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Darkened Skies	By : Cynthia Category: Final Fantasy VII > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 949 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters are the property of Square Enix. I do not profit from this fanfiction, it’s for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
"Darkened Skies"
Chapter eight: An ounce of prevention
A Final Fantasy 7 AU fanfiction
~***********************************~

            The return to Midgar obviously wasn't a cheerful one. Genesis and Angeal were manacled with heavy titanium cuffs and chained to the floor of the transport vehicle that came for them. Because he'd made the decision to relinquish his weapon and materia himself, Sephiroth wasn't treated as a prisoner. He spoke to no one during the trip back and he was even more withdrawn than usual. All three of the champion Soldiers' signature blades were confiscated, and they would be placed in lockup once they reached Midgar. The whole affair was horribly depressing, even for a naturally chipper person like Zack.
He only caught a brief glimpse of Angeal when they reached Rocket Town, before the big man and Genesis were ushered into the holding area of the airship waiting to take them home. The pilot—a blond man by the name of Cid Highwind—had an informal way of speaking that could be considered rude by socially classy people. He spoke to Sephiroth like he was just some regular Joe and he cussed at his crew when they didn't move fast enough to suit him.
            As soon as they set down at the airport in Midgar and disembarked, several armed MP's surrounded the airship, ready to shoot at the slightest provocation.
            "Wow...really?" Zack said, nearing the end of his temper. The leader of the group approached and saluted, but Zack didn't return the salute. "Don't you think you guys are going a little overboard?"
            "We're just following orders, Corporal Fair," answered the infantry Corporal. "These individuals are considered extremely dangerous and every precaution must be maintained." The man paled and gulped as Sephiroth stepped off the airship, his long hair billowing in the wind. The infantryman stood at attention and saluted sharply as the general came up beside Zack.
            "At ease," said Sephiroth. When the MP complied, he glanced over his shoulder at his two associates—who were coming out under heavy guard. Evidently, they presumed Angeal was the bigger threat simply because of his size and grim countenance. He was more heavily guarded than his red-clad companion.
            "I want those men treated well," instructed Sephiroth with a nod at the prisoners. "They haven't been tried with a crime yet and they've chosen to turn themselves in."
            "Sir." The infantryman saluted Sephiroth again and relayed orders to his men.
            Sephiroth gave a respectful nod to Angeal and Genesis, both of whom nodded back. Genesis looked like he was just barely putting up with all this. Sephiroth turned to Zack, who stood wondering what he was supposed to do next.
            "I'm going to report to Lazard," informed the general. "Once I've dealt with more immediate concerns, I'll do what I can to help clear your mentor's name. Rhapsodos' release may prove to be more complicated, but the director will cooperate with me. You'll be called on for a debriefing later. Get some refreshment, clean up and rest while you can."
            Zack nodded and he couldn't help but notice how pale the general looked. Sephiroth's face glistened with sweat and his pupils kept expanding and contracting weirdly. "What about you? Are you going to be okay?"
            Sephiroth hesitated for a second before nodding. "I'll manage. Concentrate on your duties and don't allow our situations to distract you, Zackary."
            With that said, Sephiroth turned on his heel and left Zack staring after him with a worried expression. The young Soldier cast another look at his mentor and Genesis, being steadily led away from the landing area. Angeal's eyes met his over the distance and he called out to him, stopping. His captors grunted and tried to force him to keep moving, but Angeal was like an iron statue, refusing to budge from his spot. Zack ran over to him and pushed his way through the group of MP's surrounding him.
            "It's cool," he insisted to them. "Just let me through for a minute!"
            Because they had orders to treat the prisoners with care and it was common knowledge that Hewley was Zack's instructor, they allowed him through. Angeal bent over a bit and leaned in close to Zack to speak into his ear, getting straight to the point.
            "Watch him, Zack." Angeal nodded meaningfully at Sephiroth's retreating form. "Every minute you can spare."
            Zack looked at the general, then at Angeal. "You think there's still a threat?"
            Angeal frowned at Sephiroth before locking eyes with Zack again. "I think he's a threat to himself."
