Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.
Author' s Note: Thanks to ShatterTheHeavens, findthetiger129, Nightblade1021, xxOMGgalxx, and tsukiyomi83 for reviewing! Thanks to AndDownWeGO, minshe, FRAODD, Fushia Flame (also for a Author Fav) and rAFiTheWaNDerER for the favs! And thanks to Fushia Flame and rAFiTheWaNDerER for the alerts! I always say my thanks!
As usual, there may be mistakes in this chapter as this author does not have a beta. As promised, I'll always check back on my work depending when I'm not too busy.
And we're on 1500+ hits and 26 reviews on this chapter! We're a little low on the reviews, but I'll always try to deliver my best. Thanks everyone!
Another 10.000+ words chapter is here for this weekend~! xD
Action and interaction chapter!
To the fic!
Enjoy~!
~ Chapter 9: True Twists Start by Bombing Reactors ~
Train Station for Sector 1, Midgar, 9th December 0007
The night was young, and so many things could happen.
Like I dreaded, now was the moment of truth.
Kronos welcomed us into his beloved game of time twists.
I wasn't sure who the God of Time on Gaia was (was there ever one?), but if I was to relate to the Roman and Greek mythologies then Kronos was the dude for the job. All I could do now was watch and act upon what was to come. I came here with my friends to change the events that were supposed to happen. It was clear we were going to have to pay the consequences some way or another.
It was a price you had to pay for, when you're given a second chance to live.
Only, it was up to us on what we did with the said time. I was going to do whatever it took we all see it through alive.
The train eventually halted at our destination. As soon as it stopped, Jesse, Biggs, Rika and I in a flash, hopped onto the terminal floor with weapons and equipped Materia for a fight to find out...
Nobody.
'…'
'…'
'…'
"WHAT THE HELL?" Biggs shouted as put his fists down in shock. "No guards?"
Jesse looked around warily. "No one's here!"
At this same time Cloud and Zack jumped off easily from the top of the carriage, landing lightly beside me. Zack seemed to be confused as well. Even so, he did not say anything, still alert with his hand gripped on his Buster sword. I didn't blame him being serious as he was right now, he didn't make it to be a 1st Class SOLDIER with no prior grueling training and high fighting instincts. Not counting he was attacking the very same company, he used to work for.
Cloud walked over to me, quickly handing me back my Gemini sabers that he held onto.
"Thanks." I gave a nod of gratitude to the blond.
Rika held her laser gun tightly. She turned to her silver bot. "Eugene, what's the enemy's stats?"
:: No enemies. Negative to both human and non-human readings. :: Eugene floated in the air in a circle, widening his sensors.
"Flux?" I asked my droid scout.
The black round droid shook his head. :: Equal readings. No enemy in radius of station. Only at the reactor entrance. ::
"It's far too quiet for ShinRa." Zack commented as he took in the information our droids provided.
Cloud was thoughtful, "Maybe not. Zack, you think the guards might have all gone to the explosion we passed while we were on the train?"
"Cloud's got a point there." Jesse pipped in.
Zack shrugged silently, but I knew he was a bit tense. I wasn't feeling all that calm either, that explosion was driving my head restlessly insane. I had no clue what triggered it. What could come out of it, was a mystery.
Slowly coming down, Barret and Wedge held onto the top railings of the train before they jumped off – not being enhanced themselves.
"What are ya all standin' around for?" Barret asked us a little too loud on the volume, Zack and Cloud seemed to recoil with their more attuned hearing.
Wedge thankfully came to their rescue. "There are no guards here. Well... that's surprising." He shifted his long sniper rifle on his back. "We're lucky enough though. That means we can make most of the trip to the reactor with little fuss."
"Awrigh'. We split up. Biggs, Wedge, Rika, and Jesse go dat way. Don't give anyone a chance to see us!" Barret barked out his orders. "You newbies are with me! Common, we ain't gonna stand 'ere all day!"
When Barret ran off, both Zack and Cloud sighed. Zack had a pinkie finger scrunching his ear hole.
"I know you two don't like the volume, but you heard the man." I said quickly before I ran up chasing Barret.
"No worries, we'll catch up in a second." Zack said confidently before he was out of earshot.
True to his words, the moment I catch up to Barret within the long street that lead to the reactor entrance – Cloud and Zack were only a few feet behind me. A few seconds after, they were taking the front.
Barret seemed to be surprised how they managed to catch up in the first place, but kept running. I was glad to keep at Barret's pace without as much effort than I predicted before hand, as now I was in front of him too. Zack's grueling training was paying off in the end. Plus, I've done long distance running before... as long as I kept my stamina in a steady controlled pace, I'd be okay.
At the first sight of the platform, three guards rushed to attack us. This time, I was determined to use Gemini's other form. I press the ignition switch, the blades folded, and my weapons turned to gun mode. To save time and consequences, I shot two bullets to the guy in the middle on the head. When the guy dropped dead, I switched back my blades into place.
Zack and Cloud easily dispatched the other two guards. Zack interestedly looked at my weapon. "I never knew it could that."
"You never asked." I said as I laid my right saber sword on my shoulder on its blunt end. "It's for long range, when I don't use Materia."
Cloud looked behind him. "Barret, you're late."
I raised an eyebrow at his remark. Okaaay, so maybe I was wrong about there won't be any Cloud's cocky behavior.
Barret didn't seem to be happy about it. "Hmph. You got some guts ta say dat, spiky! Remember, payment after this is all done." He then glared at me, "You should have mentioned you know how ta shoot. You better tell me what your weapon really is used for here, right now."
Zack rolled his eyes. "Lighten up, big guy. That's not important right now. We got a reactor to blow up, don't we?" He grinned widely as the gunman. "Cloud, Issac, with me!"
Cloud and I followed snickering, with shocked Barret shouting behind us, "Oi! Wait up you idiots!"
Now that explains where the cockiness comes from.
So what if Cloud doesn't have a mushed up memory or personality disorder, but that doesn't mean he couldn't be affected by a mentor. Zack inherited some of Angeal's teachings and his mannerisms. So consequently, I shouldn't be surprised if some of Zack's would be inherited to Cloud. Although, I'd label it more to a borderline cheekiness than complete cockiness.
At least it wasn't so bad.
Still, I wasn't going to whine about it. It was probably Zack's way of getting back at Barret, for using excess volume and trying to pick on me. The Puppy was loyal, and I didn't doubt he would try to defend me and Cloud on whatever front.
At the entrance, the initial crew were waiting for us. We soon overheard bits of their conversations.
"Eh? So they were part of ShinRa before? Cloud and Zack were part of SOLDIER?" Wedge asked in concern.
