Genesis stood in Lazard's office, trying his hardest to act his old cocky self. He was slipping a bit, but at least Angeal had agreed to accompany him.
"So let me get this straight." Lazard said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You caught a cadet, who's only been here a week, breaking into the training gym after hours and, instead of punishing him, you want to take him on as your student?"
"It would be such a shame to waste raw talent." Genesis said, trying to force a smirk on his lips.
"The cadet was only trying to get some extra training in, it's not like he was doing anything malicious." Angeal hated lying, but it was the only way to keep Cloud away from Hojo.
"Well, he may have impressed you, commander, but even I can't just approve a 1st week Cadet as a SOLDIER candidate." Lazard said, putting his arms down on his desk.
"Who do we have to convince?" Genesis said, he was not willing to take no for an answer.
"You're serious about this, aren't you?" Lazard replied, the man could feel a migraine coming on.
"Of course I am, I wouldn't be wasting my time on this if I wasn't." Genesis replied, a little less firm then he would have liked.
"Alright, fine, if he's really as gifted as you say, I'll have an exhibition match set up for him. Myself, Heidegger, the President and Sephiroth will all have to be in agreement to let him skip his cadet training. I warn you though, it's just not sheer physical power, you should know better than anyone that there is more to being a SOLDIER than just mindless slaughter." Lazard relented.
"Of course, why do you think I want him as my student. Hell, getting to the training room without being caught proves how intelligent he is. It's by chance that I was having an insomniac spell and choose that same gym to blow off some steam." Genesis pointed out.
"Alright, I'll have his match arranged for the end of the week. Until then I will suspend his classes and your missions so you can prepare him." Lazard said, pulling out a piece of paper.
"Who do you want his match to be against?" Genesis questioned. Cloud would likely want to know.
"Another SOLDIER 3rd, most likely Angeal's student, since Angeal seems to be for your little endeavor." Lazard adjusted his glasses before he handed the piece of paper he had filled out to Genesis
"I'm sure Zack would be quite excited." Angeal said with a smile.
Genesis was almost panicking though. He knew Cloud was going to flip out at the idea of fighting Zack, even if it was just a spar. The only worse candidate for the match would have been Sephiroth. At least Lazard wasn't insane enough to pit Cloud, a supposedly unenhanced cadet, against the strongest fighter they had. He took the piece of paper, it was a waiver requesting Cloud's signature to make sure he was a willing participant.
"Get Strife to sign that and have it back on my desk by the end of the day. Afterwards, I'll message you the information for the match." Lazard said, holding his hand out.
"No problem." Genesis said before standing, Angeal following suit.
"Commander, I'll let you know now, this better not be a waste of my time." Lazard said as they reached the door. Likely he thought it was a prank to pull on the new director.
"I promise, Lazard, you'll be impressed." Genesis said, hoping though he wouldn't be too impressed. Getting the right balance on Cloud's strength would be hard.
"Good day, Sir," Angeal said and they were out of the room.
"Well, that went well." Genesis said with a grin and Angeal just glanced over at him. He quietly wondered if Genesis was still in there somewhere. Who knew he would ever miss the snarky, overconfident, obnoxious man, especially when he was standing right next to him.
He just nodded, wondering how many times he had told Genesis to grow up.
"You should get Zack and bring him over. I'll warn Cloud, but him seeing Zack for the first time at the match would be bad." Genesis suggested.
"He should be back from his mission soon." Angeal said, still mulling over the man beside him. "They were really close?"
"From what Cloud tells me, yes, though they only met after I lost my mind. Apparently they were on a mission to Modeoheim when Tseng crashed a helicopter. Cloud was the only one who could keep up with Zack, pretty impressive for an infantryman. Anyway, Zack found out Cloud was from the country and they became instant friends." Genesis explained, he thought it wise to leave the rest of the mission details out.
"That sounds like Zack." Angeal said, shaking his head.
"They went through a lot together and Cloud's the only one that remembers. I'm really worried about him." Genesis replied.
"You really love him, don't you?" Angeal asked his friend softly.
