Not So Different

by Requiem's-Razor

Genesis & Reno find out they are not as different as they first thought. As their friendship grows, so do other feelings. GenesisXRenoXSephiroth, RufXTseng, Pre-Crisis Core, Yaoi, Language, etc. Lousy summary, sorry.

35. Chapter 35

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

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35 – Lost

Silence settled in the hut as Sephiroth prepared dinner and Reno checked on Genesis. His eyes confirmed what he already knew: the STC's condition hadn't changed. The Turk tried to remember what he knew about Acute Mako Poisoning and Mako Comas. Sadly he didn't know all that much. He thought he'd read that a person would shake and tremble while mumbling incoherently, maybe even blink and look around although their eyes wouldn't focus. If that was the case, he was a bit worried because Genesis was still as a statue. He hadn't even so much as twitched since he'd placed him on the bed and covered him up. Unfortunately, like everything else lately, he had no idea what it meant.

"The food is ready."

"Alright," Reno called. He bent down, tucked the blanket tighter around the STC, and kissed his forehead before heading into the kitchen. His world might be in complete chaos but he couldn't help his rumbling stomach and the drool that formed from the smell of food.

"Elfadunk burgers, homemade fries, and a salad."

"Nice yo. Where'd the food come from anyway?"

"I brought it in from Midgar. There is a large variety as I wasn't sure what you liked or disliked."

"Haven't found much I won't eat," Reno replied, taking a bit of his sandwich. "Mmmmm, juicy." It came out sounding like 'jushe'.

Sephiroth nodded and started in on his fries. By the time he was done, the Turk had inhaled his burger and a medium size salad. "Do you chew?" he chuckled, arching an eyebrow.

"You sound like Tseng," grinned the redhead, chomping a fry. "He once told me I treat my food like it's an enemy."

"I hope you don't eat your enemies."

"Heh, sometimes," the Turk smirked, flicking his eyes toward the silver. He almost choked on a fry at the man's horrified expression. "Oh come on. You sayin' you don't eat any of the monsters ya kill yo?"

Sephiroth swallowed before answering. "Of course I do. I do hope you don't eat people though."

"Nah, too sinewy."

The pair chuckled and finished the meal in silence. The table was cleared and Reno washed the dishes while Sephiroth dried and put them away. Afterward the two exited the hut, deciding a walk sounded like a good way to digest.

"There are a few things we must discuss. I fear you won't like any of it," Sephiroth said as they stood and stared out at the open water.

"Oookkaaay. Spit it out yo."

The silver nodded and began with the easiest topic. Easiest meaning 'least likely to make Reno fly off the handle'. "First off, I would like to know if you think your attraction to Genesis has anything to do with the possible link between you two."

"Are you askin' if I think our relationship is simply because of the link?"

"Yes."

"No," replied the redhead without hesitation, shaking his head for emphasis. "I thought about that already and I admit there's a bit of a question mark, but the relationship is not equal. I'd think if it was only because of the link it would be."

"What do you mean 'not equal'?"

"Before I say anything I want you to understand that I ain't complainin' and whatever I say stays between us, alright?"

"Very well."

"Right now the relationship is a little one sided. I don't know for sure but I think I like Gen more than he likes me. On top of that he has a lot of issues and they show."

"Issues?"

"Mostly trust issues yo. I can safely say I don't really know a damned thing about him. I've tried ta get him to open up a few times but he instantly shuts down an' I won't press it because I don't want to piss him off. Besides, I'm a good predator and know how to stalk my prey. Waiting is part of the game," Reno smirked, sitting in the sand and stretching his legs out.

"You do realize the trust issues could be a symptom. Perhaps he senses something is off and is fighting it."

"I wondered that too but I don't think so. I've talked to Angeal a little and was led to believe Gen is acting pretty normal. I'll admit that maybe our Mako or whatever made us gravitate toward each other, but I don't think it's the actual cause of our relationship nor do I think it's in control. Also gotta admit I'm a bit paranoid about the possibility of it being in control, but all I can really do is go with it. At least for now."

Sephiroth nodded, finally sitting next to the Turk. "Earlier you were thinking about leaving him, do you still intend to?"

"I don't know the future so we might split, but it ain't gonna be because of this shit. I was upset when I said that." The redhead sighed. "Do have to wonder about this bond thing and what'll happen if we do split up."

"Over time I believe it would break or at the very least become weak to the point of being inactive."

"Heh, good to know we ain't stuck together unless we want to be yo."

"You do realize that for all we know there may come a point where one or both of you become so enamored with the other that you can't leave, even if you want to. In other words the bond could strengthen and blind one or both of you."

"Guess it's possible," Reno sighed. "Maybe I'm already enamored 'cause I don't care about the 'what if's' and I don't wanna leave. I'd follow him into hell itself if he asked me too."

