Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.

05 - Revelations and Uncertainty

Angeal and Tseng watched Cissnei settle down. She was asleep before the chopper was airborne. If she's that tired, how bad are the rest of them? Angeal thought.

"So, SSC Hewley, why Fort Condor?" Tseng asked. His voice was quite, but firm.

Angeal swiveled his head towards the Turk Commander before replying, "We need someplace to ditch the chopper and get supplies that isn't highly populated. The fact that they aren't Shinra sympathizers is a plus."

Tseng nodded, looked at the envelope in his hand, and felt a sense of dread. You did want answers. He scowled at himself before sitting upright and opening the envelope. It contained five documents; a company memo, two private communication documents, and two handwritten letters. His gaze settled on the memo first.

'From this day forward, the Department of Administrative Research (Turks) has been disbanded. The following individuals are wanted for questioning by Directors Heidegger and Scarlet. Any Shinra employee with information regarding these individuals should immediately come forward. Action will be taken against those withholding information or harboring the individuals.' Reno, Elena, Rude, Cissnei, and himself were the 'individuals'.

He numbly scanned the two communications documents. The first was to President Shinra from Heidegger stating that the Turks had kidnapped Rufus Shinra, and that the entire department had gone rogue. The President had responded by stating that the Turks were to be disbanded, and killed on sight.

The next document, also from Heidegger to President Shinra, stated that Rufus had been returned unharmed, and that the Turk Commander, Veld, had been killed by his Second In Command, Tseng. The document stated that the kill on sight order for all Turks was to be lifted, and the Turks were to be reinstated with Tseng as Commander. The President had replied that regardless of Rufus's safety or Tseng's actions, the kill on sight order was not to be lifted, and the Turks were certainly not to be reinstated.

As he read, Tseng's perfect posture slipped inch by inch. The first communication was nothing new but the second was a different story. They had done as they were told and they were still to be killed? He glanced at the memo and noted the date was today's date. The memo he had originally seen had been issued almost a month ago. They've issued a new order?

He wanted to be angry but his anger was MIA. Instead he felt desperate, indecisive, and guilty. He was desperate to keep the remaining Turks safe. He had no idea how to fix this: indecision. More than anything he felt guilty. His actions had partially caused the current situation. If it was just himself he could deal with it. It wasn't just him though; apparently all Turks were going to pay, even if they hadn't been involved in the originally events.

Tseng turned to the two handwritten letters. The top letter was from Rufus. He asked that the Turks lay low for a while. Furthermore, he would take care of the situation and be in touch. The thought left Tseng unsettled. Rufus also said that SOLDIER had a new director, Lazard Deusericus, and that the departments were working together to ensure the Turks safety.

At the mention of Lazard's name Tseng felt himself pale. He clearly remembered Veld sending him on an assignment to find out all he could about Lazard. At the time, Lazard was living in the slums with his mother. They were extremely poor and Tseng wondered why either was of importance to the company. Veld had requested a DNA sample, which Tseng acquired. Before delivering the results to Veld, Tseng read the report and discovered Lazard was President Shinra's illegitimate son. He never knew if President Shinra wasn't aware of Lazard's existence or if the man simply didn't care. It wasn't his business anyway. And now Lazards's working at Shinra? In a top position no less? Later, deal with it later.

Inner thoughts silenced, Tseng scanned the second letter. It was from Lazard himself. He introduced himself and stated how sorry he was about the current situation regarding the Turks. He said that Rufus had come to him, explained the situation, and asked for help; he was happy to comply. 'I will give you as many resources as I can without drawling suspicion.' Apparently two of those resources were SOLDIER Second Classes Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos. Did that mean that Genesis's encounter with Rude and Reno was more than coincidence? He noted it didn't say that SSC Rhapsodos was under his direct command, only SSC Hewley. Suddenly he didn't like Reno being alone with the SOLDIER. Gods I should have made Reno and the SSC come with us.

Tseng titled his head back and stared at the ceiling of the chopper. Was Lazard aware of his parentage? If so what were his intentions now that he worked for Shinra? Was he sincere in helping the Turks? What, or how, could Rufus help? He was still a kid for Leviathans sake! How could this entire mess be fixed? Was SSC Rhapsodos's encounter with Reno and Rude simply coincidence or something more? Was it possible Shinra had learned Veld and company hadn't been killed? If Lazard knew about his father, then he knew Rufus was his half brother. Was that a good thing or bad thing? Where did Legend fall into all this?