"With everything that I am." Genesis confessed.
Angeal was certain after last night that Cloud felt the same way.
They walked in silence a bit more, Genesis just enjoying life for once. Then he turned to Angeal. "I think I'm going to ask Cloud if he wants to go down to the VR room. He's been cooped up in that apartment since we landed back here and it would probably be good for him. Would you like to come, too?"
"I wouldn't mind, at least until Zack gets back, but I'm sure Sephiroth won't be left out." Angeal pointed out.
"I'm sure he's curious about Cloud's skill and Cloud is just going to have to get used to the fact that Sephiroth isn't the insane psychopath he remembers." Genesis replied and for a moment Angeal caught a glimpse of his cocky friend.
"Well, after you went to bed last night, Cloud did promise not to judge him for things he hasn't done nor has any intention to do." Angeal said.
"He did?" Genesis's face held a mixture of happiness and shock.
"Yah, they even shook hands on it. Talking to Sephiroth after he left, you would have thought he'd won a major victory in the Wutai war.' Angeal informed his friend.
"Probably harder fought, too." Genesis said with a bit of a laugh.
Genesis opened the door to the apartment to find Cloud standing stiffly on one side of the room, while Sephiroth was sitting on the couch.
"Well, isn't this a surprise." Genesis said, putting his hands on his hips. He was pleased to see that at least nothing had been damaged.
"I wished to hear what Lazard had to say and decided waiting here was the best course of action." Sephiroth said.
"Alone in the apartment with Cloud?" Genesis said, not really believing the man.
"I wanted to talk to him and he promised to judge me for who I was." Sephiroth pointed out.
"Gen, it's been awkward, but I'm fine, really." Cloud said, relaxing a bit at the sight of his lover.
"I'm proud of you then." Genesis said, walking over and placing a small kiss on Cloud's lips. "You're still tense as hell."
"Over coming natural ingrained instincts can be hard sometimes." Cloud pointed out.
"I suppose so," Genesis said with a smile, before turning where everyone could see him. "What did you two talk about."
"Weapons, Shinra, you." Sephiroth offered.
"Me now?" Genesis said, raising an eyebrow. "Do I even want to know?"
"He thought it would make a nice place to start. A subject we were both comfortable with." Cloud offered.
"Well, I'm glad to have been some help. But how would you like to get out of here and go to the VR Room? Lazard agreed to give you a chance to prove yourself in an exhibition match. We've been given the week off to help your prepare." Genesis explained.
"That's a relief." Cloud said, relaxing even more. "Who is it against?"
Genesis looked away.
"Gen, who?" Cloud said a bit firmer.
"It was Lazard's idea, I didn't even mention him." Genesis said, a bit of a pleading tone in his voice.
"Gen, tell me right now." Cloud demanded.
"Zack." Angeal finally said, saving Genesis from saying something that obviously made him uncomfortable. Both heads whipped towards him.
"Gen." Cloud looked back to his lover, almost looking hurt.
"I couldn't protest or it would have drawn more attention to you. I was lucky Lazard agreed in the first place. He thought Zack would be a good candidate since Angeal was backing my decision." Genesis explained softly.
Cloud buried his hands in his face.
Genesis wrapped his arms around Cloud. "I asked Angeal to invite Zack over so you can at least meet him before the spar. It will be alright."
"You're right, after everything else, I can face Zack. He's alive now and he's going to be fine. I'll make sure he never goes anywhere near those cliffs around Midgar or Hojo for that matter." Cloud said, calming himself.
"So are you up for the VR Room?" Genesis asked, all the while Angeal and Sephiroth were silently watching the exchange.
"Yah, getting a chance to flex is a good thing. Though I don't know what I'm going to do without First Tsurugi" Cloud said, stepping away from the wall.
"I'll grab you one of the First Class training swords. They aren't nearly as good as our custom swords, but they beat the standard issues bastard sword crap they pass around here." Genesis offered.
"It's what I normally use." Angeal offered, though he had the urge to hand Cloud the Buster Sword off his back. From the sound of it, the man had actually used it more than he ever had.
