Title: Between Angels and Puppies
Author: Chibi Envy Chan
Pairings: Angeal/Zack though later Angeal/Zack/Cloud, Sephiroth/?, Genesis/?
Warning: There will be boy/boy/boy love and boy/boy love. Oh yeah, girl/girl love too.
Warning: There will be spoilers. I will try to follow Crisis Core, but I will deviate from time to time as I have other plans for Angeal.
Warning: Doesn't follow the timeline exactly.
Warning: Character death(s)
Warning: It will contain OCs.
Summary: Life is complicated especially when you work for a company like ShinRa. Everything seemed normal and fine until SOLDIERs started going AWOL without any rhyme or reason. Everyone has hidden motives, but are they good or bad? Follow a first class, a second class, and a cadet as they navigate through these troubling times. As if that wasn't hard enough, they have to deal with what they mean to each other.
Special Shout Out: This is a gift for an awesome Final Fantasy VII writer, Amarissia. Check out her stories. I have her under my favorite authors section. Chibi gives her a two thumbs up!
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII, but I do own my OCs. Basically, they're anyone you don't know.
Chapter 9: Taste of his Medicine
"As for you two," Tala said, eying the two remaining cadets and then the retreating backs of the bullies, "you will need more of a challenge. Too bad you're not advanced enough for the next course." A long sigh. Thank goodness these students didn't pick up anything from that crappy teacher, Okami.
"You mean we're not in trouble?" Cloud asked, blinking rapidly. He thought they were all in trouble.
Tala waved it off. "Nah, I don't punish those who work hard and have you know brains. We'll have to check your schedule with your mentors."
Both of them blinked this time. How did he know?
"Eh? It's no secret," the SOLDIER shrugged. He moved to pick up his belongings and glanced up at them. "Oh, I guess neither of you need to be cured."
Cloud and Dirk both shook their heads.
This was certainly an interesting desk.
Border Fun
Sephiroth stared at the latest report on his desk, wondering why the hell did this take so long to do? He shook his head and sighed. They didn't need that kind of people in SOLDIER and even in the troopers. Hopefully, the others would improve with their interaction and work ethics.
The black sheep, Evan. The General scanned through his file, mainly his offenses. It was horrendous. If it weren't for a certain person, he would have been kicked out a long time ago.
Sergeant Okami had also been a black sheep too in his time. According to his files, he failed the SOLDIER exam in the area of psychology and weapons. However, the company lacked instructors and were NOT willing to let SOLDIERs teach such low level grunts as they called it. Also, they wanted to get their money's worth out of Okami.
"Perhaps, it would teach them a lesson. Then again, they rarely learn their lessons except when it comes to the matter of money."
It seemed the bad apples congregated. Sephiroth made a note of asking Micah about the instructors. Hopefully, they would not have a repeat of Okami. He'd be willing to spare a few SOLDIERs if it meant the cadets received good training and were better prepared for what laid ahead of them.
The General sighed a long one. With what had been happening, he pulled extra hours, and now it was catching up with him. It would give the 'good doctor' an excuse to run extensive tests on him. He didn't want to burden Angeal with this, not when he spent the last few weeks worrying about Zack.
Maybe he shouldn't have assigned it to Fair, but he was one of the most able second classes and one that Sephiroth trusted. It also helped that Zack was well liked and had good people skills.
Closing his file, Sephiroth wanted to put these two out of his mind. He had enough to deal with, considering what was happening to his subordinates. First, he needed to…
His PHS rang, interrupting his train of thought.
"Sephiroth speaking." There was a few odd noises as if the person was having trouble holding it.
"Today's session was brutal so you might want to make yourself scarce."
Hojo's sessions are always brutal," Sephiroth scoffed. There was nothing new to it, but the low chuckle made him stiffen.
"This isn't like any other time. It's something he whipped up. I'm lucky Kurai happened to be passing by."
This did not sound well. He glanced over to his clock. His secretary should have gone home by now. The guy wasn't strong, but he was a genius that even rivaled Sephiroth. He was average as far as strength went. It also helped he was extremely patient and well organized.
"Thank you," Sephiroth replied and hung up. He grabbed his sword before exiting his office. As predicted, his secretary left for the night, but he left a note and a small bag.
'Since I figure you're going to forget dinner as usual, I left you a little surprise. Enjoy.'
