Disclaimer Genesis Rhapsodos, Angeal Hewley and all other things relating to Final Fantasy VII belong to and are property of Square Enix AND NOT TO ME XD;
Shuffling his hand around in the top of his overloaded backpack, Genesis managed to pull out the now slightly crumpled SOLDIER registration forms. He grinned uneasily at the receptionist, handing her the forms with extra care. If there was anything he did not want to do, it was leave a bad first impression. Angeal was behind him, casually taking out his copies of the registration forms out of his pocket, neatly folded. He followed that with a smile to the receptionist, who smiled back. With a quiet sigh, Genesis gave Angeal an annoyed look. Angeal just shrugged, chuckling quietly to himself.
"Ah. So you two must be the new applicants for SOLDIER, am I correct?" The receptionist peered over the desk, her glasses falling onto the tip of her nose.
"Yes, that's us ma'am." Genesis tried to sound as polite as he possibly could.
"Genesis Rhapsodos and Angeal Hewley, both sixteen years of age from the rural town of Banora?"
Genesis rolled his eyes slightly. Who else did she think he and Angeal were?
"Yup."
"It says here that your application forms were sent in about a month ago, so I'd assume you got pretty fast acceptance. Congratulations, welcome to ShinRa Electric Power Company."
The female receptionist stood up and offered a handshake to both Angeal and Genesis. With a little bit of hesitation, Genesis shook the woman's hand, a feeling of pride coming over him. Angeal did the same, proceeding to accept the welcome with a proud smile. "I'll just need you to wait here for a moment. We'll need someone to escort you to your dorms. Please, take a seat over there." The young woman pointed to a comfortable set of chairs that were just to the left of the large sliding doors.
Both Angeal and Genesis quickly walked over to where the woman was pointing, transporting their luggage with them. Angeal took a seat, settling into the soft, squishy chairs. Genesis, however, was transfixed by a vending machine that was across from him near the wall.
"Hey, look Angeal! They even sell dumbapple juice here! I had no idea we exported this far out…" Pulling some loose gil out of his pocket, Genesis slipped the coins into the slot and punched the number, which soon sent a can of Banora White apple juice rolling down the shaft and into the large bottom container. The redheaded teenager reached his hand under the flap, pulling out a fresh, ice cold can of Banora White juice. With a contented sigh, Genesis took his place on the chair next to Angeal. Following a quick movement of his fingers, the can of apple juice popped open. Before taking a sip, Genesis looked over at Angeal.
"Hey, do you want some?" Genesis offered.
"Hmm? Oh, I'll pass. I'm not that thirsty." Angeal replied, waving a hand in slight distain.
"How do you stay so serious, man? You'll need to teach me that trick someday." With that said, Genesis put the can to his lips, taking a refreshing sip of the refrigerated juice. He sighed deeply, memories of Banora floating around in his head. "Oh man, this stuff is so good."
"Heh, and that has absolutely nothing do to with the fact that it was your idea to make it…"
"Yup! Absolutely nothing to do with it!" Genesis chuckled, taking another mouthful. A few minutes passed, with the receptionist sitting at her desk filing some paper work. Both Genesis and Angeal remained quiet, not quite sure what the waiting was for. After another short period of time, Genesis eyed the receptionist again, who was now talking on the telephone.
"…well, it says here…yes, I'm telling you, the two from Project G…okay, good….so he's coming? Great, I'll go let them know…goodbye." The woman at the desk was hushed and spoke fast, but Genesis managed to pick up some the conversation. …Project G?
Just as he expected, the female receptionist briskly walked over to both himself and Angeal, who was staring off into space. Genesis nudged Angeal, who bounced slightly in the chair out of surprise.
"Okay, boys. I've got someone coming to escort you now. On the behalf of ShinRa Electric Power Company, I apologise for any inconvenience. Come this way, please." She quickly ushered both Genesis and Angeal out of their chairs and waved for them to come over towards the desk again. Sighing, Genesis dragged his suitcase along behind him. It wasn't a pretty sight seeing two exhausted teenage boys carting excessive amounts of luggage around. The woman then stopped them, and turned her head towards the door, a relieved smile coming over her face when she saw the people she was looking for.
