Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.
10 - Breakdown
Genesis, Reno, and Rufus set out less than a half hour after the fight. So far the journey hadn't been pleasant. Reno had tried to talk to Genesis but the SSC wasn't having it. He then tried asking Rufus what had happened, but the VP only shook his head and wouldn't comment.
Rufus knew Reno was agitated, but he was too focused on himself to care much. He knew goading the SOLDIER had been stupid and childish, yet he'd done it anyway. Now he'd made a complete mess out of... something. He wasn't sure what was going on between Reno and the SOLDIER but he'd messed it up. Sure he'd pushed the SSC, but he didn't think he'd react this badly. It's your fault and you know it.
The VP had known Reno for just under a year and in all that time, he'd never been serious about anyone. He once told him he wasn't capable of a serious relationship, though he hadn't explained why. Rufus figured it was one of Reno's quirks, but maybe he'd been wrong. Regardless now he was terrified of the SSC and though he knew Reno would protect him, he wasn't sure the Turk could.
Genesis, who was leading the group, suddenly stopped and whirled. Rufus stopped in his tracks looking petrified, which made him want to smirk. Reno cocked an eyebrow but said nothing. They were about twenty steps away from the bottom of a large hill. The hill hindered his line of sight so he closed his eyes and concentrated.
There, just at the edge of his hearing were footsteps. He couldn't tell how many people but it was a defiantly a group, a fast moving group. They were behind them, on the other side of the hill, so maybe it wasn't Shinra. Then again Shinra had discovered their location and set up an ambush, placing troops behind and in front of them.
"What is it yo?" Reno asked.
Genesis started to reply but one set of footsteps faltered and he heard a thumping noise. He opened his eyes just in time to see a black and white blur rolling down the hill, headed straight toward them. The SSC heard voices but couldn't make anything out.
"Look out!" Genesis yelled. Reno immediately grabbed Rufus and yanked him behind a rock. He started to drawl his sword, but the thing was on top of him. It knocked him over and took him down the rest of the hill with it.
When he stopped, Genesis instantly sprang to his feet, grabbed his sword, and pointed it at the unmoving figure. The person lurched to its hands and knees and promptly threw up. Genesis took in the bald head, uniform, and earrings before saying, "Rude?" The head moved up and down once before crawling away from the vomit.
"Hheeeyyy Ruudde, nice form," said Reno. He had come out from behind the rock when he recognized his rolling partner. Rufus stood just behind him.
Rude shakily got to his feet, brushed his uniform off, adjusted his tie, and glared at Reno. "What are you two do- Vice President Shinra?"
"Rude," Rufus said, inclining his head in acknowledgement.
Genesis slightly lowered his sword and looked at the Turk. He was about to ask if Rude routinely rolled down hills when he heard "Genesis?" from higher up. He quickly jerked his head upward and started running. He'd be able to recognize that voice anywhere. Before he knew it he was halfway up the hill and hugging Angeal, careful not to get him with his still drawn sword. He was aware he'd just done the same thing he'd been pissed at Rufus for doing but at least Reno knew about his relationship with Angeal. Well most of it anyway.
"'Geal!"
Angeal laughed and hugged Genesis back. "Gods it's good to see you! How are you? What are you doing here? I thought you'd be in Junon by now!"
"Slow down! What are you doing here?" Genesis chuckled, breaking the hug and taking a step back. "And who the hell are they?" he added, waving a hand toward two females. One was giggling and the other was glaring. Great, more fucking Turks, he mentally added, noting the uniforms.
"Aahhh, the gigglier is Cissnei and the other is Elena. We... ah..." he took a deep breath, "we're heading to Midgar." He expected Genesis to start screaming at him for being an idiot, but instead he smiled excitedly.
"Really? Us too." He waved down the hill towards Rufus and Reno. "You probably figured that out already since this isn't exactly the way to Junon."
"Is that... Rufus Shinra?" Cissnei exclaimed.
"Eh... yeah," Genesis replied.
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Elena said in an accusing tone.
"Look you litt-," he stopped at the look on Angeal's face, sighed, and said, "Legend dropped him off." It was more diplomatic but the words were laced with anger.
Elena and Cissnei said "What?" at the same time. Genesis glowered at them in response.
Before the situation escalated Angeal intervened. "We should join the others." Genesis spun and stomped back down the hill. Elena and Cissnei exchanged a glance, looked at Angeal then followed Genesis. Angeal sighed. This isn't going well. He was also bothered that Tseng hadn't mentioned anything about Rufus.
At the bottom of the hill the Turks and Rufus had a small reunion. Angeal looked around and finally found Genesis standing well away from the group. He was facing away from everyone, apparently scanning the area. The inky SSC smiled at the Turks as he passed, making his way to Genesis.
"Anything out there?" he asked his longtime friend.