He shook his head to still the unanswerable questions. He wasn't exactly surprised President Shinra was a lying bastard, but he was surprised he was going to make innocent people pay. Don't know why even that would surprise me. Even if the company knew Veld was still alive, the response was extreme. No it's not and you know it.

He straightened and looked at SSC Hewley. The man appeared to be sincere in his desire to help, but there was still that little nagging doubt. All he could do was keep a close eye on him and see how events unfolded.

Angeal glanced toward Tseng and found him watching him. He knew Tseng didn't trust him; he wouldn't trust him either if their places were reversed. What he didn't know was how to win Tseng's trust. Be honorable.

"What else can you add about all of this?" Tseng asked, waving the documents in his hand.

"Not much Sir. I know there was a KOS order for all Turks, but I don't know why. I also know it was to be lifted, but it hasn't been. Scarlet and President Shinra want all the Turks dead. Heidegger, well, I don't know what he wants."

"Director Scarlet? What does she have to do with this?" Angeal shrugged and Tseng sighed. "You don't know why the order was originally issued?"

"Honestly Sir, I know the Turks are supposed to have kidnapped Rufus Shinra, but he vehemently denies that. He says he went willingly. Other than that, only that all Turks have been labeled traitors."

So Rufus was denying they'd kidnapped him. It made sense, part of it had been his idea, and as far as Tseng could tell, Rufus had the time of his life while being 'kidnapped'. Rufus was more of a traitor to the company than the Turks, but few, if anyone knew that. Of course even if they did, Rufus was the President's son, he'd probably get a slap on the wrist. The whole thing would be labeled 'teenage rebellion' and forgotten.

Tseng felt lost. He didn't feel ready for all this. He wanted Veld. Hell, right now he'd even take Reno; he always seemed to have ideas. Shuriken's Blades I sound like a child! Truth was, he still felt like a child sometimes, though he certainly wasn't. Veld had helped him in many ways, though mainly with controlling his emotions. He believed that Veld was grooming him to take his place, but he didn't feel ready for the job. Doesn't matter if you are or aren't, quit whining and do it! He smiled at the thought. It almost reminded him of something Veld would say.

He took in the sight of his three Turks. He could do this, would do this, if for their sake alone. They were depending on him, trusting their lives to his judgment and he was not going to let them down. He steeled himself and turned to Angeal.

"We need to contact Reno. He is with SSC Rhapsodos."

"You can use my PHS, but not yours," Angeal said, reaching into his pocket to get his phone.

"Why not mine?" Tseng asked, though he was sure he knew the answer.

Angeal gave him a look that clearly said 'I know you know the answer', but replied anyway. "Your PHS signals can be tracked."

Tseng had to fight not to curse out loud. He'd known that, so why hadn't he thrown the things out of the chopper? Because of the chopper. It sure as hell could be tracked, so what difference did the phones make? As if reading his mind Angeal spoke.

"We need to remove the cards from all your PHS's in route. Cissnei has new cards which can't be traced and are encrypted but..." he looked at the sleeping Turk and shrugged.

"What about the choppers signal?" Tseng asked.

Angeal shrugged again. "Rufus said not to worry about the regular transmitter. We have two hours at least, four at most. After that, if they kick on the emergency transmitter... well I hope we're away from the chopper by then."

"Rufus took care of it?" Tseng asked, sounding suspicious.

"That's what he said. I don't know how, or if he's even capable of doing it. You know him better than I do," Angeal replied, holding his PHS out to Tseng.

Tseng thought about it. It was possible Rufus could rig something from the company headquarters, but he wasn't certain. Nothing I can do either way. He took the phone from Angeal.

"Elena, Rude, give your PHS's to Angeal and kick it into high gear," at his words Cissnei's eyes snapped open. He looked at Angeal, "I assume her card has already been replaced?"

"Yes," Cissnei replied in a hoarse voice.

"Then go back to sleep, Angeal can take care of the phones."

Cissnei nodded and closed her eyes.

