Welcome to Talliya's Domain
Level Up
Story Summary: Xeria Free becomes a SOLDIER under the guidance of Genesis Raphsodos.
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Rating: PG13
Pairings: None
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Other Notes: Created with Musician-of-the-Stars.
Chapter 1
“Hey ‘Geal?” Genesis knocked on his office door to get his attention.
Looking up Angeal smiled at his best friend, “Yeah?”
“Um, would you and Zack like to come over for dinner tonight? There’s someone I would like you to meet.”
“Sure, Zack never passes up food. And I’ll always be there if you need me. You know that.” Angeal smiled at him.
“Thanks, dinner’s at seven.” With that the redhead moved off down the hallway.
Angeal went back to work, finishing the report he had been writing. Once it was done and sent off to Lazard he stood up and went in search of his Puppy. He found him hanging out with Kunsel and what seemed to be a Cadet. “Hey Zack. Genesis has invited us over for dinner at seven.”
Zack turned to face him with an excited bounce, “Awesome! Free food!”
The two boys next to him and Angeal chuckled, “Make sure you’re ready to go by then alright?”
Zack nodded and Angeal headed back to his office. He had more reports to go over.
Xeria is getting ready in Genesis’ apartment. She’d finished up her afternoon training a few hours ago and is now working on cooking dinner for herself, Genesis, and the two people he’d invited over.
She’s incredibly nervous because the people he’s invited over are Angeal Hewley and Zack Fair. She was nervous enough meeting Genesis for the first time but to meet another general and his student has her on edge. She’d looked up to the three Generals for years before she was old enough to join SOLDIER. She’s just glad that General Sephiroth is away on a mission at the moment because if he was at home he would have been invited over as well and she’s not sure if she could handle meeting him too on top of all this.
She’d grown up in a backwater town high up in the mountains without many friends, solely because there weren’t many other kids her age and those that were her age tended to avoid her because of her appearance. She’d greatly admired the three Generals and knew she wanted to be like them some day, to be strong and able to protect those she loved and to help as many people as possible.
She checks that the food in the oven is cooking properly and the timer is set to go off at the right time then goes to change into some clean clothes. She’d already showered after getting back from her training so she just needs to wash up from cooking a bit. She pulls on some black pants and a simple blue shirt with a grey vest over top.
She brushes her hair and braids it neatly as well. One she’s convinced she looks presentable, she heads back to the kitchen just as the timer beeps. she takes the lasagna out, lowering the temperature and popping in the cheesy garlic bread so it can stay warm while she waits for everyone to arrive. She once again checks the desert she’d made, a simple yellow cake with chocolate chips in it. It’s a simple recipe but it tastes absolutely heavenly, especially with a bit of sugar sprinkled on top to create a slightly crunchy top layer of sweetness.
Needing something to keep her busy lest she pace a hole in the floor, she goes to straighten the place settings on the table for the third time as she waits for everyone to arrive.
Angeal clocked off at six-thirty and headed to his apartment to get changed for dinner. He certainly wasn’t going to wear his uniform to a friendly gathering outside of work. He took a quick shower and pulled on a pair of old jeans and green t-shirt. He traded his boots for black tennis shoes and grabbed a jean jacket before leaving, just in case it was raining when he came back home.
He stopped by Zack’s and grabbed the hyperactive boy out of a nap. “You ready?”
Zack nodded sleepily, he’d gone with Kunsel and Cloud to prank the Turks… he was tired from having to hold still so long so they wouldn’t get caught. It took a lot of effort for him to remain still! He had come back to his apartment and changed into a blue turtleneck and black slacks, knowing that Genesis was a bit of a priss and would want him too look nice in his home.
“Good, come on. We don’t want to be late.” They walked the short distance to Genesis’ apartment and knocked on the door.
Genesis is home by now and answers the door. “Come in you two. I want to introduce you soon before the poor girl tears her hair out from nerves,” He says in a low voice, not wanting Xeria to hear.
He leads them to the living room and says he’ll be right back before going to the kitchen to fetch Xeria. Xeria is removing the cheesy garlic bread from the oven after hearing them arrive at the door. She’s checking that it didn’t burn at all when Genesis comes in. “They’re here. They’re waiting in the living room.”
Xeria bites her lip nervously. “Should I bring them drinks or something?” she asks anxiously.
Genesis sighs and places a hand on her shoulder, “Relax, Xeria. They aren’t going to bite your head off. They’re nice people. The worst you might have to deal with it getting hugged by Zack and that’s just because he might knock you over in his enthusiasm.”
She nods and takes a deep breath as she’s lead into the living room. “Angeal, Zack, I would like you to meet my new student, Xeria Free. Xeria this is Angeal Hewley and his student Zack Fair.”
Xeria bows nervously saying, “It’s nice to meet you!” She’s so nervous that she practically yells the words and mentally smacks herself, not even sure why she bowed. Probably to avoid looking them in the eye. Gaia damn her nerves. Why does she get so anxious about meeting new people?
Angeal and Zack follow Genesis to his living room and simply wait for the man and this other person to return. Upon being introduced to the young girl Angeal smiles gently at her. “It is nice to meet you as well.” He turned to face Genesis and poked a bit of fun at him, “I didn’t think you would ever take on a student of your own.”
Zack bounded over to the obviously shy girl and stuck out a hand, “I’m Zack, nice to meet you! Xeria’s a pretty name. It suits you.”
Xeria jerks up and back a bit at Zacks sudden approach, her eyes a bit wide. “U-um, th-thank you. It’s n-nice to meet you t-too.” She says accepting his hand.
Genesis sighs fondly, “I know but when I heard there was a Third with an unnaturally high affinity for Materia I knew I at least had to meet them, especially after what Hojo did when he got his hands on the last time a Third showed this much promise with Materia. I just couldn’t let that bastard get his hands on her.” he says.
Xeria looks at him nervously, “Who exactly is this Hojo guy. You’ve mentioned him before but no one will give me a straight answer as to who he is. They just say to avoid him as much as possible.”
Zack smiled at her as she stuttered, the girl was totally adorable. However his smile faded at the mention of Hojo, Angeal’s did as well.
“Yes, that last one was bad.” Angeal smiled down at Xeria again, “Don’t worry, with us around he won’t be able to bother you. Though to answer your question… Hojo is one of the scientists here. He takes great pleasure in hurting and corrupting people for his experiments. We all kind of hate him… a lot.”
Xeria’s mouth forms a neat little o at Angeal’s explanation of the man. She had never imagined there would be someone so horrible in the world.
“Oh no. That’s horrible. W-wait though. I’m pretty sure I’m scheduled to see him for my first Mako infusion tomorrow. You don’t think he would try to hurt me during the procedure would he?” She asks anxious.
Angeal froze, “Well, we’re changing that right now.”
“Yeah, you don’t want to see him for it. Not that he would hurt you or anything during the procedure, but once he saw you he would know who you are. And that seems to be what General Rhapsodos was trying to avoid.” Zack explained as Angeal pulled out his PHS and dialed a number.
“This is General Hewley, I would like to make a change to the Mako injection roster.” He paused as he listened to the other end of the line. “Yes, there is a Xeria Free on Hojo’s list?” He waited for confirmation, “Yes, I would like her moved to Hollander please. As she is now General Rhapsodos’ mentee it will make it easier if she sees the same person.” There was another long pause as he waited to hear back. “Yes, the same time slot will be fine. That’s alright, he can do mine at the same time, it’s not a problem.”
Finally hanging up he put his PHS back in his pocket and looked back at them. “Well that’s taken care of. You’ll see Hollander instead. And since it’s the same time slot I had already I can make sure Hojo doesn’t try to get you anyway.” He turned to Genesis, “I hope that’s alright.”
Xeria is surprised at his sudden statement and tries to stop him from pulling out his phone. She doesn’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble for them.
Once he puts up the phone Genesis nods. “Yes that should be fine. I’ll be there as well since it’s best to have someone to look after you for your injections, especially the first time since we don’t know how you’ll react. Remember the time Sephiroth learned to knit after his injection and went on a two day knitting spree while his body adjusted and then was surprised to find himself surrounded by scarfs when he came out of his daze?” He says chuckling to Angeal.
“A-are you sure it’s not a bother for you? I don’t want to be a burden or anything,” Xeria tells them.
Angeal chuckled, “I do, did you know that he still occasionally knits? He makes scarfs and blankets for the orphans in the slums.”
“No way?!” Zack looked from one to the other in shock.
“Yep, and it’s no trouble at all Miss Free. With you being mentored by Gen you’re now one of us. I just hope we don’t drive you insane.” Angeal smiled down at her.
“Yeah! One more for the par-tay!” Zack pumped a fist into the air and gave a little jump. “Now if we could just convince General Silver Hair to take up the Chocobo we’d be set for life!”
“Chocobo?” Angeal turned to his student.
Zack blushed, “Um, yeah, that Cadet I was talking to. His Instructors keep saying he’s not going to make it because he’s too scrawny so they’re wanting to send him to be Infantry.” He rubbed the back of his head and looked off to the side sheepishly.
“What were you, he and Kunsel doing anyway?” Angeal asked, he’d been wondering about it the whole time.
Zack’s whole face turned the color of Genesis coat, “Um, we pulled a prank on the Turks.”
Angeal face-palmed and shook his head. “I’ll deal with you later. What smells so good?”
Xeria is relieved to hear that she isn’t a burden. She’s not sure how to react to being told she’s an official member of their group now. These are the men she looked up to for years after all. It’d be overwhelming for anybody.
She perks up when she hears Zack mention Cloud. “Do you mean Cloud Strife? I’ve met him before. He joined the Cadets a bit before I made Third Class.”
“He’s a really nice kid and he’s got a whole bunch of potential, he just needs a bit of specialized help. Unfortunately the way the system is set up he probably won’t get that help,” she says, a bit sad for her friend.
At Angeal’s questions about the smell, she blushes and tells them. “I cooked dinner for everybody. I made lasagna and cheesy garlic bread. I hope that’s okay with you two. Neither of you guys have any allergies do you? Oh man I should have asked about that before I made dinner.“ She smacks the side of her head, feeling incredibly stupid for forgetting to ask if either of them were allergic to anything. It would be just her luck to make something that they were allergic to for the dinner she’d made in the hopes of making a good impression.
“You know Chocobohead?! Awesome, I knew I liked you.” Zack flung an arm around her shoulders, “We don’t have any food allergies that I know about, and dinner sounds amazing!”
Angeal chuckled, “No, no allergies. And all of that sounds delicious. You really didn’t have to cook for us. To be honest, I’m used to doing the cooking when Genesis invites me over.” He smirked at his best friend, receiving a shrug in return.
Xeria jumps a bit at his arm suddenly landing around her shoulders. She nods and gives a relieved smile at hearing they have no food allergies. “Good I would hate to have made something you couldn’t eat.”