"Gods no. Mud, sludge, and hills," Genesis replied, not turning to look at him.
Angeal chuckled and started to comment but Elena called to him. He used his left hand to pat Genesis on the shoulder before turning and heading toward her. As he approached, Cissnei and Elena moved apart allowing him into the rough circle.
"This is SOLDIER Second Class Angeal Hewley, Reno," Elena said in a bright voice.
"Nice ta meet ya," Reno said.
"Vice President Rufus Shinra," Rufus said, extending a hand. "Sorry I didn't get a chance to speak with you before you left Midgar."
"It's alright. Nice to meet you both," Angeal replied, nodding at Reno and shaking Rufus's hand.
"So I guess we should fill each other in. Reno you go first," Cissnei said. There was a collective groan as the group focused on business.
Reno filled everyone in, leaving out the apparent fight between Rufus and Genesis in addition to a few other things, namely the budding relationship with the auburn. When he told them it had been Genesis's idea to head to Midgar, Rude, Elena, and Cissnei acted surprised while Angeal just smiled. He finished with, "So what's yer story?"
There was a pause, during which Rude, Elena, and Cissnei looked at Angeal, clearly waiting for him to speak. He nodded and filled Reno and Rufus in on everything that had happened that brought them here. The SSC noticed Reno didn't look surprised when he learned it was he who Tseng left in charge and he who changed the orders. Silence fell on the gathering when he was finished.
"So Reno is now in charge and Angeal and Genesis are dismissed," Rufus said in a hasty, matter-of-fact voice.
"Looks that way," Angeal said with a smile.
"What? No," Reno said, sounding slightly panicked. "I mean, I can temporarily act as the Active Director, but we shouldn't just cut Genesis and Angeal loose yo."
"But those were Tseng's orders!" Rufus practically yelled. He sounded more panicked than Reno had.
Angeal didn't know what to say so he kept quiet. He didn't want to leave the group but he would if ordered to. Elena and Cissnei looked at Rufus dumbfounded. Rude gave Reno a look, silently asking him to explain Rufus's reaction and to make a decision.
Reno felt his confusion and anger grow. What the hell was wrong with Rufus? They needed all the help they could get, regardless of where it came from. Shiva, Genesis and Angeal were fucking SOLDIERs! They made great allies as far as he was concerned! Assuming the pair still wanted to help that is. He noticed Genesis hadn't joined the group or made any comments. The Turk knew the auburn could hear them, but he wondered what the withdraw meant.
"Godsdamnit Reno don't make me pul-," Rufus began but was cut off.
"Angeal, would you please join me for a few seconds," Genesis called, tone completely devoid of emotion.
Everyone looked at Angeal and he shrugged before leaving the circle and joining his friend. "Yes?"
"You can stay with them if you want, but I'm leaving," Genesis said quietly so no one else would hear.
"What? We can't jus-," he began but was cut off.
"Oh yes, we can. We aren't Turks and it isn't our problem. We've done enough," he angrily replied, facing Angeal. He wanted to help, but it seemed only Reno wanted him around. His hands started to tingle, making him more frustrated, which only made the tingling worse.
Angeal's reply completely dried up when Genesis faced him. "Genesis you're eyes are... glowing," he said instead.
"What?"
"You're eyes are glowing! It looks like someone shoved a lit flashlight behind your eyes," Angeal said. Genesis said nothing, just shrugged, so he continued, "I think you need to get back to Midgar and check in with Professor Hollander." As he talked he could literally see the light fading. Sure he knew SOLDIER eyes glowed, but only faintly and this was way beyond faint. He'd never seen anything like it.
"That's what I'm fucking trying to do!" Genesis yelled. He looked over Angeal's shoulder and noted everyone was now facing him. Shit. He took a few deep breaths before adding. "I just... I feel weird 'Geal. I hadn't planned on talking to Hollander but... it might be wise."
Angeal was immediately concerned since Genesis always kept his cool under pressure, even if he was a diva sometimes. He certainly wasn't keeping his cool right now though. And he felt weird? "Weird how?"
Genesis sighed. He really didn't want to explain right now and he didn't want to worry Angeal more so he said, "I… I can't explain it, just weird."
Angeal nodded. "Okay. I'll tell everyone goodbye then we'll go."
"No, I-, you should stay. They need help, your help and you don't want to leave, I can tell," Genesis said, his entire demeanor changing from anger to nervous.
"They'll be fine. I'll make sure you get back to Midgar."
"Godsdamnit I'm not a fucking child and I don't need a fucking escort!" Genesis screamed. His hands started to burn again and he violently shook them. His frustration had reached such a level that he wanted to cry.
Angeal took a step back at Genesis's sudden outburst. This wasn't one of his normal mood swings and he hadn't been so unpredictable in years. His worry spiked tenfold and he reached out a hand to try and calm his friend, but touched nothing but air. Genesis was gone.