Sephiroth smiled slightly. He knew Sam wasn't trying to gain any favors from him. The guy genuinely cared about his well being. It was nice having people treat him like a human being, not like a war god or idol. He picked up the small package and opened it to reveal a little bun.
'At least, I know there isn't any surprises in it.' He ate it on the way out, relishing the taste. Screw his dietary regiment. In fact, Hojo could go to hell for all he cared.
Sam made a good cook. He made a mental note to ask him for his recipes. It might take a few trials, but he would eventually get the hang of it. He chuckled at the thought of people's reaction to him actually cooking.
His enhanced hearing allowed him to hear footsteps. It could be the cleaning crew or Hojo. Unless that person spoke, he didn't have a clue. Not wanting to take a chance, the General took his emergency route.
Border Fun
Empty, completely empty. Hojo glared at the empty seat that should have been occupied by his greatest experiment. It made his blood boil. Someone must have told him or he decided to call it an early day, which was out of the question knowing the General.
Specimen T wouldn't tell or rather couldn't. The failed experiment could barely walk out of his lab. It would be a miracle for him to form a complete sentence.
Then there were his lab assistants. They only knew what he told them, which wasn't that much. He only gave them the information needed for a particular task and nothing more. Then again, they were becoming smarter. He'd have to do something about it. They were paid to follow orders, not think. That was his job.
Adjusting his glasses, the 'good doctor' scowled at the empty office. He'd have to ask that useless male. What was his name? Sephiroth's assistant for his schedule. Wait, why should he ask? He was the head of biology, he didn't need to ask.
Hojo pulled out his notebook and scribbled a few notes in his cryptic language. Who knew what his enemies (Hollander) would or could do if he possessed it? That lousy second rate scientist stole ideas for his lack of one.
He snapped his notebook shut and stuffed it in his pocket. Hojo glanced around the room as if Sephiroth would magically pop out. When nothing happened, he shuffled off, mentally going over Sephiroth's schedule the next day. Maybe he should arrange his schedule. There were a few useless meetings arranged. They could wait.
After all, this was for science.
Border Fun
This was taking too long. Another group of third classes was abducted. Somehow, the second class in charge of then had been subdued. Since he couldn't remember much of the struggle, he must have been targeted first and then the third classes were taken to gods knows where.
His PHS vibrated unexpectedly. This was his personal phone and very few had his number. Sephiroth flipped it open to find a text message from a SOLDIER he wanted to see.
He grabbed his sword on his way out, breezing past a startled Hojo, who shouted at him. Who cared what he wanted? Sephiroth had more important matters to attend to.
Due to the probability of being overheard, they needed a remote location. It couldn't be where there were a lot of civilians. They greatly annoyed him with their constant gawking. It couldn't be Shin-Ra owned or loyal to the company.
"Seph!"
The General turned to find Angeal hurrying toward him, his puppy in tow. "What can I do for you?"
"Have you read the latest report?"
"Yes, I have," Sephiroth replied grimly.
"Do you have any ideas?" Angeal inquired, glancing over to his student who scowled.
"Not a baby," Zack protested, much like a child. It showed he had yet to fully mature. His mentor merely shook his head and sighed.
Sephiroth paused, thinking of a way to relay it without letting everyone else know. "I have a few theories, but not sufficient evidence to support any of them. I'll be heading out on a personal errand."
"I see," Angeal said, gesturing that he acknowledged the hidden message. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer, but I thought you should know Hojo is lurking nearby."
A few choice words erupted from the second class, and it also included ways of how Hojo should die a very painful and slow death for all the suffering he caused. Zack couldn't wait until the company fired him. Then the protection was gone.
Angeal groaned but ruffled Zack's hair. The puppy meant well though he could get into trouble, however, seeing Sephiroth smile was worth the risk.
"You're a few minutes too late. I saw him already."
"And he let you go?" Angeal knew how Hojo operated.
Sephiroth smirked. "He didn't have much of a choice or rather he didn't have any time to speak."
"Good one," Angeal chuckled before they parted ways.
The two walked in silence until Zack could no longer stand it. He tugged on Angeal's arm. "What was that about?"
"SOLDIER stuff."
Zack frowned, not liking this. It was the same old stuff again. "I'm a SOLDIER too, you know." He puffed up his chest, reminding the first class of a puppy that had more bark than bite.
"First class, it's very hush, hush. No Puppy, I can't tell you. It wouldn't be fair for the others." Angeal halted, seeing two Turks heading in their direction. Each of them had a bag and what appeared to be an outfit draped over their shoulder.