"I suppose that will have to do." Cloud nodded.
In short order, the four were standing in the very same VR room that had caused Genesis his injury. Genesis just shook his head, that accident would never happen now and, if it did, his shoulder would just heal like normal.
"So, where should we go today?" Angeal asked, he was usually the one to operate the controls.
"Some place with a lot of room." Cloud said, he really wanted to move.
Angeal nodded and the planes between Midgar and Kalm materialized.
"Nice choice." Genesis said, looking around at the green landscape. The area had been dead and desolate in his time.
Cloud lifted his sword up onto his shoulder. "So, you said you wanted to let off some steam."
Genesis just grinned, before looking back to Sephiroth and Angeal. "I know you want to see Cloud in action, so just sit back and enjoy." With that he waved his hand across his sword to light the runes up.
Sephiroth looked like he wanted to argue and he really did want to test Cloud's skill's himself, but Angeal put a hand on his shoulder. "It would be good to see if Genesis has picked anything else up, too."
Sephiroth just crossed his arms and nodded.
The spar started out simple enough, Rapier blocking a blow from the standard issue broadsword. Sephiroth and Angeal expected Genesis to come back with a spell like he always did, but instead they barely caught the sight of Rapier swinging around Cloud's other side. The blonde however had no trouble what so ever parrying the blow.
The fight only sped up from there. It was obvious Cloud was holding back, but only a little. Angeal watched him pull his force back, right before the blade would strike. He was lucky however to see it. The speed the two possessed was amazing. Genesis had always been the fastest of the 3 of them, but even with their enhanced sight he was a red blur at times.
Cloud was a whole different level. Suddenly it wasn't so unbelievable that this man had defeated Sephiroth. The silver haired SOLDIER had been looking for an equal on the battlefield all his life. It was why he had indulged Genesis so much, hoping that one day the man would prove a real challenge. Now it seemed his friend had completely passed him by.
Genesis and Cloud however had a different perspective. It had been ages since they had been able to play around like this, almost as long since they had been able to lie together. They didn't even glance at the two watching them with awe, they just let their bodies sing. They weren't being serious, materia was never bought in, and Cloud wasn't using his full strength, but it was an experience none the less.
Finally, after about 20 minutes of this back and forth, the two stopped, grins on their faces and fell onto the ground, looking up at the virtual sky, Angeal and Sephiroth all but forgotten.
"You were going easy on me again." Genesis said, rolling over to look at the blonde.
"That was going easy?" Angeal said startled. Cloud and Genesis looked up, suddenly remembering that they were not alone.
Cloud sat up and looked at them. "I never fight people at full strength."
"How am I supposed to get better, if you don't push me?" Genesis said, eyeing the man.
"Fight me," Sephiroth said, uncrossing his arms, it was directed at Genesis, much to the surprise of the others.
"I figured you would have wanted to fight Cloud." Genesis said, standing.
"I don't have a death wish." Sephiroth said completely straight faced. He knew the blonde had promised not to attack him, but in a spar he could easily claim a mistake, especially with the power he apparently possessed.
Genesis just shrugged. "I have often wondered if I would be able to best you in a fight now."
Sephiroth just looked at him disbelievingly before pulling his sword. His adrenaline running already, he had never been at a clear disadvantage at the start of a fight before.
Genesis gave a mock bow and was surprised when Sephiroth came in swinging. Usually he was the one to make the first move.
Cloud tensed at the sight of Sephiroth fighting his lover, memories of his monstrous sword were still swimming in his brain, imagines of it plunging through Aerith's chest. Cloud shook his head as Angeal gave him a concerned look. This was not the time to get lost in old memories.
As he looked up, Genesis seemed to be taking things easily. Sephiroth however, seemed to actually be taxing himself. Had it really been so long that Cloud had overestimated his power? He knew Jenova had made him stronger and his insanity had only added to his strength. The reality of it now was that the man he had feared for so long was currently getting his ass handed to him in a sparring match by Genesis. His lover was clearly enjoying every minute of it.