Angeal spun around and looked at the group, noting their open mouths and stunned expressions. He turned back around and scanned the distance but couldn't see Genesis anywhere. That wasn't possible! Genesis couldn't move that fast! Surely he was hiding behind something yet he knew before looking that there wasn't anything to hide behind.
"What the fuck happened yo?" someone yelled from behind him. Reno. He heard a yelp and turned. Reno had someone pinned to the ground by the throat. Rufus?
The rest of the group appeared to be racked by indecision, not knowing which boss to defend and which one to attack. Angeal took one last look around before rejoining the group.
After yelling at Angeal, Genesis's only thought was to get away. The thought was so overpowering that he panicked and didn't fight the urge, he just let his body do what his mind commanded. Now he was well and truly alone. He knew he couldn't be too far from the group and he was fairly certain he could find them again if need be.
Leading his out of control emotions was fear. He knew something was wrong with him but he didn't know what. His speed was way beyond what it should be, as was his strength. He hadn't heard of any SOLDIER being able to cast spells without Materia. SOLDIERs did have glowing eyes, but Angeal knew that and his reaction meant it was something more. He needed to talk to Professor Hollander, like it or not.
His thoughts and emotions shifted and suddenly he was so angry he was seeing red. How dare Reno lead him on? What right did he have to play with him like that? How could the fucking Turk choose Rufus over him? Somewhere in the back of his thoughts he didn't really believe Reno had led him on. He also knew Reno hadn't chosen the VP over him. Those thoughts couldn't seem to break through though, leaving him seething.
Genesis hated Legend for dumping Rufus on him and Reno. Things had been going great until that little bastard showed up. He hated Lazard for assigning him this mission. Things had been perfect until then. The SSC knew that wasn't true though, but that didn't penetrate through the emotional mess either. Hell he hated all the Turks for getting into this mess and dragging him down with them. What the fuck was going on with them anyway? He still didn't know all the events that lead to their banishment. Screw them all.
Even through all the hate and rage he was still worried about the Turks. He knew that didn't make a damned bit of sense and proved how irrational he was being. A person couldn't hate something and still worry about it, but he was doing just that. He knew their situation was still dire and he did want to help, but he didn't know how. Sure they hadn't told him everything but so what? What he knew was enough. Didn't want my help anyway. Oh stop fucking whining! Sound like a little kid who didn't get to play with the grownups.
In the middle of all this he knew his fast changing, mind searing emotions and thoughts were not normal. Something else was going on with him and he didn't know what. It was yet another thing to add to his growing list of concerns.
Genesis sighed and it turned into a sob. Everything felt so fucking hopeless that he didn't know what to do. His mind was shutting down, unable to keep up with itself. He fell to his knees, then sat down and cried. He cried until he had no tears left. He cried until his eyes were puffy and probably bright red. Cried until he was nothing more than a husk with a human shell. Finally the auburn fell onto his side, curled up into a ball, and slept.
"What the fuck happened yo?" Reno yelled. He lunged at Rufus, grabbed him by the throat with his left hand, and used his weight to knock the VP to the ground. The Turk never let go of the throat and now he was straddling him, teeth clenched, fighting not to start squeezing.
"Wha- what are you t- talking about?" Rufus squeaked.
Reno eased up on his grip since apparently he had started squeezing. Teeth still clenched he said, "He was fine, fine until you talked to him. What-the-fuck-did-you-say-to-him?" He didn't think Rufus could have done anything to the SSC, so it had to be something he'd said. A hand dropped on his right shoulder and he yelled, "Back off!"
"Reno," said Rude, not letting go but gripping tighter. "Let go of Rufus."
"Fuck off Rude. He said something to Genesis and I want to know what!" Rude's hand left his shoulder but a new one appeared on his other shoulder. He saw raindrops fall onto Rufus's face and thought, great, more rain, before he realized it wasn't rain, but tears; his tears.
"Reno please let go of Vice President Shinra. Genesis is acting strangely," Angeal said. He saw Reno's grip relax ever so slightly and continued. "Please believe me Reno; I've known him for a very long time. What I just saw was unusual, even for Gen."
Reno remembered Genesis saying Angeal and he had been 'friends since they were born' and listened to the SOLDIER. He let go of Rufus and the kid promptly scampered away, hiding behind Rude. The redhead turned to face Angeal, tears streaming down his face. It annoyed him, but he couldn't seem to stop them. He almost laughed, thinking he was acting pretty strange too. Hell it wasn't the like auburn was dead or something and he hadn't even known him that long, yet here he was, crying like a girl. "What's wrong with him yo? He was fine yesterday and this morning."