            Zack felt a chill race up his spine. The guards resumed ushering Angeal away and this time, he didn't resist. He kept his eyes on Zack and he stressed the importance of his final order to him. "Watch him!"
~************************************~

            "I've been informed that you've relinquished your command," Lazard said when Sephiroth came to his office. His nose wrinkled of its own accord as the chemical smell from the stains on the general's uniform wafted up his nostrils. "Coffee?"
            Sephiroth shook his head. "I don't need a stimulant, right now."
            Lazard studied him quietly, taking in the tense stance, the ashen complexion and the clenched jaw. Sephiroth was usually the hardest man to read on Gaia, but today his entire body seemed to scream with anxiety.
            "What happened, Sephiroth?"
            The tall swordsman rubbed his temples for a moment, before meeting Lazard's eyes. The director noticed the odd behavior of the slit pupils and he frowned uneasily. He wasn't an easy man to rattle, but there was something disturbing about Sephiroth's demeanor and eyes.
            "Can I trust you, director?"
            Lazard sobered. "I thought you and I had already established a rapport, General. Though our positions in this establishment are quite different, we share the same goals, ultimately. If you feel you can't trust me by now, then what are we doing?"
            Sephiroth took a slow breath and nodded. "I concur."
            "Then tell me what's going on," demanded the director, his pale brows drawing together with concern. "Frankly, I've never seen you look so...defeated."
            Sephiroth smirked without humor. "I have another personality inside of me."
            Lazard stared at him.
            "My mother's voice," Sephiroth went on, "telling me to reclaim Gaia and punish humanity."
He withdrew a leather-wrapped bundle of documents from within his coat and dropped it on Lazard's desk. "Thanks to the efforts of Hewley and Rhapsodos, I learned that my 'inner voice' doesn't belong to my true mother, after all. It belongs to a virus...the same one that wiped out the entire race of Cetra. You can read the details concerning Hojo's attempts to re-create the Cetra race in those files. The Professor mistakenly believed that Jenova was an Ancient, and he began the Jenova project with Dr. Hollander, Dr. Gast and Dr. Crescent—my birth mother. I believe Dr. Gast was murdered to keep his silence, as there is incriminating evidence against Hojo in these files. You also have Hollander in your custody, I believe. You can question him further on the matter."
Lazard's gaze dropped to the documents, his aristocratic features betraying confusion and wariness. "What exactly do you want me to do, Sephiroth? Arrest Hojo?"
The general shook his head. "No. Imprisoning him will only make it difficult to obtain evidence that he's conducting unsanctioned research under the company's nose. He didn't stop with the Jenova project, Director. I have reason to believe he's still conducting secret experiments and he's doing so with the help of someone with authority in this establishment."
"In SOLDIER?"
"No...not this department," answered Sephiroth, "but someone from another department. Do you recall my asking you about a search and rescue department called SOLDIER unit 14?"
"Yes, and I thought it was strange that none of their pickups ever made it back alive. I swear to you, Sephiroth, I never heard of that department until you came to me asking about it."
"I assume you asked the president about it?"
Lazard nodded. "Yes, and he advised me that I didn't have the clearance level to concern myself with it. Arguing with him would have availed me nothing."
"Interesting," muttered Sephiroth. He winced and rubbed his temples again, "but a matter to be discussed later. You may want to sit down, Director."
Lazard took his advice and sat in his chair, while Sephiroth gave his account of what he recalled from the events in Nibelheim. When he was finished, Lazard's mouth was slack and his hands were clasped on top of the desk.
"Fair will provide a more accurate account of these events, I'm sure," Sephiroth informed once he'd finished. "My recollection is compromised. I'm sure you can agree that the details of this incident need to remain within this department. Report that I had a break down, if you must, but don't mention my finding Jenova's body and get people you can trust to repair that sealed door."
"Well...I..." Lazard gathered his thoughts for a moment before continuing. "How long have you heard this voice in your head, General?"
"For as long as I can recall," answered Sephiroth. "Hojo's treatments silence it for a while—which is part of the reason I don't want him detained in prison. Whatever he's been doing, I suspect he has the President's backing and this department is currently too weak to fight with the others."
"I see," mused the director. He looked down at his clasped hands with a sigh. "I never would have guessed you were suffering that way."