Sephiroth nodded. Surprisingly he understood what the Turk was saying. It wasn't as though Reno was disregarding or unconcerned about what might happen, he was simply saying he'd deal with what happened if, or when, it happened. The concept wasn't new to him. If he thought about every possible thing that might happen in battle there was no way he would enter the fray. Reno was certain he liked Genesis regardless of the possible bond and that was enough for him. He wasn't afraid of the battle that might come later; he'd just enter the fight if and when he must. "Next subject."

"Oh goody. I was startin' to get a bit uncomfy yo."

The silver arched an eyebrow, unable to tell if the Turk was being sarcastic or not. Doesn't matter. "If what we suspect is correct and Hojo finds out about or knows about your relationship with Genesis, you are no longer a mere pawn, you are a valuable asset."

"Ya mean because of the bond?" Sephiroth nodded and Reno thought for a moment before he spoke. "It cuts both ways. The Mako and bond may make me more valuable, but it's also gonna make me harder to catch." Once again the silver nodded agreement. "'Course nothin's gonna matter if they snatch me yo."

"Maybe, maybe not. You've already implied that the bond may enable you to sense each other. Obviously we've not been able to discuss any of this with Genesis, however it's possible he can sense you better than you can sense him. He has more Mako in his system and he's very skilled with magic."

"Even if he can sense me or something it may not matter. You told me that when he was missing you couldn't sense him."

"That is true. There are certain elements and materials that make it virtually impossible to sense someone without being in very close proximity. However, the bond may allow him to read though most, if not all, of that. After all, you believe you felt him when I could not."

"Like a backdoor," Reno grinned. Sephiroth stared at him blankly. "In software a backdoor is a hole, a vulnerability in the system. A person can use it to bypass the normal procedures to gain access to something."

"I see. The concepts are indeed similar." The SSC watched waves roll onto the beach before lazily making their way back out to sea.

Reno waited, expecting the silver to continue but he didn't. After the silence had stretched to the point of being uncomfortable and the SSC started to fidget he finally asked, "What's wrong yo?"

"I don't wish to discuss the next matter."

"Then don't."

"I must," Sephiroth replied. If he didn't and the worst happened, he'd always blame himself, wondering if something could have been done if only he'd said something. "If you recall, I told you I couldn't feel Genesis and hadn't been able to since right after he reappeared."

"Yeah, so?" said the Turk, starting to fidget himself. Somehow he knew he wasn't going to like where this was going.

"After some consideration, I fear the only reason you can sense him is the bond between you." The redhead stared at him intently before speaking.

"He's not dead Seph."

"Perhaps not physically, but… Reno what if whatever makes him, him is gone? Or at least so far gone that it can't be sensed using any normal method."

For a moment Reno simply blinked, unsure what to say. "Do you mean like, he's brain dead or soul dead or something?"

"I'm afraid that some piece of him is slipping away if it hasn't already," Sephiroth answered quietly.

Reno swallowed around a suddenly dry mouth and throat. Could Sephiroth be right? Was it possible that Genesis's… soul… was sliding away? No matter how much he wanted to he couldn't say it wasn't a possibility. He had no idea if souls existed, so far as he knew, no one did, so how could he say it couldn't be… detached. His eyes stung and he closed them, feeling the unshed liquid press against his lids. "If you're right, how much time do you think we have?"

"I have no way to know. This is beyond my depth."

The redhead tilted his head down and felt a few tears squeeze out. His mouth had gone from dry to watery and he had to wipe his eyes on the sleeve of his jacket. He took a deep, shaky breath to center himself. A breakdown was not in the schedule and with any luck he wouldn't have to pencil one in. You're not allowed to cry, suck it up.

As he battled with himself a slew of memories flew through his mind at the speed of light. Surely somewhere in all that mess was something, anything, that would help him. It didn't have to be the answer, just something that pointed him in the right direction. The longer he thought the more he felt like there was something, but it remained just on the edge of his recollection.

Sephiroth watched the Turk but said nothing. He wanted to say something, wanted to make the redhead feel better, but he didn't know what. Of course he knew the common phrases, 'I'm sorry', 'my condolences', 'you have my deepest sympathies', etcetera, etcetera, but those phrases wouldn't help right now. He actually wondered if they ever helped at all. Even if they did, he really, really, hoped he didn't need to say any of them anytime soon. He was startled from his thoughts as the redhead made an irritated sound and rose.

"Godsdamnit!" Reno snapped. His hopelessness and sadness had been taken over by anger. "The hell's the point in telling me something unless you tell me something!"

The sentence came out a growl and didn't appear to be aimed at him, but the silver stood and took a step back just the same. "Reno?" he called, wondering if the Turk had lost it. He fought not to take another step backward as the man faced him.

"Remember I told you about Mt. Coral when Genesis first showed up?"

"That he was possessed?"

The redhead nodded. "I remember something it said. It said 'I have done all I can for the Mercurial one. The rest is up to you.' Up to me damnit! Not exactly helpful since I don't know what's up to me! Or maybe I do and it meant to save Gen, but it coulda fuckin' given me a clue as to how to go about that."