Angeal shook his head before replying, "I don't know. I wish I did, but I don't. I admit he's temperamental, but not that bad." Reno seemed to deflate upon his words and he added, "I'm sorry."
Reno was still pretty sure Rufus had said something to Genesis but maybe there was something to what Angeal was saying as well. He thought for a moment then asked, "He-, Can yo-, does that earring you gave him allow the wearer to cast a spell without Materia?"
"Cast a spell without Materia? No. The earring simply boosts a persons' own Magic Ability, MP, nothing more. Why?"
"Genesis, he... he can cast fire spells without Materia," Reno quietly replied.
"That's not possible!" Cissnei exclaimed.
"Yeah, he must have a Fire Materia on him somewhere," Elena said.
Reno ignored them and focused solely on Angeal. The SOLDIER seemed to be thinking and he waited.
Angeal sighed. Reno's words had thrown him. Genesis was casting spells without Materia? He knew that shouldn't be possible, yet he believed Reno. So what did that mean? Titan he needed to get him to Hollander! "I believe you Reno. I think he's having a Mako reaction. He said he felt weird. Did he say anything to you about it?" The redhead shook his head in response.
"What?" Elena and Cissnei said in unison. The pair looked at each other and Elena continued, "What does Mako have to do with it? I've never heard of side effects."
Angeal turned and faced her. "Then you haven't been listening. The injections can have a ton of side effects. Why do you think so few make it into SOLDIER? Over half the people run when they hear the possible side effects and more than half of the remaining group gets dropped because they aren't compatible enough with Mako." Scorn wormed its way into his words. "The ones that say…" the SOLDIER trailed off with a shrug.
"You said you think he's having a reaction," Rude stated.
Angeal turned to face him. "Honestly no one knows all the possible side effects, including Hollander and Hojo, so no, I don't know for sure." This time his tone was normal and he was glad.
"Holy shit," Cissnei said. "You guys are people not test subjects!"
"We're... both," Angeal quietly said, looking at the ground. He didn't like admitting it but it was true.
Rufus had listened to the conversation and was appalled. His company, his father, was using people as test subjects? It didn't matter that his father didn't personally perform the procedure; it was bad enough that he knew and allowed it. He hadn't been aware of any of this and it pissed him off. What else don't I know? Now, more than ever, he wanted to destroy the company. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Only Angeal, Rude, and Reno heard him.
Angeal smiled. "Not necessary. We signed up knowing the risks Rufus, all SOLDIERs do. Thank you though."
After a lengthy pause Cissnei asked, "So what now?"
There was no immediate reply since no one seemed to know what to do about anything. Angeal's PHS rang and he yanked it out of his pocket, balking at the number when he saw the screen. He excused himself and moved far enough away from the group that he wouldn't be overheard before he answered, "Hello?"
"There is a vehicle four miles northwest of your current location. The keys are hidden under a rock on the driver's side. Use it to get the Turks to Midgar and help Tseng. I will take care of Genesis," replied a cool, almost monotone voice. The call was immediately disconnected and Angeal stood frozen in shock for a minute before jerking into action. He didn't question what he was told, just went to work.
He returned to the group saying, "We help Tseng."
"What? He's yer best friend yo!" Reno snapped.
"And Tseng's your boss and his life isn't the only one on the line," Angeal snapped back, causing Reno to grimace. "Genesis is being taken care of," he added in a calmer tone. He wasn't stupid and knew by Reno's earlier outburst that something was going on between the two. The redhead's relieved face helped solidify his belief. "I know Reno is in charge and I respect that," he said, looking at everyone in turn. "However I was just informed there is a vehicle four miles from here. We need to get there, get it, and get to Midgar."
Everyone shifted their gaze to Reno. The Turk pulled himself up straight and nodded his agreement. The group started to move and Angeal started to follow, but Reno's hand on his arm stopped him.
"Who called?"
Angeal didn't want to say. "A friend."
"If yer screwing with us I'm going to fucking kill you… slowly," Reno replied before following everyone else. They had stopped about ten feet away before realizing they didn't know which direction to travel.
"Northwest," Angeal called and everyone started moving. He quickly caught up and glanced at Reno. The Turk was marching forward with a blank expression, but his eyes showed anger and concern. Gods, he's so much like Genesis it's... scary, he thought with a smile.
Genesis felt a hand on his shoulder trying to wake him but he ignored it. He wanted to stay asleep where there was no fear, worry, or anger. Apparently the hand had other ideas and shook him again. "Leave me alone!" he snapped.
"I cannot do that."
The auburn didn't recognize the voice and didn't care. He curled into a tighter ball but again the hand shook him. "Godsdamnit!" He snapped his eyes open and froze. The sharp comment on his tongue hit the ground. "Seph-Sephiroth?" he stammered. The auburn mentally slapped himself for stammering, but his mouth was suddenly dry and his tongue refused to cooperate.