"I'd rather not make this a pity party," Sephiroth informed coolly. "What I need from you right now, Director, is your company in the lab."
Lazard raised a brow. "You intend to confront Hojo? I thought the plan was to have him monitored."
"It still is." Sephiroth rubbed his forehead and grimaced. "My control is finite at the moment, Director. I need treatment and from now on, I want a witness when it occurs. Choose a second witness you can trust. I want every one of my treatments documented by someone other than Hojo or his lab assistants, from this day forward."
Lazard didn't have to think about it for long. "How do you feel about Administrator Tuesti as the second witness?"
Sephiroth nodded. "A good choice. I'd like to get this over with quickly, so contact him now and have him meet up with us in Hojo's lab. Once this is finished, you can get Zack's report and I'd like you to start working on having Sergeant Hewley and Lieutenant Rhapsodos released from holding."
Lazard grimaced at the last part, but he wasn't about to argue with Sephiroth in his current condition.
~*********************************~

            Sephiroth nearly tripped over Zack when he walked out the door with Lazard. He frowned at the younger Soldier. "Something you need, Fair?"
            "I came to give my report," said Zack. He nodded at Lazard. "Director."
            "You can give your report when you've been called in to do so," Sephiroth informed him. "The director and I have somewhere to be."
            "Yeah? Need any help?" Zack started walking with them down the hallway.
            "No. This doesn't concern you," Sephiroth answered. "Go about your regular duties until you're called upon, Corporal."
            "I don't really have anywhere to be right now," Zack informed him. "Nobody's given me any assignments."
            Sephiroth stopped and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Then go and train. Improve your technique and strengthen your weak points. I really don't have time to stand around making suggestions for you, Fair. There's work to be done."
            Zack took the berating stoically, though his eyes betrayed concern he couldn't disguise. "Yes Sir. I'll get out of your way, now."
            Sephiroth and Lazard watched him go, and when he was around the corner and out of sight, the young Director commented on his behavior. "He's a dedicated one, General. One might get the impression that he's attempting to watch over you."
            Sephiroth's mouth twitched. "One might."
~***************************************~

            Zack went to visit Angeal and Genesis in holding, when it became clear to him that he couldn't keep an eye on Sephiroth without being conspicuous. They tried to deny him visitation rights but one of the wardens recognized him and let him in. He was given five minutes to speak with the two prisoners—who were kept in separate cells, side by side.
            "Angeal, you awake?" Zack called through the barred window of the thick, steel door of his mentor's cell.
            Angeal's face appeared at the window. "What are you doing here? I thought I told you to watch Sephiroth."
            "I'm trying, man. It's a little hard without the clearance to follow him around everywhere, though. I got shooed away and he didn't look like he was in the mood for an argument."
            In the cell beside Angeal's, Genesis' snort could be heard. "Don't tell me you're actually surprised your puppy couldn't properly obey your command, Angeal. Sephiroth doesn't take well to being crowded."
            "Of course not," sighed Angeal, "but we've only been back for two hours. Sephiroth has endured a serious breakdown and normal people don't just get over something like that."
            "Sephiroth isn't exactly 'normal', is he?" reminded Genesis. Zack looked through the window of his cell to see the redhead reclining on his back in the bunk, with his hands laced together behind his head. "For all we know, it's perfectly natural for him to go from one extreme to the other. He's never had a shock like this before, so we have no basis for comparison."
            "That's the point," argued Angeal. He looked at Zack through the bars. "I understand it's a lot of responsibility to heap on your shoulders, but while we're in here, I have to rely on you. You should already be familiar with Sephiroth's personal time schedule. Try not to leave him alone for long, if you can."
            Genesis sighed and shook his head. "I really don't think encouraging Fair to pester the hell out of our falcon is going to bring good results."
            "Then what would you suggest?" challenged Angeal.
            "Give him room to breathe," answered Genesis. "He doesn't like people. You both know that. Sephiroth prefers to work things out on his own and I say that's exactly what we should let him do...at least for a few days."
            Zack nodded. "I think that's a pretty good point."