It had taken Reno and Genesis less than 20 minutes to pack and be on their way. They had been walking, in silence, for around 45 minutes. A few times one would act like they were going to say something, but they never did. Both seemed too focused on their own thoughts to do more than walk.

The silence was grating on Reno's nerves but he just couldn't think of anything to say. He was usually good with conversation but his ability seemed to have abandoned him. He was getting agitated with himself, which focused him on inner thoughts and made him more agitated. It was a vicious cycle.

Genesis kept waiting for Reno to start a conversation but he never did. That confused him. The Turk seemed to like him, yet now he didn't want to talk. More than once he'd almost tried to start up a chat, but unlike Reno, he wasn't good at it so he gave up. Besides, Genesis didn't mind the silence. It gave him time to process.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

At the scream, Genesis grabbed his sword while simultaneously taking a defensive stance, moved Reno behind him, and scanned their surroundings. He didn't see any immediate threats, but he started scanning the area again just to be sure.

"Holy shi' yo," said Reno from behind him. He was so close Genesis could feel his warm breath on his ear.

"What did you see?" Genesis said in a no-nonsense manner.

"See? I didn' see nothin'," Reno replied.

Genesis pivoted so that he was facing the Turk. His sword was still drawn, posture stiff. He regarded Reno with a curious expression.

"Then why did you scream?"

"Eh, I... uh, was frustrated?" Reno sheepishly replied.

"Oookkaayyy... and the 'holy shit' comment?"

"Ah, well, I didn' see ya move," Reno replied. He was now quite fascinated with something on the ground.

"So what, I scared you?"

Reno looked up at the tone it Genesis's voice; part amusement, part condescension, and part scorn. "Ya didn' scare me yo. I jus' never seen SOLDIERs move that fas' before," he replied in a defensive tone. Genesis said nothing, but gave him a look which clearly said he didn't believe him. That annoyed him and he lashed out, "What the hell'd ya move me behind ya 'fore?"

"To protect you," Genesis replied, placing his sword back in his harness.

"I don' need ya to protect me yo."

"Whatever you say," Genesis said, turning around and walking away.

Reno wasn't annoyed anymore; he was pissed. He didn't mind people thinking he was an idiot, a whore, a slob, or most of the other shit people said, or thought, about him. He did mind people thinking he couldn't do his job or take care of himself. He dropped the rucksack on the ground and grabbed Genesis's right arm with his right hand, spinning the SOLDIER around to face him.

"Look you annoying little fuck, I don't need some snot nosed kid to take care of me; I can take care of myself just fine," Reno said in a venomous voice.

For a minute Genesis was too startled to react. First, he couldn't believe the Turk had grabbed him. I should break his fucking arm! Second, the sheer amount of hate and rage in Reno's tone stopped him. He shouldn't be that pissed over one little comment. Third, had he just called him a snot nosed kid? I'm not a fucking kid! Fourth, Reno hadn't butchered one word in that entire sentence. He can talk without using slang?

Genesis fought the thought which said 'break his arm'. Instead he closed his eyes for a second and willed himself to be calm. He didn't break the arm, but he couldn't keep the anger out of his voice, "First, let go of my arm Turk, or so help me Minerva I will break yours."

Reno looked down at the arm he was holding. He didn't remember grabbing it but the proof was right there. He let go, feeling slightly embarrassed. He started to apologize but faltered as he looked at Genesis's eyes. It wasn't the anger, he could handle anger, it was the glowing. He had heard SOLDIERs eyes could glow, but he'd never seen it up close and personal. It was both unnerving and fascinating.

"Second, I am not a kid," Genesis said, tearing Reno from his thoughts. His voice sounded indignant instead of angry. With that he turned around and started walking at a brisk pace.

Reno felt like he should kick his own ass. What the hell was wrong with him? He was stuck with this guy for a few days at least; he shouldn't be pissing him off. Hell, he didn't even know where they were going! Aside from all that, Reno felt bad for losing it. Genesis pissed him off, but he didn't deserve that kind of reaction. But that's not it, is it? No, it wasn't. He simply didn't want Genesis to be mad at him. He wanted him to like him. You can start there, but you know you want more than 'like'.

He didn't kick his own ass, but he did slap himself in the face. Damn his own thoughts for being mocking bastards! He looked up and found that Genesis was a good distance away from him. Shiva he's fast!

