A/N: So sorry for the delay, I rearranged my room and then spent a couple days hanging with a friend of mine so I was sorta cut off from the computer for a while, but I'm back now! There's a link at the end for a picture of Psy.
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Once Again, Chapter Ten: Crazy Day Part Two
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Marlene's soft brown eyes were fixated on Psy's copper and black eyes and both weren't blinking. Finally, Psy noticed a slight movement, a small twitch, indicating she was going to blink. Being what he liked to consider a gentleman, he blinked first. Marlene gave a soft squeal and threw a fist into the air. "I win!" Psy smiled and watched as she climbed up one of his coils and sat happily on the back of his broad tail. Denzel was seated on one of the two beds and smiling.
"So, I take it we're to be quiet until I am summoned by Cloud?"
Denzel nodded in response to Psy's question and the snake looked thoughtful.
"Yeah, anytime one of the Turk guys or someone from 'Shin'ra' shows up, it's best that we're out of the way. Tifa doesn't really trust them and neither does Cloud. But, for the past couple years, they've kinda been trying to work together I think…"
Psy took in this information, realizing that these two children were much sharper-witted than one would think. But given the strength he'd seen in those he'd met so far, he understood why. There must have been circumstances that led to their upbringing in such a manner. However, for the most part, these two children were children, and they seemed happy ones at that.
"I see. What do you normally do when you're to wait quietly up here?" Psy's voice was softer than usual, in an attempt to make sure his voice didn't carry.
"Well, sometimes we read, nap, tell stories… Sometimes we play quietly. But this doesn't really happen all that often so…" Denzel shrugged and kicked his feet against the edge of the bed. But Psy perked up slightly and smiled.
"I could tell a story, perhaps?"
Both children immediately nodded and seemed eager to hear a new story. Psy settled himself in, hands nimbly moving as he spoke, his soft and melodic voice keeping both children completely enthralled in some tail of a hero, dragons, and of course, a damsel in distress...
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XxXxX
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Ranisa spotted Fenrir as Vincent moved towards the front door of the bar called Seventh Heaven. It was then she felt a wave of apprehension and nervousness. However, she steeled her nerves and her face took on an open, but seemingly indifferent, expression. Vincent glanced back just before he reached for the door and then pushed it open, striding through. They had made it there in roughly forty minutes and he still felt like he was letting them down for being late. Frowning into his collar, he changed his mind. It was the Turks fault for showing up early.
As Vincent strode through the door, Rufus turned his head and gave him a smile. That half smirk that told all who saw it, "I know something you don't." Vincent's red eyes narrowed before he turned his gaze to Cloud, who nodded almost unnoticeably. Ranisa had reached forward and caught the door as it started to swing shut, stepping in behind Vincent and then letting the door close behind her. Golden eyes swept the room and took in every face as the group turned to see who had followed Vincent in.
Vincent and Cloud noted immediately that Cid, Tifa and Barret looked skeptically at Ranisa and then at Vincent, wondering who the girl was and why Vincent had brought her, but at the same time, trusting the Gunman's judgment. Cait had a knowing but interested look, and Yuffie looked shocked and upset that there was some woman with Vincent, while Shelke just looked at her curiously. Reno was not so casually checking her out, to which her eyes narrowed, and Rude had the same expressionless look as Tseng, although… Tseng had a slight gleam of knowing to his eyes that most didn't catch; no one could see Rude's eyes. Rufus was, much to their displeasure, a little too interested. Her eyes locked with pale blue ones and she did not like the interest they showed in her. It reminded her too much of Rydell, even if this blonde male's intent was hidden behind those eyes.
"Hello, Ranisa." Golden, red, and Mako blue eyes snapped to Nanaki who had spoken, having padded over from his seat to stand in front of Ranisa. Cloud and Vincent were shocked, even if only for a moment, that Nanaki knew Ranisa's name… Then again, he did have that connection to the planet. Startled, Ranisa tilted her head the smallest fraction before responding.
"Hello…"
Nanaki's voice was casual. "I am Nanaki." Ranisa blinked, hesitating as her mind reeled slightly. Nanaki is close to the planet, the Lifestream. He can sense our bond. His Tribe once knew my brother and therefore, myself by relation. He is to be trusted; he is wise. Ranisa blinked, a small smile flitting across her mouth and Nanaki gave her a knowing smile in return. That voice was back and she wasn't sure now was the best of times for it. However, she lifted her gaze from Nanaki as Cloud rose from his seat and started pointing everyone out, naming them off. She noted the inflections and accents of everyone as they responded with various different greetings, and when he spoke her name in introduction before sitting back down, she simply nodded once in greeting, untrusting of her voice.