            Angeal shook his head. "I'm sorry Genesis, but I disagree. This isn't a typical situation and we still don't know exactly why Sephiroth went off the way he did. Something triggered his breakdown before we brought the information to him, and we can't treat this as a mildly irritating event."
            "He was all moody and withdrawn before we even made it to Nibelheim," Zack pondered aloud. "Something was already getting to him, before we set foot in that pod room. Seeing those creatures just cinched it, I think."
            Genesis rolled onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow. "Angeal said you reported that Sephiroth locked himself up in the ShinRa data room, the night of the clone attacks."
            "That's right," agreed Zack. "He said he found some information that Hojo screwed around with my DNA too. He tried to put those S-genes into me but—"
            "You didn't tell me that."
            Zack looked at his mentor and he grimaced when he saw the dangerous glint in his eyes. "Relax, big guy. I was about to tell you I was a dud. Whatever Hojo tried to do to me didn't take. He must have done it while I was getting my Mako treatments...but I'm fine now, so don't worry."
            "He performed an unauthorized procedure on you," Angeal said in a low voice. "A minor...and my student. That's another mark against him."
            "It was smart of you to tell him now," Genesis complimented. He got out of his bunk and approached the cell door, wearing a little smirk on his face. "Had you given Hewley this information before they locked us up, I doubt Hojo would still be alive to enjoy the fruits of his scheming."
            Angeal relaxed with visible difficulty. "I wouldn't have done anything rash. I fully intend to do what I can to see Hojo and Hollander brought to justice...the honorable way."
            Genesis rolled his eyes. "Say what you will. I still think that if the man were here now, you'd defy the laws of physics and yank him through that tiny window...piece by piece, if necessary. One doesn't threaten an alpha wolf's pup without consequence."
            Angeal lowered his eyes and his mouth curved into a brief, subtle smile. "It would be tempting to try," he confessed. He looked at Zack again, searchingly. "If you feel any adverse effects at all, I want you to go to a civilian doctor. Understand?"
            Zack resisted the urge to roll his eyes like Genesis. "Scout's honor, Ange. Look, my time's almost up with you guys and I've got to go stalk Seph outside the research sector. Is there anything I should watch out for, as far as his behavior goes? I mean, can you think of any warning signs I should be looking for that I might have missed last time?"
            "I think you know him well enough to tell when something isn't right," Angeal said thoughtfully. "But if you aren't sure about something, come to us with it if you can."
            "I can think of one ultimate warning sign," Genesis remarked. "If he starts trying to be nice to you, watch out."
            Thinking of the way Seph spoke to him in the basement before he really started to lose it, Zack thought that was a fair warning.
~***********************************~

            When Zack was gone and they were alone in the small, ultra-secure cellblock again, Genesis couldn't resist making an observation.
            "Angeal, I've come to notice something about you."
The big man turned his head in the direction of his companion's voice. "Like what?"
"You're sexy when you get protective. My pants suddenly feel too tight."
            Angeal flushed.

~***************************************~

            "Explain this," demanded Hojo with a gesture at the two department administrators standing outside the glass. "What are they doing here, boy?"
            "Observing," answered Sephiroth coolly. "It occurs to me that I have no idea exactly what you do when you put me under for treatment. I'm sure you've heard about my breakdown, by now. I want all treatments witnessed and documented from now on."
            "I hardly think this is necessary," Hojo complained with a disdainful gesture at the Lazard and Reeve. "These men aren't scientists! They can't possibly understand what I—"
            Sephiroth's hand suddenly caught Hojo around the throat and lifted him, shoving him against the glass observation window. His pupils expanded wide, swallowing the green in his eyes. "Shut the bitch up, Professor. Now."
            "Sephiroth," called Lazard and Reeve in unison. They both watched tensely, and one of the passing lab assistants nearly dropped her tray at the sight of the general holding her boss suspended like that.
            Hojo could see the truth in Sephiroth's eyes...or at least, part of it. He knew something. His referencing Jenova as 'the bitch' instead of his 'mother' made Hojo suspect that he'd somehow found out that Jenova wasn't the name of his birth mother.
            "Release me," Hojo commanded sternly, somehow managing to keep the fear out of his voice.