"If I may, this is Lazard Deusericus, Director of SOLDIER. Accompanying him is SOLDIER 1st Class Sephiroth." The receptionist motioned towards the two members of ShinRa staff who had just walked into the foyer.
Genesis had to clasp his hand over his mouth, in order to stop his jaw from dropping down to the floor. He was standing in the presence of him. Sephiroth, the Sephiroth…the mightiest warrior of the entire elite force of SOLDIER. Even Angeal looked impressed, his expression changing from shocked to amused once he saw the look on his best friend's face. Who knew they would be getting such a grand welcome into ShinRa?
Sephiroth's expression was hardly detectable. It was routine for him to act as the role model for all SOLDIER operatives, especially newcomers. It also happened to be his job to welcome the new recruits, whether he really wanted to or not. He made a small hand motion towards both Genesis and Angeal, signalling some form of a greeting.
"Ah, so you are the new trainees, I gather? We've been expecting you. Welcome." Lazard stepped forward, offering his hand first to Angeal, who gave it a hearty shake with a slight smile. Genesis followed, his smile making his cheeks sore while he shook the hand of SOLDIER's Director.
"Well, I'm Genesis, and that's Angeal." Genesis added, making sure they didn't forget to introduce themselves.
"We're very honoured to be a part of both SOLDIER and ShinRa Electric Power Company." Angeal included, adding to what Genesis said. Sephiroth nodded, finally offering his hand for a shake like Lazard had done.
"Pleased to meet you two." Sephiroth's voice was monotonous as he shook the hands of both Genesis and Angeal, who were equally quiet. Genesis was in absolute awe as he let go, feeling very proud of himself. Angeal was silent, with only a smile indicating how he was feeling.
"Well, if you two would like to follow us, we'll lead to your dorms." Lazard said, beginning to turn around. Sephiroth did the same, indicating that Genesis and Angeal should follow on. Not missing a beat, the two best friends took hold of their luggage and tagged along behind both Lazard and Sephiroth. With a few buttons pressed by Lazard, the elevator sliding doors glided open, revealing a large room which all four of them proceeded to step into. "We'll be heading to floor 49, or more commonly, the SOLDIER floor. This is where all the facilities are located for SOLDIER members within the ShinRa building. You will be boarding with the other 3rd Class SOLDIERs, providing that you pass the test requirements. Not that I doubt your ability to take on SOLDIER, however." Lazard explained as the elevator slowly continued upward. Genesis shifted in place, a little unnerved. Angeal saw his friend's uneasiness, wondering why he was surprised about the initial testing to join the 3rd rank.
"Didn't you read the fine print?" Angeal whispered, eyeing Genesis again.
"What fine print?"
"You know…on the bottom of the application forms…" Angeal said as if it was perfectly common sense.
"It seems I didn't…" Genesis whispered back, an uneasy look still present on his face. Angeal sighed, his palm going to his head.
"Don't worry about it…I'll tell you once we get to the dorms and settle in."
The elevator continued rising, the little arrow just going past the 40th floor on the indicator.
"Whoa…how many floors does the ShinRa building actually have?" Genesis wondered allowed, seeing numbers ranging up to 69 on the floor indicator.
"The headquarters of ShinRa have 70 floors, with the top five restricted access to high ranking staff only." Lazard informed, making sure his last phrase was clear. With a loud 'ding', the elevator slowed to a stop, signalling that they had reached their destination. Filing off the elevator, Genesis looked around, seeing many corridors that led off to various places. "If you'll excuse me, I have important matters that urgently need me. Sephiroth will continue showing you around. He knows this place like the back of his hand." Without another word, Lazard quickly walked off, waving a white gloved hand back at Angeal and Genesis. The elevator doors slide shut, leaving Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal standing in the foyer of the 49th floor of the ShinRa building.