She blushes and shrugs, “I don’t mind. I enjoy cooking and I want to make a good impression. Why don’t you guys head to the table and I’ll bring the food out?” She suggests, politely ducking out from under Zack’s arm and heading to the kitchen to bring the food to the table.
Angeal smiles at her as Zack nods and bounds over to the dining room table.
“I can help you if you’d like.” He says as he follows her into the kitchen. “And I’ll stay to help clean up afterwards as well.”
“No need I can carry them myself. Thank you for your offer though. I might take you up on your offer to help clean up.” She tells him, gently tapping the pan the lasagna is in to test it before finding it hot to the touch so she dons some baking mitts before bringing it to the table and hurrying back to fetch the bread as well.
“Here we are. The lasagna might still be a little hot so be careful. The bread should be fine though,” she tells them, taking her seat beside Genesis.
Angeal could do nothing but nod and sit down at the table. He grabbed himself a slice of the bread before Zack had a chance to attack the food spread across the table. Then he cut himself a square of lasagna and sat back down.
“It looks delicious.” Angeal sat back with a smile and watched everyone else dig into their food. He ate slowly enjoying the meal. He looked up and over at Xeria with a smile, “Tastes that way too.”
Zack was inhaling the food he had grabbed, but paused for a moment, swallowed and looked over to the girl. “Yeah, this is really amazing. Thank you for making dinner.”
Xeria is relieved when none of them make disgusted faces at their first bites. She starts to eat her own share as well.
She blushes at the compliments to her food. “Thank you and I’m really glad you guys like it. I hope you save room for dessert. I made something for that too.” She tells them.
She’s finally starting to feel a bit more at ease around them.
Zack dramatically puts a hand to his chest and looks at her with abject adoration, “I love you. Dessert, Angeal, did you hear? A woman after my own heart.”
Angeal whapped him in the back of the head lightly, “I very much doubt that she’s ‘after your heart’ Fair.” He chuckled though, “Though depending on what she made… I might actually have to agree with you.”
Xeria can’t help but laugh at Zack’s dramatic display, Genesis snickers as well. “Puppy, you’ll be lucky if you can get a chihuahua chasing after you,” he teases.
“Well, you three will just have to wait until dinner is done and the plates are cleared to see what I made. I can almost guarantee you’ll like it though. It’s an old family recipe.”
Zack laughed and mock glared at Genesis, “Oh, I’m sure I could get a Golden Retriever or a Saint Bernard.”
Angeal snorted, quickly covering his face with a hand and trying to not let wine come out his nose. “I can’t wait to see what it is you’ve made.”
He smiled across the table at Xeria and continued to eat his food.
She nods and says, “I look forward to you guys having it. I love sharing recipes and food from my home town. We’re pretty isolated so the food can get pretty unique.” She explains.
Once they finish dinner and Xeria puts away the leftovers and everyone clears away their plates. She gets out the cake and cuts everyone a piece, making Zacks a bit bigger since she figures he’ll love it and ask for more anyway.
Chapter 2
“She even gave me a bigger piece!” Zack exclaimed before jumping from his chair and hugging Xeria in a quick burst of movement. Then he settled back down and began to eat it, closing his eyes and slumping to set his chin on the table fork sticking out of his mouth still, a blissful smile crossing his face.
Angeal chuckled and shook his head before taking his own bite. A blissful expression of his own appearing he closed his eyes and savored the sugary goodness. “Seph is gonna be sad he missed out on this. This is wonderful Xeria, thank you.” Angeal told her, finally opening his eyes to look across the table at her.
Xeria laughs at Zack’s expression. Genesis’ is equally blissful when he takes his first bite. “You’re right 'Geal. He’s really gonna regret missing this.”
“I can save him a piece or make it again when he returns from his mission if you think he’d like it.” Xeria tells them.
Angeal smiled at her, “I think he would love it. Though, I’m not sure when he will be back. Actually, since you seem to know this Cadet as well. Do you think it would be beneficial if we asked Sephiroth to be, what was his name again? Cloud? Anyway, if Seph would be his mentor?”
Angeal had been thinking about what they had said earlier about how the program was set up. That it was more of a failure than he’d thought. And if the Instructors were more willing to foist Cadets off to be Infantry than they were to train them like they were supposed to. Then Angeal was going to overhaul the damned program and replace Instructors. It wouldn’t do any good to have people teaching when they didn’t want to be.
“Well then I’ll make some more when he returns. And maybe we can invite the Cadet over. His name is Cloud Strife. He’s such a sweet guy. I really hope that the General agrees to take him on because he has so much potential but the instructors don’t have time to give him the one on one instruction he needs,” she tells them.
Once everyone is done their cake Xeria stands up. “Anyone want coffee or anything? I’m going to start cleaning up so you guys can go sit in the living room. I’ll join you when I have everything in the kitchen.”
Angeal nodded, it would seem it was time to finally convince Sephiroth to take on training a Cadet. Hopefully now that Genesis had done so it would be easier to do. He hoped so at least. He smiled at her and rose from his seat to help clear the table. Then he set himself up to put leftovers in the fridge and help with washing the dishes. “As I said before, I’ll help with the cleaning. And I won’t be brushed aside this time.”
Zack bounced his way over to the couch and flipped on the television. He sat there flipping through channels trying to find something good to watch.
Xeria smiles. “Thanks, Angeal. I appreciate it. There’s not too much washing since I washed stuff as I used it. I found it makes cleaning up a whole lot easier at the end.” She tells him.
She lets her mind wander as she washes up, thinking about the blonde Cadet. He’s a good kid and she looks forward to getting to introduce him to Angeal, Genesis and Sephiroth even if she’s super nervous about meeting the General herself.
Angeal nodded, “So it does.”
He set himself to drying the dishes and putting them away as Xeria washed them. Once they were finished he turned to her and asked, “So, you have anything else planned for ‘making a good impression’?”
He couldn’t help teasing her a bit, though he hoped he didn’t make her too flustered.
Xeria blushes at his question and scratches the back of her neck. Not really. There’s not much else I’m good at besides cooking and Materia,“ she tells him.
"That is a blatant lie. You are a very talented young lady, Xeria. You can play the violin like a pro and you can apparently play that odd piano instrument with two sets of keys that I can’t remember the name to. Not to mention your excellent at making things with your hands and you write your own music,” Genesis butts in.
Xeria blushes and groans. “Genesis, stop. I’m not that talented. Knowing how to play an instrument isn’t that crazy and I just know how to carve things. It’s not like that’s anything impressive.”
Angeal smiled at the blushing girl and then looked over to his best friend, “All that huh? Makes me and Zack look like a couple of lazy bums.”
“Hey! That’s not fair. I can do things other than fight with a sword, use Materia and be hyper!” Zack yelled from his place on the couch.
“Oh? Like what, fall through ceilings and making young girls go on dates with you?” Angeal snickered before turning back to Xeria, “I would love to hear you play some time. I enjoy music the way Genesis enjoys Loveless.”
“Yeah, like an old man who has nothing better to do with his spare time.” Zack grumbled from the couch.
Xeria chuckles at Zack’s reaction. “I would be happy to play for you sometime. Perhaps I can get my violin out and play for you.”
“It’s not really impressive anyway. My village was a very musical place. The winters got very cold, and sometimes when the storms were bad, we’d gather in the town hall and play music together and have a party to last the night together.”
Angeal smiled, “That sounds like fun. The closest we ever got to something like a party was throwing apples at each other.” He chuckled at the memory.
Zack bounced around on the couch until his chin was resting on the back and he was watching them, an excited grin on his face. “I wanna hear you play! I wanna hear you play!”
“Well it was partly to help keep the kids calm since some were afraid of the storms and partially to keep everyone safe since it wasn’t uncommon for mountain lions and bears come closer to town. There is a pack of wolves that keep my family's house and are safe and somewhat the rest of the town too but it's still safer to have everyone gathered together.” She explains.
She laughs at Zack’s antics as she dries and puts away the last plate. “Alright alright. I’ll go get my Violin. I can wash the counter and sink later Angeal. Thanks for your help with the dishes though. You can wait with Zack and Gen in the other room.” She tells him as she goes to the other room.
Zack looks at Genesis. “You let her call you Gen? It took me four months before i could call you Gen without getting fireballed.”
Angeal just shook his head and continued cleaning the kitchen listening as Zack whined to Genesis.
Genesis chuckled, “She’s special, you’re just an annoying puppy.”
Zack pouted, “Meanie.”
“Oh? Would the Puppy like to be fireballed again? I can certainly arrange it.” His palm lit up with an orange glow.
“Nonononononono, that’s okay!” Zack ducked into the couch quickly trying to hide from the redhead.
Xeria soon returns with an old well worn violin case. She sets it down on the coffee table and opens it, taking out an old but beautiful violin.
She takes a few minutes to make sure it’s properly tuned before asking. “Do either of you have any requests?”
“No requests really. How about you play your favorite song?” Angeal suggested and Zack nodded his head in eager agreement. Angeal was in awe with how well taken care of the instrument seemed to be, she obviously cared for it a lot.
“Hmm let me think. Oh I've got one. It's from Anastasia called Once Upon a December.” She says before positioning herself and beginning to play. It’s a beautiful song and it’s played with a skill that shows just how much time and effort she’s put into practicing her violin.
Angeal sat on the loveseat in Genesis’ living room as Xeria got ready and listened attentively as she played. It was a beautiful piece and had him closing his eyes and relaxing into the cushions with a soft smile on his face. Even Zack settled down, turning the t.v. off in order to listen to her play.
She hums along and after a moment sings the lyrics as she plays the tune. It's one of her favorites and she can play it with her eyes closed. She ends up doing just that as she gets lost in playing the song.
All three men sat enthralled and didn’t even notice when the song ended, content to stay where they were and relax. Angeal’s active mind wandered trying to remember the last time he had felt so relaxed, it ultimately failed to recall such a time however.
Zack had fallen asleep to the soothing music his arms dangling over the back of the couch his head laid across it. Genesis sat elegantly in a chair a soft smile on his face, his eyes unfocused as he let his mind drift.
Xeria smiles and lets out a small laugh when she finishes and sees that they’re so relaxed and Zack has fallen asleep. Genesis opens his eyes and smiles at her when he hears her giggle.
“Wow, Xeria. You had told me you played Violin but I never knew you could play so well.” He says.
Xeria blushes and replies, “I’m not that great. Anyone can play so long as they practice enough.”
“Don’t undermine yourself.” Angeal’s voice came out a bit gruffly. “Just accept the compliment for what it is. You play wonderfully. And I’m certain that even if I practiced forever, I’d never play that well.”
Genesis snorted, “Only because you’re tone deaf.” He looked back at Xeria, “Never ask him to sing. Just don’t.”
Angeal pouted in his seat, with puppy dog eyes and a quivering lower lip, as he gazed at his best friend. “You don’t need to be mean Gen.”