Thankfully, the warrior complied—which Reeve and Lazard evidently found surprising, if the looks on their faces were any indication. The silver warrior lowered him to the floor and stepped back, glaring at him. Hojo resisted a smirk, sensing his subject's frustration. He'd taken certain precautions for his own protection, in the event that Sephiroth ever discovered the truth and became unmanageable. He couldn't tell how much the boy knew, but he was doubly thankful for the compulsions he'd seen fit to give him.
            Hojo's smugness only lasted as long as it took him to look up and see the two executives still standing there. Evidently, they knew about Sephiroth's 'inner voice' now and for whatever reason, he'd chosen them as his witnesses. Reinforcing one particular hidden compulsion he'd given Sephiroth would be difficult now—if not impossible. He could worry about that later, though. He suspected he was under investigation, and he needed to make some changes to protect his work.
~**************************************~

            After witnessing the bizarre scene of Hojo having a discussion with an alien life form inside of Sephiroth, Reeve took a couple of days to think about it and he came to the conclusion that the general needed outside help, if he was ever going to have the chance of living his life without relying on Hojo's manipulations. He would have liked to say he was making his decision out of pure humanitarian compassion, but he had ulterior motives. First and foremost was the desire to decrease the chances of such a powerful man having another breakdown in the future. The second ulterior motive was self-centered. He simply wanted to spend time with a former Turk who fascinated him.
            Reeve spoke with Lazard about it and he explained to him that he might know someone who could help Sephiroth control his inner voice, but he needed transport back to Nibelheim. Considering the danger of Hojo's hypnotherapy failing again, Lazard was happy to arrange transport for Reeve.
            While Reeve prepared to travel to Nibelheim once more, Lazard arranged a meeting with the president and discussed the possibility of releasing Angeal and Genesis from custody. He argued that Angeal hadn't committed any crimes against ShinRa to begin with, and Genesis was unwell when he attacked Banora. He reminded his father that Hollander was responsible for the clones, and the attack on Headquarters was his idea.
            President Shinra agreed under certain conditions, which Lazard had no choice but to accept. The paperwork would take a day to complete and authorize, and there was no guarantee that the prisoners would agree to sign the contract.
~**********************************~

            Angeal looked up with a frown when his cell door opened to admit Director Lazard. He got to his feet and gave him a respectful nod. "Director."
            "Hello, Angeal," greeted Lazard. "I need you to come with me, to discuss a matter of some importance."
            Angeal glanced at the wall that separated his and Genesis' prison cells.
            "He'll have his opportunity, too," promised Lazard. "I want to speak with you first."
            Angeal regarded the blond man suspiciously. "Is this about our release, or something else?"
            "It's about the conditions of your release," explained Lazard. He reached into his blazer and pulled out a folded document. "The details are in this paperwork, but I'd really prefer to discuss it in the privacy of my office. Will you come with me or not?"
            "It doesn't sound like I have much of a choice," observed the Soldier, crossing his powerful arms over his chest.
            "I'm sorry," apologized Lazard. "None of us do, I'm afraid. Whether you agree to these terms or not is your choice, but I must insist that you go over them with me before you decide."
            Angeal sighed and gave a stoic nod of agreement. "And Genesis will be offered the same terms?"
            "More or less," answered Lazard. "His situation isn't quite the same, due to his past actions, but I've managed to secure a contract for him as well."
            "Then we'd best get going."
            Lazard called the guards in and Angeal allowed them to cuff his wrists and ankles—though Lazard protested at the latter. The guards refused to leave Angeal un-hobbled despite Lazard's insistence and he gave the big man a faintly apologetic look before throwing his hands up in defeat. None of it bothered Angeal, but he couldn't resist casting a worried look over his shoulder at Genesis' cell door as he prepared to follow Lazard out of the cellblock. Genesis was standing at the barred window and he rolled his eyes when he saw the concern on Angeal's face.
            "Nobody's going to make me their bitch while you're gone, Hewley. I don't even have any cell mates to worry about."
            Having Genesis so easily read the anxiety in his face was only half as embarrassing as his sarcastic way of pointing out the flaw in his unspoken fears. It wasn't like Angeal had ever done time before and he couldn't help it if his mind went straight to prison life stories when he thought of Genesis' pretty-boy looks and talented mouth.