"Follow me." Sephiroth said, walking towards the left hand corridor. Once again, Genesis found himself dragging a suitcase along behind him as he slowly made his way in Sephiroth's direction. Angeal followed behind Genesis, who also beginning to get weary of the journey. Looking around, Genesis began taking in the sights of the SOLDIER floor, a place where he would certainly be spending a lot of time. The whole floor was sleek and silver, giving a very professional feel to the building. As the trio of teenagers made their way around another corner, they found themselves in the main area of the 49th floor. Steps made their way down to a carpeted area, which had a few lounge suites and pot plants to the side of the window.
"This is the main section of the SOLDIER floor. The briefing room is to your right, the training room is a little past that, and the dorms are straight ahead. Down that corridor, to the right." Sephiroth pointed a gloved hand towards the respective locations, his voice still devoid of any emotion. "Can you manage that by yourself?"
"Y-yes, Sephiroth…umm…sir…" Genesis stuttered, a little unsure of how to address a 1st class SOLDIER.
"Just Sephiroth will do." The silver-haired teenager then turned, making his way towards the briefing room. "See you 'round."
Genesis offered a wave, but Sephiroth had already disappeared around the corner, leaving himself and Angeal alone in the middle of the SOLDIER floor.
"He was sure a little blunt…" Genesis wondered, running his hand through his chestnut hair.
"You would be too if you're expected to be a role model for almost anybody joining SOLDIER. He's got a lot of pressure in his position, you know." Angeal added, sounding very justified in what he said.
"Heh, I guess you're right. Like always." Genesis rolled his eyes, laughing at Angeal. His best friend gave him a shove, sending Genesis forward a little.
"Well, we'd better get moving." Angeal said, chuckling. "I myself would like to rid us of this luggage and rest for a little bit."
"Same here." Genesis said, giving his suitcase a frustrated look. His backpack was starting to make his back sweat, his red jumper looking darkened around the straps. "Down the corridor we go, then." With that said, the two friends made their way towards the corridor that would lead them to the dorms.
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With a contented sigh, Genesis flopped down onto the welcoming mattress of his very own bed within the ShinRa headquarters. Closing his eyes, the redhead took a moment to relax, letting his breathing slow down after the excitement of the day. Angeal's bed was across from him, against the other side of the wall. He too was lying on his bed, doing exactly the same thing as Genesis.
'Well buddy, we made it. What do you say to that, huh?" Genesis proceeded to sit up on his bed, a smile still present on his face.
"We did pretty good. That Lazard guy didn't seem to think too bad of us, at least. I don't know about Sephiroth though." Angeal responded, sliding from the bed to the floor to unzip his suitcase
"Nah, he's probably always like that. I wonder if he ever socialises much with other people…" Genesis pondered on the thought, also beginning to unpack his belongings. "Far out…I don't recall ever packing this… " Genesis pulled out a small plastic bag, which contained several dumbapples. "Mothers…" he muttered, taking one out and biting into it. Angeal looked over, chuckling at Genesis. Whether he liked it or not, Angeal had always noticed how much Genesis was babied by his parents.
"It's like they don't think I can look after myself." The redhead raised an eyebrow, stashing the Banora Whites back into his suitcase and taking out spare clothes instead. Luckily, the two had seized an empty room that only had two beds in it, which gave them some privacy for the time being. There was a small chest of drawers at the end of each of the beds, giving some space for personal belongings. With a hefty sigh, Genesis scooped up his clothes and proceeded to dump them into one of the drawers, closing it quickly. "I'll probably be stuck in a SOLDIER uniform most of the time anyway…" he muttered, moving back over to his suitcase.
Angeal was also filling up his section of personal space, with the two of them remaining silent for a little while. When the unpacking was finally done, a knock resounded on their closed door. Genesis quickly pulled the door open, shocked to see Sephiroth standing in front of the door.
"Lazard wants to see you two. He said it's regarding tomorrow." the elite 1st class SOLIDER proceeded to walk away, leaving Genesis standing at the door, mouth open.
"Genesis, you've got to learn to keep your mouth shut." Angeal sighed, moving through the open door and motioning for his best friend to follow him. Quickly grabbing his unfinished apple off his bed, Genesis closed the door and jogged after Angeal, who was now half way up the corridor.