"SOLDIER Second Class Rhapsodos," Sephiroth replied, kneeling in front of the balled-up man. He took in the man's appearance and was concerned. His skin was a greyish color, his eyes were dull, puffy and red, his hair and uniform were a mess, and he appeared to be shaking. There was also a large bruise on his left arm and various cuts and scrapes here and there. If Sephiroth didn't know better, he'd think the man before him was a junkie in desperate need of a fix.
Genesis coughed and warily sat up, having no idea what Sephiroth's appearance meant. Was he sent to kill him? Help him? Hell, how did he even find him? He coughed again and Sephiroth handed him a bottle of water. "Thank you," he croaked, noticing his sore throat for the first time. He took a drink and let the ice-cold water slide down his overheated throat. Gods it felt good! To be polite, he only took a few drinks and started to cap the bottle but Sephiroth stopped him.
"Drink it all."
Genesis drank and watched Sephiroth watch him. It was unnerving. The silver haired man tilted his head to the side causing Genesis to raise an eyebrow. Sephiroth mirrored the expression and it made him chuckle and almost choke on the water. His sore throat didn't appreciate it either.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah I'm fine," Genesis quickly replied. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like... like you can't decide whether I'm food or something... to play with."
"Oh. I... don-, I wasn't aware that I was. My apologies," Sephiroth replied, looking away.
Did he just stammer? Genesis was amazed. He'd seen Sephiroth on a number of occasions, even spoken with him a few times, and the man had always appeared so calm, collected, and in charge.
The auburn shook his head to clear his thoughts and Sephiroth immediately snapped his gaze back to him. Their eyes locked and Genesis was riveted. Gaia the man's eyes were gorgeous! Just like the rest of him.
Sephiroth slowly tilted his head to the side again. He didn't know how to interpret Genesis's mannerisms so he did nothing and said nothing.
"How did you find me?" Genesis asked.
"I... felt you."
Genesis almost choked on his water again. He felt me? What in the name of Ifrit did that mean?
Sephiroth sensed Genesis's confusion so he tried to elaborate. "Sometimes I... feel things containing Mako; especially SOLDIERs."
"Oh," Genesis said. I sound like a moron! "That's coo-, I mean, I understand."
"Do you?"
"Yes."
Sephiroth sat down and crossed his long legs. He wondered if Genesis really understood but decided it didn't matter. The silver eventually tilted his head again and looked at the man before him.
"There you go again, looking at me like a bug or something," Genesis said in amusement.
Sephiroth immediately snapped his head back upright. "I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing, damn. I'm just teasing you."
"Teasing?"
"Yeah, you know, I'm picking on you," Genesis replied.
"I do not understand. You are not touching me."
Both of Genesis's eyebrows shot up at Sephiroth's response. Was the man an idiot, good for nothing but combat? No way. He closed his eyes and said, "It's like pestering someone. 'To disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way' and 'to make fun of' are the two best definitions of teasing in this situation."
"I understand," Sephiroth replied. "Do you make a habit of memorizing dictionary entries?"
Genesis cracked open one eye and regarded Sephiroth. Again he was struck by the man's beauty. His outfit was nothing special and matched Genesis's own, as did the Shinra issued sword. Sephiroth did look better in purple than himself though. His long silver hair framed his face in front and trailed down to mid-back level in back. Depending on the light it sometimes had a bluish tint, but right now it looked like pure, liquid silver. His skin was pale, creamy, and blemish free with light freckles scattered here and there, so light one might not even notice them. He had to be at least six feet tall though Genesis suspected he was taller. His mouth was an almost perfect bow shape with thin lips two or three shades darker than the rest of his skin. His eyes were almond shaped and celadon, a light green color, with streaks of blue here and there. The oddest thing was his pupils, which were vertical slits instead of being round. Perched above the amazing eyes were perfectly shaped and arched eyebrows the same color as his hair.
Genesis shook his head to again scatter his thoughts. Thinking of Sephiroth's beauty made him think of Reno, and that was something he did not want to think about right now. He fully opened both eyes and regarded Sephiroth again. The man was staring intently at him. "What?"
"You didn't answer the question and do you often shake your head like that?"
Genesis laughed. "Sometimes and... wait... what was the first question again?"
Sephiroth chuckled and it startled Genesis since he didn't think he'd ever heard him laugh, let alone chuckle. "Do you make a habit of memorizing dictionary entries?"
"Oh yeah, um... not anymore," Genesis said. "I did when I was a child. I was ill a lot."
"I see," Sephiroth replied.
There was a long pause before Genesis asked, "Ok... why are you here?"
"To help you."
"Help... me? What's wrong with me?"
