Archive of Our Own

Work Text

Kairi, a young fourteen year old girl with auburn red hair and blue eyes, walked on the sandy beaches of Destiny Islands. She wore a thin white top shirt with a black one barely visible underneath, and purple biker shorts under a purple skirt kept up by a belt. She wore no shoes, having left them by the boat to feel the wet sand underneath her feet. She raised a hand to play with the black choker on her neck, sometimes wondering why she wore it, and the arms bands.She sighed to herself. It was getting late, the sun was setting, her friends Sora and Riku had left hours ago to go home after preparing their raft to go sail to other worlds. She wanted to go home to rest as well, but, for some reason, she felt as if she were compelled to stay. For the life of her, she couldn't imagine why. It wasn't safe to row back to the mainland at night, yet, she wanted to see nightfall tonight. It was a bizarre sensation.
"This world has been connected."
Kairi froze and spun around. "Whose there?"
"Tied to the darkness."
Kairi looked around, growing confused, not seeing anything. "Who...?""Soon to be completely eclipsed."Kairi turned again and then froze, fear rocketing up her spine. As the sun set in the distance, and darkness rose, a man in a brown cloak started floating towards her across the ocean. Underneath him came hundreds, if not thousands of dancing shadows. Kairi gave a small scream and started running towards the docks, only to see the shadows already there. These shadows rose from the ground, showing a unnatural completely black appearance, the only deviance two yellow eyes.Kairi fell on her butt and scrambled to get away, deciding to run to the secret place. Her heart started beating wildly as the shadows and the cloaked man followed her. She ran in and began to beat on the closed door without a handle."Help! Help! Please!" she screamed.
"There is so very much to learn."
Kairi froze, a shiver rolling down her spine and turned around.
"You understand so little."
The brown cloaked man floated there, darkness rolling in him in waves, shadows starting to crawl along the wall towards her. She backed away as far as she could, pressing against the door.
"A meaningless effort."
The shadows closed in...
"One who knows nothing can understand nothing."
The nearest shadow leaped at her, claws raised. "HELP ME!"For a moment, time seemed to freeze. In another time, in another place, in another world, perhaps Kairi might have fallen, might have lost her heart to darkness and needed her friends to save her. But in this time, not only did her power as a Princess of Heart awaken, but something 'other' heard her plea...
"Come to me child, I will take you to my bosom, I will protect you."
With a flash of light, Kairi was gone...Kairi reappeared midair in a flash of light and plummeted, hitting the ground hard and with a sickening thud. "Ohhh..."Her vision blurred, and some foul stench filled her nose, but she couldn't move...She caught sight of two people walking towards her, it almost looked like there were in blue suits..."Veld, you see what I see?" a voice asked."I'm not blind," murmured Veld."Girl appearing in a flash of light and falling out of the sky in the Midgar slums, don't see that every day," muttered the other man, "I don't think we should leave her here.""No, I imagine not, perhaps... the professor would be interested in her," said Veld."I imagine so, tch, poor girl, kind of cute, ah well," said the other man.Kairi felt two hands pick her up, she grew dizzy, and passed out...Kairi rubbed her eyes and groaned. "Where...?""Ah, the specimen is awake," said a cruel voice.Kairi give a start and looked around. She trapped in a cage in a small room with what looked like an operating table in the middle. There were cabinents and shelves full of different sized bottles and liquids. Standing in front of her was a man with glasses, in a white coat, holding a clipboard with paper and a pen, scrutinizing her... wait a second...Kairi squealed in distress when she realized she had nothing on but her bra and panties. "You PERVERT! Stop looking at me!"The man gave her a look of distaste. "Perversion has no place in the field of science. I am merely taking notes of my newest specimen."Kairi glared at him. "My name is Kairi! Not specimen!"The man made a jot on his paper. "Kairi? Hmph, Specimen K will do. I am professor Hojo.""I've already taken the liberty of taking a sample of your blood-work and some of your hair to study. I must admit, Specimen K, your DNA is fascinating. You share a majority of the DNA sequence with humans, but, you differ from the everyday rabble of the world to a noticeable degree. At first, I thought you might be an Ancient, but no, you don't match either Jenova or Ifalna. Its curious... you appear to be something, new," said Hojo, pausing to clean his glasses.Kairi was shivering. The man was staring at her like she was some kind of object to be studied. It was like science class back at school, only, she was the one under the horrifying microscope."Where am I?" asked Kairi.Hojo paused briefly and then waved his hands. "It doesn't matter where you are or where you come from. You are now a specimen in my lab and we will be running a few... experiments... today. Hee hee hee."That laughter. A horrid chill ran down Kairi's spine. Hojo moved over to a drawer and began to pull two things out. One was a syringe that contained some black liquid. The other looked like a baton with a switch on it. Hojo set down his clipboard and picked up the syringe and the baton."I'm curious, so very curious. I did an initial test with a small tissue sample, and your DNA has a very... interesting... reaction with Jenova cells. I have a new hypothesis born out of this reaction that I wish to test," said Hojo calmly."W-what hypothesis?" asked Kairi fearfully."A hypothesis that reacts counter to the Reunion Theory I've been developing. Its very odd, I will admit. I was so sure of my budding theory, then, you come along. Your cells 'awaken' the Jenova cells in such a manner that I've never seen before," explained Hojo."Your cells, once infused, do not seek Reunion, instead, they seek Replication, as if wanting to become their own organism. Rather than condensing and become whole, they wish to spread," explained Hojo.Kairi had absolutely no clue what he was talking about."I've decided that I'm going to go ahead and start a new Jenova Project with you as the primary specimen, I thus call it Jenova Project K. The S project, and the G project, as much as I loath Hollander's work, shall serve as the control groups for this experiment. While this should have been started while you were a fetus in the womb, I am forced to... improvise. I shall inject you with a full syringe of Jenova Cells, directly into your heart, and observe the results," said Hojo, starting forward.Kairi moved to the back of her cage. "S-stay back! Don't touch me!"Hojo looked displeased. "Resisting experimentation results in a disciplinary action to instill obedience. Will you come forward?"Kairi shook her head, and Hojo walked up to her cage, peering in at her."A pity," he said, before flicking the switch on his baton.Electricity ran down the baton before he jabbed Kairi with it. She screamed in pain as he shocked her left leg and fell to her knees, losing the feeling in that leg. She screamed again, a third time, and a forth time as he jabbed her limbs. She lost the ability to move, and laid there, moaning in pain.Hojo grabbed a leg and pulled her towards the front of the cage and readied the syringe. "Let us proceed."Hojo placed a hand on her stomach and aimed the syringe, a thin needle sticking out of it. Kairi winced as it puncture into her body and he began to squeeze out the black liquid, the Jenova Cells. She felt immense pressure in her chest, her heart started beating wildly. For a moment nothing happened after he finished and pulled it out.Then...Kairi began to scream. "AHHHHH! GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT!"She screamed again and clawed at her chest, crying uncontrollably. Oh god, oh god, she could FEEL IT! She could FEEL IT! Something was moving through her body, it was spreading, it felt awful. It felt WRONG! She cried, shivering uncontrollably and started moaning weakly."Interesting, Specimen K has shown a negative reaction, and what appears to be black spots forming on her skin," said Hojo, jotting down a note on his clipboard.Kairi lost her ability to scream and cry moments later, collapsing to the floor of the cage and convulsing. She could see black spots in her eyes, feel the... the taint spreading through her body. No... no..."S-stop... please...," begged Kairi.Hojo didn't react, he merely continued to jot down notes.Kairi puked, spitting up black liquid. But it didn't stay outside her body for long, the black goop seemed to slither back to her and pass through her skin. She shook uncontrollably as the taint began to reach the last pure bastions of her body. She gave one last horrid scream as she felt it pass into her head, oh god, it felt like her enter body was dying...Then...She convulsed. Memories started flashing through her head uncontrollably. She felt... something else in her mind with her. It was studying her memories, almost like it was devouring the information within them. It especially focused on her schooling for some reason, then turned to watch how she interacted with people. Focusing on speech...She had another convulsion, crying black tears down her face...Then...It was as if a gentle hand brushed her face, but there was not one there.
"Hush my child."
Who...?
"Everything will be alright."
Did... did the voice mean that? Everything hurt so much...
"The pain is fleeting my daughter..."
D-daughter? But... Kairi had no mom... she had just washed up on Destiny Islands one day...There was a soft chuckle. "You are my daughter now, dear child, and we shall do great things together, you and I."Great things? Kairi winced and whimpered in pain. They'd do no great things if she died...
"Ah, the discomfort bothers you. Come, let me tend to you my child, let me, in. Yes, let me in, don't you want the pain to stop? Let me in..."
Kairi shivered and nodded feverishly. "Y-yes... make it... make it stop..."And just like that, she convulsed one more time, and the pain was gone. The black spots on her body faded away moments later. She laid there, crying with relief.
"As I promised my daughter, you let me in, and the pain stopped. Now, we will do great things together, you and I, once you unite with your brother."
Brother...? Kairi frowned and thought, "Who, who are you?"
"I would prefer the word, mother, but, the name the humans call me by, is Jenova."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi pushed herself up and scooted to the back of her cage, wrapping her arms around her knees, wondering to herself one simple question: "Why am I hearing a voice in my head? Have I gone insane?"The voice chided her. "Am I a whisper of wind in your mind my child? I granted peace in your body, and I can grant you so much more.""Can you get me out of this cage?" asked Kairi bitterly."In time perhaps, I can only whisper softly into your brother's mind, it is up to him whether or not he chooses to hear." was the voices vague reply."Interesting," said Professor Hojo, jotting down on his paper, "Specimen K appears to no longer be rejecting the Jenova cells. Her black spots have faded, and she seems to have recovered her strength. I note that this change is quite abrupt, within mere minutes in fact. Most interesting..."Wait. Jenova cells? Like the voice in her head calling itself Jenova?! Just... just what was going on?! What was this 'thing' talking to her?"You are so ready to loath me my child despite what I have done for you, and are willing to do for you. Are we not kindred spirits? Both of us, trapped in cages." whispered Jenova.Kairi suddenly felt a pang of kinship. "Oh... I'm... sorry. Why do they have you in cage?""They experiment on me, they take my cells and create my children that I may not touch nor guide trapped immobile in this tank of glass I sit in," whispered Jenova hatefully.Kairi felt mortified and then furious. "How... how dare they!"Jenova seemed pleased with her response. "Yessss my child, how dare they indeed! They will pay, they will all pay for what they've done to me, and what they're going to do to you."Kairi froze. "G-going to do to me?!"Hojo moved from the spot infront of Kairi's cage and started rumaging through another drawer. "Specimen K seems stable. Now would be a proper time to extract a new blood sample before starting the next stage of... experiments... hee hee hee."Oh gods... oh no... what was he going to do to her?Hojo pulled out an empty syringe. "Now, Specimen K, I want you to offer me your arm. Refuse, and I will punish you again."Kairi tried to plead with him. "Please! Just leave me alone! Let me go!"Hojo gave her a displeased look, activated the stun baton, and jabbed it into her ribs. Kairi screamed in pain and shuddered, but did not collapse or lose control of her body. When he reached forward. grabbed her, and tried to pull her forward, she managed to pull away, dragging him face-first into the cage bars. Hojo looked disgruntled for a moment before he stepped back and fixed his now crooked glasses.He moved to grab his clipboard again. "Interesting. Specimen K now appears resistant to the affects of a stun baton and has grown stronger. While not uncommon for Jenova cells to grant augmentations to their host, it is strange that it manifested so quickly, especially without mako in her system."Hojo moved to another drawer and pulled out...Kairi squeaked in fear as he pulled out a gun. "That reaction tells me, Specimen K, that you know what will happen if you refuse me again. Come forward and offer me your arm. Now."Kairi let out a fearful sob and scooted to the front of the cage, tears running down her face. Oh god... she didn't want to die...Hojo grabbed her arm, turned it, and stuck the syringe into a vein, extracting a full vial of blood. Ugh... seeing her blood draining out of her arm left her feeling squeamish. Hojo let go and carefully cradled the syringe, taking it to a nearby counter and gently laying it down as if it were a child. He pulled out a microscope from a cabinet, put a drop of blood on it, and began to look into it, humming quietly to himself. Kairi looked at the bizarre scene with disgust, he treated his lab instruments with more care than a real person!Kairi wiped her tears away and scooted back to the back of the cage. Gah, there wasn't even enough room to stand up in this thing! She just wanted to get out and stretch!"You know my pain my child. For so long have I been trapped, for so long have I desired to be free," whispered Jenova.Kairi hesitated for a moment. "Y-you said you have a son? Why not ask him to go and free you?""Ah my beautiful, prideful, disciplined and mighty son. He only hears whispers, faint flickers in his mind. He is closed to me as of this moment, his mind hardened. He is not open to me, not like you are my daughter," answered Jenova.Kairi really didn't know how to feel about Jenova's persistence in calling her 'daughter'. "Why can you so freely talk to me then if you can't talk to him?""You are different my child, born of a different world, a different structure of DNA, a different purpose and soul. You resonate differently with me than my other children," explained Jenova.Kairi nodded slowly. "I guess I understand... oh... wow... I just realized, I got... I got what me, Sora, and Riku always wanted. I'm in another world..."Kairi looked at her cage bitterly. "Some adventure this turned out to be.""Oh my daughter, I understand. I have... wandered... through countless worlds. All experiences are different, and my time in this world has been... difficult. After I am done with this world, I crave a smaller taste, someday my child, perhaps you will... show me... your world," said Jenova, her voice hungry.Kairi smiled faintly. "It's really not much to see, but sure, if we both ever get out of our cages and I find a way back home, I'll take you to see it."There was something almost... sinister... in her reply."Oh yes, I would 'enjoy' your world greatly."Kairi's mind began to wander. "A moment ago, you said 'other children'. So there's more than just this 'brother' you keep mentioning?"There a hint of disdain in her reply. "There are only two others I could designate as my true children, though, the ways they were made mine are marred. As for the others, they are my... lesser children. They have far less of me in them than my son, who was born my child. Even you are already more my child then them, and that amount is growing by the moment, the second."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?""You are becoming more my child as time passes, my cells join with yours and multiply rapidly, your entire body will be this way soon, engulfed in the union between our cells, you will truly be my child, just like your brother," explained Jenova.Kairi frowned for a moment. "That sounds... disturbing..."The voice seemed hurt. "Do you truly loath me my child? You will be of my flesh and blood. My cells will give aspects of my power, and will increase your own natural abilities. Is this not a mother's gift? I wish for you to be strong for me, is this not a mother's will?"Kairi felt a pang of guilt. "W-well...""Did you not mention in your mind earlier that you don't have a mother? That you washed up on your world one day? Do you not wish for a mother?" asked Jenova.Kairi started to feel dizzy, her mind throbbing. "A mother... don't I... wish for one?""Don't you want one?" asked Jenova.She had grown up with Sora and Riku, living out of an orphanage on the destiny island mainland. She had never really had a parent, just friends and caretakers. She felt jealous of Sora and Riku all of the sudden."I... I want a mom," whispered Kairi, feeling awfully lonely and abandoned."I can be your mother, I can guide and protect you as much as I can, I will never leave you alone, I will never abandon you, would you not like that?" asked Jenova, its voice alluring."I... I... I would... like that... I want you to... be my... mother," whispered Kairi, her mind feeling fuzzy."Then, my child, I will be your mother, now and forever. You and I will do great things together. One day we shall take this world, and when were finished, we shall ride it through the stars to the next, said Jenova.A mother... a mother to call her own... yes... Kairi felt so... so very... happy...Kairi's stupor and moment of bliss was shattered when Hojo began to cackle. "Oh most interesting indeed! I'll have to test this right away!"Kairi grew uneasy and leaned foreward, sighting Hojo holding a lit lighter near the blood sample he was looking at. Hojo turned the lighter off, grabbed his gun, and turned back to Kairi, walking over."Specimen K, your blood has a very... interesting property to it, would you be interested in knowing what it is?" asked Hojo, an gleam in his eyes that frightened Kairi."N-n-no," stammered Kairi."My first lesson my daughter, show NO fear to these lesser beings," hissed Jenova."Oh? Are you sure, its a most interesting observation," said Hojo.Kairi hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow Jenov... follow mother's advice. "Fine then butthead! Show me!"Hojo blinked a few times, seeming surprised by her sudden attitude change. "Hmm..."He studied her briefly before holding out his hand. "Give me your arm and I'll show you. If I'm right, you may prove to be a valuable specimen indeed."Kairi glared at him and put an arm through the bars. "Fine then!"Hojo cackled for a moment before grabbing the arm. "And if I'm wrong, we'll probably need to amputate."Wait what?Hojo put his gun to her arm and fired, putting a hole right through it. Kairi screamed in pain and scrambled back, whimpering and clutching her arm painfully to her stomach. He shot her! HE SHOT HER! What was WRONG with him? Kairi sobbed and put her head to the floor of the cage, it hurt... it hurt so much it... it... huh...?Kairi frowned for a moment. The pain... it was fading away rapidly...Kairi sat up and lifted her arm, examining it. "T-the hole its... its gone..."She couldn't believe what she was seeing! She had just been shot, just had a hole put through her arm, and now, it was gone! It was like she hadn't even been hurt to begin with!"A boon my child, a boon from mother to daughter. We are hard to get rid of my child. You especially. I felt within you powers hidden in your depths, powers unfamiliar to me, but feeling akin to healing magic. You cells, your beautifully unique cells have adapted to your power and have begun to awaken it. Your power and cells have augmented the regenerative abilities I have given to you," explained Jenova.There was a soft chuckle. "You may end up being even harder to kill then I am."Kairi stared at her arm in wonder, any misgivings she had about Jenov... about mother before were instantly gone, "T-thank you mother..."Mother seemed very pleased with her response. "Yessss my child, at last you welcome me."She wasn't unfortunately, the only one pleased, Hojo had taken note of her arm as well. "Excellent! Specimen K has shown extraordinary regenerative capabilities. Most interesting. It is was truly a marvelous idea on my part to test out her first blood sample with Jenova cells to test compatibility. After all it is most unusual for a female specimen to respond positively to a direct infusion of Jenova Cells. I wonder how she would respond to Mako treatments as well."Hojo began to cackle to himself before pausing and adjusting his glases to look at Kairi. "Hmm... yes... yes that would be a very interesting thing to test. Yes... Replication Theory VS Reunion Theory aside, her cells could be the key to opening up SOLDIER to the female gender and getting me a much bigger budget in return, if she survives of course..."Kairi tried her best to keep the tremor out of her voice. "S-survives what?"Hojo smiled a sickening smile. "Mako infusion of course."Kairi made a face. "Haven't you stuck enough gunk in me already?"Hojo raised an eyebrow. "What? Perhaps its not a path females think so often, but haven't you ever wanted to be a SOLDIER? Like my mighty Sephiroth?"Sephiroth. For some reason, that name resonated within her body."Your brother, my son... my dear beautiful strong son, Sephiroth," said Jenova, "Accept this scientist's foolish offer my child. Once again, he knows not what he is doing.""A...are you sure mother?" asked Kairi."He is offering you power my daughter, pure, raw power, take it and make it your own to one day use against him," whispered Jenova.Kairi decided to trust her and put out a fake-timid voice, "Like... S-sephiroth?Hojo smirked and muttered under his breath. "To easy."Hojo cleared his throat. "Yes, like the legendary Sephiroth. Surly you've heard the news reports from the early Wutai skirmishes? Sephiroth had been devastating the enemy with the uttermost ease and making quite the name for himself. Far more impressive that Hollander's fool projects."Kairi frowned briefly. She didn't like fighting, didn't like the thought of war, but if one person was apparently doing so much by himself, then, she'd be a fool not to want the same. Though she had little intention of hurting anyone, aside MAYBE from this crazy scientist."Maybe? My child, he has wronged you so. You should wish to rend him limb from limb," hissed Jenova."But hurting people, killing people, its wrong!" countered Kairi."Is it? You mentioned friends earlier. Lets say the professor held a gun to your 'Sora' friend's head, would you not kill him to save your friend?" asked Jenova.A solid lump formed in Kairi's throat at that. "I... well... I...""A simply yes or no my child, would that be the right thing to do? Killing him to save your friend?" asked Jenova.Kairi hung her head in defeat, mother truly did know best. "Yes mother... I wouldn't let anything happen to my friends...""No more pouting child, lets go," ordered Hojo, opening the cage.Kairi crawled out of the cage, feeling a huge wave of relief. "Finally..."Hojo put his gun away in his lab coat pocked and put a hand firmly on her shoulder. "We will be moving to an examination room. Attempt to run along the way and there will be severe consequences, perhaps even a termination of the experiment..."Kairi felt a shiver run down her spine. This monster... he just loved to threaten and demean her. Mother said killing wasn't always wrong, and she had a hunch that one day killing this scientist would be a good thing.Hojo led her through the halls, past a number of scientists and guards giving her lecherous looks. God, the pigs! She wish she had more than her undergarments on more than ever, her face was burning with embarrassment and shame. Not that Hojo would care, no, he probably got a kick out of demeaning her like this.Hojo led her into a room and had her stand next to a long metal table with straps on it while he began to sift through a drawer. He fished out a measuring tape and turned to her."Arms out, legs spread," ordered Hojo.Kairi frowned at him but obeyed. Hojo began to wrap the measuring tape around her limbs, jotting down notes on a paper. "Hmm, no muscle whatsoever. Specimen K will need to be toned and trained afterwards."Kairi felt a spike of anger. Every time he kept calling her a specimen, god it pissed her off."Lay down on the table," ordered Hojo.Kairi gave a disgruntled sigh before obeying. Hojo began to walk around, strapping her limbs in place. Hojo moved away for a moment out of Kairi's view before coming back with several vials of glowing green liquid and a syringe."Injection begins at 2:23 PM on January 3rd, 1996," murmured Hojo, jotting down on a paper before taking one of the vials, filling the syringe, and injecting it into Kairi's heart.Kairi winced, feeling pressure as the liquid was put into her veins. She shivered for a moment before her arm grew tingly. Hojo did four more injections, one in each of her limbs, before he paused to observe. Kairi shivered again, the tingling sensation turning into a burning one. Her entire body felt like it was on fire. It wasn't the feeling she had when mother's cells had been injected, but, it was concerning none the less. It...Kairi grew dizzy. It...Kairi gave a groan and sat up, rubbing her forehead. "Owww, what a headache.""Well, I'm pleased to see that you have recovered so quickly Specimen K, its only been a few hours yet you seem to have adjusted rather rapidly," came a loud voice.Kairi glanced up and looked around. She was in a large, empty white room. Hojo's voice was emanating from a speaker up in the top-right corner of the room."To your left you will find a set of clothes, a sword, a cure materia, and a fire materia," said Hojo.Kairi turned her head, eyeing the weird clothing with a bit of disdain. It almost looked like some kind of uniform. There were a pair of brown boots and gloves. A pair of baggy blue pants, and a matching lined blue shirt connected with a built. The shoulder part of the shirt had a piece of what looked like armor on it. She hesitated briefly before putting it on, anything was better than being basically naked.She frowned for a moment. Something felt... weird... with her body. She waved a hand infront of her, noting how quickly her limb seemed to move, strange..."The mako the fool scientist injected into you has made you stronger my child," whispered Jenova.She nodded slowly and looked at the sword and two pieces of green stone with confusion. "Whats with the two stones?""Stones? Have you never seen materia before?" asked Hojo.Kairi glanced blanked down at the stones again. "No...""Pick them up my child and know their power," ordered Jenova.She knelt down and picked one up. "So what is a..."Kairi let out a gasp as a sensation went up her arm. She could feel... she could feel heat... she could feel..."Fire," she whispered, releasing a burst of fire from her hands."Hmm... for someone who has never seen materia before, you have a rather focused grasp of it," said Hojo, "I advise you socket the two materia in your sword."Kairi glanced down at it with unease. Could she even hold that thing?"Easily my child. While before you were weak, I have made you strong. Even without the mako in your blood you would have been able to hold it," answered Jenova.Kairi felt a bit more confident at that, though, as much as it was true she didn't like being called weak. She gripped the sword's handle and lifted it. She found two slots in the handle and slipped the two materia into them before hefting the sword with uncertainty."Why do I have a sword?" asked Kairi."Why, for the experiment of course, hee hee hee," came Hojo's cackle.There was a beep followed by a whrrrr sound. Kairi turned her head, sighting a clear elevator starting to rise out of what she had thought to be a smooth, stable floor. She stared at its contents with mute horror. There was some kind of weird, monstrous muscular wolf in the cage, saliva rolling off its huge fangs."I'm curious to see how quickly you adapt to battle Specimen K, and how much damage your regenerative capabilities are able to handle, hee hee hee. Above all else, you need to be strengthened before we can really start the more, extreme, experiments, heee heee heee heee haaaa," came a manacle voice.
CLICK
The elevator opened, and wolf charged at her."Kill it my daughter!" cried Jenova.Kairi however, heard none of it. She took one look at the wolf, screamed in terror, and dropped her sword. She turned and tried to run, looking for a door. The wolf pounced on her before she could take two steps, claws digging into her back and dragging her to the floor. Kairi screamed in agony as it bit down into the back of her shoulder blade, its mouth shaking back and forth.
RIP
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH," screamed Kairi as it ripped a chunk out of her back."HELP ME!" she screamed again."Fight it you fool!" roared Jenova.Kairi screamed again as the wolf dug its fangs into her back again. She panicked, turned, and swung her fist. She was shocked when her fist connected and sent the wolf spinning through he air where it landed it in a heap.Kairi slammed her head into the floor, groaning, moaning, and whimpering in pain. It hurt... it hurt so much... oh god..."KILL IT," roared Jenova.Kairi gave a sob and turned her head, sighting the wolf bounding after her again. She screamed and raised an arm defensively, only to watch horrified as it bit down and put its fangs straight through her arm. WHY! WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING?Kairi screamed and tried to pull her arm out, only for the wolf to bite down harder and begin to pull its head back and forth, trying to rip her off arm. Kairi sobbed, tears starting to stain her vision."THE SWORD YOU FOOL!" roared Jenova.Kairi saw a glint out of her tear stained eyes and reached forward, grabbing the sword with one hand. She gave a pathetic, whimpered, pain filled cry, and desperately swung the sword at the wolf. There was a sickening SLICE as it passed through the top of the wolf's head and killed it. She dropped her sword, pulled her mangled arm out of its mouth and scrambled away, her back and arm hurting badly.She curled up in a ball, sobbing uncontrollably, feeling her injuries squirm and start to slowly heal. Why was this happening to her? What had she done to deserve this?"I hope your not going to lay there crying for the rest of today's experiments, you may not survive if you do. I'm not one to bias and impair my experimentation, but I advise you cast cure, and quickly, after all, you have many more experiments to go through before were done here today, heee heee heeeee," came Hojo's voice.Kairi raised her head fearfully at the sound of another elevator moving. She took one look at its contents and started screaming again as it opened and another monster came rushing out at her...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