Reno bent down and grabbed the rucksack from the ground. He threw it over his shoulder and started jogging toward Genesis. He yelled, "Hey, wait! I'm sorry ok? Please don' leave me!"

Genesis stopped, sighed, and dropped his head. He hadn't intended to leave the Turk behind; he just needed to clear his head and wanted space to do it. Now he regretted that due to the pleading tone of Reno's voice. Did he really think he'd just leave him out here? He did say he could take care of himself.

Reno finally caught up with Genesis. He was panting and had developed a slight limp. Should have taken the X-Potion. As he stopped, pain shot threw his left side, doubling him over. Genesis reached out a tentative hand to steady the Turk. When Reno didn't resist, he offered more support. The two stood that way for a moment until Genesis jumped, causing Reno to jolt upright.

"Sorry, my ass is vibrating," Genesis said. Reno winced, but raised an eyebrow and smirked; it was an interesting expression.

Genesis half scowled, half smirked in return. He moved away from Reno and grabbed his PHS out of his right back pocket. He looked at the display before answering, "'Geal?"

There was slight hesitation before a voice replied, "No, I am Tseng."

"Tseng?" Genesis asked, wondering why the guy had Angeal's PHS. He must be one of the other Turks 'Geal mentioned.

"Tseng?" Reno said. His face was full of relief and curiosity, with a hint of caution mixed in for good measure.

"That's what he said," Genesis said, oddly amused.

Reno said, "Gimme that," at the same time Tseng said, "I am Reno's superior."

Genesis replied, "Get back," and "Oh". He was afraid if he gave his PHS to Reno he'd never get it back, so he asked, "May I put you on speaker?"

"That may be wise."

Reno's expression brightened as Genesis switched to speaker mode. "Damn it's good ta hear from ya boss. There's some weird shi' goin' on."

"Troubling, not... 'weird', Reno." Genesis couldn't help the grin caused by Tseng's reply.

"Ya whatever. Ya gonna fill me in?"

"Genesis has not done such?" Tseng asked.

"Na he's bei-," Reno was cut off by Genesis. "Fill him in on what?"

They heard a faint sigh before Tseng replied, "So you do not know the situation." It wasn't a question.

"No, I don't," Genesis said in a snippy tone.

"I am going to digitize some documents and send them to you. I will call you back in 10 minutes."

Reno said, "Hey wait," but Tseng had already ended the call. Genesis sighed and sat down; Reno following a few seconds later.

They sat in silence as both waited for the documents to come through. Reno was getting more and more frustrated by the lack of information. Genesis was getting more and more pissed. Finally the PHS vibrated in Genesis's hand and he went to the messages folder. Reno moved his head so close that the top of their heads touched, but both were too focused on the messages to notice.

Genesis's eyes widened as they moved through the documents. In the end he was left completely dumbfounded. He hadn't dealt much with the Turks, but he had never seen anything like the picture the documents painted. Hell, he'd always thought they were too damned straight laced if anything. The few he had met followed orders almost mindlessly. Yet suddenly the whole department went rogue? Bullshit. Once again I'm missing something.

Reno wasn't surprised. Most Shinra execs were no better than crime bosses. A few are worse. They had already tried to kill Rude and himself, so he figured there was either a new KOS order, or the old one was still valid. He was more tired and frustrated than anything.

The phone vibrated as they finished the last document. Good timing, Genesis thought as he pressed the speaker button. "Tseng?"

"Yes. Did you get the documents?"

"Ya," Reno replied in a bland tone.

"You do not sound surprised."

"Can't say I am. They did try ta kill Rude n' me."

"What?" There was concern in Tseng's voice.

"Who ya thin' shot the chopper down yo?"

There was a decent pause before Tseng replied, "I had not properly considered the matter, nor have I had a chance to speak with Rude."

"Ya, well, Shinra's the only fuckers with tha' kind of weaponry that close ta the city," Reno replied, bitterness practically dripping on the ground.

This time the pause was even longer. Finally Tseng said, "I will have Rude fill me in when we land. What is you-"

"Land?" Reno cut Tseng off in mid-sentence.

"Yes Reno, land. We are heading to Fort Condor with SOLDIER Second Class Hewley," Tseng patiently replied.

"Oh."

"What is your current destination?"