"Mercurial one?"

"Yeah, the thing liked pet names or something. Mercurial was Genesis. Thing called me Sanguine."

"That's… incredibly fitting," Sephiroth muttered, smiling faintly.

"Huh?"

"Have you ever heard of a mercurial temper?"

"Ah, no," replied the redhead, somewhat thankful for the distraction so he could reel in his anger and frustration.

"A mercurial temper is one that is ever shifting. One of the definitions of mercurial is literally changeable. It can also mean volatile, spirited, erratic, quick-witted, and flighty, among other things," the silver replied, inwardly chuckling as he borrowed Genesis's habit of reciting word definitions.

"What about sanguine?" inquired the Turk.

"Aside from blood or red, there is such a thing as a sanguine temper. It would refer to a person who is optimistic, hopeful, bright, happy, etcetera."

"Okay that's… kinda creepy. Here I was thinkin' the thing was just nuts yo."

"I would have to say it wasn't."

Reno nodded. "It still wasn't exactly helpful."

"Maybe, maybe not," Sephiroth shrugged. The Turk scowled at him. "For all we know, it told you enough."

"Thank makes zero sense."

"Not true. The sentence implies you know, or will know, what to do and when to do it. Whether the answer lies in your conscious or subconscious is the question."

"Still not fuckin' helpful Sephiroth! I want to know what to do now!"

"I understand but perhaps now is not the time."'

"So you want me to sit around and wait for the answer to magically fall into my Gaia-damned lap while Genesis possibly dies? Not gonna fuckin' happen!" the redhead yelled. His left hand burnt and he closed his eyes as he shook it out. When he opened them, he found himself standing in a Golden Pyramid. He started laughing before he could stop himself.

"Are you alright?" Sephiroth called, wondering if the Turk could hear him. He had no immediate answer as the man seemed to be lost in a fit of laughter. Or madness. The SSC walked forward and slowly touched the Pyramid with the fingers of his right hand. It felt solid so he pushed against it with his palm. Defiantly solid. He took a step back as the Turk stopped laughing, reached out, and swiped his left hand through the Pyramid. It instantly dissolved. "When did you learn that? Where did you learn that?"

"Learn? I didn't learn shit," chuckled Reno. "Woulda thought that was obvious."

"Are you saying you didn't mean to cast it?" Sephiroth inquired, ignoring the rest.

"Exactly," the Turk nodded. "On the flip side I didn't know I could imprison myself, intentionally or otherwise. Good to know. Not exactly handy that."

"Actually it is. It seems you are the only one who can break the Pyramid so use it as a defense if you are unable to block a ranged attack."

Reno blinked. "Sadly I didn't think of that yo. Thanks."

Sephiroth nodded. "I'm going to assume you cast that without Materia."

"You assume correctly," the redhead sighed. "Guess that shoulda been a big ass clue that I wasn't normal."

"We ignore what we don't wish to see, even if it is right in front of us."

"Deep yo," the Turk chuckled. Sephiroth shrugged. "Now I know how Gen felt when he cast a Fire spell the first time without Materia and the first time the Pyramid popped up was on Mt. Coral." Like everything else lately, he thought. Aloud he told the SSC about accidently imprisoning Rude. "Both he and Angeal hit it but it didn't do anything. I touched it and it friggin' exploded. Kinda figured I'd done it somehow, then I intentionally cast one at Angeal."

"Did it work?"

"Yep. And that was the end of that."

"You seem rather calm."

"What am I supposed to do, run screaming or something? Can't exactly run from myself. Besides, Turks use everything at their disposal and this is just another thing."

"Everything?"

"Heh, yeah. I once beat a guy to death with a trash can lid yo," Reno chuckled. He'd really tried not to but failed and the silver looked at him like he'd sprouted a second head. "Yeah I know. Not cool ta laugh at the dead and shit."

"It is not that. The dead are dead."

"Then why ya lookin' at me like that?"

"A trash can lid?" Sephiroth smirked and arched an eyebrow.

"Heh, yeah. At the time I had a crappy newbie EMR, which is to say it was about three times as old as I am and got passed down from newb to newb while they waited for their custom weapon to be made. Anyway, I slammed the guy in the head and the stupid EMR broke. He had a lance so I grabbed the lid as a shield. Dipshit ended up hitting it wrong and knocked his own weapon out of his hands. He ran at me head on so I smacked him with the edge of the lid. Guy went down so I just kept slamming him with it until he stopped moving. The lid was metal and evidently much studier than it looked."

"How… unorthodox."

"Turks are unorthodox," grinned the redhead. "Tseng killed a guy with a straw once and Katana swore he killed someone with a toothpick. You gotta remember Seph, we're not warriors, we're assassins. Hell, we're anything Shinra wants us to be."