"I can't believe I was picked for this," the male Turk griped. He didn't look pleased, however, he had very little facial expressions like Sephiroth.
"The other women are on special assignments. Besides, out of the rest, you'll be the most likely to get away with it."
"Thanks for the complement, Cissinei,"
"Any time."
"Hello, Commander Hewley and Lieutenant Fair."
Zack glanced between his mentor and the two Turks. He knew of the 'rivalry' between the two groups. A blind man could see it.
"Pardon us, but we're on a very special mission."
Angeal nodded his head. "Of course." Turks were so elusive and mysterious. Yet, one of them happened to be dating a SOLDIER. They seemed to be happy in their relationship.
"Very special, my ass," Hikari grumbled.
Then they disappeared.
The second class blinked a few times, wondering what just happened. He looked to his mentor turned lover for an answer.
"Don't become too comfortable around them. They can't be fully trusted." Angeal continued their journey to the VR room. He didn't hate them. They just had too many secrets for his liking. In a way, he respected them for their teamwork and protecting each other.
"I thought they… never mind. So which training program are we going to work on today? Is it the Wutai invasion? Rebels in an abandoned warehouse? Terrorist at the mako plant?"
"None of the above."
"Oooohhh, is this an ultra hard one?" Zack slammed his fist into his gloved palm. "I can't wait!"
'Oh Zack will be surprised,' Angeal mused. He knew Zack excelled in any physical challenge, but he had trouble mentally. "It's going to be hard, the push you to your limits kind."
The second class became bouncier if possible. He couldn't keep still, which amused the SOLDIERs passing by them. A few ruffled his hair in spite of his protests. All the while, Angeal fought this insane urge to snatch his puppy away from them.
Maybe he should pay a psychologist a visit if he kept behaving like this. He reasoned it was due to the recent events, but he felt something more. Zack was a talented young man. He could defend himself. Oh, he'd better think about it another time. Thankfully his student was too preoccupied to notice anything different.
"Zack."
"Yeah, Ange?"
"Watch out for that…"
Bam!
"Wall."
"Owwies, I swear it jumped out and attacked me!" Zack looked to his lover, silently asking him for back up.
"Sure, it did. That's the day I like anything with boobs."
"Eh, you're gay?"
"Kurai, feel free to ignore his stupidity. I think he may have injured himself," Angeal said and glanced over to the injured wall.
"You do realize I'm here?"
"Duly noted though I figured by now his skull is thick enough to serve as a helmet," the younger though not by a lot SOLDIER blinked. "Heading to the VR room?"
"Yes, it's time for this puppy's training." Angeal pulled the second class closer to him and held him there before he could cause any mischief.
Kurai smirked. "I thought you've house broken him already. What more can you fit into that skull of his?"
"I'm sure there's enough room since it's empty."
"Hey! I swear you're corrupting them against me!"
The other first class chuckled. "We're only teasing you." Much like Angeal, Kurai wasn't one to open up or be friendly with others, excluding his twin. The puppy managed to worm his way into his heart and many others.
"Find someone else."
"My twin is too smart for his own good so that leaves you." Unofficially, he adopted Zack as his younger brother. Everyone knew it. Oddly enough, Hikari adopted him as well.
"Lucky me," Zack griped and glared at the older twin.
"Where are you heading?" Angeal inquired.
Kurai turned his attention to the first class. "Patrol with a bunch of wet behind the ears rookies. Joy." This would most likely turn out to be a babysitting job. Fun.
"Let me guess, Okami's graduates?" Angeal grimaced at the thought. He knew they were practically useless without their weapons. Basically, it would be a complete nightmare.
"Sadly yes," Kurai sighed a long one. "It will be more like babysitting them."
"Haha, sucks to be you," Zack chuckled and then was glared at by the two first classes. "Sheesh, you need to lighten up a bit."
"I'd better find my team before they do something stupid, and I think your puppy could use more advanced training." The younger first class waved as he departed.
"I have a name!"
Before Zack could follow, Angeal grabbed the back of his shirt and hauled him to the VR room, ignoring the yelps of protest.
"Thankfully, they weren't far from the room, thus, they didn't draw any unnecessary attention to themselves. They did, however, draw a few stares from a few second classes.
"Looks like we have a naughty puppy, my fave." The figure stood inside the VR room.