"Dunno," Reno replied at the same time Genesis said, "Junon."

"Junon?" Reno and Tseng said in unison.

Genesis chuckled before he replied, "The new SOLDIER director told me to head toward Junon unless he called and said otherwise. We're not to go into the city though. I'm to call him first for a report."

"Interesting," Tseng replied.

"So why For' Condor?" Reno asked.

"As SSC Hewley accurately stated, we need to get rid of the helicopter and obtain supplies. Perhaps our next destination is Junon." In the background, Reno and Genesis heard, 'I told you to call me Angeal.' Reno cocked an eyebrow and Genesis chuckled.

"They don' like Shinra much there," Reno said.

"I am not fond of Shinra at the moment, either," Tseng replied with no emotion. "I am sure once we inform them of our situation, they will have no problems with us."

"Prolly righ'. 'Sides, they need gil n' ya got that."

"Yes," Tseng replied but he thought, do we? "For now do as Director Deusericus has asked. We will try to meet up in Junon. If the situation changes someone will notify you." There was a pause before he added, "Genesis, please take me off speaker for a private discussion. Reno, we will speak later. Stay safe."

Both Genesis and Reno raised eyebrows at Tseng's request. Genesis thought about leaving the call on speaker, but Tseng had asked nicely so he complied. He stood and moved away from Reno before saying, "You're not on speaker."

"Thank you. How is Reno doing?"

Genesis glanced back at Reno, who was watching him, before replying, "Emotionally or physically?"

"Both."

Genesis sighed. "Emotionally he's rattled I think, but he seems tough. I'm sure he can deal with the situation. Physically I'm not sure. Just before you called he seemed like he was hurting. Other than that he's been fine all day."

This time the pause was so long Genesis finally asked, "Tseng? You still there."

"I am here. SSC Rhapsodos, I know you have only just met Reno and he is of no particular importance to you. He is of great importance to the Turks, and to myself, however. Please do your best for him," Tseng stated.

Genesis laughed. "I tried to protect him earlier and we got into a fight. I'll do my best though."

"He can be... stubborn," chuckled Tseng.

"You're telling me. Tseng?"

"Yes?"

"I feel the same about Angeal."

"Understood. We will also do our best." With that Genesis knew Tseng disconnected. Don't Turks say goodbye?

Genesis replaced his PHS and walked back over to Reno, who was stretched out on the ground. He was laying flat on his back using the rucksack as a pillow, legs crossed at his ankles. His hands were behind his head and his eyes were closed. Genesis stopped and admired the view before moving closer. He wondered if the Turk had fallen asleep, but suddenly Reno said, "What was that about yo?"

"'Geal is with your boss. He wanted to see how things were going on my end." The lie tasted bitter for some reason.

"Oh, cool. He ok?"

"'Geal or your boss?" Genesis asked.

"Both."

"They're fine."

"Good," Reno replied, sitting up. He looked at Genesis like he didn't believe him, but he let it go.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'll be alrigh'," Reno replied. He stood before adding, "If ya don' make me run again fer awhile." He grinned at Genesis.

Genesis snorted. "I didn't make you run." He bent down and picked up the rucksack. "I wouldn't have left you, you know," he added in a quiet voice. "I just needed some space."

Reno watched Genesis shoulder the pack as relief washed over him. It wasn't because he didn't have to carry the rucksack. "I thought ya migh'. Gotta remember, I don' know ya tha' well."

"I know. Can you walk or do we need to rest more?"

"Na I'm fine," Reno replied, standing up. "I can carry tha'." He reached out for the rucksack which earned him a glare from Genesis. He threw his hands up in surrender while saying, "Okay, okay."

The two started walking in silence again. Reno thought, Say something! but Genesis beat him to it.

"Why were you frustrated?"

"Wha?"

"Earlier. You screamed and when I asked you why, you said you were frustrated. Why?"

Reno had almost forgotten about that given the spat afterword. "Oh ya. Eh, I don' like silence yo. Couldn' think a what ta say tho. I'm usually good with talkin', so I got frustrated."

"Oh," Genesis replied.

They continued on in silence for a bit before Reno asked, "So, eh, if yer not a kid, how old are ya?"

Genesis briefly stopped walking to look at the Turk. He couldn't read his expression, so he started walking again and said, "How old do I look?"