"Angeal, wait!" Genesis finally caught up, grabbing his friend's arm to steady himself.
"Come on." Angeal said, and the two headed towards the briefing room.
"Oh man, this is so exciting. We're going to be briefed for the first time!" Genesis quickened his pace, his eyes lighting up. His excitement bubbled up inside of him as he entered the room, where Lazard was patiently waiting for them.
"Genesis Rhapsodos and Angeal Hewley, I'll be expecting great things of you."
"We'll try our best, sir!" Genesis stood at attention, trying to look like he knew what he was doing. Angeal did the same, giving a nod to the Director.
"As of tomorrow, you will be promoted to official 3rd class SOLDIERs, providing you pass the testing we give to all new recruits." Lazard folded his arms, making his explanation clear. Genesis chipped in, wanting to get an answer to his question.
"Sir, what exactly is the testing?" Genesis feebly asked, trying not to interrupt.
"What, didn't you read the fine print?" Lazard questioned, raising an eyebrow. Genesis rolled his eyes as Lazard chuckled slightly.
"We'll give you a health check-up and a fitness test to see if you're up to the standards, that's all. You'll also receive your SOLDIER conditioning tomorrow. The process can be a little draining, so get a good deal of rest to ensure you perform at your best."
Genesis nodded. He did read about the conditioning, and nothing that anybody said about it would turn him off the process. If it meant joining SOLDIER, he'd do it.
"Now, onto more important matters." Lazard turned his chair around, opening the cabinet beneath his desk. "It's the policy that all members of SOLDIER have in their possession a cell phone. They come installed with all the necessary programs that are essential for SOLDIER. All you'll need to worry about is the mailing system and actually answering your phone." Genesis and Angeal looked on in curiosity as Lazard produced two phones from the drawer in the cabinet. One was a sleek, metallic red one, while the other was the same, only black.
Angeal stepped back, letting Genesis choose first.
"Take your pick." Angeal said, amused. Lazard held out the two phones, with Genesis immediately having an affinity towards the red one. Angeal came beside Genesis and the two of them took hold of their newly acquired cell phones. Genesis immediate flipped the phone open and hit the 'on' button, waiting for the screen to load.
"Now…about your mail. Your phone numbers are already registered with the company. Just register your name and we'll know the phone belongs to you. You'll receive mail from time to time, so don't forget to check your inbox, too." Lazard explained as Genesis fiddled around with his phone, concentrating hard on the screen while his fingers whizzed away on the keypad. "I see you've gathered how to use it pretty fast. With new technology emerging all the time, that will certainly be an advantage. Well, that's all I've got for you two. So, Angeal and Genesis. I hope to see you bright and early in the morning. I'll send you a mail when I'm ready for you."
Angeal was now too exploring his mobile phone, his head down and concentrating. Genesis looked up, giving a salute to the director.
"Sure thing, sir!" Genesis exclaimed, closing his sleek crimson phone and sliding it into his pocket.
"We'll see you tomorrow, sir." Angeal concluded, turning around to exit the room. Genesis gave a half wave, and followed his best friend through the sliding door into the main halls of the SOLDIER floor.
"We'd better finish sorting our things out, huh?" Genesis mused, about to reach into his pocket to obtain his phone. Before he could, the device vibrated suddenly, causing Genesis to raise an eyebrow. Quickly flipping it open, a message came on screen, displaying the name, 'Angeal Hewley' at the top. By then, Angeal was laughing, sliding his phone away into his pocket.
"Hey, who else am I supposed to test this thing out on anyway?" Angeal said, smiling helplessly at Genesis, who was giving him 'the look', complete with a smirk.
"I'll have to pay you back with some spam later, buddy. For now, let's head back to our dorm." With the two best friends laughing, Genesis and Angeal headed back down the dorms corridor.
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A/N: YES! This chapter was 1000 words longer than my previous some of my previous chapters :3; The next one I plan to be 4000 and above…I really need to make my chappies longer ToT; Anyway, I hope you've all enjoyed this chapter, cause I enjoyed writing it! Same process as always…if you see any errors, typos or whatever, tell me! 8D
- Lioneh the cheetion