One Year Later...
Kairi gripped her sword two-handed, flexing her fingers and waiting. The whrrrring of machinery and the ever familiar sigh of an elevator rising to deliver another 'experiment' into the room. It used to be a sight that sent terror down her spine, sent her running and screaming, pounding the reinforced door out of the room and begging to be let out.She had long since learned that nothing good came out of such weakness. Running did nothing. Screaming did nothing. Crying did nothing. All it did was make her easier prey for the monsters Hojo tested her against. Mother had tried to warn her, tried to make her understand, if only she had heeded her words earlier, this last year might not have been so bad if she had. The only thing offering her fear got her was claws and fangs ripping through her body. She shuddered involuntary as countless memories of being torn apart flowed through her mind before forcibly banishing them.These creatures that would so readily hurt her didn't deserve her pity, nor her mercy. They weren't capable of understanding such concepts. It made her so mad. The first night after Hojo had forced her to kill or be killed as part of his tests, she had cried for them, cried for the life she had been forced to end. But they didn't care, all they wanted to do was make a meal out of her. And like hell was she going to end up in a monster's stomach.Speaking of stomach, her own stomach grumbled, making her grimace. Hojo was a cruel, heartless bastard. He never gave her food, when she had asked on that first night, he told her to 'eat the wolf' and the other monsters she had been forced to kill. She had been utterly disgusted, but, by the start of the second day, kept up by hunger pangs and insisted by her mother, she used the fire materia and her blade to eat. The disgust was another thing she had long since lost a care for, though, she did wish she could eat normal food for a change...Not to mention live a damn normal life or sleep in a bed. He almost never let her out of this large 'experiment' room since she had first woken up here. He only let her out for specific testing, an injection of Mako, or to use the bathroom, and only with one of those 'walking suits' present. What the hell were they called again... Turks? They gave off a scary sensation, and even mother advised not attacking them head on yet. While she had become stronger after getting Mako in her system, she was not very skilled yet, she could admit it. As much as she hated being in here, bored one minute with nothing to do, and then killing monsters the next, mother said it was a way to build her strength and skilled. Speaking of which...
Ding
Kairi raised an eyebrow at the monster in the elevator. "The hell is that...?"Today's test was against some kind of floating eyeball with wings. Strange, Hojo usually had her fighting against weird mutated animals, this looked distinctly different. The elevator opened, and the creatures flew out and began to circle the room, releasing an annoying screeching sound, scrambling to try to escape. She watched it silently, this reaction wasn't entirely new. Plenty of the experiments looked for ways out before they turned on her."It reeks of ailments," warned Jenova.Kairi made a distasteful face. God, how she hated those kind of monsters. Silence was her most hated ailment encountered thus far, but poison was a close second. Wonder which one this one was. Eh, best not to even give it a chance to ail her.Kairi felt along her senses, triggering the materia embedded in her sword and aimed the blade at the flying monster. "Fire 2!"Flames erupted around the creatures, burning it and causing it to screech in agony. It turned and glared at her, its eye flashing. She gave a start when a burst of energy flew out of its eye at her. She dove to the right, a bit of the energy nicking her leg. She glared at the creature with annoyance before starting forward.
THUD
She frowned, something... felt wrong, sounded wrong. She glanced down at her leg and grew mortified. It was turning to stone! Her leg! It was petrifying!? Oh god it was spreading!"Kill the creature, now!" screeched Jenova."I know mother!" Kairi hissed under her breath.Of all the advice Jenova gave her, that was the most frequent one, and unfortunately the most needed. Kairi aimed her blade at the flying monster and released another fire 2, but the creature dodged and released another blast at her. Kairi threw herself foreward, dragging her stone leg along with her, and managed to dodge.She scrambled, roughly, to her feet. The petrification was spreading, her entire right leg and foot were stone, her waist and other leg were starting to turn. She had less than a minute. She swore to herself, growing terrified and furious. Ever since she had started focusing and taking this seriously, I.E. not screaming her head off like a scared little girl, she had almost never had close encounters like on her first day. She didn't want to die, not like this!"Feed into your rage child, consume it!" ordered Jenova.A whine filled the air, followed by an orange and red aura engulfing Kairi. Her emotions went wild, her rage rocketed. She instinctively aimed a hand at the creature, a strange white light emanating from her fingers.She spoke a word that slipped into her mind. "Light Nova!"A burst of white fire exploded around the creature in a nova, incinerating it into a smoldering pile of ashes. She breathed in and out, suddenly feeling very drained..."Hmmm, interesting, Specimen K has preformed her first Limit Break, interesting indeed, perhaps we can move on to the next stage of experimentation, hee hee hee," cackled Hojo.Limit Break?Kairi had little time to process the though as she lost any sensation in the lower have of her body. She looked down, paling at the sight of her torso turned to stone. A moment later, she lost the ability to breath, her lungs turning to stone. She desperatly tried to say something, to do something, but she couldn't even scream.The last thing she heard before the stone's embrace overtook her head was an annoyed snort from Hojo, "Or rather, we can move on after I fix her failure..."Kairi groaned and came to some time later, feeling stiff, very very stiff. She looked around, noting she strapped on a table in what looked to be some kind of back room. She sighed to herself. At least she wasn't a piece of stone, small improvement. She rolled her eyes at that...She frowned for a moment, a tingling sensation going up her spine. What was that?"One of your... brothers... is near," murmured Jenova with disdain.Kairi rolled her eyes. One of the 'not-Sephiroth' brothers then. She didn't particularly approve of how mother played favorites like that."Its not playing favorites if they're not worth the time," was the only reply Jenova spared her.Kairi frowned at that and tried to think 'quietly', as to not draw mother's attention or ire. This was one of the very few things she did not like about mother, how she could so casually disregard people. That aside, mother could be very hostile if Kairi didn't acknowledge her advice and heed her whims. It was scary sometimes. Not to mention, Kairi almost never had any free thoughts to herself with mother always in her head like this.She broke her thoughts at the sound of an opening and closing door. The tingling sensation was gone, but, there was a... kind of pressure, or awareness, at the back of her mind. A presence in the room outside of this one scratched at her. It was... powerful, yes, that was the word. It was strong, and it demanded attention by presence alone."Have a seat Rhapsodos," came a dry, unfriendly tone of Hojo."Ah, good doctor, so pleasant to see you in such a fine mood," came a silky smooth, albeit heavily sarcastic, voice, "Shall we play check-up today? What deadly illness, what dastardly wound has struck me so that I need 'your' help?""A monthly check up and mako booster, save the dramatics," was all Hojo spared him,If Kairi had the strength, she'd be giggling right now. She didn't know anything specific about this 'Rhapsodos' guy, but if he could so easily agitate and make fun of the doctor he was definitely okay in her book. Not to mention, he definitely sounded like he didn't like Hojo either,"Sit up straight, be quiet, and do as your told. I have little tolerance for Hollander's failures, its a bother on me that he had to choose this week of all weeks to go on vacation and make me do this," grumbled Hojo.There was a strained silence for a moment before Rhapsodos spoke, "Oh? I'm hurt, I do so enjoy our beloved time together my good doctor. Can we not talk like old friends? Discus politics, missions, lovers, secrets locked in back rooms?"Kairi froze at those words. That was pointed, that was WAY to pointed to be a coincidence. And judging by the sudden quietness from the doctor, he realized it to. Rhapsodos... he knew she was in here?! Wait... she had felt his presence, maybe he had felt hers too!"Hmm, perhaps that child could prove useful after all. If you wish to be free of the doctor, make noise," instructed Jenova.Kairi opened her mouth, trying to yell out, but all that came out was a quiet gurgle. Her body was still stiff and unresponsive. Dammit, this could be her only chance! She glanced down at her arms, flexing her hands. She moved her right hand, pulling up on the straps keeping her in place. Almost immediately exhaustion hit her... why...?"Recovering from complete petrification can leave one rather exhausted and drained," advised Jenova, "Overcome it and adapt to it. If you can't even manage that much your leave much to be desired."Kairi burned shamefully at the slight. She closed her eyes, took in a breath, and yanked up as hard as she could, breaking the restraint with a soft snap sound. Not loud enough, she needed something else...Hojo recovered from his surprise. "I have little time for such prattle. We both know your physically fit. I'll give you your boosters and send you on your way."Kairi grew panicked. Hojo was trying to get rid of Rhapsodos! Her eyes flicked to the door. She didn't have the strength to walk over, she needed to... to...An idea hit her. She struggled, reaching her hand up to the small metal pouldron on her left shoulder that came with the uniform she had. She gave a yank and ripped it off before chucking it at the door as hard as she could manage.
BANG!
"What was that?" demanded Rhapsodos.Kairi heard him rise to his feet and head towards the door..."I would appreciate you NOT barreling into places beyond your clearance level," warned Hojo.Rhapsodos answered, his voice right next to the door, a mischievousness entering his voice. "It could be a threat, good doctor. It is my duty as a SOLDIER to protect Shinra personnel and investigate such a disturbance."Kairi's heart leapt to her throat when the door burst open with a heavy thump, revealing who she hoped would be the one to get her out of here. Rhapsodos stood tall, a little over six foot, wrapped in a long red coat that went down almost to his boots with black pouldron like leather covering his shoulders. Underneath he bore black clothing with crossed leather straps over his chest. He bore auburn-red hair, his eyes were, to Kairi's surprise, glowing a strange blue-green color. His face was soft and fair, for a brief moment, before he locked onto her with his eyes and his face grew cold."Professor, may I ask WHY you have a SOLDIER strapped down in your backroom?" asked Rhapsodos, his voice icy.Hojo sighed and entered the room. "Because she is an important subject for the future of the SOLDIER programs. She's currently recovering from petrification and I have her strapped down as to not let her injure herself."Rhapsodos blinked and did a double take, looking her over again. "She? There are no female SOLDIERS."Hojo smirked. "Do you not see the glow in her eyes? She is the first. More will follow when my testing is done. Now, if your done breaking down perfectly good doors and disturbing my specimen's rest, let us resume your checkup."Wait... her eyes glowed? Since when?!Hojo left the room, motioning for Rhapsodos to follow. Kair picked her head up and desperately looked at him, trying to make her eyes seem as pleading as possible. It was enough to get him to pause and stare at her with a questioning look."H...e...l...p... m...e...," Kairi managed to squeak out, "A...g...a...i...n...s...t... m...y... w...i...l...l.."Rhapsodos's eyes narrowed dangerously, he held a finger up to his lips for silence and whispered quietly. "I will return for you."Kairi let her head lay back down with relief after he had left the room. Yes... yeeeeeessss! Someone knew she was in trouble! Finally... maybe she'd finally get out of here!"An admirable performance I suppose. It's unfortunate that you must rely on him to do your work for you, you still have much strength that you need to gain before you can be of true use," said Jenova.Kairi winced at the slight. "I... know I'm not strong enough yet. No need to rub it in."Jenova didn't bother responding. Her silence was deafening though. It hurt to admit, despite how strong she had gotten, she was still wasn't strong enough to attain her freedom of her own efforts. Relying on other's to bail her out of her trouble was a shameful thing. Maybe if she was still just a weak little girl she could overlook it, but she had real strength now. She had fought and killed monsters, just like in stories of heroes she had heard as a little girl. She wanted to imagine herself as a hero, but, this was a blow to her newly forming pride, and it was a blow she did not like. But... it wasn't a bad thing to have people she could count on and turn to if need be, and right now, Rhapsodos was that person.Kairi kept her ears strained, listening quietly as Rhapsodos finished his check-up and left. Hojo entered the room a few minutes later, an annoyed look on his face."Hmph, that fool's probably going to cause a ruckus now. I'll need more results to show your progress to the president," stated Hojo flatly.He approached her and pulled a syringe out of his pocket, injecting it into her shoulder. "Let's speed up the petrification reversal process then, shall we? I need you back in the test room immediately Specimen K."Hojo undid her straps and grabbed her arm, pulling her up. Kairi wobbly rose to her feet, feeling dizzy. She wanted to just refuse and make him let her go, but knew that it would cause a scene and get one of the 'walking suits' sent after her. It was fine, this was fine, one more round of these damn monster fight experiments and then she'd be free!Hojo led her back to the experiment room and locked her inside. Kairi walked over and picked up her sword off the ground, testing it in her hands. She still felt a little stiff, but it was wearing off quick now."Danger," whispered Jenova, her voice a hiss."Mother?" questioned Kairi aloud.There came a louder than normal whrring sound, making Kairi frown. Towards the end of the room, a MUCH larger elevator starting rising out of the floor. Kairi's eyes went wide at the sight of a large purple quadrupedal creature with a tail, twin horns sticking out of its head, and a red mane on its back."It's a bit early I suppose, but besting a juvenile Behemoth should be proof enough for the president to see further merit in the continuation of my experiments, hee hee hee," cackled Hojo.Wait... this thing was a JUVENILE?! How big did they get?! God, she couldn't help but be scared of it and it wasn't even fully grown yet? There was an audible hiss in the back of Kairi's mind. Mother was not pleased, she seemed agitated and it was leaking over whatever link they had between them."Mother? Advice?" asked Kairi."Survive," was all Jenova said.Ah crap, she wasn't even suggesting she try and kill it...The elevator doors didn't even get a chance to open. The juvenile behemoth took one look at her, its nostrils flared, and it burst right through the elevator door, charging at her. Kairi gave a startled yelp and leapt out of the way, swinging her sword as she did. It raked across the side of the monster's body, but did not dig in. It merely scratched it, making Kairi's eyes go wide with dread. The behemoth gave an irritated snort and smacked her with its tail, launching across the room. She hit the floor and flipped head over heals, cringing in pain."Owww," she whined.She rose to her feet and aimed her sword at the monster. "Fire 2!"Flames hit the monster, but did nothing but piss it off. It roared and charged at her, aiming a horn to skewer her. She dove out of the way, not even bothering to try and counter attack this time. Basic attacks and even her fire materia didn't do crap to this think. She literally had nothing in her arsenal to hurt this thing! Wait... what about that thing she had done earlier?She paused brifly to consider it. Big mistake. The creature slammed the side of its head into her, sending her screaming and flying through the air until she hit the wall of the room and slid down the wall. Oh wow... that hurt...
Thump thump thump thump thump
Kairi looked up and gave a yelp, ducking down and throwing herself foreward just in time to dodge being skewered alive by the behemoth's horns. She half crawled half scrambled underneath the creature as it indented its horns into the wall. She swung her sword up at its underbelly, cutting it a bit, but once again only managing to anger it. It pulled its horns back and tried to smush her under its hooves. She struggled to roll out of the way, back and forth, dodging each crushing attempt. Wait... that's it!When it next brought a hoof down, she pointed her sword up and pushed. The force of both her and the juvenile behemoth made her sword penetrate into its hoof. The monster roared in pain. Kairi had a brief moment of triumph before the monster pulled back, taking her sword from her hands. It slammed the sword down at an angle, snapping it in half like a twig.Crap... there went her sword and her materia... okay... this was bad... but no need to panic yet...She locked eyes with it. Oh man, they were bright red with rage. Okay, panic panic panic panic panic! Kairi scrambled, rose to her feet, turned and ran as the creature roared and chased after her. She skirted the outskirts of the room, diving out of the way whenever it tried to skewer her. What the hell was she supposed to do now?!All of the sudden, the sound of the pursuing monster stopped. She turned her head, noting a red energy surrounding the beast. What was it doing...?It gave a roar and unleashed a heavy blast of fire at her. Her eyes went wide with shock at the sight before the magic hit her head on. She was sent screaming into the wall, covered in fire. She leaned against the wall, cringing painfully. Only to late did she react to the heavy footfall of hoofs. She looked up in time to see the juvenile behemoth pierce through her chest with one of its horns, ramming its head into her and crushing her rib-cage.She let out an agonizing scream. The monster pulled its head back, and threw its head to the side, tossing her off its horn and to the floor, blood spraying across the distance. She shook, trying to push herself to her feet, but failing to do so. Oh god, she hadn't been hurt this bad in months... and she had... had never been... run through before...She screamed again as the monster began to trample her, trying to crush her to death. She coughed up blood as it brought a hoof down on her chest. She grew dizzy, her eyes hazy...No... NO!She felt it again, a spike of rage and emotion, and latched onto it. She aimed her hands at the creature and screamed. "LIGHT NOVA!"She unleashed the power, what Hojo had called a limit break, and blasted the creature with white fire, sending it reeling and roaring back in pain. But, the creature still lived. Kairi's hands dropped down to her sides, her strength leaving her. She stared weakly at the monster, all of her strength leaving her. Dammit, her wounds didn't concern her to much at the moment, grievous as they were it wouldn't outpace her regenerative capabilities if she could buy herself some time, but if the creature just straight up killed her or kept hurting her it wouldn't matter. She wouldn't be able to hold it off anymore or run away. It wasn't fair... it just wasn't fair...Before the monster could start after her again, a MASSIVE ball of fire slammed into it. Kairi's eyes went wide, sighting the huge monster being sent FLYING at the impact. A chard corpse was all that was left of it. Unreal... who... who had...?She turned her head weakly. Standing in the doorway, with a very angry look on his face, was Rhapsodos. His hand was still glowing with fire. He banished his magic and walked briskly over to her, kneeling down to study her wounds."My friend, the fates are cruel," murmured Rhapsodos."Hojo, do you mind telling me why one of my SOLDIERS was fighting alone against a BEHEMOTH?!" came a loud voice from the doorway."Director Lazard, she is MY specimen, not one of your SOLDIERS," came Hojo's voice.Rhapsodos turned his head briefly to the door before shaking his head and looking down at her wounds again. He frowned, a confused look on his face. He lowered a hand, gently touching the hole in her chest that was growing smaller by the second."Strange," he murmured.He shook his head and raised his hand over Kairi's chest. "My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess."A powerful green light emanated from his hands, she recognized it as a stronger version of the cure materia she had. She cringed, feeling her already healing bones abruptly snap back into place. Oooohhh man, why did healing magic hurt so much?! She'd almost rather have let herself regenerate naturally..."Is that so? Then, pray tell, why is she in 3rd class uniform? And why does her eyes glow as Genesis has told me?" asked this 'Lazard'."The clothing is just that, clothing, it means nothing. And the glow is of mako, you know that," snorted Hojo.Kairi shook her head and sat up. "Thanks..."Rhapsodos nodded curtly and offered her a hand. "My pleasure."She took his head and let him help her to her feet. She was surprised, and blushed a little when he brought her hand up to kiss her hand."A pleasure to make your acquaintance my fair lady, I am Genesis Rhapsodos," said Genesis, "Shame that our first two meetings have been under such dismal settings. May I have your name?""Kairi," she offered, unsure of what to make of the shameless display of flirtation."Correct me if I'm wrong doctor, but is the mako glow not a byproduct of the SOLDIER process?" asked Lazard."It is," came Hojo's thin reply.Genesis let go of Kairi's hand and raised a finger up to his lips, motioning for her to remain silent."Then, she is a SOLDIER under MY command, not an unwilling test subject!" retorted Lazard."I have the full authorization of the president for my experiments," countered Hojo.A stiffness entered Genesis's shoulders, making Kairi grow concerned and fearful she might not get out of this. Apparently being an unwilling test subject didn't outweigh this 'president's' approval."Then I'll have a talk with the president, for now, she's under MY watch and will be leaving, now. I don't trust you enough to not get her killed, for gods sake man, a BEHEMOTH?" said Lazard."Juvenile behemoth to be precise, and your alarm is without merit. Specimen K is practically immortal with her regenerative capabilities so long as she is not outright killed, I'm confident she would have eventually killed it, perhaps another five limit breaks or so would have done it," countered Hojo.Genesis turned his head to give Kairi a curious look, she merely bowed her head and murmured, "I heal quickly...""And unwilling? She agreed to the SOLDIER process I'll have you know," countered Hojo.Oh hell no."Like hell I did!" shouted Kairi, making for the doorway.Genesis grabbed her shoulders and held her back. "Kairi, quiet, let the director handle this."There was a tone in his voice that demanded she obey, but like hell was she going to let Hojo weasel his way into keeping her here!Hojo and a second man, Lazard if Kairi guessed correctly, walked through the door. Lazard. He had blonde hair, glasses, and a plain face. He had white gloves, a suit top, and white pants. He looked almost regal.Hojo scowled in her direction. "Oh? When I offered you the chance to become like my Sephiroth you seemed to jump at the chance."Kairi felt Genesis's fingers tense slightly on her arm, for some reason those words seemed to agitate him, but she pushed the thought back and glared at Hojo full force.She half-lied, Mother had wanted her to get strong, but she wouldn't let that on, "I said what you wanted me to say so you wouldn't try shoot me or shock me or inject more crap into me again! I don't even know who the heck that Sephiroth guy you keep mentioning is!"Her words had a very visible and angry affect on Director Lazard's face before it suddenly turned to curiosity. In fact, Hojo looked suddenly curious as well, and what she could feel with her senses Genesis seemed curious as well."Don't know who Sephiroth is?" murmured Lazard curiously.Kairi was kind of surprised she could hear his murmuring at this distance. Her words WERE true though, kind of. All she knew was that Mother called him her brother, and that he was supposedly strong."Very strong, your brother's power is unmatched," hissed Jenova.Lazard cleared his throat and turned to Hojo. "I think were done here. She will be remaining under SOLDIER's protective custody until I've had a chance to talk with the president."Hojo looked very displeased. "Your interrupting my testing. I'll be voicing my displeasure to the president.""I'm sure you will," said Lazard dismissively, before motioning to Genesis and Kairi to follow.Kairi felt pure, blissful, relief as she followed Genesis and Lazard out of Hojo's experimentation room and then out of the door...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Genesis Rhapsodos walked silently down the hallway of the Science Division on one side of their young charge, Director Lazard on the other side. One year, one irritating and puzzling year and he finally had the answer that he, Angeal Heweley, and Sephiroth had been quietly seeking out. The source of the sensation, a pressure, a presence at the back of their minds that they only EVER had between the three of them. They hadn't been certain of what it was, but, they had suspected it would be a person. Though, it was an alarming thought. That someone new had just sprang out of nowhere giving off a presence of pressure like that was... disturbing...At least until he met the person that is and realized that she wasn't actually very strong, at all...Genesis snuck a quick look at the girl, still feeling puzzled over her before facing forward. When he had first laid eyes on her oh how had he been furious, to see a fellow SOLDIER, even a third class, being used as some experiment. Sephiroth had been slow to open himself to them, but he had recently started speaking to them about his youth as Hojo's lab rat. Even the fabled hero himself had a dark beginning, and Genesis would not wish that on any other. It was one of the reasons he could respect and befriend Sephiroth, as much as he craved the tittle of hero he possessed.He resumed his initial thought. He had thought the strapped down SOLDIER was just an unwilling experiment. But then Hojo had dropped the goddess's fire on him, a bombshell. The SOLDIER was a girl, an impossibility. To his knowledge, females could not become SOLDIERs, the process literally killed them. That the SOLDIER had been able to survive the process was a mind-boggling thing, and a key moment for the Shinra Corporation. His mind had instantly been whirling with the possibilities. If the SOLDIER was already being tested in combat situations, then the process itself worked. All Hojo would need to do was replicate it. Genesis had put a rough timetable in his head: One year to stabilize the process, one year to spread the word, and one year for recruits to come in. Within three years he could foresee the ranks of 3rd Class SOLDIERs being bolstered drastically, if not sooner. Wutai would not stand a chance, not that they did anyway.Of course then Kairi whimpered out that she was an unwilling test subject. That dashed any approval he *might* have had for Hojo's accomplishment. It would not have been befitting of a hero to leave the fair maiden there. Genesis's smirked at that, he had made a straight line for the director and they had been on their way. Though, Hojo had acted far quicker than Genesis had anticipated, devious bastard...Once again Genesis snuck a glance at Kairi, his puzzlement returning. He had walked in on her fight in time to see her limit break, an impressive display of power for a 3rd class SOLDIER, to be sure, but nothing on a 1st Class Level. It was bizarre, she was not particularly powerful, yet, she gave off a strong presence. Though, the one thing that WAS extraordinary was that she had been run through by a behemoth's horn not even five minutes ago and was now walking down the hall with them as if nothing had happened, blood still coating her uniform. His restore materia probably wouldn't have even been needed to heal her. Her regenerative capabilities were already above 2nd Class SOLDIERS, no, that wasn't accurate nor fair...Genesis had to admit, he wasn't sure he could naturally heal like she could, and she had only had the 3rd Class injections if he had to guess. How much would that ability grown once she got the 2nd Class injections and, goddess forbid, the 1st class injection and mako shower? She could rival Sephiroth in self-healing, though, he had his doubts she would ever surpass a 2nd class in skill and power. But, would she need to? Hojo had said she was already practically immortal. Genesis's tactical mind was already processing ways a super regenerative SOLDIER could be used in battle, that type of warrior could be an invaluable gift. He smirked at that: Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess... He softly shook his head and banished it. Now wasn't the time for such thoughts, as he doubted their guest shared such prospects. His mood was starting to sour as he began to wonder where Hojo had plucked Kairi from. SOLDIER was something that one should willingly pursue, not be forced into. That glow in her eyes had stolen any choice from her, she would be forever marked as one of them, different, outcast. Something to be admired from afar, but dreaded and shunned up-close. It was a dismal fate of a SOLDIER, once one was enhanced, there was no going back, forever doomed to never again be normal, always seeking out a purpose. The wandering soul knows no rest...They entered an elevator and started for the SOLDIER floor. Once the door closed, and the last white-coat scientist was out of view, Kairi visibly relaxed and let out a desperate sigh of relief. Genesis hesitated for a moment, calculating what was appropriate, and put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze.The girl glanced up at him and gave a brief smile. "Thanks."Genesis tilted his head curtly. "Your welcome. I apologize not taking you out of Hojo's grasp immediately, but politics and policy are a dangerous game to balance within Shinra."Kairi gave him a puzzled look. "Shinra...?"Genesis stared at her in disbelief, exchanging an equally puzzled look with the director. How in the world could someone NOT know of the Shinra Corporation?"Kairi, where are you from?" asked GenesisKairi's eyebrows furrowed in thought for a brief moment before answering sadly. "Destiny Islands."Genesis tilted his head back in thought. He had never heard of such a place, but, if she did live out on some forgotten godforsaken island, he could understand her lack of knowledge. She seemed sad giving her answer though..."Kairi, do you remember how you got here?" asked Genesis.Director Lazard shot him a warning look. "A discussion that we should have in a place other than an elevator."Genesis nodded curtly. "Of course."The elevator dinged on floor 51 and they exited. They walked together into the Director's office and paused at the desk, allowing the Director to move around the desk to sit down and turn on his computer.Director Lazard's eyes flickered to Kairi. "If you would please elaborate on how you arrived at Shinra...?"Kairi frowned for a moment. "I... was walking alone on the beach of one of the outer islands where me and my friends played. I stayed late for some reason..."Genesis interrupted. "Some reason?"Kairi hesitated. "I'm... not sure why. I've never stayed that long before, to nightfall, I... felt compelled to stay for some reason."Genesis took a second to re-appraise Kairi. He didn't need to know what happened next to identify a sixth sense when someone was speaking of one. An interesting development, especially since it happened while unenhanced..."These... things came from the ocean, little black creatures that could sink through the ground and shambled at me. There was a floating man in a brown cloak. They chased me to through the island and cornered me. Just when I was about to be attacked, I remember there being a flash of light, and then I was somewhere else... somewhere that smelt really bad. Though, I appeared midair and hit the ground... really hard. I remember someone talking... I think...," she explained.She paused momentarily, her eye's moving back and forth as if searching for a memory. "I remember the name 'Veld'."Genesis resisted the urge to wince at that. He could piece together from her story that she had probably, somehow, teleported to Midgar, the place DID smell after-all in certain places. A girl appearing midair would certainly attract the attention of the Turk director, and of course, like the lap dog he was, he'd bring her to the Professor to study.Kairi confirmed it a moment later, "I don't remember much else. I just remember waking up in my underwear in a cage in Hojo's lab, that guy... is a freak. He babbled a lot, shocked me with some kind of stick, and injected me with some kind of cells..."Genesis narrowed his eyes at that. "There are no dreams, no honor remains."Kairi turned her head to give him a quizzical look. "Huh?"Genesis softly shook his head. "Forgive me the interruption, continue."Kairi hesitated. "I got... sick for a little bit. I started hearing..."She trailed off for a moment, tilting her head as if listening to something. "Um... nevermind."Genesis found her behavior curious for a moment before he dismissed it. Being injected by some kind of ill concoction of the mad professor could cause all kinds of ailments if he had to guess. He would not judge her for having a momentary hallucination if what she said was to go by."He... took a sample of my blood after I recovered and studied it for a bit. He...," she ground her teeth, a fire lighting in her eyes, "He shot me just to test a theory!"Genesis rolled his eyes and sighed a frustrated sigh. "Of course he did, it wouldn't be Hojo without a bit of painful experimentation."Director Lazard coughed and cleared his throat, signaling him for silence."But... the shot healed almost instantly," murmured Kairi.Genesis blinked a few times. Almost instantly? Even before the mako injections? Just what DID Hojo inject her with?She continued, "After that, he gave me an 'offer' to become a soldier and I...""SOLDIER," interrupted Genesis, "Not soldier, there is a difference."Kairi gave him a puzzled look before continuing, "...to become a SOLDIER and I 'accepted', not that I thought I'd have a choice anyway. He injected me, I fainted, I woke up in that training room, and I've pretty much been fighting monsters ever since, baring his 'tests' and injections."Genesis and Lazard exchanged a glance, both gauging one another's mindset with that quick motion. Genesis resisted the urge to smile at what he saw in the director's eyes. This would not stand..."First off Kairi, I would like to formally apologize on behalf of the Shinra Corporation," began Lazard.Kairi crossed her arms and gave him a look that brought a hint of a smile to Genesis's face. No company apology bullshit was going to work here."While we cannot undo what was done to you, I'd offer to try and return you home, but... you clearly indicated the state of your home," said the Director.Genesis watched Kairi wince, a sad, almost devistated look entering her eye. He gave Lazard a look. Smooth Director, real smooth. Hammer it in that her home was overrun with monsters and all her friends and family were probably killed. SOLDIERs might not be the most socially acceptable bunch, but even he knew better than to do that... unless... oh right he knew where this was going. He could have gagged: Recruitment."We can keep you here, safe, for the time being, and if you want we could train you to...," began Lazard."I accept," said Kairi, her tone thin, "I'll be a SOLDIER."Genesis raised an eyebrow at that. She saw right through the charade, but, to accept it anyway?"Are you sure? Do you truly want to be a SOLDIER after all of this?" asked Lazard.Kairi narrowed her eyes. "Twice now I've been to weak to make a difference. Once at home, and again at the labs, not counting all the experiments with the monsters. I want to be strong enough to protect myself and those I care about."A noble effort. To protect one's self and others, the desire to be a hero was one he could resonate with, especially when spoken with truth and conviction as the girl did.Lazard nodded slowly. "Very well. I still have to speak with the president about this, but, I'm sure I can come to an agreement with him. As of this moment, well, after I file the paperwork anyway, you will be a 3rd Class SOLDIER. Now..."Genesis cleared his throat. "What training have you had in combat?"Kairi winced, bowed her head, and mumbled, "Aside from swinging a sword around in the lab, none."Lazard massaged his forehead. "You will need to go through training first before we can even think of missions then. Genesis, would you see her to one of the empty VIP rooms on the SOLDIER floor? I'm not sure she should bunk with the other SOLDIERS. While I trust my SOLDIERs, I don't wish to cause any... uncomfortable moments."She gave him a quizzical look. "Huh?"Genesis chuckled softly. "Perhaps you missed when Hojo said you were the first female SOLDIER. Unless you wish to bunk with a bunch of men, the director assumes you would rather room alone until more of your gender enter SOLDIER."Kairi blushed a little bit. "O-oh, yeah sure."Genesis made a motion with his hands. "Come then 3rd Class Kairi, let us be on our way."Kairi nodded, stood up, and followed him out of the office."Umm...," she began when they were a bit down the hall.Genesis paused to look back. "Yes?""T-thank you for getting me out of there," Kairi said sheepishly.Genesis cracked a smile at her. "Your most welcome. I may not be Sephiroth, but, I fancy myself at least somewhat of a hero."Kairi gave him a briefly confused look before she shrugged and then gave him a sheepish smile. "I don't know about Sephiroth, but, you were the one who got me out of there. So, your my hero."Genesis faced forward to hide the blush of pride and embarrassment that briefly overtook him. Oh she had no clue how those words burned through his veins. To be compared, and preferred over Sephiroth as the hero was an elating sensation. Perhaps it was petty of him, but he was more than willing to indulge in the sensation of the feeling for the moment.Hmm... he needed a quote for this moment. "My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess. And your freedom, was a gift I was more than happy to give on the goddess's behalf.""You've said that before... almost as if your quoting out of something," said Kairi with honest curiosity.Genesis came to an abrupt stop. "Oh, of course. If you don't know of Shinra, then you probably haven't even heard of LOVELESS."Kairi moved to stand beside him. "LOVELESS?"Genesis hesitated moment, a moment of uncertainty passing him, before he fished through his coats inner pocket for his special copy of LOVELESS and handed it to her. "I'll let you borrow my copy to read. It is a... well... a masterpiece. Even that word does not do it enough credit. Take care of my copy, otherwise..."He gave her a mischievous look. "I might have to light you on fire."Kairi, to his surprise, ignored the remark. She took the book in her hands and began to trace along the cover, her fingers hovering over the tittle tenderly. He watched her study the book, not even opening it yet. She showed it the admiration he felt it deserved before one even laid eyes upon its divine words. He did not want to interrupt, marveling someone finally giving the book true appreciation, but gently tapped her shoulder and pointed towards the elevator. She nodded, and they entered the elevator, making for the 49th floor.He watched her open the book and begin to quietly read its wonders, her eyes tracing its ever line. He led her through the SOLDIER floor towards their destination. Many SOLDIERS they passed paused to give Kairi a second glance, surprise written all over their face. The glow of a SOLDIER's eyes was unmistakable, within the hour he was sure that the entire floor would be in an uproar over the appearance of a female SOLDIER. Fortunately for her, she appeared to be engrossed in LOVELESS and didn't notice.He led her to an empty room and opened the door. "Your room awaits."Kairi paused her reading to look at him. "Thank you."He tilted his head. "Of course, I wouldn't let you get lost in the building...""I mean for letting me read the book, I can tell its special to you," she said.He stared at her for a moment before offering her a faint smile. "It is my pleasure."He smirked. "I have one rule though, no eating and reading at the same time, I want it returned unmarred."Kairi smiled at him before walking inside and closing the door behind her. Genesis stood there for a moment, mulling over what had just transpired, before fishing out his PHS and texting 'MEET AT SEPHIROTH'S ROOM, PRESENCE ANSWERED!' and sending it to Angeal and Sephiroth. He started walking immediately, frowning in thought. His friends needed to be informed of this right away. They had promised one another to share any insights they had gained about the presence.He walked swiftly and quietly, meeting Angeal along the way, but saying nothing to the inquisitive look his friend gave him. He wanted until they entered Sephiroth's office, noting that his friend was already there, sitting quietly behind his desk, a patient look about his face. They walked inside and closed the door."So, what was is this 'answer' then?" asked Angeal, curious.Genesis smirked. "Ah my friend...""No quotes Genesis," stated Sephiroth, a serious look on his face, "What have you discovered?"Genesis scowled at him. "A girl."Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. "The presence is a girl?""The first female SOLDIER in fact," said Genesis.There was a silence as both Sephiroth and Angeal appraised him, trying to see if he was jesting or not.Angeal rubbed his chin in thought. "I always thought the process was fatal for woman.""Not anymore it seems," said Genesis, "I had to personally rescue her from the labs."A brief, dark look passed through Sephiroth's face before he banished it. "Labs?"Genesis nodded. "An unwilling test subject it would seem."Angeal narrowed his eyes. "That scientist...""From the beginning Genesis," interrupted Sephiroth."Genesis nodded and told them all that had transpired since he had walked into Hojo's lab for his checkup. Angeal and Sephiroth did not interrupt, absorbing what he said and then retreating to their own thoughts to think. It was more than clear what Angeal was thinking by the irritation and fury on his face. It was a smudge on the honor of SOLDIER to have someone basically conscripted into their ranks against their will. Sephiroth however had the perfect mask, betraying not a hint of what he thought."She said she was injected with something?" clarified Sephiroth.Genesis shrugged. "She didn't say what."Sephiroth pondered it for a moment. "I question if a simple injection would give her such a presence, or if she naturally had it and was amplified by the mako treatments."Angeal slowly shook his head. "I don't know.""You met the girl, do you have any insight Genesis?" asked Sephiroth.Genesis shrugged. "Aside from her limit break, she didn't seem powerful nor skilled. Ignoring her regeneration, she is nowhere near our level of power.""Yet," added in Angeal, "Someone with that kind of presence I think will have great potential."Genesis tilted his head in acknowledgement, "Perhaps, she is after all untrained and untested. Mayhaps she may surprise us. I wouldn't be apposed to it I suppose, her personality isn't bad after all, she has enough taste to show interest in LOVELESS. I may yet make an avid fan of LOVELESS out of her."Angeal reached a hand up to rub the bridge of his nose, chuckling as he did. "Genesis, please don't. I don't think we could survive someone else quoting LOVELESS nonestop."Sephiroth faintly smiled at that. "Indeed."Genesis smirked mischievously. "I make no promises."They shared a brief fit of chuckles before Sephiroth cleared his throat. "She should be watched."Genesis raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"Sephiroth frowned. "If not to keep a measure of her growth, then to keep her out of the labs. I know Hojo, he won't let this go easily."Genesis nodded solemnly. "Agreed.""I wouldn't force this on you, but, do you think she does have potential?" asked Angeal to Genesis.Genesis frowned, thinking over the very brief display of power he had seen from her. "I'm honestly unsure, what are you alluding to?""Today in the initiation for the new 3rd Class SOLDIERs, I met someone I think has great potential," explained Angeal, "I plan on taking him under my wing. Perhaps you should do the same with the girl."Genesis shifted his focus. "Great potential you say?""One Zackery Fair," said Angeal, "Zack for short, a little hyperactive, kind of like a puppy."Genesis snorted. "Have fun then, I have no interest in mongrels."He frowned briefly. "As for the girl... I'll consider it, but, I'll need to see her at least preforming the basics before I make a decision. The only reason I'm even considering is because one, she appears to like LOVELESS, and two, her limit break was magic focused, so, she may have aptitude there."Sephiroth nodded. "It's decided then, keep us appraised of any further developments."With that, their meeting was concluded, and they left...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi gave a start, sitting upright and finding herself in an unfamiliar place..."Your lack of awareness upon waking is a weakness child," chided Jenova.Kairi blinked a few times, rubbed her eyes, and murmured aloud, "Sorry mother."She yawned and stretched, glancing around and noting she wasn't in the experimentation room anymore... oh... right, she was out of there. On the SOLDIER floor now. She smiled, feeling relief rush over her again. Yesterday seemed almost too good to be true, finally being out of that room and away from that psyco Hojo was blissful relief. Saved by her knight in shining armor.She giggled a little to herself at that before banishing the thought as another struck and humbled her. She shouldn't need a knight, she should BE her own knight."Perhaps I miss the reference, but I agree with the thought," mused Jenova, "Relying on the weak and disposable only goes so far."Kairi frowned at Mother's words, but kept quiet about her discomfort. She got off her bed, turning to make it silently and slowly to allow herself time to think. She was grateful to Genesis, without a doubt, she definitely owed the poetry quoting mage a debt. She smirked at that, her eyes shifting to the nightstand next to her bed with the copy of LOVELESS on it. He seemed a little awkward at times to some of the things she had said, but, he was a good man in her opinion.She began to fish through the drawers, coming across another set of 3rd class SOLDIER clothes. She gave a soft sigh, missing how she'd use to wear other, more vibrant and flashy clothes back home at Destiny Islands. These uniforms lacked any kind of personality. Though, Genesis had his own specific clothing, maybe you got to wear what you wanted with rank. She was pretty sure, based off that display of power she had seen of him, that he was very strong, and probably high ranking.She took the clothes, found a shower in the apartment, cleaned herself quickly, and changed. She made to move out of the bathroom before pausing. Slowly, she turned back and glanced at herself in the mirror. Genesis hadn't been kidding, her eyes were glowing. She stared at herself, a little entranced by herself. Her formerly blue eyes were now a shining teal-ish color, leaning towards green. She also took a moment to push back her sleeves and examine arms.She made a snort and flexed her arms, sighting a bit of a muscly bump to them. "Grrr, muscles!"She couldn't help but giggle a little to herself at that."What is the point of that action?" inquired Jenova."Umm, just trying to find some kind of amusement out of all of this," said Kairi bashfully."You find gaining strength to be silly amusement?" asked Jenova, baffled.Kairi sighed and rubbed her eyes. "No, just um... being strong and muscly is kind of a guy thing where I come from. I was just kind of mocking them and myself for some fun. Kind of childish I guess, but I could use the laugh.""I... see...?" said Jenova.Kairi slowly shook her head. Her and Mother could be a swing and a miss on a lot of topics. Kairi took one last look at her own glowing eyes, enjoying what she thought to be a cool change, before moving to the front of the apartment. She stood there, uncertain of what she was supposed to do. Should she go out and find someone, maybe Genesis or Lazard? Or should she just wait here?
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Heeeeeey! Anyone in there?" came a friendly voice.Kairi raised an eyebrow at that and moved to the door, opening and staring at the young man standing there. He was in the same uniform she was, with a sword strapped across his back. He hair rising, almost spiky black hair. His eyes were the same glowing color she had seen in the other SOLDIER's eyes she had passed last night. He looked rather cheerful, grinning at her gleefully.He fist pumped the air. "Haa! I knew it! Your the new guy! Er, girl!"Kairi stared at him. "Umm... hi?"The guy held out a hand, a smile on his face. "Zack Fair! Please to meet ya!"Wow, this guy was bubbly."A fool that you should knock aside," murmured Jenova with disdain."No need to be rude mother," chided Kairi.Jenova gave a huff of annoyance but stayed silent.Kairi took the hand and shook it. "Kairi."She gave a yelp when he pulled her into a hug. "Welcome to SOLDIER!"He let her go and turned. "C'mon! Better hurry if you don't wana miss breakfast, I figured no one gave you the rundown."Kairi blinked a few times before she shrugged and started after him. "Okay.""I'm kinda new too, thought I'd help a fellow newbie out since the guys are all afraid of girl cooties or something," said Zack cheerfully.Kairi giggled a bit at that. "Really?"He shrugged. "Apparently, there aren't any other girl SOLDIERs, your kinda a star at the moment, everybody's talking about you. They can't wait to see what you can do!"Kairi's face turned red. "O-oh..."She and Selphie used to joke about that kind of stardom and attention back in school on the Islands, but to actually have that attention here made her nervous.Zack glanced back at her, suddenly going serious. "If anyone hassles you or gets touchy feely, come get me or First Class Angeal Hewely and we'll set them straight. I wont tolerate anyone trying that crap against a friend. SOLDIER honor, Angeal told me I should take it seriously and I will."Kairi stared at him, baffled by his familiarity for a moment. Zack... she had just met him, but, he was starting to remind her of Sora. Carefree, goofy, but ready to jump to her defense. Sora had practically been her friend from day one as well. The nostalgia and homesickness hit her hard for a moment before she banished it and gave him a smile, she was more than willing to be friends with him."Sure will, thanks," she offered.His face turned back from serious to cheerful. "No problem! Lets get some grub! gonna warn you though, that mush they feed us is kinda gross.""Probably better than eating monster meat," muttered Kairi.Zack turned his head to give her a curious look before facing forward. "I dunno, we'll see."Kairi followed him down the halls and into a large cafeteria room. Almost immediately the hair on the back of her neck stood up. She hadn't been paying attention, but now that she was physically in the room, she could practically feel the gathered power from all of those present. It was intense, and it got even worse when most of them began to turn to size her up as she followed Zack towards the food line. It was strange, it wasn't like the sensation she felt with Genesis, it wasn't an individual presence, but a gathered host."Another of my gifts to you my child," whispered Jenova, "It is more apparent with these... SOLDIERs, but, you can practice and strengthen your senses to individually gauge your opponents with but a glance and a thought."Kairi nodded absent mindedly and waited patiently in the lunch line. It wasn't like she was really hungry, she didn't get nearly as hungry or thirsty as quickly as she used to. It was another of Mother's gifts as Mother called them. But, she wouldn't turn down food when offered it, lest she be denied it. Even after a year of eating monster, when the gray blob of goop called food hit her tray, she couldn't help but grimace. She followed Zack to a table and began poking the blob."Doesn't look or taste good, but, its apparently very nutritious," said one of the other 3rd Class SOLDIERs there, one with a helmet securely on his head."Kunsel lies, its more like its poison," said Zack with a grimace, shoveling down a forkful.Kairi took her first mouthful and swallowed it down, tilting her head in thought for a moment. "I've tasted worse this last year. Its actually not that bad."Zack looked at her like she had grown a second head. "Your crazy."The other 3rd Class, Kunsel, nodded with agreement, "I said it was good for you, I never said it tasted good. I gotta agree with Zack, you ARE crazy."Kairi rolled her eyes. "I didn't say it tasted good either, its 'edible'."Kairi ate silently for the rest of breakfast, watching Zack and Kunsel talk and joke with one another and offering only half hearted replies when talked to. All the eyes constantly on her were starting to grate on her nerves. It was irritating, she wasn't even watching them watch her but she just KNEW she was being watched. It was a sixth sense she did not want nor enjoy, not matter how useful Mother said it was."But it is useful my child, if an enemy was attempting to sneak up on you the sense would be invaluable," chided Jenova.Kairi rolled her eyes and finished off her food. "So... what's after breakfast? What exactly do you do as a SOLDIER?"Kunsel gave her a curious look. "Did you not pay attention during orientation?"Kairi grumbled. "I never got one of those."Kunsel frowned. "Strange... why would you not...""So Kairi!" interrupted Zack, "I joined to become a 1st class hero! Why'd you choose to join SOLDIER?"Kairi bowed her head and spoke bitterly. "What makes you think I got a choice?"Zack gave her a curious look. "Huh?"Kunsel however stiffened and put a hand on Zack's shoulder. "Drop it."Zack gave her a playful smile. "C'mon don't hold out on me, you gotta have a reason, you..."Kunsel lowered his voice. "She's probably a Turk recruited SOLDIER."Zack's eyes went wide. "What? No way, that's just a story they tell to scare recruits. They don't actually kidnap people for SOLDIER."He hesitated briefly and looked at Kairi, lowering his voice. "Do they?"Kairi looked away, saying nothing.Zack gripped his silverware, hard, bending it, anger radiating off him. "Seriously? Is this some kind of sick joke?""Zack...," warned Kunsel, "Don't draw attention. I don't want us, or her, to get in trouble."Like a switch, Zack put on a pleasant, almost puppy dog look and shot his beady glowing eyes at Kunsel. "Trouble? You calling me trouble Kuns?"Kunsel gave a laugh and clapped him on the back. "Not at all."Kairi stared at Zack. That... was a really abrupt switch in personality. Zack might take some getting used to. At least though, she felt he was definitely on her side in whatever happened here. Kunsel himself seemed a little knowledgeable on things that seemed... unpleasant... so maybe she could go to him for information when she needed too."Anyway, we can go ask... oh hey speak of the devil, hey Angeal over here!" said Zack, waving his hand through the air.Kairi felt him before she saw him, a powerful presence closing in. She turned her head, sighting a tall, strong, and imposing figure heading their way. He had black hair, sideburns, SOLDIER eyes, but, they were kind ones, despite his serious looking face. Across his back was a giaaaant sword. What in the world... was that thing practical to use? That had to be ridiculously heavy to use in a fight..."Your second brother," murmured Jenova, "A child of mine in essence, but, unstable in the long run and not as worthy are my chosen one."Angeal gave Zack a curt nod. "Zack."He turned to Kairi, a slight frown on his face. "Since Genesis is too busy sleeping in when he should be minding his duties, I rests on me to get you a starting weapon and your schedule. Follow me please. Zack, go get ready for morning training."Kairi followed Angeal quietly down the hall. Mother called him her brother, but, she felt awkward in trying to figure out the best way to try and talk to him. She simply decided not to as of the moment, he seemed like he was kind of in a hurry, so, best not to get in his way. She followed him into a room full of weapons, materia, and items, her eyes going wide at the sight. He offered her a sword similar to the one she had before, a cure materia, and a fire materia. A full replacement of her earlier armament. Not that it was all that much.Angeal turned to face her, handing her a slip of paper out of a pocket. "Your days will begin as such: Breakfast, a session of morning exercises to wake up, and to build strength and stamina. Afterwords will be materia study, then lunch, then weapon training with other 3rds. Afterwords, you have the rest of the day to yourself to train, study, rest and relax, or do missions. However for missions, as a 3rd Class SOLDIER, you are required to have an accompanying higher ranking 3rd class, a 2nd or 1st class SOLDIER, especially when your starting out. There are additional optional classes and training's offered in the evenings. As I have been informed that... you did not come from the Cadet Program, I am aware you are missing a rather large sum of knowledge and skill that a 3rd Class SOLDIER should know and have. Your peers and superiors will work with you to help you catch up, but, I advise you look into the additional classes and training when the opportunity is presented."Kairi absorbed the information, nodded, and took the schedule without saying a word. So there was a 'cadet' program she had apparently 'skipped' over by being abducted into Hojo's lab. Aside from swinging a sword around clumsily at monsters and using materia, she could readily admit, she had no actual combat training. This... was probably going to be an embarrassing disaster to start out."Admit your weakness and crush it," whispered Jenova, "Do not stay weak for long my child."Angeal looked down at her. "Do you have any questions?"Kairi merely sighed and answered quietly. "No sir."Angeal nodded quietly and started past her, pausing at her side to lean down and whisper, "I'm sorry."He started to leave before she could reply. "Come, I'll take you to the gym for the morning exercises, afterwords, I suggest finding someone who can give you a tour of the floor and point out the facilities. Zack would be a good choice."Kairi followed behind him, still a little stuck on his soft apology. She figured he knew what had happened, enough to pity her, but not to do anything else. She resisted the urge to scowl. What exactly could he do anyway? After all, she had already agreed to stay as a part of SOLDIER. Though, in the back of her mind, she felt like she wouldn't have been really given a choice either way if she had refused.Kairi followed him into the gym and stopped dead in her tracks, sighting dozens of other SOLDIERS exercising, even a few running around and lifting weights without shirts on. Hunks everywhere... Selphie would be flipping out and ogling everyone. Kairi did her best to suppress a blush and followed Angeal."So... what exercises am I supposed to do exactly as a SOLDIER?" asked Kairi.Angeal frowned, looking a little lost for a moment. "To be frank, if you don't even have a clue about exercise routines then your even farther behind than I thought. What exactly was your profession before coming here?"Kairi stared at him. "Profession? Seriously? I was in school, I didn't have a job."Angeal tilted his head. "Not even an apprenticeship or hobby?"Kairi shook her head. "No."Angeal rubbed the bridge of his nose and spoke quietly, likely to himself. "So, a civilian schoolgirl given SOLDIER enhancements and dropped right into this. Okay... this isn't going to work, she's not cut out for this, I need to speak to Lazard... "Kairi bristled and then glared full force at him. "Just tell me what I need to do, I can take the training!"Angeal frowned for a moment before sighing and pointed to the outskirts of the gym. "Fine then, but, I won't go easy on you. We'll start by seeing just where you stand. I want a full sprint around the outskirts of the gym. Fifty laps."She stared at him blankly for a moment. Fifty laps?! They did like... five back in her school gym class. Was he trying to kill her? Angeal raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, waiting patiently."What are you waiting for child? Appease your fool brother, the act wont be difficult," chided Jenova.That got Kairi moving. She shook her head slightly, walked to the nearest wall, and started sprinting full force around the gym. First, second, third, fourth, fifth, the laps passed in a blur. But, she found it surprising when her breathing staid steady and her muscles didn't burn."Child, you truly have little clue about the strength of your own body," scolded Jenova, "Your own hidden gifts, you received my cells, you received Mako, and...,"There was mocking laughter from her mother, "You had many instances of fleeing around the experimentation room from monsters as practice. These 'laps' around this room should be a trifle thing in comparison."Kairi's face burned with embarrassment. God, Mother seemed to take delight in getting under her skin and mocking her at times. Still, it got her running faster, maybe tough love really was a thing. She finished her laps some time later, returning to Angeal, only breathing slightly hard, and barely sweating.Angeal had an eyebrow raised, studying her curiously. "Impressive endurance."Jenova hissed with mock laughter. "Impressive? Your brother's standards are low. Stand confident my daughter, this will be a trifling matter."Kairi decided to trust in Mother and gave Angeal a mocking smile. "That was easy, what's next?"Angeal didn't appear to approve. "Bench pressing, we'll see if your endurance carries over to raw strength."Kairi winced a little at that, but followed him to a bench with a dumbbell and weights. "Lay down on the bench."Kairi did as instructed, watching as Angeal fiddled with how much weight to put on the dumbbell.He seemed satisfied and lifted it up, moving it to a bit over her head. "Grab a hold."She did so."I'm going to let go, if its too much I'll grab it before it can drop on you," he warned.He let go, and almost immediately Kairi's arms began to buckle. She ground her teeth, her arms shaking, but slowly brought the dumbbell down, and then lifted it back up. Oh man, that burn was extraordinary. She continued, one lift at a time, with Angeal spotting for a few minutes until he finally grabbed it from her and set it down on the ground.Kairi laid there, her arms feeling like jello. "Oww..."Angeal gave a soft chuckle. "Well, your a bit under 3rd Class standards with strength if this is your limit. But, bench pressing 250 for your weight and age is more than acceptable."Kairi's eyes went wide, shifting back and forth between Angeal and the dumbbell. That was 250 pounds?! She looked down at her hands with astonishment. Back in school before she came here, she doubted she'd have even been able to lift 30. The monsters she had killed back in the lab, she had always attributed it to her sword or her magic, maybe the strength behind it was the actual answer. Mother was right... she had absolutely no clue what her body was actually capable of anymore."Whats the normal then for 3rd class?" asked Kairi."Generally 300 to 350 for a new 3rd class," answered Angeal.Kairi winced. "Bit behind I guess, I'll catch up."Angeal nodded. "That's the right attitude. Come, I'll give you a few more exercises I want you to work on, then your on your own."Angeal led her around the room for the next ten minutes, showing her different exercises he wanted her to work on. Most were focused on building muscle and increasing raw strength, he said that her endurance didn't need any work. At least that was one thing going for her. After he left, Kairi quietly went through the exercises, watching the clock every so often to keep track of time. She worked herself to exhaustion each time, but strangely, by the time she reached the next exercise, she found her strength had mostly recovered. It perplexed her a bit; one should need time to rest, eat, drink, and recover, her body was starting to really confuse her."Doin pretty good," offered a voice.Kairi stopped her exercise, looking over to see Zack approaching. "Hey.""Materia is soon, might wana take a bit to relax and start heading over, I'll show you the way," he offered.Kairi nodded, rising to her feet. "Alright, lets go."They left and started down the hall before Zack asked, "So how'd it go? Angeal didn't work you to hard at the start did he?"Kairi shrugged. "It was fine.""You sure? If its to much you can say so and he'd probably go easy on you," said Zack.Kairi frowned at him, growing a little annoyed. "Zack..."Zack winced and turned to give her an innocent look. "Ut oh, I know that kind of tone. What'd I do mom?"Kairi rolled her eyes. She had spent the last year getting bitten, hit, cut, and stabbed by monsters, the exercises were nothing in comparison when she stopped to actually think about it. She didn't need anyone going easy on her."I don't want anyone playing favorites with me," she said sternly, "I can handle a little bit of exercising, it would do me good."Zack grinned. "Yeah, you are a little scrawny after all!"Kairi glared at him and made to swat him. "Hey!"Zack ducked forward and started walking again. "Hee hee, c'mon lets go play with magic!"God, she stood corrected. He was even worse than Sora. She followed him down into a large training room. They were one of the first ones there aside from an instructor who appeared to be grumbling to himself. The room steadily filled as the minutes ticked by."Alright maggots, since your stuck here with me, you must be the most pathetic graduates of the Cadet Program, piss ass materia performance records for the lot of you," spat out the Instructor, "Being as such, you will stand ready, keep your mouths shut, and memorize every damn thing I say."Kairi stood, ready and waiting, only to become disappointed almost as soon as the class began. The instructor spoke of the basics of using materia, he spoke as if they were brain dead, lamenting each and every step slowly several times. She felt the urge to haul off and slap him upside the head, talking down to them like this was infuriating. Unfortunately, when it came time to actually practice, she saw that he might have a reason too.Zack was her partner for the session, and his first attempt at using Fire materia lit his own hand on fire instead, making him yelp aloud and run around in a circle yelling. She watched, bemused, knowing FULL well he was putting on a show intentionally."Cure me Kairi, cuuuuree meeee!" whined Zack."The only thing I want you cured of boy is your idiotic behavior and that loud voice," yelled the Instructor, "Cut it out!"Zack patted out the fire instantly and stood at attention, his hands coming up in a mock salute. "Sorry Sir!"Kairi clenched her lips together tightly, trying hard not to laugh. She fiddled with her materia and cast a cure at his hand, not that he really needed it.Zack blinked a few times and rubbed his hand. "Hey not bad."Kairi stuck her tongue out at him. "Some of us aren't materia inept you know."Zack put a hand over his heart. "Ow, struck right through the heart.""Perhaps you should show him how superior you are to him in magic, a little bit of fire should do," offered Jenova deviously.Kairi grinned wickedly and aimed a hand at him, calling on her materia. "Fire!"Zack gave an honest yelp of pain this time as fire shot out of her hands at him. "Aiyeee! Kairi!"That got a laugh out of the class and an approving look from the Instructor. They continued to practice for a time, with the Instructor using her as an aide to help with the other students, until the class ended.The Instructor pulled her aside before she could leave. "You got a decent handle of materia kid. This class is for idiots who can't cast a cure spell to save their lives. You don't need to be in this class, I'll send word to your superior officer that your clear for training with the rest of the 3rds."Kairi nodded. "Okay, thanks."The Instructor shrugged and left without a word.Kairi gave a startled yelp when Zack grabbed her arm and tugged her out of the room. "C'mon, lunch time!"Kairi grumbled. "More gray mush."Zack nodded and said cheerfully. "Yep! Don't worry, when we get our first paycheck we can eat out if we want to."Kairi paused. "We... get paid?""Of course you get paid," calm a calm voice behind her.Kairi turned her head and froze, sighting one of the 'Walking Suits' standing a ways behind them, slowly walking in their direction. She vaguely recalled him as one of the ones who had escorted her to and from the experimentation rooms. Calm, almost emotionless. His black narrow eyes stared almost through her. He had hair down to his neck, and strangely, a single black dot on the middle of his forehead. She gave him a foul look, but said nothing in response.The Turk ignored her look and continued, "You'll need to fill out paperwork first however. I'm sure your supervising officer will get you set in that regard."The Turk paused briefly and turned. "Zack Fair. I was asked by Angeal to have you meet him by Lazard's office."Zack blinked a few times. "Really? What for?""I believe he wants to take you on your first mission as a SOLDIER," said the Turk.Zack's eyes bulged, he jumped up, whooped, and fist pumped the air. "YES! Awww man about time!"The Turk half-raised an eyebrow, studying Zack's behavior. "I suggest you go if you don't want to miss him."Zack nodded. "Sure, thanks um...""Tseng," answered the Turk.Zack waved to Kairi and started off. "Sorry, gotta bail! See ya later!"Kairi watched him go. "Huh, thought missions were on the later half of the day."Tseng moved to stand next to her. "They are for 3rds, unless their superior officer decides otherwise."Kairi took a hesitating step back away from him. "..."Tseng spoke calmly, but with no warmth in his voice, "I've been hearing a few things in passing in the halls. 3rd Class Kairi, as a warning, you should refrain from talking about your time in the Science Division."Kairi pursed her lips. "Why, don't want people knowing you kidnap hurt little girls off the street?"Tseng faced forward, took two steps, before pausing again. "We do as the job dictates, nothing more, nothing less. It's not personal."Kairi crossed her arms. "Hmph. Well, if you know a 'Veld' guy, you can tell him it would be nothing personal if I ever shot a fire in his face for taking me to Hojo."Tseng turned his head, eyebrow raised and spoke with what Kairi almost thought was humor. "I'm sure Director Veld would understand it would be nothing personal. However, I recommend you not say things that could be... misconstrued as threats towards our director."Kairi paled a little at that, and did not respond. "..."Tseng faced forward. "Welcome to Shinra, Kairi, remember that you now work for the same employer we do. Holding grudges is ill advised."With that, he left, leaving her standing there with her fists clenched and turning white."I believe we agreed early last year that agitating or attacking one of their kind was a poor idea," said Jenova icily, "Your useless if you get yourself killed."Kairi scowled and started walking. "Thanks for the support mother."God, having his director taking her to that crazy scientist, taking her back and forth between his labs and the experimentation room, who the hell did that guy think he was telling her it was nothing personal?"Someone who will kill you if he has to, he offered you a warning, I suggest you take it," warned Jenova.Good mood sufficiently ruined, Kairi made for the cafeteria, grabbed her grey blob food, and sat down to eat it at an empty table, not wanting to deal with anyone. Not that anyone seemed to want to sit with and/or talk to her anyway. She ate by herself and walked out afterwards. She fished out the schedule Angeal had given her and looked it over briefly. It was more like a sticky note with a few things jotted down. She eyed the room number for weapon's practice and left, deciding to go early. It was another large training room like the materia one. She was the only one there.Kairi drew her sword and growled to herself. It was a new experience, to suddenly envision Hojo, and then Tseng infront of her. She fingered her blade briefly, while she didn't really like being overly violent, she was pissed. She began hacking away at the images furiously, indulging in the impulse.She continued doing so quietly to herself until a voice spoke up. "That form is all wrong kid. Lift your arm a bit, right leg forward, dig into the ground as you swing to give yourself more omph."Kairi blinked, turning her head to see a SOLDIER standing in the doorway watching her. He walked over, drew his blade, and stood a bit infront of her. He raised an eyebrow and waited, beckoning her forward. Kairi hesitated. Swinging clumsily at monsters was one thing, but, fighting sword to sword was another. She really didn't know how to go about this.Well... might as well just swing.Kairi gripped her sword two-handed, stepped forward, put the sword over her shoulder, pressing down with her foot and swinging forward as hard as she could. The SOLDIER blocked easily. The collision of blades sent a heavy vibration down her arm, and combined with the loud *clang*, made her flinch a bit. The SOLDIER acted on that, dragging his sword down under hers and yanking up, knocking her blade out of her hand and sending it flying.The SOLDIER frowned. "Uh... keep a better grip?"Kairi's face turned beat red. She walked over to her sword, noting a few other SOLDIERS on the outskirts of the room snickering at her. God, these were supposed to be fully grown and trained men, yet they were reminding her of school boys. She picked up her sword and returned to the SOLDIER.Other SOLDIERS started piling into the room and started practicing against one another. Kairi figured they wouldn't appreciate her sword going flying into their matches and doubled her grip on her blade, making her hand go a little white. She couldn't help but notice there was no instructor. This didn't seem to really be a class, just a gathering of people training.Kairi swung at the SOLDIER, only to have him parry her blade aside and then thrust his forward, stopping inches from her chest. Kairi however couldn't help but give a startled yelp and fumble back a little away from the blade fearfully, falling onto her butt.The SOLDIER stared at her in disbelief. "Kid, what the hell? I thought you'd have to be something special to make it in as a girl, do you have ANY experience whatsoever? How in the world did you make it into SOLDIER?""She was seen with First Class Rhapsodos, who knows, maybe she fucked her way into SOLDIER through him," called out someone snidely.Kairi turned red, not with embarrassment, but with fury. How dare someone talk about her like that. How dare someone talk about Genesis like that! He got her out of Hojo's hands, he DESERVED respect, especially if he was a 1st Class Soldier like they said he was.She turned towards the voice and glared full force. "Unlike you, you fricken pervert, Genesis Rhapsodos wouldn't think of having sex with a fifteen year old underage girl!""Ooooh this ones got some sass," called out someone.The one who insulted her and Genesis walked forward and pointed his sword at her. "Well, if you want to prove you didn't whore your way into SOLDIER, show me what you got."Whored. WHORED?!Kairi shook with anger and rushed at him, swinging heavily. The SOLDIER parried the blow aside and countered, jabbing deep into her shoulder. Kairi gave a startled cry of pain and jumped back, sword-hand going up to cover the gash in her shoulder."Hey, easy man, don't maim the kid," someone called out.The SOLDIER waved a hand dismissively. "If she cant take a little pain, she ain't got no place in SOLDIER. Unless its to much for you little girl, don't worry, you can go blow Rhapsodos for a cure spell later."Not once had Kairi ever had someone talk to her like that, nor had to deal with someone so god damn insufferable. She lost it, rage overtaking her. A whine filled the air, followed by an orange and red aura engulfing Kairi. She pointed her blade at the SOLDIER, white light emanating from it."Watch it! Limit break!" someone called out."LIGHT NOVA!" roared Kairi.White fire exploded around the SOLDIER, sending him flying and roaring in pain. Nearby SOLDIERS staggered away, raising arms to shield themselves. Kairi glared down at the burning SOLDIER with furious satisfaction, at least until others ran forward and started putting out the fire around him and casting cure spells."Someone get him to the infirmary," one of the SOLDIERs ordered.Ah shit...She watched two SOLDIERs drag the injured one out before murmuring, "I'm in so much trouble...""Note to self, that girl gets pissed and limit breaks easy," someone called out.Kairi watched in disbelief as the room erupted in laughter. None of them seemed mad or upset with the fact that she had just sent one of them to the infirmary. She watched with confusion as most of them just started resuming their own individual training matches.The first SOLDIER she had been training against walked over, a grin on his face. "Knew you had to have some reason for being here. Not bad at all, quite the OMPH with that one."Kairi hesitated. "I'm... not in trouble for that?"The SOLDIER snorted. "Hardly. We send each other to the infirmary all the time. Though, using a limit break for a spar is something your not supposed to do as a 3rd class, you could accidentally kill your opponent with one. I wouldn't worry about it though kid, no ones going to hold it against you for breaking a rule against that asshole."Kairi felt a bit relieved at that. "Good, and I'm sure not apologizing for it either."The SOLDIER smirked at that. "Anyway, got a cure on you? Heal up your shoulder and we'll resume, I'll help you learn to actually use a sword. Though, you really ought to have learned that before becoming a SOLDIER. Were expected to be fully trained soldiers of Shinra, not, well... green recruits."Kairi massaged her shoulder wound a little. "It'll be healed in a minute, and..."She hesitated briefly, recalling Tseng's warning. "...and my recruitment was a little... different than most people I think."The SOLDIER gave her a curious look before shrugging. "Well, guess its my duty then to help a fellow SOLDIER out."For the rest of the session before everyone started leaving, the SOLDIER, who introduced himself as Sebastion, tried his best to help Kairi learn how to actually use a sword. By the end of it though, Kairi wanted to run to her room and bury her head in her pillow in shame. God, she felt mortified, the entire session she was basically making a fool of herself. She lost count of the number of times she got nicked, got knocked on her butt, or lost her sword. It was humiliating, sometimes, she wasn't sure why she kept getting back up to try again, but she forced herself to. Not like there was anything else to do...Kairi sulked back to her room and collapsed on her bed. She didn't feel tired, but, she had had about enough for one day, even if it was only a few hours after lunch. She sighed and grabbed for the LOVELESS book and flipped it open. It was... an interesting play, poem, story, whatever one wanted to call it. Genesis's copy had several different versions listed in it. In particular, there was one shorter version, and one longer version that had caught her eye. The longer one because it gave more to the story, and because Genesis seemed to be writing in his own ending to it at the bottom of a page.Kairi smiled a little and began to read aloud from the beginning, her voice soft. "When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end. The goddess descends from the sky. Wings of light and dark spread afar. She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting...""Why do you waste your time reading when you could be training and growing stronger?" demanded Jenova.Kairi groaned. "Mother... these last few hours have just been pure crap, can't I just relax and read for a bit?""No," answered Jenova.Kairi rolled her eyes. "Yeah well, since you aren't here to physically make me, I'm going to keep reading.""Excuse me?!" demanded Jenova.Kairi raised the book and started gazing at the next lines before a knock came from the front of the appartment. Kairi sighed, rose to her feet, left the bedroom, and made for the door. She opened it and to her suprise and delight, found Genesis standing there.She gave him a smile. "Good to see you."He tilted his head curtly. "There is no hate, only joy."She smirked. "Act two."He smiled back at her. "Good, you've been reading. May I enter?"Kairi moved away and let him inside, closing the door behind him.As he turned to face her, Kairi's eyes twinkled a bit, she raised the book and began to read in a soft voice, "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess. We seek it thus, and take it to the sky. Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest.""It's one thing to read it little one, its another thing to understand. What do you make of that passage?" asked Genesis with honest interest.Kairi lowered the book and thought for a moment. "On the spot, I'd say wings."Genesis raised an eyebrow, mildly confused. "Wings?""A gift of the goddess. Wings lets us take to the sky, the act of doing so sends ripples through the water, and as we fly, we know no rest," offered Kairi.Genesis grinned. "It rests on the more literal side, but, I suppose there are many ways that a gift of wings could be interpreted. What would wings offer you little one?"Kairi's smiled softly. "It'd be like being an angel. Flying around unburdened. Ultimately, wings would offer freedom."Genesis nodded. "Indeed, unfortunately, your not free of paperwork."Kairi blinked a few times and noted him holding a folder with a pen tucked into it. She walked over and took it in her other hand. She moved to set LOVELESS down on a table in the living room and sat down on the couch, flipping open the folder."This... is a lot of papers...," murmured Kairi, being annoyingly reminded of school homework.Genesis sighed. "Agreed, but, you have no background information to be found anywhere. Its unfortunately policy that you fill it out. I've also taken the liberty of having a bank account set up for you. Twenty pages down starts the paper relevant to that."Kairi grumbled to herself and set the folder on the table and began to jot down on the papers. Physical information, where she grew up, family members; not that she had any. She filled it out quietly before turning it over and reading over the next page."SOLDIER consent form? Seriously?" she asked, raising an incredulous eyebrow at Genesis.He shrugged in response.Kairi muttered rude words under her breath and signed it before moving to the next. It seemed to be one consent form or agreement after another. She barely read them, deciding that they didn't honestly matter, she had little doubt that they probably wouldn't just let her walk out or away from SOLDIER anyway even if she wanted to. She came to the bank papers, filled them out, and found a credit card looking thing attached to the last page. She took it off and put it into a back pocket.Her eyes furrowed as she came to the last page. "PHS authorization and usage form?""Catch," called out Genesis.She looked up in time to catch a phone. "Oh, thanks."She checked off and signed her name at the bottom of the last page, pocketed the phone, closed the folder, stood up, and walked over to Genesis. She handed the folder back to it, and he took it before making for the door.Genesis paused briefly. "I'll go drop these off. I want you to go and wait at the training room you were in for weaponry."Kairi blinked a few times. "Why?"He raised an eyebrow. "Because, from what I saw earlier, you need a lot of work."Kairi winced. "Yes sir..."Genesis chuckled and walked out. "I'll meet you there when I'm done with these."Kairi sighed and walked out, making for the training room and wondering how bad it would be being trained by Genesis compared to the other 3rds...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi walked into an empty training room, sighing to herself. She was pre-emptivly cringing. Training with the other, the REAL, 3rd class soldiers, and not fakes like herself, had been humiliating. Genesis, she knew without a doubt based on how he had annihilated that monster in the lab, was far stronger. She could admit, she admired him a bit. She didn't want to embarrass herself infront of him."Then don't," said Mother.Kairi rolled her eyes. As if it was so easy as 'don't' make a fool of yourself'. She drew her sword and tried to remember how she was supposed to stand. She shuffled her feet, spreading a bit, and gripped her sword two handed, blade angled up and away from her to the side. She took a step forward and swung, blade parting the air silently.She didn't have any routine or anything, but, she wanted to get used to the way her body moved with a sword. Back in the labs, she only used it to stab or slash monsters, there was no skill or 'grace' to it. Some of the 3rd Class's she had seen earlier made her floppy attempts seem pitiful in comparison. She could admit, she wouldn't mind being able to use a weapon like that.
tap tap tap
Kairi turned her head, sighting Genesis leaning against the doorframe, feet tapping almost impatiently on the ground. "Oh, umm... hi? You got here quick..."Genesis raised an eyebrow and spoke flatly, "I'd ask who taught you to hold a sword so poorly, but we both know the answer is no one."Kairi winced.He shook his head and stood up straight, his voice taking a tone that demanded attention, "3rd Class Kairi, I will make this brief. I do not tolerate incompetence, cowardice, or people wasting my time. I have never, let me repeat, never, bothered to take on an apprentice."He stared straight into her eyes. "Yet, I am offering to do so for you. I will make your life a living hell. I will insult you, hurt you, run you raged, and make you want to cry yourself to sleep at night. If you don't think you can handle it, say so and I'll quit wasting my time here. If at any point you quit, or don't show up to my training, baring being unconscious or indisposed by some means, I'll wash my hands of you."He smirked. "But, if you stick with it and persevere, if you give my training the attention and passion demanded of it, I will change you from a child into a goddess born warrior of the likes that few on this planet can match."Kairi stared at him in silence, taking his words in."Hmph, my chosen one could train you better," mocked Mother.Kairi resisted the urge to scowl. "Yeah, well, I don't see this 'Sephiroth' here offering. I'm more than happy accepting Genesis's offer."Kairi blinked and refocused, watching Genesis study her intently. "I'll do it."Genesis nodded and walked over. "Very well. First thing's first, your weapon...""Its a standard shorter broadsword. It can be gripped two-handed or one-handed, is not particularly heavy or light, not more suited for stabbing than it is slashing. It is thus a versatile weapon," he explained.He gave it a look of disdain. "And as such, it is utterly boring and plain. It has no identity of its own, nor adds to your own image. Were going to focus on personality today, then, I'm going to find you a real weapon by tomorrow's session, not that standard issue crap."Kairi blinked a few times. "Personality?"He narrowed his eyes. "I will not tolerate an apprentice of mine 'blending in'. You will stand out, you will command attention, you will command respect, you will not second guess yourself, you will show no fear, and you will be confident. You will walk with your head held high and your back straight, not bowed nor slouching. I will not tolerate any 'ohs' or 'umms' or an 'ers' out of you whether it's in the halls or during training. If I hear any of that from you, you'll find my temperament during out training will flare, drastically. Are we clear?""He is right, you are not a fraction as assertive or aggressive as you should be to those weaker than you," chided Jenova, "You should demand the worship of the lesser creatures of this world, and destroy any who defy you."Kairi nodded at Genesis and tried her best to ignore Mother. "Yeah..."He smirked deviously. "From what I've seen after watching you today, you've both stood out and blended in. Meek and lacking confidence at some points, absolutely daring in others. Even I would have had second guesses about threatening to blast Director Veld with a fire to a Turk and meant it seriously."Kairi scratched the back of her head bashfully. "I still might, and wait, you were watching me? All day?"Genesis chuckled. "I can't wait to see it, and yes I did, I had to determine your... capabilities. By the way, you might want to wait until you've become first class and have a solid worth to the company before you blast Veld, otherwise you might disappear for the attempt."Kairi frowned. "The walking suits, they're really that bad, aren't they?"Genesis snorted. "Walking suits? Hah."His ignored her question and approached, beginning to circle her, rubbing his chin, he put one hand on her shoulder and one hand on her back, pushing her up straight before tilting her head upward a little. "This is how you should hold yourself. Now, I want you to walk around the room without losing this posture."Was this... really that important? Kairi wanted to ask, but decided against it. She did as instructed, trying to walk around the room with his given posture. It was... actually a lot harder than she thought to change the way she held herself. With a conscious focus, she found she tilted a bit forward normally, her shoulder's somewhat slouched. Her normal way felt comfortable, Genesis's way felt a little rigid and haughty. The upward head tilt almost made her think she was supposed to look down on people."You are," stated Mother, "The lesser creatures of this world are beneath you."Kairi scowled at that before shaking her head and trying again. Ten minutes, twenty, thirty, an hour, she was surprised how long Genesis had her merely walk around. He seriously thought this was important. She thought back to her schooling on Destiny Islands. First impressions were said to be important things... maybe coming off as more confident and sure of herself wouldn't be a bad thing."Better, now, watch a master of the art," said Genesis.Kairi watching him stride around the room with purpose, his face held high, his eyes glinting, a smirk on his face. He motioned to her to join him, and together they walked around the room. It felt... a little strange... but she put up with it.He motioned for her to stop before walking to the other side of the room. "Now, I'm going to show you a trick, what I like to call 'Get Out of My Way Walking'."Genesis's eyes narrowed, his mouth contorted, his fists clenched, and he positively radiated anger before starting to walk towards her. Kairi reflexively moved out of his way, a nervous bead of sweat running down her face. Holy... that was scary just to be near.He shot her a wink as he passed. "It works even better when your truly angry."He turned. "Now... I think your taunting needs a bit of work."She blinked. "Huh?""When someone accuses you of sleeping your way into SOLDIER, you should rebuke them with something a bit more harsh then 'frickin pervert'," said Genesis dryly.Kairi winced. "You heard that?"Genesis narrowed his eyes. "I did, and unfortunately, we're not allowed to kill our fellow SOLDIERs."Kairi frowned intently. "Unfortunately..."Genesis grinned. "There's the attitude I want to see."Genesis rubbed his nose. "Such accusations not only do you little credit, but tarnish me as well. I don't particularly enjoy people thinking I'll let people ascend the ranks just by sleeping with me. Ugh, I have enough little fanboys ogling me like a piece of meat as it is without more just wanting a quick rank up."Kairi blanked for a moment. "Boys ogling you...? Wait... EWWWW!"Genesis raised an eyebrow and snorted. "'You might want to curb that response. SOLDIER has been all male since it's conception, and while I'd prefer to stick to the straight and narrow path, some others don't. It's their own preference, and I don't particularly care what they choose, especially since our additional strength makes it a bit difficult to... hold back... in intimate situations, you can run a severe risk of hurting an unenhanced partner."He shook his head and sighed. "My friend, the fates are cruel."Kairi's face had turned absolutely beat red. She couldn't believe he was so... so... casually talking about sex related stuff! Even making a joke about it with LOVELESS! Back in the training room she had been pissed, now, she stood there, mortified, not sure quite what she was supposed to say or do. Selphie back at school had teased her once or twice about this kind of thing under her breath, but this was just... he talked about it as if it were normal!Genesis saw her face and scowled. "Also, stop that. You look and act like a prude."Kairi's face turned even redder. "I-I-I am not a p-p-prude!"Genesis rolled his eyes. "Really? Could have fooled me.""Shut up!" she shrieked at him.He winced and then held up a finger. "Don't. Do that. Again. Yell if you must, don't 'shriek'."She scowled at him, crossed her arms, and turned her head. "Hmph, at least I don't speak like a deviant!"Genesis laughed. "I dare you to sit in the mess hall for an hour and then come back and call ME the deviant. For your own good, you ought to get used to that kind of talk and joking, otherwise you'll be lighting up like a red streetlight at regular intervals throughout the day."Kairi glared at him.Genesis grinned. "Good glare, master that and you'll have a potent weapon indeed."Kairi was borderline ready to throttle him.Genesis cleared his throat. "Now, as you can see, I have made you angry and off-balanced. If a brawl were to break out between us, ignoring who I am for a moment, I'd easily win."Kairi blinked a few times. "Huh?"He rolled his eyes. "Pissing people off has more advantages than personal amusement, though that is by far my favored reason. In battle it can make an opponent sloppy, make them lose control. It can also backfire on occasion, such as what happened with you in the training room with your limit break. Knowing how to push people at the right moment and the right time is just as effective as any sword strike."Kairi simply stared at him, dumbfounded on how he had just turned riling her up into a lesson. She was made very distinctly aware that Genesis had probably been angling for this the entire time.Genesis in turn was watching her, a hint of amusement on his face. "I believe that will be enough for now. I'm not going to bother with swordsmanship until you have something better than that lump of metal in your hands."Kairi eyed the sword, frowning, "It's better than nothing."Genesis snorted. "If I had to choose between a low level fire materia on a bangle and that sword, I'd chose the materia every time."Kairi hesitated. "Are... you good with materia?"For some reason, Genesis actually looked in-dignified. "Am I good? Please, no one, not even the 'great' Sephiroth, can wield magic like I can."Kairi fiddled with her sword, pulling out the fire materia in it, examining it slowly. "Hmm.""Would you care to put that choice to the test?" Kairi dared.Genesis raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge?"She tossed it to him and teased, "It might be."To her complete and utter astonishment, he caught it, socketed it, and knocked her to the ground with a blast of fire in under five seconds. "Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul, pride is lost, wings stripped away, the end is nigh.""Act two," Kairi said with a groan.She had gone the entire session without doing anything too absolutely embarrassing of her own choosing or lack of skill, only to fail at the end. Ugh... why had she done that?There was a sound of something rolling. She tilted her head to see her fire materia rolling towards her on the ground. Genesis stared at her, amused, before slowly turning, shaking his head, and making for the door."We will meet here again tomorrow, same time," said Genesis.With that, he left.Kairi sighed, grabbed her fire materia, socketed it, sheathed her sword on her back, and left as well. It hadn't been a real fight, but she held no delusions, Five seconds and he had wrecked her. Damn..."Of course he did my daughter. While he is my least favored child, he still has years of experience, and at least twice the mako in his body than you do," chided Mother.Yeah yeah yeah. Kairi rolled her eyes, making her way down the hall and to her room. She was pleasantly surprised to meet Zack on the way, Angeal in tow behind him.Zack was beaming and gave her a smile. "Heya Kairi! I'm back from my first mission!"Jezz, not even Sora had been this happy all the time. "How'd it go?"Zack gave her a thumbs up. "Had to take care of a pack of Kalm Fangs near Kalm, easy peasy."He turned his head back towards Angeal. "Hopefully I get something more exciting next time."Angeal raised an eyebrow. "It was your first mission, small steps Zack, small steps.""Yeah yeah yeah," said Zack, scratching the back of his head, "So, how's your day been since magic class?""I... have a lot to learn," was all Kairi said, heading past them without a further word.The next day found Kairi repeating the same things again, mostly. She tried to follow Genesis's 'personality' advice, but, all changing her walking posture did was seem to draw her strange looks. She had breakfast with Zack and Kunsel followed by physical exercises. Instead of the basic materia study, she was in a training room with other 3rd Class SOLDIERs basically throwing spells at eachother for amusement. Afterwards, lunch with Zack, then the horrific weapon training again. At least that time around people didn't give her to much shit and she didn't send anyone to the infirmary.She walked into Genesis's training, only to find that he had beaten her there this time. In his hands were two swords. One she instinctively knew was his. It was a long and thin red blade with a silvery steel handle-guard spiraling around it. The cross-guard connecting the sword and the handle seemed to be made in the image of wings.Genesis tossed the second sword to her as she approached and she caught it, examining it. This one wasn't as fancy looking as Genesis's, but, it was of the same make. It wasn't colored, nor did it have a winged cross guard. Instead of a spiral handle-guard it had a kind of net instead."That, is my old practice sword before I took my current weapon. It's not as strong or elegant as The Rapier, but it'll do for our purposes. After all, it announces you as my apprentice, but eventually, when you stand on your own two feat, you'll need to find a weapon that will come to identify who you are," said Genesis."Now, throw your old weapon to me," he ordered.Kairi unslung it from her back and tossed it to him. Rather than catch it, energy began to coat his sword, and with one flick of his wrist, he shattered the old weapon, sending fragments everywhere, fragments Kairi had to dodge.He wiggled his nose in distaste. "And that is why these things are worthless. Can't last a second against a real weapon."The energy around his sword faded away. "Now, stand at the ready, as if your going to attack me."Kairi half-turned her body, one foot aimed towards Genesis, one foot pointing to the side and gripped her new weapon two-handed, holding it up and diagonal away from her body.Genesis studied her for a moment before raising an eyebrow and mocking, "A predictable stance. It screams 'I'm going to slash downward as my first attack please counter me easily'!"Kairi scowled at him. "Well how am I supposed to hold my sword then? What's the right way?"Genesis gave her an annoyed look. "I never said the way you were holding it was wrong. There is no exact one way to hold a sword. The starting stance is but the first step of the dance, and everyone has their own. Each stance has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Yours allows for a more powerful downward or horizontal slash as your opening move, however, as the blade is pointed away from you on one side, if an opponent attacks on the other, you will have to expend a greater deal of strength and speed to block that attack. Tell me, what does my stance offer?"Kairi watched as Genesis's body shifted slightly. His blade was pointed downward, aloof in his right hand. His body was relaxed, held almost casually. It was... strange to her. She didn't know much about swordfighting, but he didn't really look at the ready to do anything."Well... I don't really know. You can slash upward?" she guessed.Genesis slowly shook his head. "This stance is an adaptable one, capable of shifting into any battle form at a moments notice. It's purpose is to give nothing away, and to change to another form or into an attack at a moments notice. It has no direct strengths or weaknesses. I'll show you others, I want you to try them."One by one, with a patience that Kairi was impressed with, he showed her over a dozen different ways she could hold a sword and how to lead off from each given stance..."Two-Handed," said Genesis all of the sudden.Kairi blinked. "Huh?""Why do you so feverishly cling to your blade?" he asked, "In-case you didn't notice, I always keep a hand free."Kairi frowned intently, flexing her grip. "I... just prefer two-handed."Genesis looked a little annoyed. "While a two-handed grip allows for more power in each attack, having your other hand free allows for spellwork to be done while fighting with your blade. Observe."Genesis swung his blade through the air at an imaginary opponent while forming a fireball in his other hand, unleashing it after the blow. "It allows for flexibility between physical and magical combat. Try it."Kairi hesitated before slowly letting go with her left hand. It instinctively tried to moved back to grip the hilt but she forced it away. It sent a shiver down her spine. Images of herself losing her blade during training yesterday or during attacks by monsters in the experimentation room flashed through her mind. She very clearly remembered how the times she lost her weapon in the experimentation room went... bloody and painful..."It wasn't aware wielding a blade single-handed was like pulling teeth, but that look on your face suggests otherwise," said Genesis, his tone questioning.Kairi bowed her head. "W-well...""What did I say about attitude? Head up back straight," warned Genesis, "Speak clearly."Kairi forced herself to obey, but couldn't stop her voice from being somewhat shaky, "I-I don't want to risk losing my sword.""Losing your weapon in battle is a danger, I agree, but it is something you work around, not something you fear," said Genesis, tasting the last word, "Explain your fear."Kairi went silent."A SOLDIER must be fearless, not in that they do not fear, no, but that they can control and never show it," said Genesis, "Acknowledge it and crush it.""I just... whenever I lost my sword in the labs...," she began before faltering.She couldn't help but bow her head again. "It made me defenseless and weak, and monsters love... ripping into me..."Kairi shuddered. The best way to deal with the Experimentation Room was to forget about it. She had only been out for what, two days? It wasn't enough time, she didn't want to think about it again. She had enjoyed every moment, even at their worst, outside of that room. The mere thought of it, the whrrrring of the elevators rising, the howl of a new monster, the bloodlust in those inhuman eyes followed by the charge at her...Kairi felt dizzy as memories of the last year flashed her by, she could feel her heart rate skyrocket, and a pounding noise enter her head. She thought she heard someone saying her name... thought she heard Mother saying something...Something touched her face. Something soft, but hiding sickness...Kairi blinked and snapped out of her stupor, sighting Genesis standing infront of her, ungloved hands on her cheeks shaking her head. "S-stop..."Genesis let go, frowning intently, an uncertain look on his face. "I believe training is over for today, go get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll be teaching you how to actually fight, and you had best be prepared."With that Genesis abruptly left. Kairi's eyes trailed after him for a moment, bringing up a hand to touch her cheek. She forgot her own fear and memories for the moment, more concerned with Genesis all of the sudden, His hands... she had felt something when their skin had touched... it felt sick, vile... she didn't understand..."As I've said before, the way my unchosen children were made mine was marred," said Jenova with disdain, "Though that you can feel his flaws is surprising.""What do you mean?" Kairi murmured quietly.There was only her mother's faint mocking laughter. Kairi could have scowled. Mother didn't care for her other children, it was really starting to grate on her, especially if she knew something that could help. He felt sick, just at that touch she knew he was sick. But, he looked fine, didn't show any pain or nausea or any other indicator. It didn't make sense to her.Kairi frowned uneasily before walking out, head bowed, a troubled look on her face. What in the world did Mother's word's truly mean?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

