A/N: Oh, oh, oh! I'm so sorry for the mega, unannounced hiatus, but there you go. I was naughty and GTB didn't gain any love for about two to three months :c sorry about that, guys. I lacked inspiration for a long time…and half of this was written over a month ago, and then I finally decided to continue. YAY! Anyway, enjoy…this chapter's about average length for me. -shifty eyes-
Disclaimer: Nothing in relation to Genesis Rhapsodos, Angeal Hewley or any other characters mentioned in this story belongs to me. Final Fantasy VII and all that is it associated with belongs to Square Enix. o.o;
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Hollander!" Hojo barked into his cell phone, clutching a single black feather in his hand. The grumpy professor was residing in his laboratory once again, this time without either of the new SOLDIER recruits. "One of your disastrous failures from Project G has grown a wing!"
After a moment of silence, Professor Hollander's end of the phone crackled into life. Unimpressed, Hojo growled at his fellow colleague, slamming a fist down on the metal bench behind him. "I never knew your inexperience could produce something quite as remarkable as that."
"I'd assume that this would be Angeal, Hojo?" Hollander replied, fingering his chair in annoyance as he held the phone to his ear. Professor Hojo raised a palm to his head, shaking his head in disbelief.
"…no. The other one." Hojo grumbled under his breath.
"But Genesis was classed as a failure. He was nothing but normal." Hollander said matter-of-factly.
"Apparently not, professor. I've analysed one of the feathers…completely contaminated with the cells of Jenova. Perhaps…the cells that Genesis received when he was in the fetal stage lay dormant until now?"
"…completely ridiculous. My research-"
"Your research, Hollander, is the grade of an amateur scientist. It would be the best possible hypothesis for this occurrence, supported by the fact that this happened several minutes after the injection. The Jenova cells were stimulated by the ones that were injected into the boy, thus producing the rapid growth of his…wing, as you may call it." Hojo explained, quite confident that this would definitely outsmart Hollander. "The injection site was very close to where the wing sprouted from, thus explaining why it happened so fast."
There was no response from Hollander's end, only a muffled growl from the inferior professor. "That only leaves the issue of why the second boy did not suffer any side-effects." Hojo commented, rubbing his chin in thought.
"…he does have a different cell structure to that of Genesis. Angeal was, after all, born directly from his own mother and not with another human's cells. It was my first method of experimentation that led to Genesis suffering from an unstable genetic structure." Hollander reluctantly agreed.
Hojo stifled a laugh, an amused expression passing over his face.
"Well…time will tell in what else will happen to the results of Project G."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Genesis leaned back in his chair, letting out a yawn of fatigue in the process. His elegant black wing lay relaxed at his left shoulder, the harsh lights of the training room reflecting off the shafts of the feathers. Angeal sat close by, leaning forward in his own chair. Both friends sat in silence while they awaited the return of the Director, being orderly strictly not to leave the room. Wincing, Genesis moved his left arm towards his wing, wanting to feel the black feathers on his fingertips. His shoulder ached in pain as the inflamed injection spot flared up again, restricting his movement within his arm.
"Holy…that feels so bizarre." Genesis shivered slightly as he ran his fingers down the feathers, feeling an odd sensation at the touch of his hand. Angeal eyes his friend suspiciously, still a little hesitant of both himself and Genesis. "Angeal, are you okay?"
"Hmm?" Angeal snapped out of his daze, looking over at Genesis.0
"You look…bothered." Genesis pouted, moving his wing slightly.
"Well…that might have something to do with it." Angeal mumbled, pointing a finger at the ebony black wing. Genesis shrugged, looking down at the ground.
"Hey…look, I'm still the same guy. I promise." Genesis said, his voice in a reassuring tone.
"…how can you be so sure? Who knows what they injected…what if…"
"…what if you get a wing too? Heck, I don't see anything wrong with having one, if you look on the bright side." Genesis smiled, gently retracting his wing.
"I suppose so." Angeal muttered, returning the smile from Genesis with a slight grimace.
With the familiar sound of the sliding door, Genesis looked over towards the entrance to the training room. Lazard now stood in front of the door, an emotionless look covering his face. However, it was quickly replaced by a calm smile from the Director as he moved over towards where the redhead was sitting.
"Well, Genesis, it seems that there is nothing to report on that wing of yours. The tests on the feather came out as negative, proving that the wing is entirely your cells. Some more proper investigation will occur in the next few weeks to finalize the results. Whether it was something within the syringe that all SOLDIERS receive or something else…time will tell."
Genesis sighed in relief, glad to hear that at least there was nothing alien about him. At least…for the time being. "As for you, Angeal…we'll keep a regular monitor on you to see if you were also affected by your injection. I shouldn't worry to much, though." Lazard said reassuringly, looking over at Angeal who gave a nod. "Now, where were we…" Lazard paused for a moment, thinking back before Genesis had discovered a wing. "Ah, that would be correct. We'll need to issue you with some uniforms…though I'm not too sure about yours, Genesis. That wing will tear through if something should trigger the appearance of it again."