Jesse shrugged. "Tifa said that they've quit for some time. I didn't believe it at first, but I guess it explains how they're able to wield those huge swords." She shook her head. "I don't know what their reasons are to join AVALANCHE, but Zack and Cloud are good people."
I blinked at the change of a 180 degree dialogue. Wow. I'm totally stumped. I mean – Jesse was always the one to ask about Cloud. But here, she's the one giving all the info!
When I saw Rika winking at me, I realized she must have took care of it. Girl gossips works wonders. That's it – I was so going to proclaim her to get in touch with all the girls for our group, when we get out of Midgar. For once, I was glad me and Ryan had a person who had a woman's touch. I gave her a small wink back with a thumbs up.
Biggs now looked at both Cloud and Zack, "Were you guys in SOLDIER? Uh...you don't really have markings of SOLDIER."
"I'll show you, but it's better off no one knows." Zack said. He simply took his glove off and his right contact lens off, showing blue-green Mako eye. When they all got a good look, he put them all on again. "Same with Cloud."
Cloud didn't seem to like the stares as he wasn't originally a SOLDIER to begin with. Better make a distraction then. So, I filled them in other additional info.
"Colored contacts were a fashion trend two years ago. Item creators were doing a hip on fashion." I mention with a shrug. "I gave them different colored ones, it's not easy to blend in back with society when ShinRa marks you."
Wedge gave me an precarious look. "You're weird, Issac. You know they were from ShinRa, and you helped them?"
Zack and Cloud had painful expressions on their faces.
"What's wrong with helping people in general?" I replied smoothly, defending my friends. "Sure, item creators do have conflicts with ShinRa once in a while – but that doesn't mean we're not entitled to help people when they need us."
"You'd help people from ShinRa?" Wedge shot back.
When I wanted to retort, Rika stepped in. "Wedge, drop it."
"But – He – "
"If you didn't hear clearly, they were ShinRa. Not now... And even if they were still in ShinRa and they needed help because they were dying, I'd help them too." My best friend seethed. Wedge was going start again but Rika beat him to it. "It's our oath as item creators to help people in whatever we make! If you're questioning that, then you're stepping all over our pride and honor."
"Come on, Wedge. We're supposed to work together!" Jesse pleaded. "Please?"
Biggs was uneasy. "We were the ones who took them in, Wedge."
Reluctantly, Wedge sighed. "... I'm sorry."
Rika crossed her arms. "Apology accepted. You got three more people left."
"Umm... Zack, Cloud and Issac? Sorry about that, ShinRa and I... have bad stuff in the past."
Zack shook his head. "I understand. Me and Cloud saw stuff that made us quit. We won't push, if you won't."
"What Zack said." Cloud shrugged.
"No hard feelings." I chimed in. "We all got our reasons."
At this point, Barret huffing slightly out of breath from catching up, decided to make an entrance.
"What the hell you're doin'! I thought I told you never to move in a group! Our target's the North Mako Reactor. We'll meet on the bridge in front of it."
Jesse snapping out from her stupor, quickly unlocked the gate, and we were in. Biggs and Wedge quickly followed the other hacker inside, leaving me, Rika, Cloud, and Zack with our leader.
"Hmph, well – Don't blame ya if you quit when you saw them doing the worst things. At least you ex-SOLDIERs are lucky to get some sense smacked into ya." The gunman uttered. He then looked at me and Rika. "I ain't going to say anything 'bout you item creators. You wanna help any people who are dyin', dats fine with me. But when we're on a mission against an enemy, know your side. Capiche?"
The four of us gave our agreement on it.
"Righ', get goin'!"
Before we ran to chase after the gunner, Zack gave us a grateful look. "Thanks you two. You didn't have to defend us, but – I'm glad you both did." Cloud gave us a simple thankful nod.
We both gave our own quiet 'You're welcome' feeling a little warm-hearten than before the argument happened.
It was a short jog towards the bridge, give it a minute or two. The metallic paths were for the most part, pretty straight forward than I would have thought. I suppose there wasn't much to a Mako reactor than to a nuclear one. At the bridge, Biggs was with Wedge, guarding Jesse as she easily opened the door for us.
"Good job in hacking it." I praised her.
Jesse blushed as she looked at me. "I do have a good teacher." She then ran off. Biggs and Wedge chased her too, to what I predicted would be the elevator.
I blinked. Does she have a crush on me? I shook my head. Later. I felt dreadful vibes that Wedge looked at me with a glare that I thought it looked like he was jealous... before he ran off with Biggs. Better keep a note to tell him I don't exactly have mutual feelings for Jesse when we get back.
"Yo! This your first time in a reactor?" Barret gave us questioning gaze.
Both Zack and Cloud said "No" for obvious reasons, while both Rika and I said "Yes".
I knew after this he went into lecture mode.
3... 2... 1...
"The planet's full of Mako energy. People here use it everyday. It's the life blood of this planet. But Shinra keeps suckin' the blood out with these weird machines. Little by little the reactors'll drain out all the life. And that'll be that!" Barret explained.
More change in dialogue, but I was expecting it - we were all more chatty than usual back at the gate. Not all that shocking we all didn't end up saying anything back as he spoke. Zack seemed he didn't want to be reminded about it, Cloud's face was blank as if not interested at all, as for Rika and I checked on our droids' status.
:: Found item~! :: Flux came over from hovering around the place.
:: A Phoenix down! :: Eugene added and the bottle was deposited into Zack hand.
"Thanks lil' guy," Zack smiled as he pat the silver bot.
Barret yelled feeling ignored, "Are you all listenin' ta me?"
I pointed to the elevator. "We are, but I think the others are waiting in the elevator."
We all got into the elevator. Unlike the game, this one happened to be the type for storage. So, with eight of us didn't end up a really tight fit. Just enough to shuffle around a bit, with Flux and Eugene flying freely above us. To save time, I deliberately stood near the buttons and pressed one that headed down.
"Going down!" Jesse chirped as the elevator moved down.
Barret could only shake his head as he crossed his arms. "I don't get it with you young 'uns. After all I told you 'bout all the stuff da reactors do – you don't care 'bout da Planet dyin'?"
The spiky blond only shrugged truthfully, "We only came with you for the job."
"Doesn't change the fact the reactor will be rebuilt again." I added. I gave my own logic in the argument. "It's not like we don't care – but as long as you don't have an alternative energy resource plus the means to support it, then it's a lost cause. ShinRa has more than enough money to cover everything up."
Rika gave her two cents. "Issac's right for one. Plus, if you want to change an energy resource it takes years to compensate the original output. Don't forget you need human resources capable of handling and maintaining the said new energy."
Barret gave both of us item creators a confusing look. "What? You're sayin' it's impossible?"