One Month Later...
Kairi flopped down on her bed with a sigh. "Another morning done... one hour till Genesis comes to beat the shit out of me during training again."With nothing else to do, Kairi's thoughts started to turn towards the weeks that had passed so quickly, almost a blur. The first week was a relatively embarrassing one. The news that there was actually a girl SOLDIER had spread rapidly on the SOLDIER floor, followed by knowledge of her lack of real skill outside of what people teased her as 'PMS limit breaking'. Oh man that had ticked her off, and, true to what they called it, she had blasted the first guy who labeled it as such in the training room with the limit break.Though, the thought of PMS in itself had drawn a curious and slightly squeamish thought about her periods, or rather, the lack of them. It had never occurred to her to think about in the experimentation room, but, after getting Mother's cells, she had never had a period. Not that she didn't mind, without a pad she wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of blood staining her clothes and running down her legs. But... it had left her with a scary thought that something might be wrong with her body, at least until Mother had told her otherwise."Your regenerative capabilities effect all parts of your body, including your womb and eggs. Your unsired children will not simply break apart and fade with the passage of time," Mother had said.It had relieved her, but also made her a little nervous. If she found a guy she liked, she'd have to really careful if they ever... fooled around...Yuck...Even after weeks of hearing at least one sex-joke an hour until Genesis 'rescued' her to take her to his training hadn't quite curbed her squeamishness towards the subject. She figured eventually she would stop caring, such was the life she now lived.She rolled her eyes and sighed. "SOLDIER, filled entirely with men... ugh..."She giggled a little and shook her head, resuming her previous train of thought. The second week hadn't been as bad. Once she actually got a handle on how to properly use a sword, she had started standing on her own two feet without the other 3rd's holding back anymore. Combined with the strength she was gaining from the physical exercises Angeal had her do every morning, she could hold her own against all but the most skilled of thirds. Though, her lack of sword fighting experience still came back to bite her every now and then against the 3rds...And that said nothing about her training with Genesis. Just... holy shit... he hadn't been kidding when he said his training would be rough. She had hardly had any time to try and figure out the sick feeling she detected in him while they trained. He held back, that much she could easily tell, but every single session he hurt her, bled her, bruised her. Not that the wounds didn't almost immediately heal. Her body could tolerate damage very well, much to her chagrin, and he knew that. That fact, in his own words, let Genesis press her far harder than he said he would have been able to press a normal SOLDIER. She kept tight lipped on her discomfort though. His training WAS making a difference, that she could tell. If she had to put up with a bit of pain, well, she would.That fact was the one thing that at least got her some respect from the other SOLDIERs. She never backed down or gave up on anything, and the other SOLDIERs were quick to pick up on that. Aside from friendly teasing, well, and the occasional asshole, she had slowly fit in as just another oddball in SOLDIER. Not that she didn't have help fitting in anyway, Zack was a friend magnet. He was friends with EVERYONE, and kind of served as a vaccine against the 'dreaded girl cootie SOLDIER', allowing the SOLDIERs she didn't train with to get used to her through a buffer. She rolled her eyes at the thought.She had also been... forced... to take a class on proper military protocol after an incident where she had 'insulted' a superior officer under her breath for mocking her. Most SOLDIERs didn't care about formalities, just her luck to bump into someone who did and reported her behavior. Thankfully, it wasn't as hard as she thought it would be to adjust. It mainly involved knowing when and whom to address as sir or ma'am, and when to hold her tongue back, keep her head down, and not draw attention... which was most of the time now that she thought about it. Chain of command was an... interesting concept to wrap her mind around.She frowned as her thoughts turned to this last week, when her training had finally really started bearing fruit, in a bad way. Monday... Monday she had almost killed Sebastion on accident. Ran her sword straight through his lung when he failed a block. God... it had scared her shitless to see him drop like that. She had personally hauled him to the infirmary at top speeds and stayed there until he was out of surgery. If he hadn't been a SOLDIER with mako in him, he'd have died. Despite Mother's initial approval of her growing skill, then her chiding her emotions, the incident had left her such a nervous wreck that someone had to sick Zack, and then Genesis on her to get her to calm down. After that, Genesis had spent the rest of the day teaching her the concept of holding back and controlling her blade. He hadn't let her leave the room until she could swing at his neck and stop her sword centimeters from his skin.Thankfully, Sebastion didn't hold it against her and had to practically yell at her to get her to stop apologizing. He did however have to sit out training for the remainder of the for a few days to make sure his lung properly healed. That in turn allowed others to become her sparring partners on Tuesday, and everyone seemed to suddenly want to get a piece of her, to see if her beating Sebastion had been a fluke. As much as she kind of hoped it had been, it wasn't. She had gone from being able to go even with most 3rd Class SOLDIERs, to beating most of them handily, though, she didn't know if that would hold true if she had fought in a true life-or-death battle. She didn't exactly want to test it.Wednesday, everything had changed suddenly. She was no longer the amusing oddball girl SOLDIER in the eyes of the others. The other 3rds, and even some of the 2nds were now looking at her strangely. Sizing her up. Watching her intently when she trained. Trying harder, and maybe even a bit overzealous when they sparred. It was like they were treating her as a threat or something. She had on more than one occasion heard people muttering about 'Genesis playing favorites' and making the excuse that he was the reason she had grown so quickly.Not that it wasn't true..."If you did not have the capabilities, it wouldn't mater. He merely increased the speed at which you begun to claim your power," chided Jenova, "Ignore the petty jelously of the worthless and the weak. They'll be crushed underfoot one day and are not worth your time. They'll meet their ends one day soon enough."Kairi frowned at the thought. Mother really was bloodthirsty at times...She shook her head and continued her thoughts. Thursday, once the changes had settled in and proved to be not a one time thing, had made her feel a bit isolated and alone. People had started referring to her as a 'mini-Genesis' by the way she walked and fought. Apparently they saw something of his style in her fighting, and the way she held herself 'apparently' made her cocky and arrogant in their eyes as much as she wasn't. This pleased Genesis to no end when she brought it up to him, but, it left her with a nagging doubt. If that was a part of standing out, she wasn't sure she wanted to. She really didn't want to be shunned and left out...Which brought her to today. It had been a repeat of yesterday pretty much, and was gnawing at her. She felt restless. She just... wanted out of this place for awhile. Not once since she had officially entered SOLDIER had she left the building. Not once had she gone out shopping, or to explore the city of Midgar, or even on a mission! She knew she was good enough now to at least try some beginner ones. But, whenever she had asked Genesis about taking her on a mission, he had refused to take her, saying he was waiting for the right moment and mission, and had forbid her from going out with anyone else on a mission without his explicit permission on pain of losing him as a mentor."If there is one thing my son inherited from me, it is the fact that I do not share what is mine," said Mother.Kairi rolled her eyes at the thought. Missions aside, she wasn't... exactly sure how to approach the subject of her going outside of Shinra HQ. She had caught a Turk trailing her through the halls every now and then. She figured she was under some kind of surveillance for some reason. Maybe her initial confrontation with Tseng had come back to bite her. They obviously didn't trust her, and she was fearful to even ask about leaving the building lest she just be rejected or forced to have an escort. The thought was an embarrassing one."Soon my child, soon enough, withing a year or two to grow your power, no one aside from your brothers will dare tell you where to tread, lest they wish to be a bloody stain on the ground," whispered Mother.Kairi hesitated before toying with the thought. The way people had begun to treat her was... to be frank... pissing her off. This was one of the first times she was seriously paying attention to and considering adopting Mothers more hostile thoughts."They are craven creatures who are unworthy of your attention. If they are no use to you, and do not shower you with admiration and praise, they should get out of your way lest they be forcefully cast aside," purred Mother, "In this, I agree with your 'chosen' brother. They are beneath you, raise yourself above them and leave them behind."Kairi nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Maybe... your right...""Of course I am. Mother does know best," said Mother with dark amusement, "I will make a fine daughter out of you yet. I cannot wait until the day our Reunion comes to pass. The world will tremble in our wake, and those who have wronged me will pay dearly."Kairi nodded again. It had been so long since she last thought of it, but, she did need to remind herself she was training for more than her own benefit. Somewhere out there, Mother was caged and locked up. She... she felt a sudden need to find her... to go to her... to free her... to join her... to be one with her...Kairi's hands began to shake, her head began to spin, and a longing sensation began to consume her mind. "I... I... Mother... I need you... where... where are you...? We... we need to be together...""Hmm... your growing faster than I thought if you can already feel the pull. Shh my child, its not yet time, soon enough, it will be. To beings such as us, a few years is nothing but a drop in the lake of time, one day we will be together," soothed Mother.She felt her Mother's touch in her mind and relaxed, moaning with relief. "Okay Mother... okay... I'll wait..."Kairi laid in her bed for a time, a weird pleasured feeling coating every inch of her body after Mother's touch. She didn't want it to go away... she began to whimper... she wanted Mother's acknowledgement and touch again... she...Kairi blinked a few times. She......What the hell had that been? Kairi bolted upright, suddenly feeling unsure of herself. What had just happened?
Knock Knock
Kairi had no time to dwell on the oddity that had just happened. She felt Genesis's presence at the door to her room. She ran to the bathroom to splash water on her face before pausing to look at herself in the mirror...What the hell?Her eyes were practically growing full green, and the irises of her eyes had changed shape, almost looking like a cats...
Knock Knock
Kairi splashed water on her face again, rubbed her eyes furiously, and looked at herself again. The green glow had started to fade, returning to its normal SOLDIER glow, and her irises were starting to shift back to normal. She stared at herself, feeling slightly terrified. What had that been? She had felt so unlike herself for a moment...She could feel Mother's gaze on her, feeling her rapt attention to her thoughts. She hesitated before shutting the thoughts away and deciding to take them up later. She left the bathroom, went into the living room, made for the door, and opened it.Genesis raised an eyebrow at her. "Did you dunk your face in the sink for some reason?"Kairi scowled at him. "None of your buisiness. What do you want?"Genesis's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh someone's feeling snappish today. Such a shame, I was planning on taking you out on your first mission, but if your not feeling up to it..."Kairi's eyes went wide. "My first mission!?"Genesis grinned. "Our helicopter awaits my little apprentice."He turned and started striding down the hall with Kairi fast on his heels. FINALLY! Her first mission!"Where are we going?" she asked excitedly."Now that would be telling," he teased, "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess, we seek it thus, and take to the sky."She rolled her eyes. "Act one. To be honest though, I think an act three quote would have been more proper."Genesis paused to glance back at her. "Oh?""My friend, your desire, is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess," she quoted, "You can't imagine how much I want to just get out of this building for once. A mission right now is one hell of a gift."Genesis chuckled. "Aha, I see.""Genesis... what did we say about you getting her to quote LOVELESS?" came a familiar voice.Kairi looked passed him to see Angeal standing at the end of the hallway, scowling at Genesis, who was smirking smugly back. "I recall saying that I'd make no promises. Besides, she's quoting of her own free will, it's not like I forced her to."Angeal sighed before shaking his head and looking at Kairi. "I just wanted to come and wish you luck... and to remind Genesis that you are under his watch and protection and that he had better not forget that."Genesis narrowed his eyes. "My friend, are you questioning my capabilities as an instructor?"Angeal shot him a warning look. "No games Genesis, I saw the mission you took out and..."Genesis glared at him. "And nothing. Come Kairi, we should be on our way lest we keep the pilot waiting."Kairi suddenly felt a bit of apprehension at Angeal's words. Just what mission had Genesis taken if Angeal was coming to confront him about it? Or was he just being a little overprotective? She felt a bit of nervousness as she followed behind Genesis into an elevator, and then to a helicopter pad.Genesis sighed and spoke as they strapped themselves in. "Relax Kairi. I would not have taken a mission I did not think you were capable of handling. Angeal needs to stop questioning my methods, you are not his puppy or one of his inept trainees. You are my pupil, and you are ready to get your feet wet."Kairi nodded, relaxing a little, at least until a Turk stepped into the helicopter and strapped herself in opposite of Genesis. Kairi didn't recognize this one. Red wavy hair, inquisitive, brown eyes, a calm passive look to her face, a large red and white shuriken on her back. She was only 'slightly' less tense to be around a Turk that hadn't served as escort service back at the labs.Kairi shot Genesis a questioning look, he merely shrugged. "They don't feel like I'm good enough to keep an eye on you."The Turk rolled her eyes. "Commander Rhapsodos, it's standard protocol for newer SOLDIERs to be watched and evaluated on their first few missions."Genesis waved his hands. "Sure it is."The Turk briefly turned to Kairi, nodding slightly at her. "You can call me Cissnei."Kairi frowned at her. "Sure, whatever."Cissnei showed a brief flash of confusion before glancing at Genesis when he not-so-subtly coughed out, "Turk recruited SOLDIER."There was a subtle wince. "I see."Kairi rolled her eyes but stayed silent. She wasn't keen on a Turk acting friendly towards her. She'd rather they all just stay the hell away from her. Them and the Hojo both she could go an entire lifetime without having to deal with again. Doubtful she'd get her way with that. Turks were a part of the company, and Hojo personally handled the Mako injections of most SOLDIERs. If she ever reached 2nd or 1st class she'd have to deal with him. Not to mention she did recall hearing something about having to go in for check ups every so often with the Science Department.The helicopter took off a moment later and her stomach lurched at the sudden airborne sensation, causing her to grip her seat tightly. It took her a few minutes to settle down, dreading to look out the window towards the ground far below."First time flying?" asked Cissnei.Kairi nodded absentmindedly, unable to tear her eyes away from the ground rushing by far below. Oh boy... oh boy... ohhhh booooy she was so far up..."It helps to not look down," suggested Cissnei.Kairi slowly forced herself to look away, suddenly feeling a little dizzy after doing so. "S-sure..."Kairi closed her eyes shook herself, and banished the sensation. "So... what's the mission?"Genesis slowly smiled sinisterly. "Oh, nothing too hard. Just a little trip to a mountain town to deal with a little monster problem, consider it a test of sorts."Kairi frowned briefly before forcing herself to replay memories of monsters she had fought in the labs. "What kind?""You'll find out," was his reply.Kairi rolled her eyes.Cissnei frowned. "Commander Rhapsodos, this mission is not classified, why would you keep the details from..."Genesis shot her a glare. "Because I choose to, Turk, you'd be wise not to question me. I want unbiased results from this 'test' of my apprentice."Cissnei took his sudden hostility in stride, merely shrugging in response. "As you wish."Kairi tuned them out and fell into a memory trance, reliving her training in her mind, refreshing her on as much as she could without actually taking her weapon out. He wanted to 'test' her, and she didn't want to dissapoint. This was her first mission, she wanted it to go smoothly and reflect good on her, and by extension, Genesis.
Brrr. Brrr.
Kairi blinked and reached into her pocket for her phone, drawing it out and flicking it open to read a text message.
From Zack: GL on your 1st mission!
Kairi smiled a little and texted back: Thx. I'll kick some monster butt for you.
Brr. Brr.