Xeria laughs at their exchange. “I’m sure you’re not that terrible, Angeal. Now, how about I play a another. You guys have any requests?” She asks smiling.
She feels so much more relaxed now than she was when they first got there. Angeal is such a kind man and Zack is so nice that it’s impossible for her to be nervous anymore.
She’s glad that Genesis introduced her to them. She can’t wait to get to know them both better.
“I still haven’t any requests.” Angeal stated before covering a huge yawn. He grinned over at his Puppy as the boy let out a light snore. “Though we should probably get out of your hair. I’m sure all of us could do with a good night’s sleep.”
“Alright. I’ll put my violin away then.” She says quickly and carefully packing it up in a way that shows just how much care she has for the object. She smiles at Zack’s light snoring and chuckles. “Okay, it was really lovely meeting you both. I look forward to getting to know you both better.”
“I as well.” Angeal responded before hefting himself out of his seat and walking over the smack Zack lightly on the arm. “Time to go sleepy-head.”
Zack snorted and jerked his head up as he was smacked, “Huh, wha~?” He looked around the room for a moment before registering where he was, then looked up at Angeal. “Huh?”
“It’s time to go.”
“Oh, okay.” They kid got up from the couch and went to shake hands with Genesis and then Xeria, ever overly polite when he was half asleep.
Xeria can't help but laugh at Zack’s half asleep actions. “After training tomorrow you can come over and have more of the cake if you’d like. There’s too much left for Genesis and me to finish on our own.” She tells him.
“Ah that reminds me,” Genesis says, “Angeal I've been called for a week long mission in Kalm next week and Xeria isn’t a high enough rank to join me yet. I was hoping you could take over her training while I'm gone. If it's not too much to ask.”
“Not a problem. Let me know what your schedule looks like, and I’ll help where I can.” Angeal smiled at his best friend and his new mentee.
“Night guys.” Zack said stretching before having to cover a huge yawn with his hands as he headed for the door.
Angeal chuckled, “Here, I’ll give you PHS number so you can get a hold of me. And my office is always open.” He said to Xeria while he moved over to a writing desk against one wall and pulled out a slip of paper and something to write with.
“Alright. I’ll stop by your office after training so we can discuss it,” Genesis Replies.
Xeria is surprised at him leaving her his number. She smiles though and says, “Thank you, Angeal. I’ll keep that in mind and do my best not to overuse it.”
They both wave goodbye as he and Zack leave. The next day, true to his word, Genesis knocks on Angeal’s door early afternoon. He walks in without waiting for an answer and say, “So, about you training Xeria while I’m away. You wouldn’t have to do too much just keep an eye on her and make sure her form is good and she’s pacing herself properly when using Materia. She tends to use up her Mana too quickly.”
Angeal looked up at the knock on his door groggily, he was tired, he had walked Zack home and then found his way to his own bed. But if felt like only a few seconds had passed before his alarm was getting him up. Then he had come into work to find several massive piles of reports on his desk, he still had one left and he had yet to take a break to eat anything. His energy was at an all time low. Seeing Genesis he smiled though, the man launching into speech before even fully entering the room.
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t overtax herself.” Angeal said gently as his brain finally focused and he understood what Genesis was telling him.
Genesis realizes how exhausted and weary Angeal is as soon as the other responds. He sighs, a small knowing smile on his lips as he tells Angeal, “Well we have to make sure you don’t over exert yourself. How long has it been since you took a break or have eaten? Come on, I’m about to go get some food for me and Xeria tonight and you are coming with me. Don’t think you can get out of it either. You’re coming with me mister.”
Angeal smiled tiredly up at him from his seat, “Sounds good. I haven’t had anything but the coffee I drank before I came in. Not the best of role models today I’m afraid.”
He gave a huge yawn that he covered with a hand and an embarrassed wince, then stood up and moved around his desk to join Genesis. As his mind slowly shifted from work-mode he realized that his stomach was being quite vocal and he blushed.
Genesis gives a quiet chuckle at Angeal’s yawn and his stomach growling, trust his friend to forget to eat when he gets wrapped up in work. “We can discuss Xeria’s training on the way to the restaurant,” he says as he hooks his arm with his friend’s and leads him out of the office.
“So, I’ve been training Xeria in how to use a smaller blade than a broadsword, since she’s much better suited to a fighting style like Mine or Sephiroth’s than the typical broadsword centered style that SOLDIERs are usually taught and what you’re teaching Zack. She’s also learning to pace herself and build up her inner Mana reservoir. She’s been working with the usual attack Materia first. I want to build up her Mana with those first before having her work with the more defensive or healing Materia,” He tells Angeal as they make their way towards the restaurant.
Angeal grins at his friend and allows himself to be led away arm-in-arm. “Alright, while I’m not sure how much help I can be with the sword side, other than being an opponent, I can certainly help her with the Mana build up. I should work on my own anyway.” He mentally winced as he recalled how quickly his own well would run out in practice matches against Sephiroth or Genesis. “What restaurant are we going to?”
“That’s fine. I was going to ask if we could have her spare with you or Zack sometime soon anyway. She needs to become adjusted to fighting against enemies with different fighting styles than her own. So having her spare with you will be good practice for her.” He replies. At Angeal’s question he replies, “A Wutain place under the plate. Sephiroth apparently found it while hiding out from some of his more rabid fans and the food is apparently very good.”
“I’m sure Zack would have no problem sparing with her whenever she would like.” Angeal perked up at hearing they were going for Wutain food, it was his favorite. “Wutain food is good.”
Chapter 3
Genesis nods. “I know. Xeria enjoys it a lot as well. I swear she could live off of nothing but dumplings.” He tells Angeal chuckling. He suddenly remembers something and adds, “Also next week, Xeria is scheduled to get her first Mako injections. She was supposed to get them three weeks ago but there was a scheduling error and I refuse to let her go to Hojo. Do you mind taking her and watching over her afterwards. I don’t know how she’ll react to them but it would put my mind at ease if you were to watch over her.”
“You are so forgetful! One of the first things we did last night was change her appointment with Hojo today to one with Hollander. She’ll be getting her first injection when I get my newest one this afternoon. I’ll look out for her, don’t worry.” Angeal shook his head at his friend. How quickly he forgot schedules, it was honestly surprising he’d made it to the rank he had. “Also, dumplings are the best.”
“Oh yes. I guess this news about the sudden mission has frazzled me a bit. I wish I could stay until after she’s recovered from the shot but they want me shipped out tomorrow morning at four am. I hope it’s not too much to ask that she stays with you or Zack or that you stay with her in my apartment until she recovers. You recall how horrible the first week on the stuff is.” He says, grateful that his friend is willing to watch over Xeria. He cares about the girl and wants to keep her safe from Hojo after what happened to the last Third who showed so much potential with Materia. At Angeal’s comment about dumplings he laughs. “You two and your dumplings I swear.”
Soon they arrive at the Wutain place and pick up the food that Genesis had ordered and start heading back toward the ShinRa building.
Angeal smiled at him, “She’s welcome to stay with me if she wants to. Dumplings are good.” He shrugged his shoulders as he kept pace with his friend. As they turned and started back he asked, “What’d you order?”
“Seafood Mai Fung. It’s quite delicious.” Genesis replies. When they arrive at Genesis’ office where they can eat, they find Xeria waiting for them, reading a book on one of the couches Genesis has in his office.
She looks up and smiles, “Hello Angeal. I see Genesis got you to join us for lunch.”
“Seafood?” Angeal made a face, he didn’t really like seafood that much, but that was okay, he’d eat just about anything right now. And seafood was good for you, so he mentally shrugged and continued to walk with Genesis to his office.
Angeal smiled down at her, “That he did. You ready for this afternoon?” He was glad that she didn’t revert back to calling him General or General Hewley after having been introduced the previous night. It actually meant a lot to him that she was able to simply relax and talk to him like he was a normal person. He moved over to one of the other seats in the room and sat down.
“Yes, I was wary about it first but it’s actually quite delicious.” He replies. He starts getting the food out and setting the different containers on the coffee table.
At his question Xeria scratches the back of her neck and tells him, “To be honest I’m really nervous about it. Genesis told me that the first injections are really tough to get through and that everyone reacts differently. So I’m a bit worried about how my body will react.”
“How your body reacts isn’t really what we’re looking out for, though it is a variable. What we’re really concerned about it how it will affect you mentally. With myself, I tend to become rude and overly snarky, Zack is quiet and generally extremely sleepy. Genesis here tends to get depressed, and Sephiroth would run around trying to hug everyone in sight if we didn’t confine him to his room.” Angeal confided, “Considering all of that, we’re pretty sure that the injections bring out the opposite side of our personalities… and if you aren’t prepared for what that could be… well some newly made 3rds have gone crazy from it. It’s part of why we’ve been trying to make sure that there are 2nd’s paired up with those taking their first injection to become 3rds. That way there’s someone there to explain what could happen.”
He sighed and sat back into the seat, “Though how it physically changes you has some bearing as well. For Seph and, what was that kid’s name? Kunsel? Injections cause them severe pain, or it could make you sick. Honestly, I wish we never had to take them.”
Xeria grows more frightened the more he describes it. Genesis sits besides her and rubs her back comfortingly. “It doesn’t always cause bad things. It can also cause strange behavior like sometimes Sephiroth will get his and then he will hyper-focus on something and won’t pay attention to anything else until it wears down. Once he focused on knitting and made a ton of scarves. He knit for two days straight.” He tells her. The mental image of the general surrounded by a sea of scarves does make Xeria chuckle a bit.
Genesis smiles, relieved to have helped her calm down. “Whatever happens, Angeal and Zack are going to look after you and if anything goes wrong and if you need me I’ll be just a phone call away.”
Xeria nods feeling much calmer about it. “Thank you. I’m grateful to know I have your support.”
“I’m sorry Xeria, I didn’t mean to make it seems so awful.” Angeal sat up feeling lower than dirt for obviously frightening the girl. “I would plead being tired… but that’s no excuse. Can you forgive me?”
Xeria nods giving him a smile. “It’s fine, Angeal. I’m just on edge. The other thirds were telling me horror stories about their first injections to mess with me earlier and I guess they kind of got to me. I’m also not a huge fan of needles so that doesn’t really help things. I’m really grateful that you’ll be there to help me. One question though. How are you going to be helping me if you’re going to be getting your booster at the same time as I get my first injection.”
Angeal returned her smile, glad that she wasn’t upset with him. He chuckled at her question however, “I’ll just be really snarky. Don’t worry, once Zack is finished with his lessons he’ll be there to help out. So it shouldn’t be too bad. Though if it would make you feel better, I could ask that he be released from them to go with us.”
“No I won’t take him away from his lesson. I can deal with a little snark. My older brother can turn into a snark master when he’s annoyed so I’ve had plenty of experience with it. Besides, his lesson should finish just as we’re getting done with the injections so he can come help us back to the apartment.”