The silver nodded in understanding. "You don't seem like you enjoy your job." Reno blinked, then scowled and crossed his arms. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. It's a personal matter after all."

"I think we're at the point where personal thoughts can be stated and questions asked," the Turk chuckled. "I ain't gonna lie, I love my job but there are some things I don't like. Shinra happens to be one of 'em."

"I don't know anyone who's fond of him."

"Heh, me either," Reno replied, uncrossing his arms and sitting once again. "It ain't what ya asked, it's that ya asked it at all. Lately I've had a lot of people say I must not like my job. Just wonder why."

Following the Turk's cue, Sephiroth sat and once again gazed at the ocean. He had to admit he knew of the Turks, but not much about what they did. "I know how SOLDIERs are recruited, what about your department?"

"We don't actively recruit yo, least not that I'm aware of."

"Then how do you get new members?"

"We rarely do. Elena's the newest member and she's been here for a while now. AVALANCHE took me outta commission and she got recruited because we needed another hand and she wanted ta show up her sister. For the most part, well, people just end up in the department. Sometimes they do recruit someone based on a particular skill but not often and it's gotta be one hell of a skill."

"I see," Sephiroth replied, thinking that was a strange way to recruit people. It did explain why there were so few Turks however. Even before the Desertion there had been less than 20. "What about you? How did you end up there?"

"I got hired as the DoAR's errand boy and worked my way up."

"You were recruited."

"No, I owed SEPC a shitload of gil and took a job in the company to pay it off."

"You were recruited," the silver repeated.

Reno turned and stared at Sephiroth. "Awfully adamant about something ya don't know a damned thing about yo."

"I don't need details. It is the only thing that makes sense. Tell me, what exactly did you do as an errand boy?"

"Name says it all. I did everything from makin' and fetchin' coffee to deliverin' and filin' reports."

"You don't find it at all strange that a department that prides itself on secrecy allowed someone with improper clearance to handle reports?"

"Not like I read 'em yo."

"Even so you had access and could have."

Reno paused and once again stared at the silver. Absolutely nothing got past the SSC, not even the smallest details. Right now he couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing. "Make yer point."

"Very well," Sephiroth replied, smiling faintly. "On record there are six departments within SEPC. Off record there are several more. Each of those departments has a small army working for them. Everything from secretaries to researchers to executives are employed by each group. It would have been much more logical to place you within a group without direct access to what is likely some of the company's darkest secrets."

"Unless they were already interested in employing me," added the redhead in a whisper, eyes widening.

"I suppose there is always the possibility that you were considered expendable," Sephiroth shrugged. "That seems a bit extreme however."

"Son of a motherfucking bitch," the Turk breathed. "Why the hell didn't I ever think of any of this?"

"Not only do we ignore what we don't wish to see, we tend to see what we want to see."

"Ugh," Reno grumbled, flopping onto his back in the sand. "One day. One friggin' day with you and my entire world gets bent and warped."

"My apologies. I-"

"Seph you've got nothing to apologize for," the Turk said, cutting Sephiroth off. "You see things I don't, or didn't, nothing wrong with that. In fact it's kind of an eye opener and frankly it's interesting as hell."

"I could be wrong."

"You aren't. That's what makes it so godsdamned fascinating. I say something that seems completely insignificant and you turn it into a mountain of truth."

"How do you know I'm correct?"

"Did you know I used to be a waiter before working fer Shinra?"

"No."

"Then you couldn't know that one of my best customers was a very quiet Wutain who kept to himself, never complained, and always left a decent tip, even when I didn't deserve it." Reno propped himself up on his elbows and eyed the silver.

"Tseng?"

"Yep," the Turk nodded. "He'd come in and sit there for hours either reading a book or working on something or another. Never said much but he was always friendly enough. I never thought much about it but now I wonder if he was scouting me the whole time."

"Perhaps. He may have been merely visiting the first time or two but you caught his eye," Sephiroth replied in thought. "Before you said Tseng brought you to Shinra for treatment."

"Yeah. That was probably three or four months after I 'met' Tseng," said Reno, placing quotes around met. "I started gettin' sick and actually had to quit my waiter job. Month and a half, two months after that I collapsed on my way home from a different job. Tseng found me and took me to SEPC. At the time I thought it was coincidence. If he was scouting me, he probably didn't want all that effort to go to waste."

"I highly doubt that's why he took you for treatment."

"Maybe a little," Reno grinned, holding his left index finger and thumb about an inch apart. "Whether he had ulterior motives makes no difference. It doesn't change anything and I know he likes me now, probably even did then, at least a little."

"So I haven't shattered your world entirely?"

"Heh, nah. Like I said I love my job, doesn't really matter how I got here yo."

"Where were your parents during all this?"

"Out of the picture. I left home when I was 13."

The two listened to the sound of the waves before Sephiroth spoke again. "My parents abandoned me when I was a baby. I was raised by members of the Science Department."