From Zack: Hell yeah! So, where ya going?
Kairi rolled her eyes and texted: IDK, Genesis won't tell me, wants it to be a surprise test.
Brr. Brr.

From Zack: Spoil sport.
She muffled a giggle."The Puppy?" inquired Genesis with amusement.She nodded. "Mhm."She pocketed her phone and leaned back, relaxing herself and waiting patiently. Soon enough, she'd be out of the helicopter, and taking her first real steps in this world. Seeing and feeling it with her own eyes and senses, not through the windows of Shinra HQ. She couldn't wait. Though, she ended up having to as hours passed by."Where exactly IS this mountain town?" asked Kairi."Western Continent," answered Genesis.Kairi sighed and crossed her arms, pouting a little."The Puppy's rubbing off on you, no pouting allowed," scolded Genesis.Kairi rolled her eyes. "Yes sir."Finally, a few hours later, they arrived and stepped out of the helicopter a ways away from a small town coated in snow. She stretched her arms and legs, taking in a deep breath of the chilly mountain air."Welcome Kairi, to Nibelheim," said Genesis, "We're supposed to be meeting a guide outside the inn to take us up into the mountains."Kairi nodded and followed him into the town. It... was a quaint little place. It was a bit smaller than the town on Destiny Islands. Which meant, it was probably a tight nit community... and probably just as boring and gossip filled. Sure enough, there were plenty of people drawn out by their arrival. Men, woman, and children lined the streets, watching the three of them walk to the inn.A young girl, maybe ten or eleven, with long brown hair and brown eyes dressed in a snug winter coat was standing at the door of the inn, waiting impatiently, bouncing on her heels, until she noticed them coming. "Hiya!"She bounded up to them. "You guys the SOLDIERs? I'm Tifa! I'll be your guide!"Genesis scoffed. "A little girl is our guide?"Tifa put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Hey! I'll have you know mister that I'm going to be the best guide in Nibelheim when I'm older! I pretty good on the trails already, this'll be a cinch for me."Genesis rolled his eyes. "Sure you are."Kairi stared at Tifa, an... unusual and unknown feeling in the pit of her stomach. There was something... strange about the girl. A... aura... a presence about her that Kairi hadn't felt from anyone but Genesis, Angeal, and even a little bit from Zack. There was something... different about her. Though, Genesis didn't seem to give her any special attention aside from an annoyed look and maybe a desire to throttle the poor girl."The pull of those chosen by destiny is one to be recognized and acknowledged," murmured Jenova curiously, "Your brother lacks the abilities you do to detect such things outside of the familial bonds he shares with you and his brothers."Destiny? Kairi studied the girl curiously.Kairi could feel her Mother's eyes sizing up Tifa through her own. "Though, this one seems a bit too pitiful, to be frank, to have a such a pull."Tifa crossed her arms. "Hmph!"She turned to look at Cissnei and Kairi, frowning at the Turk, before starting and going wide eyed at Kairi. "Woah... those eyes... I didn't think girls could be SOLDIERs!"Kairi shrugged. "I'm the first."Tifa blinked a few times, a mischievous teasing smile crossing her face. "About time a girl got into the all boys club, right?"Genesis cleared his throat. and flapped his hands. "Guide, we have a mission to do. I suggest you start 'guiding'."Tifa scowled and turned. "We'll c'mon then."Kairi turned to follow, pausing as she sighted a strange looking child with spiky blonde hair sheepishly looking out at Genesis from behind a well. She felt the same pull from him that she felt from Tifa, only, it was FAR stronger. She didn't have a chance to give him another look before she realized that she was being left behind and walked quickly to catch up. It was strange... that boy had left a shiver of anticipation in her body. She wished she had gotten a better look at him."Indeed," murmured Jenova, "He may become a potential threat if left unanswered..."Kairi rolled her eyes. "You always think the worst.""Doing anything less gets you caught by surprise, I learned that lesson well when last I was beaten," said Mother icily, "While you may not be in a position to do anything about him now, I suggest you listen to my advice to deal with him in the future. He is one to either be converted or killed. Otherwise, he will become a danger to us."Kairi didn't like the line of thought Mother was going down. "Mother..."Mother went into a brooding silence, leaving Kairi alone to walk in silence. She followed behind them as they left the village and trekked into the mountains. True to her word, Tifa walked with a purpose and powerful stride despite her youth, not a fear in the world showing on her face. Finally, an hour later, they appeared to arrive at their destination, an open area, plateau-is on the mountain trail. Here Tifa showed a bit of nervousness."This is the spot he's been seen at," said Tifa, "He's taken out a few reactor workers on their way to work over the last few weeks. He appears a bit... randomly, and is drawn to noise and lights."Genesis nodded. "Good."Genesis closed his eyes and held up a hand into the air, gathering fire in it before blasting it high into the sky. "That should draw attention."He looked to Kairi, his face going serious. "I will step in if I absolutely must, but otherwise your on your own. Do not disappoint me Kairi."He walked passed the Turk and Tifa. "Come, my apprentice will handle this alone."Cissnei frowned intently, but said nothing.Tifa gave a start. "Wait... what?! Your making her fight a dragon alone?! Are you crazy?"Kairi paused. Had she just said a DRAGON?!Genesis raised an eyebrow. "The mission request said it was a young dragon, correct? That should be well within her abilities to take on. Now come."Suddenly, all the confidence Kairi had been feeling evaporated. A dragon? A DRAGON? Like the mythical flying fire breathing beasts she had read about in fantasy novels? They were REAL? Oh god... if this was anything like the 'juvenile' behemoth she had fought as her last fight in the labs, this wasn't going to go well...She faintly heard the flapping of wings and a roar in the distance. She nervously drew her sword and double checked her materia. Restore, Fire, and her newest addition was a gift from Genesis, Bolt. The Restore and fire had been left overs from her time in the lab and were on their second level, the bolt was however new and hadn't gained much experience yet. Okay, think Kairi... dragons used fire, right? Yeah, so, her Fire materia was probably useless here. Ugh...The flapping grew louder, and shadow overtook the plateau. Kairi looked up to see the creature of legends. It was... smaller than she expected, only a little bit bigger than the juvenile behemoth she had fought in the labs. How young was this thing? And how big did they get when fully grown? It had a purple underbelly, the rest of its body green. It's eyes a shinning blue, almost SOLDIER like. Did... did this creature have mako in it? She tensed, seeing it take notice of her. However... the dragon gave a snort, not seeming interested or taking her seriously, before turning to fly away.Kairi bristled and tapped into her Bolt materia, casting it at the creature. "Hey! Don't you ignore me!"THAT got it's attention. It gave an agitated growl and turned around, not hurt, but obviously pissed, circling overhead and glaring down at her, smoke coming out of its nostrils. Kairi gave a yelp as it shot a breath of fire out of its mouth at her. Kairi dove out of the way, feeling the heat on her backside as she scrambled and recovered. She began casting Bolts at it, not having anything else to use against it."Let the flames wash over you my daughter," ordered Mother, "It does not yet take you as anything more than a nuisance. You must make it take you seriously if you wish it to come down and battle you directly. Feed off the pain and unleash your power."Kairi ground her teeth, understanding but not liking what Mother was suggesting. Her Bolts were tickling it at best. She needed a limit break to actually hurt it, and hopefully draw it into sword range, and in order to do that, she needed pain since she wasn't pissed or anything. The next time it unleashed a wave of fire, Kairi crossed her arms in front of her and took the flamethrower head on, screaming a bit as it charred her clothes.Oh wow... oh wow... that hurt...Kairi clenched her fists angrily, feeling a surge of power, but... not enough. "Cure 2!"She healed herself and waited again. The dragon stopped circling and was studying her curiously, appearing baffled by her surviving a direct hit. It let out another wave of fire at her, and once more Kairi braced herself. THIS time she felt the rush of energy and aimed her sword at the monster."Light Nova!" she cried out.The white fire ripped out of her weapon and slammed into the creature, making it scream a bit in surprise. However... it hardly looked singed... oh right... Light Nova was fire and obviously wasn't very effective... but... it looked to have done the trick anyway. The dragon looked positively pissed. It bellowed a challenge and rushed down at her, sweeping a claw at her as it landed. Kairi threw herself to the side, swinging her sword at the claw. Her sword bit into its scales, drawing a bit of blood and making the dragon hiss. It opened its mouth and unleashed another wave of fire. Kairi threw herself foreward under the flames and scrambled, rushing foreward and slashing at its underbelly.Her blade bit in, causing the dragon to screech. It whirled fast, slamming its tail into Kairi's side and sending her flying head over heals screaming in pain at the impact. She hit the mountainside a moment later with a brutal crunch, wincing painfully.
Tremble thud thud thud.
Kairi looked up at the charging dragon and had a flashback to the juvenile behemoth charging at her. She gave a sharp cry, panicked, scrambled to her feet and threw herself to the side. The dragon however was smarter and quicker than the behemoth, it did not blindly continue its dash, it turned as she moved, sweeping its claw at her. Kairi screamed in pain as it ripped open her side, sending blood flying and her crashing to the ground. She rolled on the ground, groaning, before hearing something whistle through the air. Kairi rolled on instinct, barely dodging a claw that would have ripped open her back.Kairi staggered to her feet, one hand cradling her bloody side, one hand holding her sword. Okay... okay... very bad start. The dragon examined her with its eyes, its snout almost seeming to curl into a grin. It's tongue lolling over its sharp teeth. Oh boy... oh boy... she remembered that kind of look. The look of a monster sizing her up as a meal.Kairi pulled her hand away from her wounded side, having felt it regenerated enough on its own to not need her favoring it. She gripped her sword two-handed, pointing it at the dragon and glaring at it as threateningly as she could. The dragon snorted and swiped at her. Kairi knelt under the attack and swung up, deflecting the blow on the sharp talon of its claws. The force of the clash sent her staggering. Juvenile or not, it's raw strength was more than hers. God... what was Genesis THINKING? She couldn't fight this thing!The dragon seemed to sense her apprehension and growing fear, bellowing truimphantly and charging at her. It lashed out with its claw again, forcing Kairi to parry the attack aside. Dammit! She needed to do something! Anything! As it came at her again, she leaped up and onto it's 'wrist', thrusting her sword down deeply into it's arm as she landed.The dragon gave a scream of rage and pain, causing Kairi to grin at it triumphantly, at least until its mouth lunged forward and it's teeth bit clean into her shoulder blade. It was Kairi's turn to scream in agony as it lifted her into the air and began to shake her around, attempting to tear her arm and shoulder off. Oh god, oh god, oh god!"LET ME GO!" she screamed, aiming her sword with her one sword-arm and slashing at an eye.The dragon opened its mouth to screech in pain as her blade tore into it's eye. Kairi tumbled out of its mouth and hit the ground painfully. She glanced at her shoulder and gave a sob at the sight of its mangled look, huge teeth marks gouging into it. She shivered and cast a Cure 2 spell on herself before shakily rising to her feet...Only to be sent flying as the dragon's tail slammed into her. She rolled and tumbled towards the other end of the plateau, coming dangerously close to falling off the edge before she came to a stop. She laid there, shivering, trying hard to hold in her tears. It hurt so much... her shoulder was in utter agony, her side still hurt, and it felt like the dragon had broken a rib or two with that last hit."What the hell are you doing? It's gonna kill her! You gotta help her!" came Tifa's panicked voice.Kairi shakily looked down the mountain path, sighting Tifa being restrained by a concerned Cissnei, with Genesis watching the fight passively. The dragon looked their way to at the sound with it's one good eye and gave them a warning below to stay out of the battle or else. Kairi and the dragon faced one another, glaring painfully at one another. The dragon rushed forward at her, and not wanting to be driven at the edge, Kairi met its charge head on. Kairi 'dodged' it's next swipe of it's claw, and by dodge, she meant staggered/stumbled under the blow, swinging and missing its arm.The dragon reared up, and then brought its claws down towards her, trying to crush her. Kairi dove towards it's revealed underbelly and drove her sword in hilt deep as the creature came down. Kairi felt another moment of triumph until the force of its body came down on her and nearly crushed her underneath it's weight. Oh bad idea...The dragon flapped its wings and flew off her. Kairi gave a yelp as she was dragged along for the ride, desperately clinging to her sword handle for dear life. She ground her teeth and began casting bolt spells at her ride, aiming them for it's wings. The continuous barrage of electricity seemed to disrupt its ability to fly, it swerved and crashed into the mountainside. Both her and the dragon rolled downward.
CRUNCH. SNAP.
Kairi gave an agonizing scream as the dragon rolled on her good sword arm as they tumbled, snapping it. She let go of her sword and they separated as they fell. They both hit finally came to a stop a bit below the plateau the fight had started on. Both of them were dazed for a minute. The dragon was however the first to recover, and was in better condition. It clawed at the sword handle, tearing open its wound a bit wider, but succeeded in dislodging the blade from itself.The blade landed a bit in-front of Kairi, and she weakly looked at it. She felt so utterly bruised and battered. Both her arms felt useless, the shoulder bitten one had healed a bit due to regeneration, but not nearly enough, and it would take awhile for a broken arm to heal, she knew that from experience in the labs. When the dragon turned it's head to snarl at her and raise a claw, Kairi lunged forward and grabbed her blade with the shoulder-bitten arm, weakly turning to meet the swipe of its claw and use its own force and her own weakened strength to drive it clean through the palm of it's claw. That didn't however stop its claw from smacking her and sending her crashing to the ground, its talons scraping her back as she fell, barley managing to keep a hand on her sword and pull it out as to not lose it.She groaned and rolled before stopping and screaming as the dragon pinned her down with its other claw and pulled its head back, smoke and fire washing out of it's mouth.Kairi felt her fear skyrocket and tapped into both it and her pain, aiming a hand at the dragon's head and unleashing her limit break. "Light Nova!"The fire entered its mouth and met its own fire, causing a explosion that clouded the dragon's face with smoke. There was a coughing, gagging, wheezing sound as the dragon pulled back, staggering away. Kairi glanced down to see her own crushed legs and moaned in pain. Bad... this was bad...She suckered in a pained breath and cast Cure 2 on herself as fast as she could, her legs recovering a bit of their shape... until the materia no longer responded, her energy feeling weakened. Shit... there went the last of her MP...Still, it was enough to get her back on her feet. She glanced at the dragon, noticing that it seemed to be in a daze. It's snout was heavily charred by the combustion of both of their fires. She started forward before staggering. She took a moment to appraise herself: her strength was all but spent, and she'd get off no more spells. She had bled all over her torn up uniform, and felt a little light-headed by the blood loss. Her regeneration wouldn't be enough to keep her going for much longer against the heavy damage this thing was capable of dishing out. She was fairly certain adrenaline was the only thing keeping her going, and even that wouldn't last forever..."It's heart or it's brain my daughter, kill it now!" screeched Mother in her mind fearfully.Kairi shook her head to clear the daze from her mind and gave a frustrated cry. She had had about ENOUGH of this god damn thing! She felt a rush of strength, a second wind, and gripped her sword painfully with both wounded arms before charging. The dragon turned its head her way and growled. It raised a bloody claw and swiped at her. Kairi pivoted, turning and slashing heavily. Her blade severed its claw from its body, sending the appendix flying and causing blood to spurt out the dragons arm. It gave a roar of pain and reared back. Kairi leaped into the air at its chest and drove her blade in deep. Blood gushed out of the stab wound. The dragon shuddered and pitched forward. Kairi felt deja vu as she was once again crushed under its weight. This time however the dragon didn't fly off her. It twitched and shivered, whining painfully, but to weak to move.Kairi slowly forced and crawled her way out from under it, pulling her sword weakly. She shakily rose to her feet, coughing up a bit of blood, before approaching its head. The dragon gave a weak growl and puff of smoke, trying to ward her away. She stared at it, breathing in pained gasps of breath. Oh... oh man... it felt like something was... was... poking through... through a lung...She coughed up blood again and shook her head. She raised her sword two-handed into the air, gave a weak cry, and drove the blade through its skull between it's eyes. The dragon shuddered once and went still, its eyes closing and its breath leaving it's body. Kairi stood there for a moment before she pitched to the side and collapsed on the ground, her vision growing hazy, blood leaking out of her mouth, nose, and various wounds.She could faintly hear the pattering of feet, she heard someone, maybe Tifa, stammering, "Oh man, oh man, is she okay?"She felt someone shaking her. "Hey! Hey! Are you okay?""It's unwise to shake someone whose severely wounded," warned someone, maybe Genesis?Kairi tried to turn her tear stained vision towards the sound of the voice, but didn't succeed very well in her attempt."Tsk. A bit messy, but I suppose you did well," came the voice."Commander Rhapsodos... I believe this is the part where you should HEAL your charge?" scolded a third voice, maybe the Turk?"Fine fine fine, Full Cure," said Genesis.Kairi suckered in a breath and screamed in agony as her body abruptly mended. Bones snapped into place, one of them ripping out of her lung to assume its original position before that wound healed. Kairi rolled and heaved blood out of her lungs onto the ground, shaking as she did. The wave of curative pain left her a moment later. She held herself there, face in the bloody dirt, breathing in and out. God... fucking... dammit... she HATED cure magic sometimes. Slowly, she rose to a sitting position.The first thing she saw was a terrified and worried Tifa. "You okay?""Sure... never been better...," said Kairi sarcastically and bitterly.Tifa hesitated for a moment before giving her a sheepish grin. "That... was amazing... scary, but amazing..."Genesis reached down, grabbed Kairi's arm, and hauled her to her feet. "It was... messy. I expected better. You should have gone for a killing blow far sooner. I had to seriously consider stepping in several times."She felt her temper flare, she rounded on him and slugged him across his face as hard as she could, making him wince and stagger. "You ASSHOLE! I almost get killed and all you can say is 'I expected better'?!"Genesis stared at her for a moment before throwing back his head and laughing. "There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess.""Save your fucking LOVELESS for another god damn day!" she hissed at him.Genesis chuckled. "Come, we're returning to HQ."Genesis turned and walked away. Cissnei gave Kairi a sympathetic, but fairly wary look. Tifa however, was eyeing her with big beady eyes and walked next to her as they left the dragon's corpse."Your really strong!" said Tifa excitedly, apparently over her fear and worry, "Do you think... that they're going to open up SOLDIER to more woman? I wana join and get as strong as you are!"Kairi stared at her blankly for a moment before muttering, "I don't know and really don't care right now..."Tifa winced. "Oh, sorry..."Kairi sighed. "Forget it, not your fault my instructor is an ass who pitted me against a fucking dragon of all things. God, I'm lucky he wasn't crazy enough to make me fight a full grown one.""That'll be your test for 2nd class promotion!" Genesis called back with a teasing tone.Kairi rolled her eyes. "Yeah well, how about you teach me a bit on fighting monsters instead of swordplay before then?"Genesis grinned back at her. "Don't you worry my apprentice. You and I will be spending some quality time in the VR room from now on. It's time to kick your training up a notch."Kairi felt a surge of anger at him again, and not all of it was her own.Mother's voice was very thin, and very angry. "Contemptible fool. You were not ready for this battle. Your brother could have gotten you killed! I suggest you remember this and pay him back for it when the opportunity arises."Kairi merely sighed and didn't respond, a wave of tiredness hitting her. Her strength would return soon enough, but for now, she didn't have enough strength to muster up anymore anger. She trudged back to the town, half-listening to Tifa's childlike admiration of her. She was all for being some kid's hero, later, but not at the moment. She bid a faint goodbye to Tifa, and didn't bother trying to look for the blonde kid. She followed Genesis to the helicopter, strapped herself in, and leaned back wearily against the seating. She looked up when she felt a hand squeeze her knee.Genesis leaned forward and whispered into her head. "Resent me for this trial if you wish, but I can promise you that this was for your own good, and will grant you recognition beyond your wildest dreams for the conquest. Playful mocking aside, you did very well. I am proud of you. You earned the right to be called my apprentice."She blinked a few times and stared at him silently as he pulled back and went to sit in his seat, giving her a proud smile after he did so. The smile vanished and he retook his normal smug look when the Turk came into view. It... confused her a little bit. Had he been an ass just because he had been around others?She looked towards the floor of the helicopter, suddenly feeling incredibly bashful at his praise, forgetting her earlier anger towards him. All things considered, he was right, she had just killed a dragon as her first mission, a young one to be fair, but still... she was a new 3rd Class SOLDIER...Kairi closed her eyes and leaned back against her seat, sighing as the helicopter took to the air. "First thing I'm doing when I get back... is start up a nice warm tub... and soak in it for hours..."Genesis chuckled. "Do as you wish. I suppose you earned a small reprieve."Kairi rolled her eyes under her eyelids."I saw that," scolded Genesis with amusement.Kairi rested for a few hours, recovering a large chunk of her strength, she figured she'd be back to full when they landed. She resisted the urge to scowl. Sometimes her regeneration could be annoying. She wanted to rest an aching body in the tub, but it would be fully charged when she got back. Pah... whatever... a warm tub was still a warm tub. She wasn't going to complain.She opened her eyes and pulled out her phone, deciding to text Zack: Done...
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: "Grats! How'd it go?Her response was: I'm alive...
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: Owch, that bad huh?Kairi rolled her eyes and texted: He had me fight a fricken dragon alone.
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: lol right, he's crazy, but he's not that crazy.Kairi scoffed at the message and didn't bother replying to it.A few minutes later...
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: Right? He didn't seriously have you fight a dragon, did he?Kairi scowled and texted: He did.There was a few minutes of nothing, she could imagine Zack either standing around in a stupor or running around like an headless chicken with worry.
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: SERIOUSLY? What is wrong with that guy? Are you okay?Kairi sighed and texted: I need a new uniform to wear.
Brr. Brr.
Zack's text read: I'll grab one and put it on your bed. See you when you get back.Kairi pocketed her phone and looked outside the window, brooding quietly to herself as the hours passed by. Finally, they arrived and landed back on the helipad. There was a small committee waiting for them. She could practically see Zack bouncing with agitation and anticipation. She supposed she wasn't surprised to see him waiting there, maybe texting him was a bad idea. He really seemed worried and... ut oh...She saw who was next to him. Angeal. And he looked pissed. Oh boy... texting Zack had been a really bad idea. He had gone and blabbed to Angeal. Genesis saw this and shot Kairi a questioning look.She winced. "Sorry... I was texting Zack about how the mission went..."Genesis rolled his eyes. "It's fine, I knew I was going to get a scolding when I got back anyway. I suppose this can be your payback.""It wasn't intentional," she murmured apologetically, "I didn't think he'd go and blab..."Genesis shrugged. "As I said, it's fine."They left the helicopter. The moment Kairi came into Zack's few his jaw dropped at the sight of her bloody and torn uniform, and she swore she could feel Angeal's temper flare.Cissnei cleared he throat and walked passed them. "I think I'll leave you SOLDIERs alone..."She hurriedly left.Zack rushed over and gave Kairi a fierce hug and started checking her over like a mother hen. "Kairi! I thought you said you were okay! Look at you! Your a mess!"Kairi scowled. "Genesis used Full Cure on me. I'm fine."Zack poked one of the claw shaped openings on her uniform. "Was that before or after you got clawed and bitten?"Angeal cleared his throat. "Genesis. Lazard's office. Now."Genesis rolled his eyes and mocked. "Yes sir."Kairi hesitated, feeling a bit uncertain. Mother might be mad at him. Angeal might be mad at him. Lazard might be mad at him. And Zack might be mad at him. But... she really didn't want Genesis to get in troubled."Angeal, sir," said Kairi.Angeal glanced at her. "Yes?""I'm fine, honestly, there's no need to yell at him," she offered.Angeal frowned at her. "That's not for you to decide Kairi. He had you fight a dragon of all things as your first mission. That's a 1st Class SOLDIER or upper 2nd Class target, not a...""Young dragon," corrected Kairi.Angeal blinked a few times before shaking his head. "Young dragon then, still doesn't excuse him. He knows better than this.""But...," Kairi began."It's fine Kairi, I've been scolded before in the past, I'm used to it," said Genesis, a playful grin on his face, "Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return."She gave him a weak smile. "Act three.""Go take that bath of yours Kairi, I'll see you in the VR room tomorrow instead of our training room, at the usual time," said Genesis.Zack scoffed. "Uh... dude... not even a day's rest?"Genesis rolled his eyes and turned, starting to walk away. "Unlike you, my apprentice need's no rest. She is relentless."Angeal muttered something crude under his breath and glanced towards the two protegees. "Dismissed."With that, Kairi walked back to her room, a worried Zack on her heels, before she banished him at the doorway, went into the bathroom, filled the tub, stripped and tossed her bloody uniform in the trash, and lowered her self into the tub, sighing with relief...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Genesis's cloak flapped as he walked into Lazard's office, bracing himself for the 'scolding' he knew he was going to get. He frowned intently when he noted that not only was Lazard there, but so was Sephiroth and the Turk Tseng. Angeal walked in and closed the door behind him, all of them staring at him critically."To what do I owe the pleasure of all of your 'fine' company," said Genesis dryly.Lazard cleared his throat. "Genesis, this is low even for you. Do you hate your charge so much that you would try to kill her? Seriously, a dragon as her first solo mission?"Genesis rolled his eyes and flapped his hands. "Young dragon actually, juvenile, barley into its teen years I believe. It was the perfect test for my apprentice.""That is beside the point," said Lazard, his temper flaring unusually, "You told me you would be assisting her in the kill when you accepted the mission, not leaving her to fight it alone. You lied to me Genesis."Genesis resisted the urge to sigh. Sometimes, these people were so blind. First towards his own brilliance and prowess, always making him Sephiroth's second, and now towards his apprentice's. They did not SEE. They did not understand what he saw and experienced firsthand by training her on a daily basis. He had meant what he said by calling Kairi relentless. She never back down, and never tired unless seriously pushed and maimed. He pressed her harder in training then he did most 2nd and lower 1st Classes he chose to spar with on occasion.It was scary to be frank, even he could admit it. She walked off wounds that should have put her in the hospital without her realizing the significance of such an action. Not once had he even managed to put her into the infirmary on 'accident', and he couldn't risk doing enough to do so here without people drawing the wrong type of conclusions, like they were doing now after the mission. Her prowess could continue to be honed, and she could keep learning new skills, but she would not truly be pressed, truly be tested in such a controlled environment. In his opinion, while he was sure others would disagree, nothing short of life or death was a worthwhile challenge for that girl anymore with that absurd regeneration and stubborn personality of hers."I believe, Genesis, this is where you offer an explanation for your actions," said Sephiroth thinly.Genesis scoffed. "I wanted to test my apprentice, nothing more, nothing less. She passed with flying colors."Tseng cleared his throat and held up a picture, it was of Kairi laying in a pool of her own blood near the corpse of the dragon. "Indeed? Agent Cissnei suggested otherwise."Genesis's temper flared a bit. Damn Turk, when had she even snapped that photo? He gave the photo a second glance, a little bit of unease in his stomach. Okay, that did look pretty bad, he could admit... but..."You are aware of her heightened regenerative abilities, correct?" said Genesis dryly."That's not an excuse Genesis," scolded Angeal, "How could you put someone under your instruction and supervision through that?"Genesis turned to glare at him. "My apprentice is not some delicate little flower who..."Angeal cut him off. "Genesis, this has nothing to do with the fact she is a girl. It has everything to do with the situation you put an unproven, green 3rd Class in. For goodness sake Genesis, look at the picture! No one should ever be put in that kind of situation! Not you, not me, not Zack, not Kairi, no one should be thrown to the wolves, or rather the dragon, like that!""I had the uttermost faith in her abilities!" defended Genesis, "I knew what she was capable of taking, and she proved me right.""You left her to fight it alone," accused Angeal.Genesis narrowed his eyes. "I would have intervened if I had to, or if she gave up and asked me to. But, do you know what Angeal? Not once did she ask for my aid. She willingly fought it alone.""Did she know aid was an option?" inquired Sephiroth critically, "Or was she under the impression she had to fight it alone, lest she be a disappointment in your eyes? Did you pressure her or guilt her into the battle?"Genesis bristled. "Excuse me?""Genesis," said Sephiroth sternly, "You are a man of great power, of respect, and my friend. However, I will not look the other way in this matter. You willingly put a green SOLDIER with barley than a month's training and no prior instruction that was your responsibility into a life or death battle to fight alone. This is unacceptable behavior of a SOLDIER of your class."Genesis scoffed. "As if she wasn't put into such situations on a daily basis in the labs."Sephiroth narrowed her eyes. "What that scientist did was also unacceptable, she was a schoolgirl of all things put into his labs with even less skill than what meager abilities she has now, do not use his actions as an excuse.""My apprentice is far more skilled and powerful than you understand, Sephiroth. I alone know what she is capable of. I dare say with this mission, surviving my training, and the beatings she's been handing out to the other 3rds in training she's proven herself ready to be promoted to 2nd Class as is," seethed Genesis.Sephiroth narrowed his eyes. "Is that it Genesis? Pride? You put your charge's life in danger for the sake of your own pride? Of proving that your apprentice was the best? That your training was the best method? That her accomplishments and triumphs would reflect well on you?"Genesis glared at him full force, outraged beyond belief. "You DARE? Never forget Sephiroth, it was you and Angeal who wanted me to train the girl. It's not on me if your not satisfied with how I preform my duties.""Then perhaps its for the best, for both of your sakes, that the suggestion to train her is revoked," said Angeal sternly.Genesis's eyes went wide with fury. "WHAT?!""Effective immediately, Genesis, your instructor privileges are revoked," said Lazard, "I will not tolerate you endangering my SOLDIERs so brazen and foolishly."Genesis clenched his fists, smoke rising from them. "..."Tseng cleared his throat. "Rules and regulations aside. The girl is too valuable to the company to be so recklessly endangered. Without future samples from her, Hojo won't be able to replicate the feat and open SOLDIER to woman and increase your fighting force. Be glad I have agreed to keep this between us rather than report your recklessness to the President."Genesis ground his teeth and spoke icily, "My thanks. Are we done here?"Lazard frowned. "For the moment. You'll be served an official reprimand later for your actions. You are fortunate you are one of our top assets, otherwise, I'd consider court-martialing you for your actions. You are dismissed Commander Rhapsodos."Genesis shot a betrayed and furious look at Sephiroth and Angeal before storming out of the room...Kairi gave a sigh and got out of the tub, draining it and drying herself off. She walked to her room and grabbed the change of clothes that Zack had left for her, changing into them. She gave herself a satisfied double-check in the mirror, making sure she had no blood or anything left on her. She paused to stare at her bloody torn up clothes in the trash, contemplative. She reached down, pulled them out, and looked them over, eyeing every gash or rip or tear in it, playing each injury over in her mind.She was... a bit confused on what had happened earlier...Genesis had thrown her at a dragon, a young one to be fair, but a dragon of all things. She hadn't been that horrifically damaged since the juvenile behemoth in the labs, and maybe this had been worse. It brought back a lot of bad memories to be fighting a monster in such a desperate way again. Genesis had pissed her off so badly with his flippant attitude afterwords, not appearing to care how much she had been hurt, barley showing any appreciation for what she had just went through and done... it made her want to throttle the hell out of him...Then he had gone and whispered that praise in her ear with that silky smooth voice of his and made her feel like the young giddy schoolgirl she had been a little over a year ago. She was moderately ashamed with herself for dropping her scorn that fast at the sound of a few nice words from him. She ought to have kicked him in the dick instead of bashfully looking at the floor.She moved to sit on her bed, holding her dried-bloody clothes tightly. What the hell was she supposed to think after that? On one hand, he deserved to get the shit kicked out of him for putting her through that, and she'd readily volunteer to do so, well... if someone restrained him so she could actually land a hit on him...On the other hand... such praise though was few and far between from the man. The most she had ever gotten out of him during training was 'acceptable' or 'needs work', or a very reluctant sounding praise, or he gave praise in a way that mocked her. Hearing those words of pure praise echo in her mind...
Playful mocking aside, you did very well. I am proud of you. You earned the right to be called my apprentice.
...sent a shiver of guilty pleasure down her spine.Counter to that though, was it so much to ask for a little open praise where other's could see and hear from him? Not to mention, a bit of CARE? He almost never expressed any for her openly. If he ever thought he had pushed her to hard in training, he merely ended the session and told her to get some rest. Never an 'are you okay' or 'how are you holding up'? She could see it in his eyes, but, he never voiced it, and something said meant so much more than something hidden and barley shown.She sighed...
Resent me for this trial if you wish, but I can promise you that this was for your own good, and will grant you recognition beyond your wildest dreams for the conquest.
Killing a young dragon as her first mission while solo... yeah... that fit what he had told her when they had first begun their training. He wouldn't let her blend in, to him, she was only allowed to stand out. And hoo boy that was going to draw attention. But...Her face fell. Was it just going to make the other 3rds alienate her more? Make them think she was a show off? The Mini-Genesis tittle was really going to stick at this rate. Not to mention, killing a young dragon set the bar awfully high. It was going to be what she was compared against from now on. That was a lot of pressure to deal with... and it made her extremely uncomfortable."Dammit Genesis," she hissed.She... really didn't understand that man...She frowned at the thought and sighed. Forget it. It was time to go. She'd deal with Genesis later. Even with Mother's gift of regeneration and endurance, while she might not be tired anymore, she was hungry after that battle. Time to go get some grub! It was a little late, but, hopefully the cafeteria would be open.
Knock Knock.
There was a knock just before she grabbed the door handle. She paused briefly before opening the door, sighting Zack standing there with a grin."Heya!" he said excitedly.Kairi rolled her eyes. "I hope you didn't stand there the entire time I was taking a bath and relaxing, kiiindaaa creepy Zack."He rolled his eyes. "Naw, I went to talk to Angeal after he got out of his meeting. You ain't going to believe it! Your free of that psycho redhead. I wanted to give you the news."Kairi blinked a few times. "What?""Genesis isn't allowed to train anyone after that stunt he just pulled with you," said Zack, anger on his face, "I still can't believe he fricken threw you at a dragon!"Kairi stared at him in disbelief. "Genesis isn't my instructor anymore?"Zack gave her a confused look. "Thought you'd be happy about it..."Kairi stood there in a stupor, caught like a deer in headlights. Both arguments she had in her head earlier were screaming at her full throttle. She began to think and chose a side in panic: Maybe she was a bit miffed with Genesis for dumping her in that battle, okay miffed was a bit weak, it had HURT, but, he was her instructor! She wouldn't have gotten anywhere close to where she was now without him taking the time out of his day to train her. Hell, without him she'd still be stuck in Hojo's labs! The LABS! Not matter what he did, so long as it wasn't an outright betrayal, she...She trusted him, even if maybe he didn't deserve it. In addition, she was peeved that no one had asked her opinion, or what she wanted. And now that she really thought about it, she began to panic even more. Without his training to push her, would her progress stall? Would she lose out because of this? How was she going to get strong enough to save those she cared about? Strong enough to make a difference? What happened when another home was consumed by monsters if she wasn't strong enough? Like Destiny Islands?Kairi narrowed her eyes, a deep seated anger stirring in the pit of her stomach. "Under whose orders? Who said he isn't allowed to train me anymore?"Zack seemed taken aback. "Uh... Director Lazard's orders..."Distress plagued her. The director had ordered it? What could be done against that?She needed his training! How could they take him away from her? He was her instructor! Her teacher! Her crass, crude, LOVELESS quoting hero that saved her from the labs. They were going to take him away from her... he... he...
thump thump
He was...
Thump thump
Hers...
Thump thump
He was hers... he was... was...
Thump thump.