I shook my head. "Nope, it's just people who want to make the alternative have to put up with CRAP – which stands for: Criticism, Rejection, Assholes, and Pressure. Not many people do... but it's why we're here isn't it?"
"Well, wat do ya know? Didn't count ya sounding like that." Barret commented suddenly thoughtful for once, not emotional.
I ignored him and let Rika do the explaining. "A lot of people especially item creators have tried, Barret. It got them killed."
"KZZZZTT~!"
My heart jumped out, as we were jerked up and down with the elevator in a sudden stop. Everyone in that moment started to ask questions all at once. Being cooped up in a small room didn't help settling anyone down. Inwardly I was starting to panic myself... this was clearly a sign of an incoming time change.
What now?
Rika's green eyes showed worry. "Issac?"
"Keep calm and cool." I said to her, but more to myself, before I looked at the buttons that showed the number of levels for the reactor. "Are we supposed to stop at this floor?"
Jesse shuffled through everyone else and came to my side. "No. We still have another level to go!"
"Might as well open it," I said picking a screwdriver from an easy access pocket from my pack, then unscrewing the panel. No point in panicking, I had to get to work. "We're lucky that we stopped just right at the level door."
Jesse also decided to help me out by taking her own out. "Give us a minute or two. We'll still have to get to go down by the stairs though."
Zack sighed as he scratched behind his neck in sarcasm. "This mission just gets better and better."
"Let's hope things go smoothly." Cloud supplied looking like he was starting to tense.
Inwardly, I prayed what Cloud said was right.
Patience was never his forte.
Those three minutes Issac and Jesse were fiddling with the elevator panel, felt like it had gone on for a half an hour.
Zack visibly flexed his fingers restlessly on his Buster Sword like he was diagnosed with ADHD, urging himself to not do any squats in the elevator. He thought with being a 1st Class SOLDIER back then would make him more calmer or focused. However, the shift in rank meant more Mako pumped into his veins. Ironically, that made him more twitchy than ever. He was able to control it because of plenty of practice.
Mako eyes hidden beneath contact lens scanned the group. Barret's temper was starting to rise, with Biggs and Wedge who were there for the gunner to calm him down. Cloud who was bored seconds ago with the silence, whispered in a quiet conversation with Rika about weapons. Zack wasn't sure to do anything himself as his mind was jumbled.
While many people at times did question his very bright and cheerful nature, Zack had done so in order to survive. With so many depressing things that happened in his life, he was more than glad that he kept his optimistic outlook on life. However, he was smart enough when he wanted to be. With his training ingrained in him, now his instincts were set on alarm.
If the explosions they passed by on the train wasn't enough, the lack of guards on the station and here in the Mako Reactor was far too sparse for his liking.
Was ShinRa getting sloppy all these years?
Maybe?
The raven head frowned, weighing the information he had known since his arrival in Midgar.
There were far too few SOLDIERs wandering around the sectors. In his day, a SOLDIER was a common sight on the streets – whether it was patrol or usual monster extermination missions.
Then there was those robots all over the place, replacing the SOLDIERs but with lack of recognition between humans and monsters. Issac had mentioned to him that the bots had never received upgrades at all. He had shown Zack by taking out its main processor from a destroyed one, showing him the update logs to find none.
Zack Fair couldn't help but feel disturbed of all the events.
Also, there was Tseng telling him that ShinRa had their sights on Aerith. The former SOLDIER had always known that the Turks had been guarding Aerith for years. However, this time was probably his first time he ever heard that ShinRa was interested in her. He dearly hoped that it didn't had anything to do with the Science department. There were just too many depressing memories that associated with that particular department.
No doubt, he was starting to think staying in Midgar for this long was a very bad idea.
A simple click, and the double doors of the elevator were opened.
In top speed, Cloud and Zack were first out of the elevator with their swords out. There was no one about for that moment. The others shuffled out slowly, but looked at them weirdly.
"I don't like enclosed places." Cloud said not looking behind him.
Zack opted to not say anything on it, even though he felt the same way. Being trapped in a Mako tank for four years does that to you. "Just checking the perimeter. Don't mind us, our military instincts are just kicking in."
Barret nodded. "Safer than sorry. Awrigh' you lot! Ex-SOLDIERs with silver scout droid, take front with Jesse and Issac as supporting scouts. Rika and me in the middle for backup, Biggs with Wedge and black droid – you're watching our backs! Let's move!"
As the group ran through the corridor, they finally met their first adversaries consisting of eight grunts.
From his pack, Issac threw Piyo-piyo bombs (1) instantly making the soldiers who were in the area dizzy for a moment. Meanwhile, Jesse stayed out of the way and went past them, preferring to let the better fighters handle them and get to the door. As the soldiers were dazed, Rika cast Demi3 with Issac's Gravity Materia linking to an All Materia – further weakening the grunts. Zack and Cloud soon joined with Issac, and taken out the rest of soldiers to the floor.
"Good teamwork! Don't think we're done yet!" Barret reminded them. He may haven't had some action himself, but he wasn't satisfied until they got to the heart of the reactor. "We'll need to head down another level!"
Jesse shouted, "Success! The door's opened!"
With the shout, the ex-SOLDIERs went into the room to secure the area. Inside was a larger area where the metal railing pathways intersected to other ways of the whole reactor structure. The group followed in carefully, keeping their guards up.
Rika held her laser gun up warily, "I have a bad feeling about this place." The others didn't know what she was thinking, but Issac was agreeing to her.
"Yeah, I get what you mean." Issac said strained. He didn't mention there was a boss lurking around, fearing he'd be considered crazy.
~ INTRUDERS DETECTED ~
~ CONFIRMING TARGET ~
~ TARGET CHOSEN ~
~ LOCK ON TARGET ~
Above them, red LED optics stared at its prey in predatory mode. It's main target was walking slowly to where it wanted its prey to be. Its system locked onto a blond wielding a large sword. Silently, it slid down a invisible thread.
Closer and closer...
Zack's hair on the back of his neck tingled.
Oh, shit.
The ex-1st Class looked above him, a little too late – to notice a black with a red single line car-sized mechanical spider, glaring with hungry blood red optics.
"CLOUD, WATCH OUT!"
The former infantryman swung his sword up in a upper slash, only to be tangled into a web. "WHAT?"
The mechanical arachnid snatched Cloud from the ground, and started to wrap him into a ball of sticky silky thread.
Barret had instantly started shooting an onslaught of bullets so the predator would let go of Cloud. "You eigh' legged freak! Get yer claws off 'im!"
The bullets did manage to get the spider's attention, but not enough for it to get hit by Zack's overhead attack with the Buster Sword. It retracted it's web line up, carrying a trapped Cloud with him.
"Get back here!" Zack shouted up at the Giant Mech Spider.