"The Mako in your system is..." he faltered, thinking about how to describe the problem in laymen's terms before continuing. "You've absorbed too much Mako."
"What? How the hell is that possible?" Genesis snapped.
"Mako injections contain more Mako than the body can process at once. Some bodies process more, others less. Usually the body will absorb only a small amount from the injection and the rest is filtered out as waste. In your case, I believe your body absorbed most, if not all, of the Mako in the treatment."
Genesis's eyes widened. "But you said some bodies can absorb more than others..."
"Yes, but they only absorb a fraction more than normal. They do not... soak up the full amount of Mako in an injection."
Genesis blinked at Sephiroth while he mulled it over. So his body was what, a glutton for Mako? "They sure as hell didn't mention this could happen."
"I would suppose not."
"Well why the hell not? Shouldn't we be fully informed?" Genesis snarled.
"It has only happened once before." Sephiroth calmly replied. "Given that, they probably decided it wasn't worth mentioning."
"They decided wro- wait only once before? That's it?" Sephiroth nodded in response. He was staring intently into Genesis's eyes and Genesis fought not to squirm. It was like he was searching his soul, flipping through it like a book. "Okay... soooo... why do SOLDIERs receive more than one Mako treatment? What's the point if the body can only absorb so much of the stuff?"
"Once the body adjusts to the Mako it becomes more tolerant of it. As a result more Mako can be absorbed over time," Sephiroth replied. He paused before adding, "I wish to help you, but you must promise me you will not tell Professor Hojo or Hollander that I did so."
Genesis was taken aback by Sephiroth's serious tone. "Why?" he asked.
Sephiroth sighed. "Please just... trust me."
Genesis sighed. "Okay, but even if you help me, won't the science department figure out I have too much Mako when they test my levels?"
"They will figure it out, but since you should not be showing any adverse reactions, they will... probably let it go."
"Probably let it go? What if they don't?
"They will either make you a test subject or destroy you," Sephiroth replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Genesis's jaw dropped open. They might make him a test subject or destroy him?
"Do not worry," Sephiroth said. "We will find a solution."
"I certainly fucking hope so or I am going to be supremely fucking pissed," Genesis snapped. "Fucking kill me, kill me? The fucking nerve... test subject! Godsdamnit!" Genesis continued to ramble and mutter to himself.
Sephiroth laughed and he stopped rambling though it was difficult. The auburn could take on any problem and Sephiroth seemed confident they could handle this. He wouldn't have sought him out if that wasn't true... right?
"Come," Sephiroth said, standing, "We have much to do." He extended a hand toward Genesis, who took it, and he pulled him to his feet. "I placed a vehicle close by for the Turks and notified Angeal," he paused, "They're probably on their way to Midgar already," he finished, looking in the distance before turning back with shy smile.
Genesis nodded and smiled in return. He let Sephiroth lead him away, not caring what the destination was since it really didn't matter. What mattered was that he get control of himself. If he didn't… well he wasn't even going to think about the alternative.
Just over an hour later Angeal and company stumbled upon what could be described as a rocket with eight wheels. The vehicles nose came to a point, similar to a spearhead. The rear was wider and had what looked like a jet engine sticking out of the middle. Land Rocket. Angeal had never seen anything like it.
"Holy shit yo! What the hell is this thing?" Reno asked, circling the vehicle.
"It's cute!" Cissnei exclaimed.
"It's... odd," Elena threw in.
"It better be fast," Rude said. He sounded like he'd be disappointed if it wasn't.
Rufus didn't comment. Instead he circled the vehicle before going back to Rude. Ever since the incident with Reno he'd stayed close to the muscled Turk. He hadn't said one word on the trip and Angeal thought he was acting like he had a guilty conscience. While he didn't think Rufus had caused Genesis to crack, he'd said or done something to him that he knew Reno, and probably himself, wouldn't like.
"Seriously, who's this 'friend' of yers?" Reno asked. He used his fingers to visually place 'friend' in quotation marks.
Angeal sighed and looked at Reno. "Just a friend."
Reno crossed his arms and glowered. "Look yo, your 'friend' might try to blow our asses to bits. I think we got a right to know who offered us this... thing before we decide whether to use it or not."
Angeal looked around and noted Elena, Rude, and Cissnei were all starting at him as well. Rufus was hidden behind Rude. Oh hell... "Sephiroth." Cissnei and Elena's eyes widened and Reno and Rude exchanged a glance.
"The Sephiroth?" Rufus asked, poking his head out from behind Rude.
"You know more than one?" Elena said, giggling. Rufus blushed before disappearing again.
"No shi'?" Reno said.
"No shit," Angeal replied, shrugging. He made his way over to the driver's side and started looking for the rock Sephiroth had spoken off. There were actually three rocks and Angeal wished the man would have been more specific. He went to the first one, lifted it, and found nothing so he moved to the next one and found the same. Under the third rock he finally found the keys. He jogged to the driver's side door and stopped, wondering how to open the damned door since he didn't see a handle or a key hole anywhere.