Finally Sephiroth yielded, but he had a pleased smile on his face. "I have never, pant had to work pantso hard pant in my life. pant"
Angeal handed him a bottle of water, still not sure what to say.
"That was very satisfying." Genesis said with a grin, it was an old desire finally granted.
Both Angeal and Cloud had a profound realization at that moment.
For Angeal he realized that Genesis really was from the future. Nothing else could explain the years of experience and power he had gained overnight. He had been fairly convinced before, but little threads of doubt keep working their way into his mind, trying to find more rational explanations for everything Genesis and Cloud had told him. Watching his friend fight Cloud, then Sephiroth, had destroyed whatever stronghold his doubts had left.
For Cloud, seeing Sephiroth so handedly defeated by Genesis was the last part he needed to separate monster from man. This was defiantly not a Sephiroth who had the power to destroy the world. Heck, he wondered if the Reno he knew in the future couldn't best this man.
"Zack should be back soon." Angeal said, checking the time.
Cloud tensed a bit and Genesis put a hand on his shoulder. "Go meet your student, we'll clean up and you can bring him up when you're ready."
"Alright," Angeal said and exited the VR room.
Meanwhile a certain redheaded Turk was watching a secure video feed out of the VR rooms, jaw hanging open. Before he even knew what he was doing, he made a physical copy of the recording and purged the rest of the files from the system. He stared at his hands afterward, wondering why he had such a strong urge to protect the Commander and the blonde cadet with him. Reno never stuck his neck out for anyone.
Cloud sat on the couch, freshly showered. Sephiroth had gone back to his own apartment, something Cloud was very grateful for. He was starting to accept that the man wasn't a monster, but becoming friends with him was a totally different story.
Genesis was currently throwing together a bit of a lunch for the 4 of them.
A knock came at the door and Cloud froze for a moment. He glanced up at the kitchen and knew Genesis was deep in his work. Finally he stood as another knock came at the door.
He opened it and looked up.
"Hello Cloud," Angeal said, but Cloud looked right past him to Zack and his heart stopped beating for a moment.
"Can we come in?" Angeal finally said, taking in the look in Cloud's eyes.
Cloud just shook his head, "Yah, come in." He moved out of the way.
"Bit off a space case, aren't you," Zack said with a laugh, ruffling the top of Cloud's head. "Can't blame you, I'd get distracted by so much awesome too."
Cloud stayed silent, his throat locked up, Zack was exactly the same as he remembered him, well, except maybe a bit lighter. Cloud hadn't met him until after Angeal had defected.
"Oh come on, I don't bite." Zack said with a bit of a pout, hoping Genesis's student would at least be nicer than Genesis was to him.
"It's nice to meet you." Cloud finally said, though it came out very soft.
"Cloud's still a bit overwhelmed Zack, why don't we go sit down and give him some space?" Angeal offered.
"Oh, I suppose. I still remember when you first offered to mentor me. It was like a week before I could think straight!" Zack said with a smile, then smacked Cloud on the shoulder. "I'll help you get through it, we'll be best buds in not time, you'll see!"
Cloud just offered a small smile. "Best friends, I'm sure."
Zack gave him a thumbs up and then went to flop on the couch.
"Zack, I've asked you not to do that on our furniture, do you think Genesis is going to put up with it?" Angeal scolded.
"Sorry." Zack said sheepishly. "Please don't tell him, that guy hates me enough as it is."
"He doesn't hate you Zack, would he have asked you here to meet Cloud if he hated you?" Angeal retorted.
Cloud just shook his head, relaxing a bit. Zack was here, Zack was alive and Zack was being Zack. He could do this.
"I'm going to see if Genesis needs any help." Cloud finally said, heading to the kitchen.
Zack smiled at him before getting into a deeper discussion with Angeal about whether or not Genesis indeed hated Zack.
"How are you doing?" Genesis asked softly when Cloud entered the kitchen.
"Alright, I suppose, he's exactly how I remember him. It's hard to be anything but happy when he's around." Cloud admitted.