Barret growled. He wasn't going to fail this bombing mission. "Biggs, Jesse, Wedge, Eugene! You all go to da next room, pronto! We'll 'andle things 'ere! Meet us below!" When they didn't move, he yelled louder. "THAT'S AN ORDER!"
The three winced at the situation, snapping back to reality, and ran off with the scout leading the way.
Issac, on impulse for the first time in battle with the others, switched his blade into its whip mode. With a 'click' his sword blade flew, attached with a strong durable rope in an arc wave. He cringed at the aim was off from the hanging wire of the Mech, but it did hit the Spider's side. Shrieking in agony, it let go of its prey to the side, and the ball of web was stuck on the wall to one side of the room. The item creator retracted his blade to his sword.
"Nice one, Issac!" Zack shouted, glad Cloud was out of the danger zone.
Issac nodded quickly. "I'll get Cloud out! You deal with Spidey here!" He ushered his fellow item creator and scout, "Rika, Flux! Back up Zack and Barret!"
Rika chose to use her own Ice Materia casting Blizarra level magic on the Mech Spider. While she missed a few times on the spider who avoided it with precise agility, this time, she got lucky shooting a spell on its unprotected silky thread, freezing it. The frozen thread couldn't support the heavy Spider, sending the large robot down.
The female item creator made a run for it, before the bot smacked bang on the platform with a 'WHUMP!'.
The impact on the platform was hard enough to make a platform feel like a local earthquake. Rika who had just wanted to stand up, skidded back to the floor. With a chance to get a new victim, the Mech Spider braced its talons on the fallen girl.
"CLANK!"
"Not on my watch!" Zack grunted angrily as he held his sword in defense, using it as a shield, preventing the talons from getting to the fallen item creator. He swung an upper slash, slicing one mechanical leg off.
The Spider further screeched and retreated a few couple of feet back as bullets and laser beams from Barret and Flux hit its back.
Hastily, Rika gave a thanks, stood, and jogged to the back to get out of the Spider's reach again.
On the other side of the room, Issac cursed as the web was difficult to cut. He was resorting to use a Ice Materia (using Fire was too risky) of his own, before hacking it with his sword. Half of Cloud's body was out of the sticky substance. Just a bit more freezing and hacking should get the blonde out.
Back to the battle, the Spider was still going strong. Independently the predator was using its remaining legs to fend off the Eco-terrorists. Being light on its legs, the Mech crawled at speeds they were having trouble catching up to. Rika and Flux were swatted away to the opposite floor of the intersection, dazed. Barret met the same fate as he wasn't as quick too.
The only person who was able to keep up was the former SOLDIER. Even then, Zack was swearing at himself for not being as fast he was four years ago. He was getting rusty with the lack of battles that were supposed to be for his level. The fact that the spider had a smarter AI, wasn't helping. Zack had felt that the arachnid was testing for openings in his battle stance as he deflected blow after blow.
When Zack got careless, the Mech Spider slashed his left leg.
"Dammit!" Zack swore as he felt his skin ripped deeply, sending him to the ground on one knee in pain.
At this possibility, the eight legged machine made an attack for the kill.
"ZACK!" the others shouted in unison.
He was a split second too late.
The former SOLDIER thought he was going to die...
Until he was suddenly yanked by a red blur, followed by Firaga spells on the Mech, and long ranged blue laser beams.
When he got hold of the situation, he was dumped on the floor unceremoniously by his savior to one side. Waiting there, a person cloaked in brown held his hand out casting a Cura spell with Restore Materia.
Zack turned to his first savior with a whine, "Hey! You could have been a lot more nicer on the landing!"
A soft chuckle came from the other brown cloaked stranger. "My friend, your desire... Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess."
That voice was all too familiar to the former First.
"G-Genesis!" Zack pointed on the ex-Commader gaping as the auburn turned to him.
Hood falling to his shoulders, Genesis rolled his eyes. "It's rude to point, Fair. I thought you were better taught – not to end up as a mutt."
Zack so was dumb folded he couldn't say anything, but let his hand down to his side. Their attentions were back at the battle when Cloud, now free, shouted a battle outcry. A large slash of the blonde's Braver Limit sliced through Mech Spider in half, sealing its fate with demise.
"Ah, it seems you've also adopted your very own Chocobo." Genesis shook his head in amusement. "Like mentor, like apprentice."
Feeling more invigorated and healed, Zack stood up with his Buster Sword in defensive stance. "What are you doing here?"
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess... My business is my own," the auburn Materia expert said airily. "But if you wish to know, I was simply paying the favor back to you, for my life."
Zack eyed the ex-Commander suspiciously. "Then what? How do you even know I was here?"
Genesis never got to answer, as the others crowded around them.
"Oi, Zack. You know dis red head?" Barret asked, but his gun arm was locked on Genesis.
However, Cloud kept blinking in remembering at the auburn, "You're... Genesis?" His eyes were glazed, flashing memories going through them.
"Undoubtedly," Genesis said having questioning thoughts of his own that he carefully hid about the blond. "You don't remember?"
Cloud shook his head, "Just the name and face."
Zack was about to interrupt, but a hand was on his shoulder at the other stranger. "He's here because I am."
When the other person took his hood off, Zack was faced with a brunette as tall as Cloud, with green eyes and what shocked him... had an identical face with Rika.
"Ryan!" both item creators from their group exclaimed.
Rika of course, wasted no time to hug and latch onto her long lost twin. "You're finally here! I thought you were lost!"
"That's one way to put it," Ryan said chuckling, hugging her back with one hand as his other was holding his rifle.
Issac snorted from the back. "Well – at least you got my message. Still, I didn't think you'd have someone else with you."
Barret was now confused. "GIVE ME A SECOND 'ERE! So you two ex-SOLDIERs know this red head – and this is Ryan who's Rika's twin brother and Issac's friend?"
A couple of nods and shrugs from everyone.
"I don't trust any of you new newbies – BUT – I came 'ere to blow a reactor." Barret announced. "You either help or not. We settle dis meetin' up crap when we're back. Is dat clear?"
:: CLEAR~! :: A white droid sang in front of Barret showing up from camouflage mode, effectively shocking him to fall on his butt. Flux giggled and clapped at Eve for her prank.
"WHOA! Get this other droid away from me!" Barret swiped at the white bot, only to miss. The others chuckled at its antics. "You item creators can't just hire normal people?!"
Ryan shrugged, "Eve's quite docile compared to the other two. We're here to help."
"Hmph. Don't try anythin', ya hear? Well, let's get going." The arm gunner pointed to the door. Before he ran to it disappearing from view.
"We might as well catch up." Issac said.
Zack nodded but kept a mistrustful eye on Genesis. "Right."