Rufus watched Ranisa with his pale blue eyes for a moment, as if undecided. However, while he may not necessarily trust this new addition; he knew that if she were here, that meant that Valentine and Strife felt she wasn't any harm. He was interested as to where she came from and the fact that, when Cloud introduced everyone else, he did so with a last name if he knew it. Ranisa did not seem to have one, or Cloud did not know it. For some reason, Rufus felt the answer leaned more to the first option rather than the latter and that made him even more interested… Few people he recalled didn't have a last name... Filing questions away for later, he returned his gaze to Cloud, Cait and Tseng before speaking.
"Well now, I'm sure you are all very confused as to why I requested your presence here tonight, yes?"
Most of the former AVALANCHE members simply gave him a stare that implied he needn't have said anything of the like because it was an obvious yes. However, Cid gave him the verbal response he anticipated from the blonde pilot.
"Well no shit Shin'ra, get on with why yer wasting our time already!"
A small smile curled the edge of the President's lips and he folded his hands in front of himself, one atop the other and hiding his mouth.
"Very well, Highwind. Originally this was supposed to be a celebration gathering for almost a year with no crisis. However, things never seem to play out the way we originally intend."
Cloud felt a very familiar pang of apprehension in his gut. Something had, or was, happening and it was going to require their assistance again… He just knew it.
Vincent was leaning against an empty table, arms crossed over his chest and his red eyes locked unnervingly on Rufus. Ranisa, however, was curious and confused, listening intently to what the blonde man was saying, though she was getting the feeling that this man was sly and only partly to be trusted. She found that she didn't really like the man.
"It seems that, over the past few weeks, there have been very strange surges of lifestream across the globe. Of course, when this was brought to my attention, we investigated further. It appears that these surges have been happening in rather 'historic' locations such as Nibelheim, the Northern Crater, Modeoheim, Gongaga, Banora and Midgar." Rufus fell silent and no one said a word for a moment before Vincent's deep voice broke the silence.
"What sort of surges and what have you gathered from it as far as why?"
Tseng chose that moment to speak, his voice even, as usual, "Intense spikes of lifestream and or Mako energy. We investigated the sites by helicopter; however, we were unable to see anything. Several of the locations showed signs of high level monsters being drawn to the area so we were unable to investigate further. Others, such as Modeoheim and Gongaga, were so covered by snow or vegetation that we couldn't get close."
Tseng fell silent and Cloud frowned. He knew the Turks were fairly capable people, so why would they not investigate a site simply because of a few monsters? Cloud let this train of thought slide to the back of his mind as Rufus began to speak again.
"We were able to locate the source area in Midgar. What we found, however, was not necessarily… comforting. Located underground where Omega fell, and where we assume Weiss fell, we found not only evidence that Weiss had been there, but also someone we proclaimed dead over a decade ago."
Silence fell as everyone fell into thought, confused on who it could be. Cloud's eyes suddenly grew wide, however, as a flash of a memory not his own came to his attention. His Mako bright eyes locked with Rufus' paler ones as he spoke.
"Genesis Rhapsodos."
Vincent's gaze snapped to Cloud, his own voice low in thought, "Project G?"
Tseng merely looked towards Rufus who nodded in response to them both.
"Yes, he was part of Project G; SOLDIER First Class Genesis Rhapsodos. Whom we thought terminated at the hands of SOLDIER First Class, Zack Fair."
Ranisa noted the pang of what looked like remorse and hurt that shot through Cloud when Rufus said the name Zack Fair… However, more importantly, was this Genesis person. Her voice startled everyone into looking towards her. Her tone was hesitant and questioning even with its lilting and almost musical tones. Her voice had healed over the last few days.
"Auburn hair, pale blue Mako eyes, dresses in red leather and randomly spouts off poetry?"
Silence.
"That… is a very accurate description." Rufus' voice held a deadly question underneath the words he spoke. How do you know what he looks like? Ranisa suddenly realized the very intense looks she was getting and frowned. She wasn't afraid or nervous, just mildly uncomfortable with everyone staring at her so she continued.