            "Just try not to insult the guards too much while I'm gone," grumbled the big man.
~*****************************************~

            Angeal read over the conditions of his release papers with a frown. The first condition was easy enough to agree with: the Banora incident was to be buried, never to be mentioned again. He honestly had no problem with that, as shameful as it felt to admit it. The second condition was a bit more troublesome.
            Angeal looked up from the paper to the director, sitting across the desk from him. "They want DNA samples?"
            Lazard nodded. "Those are the terms."
            "Why?" Angeal was instantly suspicious, thinking of everything he'd learned during the time he and Genesis went into hiding. "Don't tell me they've got Hollander working in the lab again."
            "No, of course not," assured Lazard hastily. "He's under strict observation and while he's allowed to participate in standard research for the good of the company, he isn't permitted anywhere near an actual lab. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Hojo."
            "What do they want with my DNA?"
            "I don't know," admitted Lazard helplessly. "The president's official explanation is that they want to study your cells because you and Genesis were cured of degeneration that would have eventually killed you. They've apparently taken samples from Hollander as well, since he let it slip that he was infected with Genesis' cells while he was in your custody. My guess is you two hold some answers to past failures that Hojo wants to correct."
            Angeal wasn't impressed by what he was hearing. "I thought you were going to have Hojo arrested for illegal experimentation, like Hollander."
            "I would like to," answered Lazard, "but unlike Hollander, Hojo hasn't been caught making a move against the company. As far as the president is concerned, his unsanctioned experiments on Sephiroth yielded positive results in the form of a superior Soldier. That Soldier's actions helped him secure Wutai, as well. In his eyes, that makes Hojo's unsanctioned research forgivable."
            Angeal wanted to remind Lazard that the "superior Soldier" Hojo created had recently become unstable, but he could see by the look in his blue-gray eyes that it wasn't necessary. The president cared about results that brought him more power, not how those results were achieved.
            "How do the conditions for Genesis' release differ from my own?"
            Lazard looked uncomfortable. "For one, he'll have to agree to psychiatric evaluation. It's no surprise that his actions have called his mental stability into question. Like Sephiroth, he'll need to undergo the evaluation to determine whether he's capable of resuming his normal duties to SOLDIER. If not, he can still be released from custody, but he'll be removed from active duty until further evaluation yields satisfactory results."
            Angeal shut his eyes, unsurprised by the news but troubled, all the same. "Genesis isn't insane."
            "If anyone could say that with certainty, I'm sure it's you," comforted Lazard, "but the company needs more than the word of his childhood friend."
            Angeal nodded, understanding the logic even as it bothered him. Genesis was not going to take kindly to having his sanity questioned by complete strangers—even if he did admit to losing control for a time.
            "Talk to him," advised Lazard seriously. "Convince him to do this and get it over with, Angeal. The company recognizes that you're both valuable assets—too valuable to dispose of or lock away if it can be helped. I had to argue long and hard to convince President Shinra to wave Genesis' status as a terrorist. This is his only chance to free himself, short of a prison break."
            Lazard handed a pen over to Angeal and waited, his eyes going to the release contract meaningfully. Angeal considered the papers for several moments before sighing and giving his signature.
            "I'll try to convince Genesis, if he doesn't cooperate."
            "Good. I'll make the call to have him brought in here, then."
~****************************************~

            Genesis wasn't surprised to find Angeal waiting in one of the chairs, when the guards escorted him into the office and had him sit down at Lazard's desk. They left him there and he looked at Angeal with a silent question in his eyes as the director produced some papers and slid them over to him.
            "The terms for your release," explained Lazard. "Angeal just signed his. Now all that's left is for you to read through yours and give your signature, Genesis."
            The redhead looked sidelong at Angeal. "I want my book returned to me, first. I won't read so much as a single sentence until 'Loveless' is back in my hands."
            Lazard looked at Angeal and the big man shrugged. "I warned them not to take it."
            The director sighed and reached out to push a button on his phone. "Mr. Roland."
            "Yes, Director?"