"I dunno, like jailb- I mean, maybe 15."

The comment stopped Genesis again. He glanced over at Reno with a grin on his face. "Were you going to say jailbait?"

"Eh, ya, sorry," Reno said.

He's actually blushing! Genesis thought. He stared at Reno long enough that the Turk started shifting from foot to foot. Finally he said, "What?"

Genesis realized his mistake and started walking again. "We should keep moving."

"So what, yer no' gonna answer me?"

"I'm 16," Genesis replied. He didn't add that he'd just turned 16.

"Really?" Reno couldn't quiet keep the relief, eagerness, and surprise out of his voice.

Genesis heard the mixed emotions but let it go. "How old are you?"

"17," Reno replied.

Genesis stopped again. "That's it?"

"Whaddya mean 'that's it'? I look old er somethin'?" Reno asked, sounding almost offended.

Genesis couldn't keep the laugh that escaped contained. "No, you look amazing but your eyes..." he trailed off. First he hadn't meant to tell the Turk he looked amazing and second, he really hadn't meant to bring up the eye thing.

Did he just say I look amazing? Reno thought, inwardly delighted. Genesis had started walking yet again so he moved to keep up. Out loud he said, "What about my eyes?"

"They... there's..." Genesis searched for the words he wanted. He thought for a minute and tried again. "Your eyes just seem older. Haunted is the best word I can come up with."

"Oh," was all Reno said in reply.

After about five minutes Genesis said, "I didn't mean to offend you."

"I'm not offended. I jus'... don' know wha' ta say I guess."

"Sorry... Sssooo, let's talk about something else," Genesis suggested.

"Like wha'?"

"I don't know. You're the one who said you liked conversation so... converse."

Reno chucked, "Ya make it soun' so easy." After a pause he added, "Why'd ya join SOLDIER?"

"To get away from my... parents," Genesis said, glancing at Reno.

Reno raised an eyebrow. He didn't believe that was the reason, but he was curious. Genesis said 'parents' with an odd inflection. He didn't want to ask why though so he just said, "I take it ya didn' get along?"

"No." That one word was as hard, bitter, resentful, and angry as Reno had ever heard. Genesis recovered quickly and asked, "Why did you join the Turks?"

Shit, you did open the door for that. "Eh... I... it's... a long story yo."

Genesis heard the reluctance in Reno's voice. He hadn't pressed about his parents though, so he felt like he owed him. "Maybe one day you can tell me."

Reno realized that Genesis had just given him a way out. He wanted to hug him, but he figured that would flip him out so he didn't. We're doing pretty good here, don't need to fuck it up. Reno opened his mouth to say 'thank you' when they heard a shuffling sound.

Genesis immediately dropped the rucksack to the ground and grabbed his sword, going into defensive mode. He fought not to move Reno behind him, instead glancing at the Turk to see if he'd heard it too. The Turk pulled out some kind of a baton thing, so he must have.

Both SOLDIER and Turk scanned the area, not seeing the source of the noise. Genesis strained his hearing and heard movement closer to them. He took off in the direction of the sound, then stopped and looked at Reno. He didn't see him.

"What? I was followin' you. I don' hear shi' but you seem ta."

Genesis quickly swiveled his head and found Reno right next to him. The Turk was excitedly bouncing up and down. "Are you sure you're up to a fight?"

"Gods yes, let's go damnit!" He said, flashing a huge grin.

Genesis shrugged and once more moved towards the sound. About 7 meters later, he realized the ground dipped down into a valley. No wonder we didn't see anything. In the valley he could see four Prowlers moving swiftly in their direction. The four were arranged in a box formation. Genesis grinned, Prowler box... heh. Before he could say anything, Reno flew down the hill towards them. Damnit! He took off after him.

Reno stopped just short of attacking distance. The Prowlers stopped in return. He tensed up, ready to spring, when he heard, "Take right," from Genesis, who was now next to him. Reno wasted no time to jump the Prowler on the right. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Genesis move towards the one of the left.