Angeal grinned at her, “That’s true. Let’s eat! Before I die of hunger.” Though he had to wonder how she knew Zack’s schedule, but he wouldn’t put it past the 2nd to have told her.
Xeria nods in agreement and they all dug into their food. Xeria gets a text as the meal is finishing and chuckles at it. “Cloud’s wishing me luck with my first injections.”
Angeal looked up as he finished eating, “That reminds me, we’ll have to talk to Seph about him when he returns tomorrow. Or I guess I will, since Gen over here will be gone.” He sat back in his seat, content with his now full stomach. It was nice that she had friends to wish her luck.
Xeria nods. “I thought he didn’t get back until next week?” She asks a bit confused. Her phone beeps again with the alarm telling her to head down to the science department for her injections.
Angeal looked back over at her, “I got an e-mail this morning saying he would be back tomorrow afternoon.” Just then his own alarm went off, “Well, shall we?” He rose from his chair and offered a hand to Xeria.
Xeria nods, accepting his offered hand as well. Genesis says he’ll join them, wanting to stay with them while they get the injections and make sure they back to Angeal and Zack’s apartment safely. They walk down towards the science department with Xeria becoming more quiet and nervous with each step. Genesis puts a hand on her shoulder to show he’s there to support her.
Angeal pauses just before the lab door and turns to face her, “It’ll be okay, I can go first if you’d like? And just think, after this you get the rest of the day off!” He grins and opens the door gesturing for the two of them to proceed him.
Xeria gives a small smile and nods. “Alright.” She follows him inside where they’re greeted by Heidegger who comments, “It’s good to finally get to meet you. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a Third who showed so much promise with Materia.” His words make Xeria nervous.
Angeal’s eyebrow rose as he entered the room behind her, “Is there a reason you’re here Sir? You don’t usually care about any of the SOLDIER recruits until they make 2nd Class.” Angeal didn’t particularly like Heidegger, and he despised the man’s laugh. He had also never taken an interest in ANY SOLDIER, even the 1sts and 2nds… the 1sts met him because they had to a meetings. Otherwise the man didn’t care. Like the Infantry they were expendable… so saying what Angeal had was him being nice. But he had to wonder why the idiot was here now.
“I was told that the third who Genesis took in was coming in for her first injections at the same time as you. It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in on your status anyway and I believed it would be beneficial to meet this new third. I will only be observing today though.” He replies as the aid in the room shows Xeria to the table where she’ll be administered the injection. She hesitates when she sees the restraints on the table.
The aid explains, “The restraints are only a precaution. Some SOLDIER’s bodies react with muscle spasms or they become violent during the administering of the injection. The restraints are to make sure the SOLDIERs do not harm themselves or others. Since this is your first time receiving them they’re there simple as a precaution since we don’t know how your body will react.”
Angeal’s eyes narrowed, there was no reason for Heidegger of all people to ‘observe’ someone getting a shot, Mako or otherwise. “I will have to insist that you leave the room Sir. Mako injections, as was just explained, can have dangerous effects. For your safety, I’ll have to ask you to observe from the other side of the glass.”
He turned to Xeria, “It will be alright. Don’t be scared.” He watched as Genesis moved over to her side, standing between her and Heidegger. He held the door open and waited for Heidegger to leave. If the man didn’t do so of his own accord, Angeal would remove him. They didn’t need more reason for the first timer to stress out.
Heidegger rolls his eyes, “Please. I handled the two of you when you were first getting your injections and Genesis would routinely set the lab on fire back then. I think I can handle a simple third, but as it is protocol I will wait behind the glass. I’m interested to see how she’ll react to the injections. I wish we could keep SOLDIERS under observation while they’re adjusting to the shots, but alas ShinRa changed that policy after Hojo screwed up with a round of thirds.”
He then goes behind the glass and Xeria is able to relax, if only minutely. She lays on the table and the lab aid straps her to it, checking with her with each strap to make sure they aren’t tight enough to hurt her. They don’t bother strapping Angeal down as they know he won’t react violently. “Are you both ready?” He asks, preparing the needle for Angeal first.
‘As I’ll ever be,’ Angeal thought to himself but, “I am ready.” Is the answer he gives. The aid nodded curtly and gave him the shot before preparing a new one for Xeria. Other than flexing his muscles as the Mako hit his system Angeal didn’t really react. And as long as no one asked him a stupid question he wouldn’t start getting lippy for about an hour. He looked over to Xeria with a smile of encouragement as the aid again asked her if she was ready.
As the aid prepares Xeria’s arm and searches for her vein he warns her, “You will feel a burning sensation as the Mako works its way through your bloodstream at first. It should only last a moment or two and it should only happen the first few times you get your injections.” Xeria nods and steels herself. As the aid injects her she gasps and her body spasms once before she gets a hold of herself, a slew of curses in both English and another language they don’t recognize escaping her mouth. After about two minutes her body starts to relax and she says, “Damn that fucking hurts.”
“It is certainly a bitch the first time. The first few times period and then the first of each new higher dosage. But you did well.” Angeal smiled over at her as he got up, he moved over and helped the aid take off her restraints as it seems she wasn’t going to be overly aggressive. Plus he felt the sooner they got her away for the ShinRa building and prying eyes such as Heidegger’s the better off they all would be. He wasn’t looking forward to whatever Heidegger was up to by being there and was immensely glad he’d changed her appointment to match his own.
Xeria sits up and rubs her wrists before climbing off the table. Genesis puts a hand around her shoulders and loops his arm through Angeal’s and steers them towards the door. “I’ll make sure you both get home safe and sound.” Heidegger tries to object and say something as he returns from the observation room but Genesis pulls them from the room and down the hall quickly. Soon they’re outside and headed to Angeal and Zack’s apartment building.
Angeal smiles over at Genesis, “Thanks Gen.” He was glad that he hadn’t allowed Heidegger near them after the injections were administered. Just seeing the guys ugly face almost had Angeal across the space and pummeling it. ‘I think this one might be bad for me.’ He thought to himself, he usually didn’t have violent reactions like that. But, just something about Heidegger being there at all, let alone claiming he’d been there throughout his own injections, sat wrong with him. Mostly because it was a lie. His first few injections the only person around was Hollander, the scientist thought it would be safer that way.
As they approach Angeal’s apartment, Xeria gets a bit more twitchy and paranoid, glancing around every few seconds and clinging to the sleeve of Genesis’ coat. He looks at her concerned before looking at Angeal as they arrive at the apartment. He knocks and Zack swiftly answers and lets Gen lead them inside. “How did they go?” He asks, concerned about Xeria’s behavior as she seems to try and hide in Gen’s shadow.
“Oh, it was fine~. Heidegger showed up though. Acting as if his being there were a normal thing, saying he’d been there for every injection Gen and myself had ever gotten. Which is a lie and he knows we know that. Damn, that man irritates me.” Angeal was practically growling by the end of his short rant.
Zack blinked, well they certainly weren’t going to get anything constructive out of Angeal for a while. “Maybe you should lie down 'Geal.”
“Ya think?!?” Angeal threw the snarky comeback over his shoulder as he marched to his room and flung himself on the bed, pummeling his pillows in an effort to calm himself down.
Zack just watched him, a frown on his normally smiling face. “Damn, have to wonder if the new shot has him pissy or if it’s just a reaction to the ugly horse in charge of our department.” He shook his head before turning back to Xeria and Genesis. “You seem a bit on edge, do you maybe want some tea? The water should be hot by now, Angeal usually wants a glass after an injection. But I think I’ll wait a bit before asking him if he wants it.”
Xeria nods nervously. “That sounds n-nice,” She says though she seems visibly nervous. Gen leads her into the kitchen after Zack. He sits her down at the table and sits besides her, intending to join the for a cup before he has to leave and prepare to ship out on his mission soon.
“Don’t worry, Xeria. Angeal may get snippy when he gets his shots but he never gets to the point of being violent. He won’t raise a hand to you,” Genesis tells her, hoping to help calm her down.
She just nods nervously and accepts the cup of tea when Zack hands it to her. She sips it warily, still glancing around the room.
Zack had walked to the kitchen and set out tea cups before gathering the tea leafs and sprinkling them into an ornate tea pot and pouring in the hot water from the kettle. He poured four cups, handing one to Xeria and another to Genesis where they sat at the table. He set the honey, sugar, cream, and milk on the table as well in case either of them wanted to use any of it. “Yeah, don’t worry Xeria, we’ll take good care of you. I’ll be back in a minute.”
He put a single sugar cube in Angeal’s and left his own steaming on the table as he took Angeal’s to him. He knocked on the still open door before moving into the room seeing that Angeal was still punching his pillows. “'Geal? Are you gonna be alright?”
Huffing Angeal left off his pillows and sat back on his feet, turning his head to look over at Zack. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Sorry, not really sure why I’m having such a bad reaction this time around.”
Zack nodded in understanding and held out the tea as a sort of peace offering, “You want some tea?”
Angeal grinned and nodded, “Set it on the nightstand would you? I’m not sure how I’ll react if you get too close.”
Zack’s brow rose but he moved to the opposite side of the bed from his mentor and set the tea on the stand. “I’ll just be out with Xeria then.”
“Sure thing Pup.” Angeal went back to murdering his pillows before Zack even left the room.
Genesis meets Zack right outside Angeal’s room. “Ah, I just got a call. They moved up my time for shipping out so I need to go and prepare. I left Xeria in the kitchen with her tea. If you need me for anything just call. I’ll make sure to keep my phone on me throughout the mission. I should be back in two or three days.” He tells Zack.
He then heads towards the door calling behind him, “Make sure Xeria doesn’t hurt herself and that Angeal doesn’t hurt anything. This shot seems like it’s agitated him more than the others. Probably thanks to that pig Heidegger.”
He then heads out, leaving Zack to take care of Angeal and Xeria. When Zack returns to the kitchen though, Xeria is nowhere to be seen. Her tea is still sitting on the table, like she tried drinking it before abandoning it.
It doesn’t take long to locate her though. Somehow, in the short time between Genesis leaving the room to talk to Zack and Zack finding her, she’d managed to collect almost all the pillows, cushions and blankets in the apartment and use them to build a large nest like fort in the middle of the living room.
She can’t be seen at all but There is a rustling noise coming from inside of the fort.
Chapter 4
Zack had nodded to Genesis, he’d watch over them, at least until he had classes tomorrow, but in between them and afterwards he’d be back. He knew that Angeal would never forgive him for skipping class even to take care of him.
He chuckled at finding the fort, “Hey Xeria, is that a private fort or can I join you? Is there a password?”
When he was younger he’d made such forts in his own home, sometimes his parents would help him, but generally he’d made them to hide from them. He was lucky that it hadn’t angered them, it wasn’t like his makeshift forts weren’t all that hard to destroy. He knew Xeria was currently in a new place, around people she’d only officially met the day before, and with her getting her first injection… it was understandable if she simply wanted to hide.