            "I need you to go to detainment sector five and retrieve the book they confiscated from Genesis Rhapsodos, when they processed him. Tell them it's a direct request from me and if they give you any trouble, contact me."
            "Yes Sir."
~*******************************************~

            A little under a half an hour later, Genesis was flipping through the pages of his beloved play book, checking for any damage it might have incurred during its brief time away from him.
            "Satisfied now?" pressed Lazard.
            "Mmm," agreed Genesis with a nod. He set the book on the desk and reached for his coffee with both hands, since his wrists were bound together with the manacles. He took a sip of the creamy treat provided for him and he frowned.
"My latte has gone cold." He pushed the Styrofoam cup towards Lazard. "Get me another one."
            "Genesis," muttered Angeal warningly.
            "I'll be happy to warm your latte up in my microwave," offered Lazard, "as long as you start reading the terms of your release agreement."
            Genesis shrugged and picked up the documents. "Fair enough."
            Lazard picked up the cup and carried it across the room to the little microwave in the corner. Genesis yawned dramatically, leaned back in his chair and lifted both legs while Angeal stared in confusion. When the redhead propped his boots on the edge of Lazard's desk and made a show of reclining as he read his release papers, Angeal groaned and put his head in his hands. The director turned around at the noise and he raised a golden brow when he saw the way Genesis had propped his heels on his desk.
            "I'm sorry," Angeal apologized, the words muffled behind his hands.
            "Don't apologize," Genesis advised without looking up from his paperwork. His frown deepened further by the second. "Especially not for me. If anything, I believe Lazard owes us an apology."
            Angeal lifted his head out of his hands and took his elbows off the desk. "What are you talking about?"
            Genesis raised his aqua gaze from the documents and fixed it on Lazard—who was standing with cool dignity by the microwave. "He knows what I'm talking about. This agreement is a steaming pile of chocobo dung."
            Angeal misunderstood his anger. "I know you aren't happy about the evaluation, but it's only an hour or so of your life and then it will be over with."
            "I'm not talking about the psyche evaluation," corrected Genesis, "although that does piss me off, too."
            Angeal furrowed his brows. "Then what exactly are you talking about?"
            Genesis heaved a frustrated sigh and took his feet off the desk. He placed the documents on the surface next to his book and he shut his eyes to rub them tiredly with his fingertips. "Your release is contingent upon my signature."
            Angeal frowned, further confused.
            Genesis turned his head to look at him. "It means that if I don't sign, you get to rot in jail with me."
            Comprehension bled into Angeal's chiseled features and he gave Lazard an accusing look. "You knew about this. Why didn't you tell me? Why even bother having me sign?"
            "Because your cooperation with the terms of your release is still necessary, if Genesis agrees to sign his name," answered Lazard.
He approached and he set Genesis' coffee on the desk before him, eyeing them both in turn with an unwavering, determined gaze. "I've known the two of you long enough to understand how things work. Where one of you goes, the other is sure to follow. You're both too valuable to risk losing, and I don't just say that because the president thinks so. This department needs you. Things have been falling apart and Sephiroth's recent episode put further cracks in an already damaged structure. I need the three of you to recover from this, and if I have to play hardball to ensure that happens, then by Alexander, that's what I'm going to do."
Lazard straightened up and sighed. "Genesis, you can either sign this document and you can both walk out of this room free of restraints, or you can refuse and you can both return to your cells. I think you know which option I would prefer you take."
Genesis looked at Angeal again, who was staring at Lazard with a look of disappointed betrayal. Unlike his muscular companion, however, Genesis wasn't surprised by the director's ruthlessness. Angeal seemed to forget all too easily that Lazard had plotted with Hollander and Genesis to bring down ShinRa. The redhead fought a sigh. He really despised giving in to anyone, but he hated the thought of Angeal—who had done nothing wrong to begin with—being imprisoned for his sins.
"Well played, Director. It seems you have me by the balls." Genesis straightened up in his chair and reached for the pen resting by the documents. He smirked up at Lazard. "Have a care not to handle them for too long, though. I have a jealous lover."
            Seeing Angeal struggle to keep a straight face in response to that was almost worth the agony of defeat.