The auburn haired ex-Commander wasn't fazed at all. Instead, he smirked back at the younger former First. "There is no hate, only joy... For you are beloved by the goddess."
The next set of corridors, stairs, and ladders weren't all that interesting.
I mean, with three Mako enhanced people, three item creators and a guy making enemies eat bullets – no one stood a chance. So the next waves of security were a breeze.
The fact that the elevator broke, along with that Spider robot coming out from the blue, was enough to make me feel nauseous of the situation. I was only glad that it happened so we were reunited with Ryan. In addition, getting to meet Genesis alive and being the asshole he is known for, was an added bonus.
Our group needed one, since Cloud's not particularly like the one in the game.
At least he's the smart and powerful asshole, and I don't really mind those type of people.
Of course, that's when we learned who were the culprits of our last witnessed explosion from our metro ride.
"So you two were responsible for that explosion we saw on the train?" Zack asked disbelievingly as we ran, eyes wide.
Ryan didn't seem bothered about it. He said innocently, "I only planned it. The destruction and mayhem was pretty much Genesis."
"Say, Genesis. What the hell did you get for a reward from Ryan that you actually agreed to it?" Seriously, I was effin' curious. This was Genesis Rhapsodos we're about talking here. Flaming temper, hard to please, and also not so stable in mind (depending what point of view you saw it from).
Smirking at me, he showed me a larger than average Materia. "Quadra Magic Materia. A wondrous Materia I just need of testing... on... what Ryan needed to get done. I merely agree to it, as I benefited from the deal."
Translation of 'Genesis Speak': I got this new awesome Materia, and I want to have a reason use it. Ryan wanted some ShinRa people gone, so I was more than happy to fry their asses.
It clicked in my head Ryan was sneakier than I thought he was. He chose to go to the Materia cave because not only did it provide shelter, but a bargaining chip to the ex-Commander. Genesis was known to be the top Commander of the Materia Unit for SOLDIER. I silently applauded my friend in my mind, as a Materia Cave Support Materia only benefited someone with high leveled magic.
Not that I didn't agree Aerith would be good in the future as a magic caster, but Genesis was probably the better choice now he was around. With the way Zack was giving my best buddy looks he was crazy as if saying WTH, I didn't think he'd agree with me. I don't blame him, he's still in the gray zone of trusting Genesis. Last time he met the LOVELESS obsessed guy was in Mideel, when Genesis was still affected with his degradation.
Cloud was looking to me and Zack for confirmation whether everything was all right. I could only give him a disagreeing look that explanations would have to wait. I kinda felt sorry for him as he doesn't remember what happened back in Nibelheim. Better now, we'd have to plan for later though.
Barret grunted from the front. "Hmph, at least you two are useful for somethin' than just your sudden rescue."
"You're welcome." Ryan said dryly, knowing it was Barret's way of saying thank you.
"Thanks for the help of getting rid of security," Rika said brightly to the two. "We have less guards to deal with."
"Pleasure." the former Commander grinned. "Hmm... There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
"Hamlet, Act II, Scene II." Rika said automatically without thinking, being the bookworm she was.
The ex-Commander's eyes lit up, "Thank the Goddess we have someone who's into literature! Perhaps I won't regret tagging along, Ryan."
My brunette friend easily ignored the auburn headed dude, as if he built some immunity especially for Genesis. When Genesis jogged on forward with Cloud and Zack following after him, Barret wanting to keep an eye on him, chased the trio harder. I let my pace lag to get to near Ryan and Rika.
"Seriously bro, giving Shakespeare quotes to Genesis?" I asked as if he were nuts.
I made sure I asked the question when the other four Gaia guys were out of earshot. Like Genesis quoting LOVELESS wasn't bad enough... Shakespeare... NO, I don't wanna think about it now...
Rika only giggled at my predicament. She knew I loathed hearing Shakespeare, even if it was a masterpiece. The plays reminded me the times I was bored in English class at school.
Ryan sighed. "It was that and the part where I grew wings were the only things that kept him hooked."
"So you already went all nova, huh?" Now my attention was more on his powers.
He raised an eyebrow at me, "You?"
"Not yet." I said more scared than ever. "I was ordered to use my powers. Details later."
Both of the twins looked worriedly at me.
Ryan spoke up, "Careful, Issac. I think it's a matter of time you'll get to that stage."
"I know," I sighed heavily. "Just... hope for the best." And prepare for the worst. I left that last part hanging.
We eventually got to the main boiler room that housed the core of the Reactor, with Cloud finding a Restore Materia along the way. He tossed it over to Barret, as he and Zack had their own. Genesis didn't seem to be interested in it either, I was sure he had a mastered one anyway. Us item creators had our own Materia, so Barret took it with a nod and no complaint.
Jesse, Biggs, and Wedge were already further at the reactor door exit keeping a lookout for company. Our three droids were all with them, just to keep them out of harms way.
"When we blow this place, this ain't gonna be nothin' more than a hunka junk. Genesis, you set the bomb." Barret pointed at the auburn.
Genesis snorted with a sneer. "I decline. You could at least have some logical sense you're handing over a bomb to an average person – with no prior knowledge of the explosive you're holding. Let the item creator do it, he's more proficient at it. More safer that way."
Barret growled, "Jus' do it! I gotta watch to make sure you don't pull nothin'... Wait... You're callin' me stupid?"
"No, give it to Ryan. As for stupidity – Precisely, you're not using your common sense correctly, Barret." the auburn haired warrior drawled.
Before the gunner blew a fuse, Ryan snatched the explosive, and set it up on the core reactor.
I might as well fuel down the fight. "You know, it's safer with Ryan activating it. If you let someone who doesn't know about explosives on a professional level, we might all blow up with the reactor – bye bye AVALANCHE."
"Well, it's a good thing of having item creators with us, huh?" Zack remarked.
Genesis nodded. "At least they have some decency to think."
Cloud was holding a snicker as Barret wasn't believing everyone was on his case. "Hey! I thought this plan out thoroughly!"
"Well, we don't agree on the part of giving it to a 'stranger', which you're trying to persuade us to agree upon." Rika added to the deflating gunner.
"Fine! As long as dis reactor blows up, I don't care!" Barret exclaimed with his hands in the air.
"And we're set!" Ryan called up.
At the same time, Genesis, Zack, and Cloud went rigid looking up. The three of us Earthlings knew what was to come next.
Louder than its predecessor, a giant scorpion crawled from the ceiling to the middle of it. The thing was a huge as a regular school bus, being yellow and red. If it wasn't ShinRa's robot, I think it could have been mistaken as Tony Stark's (aka Iron Man) AI pet, having the same colors and all. It had the same creepy red optics like the Spider Mech, two barreled guns, and I did not wanted to get scanned by that thing to be blasted by its tail.