"I've seen him recently… I think." Her brows drew together and her head pounded suddenly. She moved from standing to sitting at the table Vincent was leaning against, one hand going to her head. Cloud decided then to speak up.
"We found Ranisa in the woods a few days back. She's suffering from amnesia but we think her memories are slowly returning to her…." He said nothing else about her. Thank the gods, she hadn't mentioned the labs, but Cloud knew she was going to be asked and he only hoped she didn't remember.
"Where have you seen him and when, Ranisa, this is very vital information." Tseng's voice was sharp, almost accusing.
Vincent half turned, looking down at Ranisa to see that she had squeezed her eyes shut, the hand she held to her head was pressing against her skull hard enough to turn her knuckles white. Nanaki watched her with interest, wondering just how much she knew and didn't know. Nanaki didn't know much, but he could feel the entity in her that seemed partly familiar to him and he didn't know why. Ranisa's voice was strained slightly, but it held no emotion or inflection. Vincent knew this was either because she was hearing voices, her head was throbbing, or she was confused.
"I… I don't remember. You just said his name and I remembered him… But, the memory is… Not complete… I vaguely remember a computer screen shedding an odd glow to him, but other than that… Nothing…" She removed her hand from her head and turned her head a fraction to look at Rufus, golden eyes swirling in confusion. Rufus could tell she was telling the truth, but he felt as though something was being left out…if not by her then someone else. He did not mention it, however, and instead turned to look at Cloud.
"This is conformation that Genesis is alive and we don't know what he's up to. Considering the last time we saw him he was trying to kill everyone, we ARE going to need your assistance—everyone's assistance."
Cloud frowned, wanting to tell him no; but he knew he couldn't, not with the activity of the lifestream/Mako at the locations listed… He glanced at Vincent who gave a subtle nod and then his gaze found everyone individually from his once band of heroes. Every one of them nodded. With a sigh, Cloud brought his gaze back to Rufus.
"Very well."
Rufus smiled at the response, a small smile, but still, it made Ranisa uneasy.
"I'm glad to hear that, Cloud."
Rufus began to talk to Cloud about plans to be made and Ranisa suddenly tuned it out. She barely registered Cid get up and drag a chair over to the table. Instead, she was focused on something she had just caught scent of… a rather musty but clean smell all rolled into one. A scent that sparked a memory. Rising to her feet, she headed for the stairs behind the bar. Tifa watched her and Vincent turned, seeing her and then silently following her. Tifa gave him a questioning look and Vincent returned it without answers. Tifa recalled Psy and moved to follow them. Rufus's gaze travelled to them and Cloud half turned. Turning his gaze back to Rufus he shrugged.
"She probably hears the kids." Was all Cloud said, but everyone of his group knew differently.
Cloud wanted to protest when Rufus glanced to Reno and the redhead rose from his seat. He silently hoped Tifa or Vincent would stop him at the top of the stairs but he knew their attention would be focused on Psy. Cloud instead said nothing; his face didn't even betray these thoughts. Rufus simply smiled and resumed talking.
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XxXxX
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Muddy brown eyes glinted in excitement as Rydell stared through the glass of the holding room. Hearing measured footsteps, he looked away and spotted Genesis.
"Ah, you've returned. Very good. He started to wake up a few hours ago; I've induced him into sleep. I'm sure you'll understand that I didn't want him waking up only to see me."
Mako blue eyes narrowed as Genesis frowned. He followed Rydell, his melodic voice soft in the silence.
"My Soul corrupted by vengeance, Hath endured torment, To find the end of the journey in my own salvation. And Your eternal slumber…"
Rydell rolled his eyes where the man couldn't see it. Gods above how he hated that play now. He reached a metal door with a keypad and swiftly typed in a code, the door hissing open. He entered, the onetime SOLDIER stalking in behind him. Walking over to a computer terminal set up beside the sleeping Weiss, his fingers began to tap out a rhythm on the keys. Shortly thereafter, an electronic beep sounded and he turned his gaze to the man on the bed.
"He should wake soon." Genesis didn't respond, only watched the white-haired man he called his brother. Pale, Mako-blue eyes snapped open, and a small, unpleasant smile curved up at Genesis's lips.
" Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return. Such is... the fate of a monster."
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XxXxX
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Tifa grabbed Vincent's arm and he turned to look at her, eyebrow raised. Her voice was nearly silent but he heard her when she hissed.