Mine.
"My daughter?" questioned Mother with sudden attention and wariness, seeming startled.The thought was all consuming... washing over her mind...
Mine.
"Be soothed my child, shhh, be soothed," murmured Mother, "Turn away from the hunger, you are not ready yet..."Kairi felt dizzy and clutched her head. "Ngh..."Zack was at her side in an instant. "Kairi? You okay?"Kairi narrowed her eyes and brushed aside Mother's touch, her attempt to pacify her. A shiver of unnatural agitation, anger, and longing rocketing down her spine. How dare they. How dare Angeal. How dare Lazard. How dare Zack. Genesis was HERS. Hers. HERS! He was hers! They weren't allowed to take what was hers!

MINE.

"Child... control yourself," warned Mother, "He is not of your cells, such an impulse is pointless, you cannot consume him..."She clenched her fists and snarled at her viciously with her thoughts. "He is MINE!""I will not permit you to endanger my goals with your foolishness," hissed Mother, "You will draw Gaia's wrath upon us before we are ready.""Kairi?! What the heck is with your eyes?!" exclaimed Zack.Kairi turned her focus to him, she could see a reflection of her eyes, glowing green, in his.She reached out, grabbing his collar, lifting him up, and slammed him against the wall. "The next time you want to go blab to Angeal, don't. I won't let you take what is MINE."She threw him down the hall and stalked off, heading for the elevator to go and confront Lazard. She would get him to back down, then, she'd go find Genesis and tell him the news. Then... then... she smiled maddeningly, she'd go to him, and make him hers. She could feel the billions of sickly cells off in the distance. She'd take him in, protect him, cleanse him, make his cells hers, punish him for angering her and leading to her harm, take his power, and never let him go. He'd forever stay as a part of her..."Stop!" screeched Mother, her presence throbbing in her head."SHUT UP! He is MINE! No one takes what is MINE!" she roared at Mother in her mind, shoving her presence back.Mother gave a startled yelp of pain and then screeched in rage. "You DARE defy my will and lay claim to what is in truth mine?"Kairi suddenly screamed and clutched her head in pain, falling to her knees as Mother's presence became a heavy agonizing throb in her head. "Foolish, ignorant, child. You forget yourself. Allow me to remind you just who it is who gave you your power."Kairi's eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she pitched forward unconscious...Genesis was cornered. In truth, the tongue lashing he had gotten in Lazard's office paled in comparison to the rebuke he was now getting after being dragged into Sephiroth's office by his so called 'friends'..."I cannot say I have ever been this disappointed in you, Genesis," said Angeal, slowly shaking his head."I Agree. The men, and woman, under your command must be able to look up to you. Trust in you. Have faith in your ability to command and lead them," said Sephiroth, his voice thin, "If this wasn't going to be kept quiet, I question if anyone would willingly follow you without expecting you to readily throw their lives away."Genesis rolled his eyes. "And people call ME the drama queen."Sephiroth narrowed his eyes. "Genesis. This would go far more smoothly if you for once in your life took things seriously and..."Sephiroth suddenly went rigid, his hand flinching towards his sword. Genesis stared at him, confused. Across from him, Angeal suddenly stiffened and looked around, growing wary. Genesis blinked and felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, and his skin crawl.
She'd take him in, protect him, cleanse him, make her hers, punish him for angering her and leading to her harm, take his power, and never let him go. He'd forever stay as a part of her...
Genesis gave a shiver and resisted his body's sudden urge to lurch. It felt like his skin was trying to tear itself off for a brief moment. What the hell was that? Something suddenly felt all kinds of wrong.He shook his head and glanced around warily. What had just set them all off?
Brr. Brr.
Angeal hesitated before he pulled out his phone and answered it. "Zack?"He blinked. "What do you mean she just collapsed?"Genesis froze.Angeal listened for a moment before blanking. "Her eyes...? What?"Angeal frowned intently, pacing. "Alright. Take her to the infirmary, we'll be there shortly."Angeal flipped his phone closed, staring at it for a moment before speaking, "Zack just told me that Kairi was acting weird, flipped out, and suddenly started screaming in pain and clutching her head before collapsing.""She was FINE when I last saw her!" Genesis defended reflexively.Angeal's eyebrows furrowed. "...""What is it Angeal?" asked Sephiroth, not even acknowledging Genesis's words."Zack said... her eyes had changed color and shape, looking like yours," he murmured.Genesis blanked at that. What...?Sephiroth narrowed his eyes and stood up, making for the door and walking out without a word. Angeal and Genesis exchanged glances before walking out after him. This couldn't possibly be from the wounds she took during her fight. His thoughts turned back to those strange words that had suddenly echoed in his mind. What had that been? The voice... almost sounded like Kairi's, but it had sounded so wrong. And the way his skin shivered...He shook his head, banished his discomfort and unease, and followed behind Angeal to the infirmary on the SOLDIER floor. Zack was standing outside the door, murmuring that Sephiroth had ordered him out. They walked in. Genesis saw Sephiroth leaning over Kairi who was laying on one of the beds unconscious. He pushed open an eyelid and then flinched away. Genesis was dumbstruck, he had saw the green catlike eye for a second before the eyelid fell back into place. What... just what was going on?"Just what did that scientist do?" murmured Sephiroth to himself, "Genesis said she talked about an injection before the Mako, something about cells... what was it?"Angeal closed the door behind them and crossed his arms. "Sephiroth?"Sephiroth slowly righted himself and began to pace. "Hojo is up to something. I already held my doubts that he was simply experimenting to see if he could create female SOLDIERs considering the presence we feel from her..."His eyes flickered to Genesis. "Whether this sudden collapse was brought on by the stress of her mission..."Genesis glared at him.Sephiroth flicked his eyes towards Angeal. "...something Hojo did, or some other source, there has to be something more going on here. Bring Zackery in. We will question him, then, you all will leave. I will question her alone when she awakens."Genesis kept a passive face, but couldn't help but stare at Kairi's unconscious form, wondering guiltily if he had some sort of role to play in this...
In a church in the sector 5 slums...
A young teenage girl in a blue dress with a long brown ponytail knelt at a small patch of flowers, her eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong? Tell me please!"The voices in the flowers had been uneasy this last year. They spoke unusually, with new whispers she hadn't heard before...
Lost Child.
That had been the first new words the flowers had said to her. They spoke the words with a sense of wonder and curiosity. They had wanted her to find this 'lost child', to investigate, but when she arrived at the location she felt drawn to, she had seen two of the scary men in suits that sometimes watched her dragging a girl away. She had felt scared and hadn't been able to do anything.Then, the nature of the words changed and set the tone for the rest of the year...
Tainted. Lost Child Becomes Calamity's Lost Child.
Calamity Stirs.
The flowers had held their breath, scared, but nothing had happened. She didn't understand any of it, why they were so scared, and then, minutes ago, the voices had screamed for the first time in her life. It had scared her so badly... the words they spoke filled her with a sense of dread she did not understand...
Calamity's Call. Weapons? Uncertainty.
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Calamity's Call? Weapons...? Please, tell me whats wrong!"
Calamity's Child. Weak Call. Rebuked By Calamity. Danger? Uncertainty.
She blinked a few times, the voice was panicky, jittery, and actually answered a question for once, but the nature of its response left her even more confused. "If... your not sure she's a danger why not just watch and wait?"
Calamity Awake. Watching. Waiting. Risk. Safer to Destroy Calamity's Lost Child.
The girl scowled. "Well that's not nice. Why'd the 'calamity' thing rebuke her anyway? You always pair the two of them together."
Uncertainty.
The girl reached a hand forward and gently caressed a flower head. "Just calm down, okay? No need to go all 'weapony'. Just be patient."Patience."Yeah, that," she said with a giggle.The flowers relaxed slightly, but still seemed tense.
Watching. Waiting. If necessary. Destroy.
The girl gave a none-committal hum and started tending to the flowers...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first thing that Kairi became aware of was a lingering pain in her mind. Which was an oddity. Pain never lasted long, not after receiving Mother's gifts. The second thing she became aware of was that she wasn't in her room, or in her bed. This one felt different... she kept her eyes closed, half fearing she was somehow back in the labs..."Awake at last, child of mine," murmured Mother, sounding a bit vexed, "You were taken to an infirmary I believe, not the labs."Kairi felt a bit of relief, and then confusion. "Why? What happened?"There was a brooding silence from Mother for a minute before her response, "A mistake, a miscalculation on my part. I made you too much my child without realizing the risks siring a child of another world created.""I... don't understand," thought back Kairi.There was a soft, almost sinister chuckle. "Your instincts as my child are slowly becoming more and more apparent."Then, Mother's voice grew angry. "Regardless of that, you accessed something you shouldn't have been able to. He never should have been able to feel your call, even slightly. Not only am I awake, but, your cells are to different. You shouldn't have been able to, yet somehow you connected to him. I believe it has something to do with your... birth abilities, I felt a ripple from them..."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed. "Birth abilities...?"A memory tickled... back at her first day in the labs...
Hojo put his gun to her arm and fired, putting a hole right through it. Kairi screamed in pain and scrambled back, whimpering and clutching her arm painfully to her stomach. He shot her! HE SHOT HER! What was WRONG with him? Kairi sobbed and put her head to the floor of the cage, it hurt... it hurt so much it... it... huh...?

Kairi frowned for a moment. The pain... it was fading away rapidly...

Kairi sat up and lifted her arm, examining it. "T-the hole its... its gone..."

She couldn't believe what she was seeing! She had just been shot, just had a hole put through her arm, and now, it was gone! It was like she hadn't even been hurt to begin with!

"A boon my child, a boon from mother to daughter. We are hard to get rid of my child. You especially. I felt within you powers hidden in your depths, powers unfamiliar to me, but feeling akin to healing magic. You cells, your beautifully unique cells have adapted to your power and have begun to awaken it. Your power and cells have augmented the regenerative abilities I have given to you," explained Jenova.
Back then, Kairi had glazed over what Mother had said and not questioned it, but..., "Mother... I never had any abilities. I was just a normal girl going to school..."There was a tsking sound. "Not all powers are as readily transparent as you might think. Some wait for the appropriate age to manifest. Some, like the Limit Breaks of this world, wait for enough pain or emotion. Some need special triggers or conditions in order to be used. Yours I imagine are no different in that regard."Mother grumbled, "Not that you've ever tapped into your powers outside of helping you regenerate wounds and a brief flicker when you attempted to activate Reunion. The stimuli required for your powers are unknown to me, but, they did briefly stir for that moment, on your desire to take in and heal your brother. Hmm...""What is... Reunion?" asked Kairi, her head starting to feel fuzzy."Shh my child, shh," murmured Mother, "Keep yourself calm and I will explain it to you so you may learn to control yourself."Kairi took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, the fuzziness in her head fading. "Okay... okay...""First, I will show you what it is to be the receiving end of the call," said Mother, "Do you remember yesterday, before your mission, when you remembered that I was still trapped in a cage?""Of course I am. Mother does know best," said Mother with dark amusement, "I will make a fine daughter out of you yet. I cannot wait until the day our Reunion comes to pass. The world will tremble in our wake, and those who have wronged me will pay dearly."
Kairi nodded again. It had been so long since she last thought of it, but, she did need to remind herself she was training for more than her own benefit. Somewhere out there, Mother was caged and locked up. She... she felt a sudden need to find her... to go to her... to free her... to join her... to be one with her...

Kairi's hands began to shake, her head began to spin, and a longing sensation began to consume her mind. "I... I... Mother... I need you... where... where are you...? We... we need to be together..."

"Hmm... your growing faster than I thought if you can already feel the pull. Shh my child, its not yet time, soon enough, it will be. To beings such as us, a few years is nothing but a drop in the lake of time, one day we will be together," soothed Mother.

She felt her Mother's touch in her mind and relaxed, moaning with relief. "Okay Mother... okay... I'll wait..."

Kairi laid in her bed for a time, a weird pleasured feeling coating every inch of her body after Mother's touch. She didn't want it to go away... she began to whimper... she wanted Mother's acknowledgement and touch again... she...

Kairi blinked a few times. She...

...

What the hell had that been? Kairi bolted upright, suddenly feeling unsure of herself. What had just happened?
The moment the memory ended, Kairi felt herself start to shake, her lips trembling. "Mother... I... I need you... I...""Shh child, shh," murmured Mother, "What you feel is the pull of Reunion, the desire to be... reunited... with your family."Kairi blinked a few times, opening her eyes to stare up at the ceiling. "..."Recovering her senses, she frowned, feeling uneasy. "It... it was like... a compulsion, I just had to go find you...""It's natural, we are meant to be reunited one day, but not yet," explained Mother.Kairi was confused. "Well, I want to meet you anyway, why do we need that... pull? That compulsion?""Not all of my children would willingly answer my summons, some need a bit of... prodding and guidance," explained Mother.Kairi felt uneasy. "You mean... forcefully?""If necessary," said Mother matter of factually."Why?" she asked, bewildered."To understand that, you muster understand the other half of Reunion," explained Mother, "You have felt the call, and now you must consciously feel what it is like to issue it."Kairi had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach..."What do you remember of what happened before you awoke here?" inquired Mother.She frowned. "I... took a bath... cleaned myself up, and went to go get some food. I... ran into Zack?"Her eyebrows furrowed, her memories felt hazy. "He told me something, something about Genesis, something that mad me mad. I... I don't remember what happened after. Mother... what was it he told me? What happened?""Calm yourself, center yourself and brace yourself first," ordered Mother.Kairi did as instructed."He told you that your brother was banished from instructing you," explained Mother.Kairi frowned, mulling it over. "Huh... well.. after that stunt he pulled with the dragon, I guess I ought to have expected that. Though... I'm going to be missing out on a lot by losing him as a teacher... but..."Mother chuckled. "Does it not anger you? For them to take... what is yours?"
Thump thump...
What is... hers...
Thump thump...
She winced, pain flaring in her head. "Ghh..."Memories flashed in her head: Panicking over Genesis being taken away. Lifting Zack up and chucking him down the hall. The thought... the desire... all consuming...

MINE.

Whipcrack
Kairi gave a small shrill scream, clutched her head, and rolled over, burrowing her face into her pillow in agony as Mother sent a spike of pain rocketing through her head. "That's enough of that my daughter. You know the feeling now."Kairi breathed in and out heavily, her entire body trembling. Oh god... what... what WAS that? She felt so rattled, so scared. What she had felt... it... it wasn't right! It was an unnatural desire... it felt nothing like some of the crushes she had had when she was younger, or what she had felt towards Sora and Riku back home. It was nothing of love. It was... it was... a hunger. Like she wanted to... to...she didn't even know how to describe it. To want to... take his entire being into herself? There wasn't a proper word for it that she could think of... to take his body, his mind, his soul, his power... and never let it go... make him a part of her forever... it... it... oh god what WAS this?! It was unnatural, it wasn't right! But she wanted it...She started shivering uncontrollably. "Mother... Mother... what IS this? I'm... I'm scared..."Mother seemed amused. "You fear what you are. Reunion is part of what we are. To regather what is yours."Kairi hesitated, suddenly feeling a real terror of a thought. "Does... does that mean you want to... do... Reunion with me? You want to... to do... that to me?"There was a brief pause that filled Kairi with dread before Mother responded. "Oh no no no, you... misunderstand the... possessiveness... that comes with Reunion. It is just a part of it, nothing to be afraid of, you desire and crave to be close to those your related to and care for. It's completely natural, completely human to want to be with those you care for, no?"She felt unsure and wary. "Y-yes... I... guess... but why did you seem so mad about me taking what is 'yours'?""Well... I suppose you could say that... Reunion implies causes... jealousy instinct..., yes, a jealousy instinct. Those who call for Reunion are jealous of those who would make the call themselves, after all, your brother is MY son, not yours," said Mother, "Do you understand?"Kairi nodded. "Y-yes.""Good, now, seeing as you are not ready to bear the weight of Reunion, whenever you feel it's desire, repel it," ordered Mother, "One day, when were together at last, I will show you how to sate Reunion's call..."Kairi nodded again, but, there was a thought though that she hid from her Mother, burying it as deep down as she possibly could: The pause Mother had given, her hesitation when speaking, was... was Mother lying to her? It scared, it terrified Kairi to think that Mother might be lying, might be deceiving her, wanting to... to... preform Reunion with her... and not the fairy-tale togetherness she was implying a mere moment ago. She wanted to be with Mother, but, she did NOT want to be... be... consumed...No, no. She... she was just being jittery and skittish. Mother... Mother cared for her. Had changed her. Given her power, advice, and guidance. She just wanted her to be at her side... that had to be it...
But what if it wasn't?
Kairi gulped heavily, and with dread, before shoving the thought as deep down as she could and locking it away. She sighed into her pillow, pulling it up and over the back of her head and then burying her face into the bed itself. Her head was still aching, whatever Mother had done to inflict that pain to snap her out of Reunion's pull really left a mark...She froze as the sound of someone clearing their throat was heard. "3rd Class Kairi, I'm fairly certain you have been awake for the last few minutes. I am a patient man, and understand you seem to be in pain, but we need to talk."In an instant, she was suddenly aware of a presence pressing against her awareness. She was dumbfounded to not have recognized it was there. It... it was a presence she had only felt in passing, off in the distance, but never came across, never met. It... it was him."My Chosen One," murmured Mother warmly, almost greedily.Kairi pulled the pillow off her head and sat up, turning to look at him, at Sephiroth who wase leaning against the wall next to the door, studying her intently. Here he was, the unmatched 1st Class SOLDIER. He was called 'the General', though she didn't know if it was his real rank or not. It didn't honestly mater though, if he gave a command, it was to be followed."Behold my son, your brother, in all his glory, he is the one who will deliver us this world," sang Mother, starting to really freak Kairi out.She took him in, noting everything she had heard was right. Long silver hair, green, catlike eyes. A passive, controlled face, his body mirroring that discipline. Across his back was slung his legendary blade, Masamune. His presence, even without truly feeling its weight with her senses, was imposing, and with them, she could feel his power. Genesis... Angeal... neither of them compared, even together, she didn't think they could compare."Of course not, for he is my Chosen One, he is... perfect...," sang Mother.Kairi stared at him numbly for a moment before it occurred to her she was acting like an idiot and snapped a quick salute. "Sir."Sephiroth shook his head with a slight motion. "Formalities are not required for the moment, we're not talking on the record. I trust you understand?"Kairi paused at that. Off the record? Which meant he didn't whatever was said repeated... okay... okay... she was starting to get nervous, why was he here? Was she in trouble? Oh... she had THROWN Zack! Could she get in trouble for that? She had done worse in training, but that was training. What had she done?"Relax," ordered Sephiroth.Kairi hesitated before doing so.Sephiroth looked her over, pausing on her eyes. "Hmm. Normal as of the moment."She blinked a few times. "Normal...?"Sephiroth cleared his throat. "While I understand the necessity of it at times, I am not a liar not a deceiver at heart. Especially to one of similar circumstances to myself."Kairi blinked a few times, giving him a confused look.He narrowed his eyes. "I hold no love for Hojo. I lived through his labs at a age far younger than you."Kairi understood then, and seethed. She did her best to keep Hojo and the labs out of her mind and memories, but now, it boiled over. So even the great and mighty Sephiroth, Mother's Chosen One, had been subjugated to that mad man. She felt a pang of pity, and then kinship. Brother indeed, in more ways than just Mother's cells...She nodded slowly. "I hold no love for him either, and since were off the record, I'd love if he just... went away... one day."There was a brief, wistful smile on his face. "If only.""What I wish to ask: Kairi, are you aware that your eyes can change to match mine?" he asked.Oh, that's what he meant by not lying or deceiving, no softening the question, he went straight to the point. Then his words hit her. Oh... OH... wow... she had thought it was freaky when it happened and she saw it in the mirror, but he had never made the connection about them having the same eyes.She hesitated before nodding. "Y-yes.""Do you have any clue as to why?" inquired Sephiroth, his eyes critical."Mind your words," murmured Mother, "You may inform him of... basic... things, but do not tell him of my presence in your mind, of my voice. He is not yet ready to know me.""I... might have an idea," she murmured.Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, waiting.Kairi hesitated, wondering how to word this. "Did... Hojo ever inject you with anything?"Sephiroth gave her a look of pure disbelief, as if asking 'are you serious with that question', before scowling. "Of course he did, far to many things.""What about cells?" she asked, "Before he injected me with Mako, he injected me with what he called 'Jenova' Cells."That got a visible start out of him. "My mother's cells?"Wait... he KNEW of Mother's name?"Y-your Mother?" she asked.Sephiroth frowned intently. "I once asked about her, all Hojo told me was that her name was Jenova and that she died in childbirth."He rubbed his chin. "Why would he inject her cells in someone? That makes no sense to me. Just by injecting her cells in someone, it shouldn't make them at times share my traits."He growled. "Unless of course Hojo altered them to do something else. I may have never known her, but, I would not want her memory disgraced by that man."Kairi hesitated, deciding to take a risk and hoping Mother wouldn't get mad. "Are you sure she's dead?"She felt Mother's presence heavily in her mind all of the sudden, Mother was watching carefully.Sephiroth went still, very still, before sharply looking at her. "It's what I was told...""By Hojo," she pointed out, "If she really died when you were born... umm how old are you?""Seventeen," he answered."Right, if she really died seventeen years, how would he have fresh cells to inject me with?" she asked.Sephiroth looked dumbstruck and suckered in a breath before suddenly his face blanked and an emotionless mask came over his face. "Your... point has 'some' merit to be considered, but, ultimately is an unproven conclusions being drawn."Kairi went silent, but tilted her head when she heard a purring sound, it... was that Mother?"You did well my child," purred Mother, "Very well indeed. With but a few choice words, his walls begin to crumble and his desire for me builds. More will need to be done, but this is most... excellent...""Why not just talk to him?" asked Kairi."He is not yet ready to receive me, to know me and my voice," said Mother, "He is still a strong, prideful, willful child. His resolve must weaken more before he is to receive my will. But soon... soon... I will..."Kairi caught herself before daring to ask 'why' Sephiroth had to weaken to know Mother. While Mother was distracted on her tirade, Kairi's thoughts secretly returned to her earlier... suspicion... about Mother. Had she... had she just made a mistake telling Sephiroth this? Was... was Mother planning to do something bad to Sephiroth? She might not know him well, but, through the cells they shared, Sephiroth was her brother! He was hers! HERS! She would protect him, even if it was from Mother herself... he was hers... he..."Your eyes," murmured Sephiroth.Kairi flinched, recognizing the sensation of Reunion starting again and crushed it quickly, blinking furiously and trying to clear the growing daze out of her head. "T-thanks..."He tilted his head and studied her curiously. "Do you know what causes the change?"She hesitated before bowing her head. "Certain thoughts and words... it... when it happens... I feel so weird... I don't feel like myself at all when it happens, I don't like it... it's... kind of scary."There was a noncommittal hum. "I see.""And the pain?" he questioned, "I watched that bout a few minutes ago, it seemed... unpleasant..."Kairi went silent for a moment before forcing herself to be evasive, she couldn't exactly say it was because Mother was punishing her. "It's... best not to let the change happen in the first place..."There was a chuckle from Mother. "You learn quickly my child."There was another noncommittal hum from Sephiroth. "I suppose not. I suggest, when your out on missions, you keep those certain thoughts and words out of your mind. Collapsing mid-mission can be rather... fatal."Kairi nodded. "Yeah..."Neither of them said anything for a few minutes, before Sephiroth stopped leaning against the wall and stood straight. "I suppose that is enough questions, for now. We've spent enough time off the record."Kairi nodded. "Okay."He tilted his head curtly. "Before I go, since I doubt he will, I will apologize on Genensis's behalf."His eyes narrowed. "There is little that can be offered to excuse needlessly putting the life of someone your responsible for at risk. He has pulled stupid acts and made questionable decisions before, but that was inexcusable of him."Kairi hesitated, biting her lips nervously for a moment. "Is... it really necessary for him to be not allowed to train me anymore?"Sephiroth stared at her like she had grown a second head.She winced at that. "Okay, okay, I'm peeved at him too, but... I've improved so much since I got here thanks to him. I'm worried without him to push me..."Sephiroth slowly shook his head. "It's not how others push you, but how you push yourself. If you do not have the resolve to better yourself, then it won't matter who trains you. While certain teachers may certainly help you improve, it is ultimately up to you to make your own future."Up to her huh...She gave him a brief smile. "I see..."Sephiroth nodded and turned to go."Sephiroth...," she began.He paused briefly and turned his head. "Yes?""Go easy on Genesis, please," she asked."Hmph," was his only response before leaving.Kairi gave a heavy sigh before flopping back on the bed, feeling strangely tired."An acceptable performance," said Mother, "And I believe such good behavior and a job well done deserves to be rewarded..."Kairi gave a shiver and a moan. The pain and tiredness faded from her mind. It felt... it felt like Mother was petting her head... it... it sent shivers of pleasure rocketing down her spine to have Mother's full attention and praise... her unconditional love..."Do well, follow my instructions like a good obedient child, and please me in the future, and you may yet feel it again," said Mother lovingly before the touch began to fade.She curled into a ball, a weird, dazed smile on her face. "Y-yes Mother..."Mother's presence faded a moment later after she gave a dark, amused chuckle.Kairi stayed there for a moment before the daze began to lift and she froze. That... that feeling... it had felt so good... but... it... it was Reunion's pull, it wasn't natural... yet... how she craved it... wanted Mother's attention and praise and touch and love...She shook her head violently, forcing away the last remnants of Reunion and took advantage of the moment to seriously think. Mother's presence was faint, as if she were looking elsewhere. Her head felt... surprisingly clear, if a bit empty without Mother there.Reunion seriously rubbed her wrong, both in the pull and the desire, as did some of the things Mother had said in the last few minutes, and in the past. She... had nothing concrete to use as true evidence, but, Mother's words made her wary.On the other hand...Mother had done so much for her...She didn't understand what she was feeling at the moment, or what to think. She... she wanted to trust Mother, wanted to love and be loved by her so badly... but...She blinked, feeling Mother's presence start to return and sighed, banishing her thoughts. It was time to get up and go anyway. She didn't even know how long she had been out cold. She had to go find Zack and apologize... and then get some damn food in her grumbling stomach!With that, she got up and left the room...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi walked out of the infirmary..."Kaaaaariiii!" came a squeal.Before she could react she got a tackle hug from a certain black haired 3rd Class. "Jeez Kairi don't scare me like that!"Kairi winced, colliding with the wall. "Sorry Zack."They separated, and Zack's eyes roamed her with worry. What was it some of the other's called Zack? Mother hen? Pretty apt nickname when he wasn't being a puppy."You okay?" he asked.She scratched her head a little nervously, "Y-yeah... umm... Zack, I'm sor..."Zack waved a hand. "It's fine, I could see something was... uh... weird, with you."He gave her another worried look, this time focusing on her eyes. "That was really wack, you know? You got all Seph eye'd on me, lifted me up like I was a little kid and just chucked me all the way down the hall, you got a pretty strong arm.""Sorry," she mumbled again."Did he just call my Chosen One SEPH?! Why waste time apologizing to this fool?" asked Mother, "Your brother gave your instructions, go strengthen yourself without relying on your other 'lesser' brother."Kairi's fists and eyes tightened a bit. "Mother. Please do not be rude to my friends nor my brothers."Mother huffed, but did not argue. "Stubborn child.""Hey, what'd I say? It's fine," said Zack dismissively, "Nothin to apologize for."Kairi stared at him wistfully. He... really did remind her of Sora. Always friendly, never held a grudge, forgave everyone super easily...Zack gave her a curious look. "Something wrong?"She slowly shook her head and started walking past him. "You just remind me of someone I used to know."Rather than leave, Zack fell in behind her. "So, waja up to?""Food," she grumbled, "I haven't eaten since before my 'Dragon Quest'."Zack snorted. "Right, that. Genesis is nutz, ya know? Like, jezz Kairi, did you LOOK at your clothes? If it weren't for the fact you were walking and talking I woulda thought you were a corpse just by the blood and the tears on them."Kairi shrugged. "I looked at them, yes."Zack leaned forward to look past her and up into her face. "Aaaaand?"Kairi shrugged again, voice lowering and murmuring, "I dunno...""You don't know?" said Zack, giving her a pointed look.Kairi sighed. "Zack... just drop it, please."Zack shrugged. "Okay, anyway, lets get some grub. How about we eat out?"Kairi hesitated. "I... don't know anyplace in Midgar to eat, I haven't even been out of the building since I got here except for that first mission."Zack blinked a few times. "Huh... well that's fine. I know a little diner in Wall Market down in the Sector 6 slums that's not bad. Let's go."Kairi let him take the lead and followed him to the elevator, half-listening to him begin his mindless chatter about the day. It occurred to her suddenly what she was about to do. Leave the building. It made her nervous. Was she actually allowed to leave unsupervised? Would she get in trouble for this? Would Zack get in trouble for this?"I am not one to endanger you my child, but, no one has explicitly said you cannot leave," pointed out Mother, "Flexing your chains could allow you to see how much you can push their limits. If they try to use it against, you, you could feign ignorance with ease, and pin the blame on the fool if need be."Kairi frowned. "Mother. I would never do that to a friend. If there's trouble, I'll accept whatever blame is put on me."She could feel Mother scowling at her, but she did not speak. Kairi half held her breath as they reached the first floor and started making for the entrance, maybe she was juuust a bit skittish, but, she half expected alarms to start blaring when they passed by the secretary and out the door. She visibly relaxed once they left the building and no one came hollering after them. She took a brief moment to look up at the building itself from the outside, she hadn't done that in the helicopter earlier. The building... felt ominous for some reason. All the sudden she really didn't like being in that building, period, end of story. Unfortunately, that building was probably going to remain her home for a long time.They bought tickets and boarded a train, picking their seats to sit down on, she felt a little nervous. "I've never been on a train before..."Zack smirked. "Really? Well I should warn you they wobble alot, people bounce around, the train sometimes leans over the rails, and god forbid of the train skips a track..."Kairi glared at him. "Zaaaack! Not helping!"Zack was grinning full force."Ugh, as if the helicopter ride hadn't been bad enough," muttered Kairi.She didn't get motion sickness, but the sensation of being moved not of her own accord really made her uncomfortable for a reason she couldn't honestly guess. Zack continued to playfully poke fun at her until they arrived down at the Sector 7 train station. The moment they got off the train though, something felt... off... to Kairi. It wasn't any kind of danger, but something just felt... sad... in the air.It took her only a few moments of staring around clueless at the people bustling about to figure out what it was, and it made her feel awful. Everything that she could see looked so dirty and run down. Litter was everywhere. There were plenty of people with obvious hand-me-down clothes, patched together. Some people looked thin, far to thin, or seemed sickly. Off in the distance she could see piles of scrap metal, and beyond that, some of the taller run down looking buildings.She just stared at it all, feeling... she hadn't ever touched alcohol, but she wondered if this was what 'sobering' felt like."Kairi?" questioned Zack, looking a bit unsure at her."What... is this?" she asked quietly, "Why is everything... like this down here?"Zack blanked for a moment before blinking a few times, suddenly looking extremely unsure of himself all the sudden. "Oh... you've never seen the slums before, have you?"Kairi blinked a few times. "Slums?"He scratched the back of his head. "Well... I don't really like it either, but... c'mon lets go, not a good place to talk in earshot of others, ya'know?"Kairi followed behind quietly, feeling extremely apprehensive about being down here. She had never seen anything like this place. Nowhere on Destiny Islands looked so... utterly miserable to live in. She had seen a run down house or two, but, people were quick to pitch in to help each other out if need be. She had never even heard of the word 'slums' before, seeing these people living like this made her feel like her heart was bleeding out, and she had only been down here for less than five minutes. She dreaded to think what it was like to actually live down here. She looked up with a frown, suddenly noticing that there was no sunlight either, only artificial light, it was all blocked by the plates above them... what a god awful existence..."Why do they live down here?" Kairi asked quietly as they neared the sector 6 gate."I don't think they really have a choice," said Zack."What? Why?" she asked."No money to move up top or out of Midgar," he said sadly.That did little for Kairi's sobering mood."Why do you care?" asked Mother, "If the people down here are so pitiful that they cannot better themselves or force their way out, why bother feeling anything for them?""Because I'm not a heartless wretch," retorted Kairi."Is that what you think of me?" chided Mother, "After everything I've given to you? Have you not felt my loving touch?"Kairi felt a sudden, but brief wave of guilt, before she countered, "I'm sorry, but, your always to mean to everyone who isn't me or Sephiroth, and you know it."Mother huffed. "I have my reasons, one day, when we're reunited, you will come to know and accept them as your own."Kairi couldn't help but wonder what had made Mother so bitter towards the world, then again, she was trapped in a cage somewhere with crazy scientists using her cells to make her kids and not let them near her. Who knows what that could honestly do to a person. She felt a pang of sympathy towards Mother and decided to try and ignore her hostility a little bit better. Once she eventually got Mother out of her cage, everything would be better, she just knew it would."Yes my child, yes it will," said Mother, a odd hunger in her voice.They passed through the sector 6 gate and into what looked like a run down playground. She stared at it a bit sadly before starting to follow Zack to the northeast, only to pause as a shrill, young scream echoed to the south. She exchanged one look with Zack before they took off, swords drawn. They went south, through the playgrounds and dashed around a bend of metal debris.Kairi's eyes snapped onto a set of six monsters cornering a terrified girl a bit younger than she was. The monsters were small ish, wide open gaping maws of teeth, no eyes she could see, a pointed tail, and pointed feet kind of like a spider's. The girl was in a blue and white dress with white sandals. Her hair was long and brown, but in a ponytail. Her eyes were an emerald green that almost seemed aglow. The most important detail about her to Kairi was that she was unarmed and defenseless."Whole Eaters," muttered Zack before charging and yelling, "Heeey!"That got the monster's attention and briefly distracted them from the girl. Kairi was already moving, far faster than Zack was. Her blood was pumping, there was an innocent life in danger. She was already having a flashback to the day the shadow monster things had swarmed at her on Destiny Islands, how they must have moved on and destroyed her home, killed everyone she cared about, the others at the orphanage, and Sora, his mom, Riku... all the others...She was done being weak and letting people down.She snarled in righteous fury and cut through a Whole Eater in a split second, swinging her sword to cut into a second before kicking up with her foot and booting another one away. She firmly planted herself directly infront of the girl before Zack even joined the fight. The butchered the six monsters within a minute, blades singing back and forth.Satisfied, and extremely happy to have made a difference, even if it was just for one life, she turned to look at the girl and ask if she was alright before she froze. The girl was staring at her with a look of complete and utter terror. Not only that, but now that the danger was gone and Kairi actually looked at the girl, she was getting the same sensation from her that she had gotten from those two pre-teens back in Nibelheim. Except, this was different, this was more than just a presence of what Mother had called 'the pull of those chosen by destiny'. This girl on her own had an unusual presence, but, not of the powerful martial kind that her brothers did. It was... an unusually calming presence to be around, it made her feel... settled...Well, except for the look of utter terror on the girl's face that was ruining the sensation, she was inching away from Kairi as if she were some kind of monster."Erm, Kairi, sword," coughed Zack.Kairi blinked and looked at her blood covered blade, still in hand. Oh, yeah, that was probably scary. Poor girl had been cornered by monsters, watched them fight, and was staring at two bloodied scary looking SOLDIERs. She sheathed her sword and offered the girl a smile."You okay?" asked Kairi.The girl hesitated briefly, before giving a brief nod, but saying nothing else, still staring at Kairi fearfully. She didn't understand it... why was the girl so afraid of...
Hisssssss
Kairi blanked for a moment before she registered in her head that Mother was actually hissing."Cetra," hissed Mother in a rage, "KILL HER!"Almost as if the girl had heard it, she tensed, terror coursing across her face."Mother! I am not killing some defenseless girl, what is wrong with you?!" replied Kairi angrily.Zack stepped up to the girl and put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, its okay, we're not gonna hurt you. I know Kairi is totally scruffy looking n all, but she's...""Excuse me? Scruffy?" exclaimed Kairi, forgetting about Mother for a second."KILL HER NOW!" screamed Mother.Kairi flinched and fell to a knee, clutching her head as a spike of pain hit her. "M-mother?""Kairi?" exclaimed Zack, rushing over to kneel next to her, "You okay?""The Cetra are the ones who wronged me my child! Imprisoned me! She is a danger to us. KILL HER!" roared Mother.Kairi's hand started flinching towards her sword against her will, it took a heavy and draining effort to halt her hand. "Mother! That's not fair! I don't know what kinda people 'Cetra' are, but she's just a kid, she couldn't have been involved! Don't take your anger out on an innocent!"Mother hissed angrily. "She is a danger to us my child!""She's a kid!" countered Kairi."For now, not forever," warned Mother, "If she is not a danger now, she will be later.""Then I guess I'll just have to make a friend out of her then, friends aren't dangers to one another," said Kairi stubbornly.That gave Mother a pause. "Hmm... she IS the last Cetra, half blooded, perhaps... conversion could work... yes... it would be a powerful tool, wouldn't it?"Kairi didn't understand the line of thought Mother seemed to be going on, but at least it wasn't murder, and Mother's heavy presence was receding."Very well, worm your way into the child's heart, when the time comes, she will 'join' our family," said Mother greedily, almost sinisterly.Kairi took a deep breath and slowly stood up, feeling extremely drained, and waved off Zack. "I'm fine..."Zack gave her a worried look over. "Maybe coming down here after you just got out of the infirmary wasn't a good idea..."Kairi shook her head. "Saving a life is worth any brief pain."She looked once more at the girl, noticing that her terror had receded a bit, and was now studying Kairi curiously. "W-what's your name?"Kairi smiled at her. "I'm Kairi, how...""And I'm Zack!" butted in Zack."...about you?" asked Kairi, shooting Zack a look."I'm Aerith," answered the girl with a giggle at their antics.Aerith stared at Kairi, fascinated. When the Flowers had whispered that the Calamity's Lost Child was near, she hadn't been able to resist investigating. Of course, it had been on a whim, and without the scary suit guys noticing her sudden disappearance to follow her. When the monsters had come, being all alone, she had thought she was done for. Then, she saw the Lost Child, then, she saw IT. She had felt IT. She now knew why the Flowers were scared, why the Flower's called the Lost Child, called Kairi tainted.There was a second presence within Kairi, and it scared Aerith to the depths of her soul. It was a sickly, vile, menacing, sinister presence. The word evil didn't seem to do it justice. It was a blackening within Kairi's near blinding bright aura. She had never seen or felt someone that seemed so... pure. To be honest, such purity was strange, unnatural, even she herself had her little mischievous ticks at times. Yet, in the face of that purity was a vile ugliness that seemed to be snaked through the light, tainting and corrupting it slowly but surely. Something so dark, and something so light, emanating and struggling over the same body...She didn't know anything about Kairi, yet, she felt so scared for the girl. Did she have any clue what was happening to her? She wanted to cry out and warn her of the taint blackening her, but, that presence, it had felt so malevolent towards Aerith. She had not been blind to see that the presence had tried to take control of Kairi for a moment, and there was little doubt in what the presence wanted to do to her. But, that Kairi had fought off it's control on her behalf... it made Aerith hopeful for the girl's future. That did not however mean she was going to challenge the presence and risk it trying to control Kairi and kill her through the girl. The presence had gone passive for the moment, and Aerith highly preferred it that way.At last though, she understood the Flower's fear. This presence, the IT, that thing, that was the Calamity, wasn't it? What the Flowers were so scared of. When she got back to the church, she was going to question the Flowers thoroughly. Something wrong was happening, and she needed to know more. To that end though, she had at last fulfilled the Flower's initial wish, she had found the Lost Child. Now, she wanted to know more..."Your eyes are glowy," said Aerith sheepishly.Kairi blinked a few times. "Oh, right. I have to remind myself of that sometimes."Aerith giggled. "Really? You don't know what your own eyes are like?"Kairi rolled her eyes. "They weren't always like this, only after I got mako in me and became a SOLDIER."Aerith suddenly shrank back a little. "S-SOLDIER?""Aww c'mon, we don't bite," teased Zack, stepping up to Kairi's side.Aerith hesitated for a moment. The guy seemed nice... and was a little cute. She reddened slightly at that, but banished it quickly. Not quickly enough for Kairi not to notice."I think she likes you Zack," teased Kairi."D-do not!" squeaked Aerith.Zack pouted. "I'm not likable?"Awww... that look was adorable, Aerith giggled a little bit, "Okay, your likable."If more SOLDIERs were like these two, maybe they weren't as scary as she thought. Maybe her initial fears of them were silly, like fearing the sky, though, the thought of it falling down on her still made her feel a bit squeamish. To be honest, there was only one real thing to fear, that presence hiding in Kairi."Anyway, where do you live kid? We can take you home," said Zack.Aerith huffed. "Kid? You don't look much older than me Mr. SOLDIER!"It was Zack's turn to grow sheepish. "Heh, maybe not."There was an audible rumble, for a moment Aerith thought the monsters had come back, before she realized where it had gone from, let out a giggle, and looked at Kairi's stomach. "Someone's hungry, c'mon I'll take you guys home. Mom is an amazing cook!""We don't want to impose," began Zack."Oh dilly dally," said Aerith with a wave of her hands, starting forward to sector 5."Uh hey, one of us should probably take point," said Zack, scrambling to get ahead of Aerith, "Just tell us which way to go."Aerith giggled. "Race you!"Not that she had a real chance of winning, but the two SOLDIERs kept up slightly behind her, letting her come away victorious by the time she walked up to the door. "Mom I'm home!"She walked in and noted her mother, Elmyra, rushing towards her, worry on her face. "Aerith! It's almost eight o'clock at night! Where have you been I was worried!"Ut oh, busteeeed. "Umm... I was at the church, then I got a little lost and got attacked by monsters and...""Monsters?!" exclaimed Elmyra.Aerith glanced backwards. "It's fine, my two bodyguards saved me!""Bodyguards?" said Zack, only to wince as Kairi elbowed him.Elmyra glanced up at them, noticing them for the first time. "Oh, thank you so much, I don't know what I would have done if something happened to Aerith."That praise seemed to brighten Kairi, she gave Elmyra a warm smile. "It's not a problem miss, it was the least we could do. We just wanted to drop her off and we'll be on our...""Oh no you don't," scolded Aerith, "You two are eating with us and that's that!"Elmyra gave Aerith a pointed look. "Eating dinner at eight o'clock? You should have been back hours ago missy and been in bed."Aerith winced. "Yes mom..."Elmyra sighed and ruffled her hair. "Alright, I'll go heat up some leftover lasagna.""Yay!" said Aerith, bounding to the table."And I thought Zack had endless energy," mocked Kairi playfully.Elmyra glanced over at them briefly as she made for the refrigerator. "You two are... SOLDIERs?""Yes ma'am," answered Zack.Elmyra gave Kairi a second glance. "I didn't think girls could become SOLDIER.""I'm the first," was Kairi's reply, though, Aerith noted it was a bit quiet.She studied the girl, noting a slight pain hidden behind her eye. There was more to that story than she just being the first, something she didn't appear to like being reminded of. Aerith stored the thought away, not wanting to inquire about it, yet.Aerith looked up at a startled gasp, noticing that Kairi was staring at the table almost wordlessly. "What's wrong?"Kairi stepped forward and looked at a flower vase on the table. "I... just realized I haven't seen a flower in over a year..."A sad smile played over Aerith's face, she fished a single lily out of the vase and laid it on the table. "For when you go home, take it with you."Kairi gave her a warm smile and sat down, grabbing the flower gently and twiddling it between her thumbs, staring at her silently. Aerith found the mixture of emotions playing across the girl's face a bit sad. Sadness, grief, self-loathing, longing, in roughly that order. She suddenly felt a bit bad for bringing her here, she didn't like making people sad, even if it was unintentional. She couldn't help but wonder..."What does it remind you of?" asked Aerith softly."Home," was Kairi's quiet answer.Which meant, not Midgar if she had flowers back home. Hmm...Elmyra laid several plates of leftovers on the table and they all dug in. Elmyra made polite dinner talk, asking a bit about them and their jobs. She could tell that mom was uncomfortable around the SOLDIERs, but, she was being nice and accommodating."Where did you get these flowers?" asked Kairi as they finished eating.Aerith beamed. "I grew them myself!""In the slums?" asked Zack with a bit of disbelief."Ahuh, I grow them in the church," said Aerith."Your kidding, right?" asked Zack."You remember the turn we made to head to my home? Go straight ahead and you can't miss it," said Aerith, "Go check if you don't believe me."She pointed a warning finger. "Be careful around my flowers, otherwise you'll catch holy hell.""Aerith!" exclaimed Elmyra, "Language!"Aerith giggled. "Sorry mom!"Elmyra gave her a stern look. "Upstairs and get ready for bed.""Aww mom, can't I stay up and talk to my new friends longer?" she said, trying to mimic the pout she had seen on Zack's face earlier.It apparently wasn't as effective on someone else's face. "Upstairs, now, you can see them the next time you see them."Aerith gave a sigh and removed herself from the table. "Okay. Bye Zack, bye Lost Child."Kairi gave her a curious look. "Huh?"Aerith was already up the stairs by the time she realized she might have goofed a little...Kairi watched as the girl disappeared upstairs, feeling a bit baffled. Lost Child? What kind of a weird nickname was that? She shrugged it off and looked to Zack."Shall we?" she asked.He nodded. "Yeah, it's getting kind of late."She turned to Aerith's mom. "Thanks for feeding us."The lady smiled softly. "It's the least I could do for you saving Aerith's life."Her smile slowly faded as she gave Kairi a thoughtful, inquisitive look. "Perhaps SOLDIERs aren't as bad as I thought if they have a nice young lady like you in them.""What about me?" whined Zack, pouting.The lady gave him a pointed look. "That pout needs more work if you want it to work on me."Zack winced. "Oh owch."Kairi laughed. "That pout might work on battle hardened SOLDIERs, but not moms!""I'll say," said Mother dryly, "If he looked at me like that, I'd rip that 'pout' off his face."Yeeeesh, Mother really didn't like Zack.Kairi turned to the door before pausing. "Miss...""Gainsborough, Elmyra Gainsborough," said Aerith's mother."Miss Gainsborough... why are there monsters in the slums?" asked Kairi honestly.Elmyra frowned. "Because Shinra doesn't bother coming down to clean them out."Kairi matched that frown, her anger starting to rise. "I see."She smiled grimly. "I'll just have to personally do something about that then."Elmyra gave her a curious look, but Kairi merely turned around and made for the door. "Thanks again for dinner."Zack followed her out and questioned. "Do something about it?""If Genesis isn't my mentor anymore, then I'm going to have a lot of free time, aren't I?" she questioned.Zack shrugged. "I guess, but, you could fill that time with other classes, training, or ya know, hanging out with the rest of us and..."Kairi rounded on him, stepping into his guard, anger flaring on her face. "Not while there are innocent people potentially being killed down here because no one in Shinra gives a damn."Zack opened his mouth to speak before hesitating and closing it, sighing. "Yeah... your right, sorry."Kairi stepped away and sighed as well. "No need for you to apologize, I'm just... that girls so sweet, the thought of her or anyone else being killed by monsters that are being allowed to freely roam around down here really grates on me."Zack grinned at her. "Guess we'll both have to do something about that then. How about we take a bit of a detour and do a little bit of 'monster clearing' before we head back? Whoever bags the most in thirty minutes wins, you game?"Kairi matched that grin. "Your on."She paused. "Well, after we see that church of hers, I want to go there first."Zack shrugged. "Sure, I kinda wana see if she was pullin my leg or not too."They left the sector 5 town and started to the southwest, the church Aerith had spoken about coming up in the distance. Kairi approached its doors and slowly opened it. She was... well... she hadn't thought the girl had been lying, but, it was still surprising to see flowers so freely growing at the center of the church where there were none anywhere else in the slums. Kairi slowly approached, staring at the patch of green sadly.She hesitated for a moment before kneeling down, bowing her head, and clasping her hands together. She had never been religious back home, but...She closed her eyes, and let out a sad, futile prayer, "Please... let Sora and Riku be alive... and if they did die... then... at least let it have been fast..."A single tear ran down her face before she sighed and made to rise to her feet......before her whole world turned white...
Kairi floated above a castle teeming with darkness. There were creatures everywhere that seemed like the little shadow monsters that invaded her island, only bigger, stronger, and meaner. They were overrunning the area, chasing after a number of people fleeing and screaming into the castle depths.