Bad part of this place?
It was far more cramped than the room with Mech Spider.
That's when the Guard Scorpion decided to dive on us.
My bad luck, it was aiming to squish me flat.
FUCK.
When the thing came down, I barely dodged it, but it scraped my left shoulder leaving a large gash. Pain tore through it, blood oozed out. I got out of the way, acting more on reflex to get the fuck away from that thing. I gasped, holding a wince to block out the pain.
Damn, I nearly died there.
Ryan was already beside me in an instant, a Cura spell started to glow on my back. "You all right?"
"Nope, I will be soon though." I said steadying my breathing.
Goddammit, that really hurt! At least with Cura it won't leave a huge scar. It would have healed faster with Symbology, but I didn't want to risk exposure just yet. I grabbed a potion from my pack and poured it at the wound, closing it quickly.
Barret giving his all with bullets, didn't notice the Guard Scorpion scanned on him and its pincers made way to smack him. Luckily, Cloud dragged him by the collar out of the way – leaving ground was dented where he stood before. The scene reminded me of when AC Cloud save Barret from getting blasted by Bahatmut SIN.
While the Roboguard was distracted by Cloud's rescue of Barret, Zack gave a couple of bombardments with the Buster Sword. Not much damage though, the thing had tough armor.
Genesis had more luck though. Since his Rapier was imbued with Fire properties, it managed to rip parts of the metal armor. Rika had assigned herself as our healer combining her Restore Materia with and All Materia while her other her other hand had her laser gun out.
When the bot got too close, she stamped her laser gun on the ground. "Magnetic Pulse!" (2)
The area beneath the Guard Scorpion lit up like a neon light, effectively stunning it in place. She kept the energy stable before backing away from the danger zone.
Of course! This boss' weakness was Lightning!
I turned to Ryan and Genesis, "If you guys have lightning Materia, take it out and blast the thing! It's its weakness!"
Cloud and Zack also perked up at my voice, as they too held lightning Materia in their pockets. We all switched and slot the right Materia in our bangles.
Rika took the first magic attack to make sure that the Scorpion was distracted while we changed our allotted Materia. When it tried to scan Rika, I threw my own spell at it, taking its attention on me. Ryan soon followed in, with Cloud and Zack all lightning spells attacking and diverting the bot's attention. By sending it into a confusion, it hardly had a chance to scan anyone.
In the end, Genesis took out the Guard Scorpion completely, with four simultaneous Thundaga level spells on it, thanks to the Quadra Magic Materia.
I breathed out a relief when the thing was dead and officially offline. Forget about seeing the Scorpion blast a laser beam at us, getting into two boss fights was more than enough.
Cloud had taken 100 gil from the bot. Not even worth the cash, but it was better than nothing.
"Come on, let's get outta here!" Cloud shouted remembering we had a bomb ticking.
Barret was already at the door, "Hurry up! We got 15 minutes!"
I raised a surprised brow at that. 'Well that's improvement.' I thought back when in the game it was 10 minutes.
Still, time was ticking and we all headed for the ladder. There was a reason for more time, as we had more people. Cloud went up first, followed by Rika, Ryan, Me, Genesis, Zack, and Barret at the very end. When Barret got too tired, Zack made the initiative to grab him and throw him over the ledge. The Puppy quickly climbed at SOLDIER speed just before the ladder started to fall down.
Far too close.
Barret chose to shut up, if not he would have fallen to his doom.
Another flight of stairs, and my legs were starting to strain. I was inwardly cursing for a two time boss fight.
Jesse fell in the right places at the right times, and Cloud helped her like he did in the games. Wedge and Biggs looked at Ryan oddly at first, but after seeing his identical face to Rika, they believed that our two additional members helped us out. We all ran out to the furthermost gate from the reactor itself.
The reactor of Sector 1 that night, finally exploded.
"That should keep the planet going... at least a little longer." Biggs said admiring the explosions from a distance.
"Yeah." Jesse agreed.
I didn't stop to around to admire the scene, I was working with Wedge to get the last gate lock to be opened. This was one scene that changed, as originally, Jesse was the one who opened it in the game. I didn't really appreciate his not so subtle approach.
"You really didn't have to put those excess explosives on a door, you know." I deadpanned. "You could just hack, and it'll swing open just fine."
He shrugged me off. "We're going to exit in style!"
"Suit yourself." I said, turning to Rika. "Rika, got Barrier Materia on?"
She nodded. Genesis who caught on our conversation, cast his own Barrier spells on the others before...
"BOOF~!"
Sure, the door was opened... but Wedge epically failed to do a Rambo cool exit out the gate. I did warn him, but did he listen? Nope. He was running around in circles with fire burning his pants on his rear – yelling to put them out.
Guess who volunteered?
Genesis.
"GYAAAH~! COLD!" Wedge jumped up in the air. "I said PUT IT OUT! NOT FREEZE ME!"
After all the stress we endured, we all laughed out. All the tension we held back in the reactor came out with laughter.
The auburn didn't look guilty at all. "Sorry, reflex. However, I suppose it's our cue to go." Genesis covered his head with his hood, and Ryan did the same.
Barret was back in leader mode. "Righ'! Split up to head and get our train at Sector 8!" When Cloud wanted to complain about money, Barret silenced him. "If it's about your money, save it 'til we're back at the hideout."
The four consisted Wedge, Jesse, Biggs, and Barret left us with our own path to take. We let the droids lead the way, gradually heading into a square where we found Aerith selling her flowers. Like a bee to a flower, Zack in less than a second flat ran over to her.
"I thought he met her this morning," Rika pipped up crossing her arms.
I shook my head in amusement. "I doubt being chased down and getting away from a terrorist job would phase Zack from his girlfriend."
Genesis gave me a regal brow and pointed to the two with a 'THAT'S his girlfriend?' look, which I nod sincerely to.
Cloud had came over to her, and I saw he was buying a flower from Aerith. I gave a cue to Ryan that we should head over ourselves. He seemed to want to meet her, as it was his first time laying his eyes on the Cetra.
"Issac! Great to see you!" She smiled. "Only a gil for a flower. Would you like one?"
"I'd like one!" Rika volunteered.
Aerith blinked as she was looked upon by more people. Zack quickly made the introductions to us all, so she wasn't too confused as we all made purchases. "Oh, I heard a lot about you from Zack. I'm glad you're all here now."
"Don't worry, we'll watch over Zack so he doesn't get into too much trouble," I promised her.
She smiled at me kindly. "Thank you."
"H-Hey! I'm here for Planet's sake!" Zack protested.
"The more reason we need to make sure Aerith knows that her... chosen is good hands, no?" Genesis smirking as he liked to see the Puppy squirm. Zack could only pout back at him.