~*************************************~

            Zack almost fell over when he opened the door to his new, private quarters and found Angeal and Genesis standing there.
            "Holy shit! They let you out?" He hugged the big man impulsively and Angeal gave him a brief pat before pushing him away.
            "Under certain conditions," answered Angeal. He lifted his foot off the floor a little and pointed down at the electronic device strapped around his boot. Genesis likewise wore one.
"They put trackers on you?" Zack didn't know if he found it funny or upsetting.
            "Yes, they need to keep their pet monsters tagged," groused Genesis. "We can remove them to sleep, shower and change but we have to wear the damned things at all times when we step out of our quarters."
            "It's only temporary," Angeal explained with stoicism typical of him. "The probation period will end when they're satisfied that we're ready to return to our duties."
            "I don't even know why they put you under probation," Genesis sighed at Angeal. "I'm the one they're worried about. You'll go back to being the boyscout you always were."
            "They're doing it for the same reason they put the additional stipulation on your release papers," Angeal reasoned, "to ensure cooperation."
            "What are you guys talking about?" Zack asked, brows knitting in confusion. "Oh, and come on in."
            The two older men complied with the invitation and once Zack shut and locked the door behind them, they explained further.
            "The company was worried that Genesis wouldn't cooperate with the terms of release drawn up for him," Angeal said with a sidelong look at his companion. "So they made my release dependant upon his cooperation."
            Zack winced. "Ouch. That's freaking harsh."
            "You think?" Genesis was frowning unhappily.
            "It isn't important," insisted Angeal. "We've procured our release and with any luck, things can start settling down again soon. We'll get our weapons and access levels back once the probation period is finished."
            "So can I stop stalking the general now?" Zack requested. "I mean, since you guys are out and you can help me keep an eye on him."
            Angeal shook his head regretfully. "I'm sorry Zack, but I need you to shoulder this responsibility for a while longer. The president has ordered us to travel with Lazard to Junon, tomorrow. There's going to be a summit meeting between departments there and he wants us to attend, since Sephiroth is on vacation from his duties."
            Zack's face screwed up. "Why you guys? How are you supposed to be Lazard's bodyguards if they won't even let you have your swords?"
            "Soldiers don't need weapons to do damage, Zack," Angeal frowned at him. "I thought you knew that, by now."
            Zack scratched the back of his head and fidgeted self-consciously. "Well yeah, but when someone's coming at you with something sharp and pointy, it helps to have something sharp and pointy yourself to fight back with, right?"
            Angeal chuckled. "Don't worry, Zack. I don't think Lazard will be attacked."
            "We're being sent with him as a message," Genesis surmised. "The president wants to show us off, no doubt. Our presence is more for company moral than for Lazard's protection."
            "Why do you have to be so cynical?" Zack demanded of the redhead. "Maybe they're just trying to make a gesture...show you they want you back in."
            "Genesis is right," Angeal sighed.
            The redhead looked at him with surprise. "You agree with me, then? I admit I expected more protest from you."
            Angeal nodded grimly and leaned against the wall. "I'm not going to delude myself. President Shinra likes to flaunt his power whenever he can. Sending us there with Lazard is his way of giving his people the message that he's in complete control."
            "Yes, seeing us there with our little...anklets—" Genesis shook his foot irritably, "—will assure the suits that even those who turn on ShinRa will eventually be reigned in and reformed...like good little slaves."
            Angeal put a hand on Genesis' shoulder and squeezed it supportively. "Easy, Gen. Don't let it get to you."
            Zack couldn't blame Genesis for his anger and frustration. Seeing the two of them treated like unruly dogs chapped his ass, too. "Old man Shinra's a real dickhead."
            "True," agreed Genesis, "but then, he's a businessman. They're all generally dickheads, to a certain extent."
            Angeal neither agreed nor disagreed. He had other concerns on his mind. "Can we count on you to watch over Sephiroth for a while longer, Zack?"
            Zack nodded. "I can do that for you, Ange. Just keep Gen-Gen from tearing someone's face off."
            Genesis scowled at Zack's new nickname for him.
~*************************************~

-To be continued
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Darkened Skies