Genesis shifted uncomfortably, being reminded of his clothes which were now torn.
"Sir…I'm not quite sure how to…make the wing disappear." Genesis mumbled, eyeing his wing with annoyance. "For all I know…it could be permanent. Maybe I could…"
"…could what?" Lazard raised an eyebrow.
"…uh…I'd like to…test it out." Genesis gave his wing a small flap, hinting at what he wanted to do.
"We can't let his get out to the public, Genesis. Where do you propose?" Lazard folded his arms, reluctant to let the redheaded SOLDIER out into the public sectors of Midgar. "This isn't an everyday issue that we're dealing with."
"Well…it's still early morning. I doubt that many people would be about…especially above the plate." Genesis suggested, a hopeful look in his glowing mako eyes. Lazard sighed, a hand meeting with his face.
"…I suppose so. The training room isn't exactly suitable for…flight. It looks like you'll need special training in this aspect anyway…" Moving over towards the entrance, Lazard motioned to both Genesis and Angeal. Hmm…it's about time I let loose some of the things that ShinRa has been participating in…
"Genesis, Angeal. You may stay within the boundaries of Sector 8, but no where beyond. Those are orders. I'll mail you when I desire your return. Upon your arrival, we will begin intensive training that will prepare you properly for SOLDIER. You are dismissed."
Lazard nodded at the two new members of SOLDIER, motioning towards the door. Getting up from his chair, Genesis kept his wing to his side, fearful that it may dissipate before he was able to actually put it to use. Angeal followed his redheaded best friend as they filed out of the training room.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Genesis Rhapsodos breathed in deeply, extending his wing to full length while exhaling. Angeal watched his best friend from the edge of the Sector 8 fountain, wondering if Genesis would ever make it off the ground with one wing. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, the redhead quickly looked over at Angeal, who was giving Genesis the thumbs up.
"Okay…here it goes, Angeal." Genesis whispered, bowing his head. His chestnut hair fell over his face, covering his excited mako eyes as Genesis began to flap his wing up and down. Bending his knees, Genesis let his wing beat faster and faster, the dust of the ground billowing up around the gusts of wind he was creating. With one final stroke of his jet black wing, the redheaded SOLDIER leaped into the air. Angeal looked up in surprise, trying to spot where exactly Genesis was. He couldn't have possibly flown that fast on his first try…could he?
Before Angeal had another moment to ponder, a sudden force pushed him square in the shoulders, sending him flying backwards into the fountain. Telltale black feathers floated past Angeal's face as he sat up, spitting water out of his mouth in disgust. "…apparently not." He muttered, turning around and seeing Genesis doubled over on the ground past the fountain, laughing. His wing was still extended to full length, flapping slightly as the redhead continued to laugh, his face now a deep shade of pink.
"Oh…Angeal…I'm sorry…I couldn't resist," Genesis spoke between giggles, clutching his sides. Water dripped down Angeal's face, a small smile appearing on his face as he shook his head at his friend's antics. He heaved himself out of the fountain, splashing water over the stone cold concrete that paved the ground. Genesis had managed to pull himself together, composing himself as he forced himself into a kneeling position. A few grazes marked his now torn pants, suggesting that he hadn't quite perfected the art of landing.
" …I should've known." Angeal said, offering a hand to Genesis. Surprised, the redhead accepted and with his friend's help, pulled himself up. This was not without, of course, a complimentary shove from Angeal the moment he had regained his stance.
"Hey!" Genesis protested, giving Angeal a look. A knowing smile was all that hinted at what Angeal was thinking, annoying Genesis all the more.
"Well, what more do you expect? You pushed me into a fountain." Angeal replied, raising his eyebrow in a questioning manner at the redheaded SOLDIER.
"Uh…well…true, I guess…" Genesis trailed off, lowering his head and chuckling slightly. Angeal laughed a little himself, almost wishing that he himself had the gift of flight. The two childhood friends stood in silence for a while, both subconsciously waiting for the orders from Lazard to arrive. Genesis surveyed the empty Sector of Midgar, suspecting that people should start arising from their homes soon. Shifting uncomfortably, the redhead tried to conceal his jet black wing by drawing it as close as he could, his feelings of worry growing as each second passed.
'Hey, Angeal…maybe we should head back…" Genesis spoke quietly, beginning to head in the general direction of the ShinRa building.
"Lazard hasn't messaged. There's still time if you wanted to…fly some more…" Angeal shrugged, looking over at Genesis. His friend shrugged, a little unsure of what to do.
'What if…someone saw?"
"…that's never stopped you before." Angeal chuckled, motioning upwards with his right hand. "Look, if I see any sign of life, I'll call you. That way, if your phone vibrates, just fly to the ShinRa building. I can meet up with you there."
Genesis scratched his head in thought, an uncertain look appearing on his face.
"I still don't know, Angeal…this isn't exactly 'normal', considering the circumstances," Genesis mumbled, a little reluctant to take any more risks that could land him being exiled from SOLDIER before he even began training.