Reno fought to keep his face impassive at the unexpected admission. The sentence was blunt and the silver's tone was dispassionate, but still, it was hard not to react. "I really don't know what to say to that yo. How about parents suck or some people should be sterilized before they can spawn? Not that I'm not glad yer here or anything."

"I understand and both sentiments are accurate," replied the SSC, grinning despite his best efforts. He was surprised he'd blurted that out but there it was and the redhead hadn't flipped out. He shared so I felt I should as well. Logical. "Why did you leave home?" the silver asked. He wasn't really expecting an answer and was surprised when he got one.

"My parents are idiots that shoulda kept their parts away from each other. They were stupid and immature with no clue what to do with me so they ignored and resented me."

"Are they still alive?"

"Amazingly yeah. Both of 'em work construction for Shinra. Not a long life expectancy in that line of work."

"Do you..." Sephiroth waggled his hand, searching for words, "have any kind of relationship with them?"

"No, not really. I've only been back once since I left. It went okay but I think I scared them."

"Scared them?"

"Yeah, they sorta freaked when they realized I was a Turk," Reno chuckled. "Thing is, I don't think it was the job that got them, I think it was the fact that they'd created someone capable of doing the job. Not only that, but someone who enjoys doing it." Reno couldn't help the bitter chuckle that erupted from his throat. "Mind if we change the topic?" Sephiroth shook his head. "Good 'cause I've got a few questions. First, have ya ever seen the Pyramid spell before?"

"No. To the best of my knowledge there is no other Pyramid though. It is unique to you."

"Okay. Why does my hand feel like it's gonna explode every time I cast it?"

"Most likely because you don't know how to control it. Have you worked with Materia before?"

"Not much. Can ya help me?" The silver nodded and stood so he followed.

An hour passed by as Sephiroth taught Reno how to control the flow of raw power required to cast the Pyramid spell. Another half hour was spent teaching the Turk how to direct the flow so he could cast it on himself or an enemy at will. By the time they were finished the sun had set and they headed back to the hut.

"Damn I'm tired," Reno grumbled after checking on Genesis. "Magic should be less exhausting than the physical shit yo."

"It will get easier," Sephiroth replied. "Hungry?"

"Hell yeah!"

"I will prepare something. I don't think Genesis would be happy if he woke up missing a leg." The Turk chuckled and he watched as he flopped onto the bed next to the STC.

The SSC made his way into the kitchen and Reno put his arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling in thought. He was grateful for Sephiroth's company but he wanted Genesis back. Of course the trouble was that evidently whether the auburn 'returned' or not was up to him and he still didn't have a fucking clue as to what that meant. Yeah, he got that he was supposed to do something, but what?

In the kitchen, Sephiroth heard the Turk sigh tiredly and wiggle to get comfortable. He had no doubt that would be difficult because he knew the man was tense. Can't blame him, he thought staring into the refrigerator, trying to decide what to make for dinner. Truth was he was tense. He hadn't known Genesis for long and he'd known Reno for even less time but he liked them both. For the first time in his life, he was developing relationships deeper than being merely acquainted. Better still, Reno and Genesis were his age and, while they were both employed by Shinra, they had nothing to do with the Science Department.

"We got stuff to make a soup or stew yo?"

Sephiroth's grip on the refrigerator door tightened so he wouldn't jump. "Kalm Fang, Mu, or Chocobo?" he called, scolding himself for being so lost in thought that a voice had startled him. The bed creaked and he turned slightly so he could see it. "You said you weren't picky and even if you are surely one of the three would suffice."

"Not picky," Reno replied, looking down his body at the silver. "Just wonderin' where you get all this expensive shit."

"Expensive?"

"Okay Chocobo ain't a delicacy, but Mu and Kalm Fang are. That makes them expensive."

"Shinra provides it. Do they not supply you with food?"

"Eh, no. Least not in the way I think yer talkin'. Yer basically sayin' they give it to you for free right?" The SSC nodded. "Yeah, no. Most employees gotta buy their stuff, including me. I do think SOLDIERs get some of their grub free but it ain't five star. It's not bad though."

"I was unaware of that. I wonder why SOLDIERs are treated differently," Sephiroth replied, figuring he knew why he was treated differently. Among other things he was Shinra's Golden Boy.

"Eh, are ya dense?"

"No," growled Sephiroth.

"Whoa, didn't mean any offense. Just meant that it's common sense really. Shinra prides itself on the SOLDIER program so it makes sense SOLDIERs would get perks," Reno replied, not wishing to flat out say the company spent shitloads of money to create their SOLDIERs so of course they would spend even more for their maintenance. Normal people though? Forget it. Most employees got paid reasonably well though so it kind of made up for it. Hell, some stores even offered discounts to Shinra employees.

"I see. I apologize. I never thought about it."

"No problem," Reno shrugged. "As for dinner, I don't care what ya make. Just thought maybe I should try to feed some to Genesis."

"That will be difficult."