Aerith may have smiled at all of us, but she was had a very confused look at me, Rika, Ryan, and Genesis. It was as if to her, we were all very odd just being together. I had a hunch that the Planet was telling her something about the four of us.
"Um, guys..." Cloud gulped. "We got company."
Zack quickly shooed Aerith kindly to leave the area, so she could be safe. We then ran in the opposite direction.
"Genesis, I thought you destroyed the Sector 1 security outpost."
Genesis snorted. "Talk about lack of faith. I did, Fair. There weren't much left."
"Doesn't mean they can't send other security personnel from different Sectors." Ryan considered.
"Oh, yeah. Shit." Zack cursed, running his fingers through his head frustrated.
Cloud was already at front, "This way! We might as well jump to the train to get our ride!"
"We're not all enhanced with Mako here, Cloud." Genesis lightly reminded the blond. He then sighted our enemies. "Tsk, we have MPs on our backs."
"We don't have time for them!" Zack exclaimed.
Now there were MPs blocking our way to where the railroad would pass below for the jump.
"Any plans?" I asked, hopeful we'd get out of this.
I wasn't looking forward to running and landing on a moving gods know how fast running train. This wasn't Hollywood. Those types of stunts could get a normal person killed. Genesis, Cloud and Zack weren't normal, so they didn't have to worry. Ryan, Rika, and I on the other hand...
"Got it!" Rika shout out, struck with an idea. "I just need a distraction for those guys in front."
Opting to go for long range, we all took out our equipped Materia and blast whatever spell at the MPs. Ryan gave me concerning look he was hoping Rika knew what she was doing.
"Summon! Choco Mog!"
True to the summon, a large chocobo and a moogle poof-ed into existence. I realized that Rika already had that Summon Materia with her, since she was the first person to get to the Chocobo Farm.
Rika gave us a hurried look. "Come on! Hop on now!"
HOP ON?
Ryan was at least responsive to her words. Rika helped him up with the help of the Moogle or Mog. I didn't realize I fazed out, until I was dragged up by Genesis. He pulled me up by my jacket collar.
The ex-Commander muttered,"You heard the little lady. Get on." More of – he tossed me on the chocobo summon. I yelped grabbing onto the bird out of reflex.
In the distance, our train was heard.
Zack gave the orders. "Genesis, Cloud, let's go!"
The three former SOLDIERs took the lead at their inhuman burst of speed, knocking anyone down – Zack with his Buster Sword, Cloud using HardEdge, and Genesis utilizing both Materia and Rapier together.
Rika on the other hand, directed our mount to follow the three using the moment the MPs were down to run pass them. The three of us were dangling desperately on the yellow over-sized bird, trying not to fall off. I noticed then that the bird was far larger than in the games.
Did Rika's Alteration Symbol had done this?
I didn't have time to think, my vision was blocked by yellow feathers stuffed on my face. The heck with my surroundings, I was afraid to look fearing I'd let go of the bird. There was the point where the summoned bird jumped into the air, which made my heart beat going light speed... before we landed roughly on the roof of the carriage. Our droids followed flying after us.
Rika un-summoned Choco Mog quickly, before our train went into a tunnel. Ryan and I were breathing hard with her, keeping our heads down. When the tunnel ended, Zack waved us over showing where we could get down.
When we got into the carriages, we were all covered with thick black soot. Even Genesis was cursing on it, complaining that it got under his cloak ruining his leather. I looked to the glass, and was faced with Issac the panda.
Ryan took an item out of his bag, and threw it up in the air. When the dust covered us, all the black soot fell to the ground. It left small mounds of soot around.
"That's convenient. Thanks, Ryan." I gave him a grateful look.
Zack seemed to be pleased as well, "I thought I had to do some laundry after this. You're a life saver!" He then blinked. "Oh, yeah! You're the one who made the Mako de-toxin! I think I oughta thank you. If it weren't for the de-toxin, Cloud wouldn't be standing now."
Cloud hearing this, was eying Ryan with a thankful look. "Um... Thanks, Ryan."
The brunette smiled. "Well, I'm more than glad what I made saved someone's life. You're welcome. Although, you might as well thank Issac too. He got the initial data for ingredients by hacking into a Turk network."
The puppy shook his head at me in amusement, "I knew you had some skill. I'm kinda glad I took you with me when we went to blow that communication outpost."
I shrugged. "I'm good with machines. If you're looking on the item creation field for other things, then Ryan's better."
Ryan waved me off. "We all have each of our specialties. If you're going for item/weapon Synthesis and magical items like Materia, then Rika is the one for the job."
"Hmm, you three complement each other." Cloud noted.
Rika shuffled a little restlessly. "Should we... go to the front cart? The others may be waiting for us."
"I guess. We don't want to make Barret worry." I nod. If he was to go by the game, him and the others were probably thinking we died 'for AVALANCHE' or something.
Zack agreed to it. "Yeah. Hmm... How about you guys go ahead? Cloud, can you go with them too? I'd like to speak with Genesis for a bit."
Cloud looked like he wanted to protest, but I held my hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm sure Zack can handle it."
The blond sighed, and he ended up walking with the rest of us towards where the gang should be waiting for us.
"Ryan!"
"Yes, Genesis?"
"Do you have more of that powder for removing dirt off clothes?" Genesis asked in wonder.
"Yeah. I have good stock." Ryan replied.
The auburn head grinned, "I'll make a deal with you later."
"It's going to cost you, but I'm open to offers." My friend chuckled, before he joined Rika, me, and Cloud.
I gave those two remaining ex-SOLDIERs a last look, hoping they'd resolve the past, and move on to their future.
"So, what do you wish to discuss... Zack the Puppy?" Genesis started, not really looking into the younger ex-SOLDIER's eyes. He opted to let his gaze settle upon the Fire Materia that he rolled around his fingers.
Zack sighed with a pout. "I thought you dropped that nickname."
"You're off by a mile then, Puppy. I don't intend on leaving what Angeal called you behind in the past." There was a slight sadness at the end of his speech.
"Are you... better now?" Zack asked hesitantly. Although, he flinched at the mention of Angeal. The reminder was painful no matter how much time passed. It had been a good two months since his confrontation with Genesis in the Banora underground.
The area was eerily silent in the empty midnight train, save for the sound of the train itself. Both 1st Class ex-SOLDIERs were part of ShinRa's symbol in the past, during its golden age. It was ironic they were now here, finished with their mission in helping terrorists to bomb a Mako reactor, when in the past they would be ordered to protect it.
"The wandering soul knows no rest... I'm thinking more clearly these days – I don't intend to waste my recovery from the degradation. One would be quite foolish to not accept a second chance from the Goddess." The auburn-haired man breathed out calmly.