But there, before the castle gates, were two lone figures, fighting side by side against the seemingly endless tide of darkness to save the lives of those fleeing within...

Sora and Riku, still in the clothes she had last seen them in on the islands, both wielding strange, key-like weapons.

"Come on Sora, is that the best you can do?" taunted Riku, swinging his blade and unleashing a wave of dark energy that obliterated several of the big shadows.

"Get real, look at which one of us is winning, I'm totally gonna get the most and tell Kairi when we find her," shouted back Sora playfully, suddenly zooming around the battlefield at high speeds.

"Right," said Riku, a sad look on his face.

Kairi's breath was caught in her throat. That look on Riku's face... it just... showed of defeat and sadness...

"It's recognition of fate," murmured Mother's voice.

"Mother? You can see this?" whispered Kairi.

Mother ignored the question, "I never realized it before, but, the connection to this place... you are not from another world, you are from another realm, another reality... how did you even get to ours?"

Kairi was confused. "I don't... understand..."

"It's a shame, I would have enjoyed tasting your world, but, I doubt we could ever go there, not unless you could replicate the circumstances that led to you coming to our world to begin with," said Mother.

Kairi felt agony at those words, to see the sad defeat on Riku's face, not believe he'd ever see her again, to see Sora's determination and hope, which may be for nothing. She looked at them with mixed feelings. At least they were alive... but... to know she could probably never go back... they... they needed her... they were fighting so hard...

She frowned. Why were there so many of those shadow things? They were everywhere...

"C'mon Sora!" said Riku, starting back towards the castle gates, "Let's go, the princesses of heart have to be ready by now."

Sora frowned and followed. "Is this... the right thing to do though? The King said the realm of light was already so weak after losing... losing the seventh princess of heart. If the princesses burn their energy like this, won't it make things worse in the long run?"

Riku shrugged. "The realm of light won't last long anyway at this rate. The darkness has to be pushed back, even if it only comes back stronger, we need the time."

"What about you Riku?" asked Sora quietly.

Riku shrugged. "I'll take a corridor into the realm of darkness before it goes off, don't worry. Let's go."

The two rushed into the castle, Kairi wanted to follow, but was unable to make her body move. She fidgeted nervously, wondering what was going on, what they meant by the 'realm of light', and what a princess of heart was...

She had little time to think, as suddenly, a pillar of light exploded out of the castle, releasing a nova of energy that obliterated every touch of darkness in sight, and sent Kairi reeling back, blinded by light...
Kairi gave a startled cry and fell to a knee, putting her hands on the ground for support."Kairi?" exclaimed Zack, kneeling down next to her, worry on his face.Kairi clutched her head, feeling dizzy, before looking around. She... was in the church... not floating above a castle. What... what had that been? A vision? But why...She paused, realizing what it had been...She smiled sadly, stood up, turned, and bowed deeply towards the flowers; it had been an answer to her prayers. "Thank you...""Uh... Kairi? You okay?" asked Zack.She righted herself and gave him a weak smile. "Yeah...""Let's skip the monster hunt for tonight," offered Zack, "You've been clutching your head and falling way to many times today, I think you need some beauty sleep."She was tempted to argue, but decided to give in. "Alright, lets go home I guess."With that, she gave one last look at the flowers and whispered again. "Thank you..."Crossing her arms inside the lifestream, a golden plated woman-like figured smiled. "You are welcome, Lost Child."She frowned briefly, tilting her head in thought. "But... I question, was taking you into this realm when you cried out in your time of need the right thing to do? I did not realize the importance of your role, your home realm begins to crumble without you child, and you have been tainted by the sins of the planet's children, by an evil beyond what I have seen in your world..."She sighed. "I'd send you back, to those who need you, but... even I don't understand how you opened a door between realms, all I can do is see through it at times, and even that takes great effort. Even if I could open the door, I couldn't send you back now. Your world is not prepared to face the Calamity's wrath. The way everything in your world connects to one another, the Calamity would taint that connection. It would consume and make the darkness of your world its own, and swallow the light within it's gluttonous gut. You would bear an apocalypse into your world if allowed to return as you are now."She smiled sadly. "That's of course if you don't become our world's apocalypse first. But I have faith in you child. You were born of light, I hope and pray that it may one day banish the shadow infesting itself within your soul, and help us to finally be rid of the Calamity once and for all..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

brr brr
Kairi rolled over on her bed and put a pillow over her head. "Ngh... five more minutes..."
brr brr
She lazily opened her eyes and glanced at her nightstand, sighting her phone vibrating. "Ugh... what time is it?"She fumbled for the phone and glanced at it sleepily...Until the text message she received flashed across the screen: You are due for your checkup with the Science Department. Be there at 0600 hours.Kairi bolted upright and gripped her phone tightly. "T-the Science Department?!""What have I told you about fear my daughter? You knew this was coming at some point," chided Mother.She frowned. "I suppose..."Still... she knew it was going to be Hojo doing the checkup, he wouldn't let anyone else do it, and going down alone into the Science Department to see Hojo...She hesitated before flipping open her phone and glancing down at her contacts. This wasn't something she wanted to risk Zack in, he wasn't a high ranking nor powerful SOLDIER yet. She didn't know Angeal or Sephiroth's numbers, nor did she want to bother someone she didn't really know... that only left one person, and hopefully he wasn't angry at her for the scolding he got over her first mission...She punched in Genesis's number and waited.
CLICK
"It's not even six in the morning yet, this better be important," came Genesis's sleepy voice."I have an check-up with the Science Department in about twenty minutes," said Kairi nervously.There was silence for a moment before Genesis swore under his breath. "I'll meet you at the elevators in ten minutes."Kairi brightened at that. "Thank you."
CLICK
Genesis hung up without further word.Kairi let out a relieved breath and strode into the bathroom, preparing herself for the day. After she finished a quick shower and got dressed, she double checked her equipment. She hesitated briefly before unsocketing her Bolt materia and slipping it into her pocket. Because, just incase she had to leave her sword somewhere, like hell was she going to risk being anywhere near Hojo completely unarmed. Maybe she was overacting a little and being a bit skittish, as since she was known it would be harder to just disappear into the labs, but she'd rather be safe than sorry. Even with Genesis there.She met Genesis at the elevators a few minutes later and offered him a meek, "T-thank you for..."Genesis held up a hand for silence. "Being a companion to 'venture' down to see 'the good doctor' is not something you need to give thanks for. It is an unspoken requirement to have one, or warn someone you're going down there. Thankfully you had the intelligence to call me rather than going down alone."He flicked open his own phone and began punching a text in. "Give me a moment to let Angeal and Sephiroth know where we going incase we 'mysteriously' disappear, and we'll be on our way."She gave him a disturbed look. "Y-you're serious?"He glanced up at her and frowned. "Did you not just hear what I said? Of course I am.""B-but, even you?" she asked.Genesis scowled. "Hojo hates me. If I don't die in battle one day, I fully expect to die in his labs on an operating table, that man's mad grin and laughter the last sight I see and hear."He flapped his hands dramatically. "My friend, the fates are cruel."Kairi wasn't set at ease, at all, by what he said.They walked into the elevator and hit the button for the Science Department before Kairi asked, her voice low, "Why doesn't anyone, ya know, do something about him?"Genesis raised an eyebrow. "My my, are you asking why someone hasn't murdered him? I didn't think you had it in you."Kairi's gaze hit the floor, feeling a bit ashamed. "I...""There is nothing wrong with meting out death to those you so chose to end," chided Mother.Genesis chuckled. "For that man, there is no fantasy nor desire cruel enough, Kairi."She looked up, a little relieved. "I... I know, but, it's still not right to wish someone dead. I shouldn't think like that..."Genesis scoffed. "If you say so.""Agreed, you are still to soft for your own good my daughter," scolded Mother, "We'll have to work on that."Kairi pursed her lips, but didn't respond to her.Genesis pondered briefly before clearing his throat. "To answer your question, he is unfortunately to valuable to the company to be disposed of. Not to mention cunning and careful enough to not be caught off-guard by those who don't care about that fact."
DING
Kairi couldn't help but pale a little when the elevator opened and a dreadfully familiar hallway greeted her. It took Genesis giving her a nudge to get her moving. Each step was like agony to her, she did NOT want to be down here again, or rather, up here again considering the floor. If not for the presence Genesis gave off, she could have easily slipped into an old memory and habit, walking with her head hopelessly bowed as a Turk escorted her to the experimentation room...She shook off the thought, took a deep breath, and tried her best to squash her growing dread. She knew it was going to hit her in a god awful way the second she saw Hojo. She focused her efforts on steeling herself as Genesis took point and led her to the reception desk."3rd Class Kairi is here for an appointment with 'the good doctor'," said Genesis.The receptionist glanced briefly at Kairi, and then at Genesis, Kairi was a bit certain that the woman wanted to question why he was here. "Right this way, I'll take you to the examination room."For a split second, Kairi froze up. Examination room sounded to close to Experimentation room...She shook it off, took a breath and followed behind Genesis and the receptionist. She wasn't blind to the watchful glanced Genesis gave her every now and then. She was glad he at least didn't shoot her any pity. She didn't need that on top of this. The receptionist led them to a room and left afterwords. Genesis opened the door, glanced inside, made a distasteful face, and motioned her in.She did so, pausing and growing very still to see Hojo at a counter, fiddling with vials and syringes. Her hands tightened into fists, digging into her palms, before she silently moved to stand next to the door."Professor Hojo," said Genesis.Hojo's eyes briefly flickered to him. "If it isn't Hollandar's failure."Genesis silently glared at Hojo, but didn't offer a response.Hojo turned his gaze to Kairi, taking a moment to size her up. "Well Specimen K, I suppose I'm satisfied to see you haven't slacked in your training. You appear to have put on a bit of muscle. Not fleeing from monsters anymore are we? If the report I read about the dragon is any consideration, I suppose not."Kairi glared full force at him.Hojo didn't react and motioned to a table in the center of the room. "Strip down to your undergarments and lay down."Kairi flushed a bit with embarrassment, it hadn't been the first time he had ordered her to do so for an examination, but... with Genesis present...She forced herself to move to the table and did as instructed, not daring to look back Genesis's way."I suppose we'll get the check-up process done quickly so we can turn to more important matters," said Hojo, walking over with a clipboard.Kairi's heart skipped a beat. "More important matters?""Of course," said Hojo, adjusting his glasses, "The President wishes me to figure out a viable solution, with you as the basis, to develop a correct formula to begin inducting the female gender into SOLDIER in bulk."Kairi grew a little confused, she had heard something like this before, but..., "I don't understand. All you did was inject me and that was it, why can't you just do the same with other females?"Hojo stared at her, not looking impressed. "You, Specimen K, are a 'very' special case. SOLDIERs require a certain... bonding agent to be used to allow Mako to be injected into them. Most females do not react well to the bonding agent, developing spots over the bodies, fevers, and dying within days to weeks of exposure. I can name the woman who did survive off the top of my head. However, none save you have survived both the bonding agent and Mako injections under normal circumstances."Kairi paled a bit. "And you injected me just like that?!"Hojo didn't seem off-put, "I was sixty-percent positive you would survive the process.""Sixty?!" she said, outraged."Considering it's zero-percent for others, you can save the dramatics, the odds were slightly in your favor," said Hojo, "Now be quiet."She glared at him silently, before retreating to her thoughts. She figured the 'bonding agent' he was talking about was Mother's cells... but why would her cells kill women? She waited, hoping Mother would shed some light on it, but nothing was offered. There was something... else odd... with what he had said. Survived both under normal circumstance? Were there other female SOLDIERs then? No, she was the first according to practically everyone else. If there had been others before her, well, they weren't here now for whatever reason. Maybe the process had left them unstable or something? She didn't honestly know."Underground," murmured Mother, "Deep underground are the only other two who could have been called my daughters, I suppose."Underground? Oh... as in buried underground, dead.Mother made a disgruntled sigh and muttered something that sounded an awful lot like 'idiot', but did not comment further.Kairi sighed quietly and focused on keeping her eyes on Hojo, not allowing him to step out of her sight...Genesis watched, calm on the outside, seething on the inside, as Hojo went about his business, asking Kairi basic questions about her health, none that the Professor would truly care about. Sixty percent odds, pah. How many woman he wondered had the Professor disposed of to validate his zero-percent claim? He wondered sometimes if staying within Shinra was the right thing to do. Not that there were other realistic options to be frank. Shinra was soon to own the world after they dominated Wutai, there would be no one else left strong enough to stand against them. He could always go off on his own, but to be perfectly honest he doubted they'd willingly let him go. Either they'd send someone to kill him, or to capture him and force him to return. Not to mention, what the hell would he do on his own? Live a hermit's life? Laughable.No, as much as he despised Hojo and Shinra, at the center of attention was where he was always destined to be, and Shinra, was definitely that.He refocused as Hojo moved to the counter and began placing many empty syringes on a cart before wheeling it over to Kairi. "Well Specimen K, were going to need to extract quite a bit of blood to have a stable supply for testing purposes."Genesis eyed the collection of syringes. "You do plan on leaving her 'some' blood in her body, correct?"Hojo scoffed. "Specimen K is practically immortal, I could drain eighty percent of the blood in her and I doubt it would kill her."He noted, with amusement, as Kairi glared furiously up at the Professor."You ought to understand the concept, after all, I read the mission report of the fledgling dragon you pitted her against," said Hojo, "The damage I saw she sustained in the photograph was quite extreme, most SOLDIERs would not have survived that. More proof of my genius in making her a SOLDIER."Genesis went silent at that, offering no counter. He had the annoying feeling that everyone was going to be using that 'small little test' against him from here on in."Arm out Specimen K," ordered Hojo.Kairi pursed her lips tightly and offered an arm. Without a word of comfort or warning, Hojo took a syringe and put it into her arm, into her vein, and started drawing blood. Genesis watched passively as the Professor filled syringe after syringe. Kairi showed no signs of physical pain, but...He frowned, contemplative, as she showed other signs. The slight shiver that ran down her spine when Hojo touched her arm. The tightening of her fists as he brought the next syringe to fill. The flinching of her eyes when the Professor glanced at each vial filled with blood almost lovingly, his treasured work. Her pure discomfort by merely being in the Science Department and in the same room as Hojo. The presence that emanated from the girl was agitated and alight, giving off distress and suppressed fear. He could recall the sheer lack of confidence in her when they had met by the elevators...Even if her body could not be permanently marred, the same could not be said for the mind and soul. If what he noted was any indication, a year under the Professor's 'mercy'' already had left her a few scars. He could admit quietly to himself that he was loath to allow anymore to his young apprentice."Are you done yet?" asked Genesis, "We're SOLDIERs, you're aware we do have a schedule to keep."Hojo glanced briefly at him, not impressed. "At six in the morning? At best most of you are just waking up, and you specifically enjoy sleeping in, do you not?"Genesis did his best to not show his displeasure that Hojo knew about his sleeping patterns."You are free to leave if you so wish, you're presence is not required here," said Hojo dismissively.He could not help but notice the way Kairi went rigid, her eyes fearfully glancing towards him. He frowned at that, was she truly scared that he would leave her here on her own?"I'll wait, you have a reputation that precedes you after all," he said simply, giving the Professor a pointed look.Hojo made a disgruntled sound in the back of his throat before returning to drawing more of Kairi's blood. Kairi however had an immensely relieved look on her face, gratitude in her eyes. Genesis did nothing to acknowledge it. In truth, he did not like this side of her, the few times he had seen it, he preferred her strong and confident, willing to accept any challenge. Seeing this reminded him of a.. well...
"What that scientist did was also unacceptable, she was a schoolgirl of all things put into his labs with even less skill than what meager abilities she has now, do not use his actions as an excuse."
He shifted uncomfortably as Sephiroth's words echoed in his mind. Perhaps he disliked her like this because it was a reminder that while she had joined SOLDIER and had started to become one of them, she was still a young teenage girl at heart. It had been a little over a year since, as Sephiroth had put it, she was a simple young schoolgirl. Far sooner since she stopped being an experiment.Perhaps he had jumped the gun with his test for her.His lips curled into a smug grin. Even so, she still rose to the challenge, she always did, and would always have his respect for it. The only problem was, how to get her over her dread of Hojo and the Science Department? A difficult conundrum, especially with him not being allowed to train her. Though, even if he could, what could he do? He could readily admit, psychological matters weren't exactly his forte. Outside of screwing with people of-course.No.Perhaps... this was a matter she would have to overcome on her own.He nodded at that and refocused in time to see Hojo wheeling away the cart of full syringes. His eyes flickered to Kairi; Hojo had been right, she didn't seem phased to have lost such blood. Save for the squeamish look she gave that cart. My oh my, if that 'little bit of blood' made her look like that, the first time she stepped onto a real battlefield was most likely going to make her puke. He hoped he'd be there to see that, if only to tease her about it later. Cruel perhaps, but oh so satisfying to hold over someone.Hojo returned with a glowing green syringe. "Now for your Mako booster, and you will be on your way Specimen K.""Booster?" she questioned."All SOLDIERs get a shot every so often, to help keep their Mako levels and... bonding agent levels at appropriate levels," said Hojo.Kairi frowned briefly before extending her arm; Hojo injected the syringe and withdrew, walking back to the counter and beginning to examine the vials of Kairi's blood. "Off with you then."Kairi was off the table, had her clothes on, and was out the door at a speed that Genesis could admit was impressive. He had to actually pick up the pace to keep up with her. He watched her carefully, he had a hunch it was taking every ounce of control she had not to simply bolt and full on run out of there. The moment they were on the elevator and the door closed, she leaned heavily against the wall, taking deep raged breaths, her hand clutching her chest over her heart.He raised an eyebrow at that. "Surely it wasn't that bad?"Kairi opened her eyes and glared at him full force. Genesis froze, sighting her pupils contract and shift briefly to green. He did NOT enjoy being under the intensity of a glare that looked so much like Sephiroth's. She closed her eyes, shook her head, and reopened them, showing their normal mako color and shape."I... HATE... that man," she spat out with a viciousness he rarely if ever saw from her."If you didn't I'd have to think something was wrong with you," he answered dryly.He was a bit surprised when she fished a hidden materia out of her pocket and briefly drew her sword to socket it, he gave her a wry smile. "Good intuition."She smiled grimly at that. "I hoped I wouldn't need it, but I wanted to be on the safe side."He nodded, but made no further comment as they returned to the SOLDIER floor."Genesis...," she said quietly, "Thanks."He nodded again. "Of course, but again, you need not give thanks for this."She shrugged. "You probably ought to let them know we're okay."It took him a moment to figure she was referring to texting Sephiroth and Angeal, he hummed before smirking, "I'll keep them sweating for a little."She snorted. "That's totally not nice."They shared a brief chuckle before the elevator door opened. "Genesis."He turned his head. "Yes?"She had a frown on her face, flexing her hands into fists and open palms. "Where do I pick up missions?"He tilted his head back. "Right, I never taught you that. There are two ways, you can check on your phone for available missions, or check with Lazard. It's highly preferred you do the first, as Lazard is a fairly busy man. The system will automatically assign the mission to you and take it off the network when claimed.""Can you show me?" she asked.They stepped out of the elevator and stood at the side of the hall. He held out his hand as she offered her phone. He showed her the icon to press, how to look through a list of missions, how to sort and search it, and how to claim one.She took the phone back and scrolled down for a moment before an almost savage grin appeared on her face, her voice containing barely held-back fury, "Someone put in a request to clear out a nest of monsters in the slums, perfect."He studied her for a moment, a bit confused at the sudden change, before he figured it out. The fear and anxiety had finally faded, now the anger was surfacing. She wanted to vent after that venture.His lips curled into a smug grin. Woe be it to any monster that crossed her path until she was satisfied.He clapped a hand on her shoulder before leaving. "Have fun."Kairi hit accept on the mission of her choice, a tremor of rage coursing through her hand. She couldn't remember ever feeling such wrath coursing through her veins. It scared her a little, but oh, how she wanted to HURT something. That in itself felt bizarre to her... she knew it for the Professor, but for anything and anyone else...?"You have so little experience with hatred my daughter," said Mother, "In all your memories, not once have you felt it before coming to this world."Kairi blinked a few times. "You've seen my memories?""We are connected, you and I, my daughter," explained Mother.Kairi contemplated it before shrugging it off, she didn't honestly care if Mother went snooping, it was a Mother's right to be curious about their child. Sora's and Riku's moms had always pestered her about their children whenever they had a chance, as if they couldn't get enough of them. Her face fell at the thought of her friends, only to feel her anger grow in return, frustrated at not being able to help them.Mother chuckled darkly. "There is so much more left to teach you. My naive innocent daughter, how little you know of the other sides of life. You've never known the satisfaction of cruel revenge, never sated bloodlust, never enjoyed inflicting pain on others and watching those you want to suffer do so."Kairi grew uneasy and a little scared. "M-mother... those thing's are...""A natural part of who we are," interrupted Mother, "Do you deny it? That you took that mission with the desire to kill?"Kairi bowed her head to the floor. "...""Do you deny it?" asked Mother again."I don't... understand," said Kairi, frustrated and lost, "I've never felt... pure hot rage... like this before.""I will make you understand, with a simple phrase, one word and a letter," said Mother.Kairi's eyes furrowed. "What?""Specimen K," said Mother.Kairi flinched at that, hearing her Mother call her that horrible name that Hojo called her. Her fists clenched, her teeth ground, and she felt her rage rise again."Your experience with anger is stunted. What is having boys tease you, or little temper tantrums of not getting your way when you were younger, compared to the defiling touch and words of that man?" asked Mother.Kairi frowned, contemplating it. "They're... nothing.""As I said, until you came here, you've had little to no experience with the 'darker' side of life," said Mother, "And in the experimentation room, you had little time to acknowledge it in the heat of the moment with a monster hungering to rend you apart, focusing on survival as you were."Kairi brooded silently, not responding."Go. Go do your 'mission', and I will teach you something... glorious...," ordered Mother.Kairi did as ordered, turning back to the elevator and punching in the bottom floor. She felt... conflicted. She loved her life back on the islands... but... was Mother right? Was she... had she been 'sheltered'? Naive? Foolish? Was this how life really was? When not trapped on those small islands?There was no one, period, end of story, like Hojo on the islands. No one like the Turks either, though Riku could do the silent watchful act at times. People like SOLDIER didn't exist either. Combat, fighting, wars, they were all stories, books, or games, on the islands.Their islands... their small isolated peaceful and quiet Destiny Islands...What she wouldn't give to go back, to have that life back...She shook her head as the elevator door dinged, coming out to the Shinra Building Lobby. She walked briskly out of the building and into the train station, climbing aboard the one bound for the slums. She fidgeted a little anxiously as it started moving. At this point she didn't know what was worse, boat rides to the island, train rides to the slums, or helicopter rides to wherever... yuck no matter what.She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She just... wanted to hit something really hard right now...She got off the train and moved past the train station, following the same path she and Zack had taken to find Aerith. She walked into the junkyards between sectors, where the monsters roamed. If she recalled, mission said she needed to purged twenty of any type..."Oh? Only twenty?" mocked Mother, "Will that truly satisfy you? Specimen K?"Kairi flinched. "Mother... please stop calling me that.""Then give in to your rage, feed it, show these misbegotten creations no mercy," bargained Mother."Mother...," began Kairi."Kill them my daughter," ordered Mother.She frowned and drew her sword, struggling to control her anger at mother's prodding. "Twenty, no more, no less.""No my child, kill them ALL," ordered Mother.Kairi's eyes went wide. "What?""Did it not anger you? When the Cetra's life was endangered by these creatures?" purred Mother, "Did you not want to do this anyway?"Kairi hesitated. "I...""Kill them," whispered Mother, her presence starting to become overbearing in Kairi's head.Kairi winced and massaged her forehead. "M-mother?""Kill them all, show me your rage, show me the capacity for slaughter," cackled Mother.Kairi staggered to a knee, clutching her head as a buzzing noise began to fill her mind. "Gnaa... s-stop...""Kill them my daughter," ordered Mother.Black spots began to fill Kairi's vision, her hearing going in and out...
Kill them.
Kairi grew dizzy, the buzzing noise consuming her entire focus... her mind...Kill them.She hazily looked through her eyes, sighting a few Whole Eaters approaching her, eyeing the partially collapsed girl as easy prey...KILL THEM.Kairi stood up, in a daze, and slowly reached for her sword...

KILL THEM.

The Whole Eater's rushed at her...

KILL!