"I know," the Turk sighed. "I dribbled a Potion into his mouth once. Took fifteen minutes to get the vial down but it worked. Thought maybe I could try it with some broth. Don't want him to starve to death."

Sephiroth nodded. "I will make soup since the broth is thinner. How about Mu?"

"Works for me yo. I'd ask if ya want any help but I have a feelin' you'd just say no."

"You're correct," Sephiroth replied, grabbing the meat and shutting the door. He laid it on the table before retrieving some vegetables, a knife, and the cutting board. After a moments debate he decided to cut the vegetables into normal sized pieces and strain some broth for Genesis. He didn't want the STC to starve either, nor did he want him to choke on a wayward hunk of something.

Sephiroth had finished chopping the potatoes, carrots, and celery and had just stated in on the onion when he heard Reno's breathing pattern change. It deepened and became more rhythmic, signifying the redhead had fallen asleep. He smiled faintly, wondering how long it had been since the man had actually sleep. Not just slept, but slept well. If he knew Reno, and he truly thought he was starting to, it had probably been awhile. The man had been keyed up earlier but it was a twitchy and nervous keyed up, which probably meant he hadn't rested in awhile.

The SSC continued to dice the onion as his thoughts drifted back to his discussion with Reno. He was still a bit amazed and annoyed that he'd said anything to the Turk about his parents. Overall he didn't regret it though. The redhead hadn't responded with the sympathy or pity he so hated. He hadn't asked questions either, just gave honest comments and moved on, sharing information about himself in return. The reaction had surprised him and it made him wonder if Reno was the exception or the norm. He figured the man was probably an exception. Was Genesis as well?

So far he hadn't shared much about himself with the auburn but the man seemed to know exactly what to say or do to put him at ease. How could he do that when he knew nothing about him? Did he share some kind of bond with Genesis or was the auburn simply that good at reading people?

At that Sephiroth realized that he knew more about the Turk than Genesis at this point. Did that matter? Was it unusual somehow? He really didn't know, as he hadn't had anything close to a normal relationship with anyone. Perhaps each relationship developed differently. That made sense since people were different.

With a sigh, the SSC finished the onion and moved on to the Mu. Trimming and cubing the meat made him remember Reno's comment and made him wonder just how differently he was treated within the Shinra Company. He'd known about some of the differences for quite some time, but it seemed new ones were coming to light. Ones he'd never even thought of and were apparently things he simply taken for granted. Was he really that important? Shinra and Hojo might think so but he didn't and hadn't for quite some time. Sure his mind was sharp and few could rival his skill with a blade, but he had shortcomings just like anyone else. For starters it was painfully obvious how socially stunted he was. He'd actually known it for years but had been able to ignore it. Not now. Strangely it didn't bother him, at least most of the time. In fact he thought it made him more like others and that was something that he'd recently come to realize he wanted, almost desperately.

For as long as he could remember, Sephiroth had been told he was special. That he was smarter, faster, stronger, and more agile than anyone else. He was gifted and special. He'd been taught by the best in every field: engineering, geology, chemistry, physics, astrology, biology, and mathematics to name a few. He could read, write, and fluently speak every language in Gaia and was well versed in the different literature, culture, customs, and music of each region.

In addition to being taught by the best, he had been trained by the best. Everyone knew he could handle himself quite well with a blade and was skilled with magic, however few knew he was an expert marksmen or that he knew several martial arts or that he had mastered other weapons such as lances and throwing knives. Fewer still knew he could drive or pilot almost every machine found in the sea, in the air, or on the land. Not only that he could operate multiple control systems, such as flight and weapons, simultaneously if he had to, though he had to admit he didn't want to see for how long in an actual battle. Simulation was one thing but combat was an entirely different beast.

As a child he hadn't given a second thought to his education or training. He was special and gifted after all. Yet now he wondered exactly how he was gifted or special. What made him gifted and special? Was it simply his mind? His skill? He'd never bothered to ask, another thing he'd taken for granted. Now he wished he had the answer. He wanted the answer, even as a child he'd wanted it, but he knew asking wouldn't do any good. He would likely be told the same thing he'd always been told. You're better than others.

Growing up that had become a mantra, his mantra. He'd repeated it every time he faltered, every time he didn't receive a perfect grade, every time he was thrown into a seemingly impossible challenge, and every time he'd returned to his room, bruised and bloody, or worse, defeated. At the time he'd truly believed it and though he never said it out loud, he believed he was superior to everyone else. He would often overhear others remark about how lonely he must be, but he hadn't been lonely and felt that even if he were, the inferior beings around him wouldn't help. Gods how wrong and arrogant he'd been.