"What's wrong yo?"
"Eh... don't know how to open the door," Angeal sheepishly replied.
"Heh, gimme the keys," Reno said, holding out his hand.
Angeal complied and Reno went to the thing and opened the door with a smirk. He started to toss the keys to Angeal, but the SOLDIER said, "You drive." He couldn't even open the door so he had no confidence he could actually drive the thing.
"If we can trust Angeal and Genesis, we can probably trust Sephiroth," Reno said, waving everyone in. They must have agreed because they started piling inside.
"Oh gods," Elena said as she looked at the keys in Reno's hand.
"Can't Rude Drive?" Cissnei asked.
"You heard the man! I'm drivin'! Now move yer asses," Reno said with a huge grin.
Oh Gaia, what did I do? Angeal thought, taking in the women's comments. He moved through the door and climbed to the middle row of seats, sitting down next to Elena. Rufus and Cissnei were sitting behind them and everyone seemed intent on finding and fastening their safety harnesses.
"You better strap in," Elena said, facing Angeal. She flashed a smile but her expression looked grim.
"Silence yer noise tubes," Reno said, getting into the driver's seat and closing the door. Rude was fastening his harness in the passenger's seat. "I'm not that bad a driver!"
"Reckless," Rude muttered.
"Careless," Elena stated.
"Speed demon," Cissnei chimed in.
"Face it Reno, you drive like a stoner on his way to the all night Wutainese buffet joint," Rude said.
"Yeah, I do don' I?" Reno replied with another huge grin.
"Maybe I shou-," Angeal started but Reno cut him off.
"Too late SOLDEIR," the redhead said as he started the engine. "Oooo, listen to her purr."
Angeal swore he saw Elena tighten her grip on her harnesses and he knew Rude swallowed loudly. The SSC also heard Rufus and Cissnei shift nervously behind him. He felt his own pulse speed up and told himself to never give keys to a stranger again.
"Here we go!" Reno said, flooring it.
The vehicle shot forward, making the term 'land rocket' much more accurate than Angeal liked. He was pressed back into the seat and he gripped his harness, thinking Elena had the right idea. The SSC heard Cissnei gasp and Rufus swore and he looked out the window and watched the scenery fly by. How fast can this thing possibly go?
"Hell ya! With this thing we'll make Midgar before dawn. Probably well before!" Reno said excitedly.
"If you don't get us killed first," Rude replied.
"Shuddup ya big bald pansy," Reno said, sticking his tongue out.
There was a lull in the conversation as everyone drifted into their own thoughts. The only noises were the engine, the rushing wind, and people shifting.
"So why did you become a Turk?" Angeal asked Elena, deciding the best way to take his mind off the Turk's driving was to distract himself.
"Personal reasons," Elena replied.
"Oh... "
"Fuckin' AVALANCHE put me out of commission for a while so Elena got recruited," Reno said.
"There's more to it than that," Elena snapped, resenting anyone thinking the only reason she got her job was because Reno had gotten hurt.
"No shit, but ya didn't act like you wanted Angeal to know," Reno replied. He turned his head toward Rude. "Try ta help someone out and lose a head." Both Reno and Rude sniggered.
"Shut up Reno," Cissnei said.
Angeal listened to the chatter and tried to decide if the Turks liked each other or not. Sometimes they acted like they did, yet other times they did nothing but snap at each other. It reminded him of his relationship with Genesis and he chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Elena asked.
Angeal only smiled and shook his head.
"We amuse you, SSC Hewley?" Reno asked.
"Actually, yeah, you do," Angeal replied, chuckling again.
"How so?" Cissnei asked.
"You bicker like a family," Angeal replied.
"We are family yo," Reno said.
"That was my conclusion."
Everyone grinned and relaxed. It seemed conversation had helped them all. Cissnei and Rufus started quietly chatting in the back and Angeal went back to staring out the window.
"I wanted to prove my sister wasn't the only one with talent," Elena blurted out of nowhere.
"You mean you wanted to show her up," Reno quipped.
"Shut-up-Reno," Cissnei said with a bite.
Elena blushed and sighed, "It's okay Cissnei. He's right."
"He doesn't have to be an ass about it," Cissnei snapped.
"Shiva Cissnei what did I do to you?" Reno asked.
"You jus-," she took a deep breath. "Nothing."
"Whatever you say," came Reno's sarcastic reply.
At this point Angeal wished he'd just kept his mouth shut. While the banter was interesting and confirmed they bickered like a family, he hadn't wanted to start an argument.
"So!" Elena chirped, "Why did you join SOLDIER?"