Tseng watched impassively from a safe distance, hidden behind a few piles of debris. Being the primary Turk assigned to watch both the Ancient and Kairi was starting to become an annoyance. When the girl had walked out of Shinra alone, without a required escort for a mission as a third, he had followed. After he had determined she wasn't attempting to run away, he figured she had simply forgot about the prerequisite. Considering she had behaved rather well after first leaving the labs, and that she was probably agitated after her appointment with Hojo, he was content to leave her with a simple warning, rather than reporting her for the breach of protocol and...He froze, the hair on the back of his neck standing straight up. Every instinct in his body, at once, screamed danger. He sharply focused in on Kairi, watching as she tore into the monsters. His eyes furrowed in confusion and wariness. What in the world had set him off?Tseng considered himself a controlled man, but when he caught sight of Kairi's face, a savage grin spreading from her lips, her eyes glowing heavy with mako and changed into green cat-like slits, a nervous bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Those eyes... those were Sephiroth's eyes. Immediately his mind starting whirling. Many initial notions about the girl were immediately discarded, new implications, and dangers, rising to take their place. The first thought that crossed his mind, was that Hojo had done far more than just turn her into a SOLDIER if she had eyes like that.Tseng flicked out his phone, zoomed in, aimed it carefully, and snapped a picture of her, making sure to capture her face in it. He sent the picture to Veld, switched off all sounds and vibrations as to not alert Kairi's enhanced hearing, and waited patiently for further instructions. He watched as Kairi slaughtered each and every monster that crossed her path, blood coating her blade and splashing onto her uniform and face.Laughter.Laughter so unlike anything he had ever heard from Kairi while watching her ripped out of her mouth. If he hadn't seen her laughing before him, he would have thought someone, or something else was doing it. The laughter sounded like it came from something older and sinister. It set him on edge.He had seen SOLDIERs fight before, in the war, and out on missions. He knew the difference between a SOLDIER in control, and a SOLDIER losing it. Kairi had lost it. Unstable SOLDIERs were dangerous, bad business, and bad publicity. Kairi especially, as the first female SOLDIER, would be a disaster if she was seen like this. Especially since images of her snapped yesterday while she was with Zack had already started circulating on the internet. She had already been noticed within Midgar, the President had not been against that, but this disaster before him? Covering her up would be much harder now if she was seen. He checked his phone, frowning slightly, to see he had no reply yet. He thought briefly, trying to recall what Veld's schedule for the day was, perhaps there was a meeting or...
BOOM!
Tseng flinched as Kairi unleashed a burst of white fire out of her hand that hit a monster, a Hell House if he recalled, and blew it apart. The wave of heat that rolled over the area was intense, and far more potent than normal coming from her limit break. He noticed it then, that Kairi was moving and hitting faster and harder than he had noted her being able to do before. It was almost as if she were empowered in this state. She was at least at the level of a 2nd class SOLDIER when like this. Though, she seemed far more savage and less skilled with a blade at the moment, swinging it around without care, only to sever monsters in half.The monsters were starting to get wise to this being the wrong place to be. They were starting to scurry and scramble away, but Kairi showed no mercy. She pursued them and butchered every one she caught up to. Tseng considered it a fortunate at this point that no one had come across this spectacle yet. Then again, if anyone else felt the chill going down his spine, they probably had the hunch to steer clear of this area.He watched and waited, checking his phone every now and then, until there wasn't a living monster in sight. Kairi strode to the middle of the carnage, sheathed her sword, and surveyed her work with apparent glee on her face, her tongue going out of her mouth the lick a bit of blood off her lips. The sight of that was so alien and unlike the personality profile they had been building for the girl that it made him wonder if he was staring at someone else completely.Slowly, the glee faded, and her eyes returned to normal. She stood there in a daze before she fell to her knees and pitched forward, her face landing in a pile of severed monster. She groaned and clutched her head, whimpering in pain as she slowly rose to her knees. She opened her eyes and froze, staring at the carnage in front of her. She raised her bloody gloved hands and held them out before her. She stared at them for a moment, horror on her face, before she screamed.Hmm... well, if he had to guess, Kairi had come to her senses."Mother!" she cried out, "Mother! Why?!"Tseng sighed quietly and pinched the bridge of his nose. It was not his business or duty to pity someone, but someone crying out for their parents did strike at him. He was under the thought that children, even teenagers, should not be conscripted into SOLDIER. Nor should anyone be taken into Hojo's labs and driven to madness, but, he wasn't paid for such thoughts.Kairi clutched her head and rose to her feet, shaking uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face, before she turned and bolted away from the carnage. Tseng flicked open his phone and took a few pictures of the spectacle for review later. He paused afterwords, noting Veld had finally responded. His order: Call me.He flicked open his phone and punched in Veld's number as he started after Kairi. "Sir.""Tseng. Do I even want to know what the hell is going on?" demanded Veld."Well sir...," began Tseng...Kairi ran as if chased, tears streaming down her bloodstained horrified faced. No no no no no this wasn't happening!"I don't see the problem my daughter, I said I would show you something glorious, and I did," said Mother, "You can't tell me you didn't enjoy the slaughter.""SHUT UP!" she screamed at her, "That wasn't me... I didn't do that... no no no no NO!"There was a tsking noise. "I'm disappointed my daughter. You don't believe you did that? Then let me show you..."Kairi clutched her head in pain and staggered, going face-first into a junk pile as horrific memories bombarded her. She saw herself swinging her sword, slaughtering each monster with glee, laughing all the while. Chasing down monsters that were trying to flee, without mercy...She couldn't take it.She heaved, and heaved, and heaved.Mother was sounding like she was losing her patience. "You do realize, as a 'SOLDIER', you will have to readily kill, correct?""Not like that!" she yelled at Mother, "That... that wasn't... wasn't right...""My daughter...," began Mother, raising her Voice."LEAVE ME ALONE!" she screamed mentally, shoving hard at Mother's presence.Mother gave a surprised and pained cry before she was forced to the back of Kairi's mind and grew seethingly silent. Kairi took off running, in a daze, before she came up to the flower church. She sniffled, walked inside, and made for the flower bed. She laid down before them, as if trying to draw comfort from something so pure, before curling up into a ball and crying herself to sleep...Aerith watched quietly from her hiding place, peeking out from the back end of the church. The flowers had been throwing another fit a little bit ago, screaming about the Calamity and the Lost Child, again. She was starting to get a little vexed by how often they were doing this, at least until they grew fearfully silent and then directly screamed at her to hide.Now, she watched as the Lost Child slept fitfully, sobs escaping her lips. She felt an awful lot of pity and sadness for the girl. Enough that she went to the back of the church, found a blanket, and brought it to the girl to lay over her. Gosh though... that was a sickening amount of blood over her... and little pieces of monster. Yuck...She sat down next to her and began running a gentle hand through the girl's hair, trying to comfort her in her sleep. It appeared to have some effect, her sobs growing quiet. She continued as she was for a time before she glanced at the entrance."Are you going to come in or stand outside in the cold all day?" she called out.She watched as one of the men who always watched her walked in and slowly came up to them, Tseng she believed his name was. "Miss Gainsborough, I am unsure being near her is a wise idea at the moment."Aerith wagged a finger at him. "None of that!"Tseng slightly raised his eyebrows, an almost amused look briefly crossing his stoic face."Do you have... um... Zack's phone number?" she asked."I can get it," he answered."Could you call him and ask him to come down?" she asked.Tseng considered it for a moment before nodding. "Very well."Aerith waited patiently, glancing at the Lost Child. Such an innocent face shouldn't be so bloodied. She shifted the blanket slightly and brought it up to try to rub a bit of the blood off gently, before it could dry to much. Her efforts had some effect, and thankfully didn't wake the girl up. About twenty minutes later, the other SOLDIER came into the church."Yo, Tseng what's up?" called Zack, "Oh, hey Aerith!"Tseng glanced at him. "Quieter Zackery."Zack paused, a confused look on his face, before he walked up to them, pausing when he spotted Kairi. "Uh... what's going on?"Tseng offered him his phone. "Look at the pictures."Zack's face went devoid of emotion, studying whatever picture Tseng was showing him with an intensity she didn't think the goofy SOLDIER had in him."Damn," he murmured, "She did a number on those monsters, and had the freaky eye thing again, but uh... why call me down here for that?""Because," Tseng murmured, "I believe it was a mental breakdown of sorts. As a friend of hers, perhaps you'd be able to help."Zack closed his eyes and rubbed them tiredly. "Ah jeez... she's not had a good last few days."Tseng nodded before clarifying. "She had her eyes change before?"Zack sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Picked me up and chucked me down the hall pretty hard before she collapsed, seemed kind of out of it."Tseng blinked a few times, appearing to mull over those words."What? Didn't know? I thought the Turks knew everything," teased Zack.Aerith couldn't help but giggle a little at that, feeling indignation from the Turk despite his attempts to hide it."We will make it our point to know from here on in," said Tseng, "If there is anything further you wish to add about the last occurrence?"Zack shrugged. "You'll have to ask Sephiroth, my involvement was over after I brought her to the infirmary."Tseng blinked a few times again. "Sephiroth is already aware of this?""Yep, him, Angeal, and Genesis," said Zack.If the thin line that was Tseng's mouth was any indication, he was not pleased. "I see.""You know," said Aerith, "You two ought to focus on getting her to bed instead of chatting here."Zack gave her a teasing smile. "Bed? At this time? It's not even ten in the morning yet! Man, so jealous of Kairi, being able to sleep in like this."Aerith snorted, not sure if she should be amused or off-put by his cheeriness at the moment.Zack walked over, knelt down, and picked Kairi up. "Up and at em Kairi."The girl murmured in her sleep, but didn't wake.Tseng cleared his throat. "It would be preferable that she not be seen like this on her way back to HQ.""Yeah yeah yeah," said Zack, "You got a silent helicopter or know a secret way up? Train-ride probably isn't the best bet at the moment."Tseng began dialing a phone number and walked out without a word.The moment Tseng was gone, Zack's cheery outlook faded and he glanced down at Kairi with concern, mumbling, "What the heck is going on with you Kairi?"Aerith stood up and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I think... she's struggling to try to stay true to who she is."Zack glanced back at her, a confused look on his face. "Huh?"She didn't think she could tell him about the Calamity tainting the girl, not yet, and especially not with both the girl and the Calamity right there. She instead shook her head and nudged him towards the door. He took the hint, gave her a brief, strained smile, and walked out.Aerith sighed to herself and turned to the flowers, crossing her arms in thought. "Struggling, but starting to lose if this was any indication..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi slowly opened her eyes, finding herself, strangely, back in her room in Shinra HQ. Odd... she remembered falling asleep at the flower church after...Kairi tensed, bitterness radiating through her. How could Mother do that to her? Drive her into that... that slaughter? She felt sickened as memories flashed through her mind, butchering monsters with glee, blood and monster body parts everywhere, coating her body...She shivered, letting out a soft whimper. "Mother... why?"There was no response.Kairi's eye's furrowed. "Mother?"Nothing.Kairi closed her eyes and focused. She was astounded to find that she could barely feel Mother's presence in her mind. It hit her a second later. She remembered shoving Mother's presence back in a fit of anger while fleeing from the carnage they had wrought. She hadn't even consciously meant to, but, it astounded her she could actually drive Mother out. It made her feel numb and empty for a moment. It was almost like Mother was gone... she couldn't hear her voice... couldn't have her guidance or love...Yet...She shook off the numbness and refocused, slightly nudging Mother's presence, getting a slight reaction. Mother wasn't gone, she was still there, but silent.Kairi narrowed her eyes.Good.Mother needed a time out after pulling that stunt. "You need to think about you're actions Mother!"She swore she heard a furious hiss in response, but she didn't care. Let Mother bitch at her for awhile, she was fed up with her for the moment. Kairi gave a heavy sigh and sat up, rubbing her forehead and...She froze when she hear someone shifting. She glanced over to the door to see Zack standing there, staring at her silently. Her first instinct was to wonder what the heck Zack was doing in her room. Then she noticed the way he was looking at her. He had a wary glint in his eye, his face was a mask, barren of almost any emotion. His body was tensed, as if ready to react in a moment's notice. He... was looking at her like she was an enemy..."Zack...?" she asked quietly, confused and a little hurt.Zack instantly relaxed and gave a sigh of relief. "Oh whew, you're you."She stared at him blankly. "Huh?"Zack scratched the back of his head. "Umm... one of the Turks said you went kinda psycho on a mission."Kairi froze. Oh no... someone had SEEN that? The Turks had seen that?"Am... I in trouble?" she whispered fearfully."Not if you're not crazy," said Zack cheekily, "Then again, aren't most ladies crazy?"Kairi scowled and chucked a pillow at him. "Zack! You're awful."Zack ducked the pillow and laughed a bit. "Just a little."Zack stood back up before going serious again. "Kairi... you're lucky you only went crazy on a bunch of monsters, if you had lost it against people, this would be a whole 'nother story. So... wanna tell me what happened there? I saw the pictures, that was pretty brutal, even for a SOLDIER. It's not something I'd expect from you."Kairi bowed her head. "..."Zack walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. "C'mon Kairi, talk to me. I'm you're friend, right?""You are," she murmured."This isn't the first time something weird has happened with you, what's going on?" asked Zack softly.What was she supposed to say? That her Mother, a disembodied voice in her head, made her lose control? Sent her spiraling over the edge?Yeah no, that would be a one-way ticket to an insane asylum, if not worse."I just...," she murmured before going silent.Well, there was one way out of this.Maybe."I think it's something Hojo injected me with," she said, somewhat truthfully.Zack frowned. "Tseng did mention something about you having a checkup earlier...""I just felt so angry after getting out of the science department, I've never felt so... so... furious before," said Kairi, "It was like a white hot rage."Zack nodded slowly. "Did you get a mako booster?"Kairi nodded. "Yeah."Zack looked contemplative. "Hmm... usually the only time mako makes us go loopy is after our big 3rd, 2nd, or 1st class injections, or if we get exposed to a huge amount while out on the field. SOLDIER's usually don't get side effects just from a booster, maybe it's different with girls?"Kairi shrugged. "I dunno."Zack held up a finger. "That still doesn't explain all the stuff that's happened before your checkup. I distinctly remember you picking me up and chucking me down a hall before collapsing that one time."Kairi went silent. Dammit Zack...Zack gave her a hard stare. "Well?"She didn't meet his gaze. "I don't know Zack."There was silence for a moment. "Don't know, or don't want to tell me? Because I get the feeling you have some clue.""Zack... for your sake, the less you know about what Hojo's done to me, the better," she murmured.Zack slowly clenched his fists before relaxing them. "I hate that guy, I really do."Zack sighed and stood up. "I wish you'd talk to me, but I wont try and force it."He gave her a grin. "Buuuuut since we're going to be working together a lot from now on, I'll get it out of you eventually."Kairi blinked a few times. "Working together...?""Erm... you're kind of now allowed to go anywhere without someone watching you anymore," said Zack sheepishly, "I volunteered to be babysitter when I'm not on a mission.""I thought you said I wasn't in trouble!" Kairi whined.Zack frowned. "Kairi, from what I've heard, SOLDIERs who lose it usually don't get a second chance. You're lucky the Turks kept it hush. Only them, the director, your commanding officer, and I know. Well, probably Sephiroth and Angea too."Kairi went completely silent. Oh great... Genesis knew she had 'gone crazy'. Dammit Mother... wasn't it supposed to be children who got their parents in trouble, not the other way around? Why couldn't she catch a break for once?"Go get showered and changed, I'll wait outside and take you to the cafeteria," said Zack.Kairi silently grabbed a set of clothes and did as instructed. She showered and scrubbed hard, trying to get the dried blood that had gotten onto her skin and into her hair off. Anger and shame swept over her after she finished, she leaned against the shower wall, staring down silently into the red tinted water. If they thought she was crazy, then she'd never have any trust or independence here. She wondered if she still had any trust with her friends? The way Zack had been looking at her when she woke up...A thought, a terrifying and frightening thought hit her all the sudden, and it demanded an answer. She turned off the shower, dried herself, and clothed before making her way apprehensively to Zack outside her dwelling.She took a quick look around, sighting the hallway empty, before she forced her nerves aside and turned to Zack, watching him watch her. "Zack...""Yeah?" he answered."When I woke up, if I hadn't been me, as you said...," she began before hesitating, "If I had been 'crazy', what... would you have done?"Zack was silent for a moment before softly answering, "What's required of a SOLDIER."A solid lump appeared in Kairi's throat, her mouth going dry, her heart almost stopping for a moment. "You would have killed me."There was a bit of pain in Zack's eyes as he spoke professionally and un-Zack-like, "Subdued and knocked out preferably, but that would have most likely been the end result if not by me, then by someone else."Kairi stood there, saying and doing nothing but staring at him emptily."I've heard stories about SOLDIERs who lose it," said Zack quietly, trying to sound apologetic, "It would have been a kindness for you, one I'd hope you'd be willing to do for me if I ever went loony."Kairi stared at him with mute horror. "Z-zack... I would never... I would never give up on a friend!""If I ever went crazy Kairi, I wouldn't be your friend, I wouldn't be me. I'd be a threat who could harm way to many people, you included, and I'd rather be put down then ever hurt those I care for," said Zack firmly.Kairi was at a loss for words. This... this was territory she had no experience in. It made her scared, fearful, and longing for the days she had been a simple schoolgirl.For the first time since taking up Director Lazard's offer to become a SOLDIER, she truly regretted the decision.Unfortunately, the phrase 'to late for regrets' came to mind.Zack turned and strode down the hall, Kairi following behind him numbly. She didn't say a word to him or anyone as they ate, staring down at her plate of Shinra served goop and picking at it. For the first time since being stuck in Hojo's labs, she felt purely, awfully alone...Genesis watched out the corner of his eyes as his apprentice picked at her food at her spot across the mess hall. The moment he had felt that tingle of her presence coming towards the room he had been silently relived to realize she was, well, sane. He had not been pleased in the slightest to see the pictures Tseng had showed him, neither had Sephiroth or Angeal. The three differences in opinion had been... difficult... in determining what to do with Kairi if she didn't have to be...He paused to choose the correct thought, as much as it displeased him to do so: 'Released from her suffering'.Genesis of course simply wanted her to be able to go back to the way things were. After all, he could admit it had been stupid of him to let her go off alone and unsupervised after coming out of an appointment with 'the good doctor Hojo'. He had thought it would be good for her to vent, but he had forgotten just what Hojo was specialized in: Horror and madness. Letting her vent that out alone was a poor decision, and he considered it lucky no one outside the Turks and the highest of SOLDIER knew what had happened.Sephiroth had wanted her immediately removed from SOLDIER, one way or another. Whether that removal meant being silenced, or a SOLDIER actually being allowed to retire or leave SOLDIER, he didn't seem to particularly care. While the man could sympathize with Kairi for having to go through Hojo's labs, he would tolerate no hint of madness in his ranks if he could help it. Sephiroth had been forced to put down a few crazed SOLDIERs over in Wutai, and Genesis knew he did not enjoy it. Sephiroth thought it best to remove her from SOLDIER and any situation that could trigger a 'relapse'.Angeal, as always, took the middle ground. He wanted to allow the girl to stay in SOLDIER, however, she'd have to be watched, monitored, and guided. Preferably by a senior member of SOLDIER who could either restrain her or take her out if she lost control. She would have restrictions placed upon her until she could prove herself sound of mind, and then slowly have those restrictions relaxed over a period of years.Lazard chose to take up all three of their desires and mix them together. Kairi would be allowed to stay in SOLDIER without restriction of movement so long as she had someone watching her. They had chosen Zack out of a hopeful familiarity and comfort towards Kairi, it was after all easier for the girl if she had a friend rather than a stranger being her watchdog. However, she was under an unspoken probation. If she lost control again, especially in a public setting, there would be no second chances and she would be terminated without question. Sephiroth even offered to be the one to do it, that man wouldn't underestimate her nor her regeneration and get himself killed like he imagined other SOLDIERs doing. He'd take her head clean off in one swoop and move on with his life.Genesis had said nothing against it, but, it turned his stomach. And that in itself was odd. He had known Kairi for so short a time, a bit over a month. He had known other SOLDIERs in the war for far longer and not batted an eyelash when Wutai Ninjas gutted them in front of his eyes in a forest ambush. He had seen overeager and revenge driven SOLDIERs burn villages and not particularly cared. Seen monsters tear apart civilian and military personnel and fought on without pause.Yet...One girl struggling against madness and being planned to be put down for something so far out of her control if she stepped out of line?It roiled him.It was far to late to realize he had grown rather attached to his apprentice. In a way distinctly different from what he had with Sephiroth and Angeal. Those two were his brothers. They were powerful, unfortunately in ways he could grudgingly admit only to himself that he'd never be. They could take care of themselves, and out on the field, they could take care of each other.Kairi?Was his apprentice, even if only in his own mind after his 'training exercise' with her. He had put his heart and soul into training her for that one month, molding her, and then testing her in dragon's fire, literally. He had never took on a direct apprentice before, even at someone's behest. Pride in her starting to take after him for that one month, learning his lessons, his style, his posture and techniques. There weren't words to describe what it felt to see someone you were, well raising wasn't quite the right word, slowly come into their own. She was still vulnerable though, and needed both guidance and protection, both he was unfortunately no longer allowed to give. On top of that, there was something about the girl that caused him to drop his guard at times, even if he didn't show it on his face, the innocence in her face and eyes...At least when her eyes weren't green slits akin to Sephiroth's. Then she was something else entirely. It was...What was the word?Wrong.Yes, wrong.To see such innocence combined with those eyes, for as much as he could call the man a friend, Sephiroth and those eyes of his were anything but innocent.Bleh... he had gone far to long since he had last quoted Loveless, since before he had been called into the meeting about Kairi to be frank."Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul," murmured Genesis to himself.Yes, that line fit the bill. Was that what Hojo had turned the girl into? A shattered soul? He had SEEN the pictures. Seen the blood and monster parts Kairi had been covered in, heard Tseng describe the mad laughter, listened as the man described Kairi looking with glee at the carnage she had wrought and licking blood off her lips. The Kairi he had begun to get to know, no, Kairi period, it was impossible for her to do such a thing, to act like that. He was confident she could do her duty as a SOLDIER and kill if need be, but she would never take pleasure in it, of that he was certain.The only thing that could allow him to suspend his disbelief was the explanation of temporary insanity. Yet, even then, if he had to peg what type of crazy Kairi would go if she ever lost it, bloodthirsty was not the answer. He leaned more towards her going the endless crying breakdown kind of crazy if he had to pick one, unable to cope with the world around her. The chop everything up crazy just didn't suite her.Alas, oh well. My friend, the fates are cruel.His eyes flickered to his companions. Sephiroth ate silently as usual, though Genesis was not fooled. The subtle way the man was tensed, aimed towards Kairi, his eyes aimed but not directed her way, taking her in as he took in the entire room. He was watching, judging, and thinking. Angeal had taken one look at her as she entered the room, a pitying sad smile on his face, before focusing on his food.As for he himself?He would never be so insulting as to give her pity, no true prideful SOLDIER would want that thrown their way. But, that sheer loneliness she radiated was almost enough to make him give it to her.Almost.She'd have to make due with the hand life had dealt her, cruel as it was, and he was not allowed to help her with it.He let his eyes linger on her for a moment longer. Angeal had been wrong, he could see that easily, in choosing Zack to be her watchdog. She would find no comfort in a friend being there to put her out of a madness induced misery, only pain and lack of trust. After all, Kairi wasn't a battle hardened SOLDIER, yet. She had not seen first hand what could happen with crazed SOLDIERs, and he had enough of a mind to understand that to her, friends were not supposed to hurt, let alone kill each other. Ah the naivety of youth and civilian life, ignoring that she was probably only three or so years younger than him.His lips curled into a smug grin. She hadn't had the opportunity to have Sephiroth or Angeal kick her ass for a mistake or stupidity like he had. Sometimes you need a friend to slap you silly to get your priorities straight. It was something a friend did. She'd learn though...She'd learn.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 13: Cold