Sephiroth wasn't sure what trigged the change, but change he had. Like most things, he'd tried to keep the metamorphosis hidden but eventually others began to notice. He became more withdrawn, eliciting several comments from those around him. His tongue had sharpened to counterbalance the change, lest Hojo suspect something was wrong with him. To this day his tongue was still knifelike but it was more out of habit than anything. An act. However inside he was different. The silver didn't mind snapping at people, hell most of them were under his command anyway, but he didn't revel in it like he used to. He no longer felt everyone around him was inferior to himself. When the thought first rooted itself in his subconscious, he'd laughed at it. He'd not met anyone on par with him in any way and refused to believe he wasn't superior until he had evidence. Over time, the thought had whittled down his reserve however and he'd begun to believe it, even without proof. As it turned out his subconscious had been correct because now he had confirmation.

Finished slicing, dicing, cutting, and cubing, the SSC stood and retrieved a twelve-quart stockpot. He scooped the ingredients in with a grin, figuring he could make enough soup to keep even Reno appeased for a while. With a slight frown, he carried the pot to the sink and began adding water as his thoughts returned to the redhead.

While in Midgar Sephiroth had called up Reno's file, as well as Genesis's, SSC Angeal Hewley's, and every other Turk still employed with Shinra. There hadn't been anything particularly unusual about Elena, Rude, Cissnei, and Tseng's public files. They'd been brief, concise, and contained all the necessary information, such as city of birth, date of birth, hire date, department of hire, employee number, rank, office location, and personal statistics such as weight, height, eye color, and ethnicity. The only thing of note was the lack of last names and he'd quickly discovered those were even missing from the private files. The private files had been what he'd expected, lots of redaction and intentional vagueness. He could get around that by cross-referencing missions but he hadn't seen the need. The glaring exception to the Turk files had been Reno's.

Reno's public file was fairly standard but his private file was perplexing. Nothing was redacted and it was beyond vague, leading him to believe it had been intentionally edited. There were no mission numbers, dates, or anything even remotely significant. It had taken him only a glance to realize the file was a mirror of the redhead's public file. That led to two obvious questions: who had edited the file and why. Given Reno's specialty within the Turks, it was possible he could have altered the file himself but he doubted it. Even so, Sephiroth couldn't rule the redhead out but there was evidence to support it hadn't been him: the two SOLDIERs files.

Genesis and SSC Hewley's files had been just as mysterious as Reno's. Once again the public files were normal, however the private files weren't. In addition to mission details, such as date, time, number, and how the mission was obtained, SOLDIER private files typically listed the Professor in charge of their care as well as a summary of said care. The files stated that Professor Hollander governed over the friends however, that was it. At the very least, there should have been something from the physical required to gain entrance into SOLDIER, yet there hadn't been. There was literally nothing about their health at all. Under normal circumstances that would be suspicious and in this case it was highly suspicious. He knew that Genesis and Hewley had received at least one Mako treatment and that the auburn had been ill as a child. Unless he was lying. He supposed that was possible but considered it extremely unlikely. Of course the auburn had the ability to lie, but he didn't think he'd lie to him, at least not about that. What would be the point?

What stuck him about Reno, Genesis, and Hewley's files wasn't necessarily the lack of data, it was that the files were so similar to his own. He had a pretty good idea why his file was lacking but was fairly certain that didn't apply to these three. So what did?

Sephiroth hadn't formed an opinion on SSC Hewley yet, but during the time he'd spent with Genesis and Reno he'd begun to think that they were gifted, perhaps even special. There was no question that both were intelligent, probably highly so. Both were also skilled fighters. It was also a good bet that even without being flooded with Mako Genesis was highly skilled with magic. Even Reno, who had less Mako than a SOLDIER Third, was showing promise in that area.

With a sigh the silver opened a cabinet and selected a few herbs and spices. He shook some into the stockpot that he'd placed on the stove a while ago. While his thoughts on Reno and Genesis were interesting, they were speculation and getting him nowhere. If he wanted answers he was going to have to ask questions, something he'd avoided doing. He didn't want the pair to think they were being interrogated or anything. He'd also been holding back because he hadn't decided whether to talk to the two together or apart. The silver still wasn't sure on that point, but he felt he needed to decide soon.

Although he tried not to Sephiroth couldn't seem to stop his runaway thoughts. Reno and he had discussed Genesis's possible abduction by Hojo but there was still a lot of uncertainty in his mind. Specifically the why. He had little doubt Hojo would slit his own parents throat if there was something to gain from it, so going after Hollander wouldn't be a surprise, yet abducting Genesis to gain a completive advantage didn't seem like something the Professor would do. After all, if all Hojo wanted to do was make Hollander look like a fool or outperform him there were better, more effective ways to go about it. The more Sephiroth considered the subject the more he became convinced that there was more to the STC's abduction.

A thought shot through the silver like lightening and he stood ramrod straight. Could it be that simple? A line he'd heard repeated throughout his childhood rose as if in answer: the simplest solution is often the easiest to overlook, and often the correct solution.