The tension level dropped at the change of topic. "My best friend said he was joining and I just... followed him."
"That seems like a poor reason to join a group with one of the highest death rates on Gaia," Rufus said scornfully.
"It is, isn't it?" Angeal chuckled. "At the time I didn't think about it that way. I just saw losing my best friend. I also wanted to do something that mattered and my hometown wasn't the place to accomplish that."
"Doing something that matters sounds better," Reno said, grinning. "Next time someone asks, tell'em that."
"Reno?" Cissnei called.
"Yeah?"
"Why did you become a Turk?"
"Oohhh no, we ain't talking about me," Reno replied, shifting and gripping the wheel tighter.
There was a lull before Cissnei said, "I looked your file up once."
"What?" Reno almost shouted. "Why the hell ya do that yo?" He was upset and it showed, which upset him more.
Cissnei snorted. "Like you haven't looked up our files."
"Yeah, I did," Reno snapped. "I'm also the SIC."
"You weren't until now," Cissnei snapped back.
"You don't know shit Cissnei and why are you being such a bitch?"
"I have a right to know who I'm working with," Cissnei retorted bitterly.
"You could have asked."
"I tried, but you always avoid the questions. Kinda like right now," Cissnei replied, crossing her arms.
"Maybe I have my reasons, ever think of that?"
Cissnei snorted again. "More like you're Tseng's pet," she muttered. She thought she'd said it quietly enough that no one would hear; she was wrong.
Reno slammed on the brakes. Before the vehicle had even stopped he was out of his harness and seat, leaving Rude to control the end of the slide. Angeal and Elena shifted closer to their respective windows as Reno was suddenly squatting in-between them.
"What-the-fuck-is-your-problem?" Reno grated out through clenched teeth.
"Guys? This really isn't the time for this," Rufus said with a slight edge of panic in his voice. He had pressed himself back into his seat as far as he could go.
"Shut it Shinra," Reno snapped.
Cissnei was surprised at the level of Reno's anger. Sure she'd been provoking him, but she couldn't remember seeing him this pissed at another Turk. Good going. "I- I'm sorry," she stammered, annoying herself thoroughly.
"Oh no! No, no, no," Reno said, shaking his head violently for emphasis. "That's not gonna work. You started this shit."
Damnit! She had hoped Reno would back down but apparently she'd pushed him too far. "Fine," she snapped. "You want the truth?" Reno nodded so she continued, "You're Tseng's golden boy. You break rules constantly and act like... like an imbecile most of the time and get away with it. Rude's got more seniority than you, yet you're higher ranked than him. Even before now you were or at least you acted like it. I wanted to know what your rank actually was and if I could really trust you with my life or if you'd just screwed your way to the top."
Elena's jaw dropped open, Rufus looked like he was trying to teleport himself out of the buggy, Rude started messing with his tie, and Angeal watched Reno intently, trying to determine if he needed to hold him back.
For a long time Reno didn't move but finally the Turk narrowed his eyes. "That's pretty ballsy for a fuckin' newbie," he said in a low, angry voice.
"Looking up your file or confronting you? And I've been here lon- almost as long as you," Cissnei replied.
"Both." Cissnei smirked and the redhead asked. "So what did you find?"
"In your file?" Reno nodded. "Nothing. The entire file is sealed. Kinda strange don't you think? No one else's is."
Reno knew everyone's eyes were focused on him but didn't care. He was so relieved he wanted to cry. Instead he twisted and made his way back to his seat. Without a word he secured himself and promptly floored it again.
Everyone was surprised by Reno's abrupt change of attitude. Their eyes followed him as he returned to his seat and started them forward again like nothing had happened.
"That's it?" Cissnei yelled in confusion and anger. "That's all you're going to say?"
"Yep," Reno replied lightly.
Cissnei had gone past pissed and into enraged. "So did you screw your way to the top? Is that why your file's sealed?"
"Heh, you'll never know, will you?"
"Son of a bitch!" Cissnei snapped out of frustration.
"So hey, Elena," Angeal said. "When all this is over will you have dinner with me?" Everyone started at Angeal's unexpected question.
Elena blushed, giggled, and looked out her window, "Sure," she quietly replied.
"I'll be damned," Reno said, grinning like an idiot.
"Holy shit," Rufus said for lack of anything else to say.
Cissnei giggled, her anger vanishing. "You go girl!"
As usual Rude said nothing. Reno sighed then said, "When this shit is over, we'll talk okay Cissnei? Until then stay off my ass. And my file's not the only one that's sealed."
Cissnei nodded, wondering why she had such a big mouth. She wondered if Reno would simply kill her and be done with it. Surely not. But with Reno one couldn't tell.
"We all cool and settled then?" Reno asked, receiving nods from everyone. "Good," he said, flooring it once again. "Midgar here we come!"