Cloud followed Genesis as they moved swiftly though the halls, "What's your plan?" Cloud asked as they went.
"My plan is to tell Tseng the truth. This is the worst kept secret ever anyway." Genesis called back.
Cloud had to agree, they had been rather horrible at keeping things secret. But the fact that Genesis blurted the whole thing to Angeal when they first arrived hadn't helped in that regard. As they reached the Turk floor, Genesis pounded on the door. It was the one place in the building he didn't have an override code for.
The door slide open and a young girl with curly honey colored hair stood there with a smile on her face. "What can I help you with, Commander Rhapsodos?"
"Cissnei." The name came to him quickly even if he hadn't spoken it in years. "I need to speak with Tseng now." Genesis demanded.
"He's busy sir, if you could come back lat-" She tried to reply but was cut off by: "It's about Reno."
Her eyes widened a bit as the door closed, only to be opened 5 minutes later by an annoyed looking Tseng. "Be quick, Rhapsodos."
"I know what's wrong with your man." Genesis answered quickly.
Tseng just looked at him for a moment before noticing Cloud. Rude had reported Reno entering the church with the man and so Tseng stepped aside to let them in. "My office now." He ordered and Genesis and Cloud quickly followed.
"Start talking." Tseng demanded as he slipped behind his desk.
Genesis thought for a moment on how to start his story before taking a deep breath and driving in. "A few months ago-" He spoke fast and concise, detailing what he knew, as Tseng sat there stoic as ever. He did however leave out his part in the killings of the professors and the release of the Tsviets.
When it was over, Tseng brought a hand to his face. "I want to say that I don't believe you but it makes to many things fall into place. So what do we do for Reno now?"
"We need to get him back to Aerith, so the process can finish." Cloud interjected.
"Absolutely not." Tseng declared. "I would do anything for Reno, but not that. Story about the future or not, you obviously know what she is. I've worked too hard to keep her safe."
"There isn't much choice. Reno will go mad completely if we don't get him back to the church." Genesis argued. A shriek from the man in question only highlighted his words.
Tseng thought a bit longer, torn, before he sighed again as Reno let out another shriek. "You're certain that there isn't another way?"
"Very," Cloud nodded, feeling sympathy for Reno."And you know how stubborn Aerith can be."
"That I do." Tseng acknowledged. "We have a lot more to discuss, but I will go retrieve Reno. I'll have him back at the church within the hour. I do ask that you stay away from there as much as you can. She's already drawn a lot of attention and, even with Hojo dead, she's not completely safe."
Cloud looked confused for a moment, wondering about who would possibly threaten Aerith with Hojo dead. Sensing the confusion Tseng continued to explain. "I don't know for sure how things played out in your future, but you seem to be mistaken in some of your thoughts. Hojo is just one in a string of scientist out there willing to forgo ethics to get what they want. I wasn't just protecting Aerith all these years from Hojo, but from every other crazed scientist out there."
Cloud looked at Genesis for a moment, then back to Tseng. "I never imagined that there could be someone like Hojo out there. Then I found out about Hollander. To think there are others." A shiver went down Cloud spine. Things just got infinity more complicated.
"There are always people in the world that are willing to throw ethics aside for power and gil." Tseng sighed. "You've brought a lot of attention to her in the past few weeks. I caution you to stay away. I can get messages back and forth if you desire, but things need to settle down."
Cloud sank back in his seat. He had never even thought that someone else would want Aerith, that his action would put her in danger. "Alright." He agreed as Genesis just looked at him.
"Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some things I need to take care of." Tseng stated calmly as he stood.
"Of course" Genesis nodded. He knew that telling Tseng would be risky and, the more they spoke, the less likely their cover during the Tsviet's disappearance would hold. Hopefully Tseng would turn into an ally, but they knew that he wasn't yet the man they'd come to trust in the future. This was the man that had chosen Shinra over his own country and never looked back.
Cloud and Genesis left, hoping that Tseng would keep his promise.
Later that night found Cloud and Genesis curled up on the couch. It almost felt weird not having anywhere pressing to be. No plans to fulfill. It would be another several months before they could dispose of Jenova. Angeal and Sephiroth were out still, but they had at least made contact. They were aware of the mess that awaited them when they made it back to Midgar, likely tomorrow.
There was some show on the television. Cloud had vague memories of it when he had been in Midgar before. Right now it was more background noise then anything as the pair sat to think.
` "I don't like that we haven't heard from Reno or Tseng or Aerith even." Cloud sighed.
"I know." Genesis replied, guilt over Reeve's death also still on his mind. "But we don't know what that did to him. I could have reset the process or made it more difficult. Tseng is not going to screw one of his own men over. You know him. He's loyal to a fault."