During the Turk Desertion Sephiroth had spent some time with the STC. Back then it had taken him almost half a day to realize that the Mako within Genesis's system really was imbalanced. Though the auburn's emotions were spiraling out of control, he had been functional and had appeared relatively normal. At the time he hadn't given it much thought but now he realized no one, no one, with an imbalance as severe as the STC's should have been even remotely functional. At the very least Genesis should have been suffering from debilitating migraines, considerable and persistent nausea, biting muscle cramps, and relentlessly aching joints. The auburn shouldn't have been able to think, let alone plan anything. He shouldn't have been able to get out of bed, much less fight and help the Turks infiltrate Shinra Tower. Yet he'd done all of that.

Sephiroth fought a laugh as he remembered telling the auburn many of the things he was going through had happened to him. The comments had been fact, but only stated to try to make Genesis feel better. Gaia how right I'd been. With that thought, one of the silver's questions had been answered. Genesis, at least, was special. Somehow Hojo knew it and that is why he'd taken him. No one and nothing else would work.

The more the silver pondered his conclusion the more convinced he was that he was correct. It was as though he could feel the truth of it in the pit of his stomach. While he didn't know how or why Genesis was special, he was. The fact that Hojo was aware of it was perplexing as hell but more importantly it was frightening. He knew firsthand how relentless Hojo was when it came to obtaining something he wanted. Worse, he knew just how far the Professor would go to get it.

For the first time in quite awhile Sephiroth was rattled and a shiver ran down his spine. He truly wanted to help Genesis and Reno but he wondered if he really could. Like Reno, Hojo was an excellent predator and seemed to have endless patience. The bastard could wait years to strike and nab his prey, which meant that even if they got out of the current mess they may never be safe.

Sephiroth took a deep breath and forced the feeling of dread away. He needed to think clearly. Being alarmed wouldn't help anything and may actually work against him. Yet what would help? The answer came to him so quickly that he almost doubted it. Learn the weakness to cut off its head. Though he would thoroughly enjoy doing so, right now he didn't know if he needed to cut off Hojo's head, but he did need to know what he knew, or at least what he thought he knew; it was one of the weak points in this mess. From there it might be possible to counter it. If he could stop the flow of information Hojo would have little, if anything, to work with and therefore might back off. The question was how to find out what Hojo knew and while he didn't know he knew a few people who might. A grin split the silver's face as he sat at the kitchen table to plan.

---

"How many times must I repeat myself?"

"Sir?"

"For the last time, and this will be the last time STC Essai, no one, absolutely no one is authorized to enter the village at this time for any reason. Am I making myself clear?"

"Y-yes, Sir," came STC Essai's somewhat nervous reply.

"Are you positive SOLDIER? Or will I have to repeat myself at some point in the future?"

"I understand, Sir. You won't have to repeat yourself, Sir."

"Good. Now carry the message to all border guards. I do not want to have this conversation again, with anyone. If I do, I will hold you personally responsible," Tseng stated without emotion. He snapped his PHS closed before a response could be given. He'd just opened his mouth to call for Elena when the cursed device rang in his hand. The plastic creaked slightly as his fingers tightened around it and he fought not to throw it onto the Gongagan jungle. Instead he took a breath, flipped it open, and answered without looking. Probably another moronic SOLDIER. "Tseng."

"We have a situation."

"What is it Rude? My plate is rather full at the moment."

"Rufus has gone missing."

Tseng froze. "When?"

"At least half a day, maybe more."

"Why am I just now hearing of it?"

"His current guards didn't know he was gone until after Angeal and I got here, which was a few hours ago anyway."

"Why did you not notify me sooner?"

"Ah, well, you know how Rufus is. I thought he was just screwing with the new guys and would turn up when he realized I was here."

"Which obviously he has not done."

"No Boss. We looked all over Junon and couldn't find him."

"It is not your fault Rude," Tseng said, hearing the nervousness and sense of failure in his subordinates tone. "Assuming he left on his own I doubt he went, or will go, far, however check the local airfield and harbor. Also, detain the four guards who were on duty."

"Understood."

"Re-canvas the area but do so discretely. If he did not leave on his own someone must surely have seen something. Keep me posted."

"Got it," Rude replied, disconnecting the call.

"Elena!" barked Tseng, once again shutting his PHS.

"Sir!"

"As of this moment you are in charge here. I must go to Junon." Elena's eyes widened briefly and he fought back a chuckle. "I would not place you in charge, let alone leave, if I did not think you could handle it."

"Y-yes, Sir!"

At that Tseng did smile briefly and placed a hand on the small blonde's shoulder. "Relax Elena. Things here are running smoothly and I have confidence in you, however if something arises that you are not comfortable handling call me."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

The Wutain nodded, spun, and set a brisk pace for his chopper. As soon as he was far enough away from the village he picked up the pace until he was at a steady jog. Anxiety and worry began to consume him in almost equal parts. If this was one of Rufus's stunts he was going to wring his neck. If it wasn't… he stopped his mind before it could fully entertain the possibilities. All in due time.