Zack blinked wondered about the gift of the Goddess all this time. "What was that you gained, besides healing from degradation?"
"Why, what Angeal has always preached about, Puppy." Genesis answered, his Fire Materia was swapped from his inventory with the larger Quadra Magic Materia. "Honor and Pride of a SOLDIER."
"So you're not a monster anymore?"
"I still have my wing."
Zack gripped his fist slightly tight, now on guard. "So what are your plans for now?"
Genesis scoffed. "I'm not sure myself, but truthfully I have no intentions of throwing that Pride and Honor away – not after so hard trying to get it back." He stood and looked at the younger man in the eyes critically. "I did not enjoy killing all those people I took with me, Fair. The madness that consumed me was not only of my own doing, I was not myself entirely."
"That doesn't explain why you're here." Zack countered.
Genesis looked reluctant to say it, but he did. "I intended to pay you back for saving my life. For that, I thank you."
Zack was surprised to hear it from the fiery ex-SOLDIER he said any form of gratitude. "You're welcome. I suppose we can call it even after you saved me back there. But... you seem to want to stick around." A pause. "As far as I know, you're not a people person. There weren't many who were close to you back then. You seem to be close to Ryan."
"I owe that item creator, is all. Nonetheless, he's an interesting individual." Genesis cryptically murmured.
Zack held a perplexed expression. Interesting? There were only a few things that usually held the auburn's interest – like Materia and LOVELESS. To think Issac's friend took Genesis's attention was something.
When Zack didn't say anything, Genesis asked, "What do you know of Issac? You're aware of his other 'magic' abilities and he has no past?"
"Yeah, a bit about his past. He doesn't use his 'other' abilities often." Zack shrugged, wondering where the conversation was leading to.
The raven was starting to conclude that Ryan was also capable of that other 'magic' that Issac could do. If Ryan can, then would Rika also be capable of it? Highly possible. All three of them had no memory what their pasts were before they got to Costa del Sol.
Genesis seemed to be deep in thought for his next notion. "Fair, are you aware that what we know little of them... may point to the idea they are no different than Sephiroth, Angeal, and I?"
"Issac, Rika... and Ryan... They're not monsters." Zack growled. "You're not a monster. Angeal wasn't! Sephiroth – " He choked on the last person.
The ex-Commander shook his head. "It doesn't change the fact we're all products of the Science Department one way or the other, Puppy. Whether it was since we were born, or were taken forcefully later." They took your freedom too, right? Seeing the young man's conflicted eyes, Genesis was sure Zack understood where this was leading to on a general view.
"It all leads to ShinRa, huh?" Zack bitterly grumbled.
A huff from the auburn. "My point exactly."
"Where are you going with this?"
"Find out more what ShinRa is up to. I have a few theories Sephiroth, Angeal, and I weren't the only projects people like Hojo or Hollander were working on."
Zack gulped. "Are you saying that those three maybe something that the company worked on, but escaped?"
"We seek it thus, and take to the sky... It's what I wish to find out." Genesis remarked. "I'm quite sure as long as ShinRa has Hojo around, there would be more than a few people like us."
"I'm not letting ShinRa get their hands on any of them. Any of us." The black spiky hero swore. "It's final then? You're tagging along?"
The auburn nodded. "The arrow has left the bow of the goddess. I don't think meeting up like this is a coincidence. The Goddess has plans for us – I will see it through."
"Are you going to tell me how you met up with Ryan?" Zack asked in a chipper tone crossing his arms in 'curious questioning mode'.
He felt happier than ever, glad to have his main problem with Genesis resolved. Zack predicted it would be some time to get along again with the ex-Commander, like it was back in their SOLDIER days. However, if Angeal was Genesis' best friend and in the past he managed to get along with Sephiroth – then there was a chance to be real friends this time around, right? He hoped so. It was comforting to know there were still some familiar faces here, now, and most important – fighting alongside him as an ally.
Opposite of the raven haired ex-SOLDIER, Genesis scowled.
Typical Puppy reaction.
It never ceased to muse him how Zack easily bounced off the depression so easily. In a way, the fiery Materia caster was jealous how the younger man shrugged away his worries just like that. However, Genesis did not have the patience to deal with his chatty nature just yet.
Planet, he was nowhere near as patient as his childhood friend.
When Zack faced the other way, murmuring something the auburn didn't quite catch, Genesis took his chance.
Like a flickering burst of a solar flare, he gripped Zack at the back of his neck like a misbehaving puppy, and dragged him towards the front of the train.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow! Genesis!"
"I think we've stalled the others long enough."
"You don't have to drag me!"
"A Puppy that doesn't behave deserves it."
"Let go! I'll behave!"
On the contrary, he kept a good grip so Zack couldn't escape. The auburn was not in the mood to make things difficult for the others, and worry the Puppy's adopted 'chocobo' in the process. That would prove disastrous with trust issues in the future.
Genesis being Genesis, would never openly admit he respected and admired Zack to a certain degree.
If Angeal was seeing him right now with Zack like this, Genesis was certain his childhood friend would be laughing at him. In fact – Angeal was probably laughing at him from the Lifestream. Him of all people, volunteering to watch over Angeal's bouncy student. In the past, Genesis would have preferred to go Hell and back than take care of Zack for a day.
In this case, he did it for Angeal as he was no longer around. Perhaps in his heart, Genesis was willing to get Zack back on track with his true capabilities as a SOLDIER leveled warrior – a way he'd come to terms that this young man was his salvation and willing to at least help him out.
'All that awaits you is a somber morrow...No matter where the winds may blow.'
If what Ryan said was true, and that Sephiroth was alive, Genesis was certain he had to tag along. He did not know what the youth's reaction would be when he met up with the ex-General. The auburn headed warrior was sure it would not end well if Zack was not careful.
Apparently, the word 'careful' with Zack didn't quite work out.
Genesis hoped that his journey didn't earn him some gray hairs for watching over Angeal's puppy. He had enough during his degradation, and he'd be appalled to earn any now when he was back, healthy again.
"Hey, Genesis? You got a place to stay? We could – OW!" Zack cringed. "Easy on the grip!"
"No talking, more walking Puppy!" Genesis snapped.
Oh, Goddess. What have I dragged myself into?
TBC...
Piyo-piyo bombs (1) Item Creation item that causes dizziness. Enemies are temporarily dizzy seeing stars. Easy and cheap to make. Effects all sorts of Bosses in SO3
Magnetic Pulse (2) Fighting ability of Maria Traydor in SO3. Sets up an magnetic field, paralyzing enemies in the field with some damage.
Next up~ Former Tsviet meets Former Commander...
Bombing of Reactor Sector 5... Steps to the falling Plate...
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