One of the blankets moves aside just enough for her amber eye to be visible. “Light. Off. It hurts,” she says in a voice that's very different from her usual one. It sounds tense and anxious and dangerous, like a cornered animal.
Her reason for the light is because it's started giving her a headache on the way back to the apartment and has not reached almost unbearable levels. It hurts her eyes and makes her headache like someone's pounding on it with a hammer.
She moves the blanket back in place after she speaks, blocking the light out again. She does leave it open a crack, signaling that once the light is off he can join her.
Zack grins, “Sure thing.” He walks throughout the rooms turning off all the lights, with the exception of Angeal’s room, he decided when he left that room earlier that he’d leave the guy alone for a while. Once all the lights are off he carefully moves back to where movement had been in the fort and lays down. Moving forward only a small amount so that he can stick his head inside he waits for his glowing eyes to adjust to the new darkness before looking around for Xeria. He didn’t want to spook her after all, “You want any painkiller or anything. 'Geal’s got some stuff that’s okay to take with our Mako enhanced bodies.”
Xeria is curled up with an extra blanket in the far corner of the fort. Her hair has come free from her ponytail and is hanging all around her and in her face. Her expression is almost feral in the way she looks at him. The Mako in her system is already starting to make her eyes glow though it’s not as bright as Zack’s eyes are and due to her having two different colored eyes the glow in them is different. At his question she shakes her head. “No, I want dark…...stay please…...I don’t want to be alone.”
Zack nods his head and army crawls the rest of the way into the fort, “You feel sick or anything? Or just light sensitive?”
In the distance they could hear as Angeal finally stopped punching his pillows and picked up his tea. Then it was set back down and there was a loud thwump sound and a long deep sigh.
“Well, it seems his aggression is out. He might join us in a while if that’s the case.” Zack noted with a smile in Xeria’s direction.
Xeria shakes his head. “Don’t like the light. It hurts. Want it to stay dark and quiet.” She tenses at the sound of Angeal moving around. Its as if her entire body is on high alert. It’s almost like she’s expecting to be attacked by someone.
“Stay with me Zack. Don’t want to be alone. Tell me a story.” She asks him.
“Hey, I’m not going anywhere Xer. ...er Xeria, sorry.” Zack ducked his head embarrassed, he hadn’t meant to shorten her name like that! He hoped she wouldn’t get mad about it. “A story huh?”
He rolled over onto his back resting his head close to her knees as he thinks, “Once upon a time there was a giant wolf. He was always lonely because all of the other wolves were afraid of him due to his size and his unnaturally blue eyes in a pack where they were mostly brown. His thick fur was jet black and his ruff was elegant. He was a noble sort of wolf, always trying his best to look out for the pack even though his own pack mates were afraid of him.”
“One day a wounded wolf from another pack limped onto their land, but instead of killing the poor creature this outcast wolf asked him how he had come to be so injured.
‘I am an outcast from my pack, my blue eyes and red fur scare them, so they tried their best to kill me off.’
The giant wolf could feel nothing but sympathy for this red furred wolf, ‘You can roam with me if you’d like. I’m an outcast in my own pack, but they’ve never tried to harm me.’”
Zack looked over at Xeria’s slowly brightening eyes, he was making it up as he went, but he hoped she would enjoy it. ...and he hoped Angeal wouldn’t kill him for it if he heard it, praying the man wouldn’t tell Genesis or Sephiroth about it later.
“So this red wolf joined the black wolf’s pack without so much as a grumble from the rest of his pack mates. They felt it was better for him to have someone, afraid of him killing them as they were, they didn’t want to make him angry. Eventually the big black wolf learned that his pack was afraid he would hurt them, shocked to his gentle core he turned to his new friend and asked him if he wanted to stay with this pack. The red wolf told him that he would go wherever the black wolf chose to go. And so they left.”
“In their wanderings they found a lone silver wolf out hunting one day, they asked him why he was alone. Turns out he was an outcast too. He was huge, even bigger than the black wolf, and with his silver fur and green eyes it was easy to see how he had been branded an outcast as well. But the silver wolf’s father did not allow the fear of the rest of the pack to drive his son away, he used it to control his son instead. Making him hunt game for the pack by himself and other such things.”
“They went back with the silver wolf to his pack and were accepted provided they stayed away from the rest of the pack and did the same things the silver wolf had to do. Simply wanting somewhere to belong they agreed. Eventually another black wolf with blue eyes joined their group, having recently set out from his own pack to attempt to start one of his own. They weren’t really sure how they got stuck with the pup but he was fun to be around so they settled back into their routine with him.”
“But the young black wolf was a restless being and couldn’t stay confined to such a boring routine for long. He convinced his new pack mates to take off with him. It wasn’t all that hard to do, even for the huge honorable black. So they formed their own pack. An unusual one of all males, but soon the outcasts from the other packs trickled into join them, both male and female and soon they were the strongest pack around. But they didn’t bully the others or try to get back at them for branding them as outcasts. They simply ran through the hills and woods freely and happily being a family.”
He ended it a bit lamely, but he couldn’t think of what else to say.
Xeria listens intently to his story, hanging onto every word. Hearing how the wolves were treated made her sad but the fact that they found happiness and camaraderie with each other made her feel better.
“Thank you, Zack. I really liked your story. And…I don’t mind…I like the nickname.” She tells him. Outside the fort they can hear footsteps leaving Angeal’s room.
Zack grinned at her, “Glad you liked it.” He blushed a bit when she said she liked the nickname but then listened as Angeal left his room, seeing the remaining light in the house go dark as he flipped the switch for his room off. He giggled to himself, “Here comes the big black wolf.”
Angeal rolled his eyes at the comment as he moved through his living room to the kitchen to put his tea cup away. Then he moved back to what he assumed was the entrance to the fort and sat down cross legged before it. “So, what are you pups up to?”
He was much calmer now that he had conquered the urge to smash Heidegger’s face in, imagining his pillows as the man’s face had been very therapeutic. He’d heard all of Zack’s story and had to grin at the imagery, they were a lot like their own pack.
Xeria reaches over to open the entrance enough to peek out at Angeal. “The light hurts. Zack kept me company. He told me a story. You can come in too if you want.” She says.
She seems to be significantly calmer than when they first arrived at the apartment. “Why don’t you tell a story now? I can tell one next.” She offers.
She feels safe her in her fort with them. Knowing they’re here and they’re friends helps her stay calm and not be so paranoid that someone's going to come and try to hurt her. She knows that they would protect her and support her.
Angeal grinned at her, “So I heard.” He peaks his head in under the blankets as well, noting that the temperature with just the two Mako infused bodies is a bit stifling, so he only brings his torso inside the fort, and like Zack, lays down on his back. “What kind of story would you like to hear?”
Xeria shrugs, “Whatever kind of story you want to tell. I’m not picky. Nothing too scary though please.” She tells him. She’s not sure if she’d be able to handle a scary story in her current paranoid state.
“Not a scary one then.” Angeal settles down bringing his arms up to rest under his head. “There was a great Banora tree that stood in the middle of a field of wild grasses. This tree never bore fruit, just stood tall and majestic as it reached for the sky from its lonely position. Many generations of Banorans gave thanks to the Goddess Minerva for the bounty of the year in that field. They would dress the tree in streamers and ribbons, thanking the first tree from which they had cultivated their orchards from for its proud roots.”
The glow of Zack’s rolling eyes could be seen clearly in the darkness and Angeal smacked his bouncing leg, “Hush Pup.”
Zack pouted and closed his eyes, starting to cycle his legs to burn off some of his restlessness.
“One day a young heartbroken woman wandered out to the tree and sat down against its gnarled bark. She had just discovered that she was unable to bear children and her husband was most displeased. She cried for hours before the warm breeze of the field calmed her. She fell asleep among the grasses at the foot of the old Banora tree. When she woke there were two apples hanging from a low branch above her head. The first fruit anyone had ever seen the tree bear. A musical voice on the wind told the young woman to pick them, mesmerized, she did. The first Banora White became a fiery haired baby boy as she plucked it from the tree, the second turned into a baby boy with tufts of black hair upon his head.”
Angeal took a moment to swallow and readjust his position to better see Xeria’s face, “The young woman took the baby boys home with her and asked her husband if they could raise them. The man being an angry overbearing sort scoffed at her, telling her that he only wanted one child. He plucked the black haired boy from her arms and told her to get rid of the other. Saddened by his response, but glad he allowed them to keep at least one of the Banora tree’s children she went to the village head-woman to find a home for the other.”
“Unknown to the rest of the village, the head-woman could not bear children either. So she and her husband kept the other child, only the young woman ever knew that the two boys were in fact true brothers and sons of their Great Banora Tree. The two boys grew up as close friends, always different in an unexplainable way from the rest of the village children. One day a voice called the now young men to the lone tree in the field and it told them of their true heritage. Shocked to their core the young men decided to leave the village that had lied to them all their lives. They told no one they were leaving and set out from the tree that very moment.”
Angeal sighed quietly, “They traveled far and wide, gaining knowledge and strength. One day they heard the voice again, like music on the wind, it guided them to a cave under a waterfall. In the center of the cave stood a crystal tall and proud, just like their birth tree. As they watched a small chunk fell from the tip of the crystal clinking to the stone floor. The redheaded man stooped to pick it up and it turned into a man as he touched it. Long silver hair covering his body. The musical voice seemed to boom through the cave, “Watch over him.” It said, and so the two men became three as they continued to travel the world.”
By this time Zack had stopped his fidgeting and was curled up on his side facing them sound asleep. “The men went from place to place saving people from certain doom, listening to the voice that they knew in their blood was the planet that had given them life. They fought as it directed, always looking out for each other. Waiting for the day when the planet would tell them why they had been created.”
Xeria listens enraptured by Angeal’s story. Once he finishes she notices Zack has fallen asleep and smiles, brushing some hair out of the sleeping man’s face. She then turned back to Angeal and smiles at him. “Thank you Angeal. That story was amazing.” She then yawns loudly. She’s grown sleepy listening to their stories.
Angeal smiled up at her, “You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you like to sleep here? Or find an actual bed? I can go grab you a pillow if you’d like.”
Xeria shakes her head holding up a pillow that she’d brought into the fort up. “Thank you though. Thank you for the story too. You and Zack help me feel safe.” She says as she starts drifting off to sleep.
She stays in the fort all the next day too, still being sensitive to the light. She’s inside it when there’s a knock at the door which is Sephiroth who has just returned from his mission.
Angeal had nodded his head and fallen asleep where he was soon after she did. But the alarm from his room woke him the next morning and he sent Zack off to his classes. He made himself and Xeria breakfast, eating it with her in the fort before he did up all of the dishes. He was in the process of making lunch when the knock came. He answered the door with a grouchy look that brightened upon seeing Sephiroth, “Hey Seph! Come on in.”
