gave him a bit of time to practice before moving on. As they were adding the last ingredients to the dish, Genesis rounded the corner from the entryway.

Zack jumps up to greet him with a tight hug, about the only person that could get away with such a thing, before letting him go great the others. With some astonishment, Talin watched Genesis lean over the back of the couch to give the General a hug as well. When the auburn-haired SOLDIER turns towards them, Talin gets a look that says "say something and die" so he turns back to the noodles he was tending.

"What are we having for dinner, 'Geal? I'm starving." Again, Talin is mildly shocked to see Genesis come behind Angeal and rest his head on the other's shoulder as he hugs the larger man.

"One of your favorites, spicy Wutai noodles. We'll be done in a bit." Slowly releasing Angeal, he turns to the quiet Cadet.

"Are you enjoying your cooking lesson with Angeal, Cadet?"

"Yes, Sir. Angeal is a great teacher." He tries not to, but the words come out slightly clipped and he keeps his head down. Angeal notices how quiet Talin had become since Genesis's arrival. Till that point, they had been having a rather lively conversation about different styles of cooking and each of their favorite dishes. Now he wouldn't even look away from what he was working on.

"You'll burn a hole in the pan if you keep looking at it so hard, Talin." The teasing tone caused the teen to look up at the smirking 1st. "Honestly, Genesis, you really need to work on your people skills. You're intimidating our poor Cadet." With slight irritation at the teasing Gen turns back to Talin.

"Do I make you nervous Cadet? Am I truly that scary?"

"No, Sir," Talin answers immediately. He isn't so much nervous or scared of the man, just... didn't know what to expect from him yet. His reputation was all over the place. Acts of charity, kindness, and care on one side. Angry tirades and tantrums on the other.

Taking the words at face value, Genesis shrugs as a 'See, not my fault' and leaves the two to continue cooking. As the two are plaiting up dinner, Angeal leans over to whisper to Talin.

"Don't be intimidated by Gen. He honestly isn't as bad as his reputation would make him out to be. Just takes some time for him to warm up to new people." With a small smile of encouragement and a returned smile of thanks, they take the plates out to the dining room and call for the others to join them.

The five enjoyed the dinner together and listened as Genesis recounted the mission he had been on for the last month. It had been a hunt for a supposed large monster in the vicinity of a swamp and it had been a wild Chocobo hunt. Enough signs had been around for there to indicate something large and dangerous but after weeks of trudging through rough, muddy, and smelly terrain, they had finally given up.

As he spoke, Genesis alternated between watching his friend's reactions and watching Sephiroth's trainee. He looked slightly different from how he had seen him in the plaza but couldn't put his finger on what changed. It had bothered him since arriving but he didn't figure it out till they were done eating and the boy was helping collect dishes for Zack to wash. He was moving stiffly, even slightly defensively, protecting his right side...

"Cadet, are you injured?" Genisis asks as Talin comes back to the table for more dishes.

"No, Sir, just a few bruises from training today," The answer doesn't sit well with Genesis and he reaches out a hand.

"So, it doesn't hurt here?" He asks as he roughly pokes Talin's side. In a flurry of motion, Talin abandons the dishes he was about to pick up, hooks an elbow into Genesis' cheek, and twists to the other side of the table. He's holding his side and gasping in pain when he realizes what he just did.

The apartment is silent as Genesis raises a hand to his cheek. Shit. Genesis's stunned expression shifts to amused annoyance.

"So, I was right. That's more than just a bruise, I'm sure. C'mon then, let's see it." Genesis stands from the table and motions for Talin to come to him. Talin doesn't move till he feels a hand rest on his shoulder. Sephiroth is looking at him with concern.

"Talin?" The hand still resting on his shoulder tightens slightly when he shifts as if to pull away.

"It's just a bad bruise; I get them all the time in training." Trying to look anywhere but at the General, his eyes land on Angeal who is now leaning against the sofa back with his arms crossed.

"How about we be the judge of that," Angeal says with a slight reassuring smile. Sighing in defeat, Talin pulls from under Sephiroth's hand and lifts the right side of his shirt. The bruise is bigger than before and several shades of purple and black. Sephiroth steps to the side as Genesis comes to take a closer look.

"This happened today at training and you kept going?" The red Commander was not pleased and his face showed it. "I would commend you on your tenacity, but one does not applaud stupidity." Zack chuckles from behind the counter, "Really did a number on him didn't you, Seph?" Sephiroth is holding Talin's elbow as Genesis, more gently, pokes around the worst section of discoloration and the General gives a frustrated glance at Zack.

"He said he was fine at the time." Talin knows that tone and is sure that there is another lecture in his future regarding this.

"I'm tempted to let you suffer for your foolishness but I will take mercy on you this time," Gen carefully lays his hand over the worst portion of the bruise, making sure that Sephiroth has a firm grip on the boy's elbow.

Talin's gasp of pain cuts off as a glow emanates from the spot and an audible 'click' is heard when the obviously broken rib snaps back into place. After the light fades, the bruise is far lighter and the pain is reduced to a dull ache.

"There, now, do yourself a favor in the future and tell your teacher when you're injured." He still sounded annoyed but those in the room that knew him saw the small amount of respect in his eyes. Genesis was always one to respect those that persevered through pain and hardship, Talin was apparently no exception.

"Thank you, Commander. I will." Genesis caught his attention before he could turn back to helping Zack with dishes.

"I always hated being called 'Commander'. Reminds me that I'm not a General yet," He says with a fake glare at Sephiroth. "Just call me Genesis, Talin." With that, Gen walked out of the dining area to the living room, leaving a slightly stunned Cadet. It felt odd, being asked to not use their titles. He was sensible of the privilege they were giving him, he just hoped that he wouldn't eventually be deemed unworthy of the right.

The rest of the night is more relaxed than dinner. Sitting in the living room, they enjoy the rare treat of Red Velvet ice cream, Genesis' favorite in honor of his safe return, and catch him up on what happened while he was away. A few of the stories were centered around Talin and he tried to not duck his head each time one came up.

Curfew was fast approaching and he found himself wishing he had more time. The feeling of being out of place in this group was mixed with his enjoyment of seeing these four legendary men as most never did. Out of uniform, relaxed, and open to the few questions he had been too curious to suppress, he was loath to leave. Standing as the clock showed ten till, Talin offered his thanks again to each for letting him come cook and to Genesis particularly for healing his rib.

Unexpectedly, the auburn-haired 1st stood to walk him out along with Sephiroth and invited him to come back again. Maybe for a movie next time. Talin smiled, thanked him for the offer, said his goodnights, and headed back to his barracks.

"Taken a liking to our cadet, have you?" Angeal teased as they came back to sit on the couch.

"Things seem to be a little livelier with him here, that's all," Gen replied, rubbing his abused cheek. It wasn't even discolored due to his sped-up healing and Zack laughed at him for not dodging the attack of a cadet.

Privately, Genesis comments that if Talin were any ordinary cadet, with a regular fighter's speed, he would have never landed the blow. Maybe he is worth the trouble to train after all...