"That's why I'm worried." Cloud breathed out. "Reno's still a rookie. Aerith is someone he's cared for all her life. Where do you think his loyalties lie?"
"Don't worry." Genesis insisted. Reno would be fine and, if he wasn't, Cloud and Genesis would resume the plan of tearing the building apart for him.
"Hmm." Cloud just relaxed further into Genesis. "We should think about what to do about the reactors. I mean, we can get rid of Jenova, but, if Shinra keeps using Mako energy, the planet's still screwed in the end. You keep saying that we need to change things from the inside. How do you figure we do that?"
Genesis just looked at Cloud, "You know Lazard right?"
"Of course I know him. He's the director of SOLDIER." Cloud just gave him a confused look.
"He's actually probably reeling right now. He'd been plotting with Hollander for months. And as much as I hate to admit it, the man was used by Hollander just as much as I was. He painted him a picture of a better world. Lazard grew up in the slums. He understands the plight of the people... he's also Shinra Senior's illegitimate son."
Cloud shifted a bit so he could look at Genesis properly. "I think I kind of follow you."
"We force President Shinra out of power and get Lazard in instead of Rufus. If Rufus remembers, the future, he would be our best bet, unfortunately right now he's just a spoiled rich kid." Genesis finished his explanation.
"It could work." Cloud acknowledged. "Well, if Lazard is like you say he is, I only know him from now. I never had anything to do with him before."
"After this last plan I want to take more time to figure out the details. But we have the time." Genesis replied before placing a kiss on Cloud's head.
"Well, this is true. We do have time." Cloud's smile turned into a seductive grin as he crawled on top of the redhead.
"Plenty." Genesis purred as he claimed Cloud's lips.
Cloud sat up and shed his shirt before leaning down placing feather light kisses down Genesis's neck.
"Should we move this to the bedroom, love?" Genesis asked, stroking Cloud's face.
"I think that's a good idea." Cloud answered as he shifted off Genesis.
Genesis's own shirt was removed as he watched Cloud slip out of his pants, staring at that dear sweet ass. His own pants quickly fell to the floor and he crawled on top of Cloud, who was now sprawled out on their bed.
A calloused hand ran down Cloud's chest, taking stock of the scars that were strung across the flesh. Genesis had long ago figured out that the one where Sephiroth had stabbed Cloud at the reactor was extra sensitive. His fingers danced across it, teasing at the same time as he shifted his hips, bringing their erections together.
Genesis was rewarded with a pleasured hiss from his lover as he bent over and claimed another kiss. A bit of simple preparation was all that Cloud required before Genesis was sliding into his lover again, familiar walls pressing down around him.
"I love you."Cloud moaned. No matter how many times they were joined like this, he would never get enough of Genesis filling him.
"I love you too." Genesis smiled as he started to thrust his hips, ready to take himself and Cloud over the edge again.
Angeal stood with his arms crossed as a sigh escaped his lips.
"I still can't believe none of you told me for so long." Zack pouted, looking at the assembled group.
"It seems quite a bit has happened these last few months." Sephiroth acknowledged. He and Angeal had just grown closer over their trip, something else that had surprised Zack. Seemed that no one wanted to tell him anything.
"I still can't believe you did that." Angeal exhaled as he looked at Genesis.
"They had to be eliminated." Genesis insisted. "You already admitted that you believed us."
"I'm actually referring to throwing yourself into a nest of Midgar Zoloms." Angeal replied with odd look on his face. "Though I do regret the loss of your friend."
"The Zoloms were never a problem. The worst attack it has is Beta." Genesis stated, waving his hand.
"Beta... wow." Zack just stared. Beta, he was sure, would eat him alive.
"It was still reckless." Cloud insisted, finally adding to the conversation. He glanced to Sephiroth as he sat down next to Genesis. He still needed to talk to the man, but the relationship with Angeal was reassuring. Before, Sephiroth had been left utterly alone.
"So what is your plan now?" Sephiroth asked.
"Did Aerith tell you when she thought Reno would recover fully?" Cloud asked Zack. He had been the only one still allowed to talk to her.
Zack nodded as he spoke. "Things got rough when he was torn away, but he should be alright soon. Tseng won't let me visit him though."
"I might try later." Cloud acknowledged, looking up at Genesis, who just gave him a nod. "But with that there isn't much to do with Hollander and Hojo dead. Jenova can't be dealt with for several more months. Other than that, we have to deal with Shinra's Mako usage."