Genesis just leaned over and gave Cloud a gentle kiss. "I remember being rather annoyed with him, but if I can put up with Princess Yuffie for as long as I did, Zack should be a breeze now."
Cloud laughed a bit "At least he's not going to be swiping your materia."
"Exactly." Genesis said with a smile. "Now grab that tray and we'll have lunch."
Lunch was still rather awkward for Cloud, Zack kept trying to make friends with him, asking him all kinds of random things. Cloud answered as best he could, enjoying the attention. If Genesis hadn't known that Zack was straight and that Cloud very much loved Genesis, he might of had a notion to get jealous.
"So are you seeing anyone?" Zack finally asked and Cloud about spit out his tea.
"Yes, I'm actually in a rather committed relationship." Cloud finally said, stealing a glance at Genesis. The man found this absolutely hilarious.
"Really, is she cute? Nice? What does she look like? Can I meet her?" Zack said all in a bit of a rush.
"They are very cute, to their friends yes, tall, red hair, marvelous eyes. And yes, you can eventually." Cloud said and noticed he could get Genesis to blush. Zack was oblivious to the fact Cloud was talking about Genesis.
"Cool, I wish I had a girl like that." Zack said with a goofy smile. Cloud couldn't help it and he laughed a bit.
"I'm sure the perfect girl is out there for you." Cloud said, knowing full well who said girl was. He would have to make sure Zack and Aerith met in this timeline.
"Thanks man!" Zack said with a smile.
"So Zack, now is as good a time as any. Lazard will only agree to make Cloud Genesis's student officially if he participates in an exhibition match and proves he has the skill. He suggested you as Cloud's opponent." Angeal finally said, Genesis was getting a bit flustered with all this talk of 'girlfriends' and he sought to save him.
"Really?" Zack said, looking between Angeal and Cloud. "That would be so awesome!"
"I knew you would agree." Angeal said with a smile.
"Thank you." Cloud said.
"But hey, I thought you were already in SOLDIER, I mean with your eyes and all." Zack said, looking him over. Cloud certainly carried himself like a SOLDIER.
"My hometown was rich in mako, a bit naturally seeped into my system." Cloud said, it was a lie that Zack would believe, even if others wouldn't.
"Oh." Zack said, "We had a reactor, but it wasn't like that. Either way, that's awesome."
"Just don't go spreading it around too much before he actually becomes a SOLDIER. We don't want to draw too much attention to it." Genesis said, looking to Zack.
"I won't, I promise" Zack with a grin, hands covering his heart.
"It's about time to go, you need to hand in your report to Lazard." Angeal said, looking over at Zack.
"Do you think you can take this down to him?" Genesis asked, handing Angeal Cloud's consent form.
Angeal just nodded and took the paper.
"It was nice to meet you!" Zack said, holding his hand out to Cloud.
"Same here," Cloud said, shaking his hand.
Once they left, Cloud felt himself unravel.
"You did well." Genesis said, pulling the man close to him.
"That was harder than Sephiroth." Cloud admitted.
"Sephiroth you knew how to deal with." Genesis pointed out.
"I guess you're right, I thought it would hurt more, seeing him when he didn't remember anything." Cloud said, shaking his head. "But then he smiled at me and acted like we had been friends all our lives. Almost like he knew. I guess he's always been like that."
"Do you still want to keep things secret from him?" Genesis asked.
"I think so, he's not like Angeal and Sephiroth. I don't want him to see the horrors of this world before he has to. He's still like a little kid in that respect. If he can live obvious to everything and die happy with Aerith and 10 kids, that would be perfect." Cloud said with a smile.
"Keeping him completely in the dark will be hard, but we can at least shield him a bit, I suppose." Genesis said, wrapping his arms around Cloud.
"Do you think we can really do all this?" Cloud said, leaning his head on Genesis's chest.
"We can and we will, we don't really have any other choice." Genesis said, enjoying the feel of his lover's body so close.
End of Chapter 4. Next chapter will be the exhibition match, and after Cloud officially joins SOLDIER he and Genesis will start actually implementing their plans to change the future.
Please Review :)-DHT