“Thank you.” Sephiroth walked into the apartment and instantly noticed the fort, “Um, Angeal... isn’t Zack in class right now?”
Angeal chuckled, “Yes, the puppy is out. We’ve a new kitten who is just as sensitive to light as you.” He patted Sephiroth on the back at his quizzical look and turned to face the fort after closing his door. “Xeria, do you mind if me and Sephiroth come in?”
Xeria is curious at the sound of the knock and a new voice entering the apartment. She opens the entrance enough to peek out her eyes covered by a pair of sunglasses Zack had lent her before he’d left for class so she could look at things outside the fort if she had to.
At Angeal’s request for entry she nods and replies, “you can come in.” She leaves the blanket pulled aside a bit so they enter at the right place and scoots to the back of the fort so there's room for them to enter.
Angeal gestures for Sephiroth to proceed him and the curious 1st crawls into the fort, interested to meet this young woman who was in his best friend’s home.
Angeal crawled in after him to make the introductions, making sure to pull the blankets closed behind him. Once settled inside he found Xeria clear to the back again, “Xeria Free, this is General Sephiroth, Seph, this is Xeria. She’s Gen’s new student.”
Sephiroth’s eyes widened, “Gen took on a student?” He turned to face Xeria a calculating look on his face, “You must be something of a wonder Miss Free. It’s an honor to meet you.” He reached out a hand for her to shake, he’d have to get the details from Genesis later. Though, actually, “Why is she here instead of with Gen?”
Angeal rolled his eyes, “Because he got sent on a mission and she just got her first injection yesterday.”
Sephiroth nods in understanding. “I see. Increased sensitivity to light I suppose. I had the same thing though my methods for dealing with it were quite…different.”
Xeria shakes his offered hand and is able to manage a small shy smile. She had never imagined she’d be meeting one of the three men she admired most of her young adult life like this. It’s quite embarrassing.
“The honor is all mine. I’ve looked up to you and the other Generals for a long time. I’m really lucky to have gotten to meet you.”
Sephiroth smiled at her and gracefully moved until he was sitting cross-legged. “So, how do you like Genesis so far?”
Angeal felt a moment of shame, that would have been one of his first questions upon getting her alone if he wasn’t so hyped up on his own shot. But because of the heightened Mako running through him, it only lasted a moment. He turned his blue eyes to her and awaited her answer. “He can be quite a pain to get to know.”
“Actually, I really like Genesis. He’s a bit of a drama queen but we get along fairly well. He’s even let me borrow a copy of loveless to read when I asked him what he was always quoting. He’s kind but strict with training. He’s really helping me learn how to use Materia and beef up my Mana reserves.” She explains with a smile.
Both of them smiled at her, “That’s good. He must really like you, I’m sure you’ve heard that he fireballs most Cadets?” Sephiroth chuckled.
Angeal nodded his head, “That he does, but I’m glad he’s taking teaching you so seriously. I won’t have to give him a lecture then.” He winked at her.
Xeria laughs at him mentioning lecturing Genesis. Somehow she can picture it perfectly in her mind. At Sephiroth’s question she nods. “Yeah, it was one of the first things the older cadets told the new recruits when we join. Luckily, I made third class right before He took me under his wing so I’m in the clear,” She jokes.
Chapter 5
She suddenly remembers something. “Angeal weren’t you in the middle of cooking lunch!”
Sephiroth chuckles with her, he was glad to see she had a solid sense of humor. He laughed even harder at Angeal’s ‘Oh shit!’ before he scrambled out of the fort and rushed back to the kitchen. He laid down on the floor as his laughter ebbed, “Oh I needed this. I always miss everyone when I have to go on missions by myself.”
Angeal heard him from the kitchen and couldn’t resist baiting him, “Well, if you love us so much, why don’t you marry us?” He’d gotten back to the kitchen just in time to save the stir fry from burning, so he was in a good mood.
Sephiroth snorted, “We are married! All of us are married to our work and we all do the same thing!”
“Eww, does that mean we’re polygamists? Or that ShinRa Inc. is? ...hmmm, things to ponder.” Angeal’s voice floated to them along with the smells of lunch.
Sephiroth was laughing so hard he had to curl up on his side because his stomach hurt so much.
Xeria can’t help but laugh right along with Sephiroth. “I can’t imagine being married to ShinRa would be any fun at all. The man is ugly as fuck.” She jokes.
Sephiroth snorted and shook his head laughing into the carpet, “We are definitely keeping this one.”
“I know right?” Was Angeal’s answer from the kitchen, “How did your mission go Seph?”
“It went well, Kalm should be monster free for a while.” Sephiroth answered as he finally got his laughter under control.
“That’s good, lunch is ready, Seph, you wanna come help me transport it to the fort?” Angeal was busy plating the stir fry and pouring iced tea into glasses.
With a long suffering sigh Sephiroth rolled out of the fort and walked into the kitchen, he grabbed up two plates and headed back to the opening of the fort and set them down. Angeal came by with the last plate and one of the glasses so Sephiroth went back for the remaining two. They finagled their way inside with the food and drinks and handed them out. “Smells good, let’s eat!”
Xeria hides her face in a pillow so they can open the entrance to the fort a little wider to make transporting the food inside a bit easier. Her eyes are not quite as sensitive as the day before but still sensitive enough that the light hurts.
She takes one of the plates and smiles. “Thanks so much for making Lunch, Angeal. Oh and I’m glad you think I’m worthy of keeping around, General.” She says giving a small mock bow to Sephiroth.
“Really though. I appreciate you guys trying to make me feel welcome. You two, Zack and Genesis have all treated me so wonderfully and I really appreciate it.” She says sincerely before quickly starting to eat, a bit embarrassed by her sudden heartfelt confession.
“Of course.” Sephiroth smiled over at her before he began eating his own lunch.
Angeal nodded in agreement, “As I said the day before yesterday, you are one of us now.”
Xeria beams, unable to hide how truly happy it makes her to be considered one of their little group.
She hadn’t had many friends back in her village always sticking with her older brother and his friends since they were nice to her and didn’t bully her about her looks the way the kids her age did.
This is the first time where she really feels like she’s found a group that she can properly belong to.
“Uuhh! So full~.” Sephiroth lays down on the floor again as he finishes his food.
“It’s bad for your stomach to eat that fast you know.” Angeal commented offhandedly before turning to Xeria, “How are you feeling today, by the way?”
Sephiroth stuck his tongue out at him and made himself comfortable, grabbing a pillow to shove under his head.
Xeria chuckles, having never expected to see the great silver general act so childishly. “I’m feeling better. The light doesn’t hurt quite as badly though it does still hurt.”
“That’s good.” Angeal finished his own food and set their plates and glasses outside the fort.
“I would say being light sensitive is the worst,” Sephiroth began, “But Zack gets over sensitive hearing... I really don’t think I could handle that. With light I can just block it out or be somewhere where there isn’t any. But sound? Can’t really get away from that.”
“Yeah, he has a hard time with his shots.” Angeal frowned recalling how he generally had to leave the Pup home alone after his shots, the boy texting him when he was hungry and Angeal would bring him take out because actually cooking would be far too loud.
Xeria frowns at hearing about that. “It sounds awful. I can’t imagine how bad it must be to go through that.” She replies.
​
Speaking of Zack they hear him entering the apartment and announcing his arrival home from classes.
“Heh, just in time to miss lunch.” Sephiroth called out to him.
Zack stopped just inside the door, “What!?? You can’t be serious!”
Angeal had to calm his laughter before he could answer, smacking Sephiroth on the arm and shaking his head with a smirk. “There’s a plate for you on the counter Pup.”
“YES! You’re the best ‘Geal!” Zack’s heavy footfalls could be heard sprinting around the fort and into the kitchen. A few moments later they came back much slower, “I’ll alright if I come in?”
“Yes, you may. I think you’ll have to scoot over here General, so that Zack has room,” Xeria tells Sephiroth referring to the spot next to her near the back of the fort. It’s not exactly made for our people, two being a very muscular man and a very tall one but they can all fit if they squeeze in.
Sephiroth does as she says, replying, “You don’t need to call me General when we are off duty. You may call me by my name as you do Angeal and Zack.”
She puts on the sunglasses just in time for Zack to open the flap and climb inside. Once he gets settled and puts the flap down, she removes them and responds to Seph, “Alright. I’ll do my best to remember. By the way, thank you Angeal and Zack, for the stories last night. They helped a lot to distract me.”
​
At Sephiroth’s confused looks she explains, “In addition to the light sensitivity, I was feeling really paranoid last night and they told me stories to help keep me distracted. If you guys would like, I can tell you a story. I did say I would tell one after Angeal’s but we all fell asleep instead.”
“Yeah! Story-time!” Zack settles in to eat his food excitedly attentive.
Angeal nods, “I would enjoy listening to your story.”
“Aww, I missed out on stories. Darn, you guys will have to tell me what they were about some time.” Sephiroth pouted a bit, but turned so that he was facing Xeria, “I will gladly listen to one now though.”
Xeria nods, beaming, excited for the chance to share with them a story from her home village. Stories were an important part of the village’s culture and this story is one that’s been passed down in her family since the beginning of the village.
“Okay, the story I’m about to tell you is old, passed down through my family for many a generation. Listen well so I may pass the story on to you,” she tells them, her voice containing an air of solemnity to it. To share a story from the village with an outside is serious business, and only to be done with those being told are trustworthy and have a bond to the story teller. She had told Genesis already shortly after he’d taken her in as his student and now she will tell the rest of them, as a show of her gratefulness at being accepted into their family.
“Long into the past, more than a thousand moons ago, people came to this valley. Long and hard they had traveled, for many moons through the harsh mountain paths to find this peaceful valley protected by the surrounding mountains and forests. They had traveled far, running from those who had nothing but war and violence in their heart, searching for a place where they could live in peace. Their elder, who had been blessed by the moon herself when she was born with hair the color of untouched snow, told them that this is where they would stay and make their new village.
The people were unsure due to the harsh cold weather and the dangerous wildlife that roamed the surrounding mountains and the forest. She soothed their fears though, telling them that the moon had told her this was where they were meant to be and that they would adapt and learn to live in this new place in balance with the wildlife. The people of the village trusted her for they believed the moon to be a goddess who watched over them since the beginning and believed those who had been blessed with hair the color of her moonbeams could hear her guidance and show them the way to go. So they began to build their homes, being careful to only take what trees they needed and using every part, saving the seeds to plant new trees come spring.
One man chose to build his home further from the rest, near the very edge of the wood whereas the others had chosen to build further away from the trees and closer to the lake and river. His friends told him that he should build closer to the other homes where it would be safer, especially considering the man’s wife would be giving birth to their first child in but a few moons and it would be dangerous for the child being so close to the woods. He ignored them and continued to build there for his wife had wished for their child to grow up closer to the trees which reminded her of the forest she lived in before joining the village.