"Sooooooooo," Zack drug out, rocking back on his heels. "I heard you guys had some fun in the VR room." He grinned. "I mean I feel kinda silly now after that spar. I want to see what I can do against you."
"That's not a very smart idea Zack." Angeal muttered, placing a hand on his student's shoulder.
"Though I hate to sound like him." Sephiroth had an amused smirk on his face that still seemed so out of place to Cloud. "But at this point, I would feel safe testing your skill."
"You feel safe." Zack stuttered. There wasn't someone stronger than the General, was there? Even kick ass Cloud from the future.
Angeal interceded on his student's behalf again, squeezing the hand already on his shoulder. "Just watch, alright?"
"Okay." Zack replied weakly.
As they entered the room, Cloud turned and offered Zack a small smile. The raven haired SOLDIER just offered him a full blown silly smile in return. This time Angeal made sure to disable the security cameras. They didn't need another incident like before.
The area shifted around them to the canon currently under construction in Junon. Genesis froze as the metal of the canon's barrel formed under his feet. Everyone looked confused at the look in his eyes, but Cloud moved next to him and slipped his hand into his lover's. It seemed to be enough to get the ginger to move again as the man took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"It's alright." Genesis muttered.
"What's wrong?" Angeal asked, looking around at the simulation, wondering how Junon could be painful for his friend.
Cloud was about to explain what he knew when Genesis shook his head. "It was here that everything started. This simulation, but it's fine. The accident in the original timeline was months ago at this point. Things are different, it was just a shock to see it after all this time."
"I can change it if you want." Angeal offered as the others watched quietly.
"No, it's ok." Genesis replied, taking his free hand to his forehead and sighed.
Angeal just nodded and moved to join the rest of the group. Zack, who have been unsure about what to do, seemed happiest that the mood had changed back as Sephiroth stepped forward. He glanced at Genesis and the man seemed fine to him. Cloud was a bit tense, but he supposed that he could understand that a bit. "Shall we?" He asked, looking at the mysterious blond.
Cloud took another glance at Genesis who managed to offer him a smile. "Go now, I'm fine, I swear." A nod was the blond's response as he turned to Sephiroth and unsheathed his sword.
Once again the Silver General found the odd feeling of excitement flowing through him. Faced with a challenge, he smiled and drew Masamune.
Cloud walked out towards the end of the cannon and Sephiroth followed. Zack barely contained his excitement. He'd always wanted to see Sephiroth in action and this promised to be an awesome fight.
Genesis just stood casually next to Angeal, who did offer him a bit of an apologetic smile for causing the reaction in his friend earlier.
Sephiroth and Cloud stood still watching each other and, as with the last training session, it was the Silver General that swung first. Cloud neatly dodged and the pair was off.
The first 15 seconds of the fight the pair were casually trading blows by Cloud, testing Sephiroth's current skill level, and for Sephiroth about seeing how strong the other man really was. After that their speed increased and Zack's mouth slid open. "Gaia" He whispered out. "I'm glad that you guys talked me out of actually fighting him."
Genesis couldn't help but laugh. Angeal and Zack both gave the man an odd look as sparks flew. It seemed neither was quite yet used to this new man.
The ginger looked back out at the fight and his laughter died. "Something's wrong."
Puppet. The whispers were growing again. They had been silent for the most part since Nibelheim, but Cloud knew that she was still there. I don't care where you go, what time you throw yourself into, you will always be my puppet. Jenova's voice was whispering to him again, strong and loud as he fought Sephiroth. The blonde wanted to scream but couldn't.
All he could do was driving his sword on. It was almost too easy how she was able to shift his focus from sparring with Sephiroth to trying to kill the man. Something he deep down still wanted to do, but that had been because he still feared what the General might become and what might become of him.
Kill him and you will be my perfect vessel, you will be the one I sail the stars with. The whispers wouldn't stop and, while Cloud was fighting her, it was hard when he truly didn't want to stop. He wanted nothing to do with Jenova's promises, but killing Sephiroth was so ingrained that he couldn't help but fight.
As he looked on, he could see the fear starting to form in the other man's eyes. It was such an odd thing, but Cloud relished it in his currents state of mind. Good, he should know fear. He should know the pain he's caused the others.
Yes my child, we will show him that pain, together, show him what he's taken from everyone else.
A strangled cry left Cloud's throat as he grabbed his head.
"Cloud!" Genesis screamed not moments after he had realized that something was going wrong.
Everything seemed to happen in slow motion after that. A blue aura over took the blond who was fighting a battle on two fronts. "NO!" Genesis screamed, he'd seen the move to many times. There was no way this Sephiroth would survive it. Unfortunately, he realized as dread settled into his stomach, there was no way to stop the attack. All he could do was struggle with why Cloud was doing this, when he had promised not to kill the man.