"Hey, you there!"
Genesis spun around in fright, desperate to see where the voice was coming from. At that same instant, his silken wing dissipated into nothing, a few black feathers drifting off into the breeze. Biting his lip, Genesis was relieved yet saddened at the same time, disappointed to see that he lacked the ability to fly. On the other hand, it saved him explaining his wing to the civilian of Midgar who had spoken to him.
"Huh?" Genesis said, finding himself looking at a young woman a little older than himself. Angeal's concern melted into his usual, relaxed state as he laid eyes on the female, glad to see that she didn't look at them with suspicion.
"Oh, it's just two kids…" she muttered, turning on her heel to continue in her morning duties. With a faint sigh, Genesis slumped his shoulders, a slight smile appearing on his face.
"Well, we've got no excuse to stay out here now…I reckon Lazard's going to message any minute…" Genesis reasoned, beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable. "At any rate, people will still look at me funny with clothes like this…" Genesis tugged at the tattered bits of fabric that surrounded the hole where his wing had sprouted from. To his surprise, Genesis found traces of blood on his fingers after touching the torn material, his fingers tainted a light shade of red. "Oh, just great."
"Blood?" Angeal said, mildly concerned. He peered over at his friend's left shoulder, seeing his both his jumper and shirt stained with blood. "I suppose it should expected, buddy. That wing was rather…um, sudden, you know."
Shivering, Genesis nodded, eager to return to the warmth of the ShinRa building.
"Can we go now? It's getting cold…" the redhead muttered, bringing his arms around his body. Angeal looked at Genesis with an odd look on his face, wondering why Genesis was getting cold all of a sudden.
"Cold? Dude, it's summer." I'm not even cold, and I was dumped into a fountain." Angeal eyed his friend sceptically, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Genesis shook his head, beginning to walk in the direction of the ShinRa building once again. With a shrug, Angeal followed beside him, his concern for Genesis beginning to increase.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Slumping in a chair in the briefing room, Genesis continued to shiver, his face flushed a shade of pink. Angeal sat nearby, leaning on the desk with one arm. A few moments past, with the redheaded SOLDIER not looking all that well. Within a few more minutes, the sliding door glided open and Lazard stepped into the room, a clipboard in his hand.
"Well, boys, how are we feeling?" Lazard questioned, his voice in his usual calm and professional tone. "I'd imagine that we're all quite enthusiastic to begin our journey in SOLDIER, are we not?"
"Y-yeah…" Genesis mumbled, feeling very drained.
"Ah! I can see that your wing…is gone." Lazard said quietly, not seeming to notice Genesis' deteriorating condition. Angeal gave a nod at the Director, smiling slightly to signal his answer. "Now, onto what I summoned you two here for. Uniforms."
Laying his clipboard down the desk and taking a seat at the head of the table, Lazard clasped his hands together, looking at both Genesis and Angeal. "Right. I'll make this nice and simple. Uniforms are to be kept in the best condition they can for as long as possible. You two will be wearing 3rd Class uniforms, which can be found in the first capsule once you enter the foyer of the briefing room. Any questions?"
"Nghh…" Genesis whimpered, leaning his head into his lap. Leaning back to get a better look at the SOLDIER, Lazard's facial expression changed to that of worry.
"Genesis, are you feeling alright?" the Director arose from his chair, stepping over to where Genesis was slumped. Raising his head slightly, the new 3rd Class SOLDIER shook his head a little, his face turned extremely pale from being flushed pink. A single, almost unnoticeable streak of grey was present in his chestnut locks of hair, causing an uneasy look to appear on Lazard's face. By now, Angeal was also beside Genesis, kneeling down to get at eyelevel with his best friend.
'Hey, buddy…what's up?" Angeal said quietly, looking up at Genesis curiously. Slowly opening his closed eyes, Genesis shrugged a little. Eyes that were once a shining aqua had faded to a washed out shade of grey blue, leaving Angeal's own eyes to widen in shock. "Your eyes…"
"My…eyes?" Genesis mumbled, blinking a few times. "What's…what's wrong with them?"
Shifting uncomfortably, Angeal found it difficult to say, fearing that this might come as slightly alarming to Genesis.
"Well…they're grey. Not blue." Angeal explained, slowly so that Genesis could understand.
"Grey…?"
"Um…yeah." Angeal said quietly, not knowing what else to say. By now, Lazard was over the other side of the room, his voice a serious tone whilst on his cell phone.
"Yes, I'm sure, Professor." Lazard said harshly into the phone, keeping his voice low so that the 3rd Class SOLDIERs weren't able to hear, even with mako-enhanced ears. "…it's degradation."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A/N: OMG IT'S A CLIFF HANGER! 8D I'm not going to say anymore regarding that.
But I hoped the explanation in scientific terms made sense at the start. -sweat drop- The wing thing was planned, so I hope it all worked out in your minds. -giggle-
Anyway, look forward to the next chapter, I promise that it will come sooner!
Hope you enjoyed :D
- Lioneh the cheetion