"We have a guest who was looking for Ranisa and he's in the room with the children. Harmless, Cloud said, but I really don't want the T—." Her mouth snapped shut as crimson eyes darted over her shoulder. She let go of his arm and spun, spotting Reno. Vincent took that moment to head down the hall and around the corner to follow Ranisa. He caught up to her just as she reached the children's bedroom. There were no sounds coming from within, as though whoever was in there, knew Ranisa had come.
Tifa glared at Reno and blocked his path.
"I don't want you of all people anywhere near my children."
Reno grinned and held his hands out to the side with an air of innocence that Tifa would never fall for.
"Aw com'on Teef! I'm the perfect role model, yo."
Tifa raised an eyebrow and glared at him.
"As if I'd ever believe you. Go on, get!" She said, shooing him back towards the stairs. Reno's demeanor changed and his head tilted slightly a wry look on his face.
"I can't do that. Orders, you know?"
Tifa paled slightly and crossed her arms, but her face hardened.
"You will, or I'll break your arm. Now go. I'm serious about not wanting you near the kids."
Reno knew she was capable, but he also knew that with some luck and his handy EMR, she'd be down. However, Tseng had pressed that he couldn't just prod allies with that even if they got in his way. He'd have to find out later. Throwing his hands up in defeat, Reno turned away towards the stairs.
"Alright, alright… No need to get violent, yo."
Tifa silently breathed in relief and followed Reno back down the stairs.
Vincent placed his hand on Ranisa's shoulder and startled, she snapped her head around to stare at him. Realizing she had wandered all the way up here without really paying attention to her surroundings aside from that familiar smell, she dropped her gaze.
"Sorry, Vincent… I just… Felt compelled to come up here." Her gaze lifted to stare at the door in front of her and she waited with baited breath.
"It's alright, Ranisa." Vincent's voice held a soft undertone of understanding she had rarely heard him use. However, both of their attention was snapped to the door as it pulled open the tiniest bit to reveal Marlene's face. The young girl brightened to see Vincent and nearly opened the door but stopped, a frown marring her young face.
"Just a moment." The sternness in a voice so young made Ranisa blink as the door was shut again. She heard soft whispering, a small smile on her face to know that the little girl couldn't know she could hear. The raised eyebrow on Vincent, suggested he too could hear.
"Vincent is there, with some blue-haired woman… do I let them in?" Marlene spoke in a hushed tone, and Denzel started to reply but he didn't get the chance to form any real words when another voice spoke up, soft and melodic, with a sense of urgency.
"Miss Marlene, please… Let them in…" Vincent's eyes narrowed at that unfamiliar voice, but he noticed Ranisa's golden eyes go wide in shock.
"No… It couldn't be…" Her voice was soft and laden with an excited sort of shock. Vincent watched her for the brief moment it took Marlene to open the door again.
"You can come in." She smiled up at them, but Ranisa did not see her as the door opened wider and she spotted someone she had thought she would never see again. She took two steps that brought her passed Marlene and into the room. Her voice was almost inaudible.
"Psy…"
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A/N: So I was browsing Deviant Art for a picture I'd seen years ago of a Peruvian Naga. And low and behold, I found it. Being the artist I am, I wasn't comfortable with linking the picture unless the artist said I was allowed to... So, I asked. What luck shone on me because I received an e-mail back stating that as long as I let people know it was their art and not mine and left the copyright, I could Link it to show all my readers exactly what Psy looks like... and It's sort of eerie how I modeled Psy in my head to look almost exactly like this picture. Side note, I created the character Psy a Long, long, long time ago in my head only with a different name as a character for an rp group and I can't believe I found a pic of it later and even after that, now, that Kyoht Luterman had drawn. I really enjoy Kyoht's art and I think if you take a peek at these links, you really should browse the entire Gallery. Much thanks and appreciation for Kyoht! I love the artwork. Thanks again my friend.
http:/kyoht[dot]deviantart[dot]com/gallery/#/daue07 Being the full body shot, and
http:/kyoht[dot]deviantart[dot]com/art/Azzy-Naga-20693116?q=gallery:kyoht/22924805&qo=103 Being what I pictured his face to look more like.
So, as always my readers, read and review! I hope you enjoy this chapter, even if I hated it because it didn't come out exactly the way I wanted it to and trust me, after rewriting it for the third time, I left it alone. I hope it reads alright.
Risikaa.