Time passed and the villagers homes were completed and the man’s wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who was blessed by the moon with streaks of silver throughout her raven black hair. The village rejoiced and celebrated the birth of the child. As the child grew she came to be loved by all those who knew her. One the anniversary of her birth, a great party was held in celebration of her living through her first year as was the custom. It was also a celebration of the village surviving its first year of living in this new place and being able to survive the harsh cold and the wolves who sometimes invaded the village in search of food and things to hunt. The man’s home was particularly troubled given its location so close to the forest which the wolves had made their home.
The celebration was a grand one with all the villagers gathering in the center of the town with food and music and dancing. It lasted well into the night. Not long after the sun fell though, there was a cry of terror. The wolves had come out of the forest, curious about the noises and light and the smell of food. The people ran for their weapons, ready to defend their homes.
The only one not afraid however, was the baby girl.
She approached the wolves on unsteady legs, not noticed by the villagers until she was just in front of the largest wolf, the alpha of the pack. Her mother screamed and tried to rush forward to try and save her baby, only to be held back by a fellow villager, fearful that the mother would be running to her death. The baby girl stepped towards the wolf again but lost her balance, falling forward against the wolf's muzzle which it had lowered to sniff at her. The wolf was surprised but didn’t attack like they’d expected. It supported the girl helping her to stand again and let her pet it. She was amazed at the wolves fur, so soft and plush. The wolf allowed her to feel it’s fur, itself sniffing at her and brushing against her hair with it’s nose and face, causing her to laugh and hug it.
The villagers were amazed. The wolf was being gentle with the girl as if she were it’s own pup. Some other wolves approached, most being equally gentle. One swiped at the girl curiously, scratching her arm and causing her to cry. The alpha growled at it and carefully consoled the girl, licking at the shallow wound as if to clean it. The girl’s tears stopped and she nuzzled into the wolf again, hiding her face in the thick fur at it’s neck. She then leaned back and spoke her first word, silver. Clearly she meant it as a name for the wolf and the alpha bowed its head to press it’s forehead to hers in a show of it’s acceptance of the new name. It licked her face and turned her, nudging her back towards her family. Once she was back in her mother's arms, the alpha turned it’s head to the sky and howled. The rest of the pack followed suit and the villagers watch in awe as the pack begins to leave. The last to leave is the alpha Silver. Before turning to leave he bows his front half in a show of respect to the villagers and the girl. He then stands and turns with his pack to disappear into the trees.
After checking that the girl was unhurt and that the cut on her arm was not serious, the party resumed. After that day, it became clear that the dynamic between the villagers and the wolf pack had changed, no longer did the wolves attack their crops or livestock, instead it seemed to protect it from other wildlife. When the hunters weren’t able to bring home much meat for the winter, the families in need found deer and other animals outside their doors with bite and claw marks in their flesh. Above all the house on the edge of the forest was protected the most and it became common to see the young girl playing with wolf pups or even grown wolves from the pack as she grew older. It became clear over time that the girl had been accepted by the wolves as a member of the pack and was loved by the wolves. It was clear that a bond had been formed that night.
Over the years the girl grew and with her so did her bond. When she was sick, a wolf would always be at her door. When the alpha from her childhood died, the wolves brought her to him and she wept in mourning before burying the wolf properly and making his grave with a stone that shone silver in the moonlight. The pack stilled stayed with her though. When she married they blessed the couple with a felled buck for the wedding feast and when she gave birth to a set of twins with her hair, they stood at her door the whole time she was in labor and showed the same care with the babies as they’d shown to her. Even when she died, they mourned her with the village and the villagers choose to bury her in the clearing in the woods beside the alpha.
This became tradition for many generations, with the family always holding a special bond with the pack. Even with those of the family who do not have the distinctive silver streaks in their hair. Those that do however hold a special bond with them that continues to this very day.” She finishes, beaming with pride at having shared the story of her family's history with her new friends. For her to share this story with them shows that she trusts them to keep it to themselves and not spread it around for the stories of her village are special, sacred even to its people especially the stories of one's own family.
“That was a beautiful story.” Angeal smiled over at her as she finished, it would seem they all had a thing for wolves... it was no wonder the girl had liked Zack’s story so much.
“It was.” Sephiroth agreed, he was rather intrigued by it since both he and Angeal knew the histories of most towns and villages on Gaia. They were kind of history nuts. But he knew there were some where their histories were sacred to them and outsiders weren’t allowed to know. He thought that this might be such a story and was honored the girl felt them worthy of hearing it.
“Wolves are awesome.” Zack sighed contentedly with a soft smile on his lips. Suddenly those lips quirked and he looked over at Sephiroth, “My story had wolves in it too... but I just kinda made mine up on the fly. It was kind of about all of us though... well I guess mostly you guys... but still.”
Angeal rolled his eyes at his pupil, “It was a pretty good story though... and true for the most part. Mine was also vaguely about us. I didn’t really know what kind of story to tell, so I told one I dream about a lot.”
Sephiroth nodded his head, “That makes sense. The one where you and Gen are Dumbapples and I’m a crystal?”
“Wait, that’s a dream you have?” Zack was astonished looking from Sephiroth’s knowing smile to Angeal’s nodding head. “You have some weird dreams.”
Angeal chuckled, “At least I don’t dream about my food coming back for revenge.”
“Hey~!” Zack buried his flushed face in a pillow, “You said you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“Well, you shouldn’t make fun of people then. It’s rude.”
Xeria laughs at their interactions. She thoroughly enjoys hanging out with all of them and is forever grateful that she was allowed to be a member of their little group.
She smiles gently, glad to be considered a part of their little family. She snorts with laughter at hearing about Zack’s dreams.
“Really, Zack? That’s hilarious. If it makes you feel better, there’s this old, really wrinkly old man in my village and I used to dream about his wrinkles talking to me.”
Angeal couldn’t hold back his snort at that, earning him a glare from both Sephiroth and Zack. He covered his mouth with his hand an embarrassed flush lighting his face.
Zack turned his gaze back to Xeria, “Were you afraid of them? ‘Cause that would be super creepy.” He shuddered slightly just thinking about some old man’s wrinkles talking to him.
“The dreams yes, I was terrified but of the man no. He was this lovely old man. He had a beautiful garden that his son helped him care for. They were so nice. Always willing to let the kids play there so long as they were careful of the plants. When their strawberries bloomed they always gave me some of their freshest ones.” She tells him.
Chapter 6
“That sounds nice.” Sephiroth said in a dreamy voice. He’d never experienced anything like that before, until Genesis and Angeal had joined the SOLDIER program he’d never had anyone be ‘nice’ to him before. Respectful sure, but not genuinely nice.
Zack grinned at her, “Then it’s not so far fetched that I dream about all my favorite foods suddenly coming to life and trying to eat me, right? I mean it’s not really logical or anything... but fear generally isn’t.”
Angeal just shook his head and laid back down, he wasn’t going to get into that right now... his snark-o-meter would go through the roof and he could permanently damage his Puppy’s psyche.
Xeria shakes her head, “No, fear is weird and irrational. It doesn’t have to make any kind of sense.” She replies hoping to help him feel a bit better. After all they’ve helped her feel better after her shot, returning the favor is the least she could do.
She looks to Sephiroth and asks, “Why don’t you tell a story now? If you’d like to that is.”
Sephiroth looked over at her a queer look on his face, “I don’t really know any stories. And I doubt I’ve the capacity to create one out of thin air. I was raised within these walls and I know nothing else. ShinRa and Midgar aren’t exactly the best story fodder.” He shook his head sadly, “Perhaps some other time, after I’ve some time to practice?”
Angeal reached over and patted Sephiroth’s shoulder, “You’ll get the hang of normal life eventually.”
Zack hid his snort in a pillow and so missed the glare his General had leveled at Angeal moving to him.
Xeria nods in understanding. “Alright. I look forward to hearing any stories you’re able to come up with. For now, how about telling about a mission you went on? Maybe one that was especially difficult or fun,” she suggests.
She doesn’t want him feel left out for not being able to have a story so she suggests something he can do instead.
Sephiroth seemed to stutter without making sound and cleared his throat before speaking again. “I’m not sure how a mission could be fun. But a difficult one? Hmmm.”
Angeal and Zack got comfortable on the floor while the General thought about which mission to talk about.
“Alright, my last mission to Mt. Nibel was interesting. I was sent in to take care of the exploding Dragon population. It turned out that there were so many because the Mako Reactor there was producing a heat zone within the mountain that was the perfect temperature for their eggs to hatch. Usually the snows up there are so cold that the eggs lie dormant for years until there’s finally a summer warm enough to hatch them. I lost three men on that trip.” He frowned, “But one of the baby dragons imprinted on me and followed me everywhere!” He chuckled at the memory. “I wonder if he’s still there. I kind of hope that he is.” He ducked his head a slight blush staining his white cheeks, “That wasn’t exactly a story though. Sorry.”
Xeria listens enraptured by him talking about his mission. She laughs at hearing a baby dragon imprinted on him. “Really? They thought you were their mama? That’s so adorable. You should go back at some point and see. I’d love to go with you. I really want to travel. That’s one of the big reasons I joined SOLDIER because I wanted the chance to travel to tons of different locations. I’ve heard the wolves in Nibelheim are wonderful majestic creatures. I’d love to see them.”
“Well you’ll certainly travel a lot once you get to 2nd Class. And being Genesis’ mentee you’ll probably travel around a lot as a 3rd just going with him.” Sephiroth stated.
Angeal nodded, “Yeah, this Pup’s been to more places than most of the 2nd’s because he is my mentee and therefore, if I think it’s safe enough, I take him along on my own missions.”
“From what Cloud has said the wolves are majestic... you just don’t want to go near them. They’ll perceive you as a threat and attack you if you try to get too close. Him and his mother are constantly treating people for wolf attacks.” Zack tossed in.
“Well I can’t wait. Ever since I was a small child I’ve wanted to see more of the world. Now I’ll finally get the chance to. I know Genesis wanted to bring me along on this mission but once he got the full mission brief, he determined it was far too dangerous for me at the level I am.” She explains.
“I would love to see them one day even if only at a distance. Wolves are such beautiful and majestic creatures. They're powerful and fierce but also amazingly loyal.”
All three men smiled at her in complete understanding, “I’m sure you’ll be wandering the globe before you know it.”
“Zack... how could she do so without knowing?” Sephiroth was confused.
Angeal burst out laughing, “It’s a figure of speech Seph, it means she’ll get there soon then she thinks she might.”
“Oh~. That makes more sense then.”
Xeria laughs along, amused by Seph’s cluelessness about the figure of speech. “I guess the rumor about you not being so great at stuff like that is true?”