Any lingering effects of his injuries were swept away by adrenaline as Reno battled the Prowler. Either the thing wasn't that tough, or Reno was taking out a lot of frustration and anger on it. It soon fell, then shimmered away in shades of yellow, green, white, and blue as its soul joined the Lifestream. He looked over towards Genesis only to find that the SOLDIER had already moved to the other two Prowlers. SOLDIER Boy will not show me up! He quickly closed the distance, earning a smirk from Genesis before the SOLDIER leapt into the air, bringing his sword down on a Prowler. Reno turned to the remaining Prowler with a matching smirk. It didn't take long for the last two Prowlers to join the others in the Lifestream.

"Are you ok?" Genesis asked.

"I'm fine yo," Reno replied, dusting off his uniform.

They stood there for less than a minute when they heard a snort behind them, promptly followed by a rush of air. Slowly the two turned their heads to face each other, then slowly looked behind them. They came face to snout with a Behemoth.

"Fuck," Genesis said, tensing his grip on his sword.

Reno didn't immediately say anything. He stared at the Behemoth, left arm bent so that his EMR was resting on his shoulder. He finally spoke. "So, uh, Genesis..." he glanced at the SOLDIER in question, "yer bite as good as yer bark?"

Genesis looked at Reno as the Behemoth began to paw the ground. Genesis smirked and snorted in response.

"Oh good," Reno replied, swinging his head back towards the Behemoth with a matching smirk.

Reno lunged forward at the same time Genesis launched himself skyward. The Behemoth seemed confused about which target posed the greatest threat and hesitated. Genesis landed behind the beast's horns and thrust his sword down. Reno slid under the Behemoth's head, swinging his EMR up and shocking the creature in the throat. The beast reared back, causing Genesis to grab onto his sword for leverage. Reno scrambled out from under the thing, whacking it where he could as he went.

Apparently the Behemoth deemed Genesis the biggest threat. It started shaking its head violently from side to side in an attempt to dislodge the SOLDIER. By this time Reno had moved to the back of the beast and was alternately shocking and beating its right hindquarters. The beast suddenly dropped down and rolled, dislodging Genesis and his sword in the process. It was only his SOLDIER speed that saved him from being squashed underneath the thing. He wasn't sure his sword had fared so well. Fucking cheap ass Shinra! At least it wasn't broken in half. Yet.

Genesis tucked into himself and used the momentum created by the Behemoth to roll away from it like a ball. He sprang out of the position when he knew he wasn't in danger of being flattened. The beast had also completed its roll and was rising up. As it rose, it brought its front right paw towards Genesis and the SOLDIER knew he didn't have time to evade. He had just enough time to brace himself before he was airborne.

Reno was focused on trying to not get squished as the Behemoth went upright. He saw Genesis fly through the air and muttered 'shit' as the creature rounded on him. He had no idea where Genesis had landed. All he knew was that he was staring face to muzzle with a really, really pissed off Behemoth.

The beast raised its right paw and slammed it down on Reno. Suddenly he was pinned between the ground and the paw. He hardly had any wiggle room, let alone room to attack. Now I know what mice feel like before they get munched, he thought. He heard Genesis yell "Reno!" a few seconds before he smelled burning hair.

Genesis had landed a good distance away from the fight, and slid an almost equal length. He lay stunned for a few seconds before jumping to his feet and shaking his arms and legs out. He saw the Behemoth trap Reno under its paw and yelled "Reno!" before lashing his hand out. I'll be damned if some Gaia Forsaken beast is going to take him away from me!

His arm tingled and three fireballs raced toward the creature; two hit its head and one hit the appendage Reno was trapped under. The Behemoth whirled around and ran toward him. He briefly hoped the Behemoth hadn't put pressure on the paw Reno was under in order to spin around. He raised his sword up and charged.

Reno got up and quickly checked for major injuries. Not finding any, he ran after the Behemoth only to stop short after five steps. Genesis was charging the beast with his sword pointed straight at it. He started to yell at the SOLDIER, but the words died on his lips as Genesis jumped. He couldn't see the SOLDIER, so he took a step forward but stopped again. Suddenly Genesis was on the beasts back. He didn't appear to be harmed. Reno stayed frozen in place as the giant gave a loud roar and collapsed.

Genesis pulled his sword out as the creature fell. He jumped onto the Behemoths back and stabbed it straight through the top of the head for good measure, moving the sword back and forth once embedded. When he was satisfied the beast would never move again, he spun, and ran down the back of the Behemoth toward Reno.