Sephiroth was frozen in place, he couldn't move to escape the coming attack, he tried to raise Masamune to defend himself, but it seemed even that was impossible as Cloud flew towards him, his sword splitting apart in a wide arc.
Genesis was on his knees, but Angeal knew that he had to do something. He ran and pushed Sephiroth hard as Cloud's sword slammed into him instead, a faint blue aura of his own surrounding him. One after the other the pieces of First Tsurugi cut into him. When it was over, Cloud landed and staggered a bit, still griping his head. As he locked eyes with Genesis, the man gasped. The eyes gave it away better than anything else.
Sephiroth screamed Angeal's name as the Commander fell to a heap on the floor.
It seemed that his rival's anguished cry was enough to focus Cloud, as he looked on at the man lying motionless on the floor, Genesis made to move to the blond's side, torn between the two men, but Cloud just shook before turning to run.
"Cloud, no!" Genesis cried and ran after him. He had to help his lover. The ginger had thought that, after they had left Nibelheim and put some distance between them and Jenova, things were alright. Everything was falling apart around him again and there was nothing he could seem to do about it.
Angeal was dead, Sephiroth had nearly died and Cloud was losing his mind. Genesis knew that Cloud had had to fight off Jenova before. He hadn't been around for that, sleeping soundly in Deepground. Seeing Sephiroth's form being controlled by the space parasite had been bad enough. He hadn't a clue how she had gotten her claws in Cloud after he had fought her for so long and when she had arguably been stronger.
So far his lover was running on foot, not responding to the calls Genesis was making for him. There were people, other SOLDIER's, in the hall, who stopped and stared as they passed, but the ginger paid them no mind.
Still Cloud was faster than him and he was having trouble keeping up, especially since he didn't know exactly where the blonde was going other then up. His path was odd as he dipped and darted through the floors.
"Please stop!" Genesis cried out again. They would find a way to fix this, they had to. For a moment he wondered if this was how Cloud had felt the night he had disappeared in Wutai.
Suddenly the blond burst through to the roof and Genesis had barely realized that they'd run up 20 floors. "No!" He screamed, following the man.
For a second he thought it would be alright, Cloud looked back at him, seeming to hesitate, before his eyes flashed and changed again. The man grabbed his head in another scream, falling off the side of the building.
Genesis's ran, wing already spread to save him, but before he reached the roof's edge, Cloud soared past him, a wing of his own spread out. He flew fast, but Genesis wasn't going to give up. He wouldn't let the man go flying off after him into the distance.
In the training room Zack stood in shock at the limp body of his mentor, held so lovingly in Sephiroth's arms. He almost didn't catch what the other man said. And he looked at the General in confusion once he realized that he was being spoken to.
"I said call a Gaia damn medic. He's not dead!" Sephiroth barked. His own hands were busy trying to spot Angeal from bleeding out.
It was all Zack needed as he scrambled to pull out his PHS. It seemed like an eternity until someone finally picked up, but he didn't give them a chance for pleasantries. "Yes, this is Zack Fair, we need a medical team up here immediately in VR room 47, there's been an accident."
The rain started some time after they'd passed Kalm. Genesis was having trouble as it was to keep up with the other man. As the sky darkened and the rain poured down, Cloud was lost to him completely.
Genesis wanted to land and tear apart the forest, or break down and cry. Neither would do anyone any good. His PHS buzzed in his pocket, likely Zack trying to find out where the man had gone and let him know that Angeal was alive for now, but in emergency surgery.
It was a message that he would get later as lightning cracked across the sky. He needed help and he wasn't going to dare asking for it from Sephiroth. No, he shook his head. "Vincent." He muttered, knowing that the other man had taken the members of Deep Ground to the Northern Continent. He would need the ex turk's help with finding Cloud. The blond's habit of disappearing for extended periods of time had... cleared itself up by the time Genesis had awakened. Vincent would know better than anyone were Cloud would go to hide.
As it was though, even he wasn't reckless enough to try and fly in this. And the thought that Cloud might be out there injured struck him, but he knew that his lover would survive the storm. It was his own guilt Genesis was worried about. With a heavy heart he went to find shelter for himself, intent on reaching Vincent as soon as he could.
Sorry about the long wait for an update, my muses took a holiday. I've manage to rope them back in for now. I almost left Angeal's status as cliff hanger but I figured I'd been mean enough making you wait so long for an update that it got added in to this chapter.
Anyway hope it was worth the wait, and please leave a review! -DHT.