Sephiroth looked over at her again, “Oh most definitely. Professor Hojo, who I’m sure everyone has already told you to avoid at all costs?” He paused for confirmation and then continued at Angeal’s nod. “He’s my father. My mother disappeared shortly after I was born and Hojo has spent the vast majority of my life trying to make me believe that Jenova is my mother.”
​
He scoffed, “However, as General I’m allowed privileged access to personnel files. Jenova seems to be some kind of project that started the SOLDIER program and every injection we are given a larger dose of its cells.” He shook his head, “So I wasn’t really brought up as a ‘son’ but as an experiment and normal human interaction isn’t something I started learning about until I met Genesis and Angeal.”
Xeria is horrified at hearing how Sephiroth was raised and it clearly shows on her face. “That’s barbaric. No child should ever be raised like that. This Hojo man deserves to die horribly. I am so sorry you had to suffer such an upbringing. I am glad you met Angeal and Genesis though. At least you now have friends and people who care about you.”
“Besides, I somewhat understand not being able to do human interaction well. For a while when I was small, I played only with the wolf pack in the woods and thus didn’t interact with children my own age very well. I ended up picking up some wolf mannerisms like sniffing a new person and being wary of outsiders. Thus I was a bit of an outcast. I had my older brother and his friends though. They didn’t mind my odd behavior and always let me play with them. I still have some of my more wolfish ways though. I still have a heightened sense of smell and don’t ever fully trust someone until I can observe their scent. I’m much better at doing it more discreetly now.”
“For example, I’ve smelled all of you and I trust you all. Angeal, you smell of plants and soil and tea leaves. Zack has a more exuberant smell. He’s more like pine needles and firecrackers. Genesis smells of a bonfire and the pages of a well loved book and worn leather. Sephiroth’s was probably the trickiest, most likely because you just returned from a mission, but you smell of mint, and like the grass in the morning when it’s still all dewy and a gentle summer breeze. Your smells are very unique as everyone's is but they let me know you’re trustworthy.”
Smells? She associates people with the way they smell? Sephiroth’s mind ground to a halt, he did that too... and he got exactly the same smells off of his friends. Already knowing his friends’ smells is how he was able to determine hers so easily. A deep earthy smell and ironically... of fur. He simply nodded his head at her, he didn’t associate trustworthiness with smells in anyway, but if the ability was a comfort to her, more power to her.
The two black haired men gave her strange looks but didn’t comment... well at least Zack refrained from making some weird comment.
“I’m glad you can find us trustworthy after such a short time.” Angeal smiled gently at her, his Mako inspired rage finally seeming to ease.
Xeria smiles, glad that they don’t find her too weird for her habit. She would hate to lose their friendship after only just bonding with them because of something like this.
“I doubt I could ever find you three untrustworthy even without your smells. Even before we met, Genesis told me much about you. I could tell from how he spoke of you that you all have his complete trust and I can tell he’s not someone who gives his trust easily.” She tells them.
“You’re right there.” Angeal said, “He’s generally surly and grouchy around everyone. It takes him a long time to so much as like people, let alone be nice to them or trust them.”
“Heh,” Zack smirked, “You could say it’s a very big ‘honor’.”
Sephiroth hit him with a pillow, “Don’t make fun of ‘Geal or I’ll use my rank as General to override him so that I can trounce you in sword fighting.”
Xeria laughs at their antics. It’s hilarious watching them squabble jokingly with one another. She’s really glad that they were willing to allow her into their close knit friends circle.
“Oh, that reminds me, Now that you’ve returned you can have some of that cake I made for you guys last night and we can introduce you to Cloud,” She says, recalling their plans to try and get Sephiroth to take Cloud on as a student.
Sephiroth looked up at her from glaring at Zack, “Who or what is Cloud?”
Angeal snorted before he could help it and covered his face as a blush crept up his cheeks. Zack gave the older man a strange look before answering the General. “He’s a Cadet. I think he’s got a lot of talent, but his instructors don’t. They keep wanting to send him to Infantry.”
“Ahh, so you would have me join the Mentor Program would you?” Sephiroth looked over at a now calm Angeal with a raised brow.
Angeal shrugged, “You know me, I’m always trying to get you and Gen in it. And now Gen is...”
Sephiroth nodded his head, “I’ll meet the boy at least. But if I don’t think he can do it with proper care,” He gave Zack a pointed look, “Then I will recommend that he be sent to Infantry training.”
Zack pouted but nodded his head, he knew the General didn’t have time to waste on pursuits that weren’t actually worth his time. But he was so sure that Cloud would be worth it.
Xeria beams. She knows Sephiroth will see Cloud’s potential. He has so much of it. He just needs more one on one instruction that the instructors can’t give him. Having a mentor would be perfect for him.
“I know you’ll like Cloud. He joined the Cadets a little bit before I made Third so I got the chance to get to know him. He’s a great kid and he has a whole ton of potential to become a really excellent fighter. The only drawback is he needs more one on one instruction to help bring out his potential plus I think he’s more suited to a fighting style like what you and Genesis use rather than the broadsword techniques that they teach all the Cadets. With the large number of Cadets, the instructors can’t afford to give him the one on one time he needs to really flourish. If he could get a mentor it would be perfect for him,” Xeria explains.
“Aside from that he’s really nice. We both came from cold, backwater mountain towns so we had a lot in common to talk about and he’s super polite and nice. I think you would like him a lot even if you don’t take him on as a student.”
Suddenly she gets an idea and beams. “Why don’t we invite Cloud over tonight! I think I’ll be okay to leave the fort if we keep the lights off and use candles so we all won’t have to squeeze in here. Plus I can make that cake I made you guys the other day since you wanted Sephiroth to get to try it. It’s the perfect chance for me and Zack to introduce you guys to him.”
“Hell yeah!” Zack was all over this plan! “Chocobo-head is awesome! He’s a bit shy and on the smallish side but like Xeria said, he’s got the potential to go far. I thought it would be perfect if you could mentor him General. He doesn’t talk a lot like I do, so he wouldn’t annoy you, and he’s a great listener!”
Angeal shook his head at his student, if the boy had a tail he would be wagging it. “I certainly don’t mind having the Cadet over. You’ll have to go get him Zack, or maybe even Sephiroth, since Cadets have a curfew. I’d go... but I’m still trying rather hard not to be an ass.”
Sephiroth rolled his green eyes at all of them, “All this excitement and I just wanna sleep!” He chuckled, “You’ve got a point though. If Zack will come with me so I know who I’m grabbing, I’ll go and retrieve the boy. He’ll need permission to be out of the barracks and or classes anyway.”
Zack rolled up into a crouch and started bouncing on his feet, “No problem, I’ll totally go with you!”
Sephiroth rolled his eyes again but grinned at the younger man, “We aren’t going to get him this second Fair. It’s only just after lunch time after all. And I want a nap.”
Zack deflated and sank back into his lounging position but the grin remained on his face.
Xeria beams at hearing they’ll have Cloud over for dinner. She laughs at Zack’s deflation. “Well why don’t you go take that nap. I should see if I can leave the fort without my eyes killing me. We might have to keep all the shades closed and use candles for light. I hope none of you mind that.”
Angeal chuckled, “That’s alright. Most of us have pretty sensitive eyes anyway. And if Cloud ends up needing more light we can simply find more candles.”
“Mmmmh, I’m stealing your bed old man.” Sephiroth wriggled his way out of the fort and closed himself up in Angeal’s room without further comment.
Zack snorted, “That man is so odd sometimes. I mean, you’re what? A year older than him?”
“Shut up Pup.” Angeal hit his mentee with a pillow and grinned over at Xeria, “It’s up to you how fast or slow you’d like to see if you can adjust. For now, we’ll send Zack out to get the ingredients you need for that cake and anything I’ll still need for dinner. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” He picked up his and Sephiroth’s tea cups before heading for the kitchen.
Xeria nods. She asks Zack to close all the shutters in the apartment and put up some candles so she can test her eyes. Once he’s done, she comes out of the fort, wearing the shades he lent her just in case. She’s pleasantly surprised that her head doesn’t hurt from the low light of the candles. She then writes Zack a list of ingredients to fetch from her and Genesis’ apartment for the cake.
Meanwhile Angeal was in the kitchen checking the food stores for what he wanted to make for dinner. Luckily they seemed to be missing only what he wanted for a side dish so he got started on seasoning the steaks. Once Xeria’s list was done he added green beans to it and loaned the Puppy his own shades as he’d be going outside and would need them.
“You have a key for me to use to get into Gen’s place Xeria? Or should I borrow ‘Geal’s?” Zack asked as he looked over the list in his hand.
“Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. Here,” she says tossing him her key ring which is heavy with a lot of charms. She likes collecting them. She then heads to the kitchen and watches Angeal season the steaks.
“Thanks again for letting me stay with you while I’m recovering from my shots,” she says.
Zack caught the key ring with a grin and headed out the door with his lists. He was hoping he’d be back before the General woke up from his nap. He walked down the street looking at the different charms on Xeria’s key ring, he had already decided that he would hit up Gen’s place after getting the groceries Angeal needed. Thankfully the market wasn’t that far from where the older man lived. Which Zack was sure Hewley had done on purpose with how much cooking he did.
Angeal turned his head and smiled at Xeria, “It’s not a problem. I’m glad your first injection hasn’t been so terribly bad.”
Xeria nods in agreement. “Yeah I’m glad they weren’t worse. I’ve heard horror stories from some of the third class soldiers about how nasty things can get. I’m glad i just got a bit paranoid and some light sensitivity.” She replies.
Angeal smiled as he put the steaks in the refrigerator to set, “Yes, and I’m sure a lot of them are highly exaggerated. A lot of the 3rd Class SOLDIERs enjoy scaring new recruits. Though we try our best to keep them too busy to do so.” He shook his head, that kind of attitude was something he just couldn’t understand. He started on the dishes that had been used that day. He wanted to make sure they would have clean everything they would need to make dinner and dessert. “And while the light sensitivity sucks, the paranoia is probably a good thing. The more aware you are that an attack could come from anywhere the more likely you are to be ready to meet it if and when it does.”
“Well it’s not so much an attack I was afraid of. To be honest, I felt like a lost wolf pup cowering in an unfamiliar corner of the forest. Besides I was safe with you and Zack. I shouldn’t have felt frightened around you guys. You’re my friends.” Xeria replies stepping up to dry the plates as he washes them so she has something to do with her hands since she’s still a tad fidgety.
Angeal smiled at her, “Don’t worry about it. When I got my first injection as a 1st Class I was terrified of Genesis of all people. I’ve known him my whole life. But everything he did scared the crap out of me. Sephiroth says I had a very long conversation with him about how I was convinced that Genesis was going to kill me in my sleep. I, however, do not remember this.” He chuckled, “My point is that anything can happen from them. And no one knows what their own reactions will be, let alone someone else's.”