Final Fantasy VII: Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Summary: "((An Angeal x Zack, Sephiroth x Genesis story)) As things finally start to heat up in more ways than one, and world-shattering decisions are made, and as the ShinRa's top 1st Class Generals finally open their eyes to the terrifying reality of The Ring, they learn not only of a sacred promise, but of the sacrifice made by the man who they only knew as SOLDIER, a man who gave his freedom and his life for others, and of a beautiful letter, handwritten by a desperate young hero-to-be, who pleads not for his life, but that of the man he treasures above his own life. Will the remaining 1st Classes make the right decision- and is even more suffering in order? Or will they all just be included in the final body count?"

Warning: "This will be a Yaoi ((male x male)), first off. It will have rape, reference to rape and childhood abuse, and also implied rape. There is a reason that this Fanfiction is rated "M," and by continuing to read this story, I am no longer responsible for any offense taken by the manuscript, and will not receive any more complaints and/or hate mail because you have hereby been warned."

Disclaimer: "I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters so don't haul off and think I do. However, the following characters are actually mine, whether or not these characters actually appear in this particular story, so I hope not too see ((as flattering as it would be, actually)) a copied character of mine without my written consent: 1st Class SOLIDER Marshall Willowstaff, Cadet Captain Benjamin ((Ben)) Adler, Captain Daniel Marks, and Head Physician Julian Jake."

A_ _ _N

Chapter Thirty-One: Reunited ((part I)).

Sephiroth made his way quickly up the steps leading to the top floor. His enhanced abilities as the General of SOLDIER had made it virtually impossible for any traps to get at him. He knew now that Sheldon Anderson would be lurking around, maybe with some guards of some sort- but for some reason, he had not encountered anyone yet. At all. He was beginning to wonder if he and the others had been tricked, but quickly discarded the thought- Marshall couldn't have lied, nor could he have been wrong.

His cell beeped once and the message was from Angeal: I've got him.

Sephiroth relaxed slightly- Angeal had found Zack. The two had separated immediately after slipping into the Warehouse. Now all he needed to do was find Genesis. They would regroup with Julian and Ben after destroying the facility. They would alert the Turks ((who were on their side)) and inform them of their actions after finding ((and killing)) Sheldon Anderson. For some reason, even the honorable Angeal wouldn't even think about leaving that sick, psychopathic rapist alive after they found him.

The silver-haired General slipped in and out of all the rooms, knowing that by process of elimination, Genesis had to be in one of them- he'd checked out all the rooms below already, just in case. As he reached the last door, Sephiroth took a deep breath…

Slam! Something pale white, thin, and dark red barreled at him, knocking Sephiroth off his feet and into the ground with a shockingly loud noise.

"Sephiroth!" The voice was raspy, dry- and confused. Sephiroth looked up in amazement. Genesis was looking down at him with a somewhat horrified expression on his face. "Sephiroth?" He said again, disbelievingly as he tried to stand back up. His body gave at that moment and Sephiroth just barely caught him. "I've got you, StarGazer." Sephiroth said, gently, helping Genesis get slowly back up on his feet.

"Damn you, my Songbird… you just ruined my great escape…" Genesis murmured, softly, smiling wearily ((and somewhat gratefully)) into Sephiroth's shoulder. His body gave yet again and Sephiroth tightened his grasp to ensure Genesis didn't collapse.

From what Sephiroth could see, Genesis was in bad shape. His body was covered in bruises and scratches- probably because Genesis had fought back. His body was thinner than Sephiroth remembered and Genesis' breathing was uneven and labored- as if someone had their hands around his throat and Genesis was struggling to breathe.

"Sephiroth… how did you know?" Genesis asked quietly, his voice growing serious despite his trouble breathing. His tired eyes glowed oddly as his body relaxed against Sephiroth's. "You, Marshall, Zack, and Daniel Marks left clues," Sephiroth replied, growing slightly alarmed as Genesis breaths suddenly became rapid and even more uneven than before.

Sephiroth lowered Genesis onto the floor, knowing he only had minutes until someone realized Genesis had escaped. "Your breathing…you need to control it," Sephiroth said, trying not to sound as alarmed as he suddenly felt. The auburn-haired man shook his head, letting out a gasp. "The poison-" He managed to whisper painfully through his rapid breaths, "-the poison," he whispered again, clearly frustrated with his inability.

"It's alright, take your time," Sephiroth murmured, gently. "I know you're hurt. I'm going to get you out of here before anyone can hurt you anymore. I promise."

Genesis smiled slightly at him, lips curling. "My friend…your desire, is the bringer of life… the gift… the gift of the Goddess…" Genesis' body suddenly tensed and he coughed, spraying blood. His breaths became even tenser, more difficult.

Then he went limp. His eyes were still open.

Before Sephiroth could even react, even make sure Genesis was even still breathing, there was a scream from a few doors down, like someone was about to be killed. Some doors down, one slammed open, revealing a black-clothed man. He was pale, like a ghost-

Or a demon.

The man slashed at whoever was screaming with the gargantuan scythe he carried. The screaming stopped suddenly as the man swung… and blood began to pool around the man's feet. He hadn't noticed Sephiroth yet… until he turned toward them.

Even years later, Sephiroth could have sworn his heart stopped for a few seconds. The two of them stared at the scythe-wielding man for a long moment, and he stared almost dumbly back. Then he raised the scythe and began lumbering toward them, murder clear in his eyes. Sephiroth stood, leaving Genesis lying safely by the door. He summoned the Masamune, and prepared to fight.

Far away, someone else screamed.

A_ _ _N