The first thing Kairi learned about missions with Zack over the next few month was how he changed when he was on them. Sure, he still acted playful and could banter with the best of them. But, when on a mission, there was an... edge... to him. His eyes never reflected the cheer his face showed. He was on guard, always watching and ready. Under normal circumstances, she could understand it. One shouldn't let their guard down on a mission, even if it was as simple as patrolling the slums, or clearing out a pack of Kalm Fangs in the plains outside Midgar.The problem was, that seriousness, that watchfulness wasn't just directed at the monsters they fought......but at her as well.He was prepared for her to snap, go off the deep end, and react accordingly. A.K.A. kill her.That he could act so friendly towards her outwardly, but still have that edge in his eye and be ready to kill her if she went crazy was so horrifically jarring it drove her to silence for most missions. It had taken her a long time to come to this point, as she, Zack, and a watchdog Turk flew out on a helicopter for a mission, she hadn't even paid attention to the briefing to know what it was. The enormity of what she had realized weighed down on her so heavily it was crushing.She didn't trust Zack.He was a SOLDIER before he was her friend, as much as he may say otherwise.Because friends should NEVER give up on one another.She meant what she had said to him. She would never give up on a friend, even if they went crazy. She would do everything in her power to save them. That he wouldn't do the same...Sora would never, ever, think of killing someone who went crazy. Knock out and restrain perhaps, but kill? No.But Sora was gone...She had no one left who trusted in her...Maybe Genesis, but he was bared from her...No one..."You have me my child," came a whisper in her mind.Kairi narrowed her eyes, growing bitter. "When did you get out of the hole I shoved you into, Mother?"She would have thought Mother would react disappointed and angry, she was surprised when Jenova was neither. "Some time ago. I have been... struggling to adapt. I have been watching, studying, learning.""About what?" asked Kairi with an internal scoff."You," said Mother.Kairi went silent at that and waited for her to continue."I have paid more attention to how you act and interact, went through and studied your memories again, picking up on a very many things I missed," came a gentle purr in Kairi's mind, "I was inattentive to you my daughter, to your whims and desires, and your will."There was a dark chuckle from Mother. "Oh yes, your will. The sheer power of will to drive your loving Mother nearly out of your mind out of pure spite and anger."Kairi's eyes went dark with fury, she was about to rage before Mother caught her offguard. "I don't blame you for it."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed with confusion."I cost you dearly," said Mother with an odd apologetic tone, Kairi wasn't sure if it was honest or not."I cost you freedoms, could have cost you your life," continued Mother, "I was so eager to taste freedom, to make you see things my way that I was... neglectful. I have had to guide you with a firm hand since we were joined, and overlooked your 'needs'. You need a balance between the progression I push you towards and the life you are used to, that you crave. As much as I loath those you surround yourself with save my Chosen One, you are a social creature.""Yeah, and you kind of ruined that," Kairi spat in her mind, "Anyone I could call a friend thinks I'll go crazy.""I... apologize for that," said Mother, sounding a bit disgruntled.Kairi raised an eyebrow. "I could be wrong, but I think that's the first time you've ever apologized."Mother huffed. "It's rare I make mistakes."Kairi nestled a bit back into her seat in the helicopter, feeling a bit satisfied and her anger starting to abate. "Well, at least you acknowledge it.""If we were alone, I would show you my affection and apology more... in depth... but, I have learned enough to understand you would not wish such things public, or in a setting that can be revealed on accident as it was with the Turks," said Mother.Kairi knew what she was talking about. The bliss of Mother's touch on her mind, the petting touch..."May we resume where we left off, the slate cleaned?" inquired Mother.Kairi sighed, as much as she wanted to hold it against her, she was never one to hold a grudge if someone was asking for forgiveness. "Alright just, please don't do that again.""I wont, unless you need me to," said Mother.Kairi frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?""If you are in a life and death situation, and you refuse to act appropriately to defend yourself, I will act without hesitation, your life is to valuable to allow otherwise, I'd watch the galaxy burn before I'd see you and your body destroyed," hissed Mother.Kairi's eyebrows furrowed, sounding out Mother's words quietly in her mind. 'You and your body'? Odd..."You know Kairi," came Zack's voice, distracting her, "You've been making the oddest of faces for like the last ten minutes."Kairi blinked a few times, recognizing that she had been holding a conversation in her mind and showing off her reactions to it in plain view. "It's nothing.""Really?" said Zack, a slight tone of concern and strain in his voice, "You sure you're okay?"Kairi turned her head to frown at him. She noted that edge in his gaze, watching, waiting. Seriously? Just because she had been making an odd assortment of faces he thought she might be having some kind of breakdown or starting to go crazy? She felt her nerves start to fray and her agitation grow. Could she not have any time where she was not alone in her room to herself without being under intense scrutiny?"I'm fine," she gritted out.The edge slowly faded from his gaze, and he gave her his signature smile and adopted a teasing tone, "Good, you had a really angry face for a little bit, super scary. Are all girls like that?"Kairi tightened her fists on her laps. Again with this. AGAIN WITH THIS!? The switch from 'watching for crazy' and cheerful friendly Zack was going to drive her honestly insane. Still acting like a friend, but being ready to kill her if she went 'crazy', and having the audacity to think it as a kindness? How could a friend act like this? Do this to her? Inflict this kind of continual pain..."Are you sure he a friend?" questioned Mother.Kairi turned her gaze away from Zack and to the floor. "He is.""Are you sure?" questioned Mother again, a bit more forceful, "I've seen your memories. You've had fights with your friends in school before, but nothing like this. When all was said and done, you and 'Sora' and 'Riku' would always make up rather quickly and go back to the way things were. This has been going on for months."Kairi didn't respond."You've said before that friends would never give up on one another, correct?" said Mother."Yes," Kairi answered quietly."Then he does not meet your definition of a friend," pointed out Mother."He's only doing this because of what you did," Kairi snarled out."Perhaps, but seeing this now, I question if it was not for the best," said Mother.Kairi stiffened. "How could you POSSIBLY think that?""Because, it shows his true colors," purred Mother with dark satisfaction, "That you cannot trust him to value your life as I do. That he cannot be trusted as you can trust me."Kairi said nothing."Is it better to not know this now? Instead of when such lack of knowledge might prove... lethal?" Mother pointed out.Pain. There was pain, so much of it, in accepting what Mother was saying. "Perhaps...""I never thought him worthy of your attention," murmured Mother, "That he would spit on your... friendly affection... in such a manner is disdainful. The lower creatures of this world should fall on their hands and knees and beg for such things from you."And there was Mother acting like the high and mighty Mother she knew. If the topic wasn't so painful, Kairi might have rolled her eyes and gave an exasperated sigh."You can't trust him like you can trust me," murmured Mother again, a slight soothing touch echoing in the back of Kairi's mind, "Cant expect him to care for you as I do."Kairi let out a shuddered breath and tilted her head towards the feeling, wanting, craving the sensation of affection and belonging when she had felt so alone these last few months..."Kairi?" questioned Zack.And there he was again, ruining it."My daughter," purred Mother, "He is not your friend. He is not worthy if he would betray you so.""Hellloooo?" questioned Zack."He would betray you, kill you," whispered Mother again, "In a heartbeat, if he thought you unstable. And he dares to act so friendly towards you?""Gaia to Kairi, yoohoo," said Zack cheerfully, giving her foot a slight nudge with his own.Kairi's eyes twitched, her hands tightened, her entire posture went rigged. Mother's words whispered in her mind again and again, as Zack again and again kept acting so friendly but still was more than ready to 'do what had to be done' if needed. She couldn't take this anymore! Mother... Mother was right...She raised her head, narrowed her eyes, and seethed out with a deadly tone she didn't think she had every used before, "Zackery Fair. Shut Up."Zack went rigged and his face paled a little bit under her glare. He opened his mouth to say something a few times before closing it and going silent. Blissful silence. But she didn't show that. She kept her gaze locked on him until he had to avert his eyes and stare out the helicopter window. With that, she leaned back into her seat and closed her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.The rest of the ride, and the mission itself, were silent, save for instructions on the mission. A clearing out of a batch of monsters out by Junon Harbor. Kairi didn't bat an eyelash at it. She used it as a time to vent. She didn't cut loose or show any sign of going 'off the wall' to vent. No, she cut into the monsters with cold efficiency. One strike, one kill, per swing of her sword. Satisfaction.She noted silently that both Zack and the Turk kept a wary distance from her as they worked, making several patrols around the immediate area outside of Junon. Even the monsters seemed to note her and started thinning out very quickly."They feel your aura and wisely flee," murmured Mother, "As all lesser creatures should when we are angry."Kairi didn't respond, not understanding but not caring enough to ask at the moment. She took another sweep of the area, going a little farther out this time. Nothing."Well, think that wraps this up," came Zack's voice, "Let's head back."Kairi turned and strode past him without a word.The ride back in the helicopter was silent. Zack sat where he was before, but the Turk took the farthermost seat away from Kairi. She gave the Turk, a blond haired woman with a ponytail that used a shotgun, a quick glance over, but paid her no other attention. Right now she didn't care. She just wanted to get back to Shinra, eat something out of the cafeteria, and then lock herself in her room and be alone.They gave a brief report to Lazard, who studied Kairi through the debriefing, a hint of a frown on his face, before they were dismissed. Kairi didn't wait for Zack to take the lead, marching down the hallway in a manner Genesis would have been proud of, with a visible hostility that made people stand clear out of her way. She hit the cafeteria, got her food, and sat down, Zack joining her a moment later."So... did I do something wrong?" he asked quietly.Kairi paused with her fork inches from her mouth, set it down, and narrowed her eyes at him, her voice lowering and growing hostile, "Aside from being ready twenty four hours a day to shove a blade through my back if need be?""Oh come on Kairi," said Zack with chagrin, "That's...""You're either a friend, or your not, and friends don't say killing each other would be a kindness," she hissed out quietly, hostility growing.Zack frowned, an unhappy look crossing his face, his shoulder's slumping. "Kairi... that's not my call to make..."She gave him a disgusted look and focused on her food, pausing briefly to note a number of SOLDIERs were sneaking glances their way. Her eyebrows furrowed at that."They feel your aura, child, and note how you interact with the fool, even if they can't hear," said Mother, "And having studied SOLDIER, seen how they interact, they would side with him, the so called 'lovable' and 'friendly' puppy instead of you in a hearbeat."Kairi stared down at her food unhappily. "...""You have no friends here, only unwilling allies ready to betray you," whispered Mother into her ear, "I am the only one you can trust. For I am your beloved Mother, and you are my treasured daughter. Only I can fill that need you have for others, for companionship."Kairi sighed heavily before raising her gaze, sighting a SOLDIER staring at her, and shooting him a hostile look, making the man stiffen and turn away."Only I love you, care for you, my child," came Mother's dark whispers in her ear," Only I..."Genesis frowned as he reluctantly entered the cafeteria and made for the food line with his friends at his heels, leading the trio for once. There was a... chill in the air that had invaded the SOLDIER floor roughly half an hour ago. It wasn't something he felt often, usually only from Sephiroth when the man was in a purely foul mood. Yet, it wasn't him who gave off the sensation, no, the moment Genesis, Sephiroth, and Angeal had felt it, they had started making their way towards it. He had suspicions, and was unfortunately right in them, when he noted Kairi out of the corner of his eye.The stiffness in her posture, the utter hostility she had in her eyes when she looked at Zack or the other SOLDIERs. It made him want to cringe, they had gone months without any issues from the girl, in fact he had hardly had to pay her attention, satisfied to let her slowly pass the time and rebuild the director's confidence in her. Yet now? The aura she was giving off... she felt cold to his senses, and that was offputting. Kairi was supposed to be warm, not cold. She had been unhappy, that he knew, but it hadn't developed to this before. It was like a switch had been flicked. It made him wary.The trio sat down and began talking quietly."I knew the girl was unhappy, but what is this open hostility?" began Angeal, flicking open his PHS and scrolling for a mission report, "She wasn't like this before the mission, and it was a simple patrol."Sephiroth's eyes were judgemental. "She ought to know that such attitude will not bold well for her on her 'probation'."Genesis said nothing, merely studying his apprentice at a distance. She must have felt his eyes on her, for she turned her head to meet his gaze. Usually, there was a level of warmth and respect in her eyes for him, but even that seemed to have cooled. She passed her eyes away from him with barely a moments connection. It made him frown intently.This isolation and 'friend watchdog' was doing far more damage than he thought it would.Genesis pursed his lips. "...""Genesis?" asked Angeal, "You know her better than us, any clue?""You know why, I warned you," said Genesis softly."Not this again," said Angeal with exasperation, "Zack is her friend, he was the best choice to watch her.""He's not her friend anymore if that hostility is any indication," said Genesis dryly, wishing he had something alcoholic to drink, "Her body may be SOLDIER, but her mind isn't, not yet. Such a thing is not a comfort to her, only pain."Genesis brought up a bite of Shinra goop, resisted the urge to gag, and shoveled it down. "My friends the fates are cruel, why do we subjugate ourselves to this poor excuse of food?"Sephiroth chuckled softly, "Because we're required to make apperances here periodically?""We could order takeout and eat it here," said Genesis.Angeal laughed at that and shook his head slowly before again turning his head towards Kairi and Zack. "We going to do anything or just watch and wait?"Sephiroth made a none-committal hum."I'd offer a suggestion but I'm not allowed," mocked Genesis.Angeal rolled his eyes. "And what does the 'great' Genesis suggest?""If this is any indication, we won't need to worry about her going crazy, she'll drive a blade through him willingly before long, so I'd suggest swapping her watcher at least," said Genesis nonchalantly, "Or better yet, rescind me being barred from her and I'll keep an eye on her myself."Sephiroth stared at him, eyebrow slightly raised. Genesis matched his gaze, not backing down."Was wondering if you were ever going to try and nag about that," said Angeal.Genesis retorted without averting his eyes, "Nag implies persistent questioning, this is the first mention of it I've made since the decision was made, and only because I think it needs to happen.""And if I disagree?" asked Sephiroth.Genesis opened his mouth to argue before his PHS suddenly went off. He reached for it before noting Sephiroth's and Angeal's were going off as well. He frowned, grabbed his PHS, opened it, and checked his messages.He scowled intently. "Lovely. The ceasefire with Wutai just broke. Wonder which one of us is going to be sent out."He glanced up to note both Sephiroth and Angeal were staring at him. "What?"Professor Hojo slowly walked into the President's Office, hands clasped behind his back, slightly leaning forward. "You called for me Mr. President?"Hojo watched with carefully hidden disdain as the fat pompous oaf President Shinra slowly turned his seat away from the window and glanced at him, tapping his cigarette in an ashtray. "Yes. What is the status of Project K? Can we begin mass production yet and make an official announcement?"Hojo frowned, that man always so overeager to rush science. "Field testing has shown promising results, so I have little doubt the female gender can at least preform up to standards. However, the formula I have yet to be able to get down. Testing has resulted in the termination of all subjects injected with the serum."The President frowned. "Was Project K simply a fluke? Can it be replicated?"Hojo nodded. "I believe so, each test subject gets slightly closer to stability. I predict a successful attempt within the next six months to a year."The President nodded slowly. "Acceptable I suppose.""I'll need another several batches of subjects to continue testing however," pointed out Hojo.The President waved a hand. "I'll have my Turks find more homeless or lower class girls for you to test on."The President laughed. "Slum scum is always in high supply."Hojo frowned. "Higher quality specimens that would be more likely to survive the process could make it go faster."The President scowled. "Perhaps, but nobody cares if a homeless or lower class wretch disappears. It could cause a scene if we try for anyone that would be half-way missed. I want the public image of the company at it's finest when we announce our newest branch of SOLDIER."Hojo didn't particularly care, but he knew better than to voice it. "I see.""On that end, I have an important question for you Professor, and I better hear the right answer," said the President.Hojo straightened slightly, he recognized that tone. "Yes?""Is Project K ready for battlefield testing? I don't care if she can handle normal missions, I want to throw her into Wutai to make a name for herself, something that will draw the admiration and desires of the population of female youth," said the President.Hojo kept his face carefully masked to show no emotion. "Hmm."Specimen K was practically immortal, there was little to no risk of death so long as she did nothing absolutely stupid. There was always the chance of decapitation he supposed, but he knew she had a high survival drive. Still, there was no need for unnecessary risk with so valuable a specimen."I believe so, but, to be on the safe side, I suggest she be given her 2nd Class SOLDIER Mako shots," said Hojo, "It will increase her power and survivability."The President tilted his head in thought. "She hasn't been in SOLDIER for even a year yet, hasn't quite earned the right for 2nd Class. Hmm. If she does well in her first few battles I suppose I'll consider an early promotion. Regardless, she'll be on the next wave out to join the front."The President pulled out his cigarette and snuffed it out. "Dismissed."Hojo didn't immediately move, considering arguing against the unecessary risk...
She will be fine, I will not allow her to perish.
Hojo cocked his head, hearing the whisper in the back of his mind, before he gave a curt nod to the President and left...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Br. Br.
Kairi lay on her bed, contemplating not picking up her PHS. After that last mission, she really didn't feel like dealing with people at the moment. Then again, someone somewhere would probably throw a hissy fit if she didn't. With a heavy sigh, she sat up, reached for her PHS on the bed-stand, flicked it open, saw a text message, opened it......and stared at it blankly.
Standing orders from Lazard: The ceasefire with Wutai has been broken. You are shipping out to Wutai with the next detachment of SOLDIER. Report to the ground floor tomorrow morning at 0600 hours. Bring nothing but your weapon, your materia, any usable items you may have, and the clothes on your back. All else will be provided on-site in Wutai.
Numbness set in. "They're... I'm..."She was going to fight in a war?Her stomach clenched tightly. War had long since stopped being a thing of stories and fiction to her. She had heard enough SOLDIERs who had served in the Wutai War speaking in the cafeteria, of what it was actually like.Screaming.Fire.Gore.Chaos.Death.And so much more, all of it bad. There was nothing romantic about slaughter. Nothing glorious about killing people who were trying to defend their homeland. No comradeship in watching those you fought alongside die one by one..."And there is no point bemoaning about it," cut in Mother.Kairi scowled at that."Would you rather keep whining or start preparing yourself child?" scolded Mother.Kairi crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah yeah..."She frowned, staring at her PHS silently. "Fighting in the middle of a war wasn't exactly what I expected to be doing when I hit my sweet sixteen. Wonder if I'll even remember the day when it arrives."She slowly shook her head. "Would have rather had a party, invited over Selphie, Tidus, Wakka, Sora, Riku, everyone really.""Crave not what was lost my child," whispered Mother, "It will only weigh you down."She started to do a little research on Wutai and the war on her PHS. At an overview, Wutai was situated on a heavily mountainous and forested continent. The outskirts of the continent were mostly cliffs, save for a beach to the far south where Shinra was attacking from, and a few heavily defended beaches closer to the capital that were near impossible to maintain a beachhead on. She glanced over a map on her PHS and contemplated it, as a SOLDIER, she had access to a bit more information that the public, and marked on the map was how far inland SOLDIER had made it. The war had been going on since 1992 apparently, and it was now half way through 1997. Five and roughly a half years later and Shinra had pushed Wutai almost solely back onto their own continent and cut roughly half-way through the south part of Wutai.She scrolled over a few brief battle reports, most major victories over the last few years were attributed to one of the trio, mostly Sephiroth, sometimes Genesis or Angeal. From what she could tell, the only time Shinra really made any progress was when one of the trio was over there. There were so many choke points on mountains that pushing through that way appeared to be heavily costly. On the other hand, the lower paths through the mountains were forest, and Shinra was heavily susceptible to guerilla warfare there. Wutai's Ninja's, especially their famed 'Crescent Unit', were rightly feared in the forests, and even in mountain caves. In short, it seemed to be an awful grueling slaughter to push through just for the sake of setting up a Mako Reactor in Wutai.Which she could admit really pissed her off. Call it whatever they wanted, hide it behind victorious war stories and tales of Sephiroth's feats, greed was still greed. It was the only reason the war had started. It seemed so pointless to her, on both sides. Was it really worth it to engage in a war for such a thing, or to resist and start a war to repel it? She didn't honestly know, she hadn't read up that much on Mako Reactors, she didn't know what the big deal was."There are two main reasons I've determined. By allowing a Mako Reactor there, Shinra would have held complete economic domination over the nation," explained Mother in a dismissive tone, "Not to mention the effects bleeding the planets lifeblood out with reactors has on the environment. I don't particularly care about the second one except on principle, as I can personally think of much better and delicious uses for the lifestream then to be wasted as fuel."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed, a little confused on what Mother meant by 'delicious', but dismissed the thought. "How'd you figure that out?""By poking around in the heads of those who bear my cells," said Mother."Well that's useful to be able to do," murmured Kairi.Mother chuckled darkly but said nothing else.Kairi resumed her reading, rubbing her eyes tiredly. There were a few small scattered villages along the way to the ultimate objective of the war: Fort Tamblin. That fort blocked off the entrance into the capital area of Wutai. If it was taken, then the war was pretty much over from what she read. If Shinra wasn't stuck in mountains or forests, and got into the flat capital area where they would actually be able to use their machines and artillery, not to mention be out of the mountain choke-points, it was assumed Wutai's leadership would surrender.Speaking of leadership...She flicked open a photo of Godo Kisaragi, the leader of the nation of Wutai. He was depicted as a serious looking man, dressed in a purple kumono with a black trim over a white robe, held closed by a white sash. He had black hair and eyes, a pointed mustache, beard, and oddly, eyebrows as well. His clothes made it a bit difficult to get a ready on his body, she couldn't catch a glimpse of muscle under those long white sleeves. Though, he had been reported leading a few battles directly earlier in the war, and was said to be able to fight SOLDIERs. Whether that meant 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class, she didn't know. Curiously, it seemed that before the current ceasefire, the man had trailed off his appearances in the war.His wife, Kasumi Kisigari, had no recent photo's available. Before the war, she was said to have been a beautiful woman and a gifted speaker. There was a note that the woman had suffered sickness during her pregnancy, and had never fully recovered. She became susceptible to sickness, and dropped off public appearances shortly after the birth of her daughter. Kairi wondered briefly if that might be why Godo had been scarce and even tried for the ceasefire, to tend to his wife. Romantic idea, but who knows.Kairi flicked to the next picture, of a five year old Yuffie Kisigari who...She blanked for a moment. Was this picture taken on a BATTLEFIELD? She stared, mouth agape, at a series of images taken by a scout that depicted a young black haired child going through the aftermath of a battle and picking around for items. Then, of the girl being chased by, yet eluding, what Kairi assumed to be the girl's Ninja guardians. Kairi didn't know if she should laugh or cry at the image. A child should be nowhere near such a place, yet the sight of her mischievously evading her guard made Kairi want to giggle.She slowly shook her head and rubbed her eyes again, yawning a bit. "Bleh... screw it, time to sleep."Kairi set an alarm for 0530 hours, tossed her PHS onto the bed-stand and pulled her covers up to sleep......and awoke to the alarm the next morning.Kairi sighed heavily, grabbed a spare set of clothes, showered, and got ready. She briefly checked over her equipment: The rapier that Genesis had given her, the 3rd class uniform she wore, a Restore materia, a Fire materia, a Bolt materia, and a Barrier materia she had picked up during her time being watched by Zack. She had a few basic items, some potions and a single phoenix down, but nothing else. She only had a little pack she attached to her hip to keep things in after all, couldn't fit much in there.Well... guess she was ready then, or, as ready as she could be. Kairi walked out of her room and paused, noting a number of SOLDIERs already making their way across the SOLDIER floor towards the elevators. She slipped into a gap in the mess of bodies and followed wordlessly. She had no one to wait to say goodbye to after all. She considered it a small blessing she was up a little earlier than normal so she didn't have Zack waiting outside her door for her. She didn't want to bother seeing or arguing with him. She had her orders, and despite not wanting to go to Wutai, she wasn't going to be late because of him.All the SOLDIERs shipping out assembled in the bottom floor in a neat and orderly fashion. She noted a number of troop transports outside, some loading infantry, some simply waiting for them. She refocused on a man standing in front of them, and smiled softly to see it was Genesis, Loveless opened and held in one hand for him to read while he waited.The moment 0600 rolled around Genesis spoke, "When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky, wings of light and dark spread afar, she guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting..."Yep. Leave it to Genesis to start quoting Loveless in front of an assembly of SOLDIERs off to war.Genesis snapped the book close and practically glared at the gathered SOLDIERs. "That's as close to a speech you sorry lot are going to get. You are not infantry or raw recruits, you are SOLDIERs, veterans or not you don't need a pep talk. Get the hell in the transports before I fry you all."Kairi wanted to laugh, same old Genesis, but thought better of it, starting forward with the rest of them. Genesis's eyes passed over the group with disdain as they walked until they saw and locked onto her.There was a slight furrowing of his eyes before he called out, "Apprentice."Kairi paused and changed directions, getting a few glances from the other SOLDIERs, but ignoring them. "Sir."Genesis blinked once and scowled. "Sir? Come now apprentice has it really been so long that we no longer know one another? I'm insulted."Kairi's face twitched briefly with amusement, at least until a near hostile look crossed the man's face. "What exactly are you doing here?""I had orders to be down here to ship out to Wutai," she said, "Same as everyone else I imagine."There was a hint of disbelief in his eyes before he held out his hand. She fished out her PHS, opened it, got her orders on screen, and handed it over.Genesis glanced at it for a moment before a delightful glee entered his eyes. "So you are! Ah, reunited at last my apprentice, Nothing would forestall your return.""Act three, kind of, you paraphrased it," said Kairi, feeling herself start to fall back into the routine they used to have.Genesis waved dismissively and handed back her PHS. "Come apprentice, you are riding with me.""I have a name aside from 'apprentice' you know, and I haven't even been that for damn near half a year," said Kairi, following in behind him.Genesis scoffed. "Once my apprentice always my apprentice, it's in your walk, your speech, your fighting style, your very soul now."He shot her a quick glare. "It better be anyway."She raised her chin and an unimpressed eyebrow. "If you say so."That merely made him grin. "You see? There is the superiority I instilled in you. Oh I'm going to have such fun sicking you on the Wutai.""That makes two of us," whispered Mother with equal glee.Kairi rolled her eyes and climbed into the front-most transport with Genesis and a few other SOLDIERs. They sat in the frontmost seats across from one another.Genesis hummed in thought for a moment before critically eyeing her. "I can't imagine you improved as much under the droll of the 'puppy' and basic monster missions."Kairi shrugged, a heavy frown crossing her face. "A little bit, probably not as much as I would have if someone hadn't taken me on a crazy dragon slaying mission and gotten me removed from their keeping."Genesis placed a hand against his chest. "My apprentice you wound me. There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess, Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds.""Act two," said Kairi, unimpressed, before countering, "My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey, In my own salvation, and your eternal slumber."Genesis threw back his head and laughed. "Act four, well played apprentice, well played."There was a groan down the transport. "Are you two going to quote Loveless the entire way to Wutai?"Genesis scowled. "I wasn't planning on it but if you insist I'm sure we can make it a point to quote it every other sentence."There was a chorus of 'please no' from the other SOLDIERs.Genesis turned to Kairi. "What do you think apprentice? Shall we enlighten these uneducated neanderthals?"There was a merciless gleam in her eye. "Lets."For the next few hours, Genesis and Kairi passed his Loveless back and forth, quoting and discussing it with one another. When they arrived at Junon, their transport was the first to empty. It was a petty vengeance she supposed, but oh how she enjoyed it. Though, the mini-Genesis taunting was probably going to start back up in full swing again now."All forms of vengeance, no matter how small, are things to be treasured my child," said Mother with approval, "They are stepping stones for bigger and greater acts of revenge."Kairi hummed in agreement and stepped out of the transport alongside Genesis."That was fun AND educational," said Genesis with devious glee, watching the SOLDIERs vanish into the collective mess."Only way it could have been better was if we could have forced Zack to listen to it for hours on end cooped up in the transport," said Kairi before frowning, "Then again, that would mean I'd have to deal with him, so no thanks."Genesis turned his head slightly, his voice lowering, "I warned them to have someone else watch you, they didn't listen. You have my apologies."Kairi's shoulders slumped at his words. "So... you really do know. Do you think I'm...""Crazy?" said Genesis lazily, "Kairi, all SOLDIERs are crazy in some way, shape, or form. To be honest, all of Shinra is crazy as far as I'm concerned. You going off on a batch of monsters means nothing to me, especially when there have been no repeat incidents or hints of an encore. Forget the past my apprentice, hold your head high and push forward, shoving others who would bare you out of your way."Kairi searched his face and eyes for a moment, hunting for deceit or judgement, but, he showed nothing, and that made her relax. "Alright.""Come, we wouldn't want our ship to leave without us," said Genesis, starting forward.Kairi followed in his wake, shifting to a position she hadn't taken behind him to his right in months. It felt... good... to have someone to talk to, to interact with again..."Do I not count?" hissed Mother bitingly.Kairi's eyes furrowed. "You're my Mother, that's a granted."There was an outraged undignified huff. "I see my affections are unappreciated!""Well we did only start talking again yesterday," pointed out Kairi."It's not my fault you didn't beckon me back prior," countered Mother, "You are foolish to trust him so readily, he will betray you like the rest."The thought made her frown. "He... no, he wont. He doesn't hold what YOU did against me.""You should listen to your Mother my child," whispered Mother, "Only I am trustworthy."Kairi rolled her eyes, gave a 'yes Mother' and dropped the subject, allowing Mother to get the last word lest they keep on arguing all the way to Wutai. She walked through the lower part of Junon silently, glancing around. She hadn't actually been in the place before, outside of it yesterday was the closest she came.She wasn't impressed by what she saw.It was like the Midgar Slums, just, not as bad. It was obvious there was poverty here. At least it looked like a town rather than a gathering of shacks, tents, and run down buildings.She didn't comment or say anything though. She had never asked Genesis what he thought about the slums or the state of the people who lived in them. She kind of doubted he cared, sad to say. Or if he did, he didn't deem it to be his problem. Either way, in a crowd of SOLDIER's crowded at a lift up to Upper Junon wasn't the place to ask him.Genesis, and by extension her, were on the first lift-full of SOLDIERs up. Small perks of being Genesis's favored she supposed. They arrived at the top and started out into the city. It reminded her of Midgar, the upper city was far better off than those who lived below. Was it an intentional design of Shinra's to make it like this? It was... off-putting..."I've told you before my child, if the people down below cannot haul themselves up, then their is little point in doing it for them, as they will simply fall again," said Mother blandly."Really, in those words?" said Kairi dryly, "I seem to recall you calling such people pitiful and telling me not to feel anything for them.""Well, I was trying to be more considerate of your views, shame on me I suppose for that," jabbed Mother.Kairi's lips twitched in amusement. "How nice of you, but when you say it like you really don't mean it, then you might as well say what you really want to say."Mother huffed. "Insufferable child.""You know you love me," teased Kairi.Mother grumbled something Kairi couldn't hear, but she paid it no heed. They reached a large ship in the Junon harbor and boarded. Genesis briefly spoke with the captain before dismissing him with a wave of his hand and stalking to the front of the ship. She followed him and stood behind him silently, taking a quick pass over the front area. Large, flat, and with plenty of space that SOLDIERs and sailor's alike seemed to 'magically' want to give Genesis."Hopefully this isn't anything like flying in a plane or going on a train," she mused.Genesis glanced back at her. "You can't seriously have motion sickness, can you? The mako in your system ought to snuff that out."Kairi shrugged. "I dunno, just being high up in the sky or on a rocky train makes me nervous."A malicious smile crossed Genesis's face. "Well, unless we get into the middle of a hurricane, or a Wutai boat hits and sinks us on the way to the southern beachhead, we should be fine. Statistically small odds."Kairi snorted. "You're doing that on purpose."He turned and placed a hand over his chest. "I have months worth of teasing to catch up on my apprentice, especially considering our month together was spent getting you up to par more than anything else."Kairi rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah I was bad, I know."Speaking of which..."Would anyone mind people sparring up here?" asked Kairi.Genesis shrugged. "So long as they hold back enough to not destroy anything I don't see why not. If someone singes or gets something on my coat I will throttle them as a warning."Kairi smirked at that before asking, "Genesis, can we spar? I kind of feel a bit rusty fighting someone else with a sword, I sparred with others on the SOLDIER floor every so often but..."Genesis had such a smug look on his face that Kairi almost wanted to punch him. "They're not me. I'm flattered."Kairi drew her sword and swiped at him in response; Genesis drew his blade, countered, disarmed her, and pinned her to the deck in five seconds. "You're right, you ARE rusty. Pride is lost, wings stripped away, the end is nigh. The capability to slaughter monsters is nothing to the art of swordplay.""Act two," she grumbled, "Now get off!"Genesis stood up and offered her a hand, she took it and pulled herself up.Genesis slowly shook his head. "I was planning on simply lazing about but we can't have you getting killed off in Wutai like a green recruit now can we?"Kairi scowled at him.He readied his blade. "I hope your ready my apprentice, we have months worth of training for you to catch up on. I intend to cram as much of that into the boat-ride over to Wutai."She didn't have time to respond before his blade was already swinging through the air towards her...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi stood at the front of the ship next to Genesis, her muscles and body still aching from the intense beati... 'training' she had gone through over the last few days aboard the ship. Which was saying something considering how fast she healed. She couldn't wait until she was strong enough to kick his ass in return. She didn't particularly hold it against him, she hadn't before and she didn't now. He got results, the cost was negligible in return. It had only been a few days of it, but, training for twelve hours per day definitely helped make up for lost time, or her 'slacking off' as Genesis called it. They even made it into a kind of lesson for those who came to watch, Genesis fighting or training definitely brought in a crowd, at a distance anyway.When they weren't physically training, like now, he was instructing her on tactics and what to watch out for with the Wutai."Angeal says the Wutai are 'honorable people'," said Genesis, Kairi could practically 'hear' him rolling his eyes, "Of course that only appears to apply to the troops and 'Samurais'. Ninja's are something else entirely."He turned his head to give her a warning look. "They are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives."He faced forward. "Regular troops are nothing to be concerned about unless you are drastically outnumbered and surrounded, or you do something stupid and thus deserve to get killed."Kairi resisted the urge to snort at that. "Noted."He continued, "Samurais are skilled with their blades, perhaps dare I say even more than a good chunk of SOLDIER. They do not however have our enhancements, thus lack in strength, speed, and reaction time. However, if you don't take them at least somewhat seriously you may find yourself lacking a limb at some point. My friend, the fates are cruel."Kairi rolled her eyes. "Act four."He cleared his throat. "You don't need to announce the act each and every time I quote loveless, now, pay attention apprentice..."But it's fun to," she teased.He kept on going as if she hadn't spoke, "Ninjas are quiet. Quiet and deadly. After all, most dangerous is the enemy you never see coming. They are not as common in open battlefields, but in forests, caves, or in towns, they could be hiding anywhere, around any corner, behind any tree, ready to draw a blade across an unsuspecting throat. As a SOLDIER, you have heightened senses, please use them. I'd be so unsatisfied if I found you in a back alley with your throat cut.""I will say this now. You are going to get shot, don't bother denying it, it is going to happen at some point. Do not freak out and scream 'I've been shot' when it inevitably happens, because I will personally break off whatever I'm doing to come over and smack you if you do. We do worse to ourselves in training after all," he said before pausing, "Though try not to get shot in the head or the heart, that will generally still kill you.""Great advice," she said dryly."I suppose that will do for now," mused Genesis, "You'll learn better through first hand experience."Kairi was silent. She wasn't exactly looking forward to 'first hand experience' in war, but, like Mother had said, there was little use bemoaning it."Oh, my child listens for once," mocked Mother.Kairi rolled her eyes."Apprentice, there is one more tiny, little, insignificant thing you should be aware of," said Genesis in a hard tone that immediately made Kairi straighten her back and sweat a little."Yes?" she asked carefully.He turned to face her, a hard glint in his eye. "You have not done so, however I will met out the warning to make you aware. Just because I have reclaimed you as my apprentice does not mean that right can be abused. I would be lax about this back in Midgar, but not here. You are my apprentice. However, that is not an official recognizable position within Shinra, nor does it grant you special privileges with other SOLDIERs. You are a 3rd Class SOLDIER, you will obey the commands given to you by those of a higher rank unless they counteract my orders, which you will obey as if your life depended on it. Any attempts to abuse this 'tittle' I have given you while in a war-zone will result in harsh discipline. You have no experience in warfare, leading troops, or taking command. I plan on bringing you into tactical meetings so you may learn, but you may not comment nor speak nor offer an opinion unless asked. If you do so, you risk embarrassing not only yourself by your lack of knowledge, but me as well. I will not hesitate to publicly shame or rebuke you if you make a fool out of yourself. If you have questions or concerns, save them for when we are in private. Am I clear?"Kairi gulped slightly, met his gaze, and gave out the most steady, "Yes sir," that she could under that barrage."Good," he said curtly before turning back around, "I believe we will be arriving within the next few hours, I suggest take the time to simply sit and rest until then."Kairi hesitated before saluting and obeying the obvious dismissal. She turned and left the front of the ship, simply returning to her bunk to wait."I suggest you heed his warning for now," said Mother, "Your inexperience will not last long. For the moment there is much you can still learn from him until his usefulness is at an end."Kairi frowned at the 'usefulness is at an end' comment, but didn't respond. She simply laid down, rested, and played Genesis's words over in her again, cementing them into memory. She had no desire to command people, to... to... order them into situations where they must kill or be killed. The notion filled her stomach with dread. She didn't honestly know how Genesis or heck, anyone in a command position, dealt with that fact."The lives of these 'peons' are yours to spend by the birthright I gave you," said Mother, "They are tools to be used at the most opportune moment, their lives in service to yours."Kairi's frown deepened intently, and it took a lot of effort to resist getting into an argument. She was about to enter a war-zone, she did not need to be angry and flustered after an argument with Mother."What, are you going to say you care about the rest of SOLDIER, about the infantry? You don't know them," said Mother with honest bafflement, "Aside from my Chosen One, none of them are worth it. The other SOLDIERs scorn you readily, jealous over your 'apprenticeship' with your Chosen, your status as a female, how you act, anything really. The infantry are just fodder and not worth the thought save for being bodies to throw into a conflict."Kairi's hands were fighting into pale fists, her ire starting to spike, losing the battle of will not to engage. "Just because I don't know them, and perhaps don't like them, doesn't mean I want them to die."Mother scoffed. "Of course not, you, my overly embarrassing 'kind' and 'meek' daughter."Kairi rolled her eyes before they furrowed, "What did you mean by calling Genesis 'my Chosen'?"Mother sighed. "So blind you are to what we are. My kind are... special beings my child. Far different and superior to all other lifeforms. We are everywhere, acting through both our own bodies and all who bare our cells at the same time. However, it benefits us to choose a 'Chosen One' to act through, as our primary actor. One who is bound to us who will carry out our will. I made you far more like me than my Chosen One was made to be. You are not so easily defined, a successor would be a term I may lay on you had we not been destined to come together. You are so young my daughter, inexperienced in what you have become. You have chosen him, played him your favorite, though, I doubt he will fulfill the role you have given him before we are... reunited."Kairi was silent, picking over Mother's words, her words as a 'special being' and how they acted... "Mother... are you not human?"There was a quiet hissing sound before Mother responded. "I can be if the need arises. But you and I, are so much more than the chemistry that makes up our current bodies, our current host."Host.For some reason, that word filled Kairi's stomach with a sense of dread, and she had no clue why. She buried the sensation to ponder for another day."Does what I am upset you child?" inquired Mother.Kairi slowly shook her head. "I was just curious. I mean, I think I kind of already knew. Humans can't... well... do the things you can do.""Indeed," purred Mother, "We are so much more, so far superior."Kairi hesitated. "But... I am human."Mother laughed, she laughed so deep and darkly it made Kairi uneasy. "Are you?"Kairi suddenly found that she had no response to that. She looked down at herself, she seemed human..."What we are at heart is far more than skin deep," purred Mother, "Before I changed you, you were already different than most humans. Now, you are so much more. A child, a successor, a heir. Everything that I am, you may one day become should I somehow fall. I suspect that soon enough you will be made to see. That fool scientist Hojo seeks to use your cells to imbue female humans with the power of SOLDIER. The day that successfully happens, you will understand exactly what you have become.""What... is that supposed to mean?" asked Kairi with unease, almost fear."You will see my daughter, you will see," was all Mother answered, growing silent afterwords.Kairi moved to sit up on the edge of the bed, silently pondering a thought that made her anxious.She was human...
Are you?
The thought was deeply troubling to her. She didn't mind Mother not being human, even if she didn't really understand exactly what she was. But if the same applied to herself...She didn't know.Was she really that different than other people?Could she even call herself a person if she wasn't human? The thought made her flinch.What WAS she then? What had she become? What had Mother's cells turned her into? It was hard on her to understand. She hadn't really seen anything else besides humans. Mother said she wasn't human. She certainly wasn't an animal. So what did that leave?
Monster...
She recoiled at the thought and ran a hand anxiously through her hair. No. She wasn't a monster, she looked nothing like those abominations, and acted nothing like them either. Except...She remembered...What had first made others think she was crazy...That horrific slaughter of monsters in the slums...Was that what she was?No... that... that was Mother... not her...It wasn't her...Was it?She jumped a little as someone pounded on the door. "Landfall in thirty minutes!"Kairi took a deep breath and slowly let it out as the pounding and landfall warning kept on going down the hallway. Now... now was NOT the time for these kind of thoughts.She filed out into the hallway and onto the deck of the ship. She paused briefly, noting smoke high in the air in the far distance.She wasn't the only one, one of the other SOLDIERs muttered, "Ah shit, looks like weren't not getting time to settle in.""Yeah, looks like we're going in hot," said another.Kairi moved silently passed them and up to Genesis, standing quietly behind him.He had an intense scowl on his face. "I cannot help but feel that I'm in for a headache when we land."Kairi didn't respond, merely standing there and watching as the shore started coming closer and closer. The smoke wasn't from the beachhead from what she could tell, somewhere inland instead. People were fighting and dying already...They made landfall a little while later, and the moment they did Genesis was already in action, approaching a cluster of waiting troops and SOLDIERs "Who the hell is in command here?""Commander got wasted Commander Rhapsodos," said one of the SOLDIERs, "We lost the forward lower basecamp an hour ago. Wutai is pushing hard and fast, were holding the upper mountain passes, but were losing the lower valleys, forests, and villages rapidly.""Lovely," spat Genesis.He turned and glared at the gathered SOLDIERs behind him. "We move, now. We're not stopping until we hit the front line."And then they were running. They blew through the mainbase, and set out on the lower paths away from the mountain passes. Even the first initial forest they passed through, she could feel the alertness in the air from those who had been to Wutai. This close to the mainbase and they were still wary and watchful. Kairi decided to follow suit, keeping her eyes peeled and trying to listen for sounds not made by the rush of SOLDIERs and infantry. If there were any Ninjas about, they didn't dare attack the collective of SOLDIERs. They ran for hours, the infantry starting to lag behind as they drew nearer and nearer to where the smoke was coming from.Screams, gunfire, and the clashing of swords sounded in the distance. It caused a rush of adrenaline in all of them, and they booked it top speed. They exited a forest, rounded a hill, and came upon an occupied village under assault. There were no words as Genesis drew his blade and charged, the rest of them doing the same. Kairi had a few seconds, as she followed behind her mentor and closed the distance towards the front lines, to acknowledge the fact that she was about to kill a living, breathing human for the first time in her life.It was scary how remarkably easy it was.The Wutai were caught off-guard by Shinra reinforcements, but didn't back down. The opponent Kairi came across, some nameless man in a helmet that obstructed the view of his face, thrust something that kind of looked like a mixture of a gun and a lance at her. She parried it aside and riposted, driving her sword straight through his armor with her enhanced strength, bursting out the other-side with a spray of blood. She didn't have a chance to become shocked, or even think about what she had done, had dreaded doing, before another three came at her. It occurred to her only a second before they were on her that Genesis threw himself straight into the deepest part of the battle, which meant following him ended up placing her in the same spot."Kill them my child," whispered Mother hungrily.Kairi withdrew her blade from the man's chest, blocked one attack, sidestepped another, and thrust a hand forward and cast Fire 2, blasting the third assailant back. It was so strange, it wasn't quite like slow motion, but she was so considerably faster than someone unenhanced it might as well have been. Parry the first, parry the second, slash and sever an arm from the first before he could recover from the clash. Boot the wounded man back and to the ground. Duck a swing from a gunlance, crouch and spin, disembowel the man-infront of her, blood spraying at her. No time to think, more were coming."Kill them all," whispered Mother with glee.A tingle ran down her spin that screamed 'Genesis' before an explosion and wave of fire burst through the Wutai ranks, sending men screaming and flailing, ignited and running aimlessly trying to put the fire engulfing them out. She turned her head briefly to see Genesis walking through the enemy ranks, blade ripping through one flaming body after another and cutting them down. She turned back to her own fight in time to block a blow from a gunlance before lashing out with her boot, breaking in a knee with an awful snap, pulling back her sword, and driving it through the man's chest. She pulled it out and rushed to join Genesis, carving into the Wutai's ranks, the other SOLDIERs and infantry fighting at a distance, but making sure the pair were not surrounded.It was a complete and utter slaughter, filled with screams, Mother's gleeful laughter, gunshots, and the sounds of blades clashing. It passed in a blood, smoke, and fire-filled haze for Kairi. There were no faces, just helmeted enemies that died so fast and were replaced just as fast. She didn't have time to contemplate if faceless enemies made it easier or not. The group of SOLDIERs had walked through the Wutai's slandered infantry as if they weren't even there. When it was all said and done, the Wutai either all dead or fleeing, she didn't have time to even acknowledge what had happened before a different type of scream and cry filled the air."Got a gunshot wound over here!""Need a Fire Materia to cauterize!""Anyone got a Restore Materia?""PHEONIX DOWN! Please?! Does anyone have one?""Oh god, my arm! My arm!"Wounded people were dying or struggling to stay alive all around her. Kairi burst away from Genesis's side on an instinct to help them, his words a high-pitch whine in her ringing ears. Her hand was glowing with restorative energy from her materia within moments. She went from one cry to another, trying her best to help out anyone who needed her. She was drawn into the village, where Shinra's occupation force had made their original defense. They had fared far worse than the SOLDIER filled reinforcements. It was awful. The defenders were dragging or carrying the wounded towards a designated area where medics or anyone with a materia was trying to help.Hours blew by in an exhaustive and swift blur until abruptly it all came crashing down, when she knelt down next to a young SOLDIER, disemboweled, a leg blow off, his right-arm hanging on by a thread, filled with bullets. His body stopped responding to her Restore Materia, CPR didn't restore any breath to his body, his eyes glazed over. She just knelt there, staring down at him, her entire body shaking. Finally, the entire battle caught up with her with a single death of someone she had been trying to save. She came to the ground, and sat there on her knees, shivering, suddenly exhausted so badly her vision started to blur.She was vaguely aware of someone shaking her and speaking to her, but she couldn't bring herself to respond. Someone grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the way and sat her down against a building before moving back to the medical area. She slumped against it, blankly staring ahead of her. Genesis came sometime later as the sun began to set, standing over her at first and saying something she couldn't comprehend. The man knelt down in front of her, grabbed her chin, and forced her to meet his gaze. He kept repeating something, maybe her name...
SLAP
Kairi flinched as his hand connected with her cheek, hard. "Apprentice!"She blinked a few times, took in a ragged breath, and looked up at him. "Y-yes?"He looked... either displeased or unsettled, she wasn't capable of understanding at the moment. "You're pale as a ghost little one. Are you injured?"Kairi stared down at herself for a moment before whispering quietly, her voice cracking, "I... I d-don't know."He frowned intently. "You don't know?"Kairi raised her head to stare at him blankly."Humor me, cast cure on yourself," he said.Kairi tried to, but she barely had the energy to raise her arm, and nothing happened when she focused on her materia."Hmph thought so, blew through your entire reserve," he mused before using his own materia, "Full Cure."The energy washed over her, but nothing changed, not to Kairi. She stared at him as numbly as she did before.His eyes narrowed slightly, not looking please. "Rise apprentice, you need to rest."She did as instructed and followed him to a tent outside of town. He pointed inside and she went in without a word. She sat down and simply stared at the ground as the memories of the day started assaulting her mind. A familiar lingering shadow outside the tent, resembling Genesis's shape, did nothing to comfort her. She let out a deep sob, laid down, curled into a ball, clutched her head, and started crying deeply to herself before exhaustion eventually took her to sleep...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A night's fitful sleep did little to help Kairi's emotions. The numbness from yesterday was gone, now it was all raw. She felt sickly in a way she couldn't properly describe, not physically, but internally, in her heart and soul. She wanted nothing more than to find and climb into a shower to scrub all the blood staining her hands for hours on end. She looked down at herself and wanted to scream at herself and at the world in general. She was coated in dried blood, it was wrong! Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong!"My child, what disturbs you so?" came Mother's voice in a soothing tone.Her tone did nothing to set Kairi at ease. "What... have I done? I... I have to go, I have to leave!""Leave?" came a wary tone in Mother's voice, "You wake up and decide to just 'leave'? Surely you jest.""SOLDIER isn't worth this, being strong isn't worth this," whimpered Kairi, looking in disgust at her bloody sword on the ground next to her. "Nothing is worth this...""My child, calm yourself and relax," soothed Mother, "There is nothing to be done about it. You did what you had to do.""Coming from the voice in my head cackling and screaming at me to kill them all the entire time?" snarled Kairi.Jenova went silent for a moment before chuckling, "We'll, what can I say? You're actions have your mother's approval."Kairi snorted with disgust and reached over a gloved hand to start scraping at her clothes, trying to flake the dried blood off. "I have to go... have to go... have to get away...""How will you, and where will you go?" asked Mother with a hint of scorn, "You are not strong enough to break free. If you try to leave, SOLDIER will hunt you down and either drag you back or kill you. There is nowhere on this world you could hide for long, Shinra owns most of it, and will own it all soon enough."Kairi went uncomfortably silent at that."Just take a deep breath, calm yourself, and relax," ordered Mother, "They were your opponents, your enemies. You did what you had to do. Your hands are clean...""They are anything BUT clean!" hissed Kairi, gloves clenched."Aren't they? You we're just following orders," said Mother, "It wasn't on you, but the ones who ordered you to war. You would never have fought them otherwise."Kairi hesitated, doubtful. "But... it was still my choice to fight.""Was it? Was there really any choice?" came Mother's tempting voice, "You know you would have been punished for disobeying. They gave you no choice. The blood is on their hands, not yours. It's okay to kill on other's orders and not feel guilt, not feel remorse.""No, it's...," began Kairi."It's okay to kill on other's orders and not feel guilt, not feel remorse," repeated Mother, a buzz filling the air.Kairi shakily raised a hand to clutch the side of her head. "Gna..."Mother's voice became louder, all consuming. "Repeat it my daughter.""Its... it's okay... to kill on other's orders... and not feel guilt... not feel remorse...," echoed Kairi hollowly."You understand, don't you?" asked Mother, "That I'm trying to help you through this, as a kind, thoughtful, caring mother would.""Yes mother," whispered Kairi blankly."Then repeat it again, without hesitation," ordered Mother."It's okay to kill on other's orders and not feel guilt, not feel remorse," echoed Kairi.She shivered, feeling Mother's touch on her mind, pleasure being forced to rocket down her body, eliciting a moan from her. "Good my daughter, good. Keep repeating it to yourself, killing will get easier with time. By the end of the war, hopefully you will feel nothing at taking a life..."She shivered as she felt Mother's touch withdraw, and clutched her arms to her side, as if to warm herself from the cold. "It's okay to kill on other's orders and not feel guilt, not feel remorse... it's not my fault... not my decision..."Yet... why did it feel like such a horrific lie?
'By the end of the war, hopefully you will feel nothing at taking a life...'
And those words... they filled her with such dread and fear, because she was scared they might end up being true...She shook her head, bottled the thoughts up, and shoved them down deep into her mind, hiding them like any other thoughts that went against Mother's will. She didn't need a conflict with Mother right now ontop of this stupid war, ontop of struggling with the blood on her hands. Because as much as she hated to admit it, Mother was right in one regard, there was nowhere else to go. She couldn't leave.She was going to have a lot more blood on her before this war was over.So much more...She shivered again before forcing herself to her feet, strapping her sword to her back, and walking out of the tent. It would seem she had 'good' timing, it looked like they was getting ready to move out soon. She took a brief walk around, found a mess line for a bowl of mush, and ate. She sat there, listening quietly to the bustle of Shinra's forces. She watched and studied the faces of those who didn't have helmets on. She saw no signs of regret, some grief, but most likely for fallen comrades, no concern for the enemy they slaughtered yesterday. Was Mother right? No one else seemed pained... was she the one who was wrong? It felt wrong... but... no one else seemed to share her pain. Or if they did, they hid it...For a moment, she stood there, and closed her eyes. As the wind blew past her face down the valley they were in, she heard echoes of the scream that assaulted her ears yesterday, Mother's gleeful laughter, the clash of blades. She felt a terrible pain in her chest, her heart, a sickly sensation that didn't belong..."Ah there you are, how do you fare this morning my Apprentice?" came Genesis's voice, piercing through the sensation smothering her.Kairi opened her eyes and raised her head slightly to look up at him silently, bleakly. The man paused for a moment, a hint of a frown on his face."Hmm. I suppose that answers that question, come," said Genesis, turning around, the bottom of his coat flapping like a cape.She followed him into the town quietly, listening as he spoke, "We're gathering to discuss our next move. We lost ground when the ceasefire broke, I aim to take it back, swiftly. You will listen, but not comment, the goal is to learn."Kairi didn't comment.They walked through the town, past the designated medical area, past a clearing in the center of town where prisoners were kept, towards what looked like the town hall and..."There they are," came a hushed, hateful whisper from one of the Wutai prisoners a bit after they had passed, not soft enough to hide from SOLDIER enhanced hearing, "The Crimson Demon and his Bloodletter."Kairi froze up for a split second, mute horror on her face. Did they just call her... Bloodletter? Bloodletter? Bloodletter?!"Hmm, I finally upgraded to 'demon'," mused Genesis softly, amused, "And here I thought Sephiroth would bear the sole title as the 'Demon of Wutai'."Genesis chuckled to himself but didn't break stride. It took sheer force of will for Kairi to get her legs moving. She didn't know if there was a history or secret meaning to the Wutai by that title, but 'blood letting' was evident enough of a meaning for her. She glanced down shamefully at the front of her SOLDIER uniform, still dried blood coating it. Had she really made that horrific of an impression on the Wutai in that one battle?"I approve of their 'title' for you," came Mother's darkly amused voice, "You were right alongside your Chosen in the thick of it. They are right to fear you, as all should fear or adore you, as all WILL come to fear or adore you."Kairi said nothing, trying not to choke and cry as Mother continued to laugh. This... she never wanted this... she wanted to be home... with Sora and Riku and Selphie and everyone else...She followed Genesis blankly into the town hall, into a room of men around a table with a map on it. She stood a few steps behind Genesis, forcing a masked, hardened look across her face, struggling to maintain it as the men saluted Genesis and began motioning to the map. Kairi could hardly bring herself to pay attention, she did not want to learn, because she did not want to lead. She heard enough though, they were marching within the hour, and Genesis and her were going to be at the forefront again. Dread welled up in her stomach as the room began to empty, she was going to have to kill again... and so soon..."You weren't paying attention," came Genesis's voice, yet lacking judgement.Kairi blinked and did a quick glance of the room, the two of them were alone."Well?" said Genesis."No, I didn't," she answered quietly.Genesis sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Apprentice... speak your mind.""Killing people is wrong," she whispered, ignoring an irritated huff from Mother in the back of her mind."I wont disagree on the principle of that statement," said Genesis, "But you really should have thought of that before agreeing to become a SOLDIER, killing IS our job description. I can't say you had many choices aside from SOLDIER or Lab Rat, but it was still a choice you made Apprentice, it's a choice you will have to bear for the rest of your life."Kairi bowed her head, not responding."Your chosen is right," murmured Mother, "This WAS your choice, but fret not my daughter, the pangs will fade, killing isn't wrong, it's...""Wrong as killing may be," said Genesis, "It is our job, and beyond that, sometimes necessary. That does not mean however you have to enjoy it.""Grr...," came a growl from Mother."I look at this war and my involvement in it several ways," said Genesis, holding up a gloved finger, "One, my being here will help to end it sooner that it would be if I weren't here. If neither myself, Angeal, or Sephiroth had stepped foot in Wutai, this was most likely wouldn't have reached Wutai soil yet. It would have dragged on and on, drawn more and more people into it, making it longer and far more bloody."Kairi nodded slowly. "That... makes sense I guess.""The second," said Genesis, raising a second finger, "I look at war as a way to test myself and improve. Stagnation is one of a warrior's worst enemies, the wandering soul knows no rest.""Not... sure that line works there," commented Kairi.Genesis rolled his eyes and flapped his other hand. "Semantics.""Third," said Genesis with a hint of desire, raising a third finger, "While you may not personally agree with it. War is a chance for glory, for fame, renown. To make a name of myself, to be called a hero..."Kairi narrowed her eyes, oh clever, he left that one for last didn't he, to try to make it seem unimportant to him. "There is nothing heroic about butchering people who don't stand a chance against you."Genesis frowned. "Every hero is a villain to someone else Kairi, never forget that. Perhaps me wading through Wutai troops is monstrous to them, to those at home in Midgar, or Shinra reliant towns, it's seen as an amazing, heroic feat.""Those people have their head's screwed on backwards," muttered Kairi.Genesis lowered his hand and made a disgruntled sigh. "The fourth is that frankly, I don't know these people. They are my enemies, them or me, do or die, kill or be killed. It's nothing personal to me to kill them.""It should be," said Kairi softly, painfully, "Each one is a life you end, a lifetime of actions undone, of future children of... of... anything..."Genesis slowly shook his head. "Apprentice, I've said what I can, given you ways out. It's on you to choose how you face this war and how you deal with it. Be warned, if you let it eat away at you, it will destroy you."He strode past her. "We leave within the hour, be ready by then."He paused briefly to hesitatingly squeeze her shoulder before leaving. Kairi closed her eyes and sighed heavily. What in the world was she supposed to do?"Why do anything? Ignore his words, you don't need...," began Mother."I DO," spat Kairi back, more than sick of Mother's bloodthirstiness for the time being."Insolent child," grumbled Mother.Kairi licked her lips and moved to sit at the table, resting her hands on it and staring down at them. "Me being here ends it faster, that's... that's true. I'm... I'm hard to kill, I can take more than other people can. Me being here saves the lives of Shinra troops and SOLDIERs that would have died to the Wutai I... I kill... I'm fighting to save lives..."She made a distasteful face. "Gods that sounds so stupid and ass backwards."She shook her head. "But... I guess its why I fight, aside from not really having a choice. But..."She narrowed her eyes. "I don't fight for glory, or because I like or want to. I will never enjoy killing.""Never is a long time," mused Mother.Kairi grumbled under her breath and stood up, leaving the town hall and making to find Genesis. He was waiting impatiently at the edge of the town, foot tapping the ground, arms crossed, a foul look on his face."We'll be lucky if they'll be ready to move out in two," spat Genesis, "Every second we waste is more time the Wutai can spend on fortifying their positions.""How much did they take after the ceasefire?" asked Kairi.Genesis scowled. "If you had been paying attention, you would have noted it was three villages, a town, two valleys, each with woods inbetween ripe for Ninja ambushes. That also doesn't take in to account a very uncomfortable stretch of forest that Shinra had to take tree by bloody tree just prior to the ceasefire. Sephiroth had the 'honors' of that last time, I'm not looking forward to it. It's going to take weeks, if not months, to take that back, especially at the rate the army moves. Honestly, the greenhorns they sent this time make me cringe. Did they even go through bootcamp or were they just given a rifle and a class on how to shoot it?"Kairi frowned and glanced back into the town. "Greenhorns...?""New recruits," explained Genesis, "The inexperienced and the foolish."And the ones most likely to die if they got into a fight or were ambushed..."Do we need to wait for them?" asked Kairi, an idea forming in her mind.Genesis turned his head and raised an eyebrow."We're SOLDIERs, aren't we?" said Kairi, "What does Wutai have that could match a squad of SOLDIERs? If you don't want the Wutai to fortify their positions, why don't we go on ahead and make life difficult for them?"Genesis seemed amused. "We'll, there's a change from ten minutes ago."Kairi scowled at him, but said nothing. SOLDIER going first let them bear the brunt of the Wutai, of ambushes and fighting, saving who knows how many lives.Genesis tilted his head back. "Hmm... so, squads of our elite eh? It's true, we could carve a path easily enough. But, there is always a risk. Without the infantry or more SOLDIERs at our back, getting surrounded is a real threat, or simply being overwhelmed by far superior numbers."A glint of interest entered his eyes. "Are you prepared to accept that risk Apprentice? That lives may be lost going through with your idea?"The potential loss didn't outweigh the potential lives saved, not to mention ending the war faster. "Yes."Genesis studied her silently for a few minutes before slowly nodded. "I'll allow it. You will lead a squad of four SOLDIERs as a test of not only your idea, but your leadership, fighting ability, and decision making. Wait here."She watched him go, stunned for a moment, until she could squeak out, "Me?"She was going to lead a squad? That was insane! She had no experience 'leading' or directing people, not unless they counted class projects in school, and she was pretty sure that didn't cut it. She had hoped Genesis would be the one leading. Her? She was going to get someone killed...When she saw him return several minutes later with three other SOLDIERs, she forced a calm expression over her face to hide her anxiety, waiting patiently until he approached, "Apprentice, I'm placing these three under your command for your 'mission'."Kairi glanced at the uniform helmeted SOLDIERs, three third class, "What are your names?""Luxiere," said the first."Essai," said the second.The third chuckled a little and spoke in a familiar voice. "What, don't recognize me? Must be the helmet."Oh, her old sparing partner! "Hey Sebastian."Genesis cleared his throat. "Pleasantries later. Your mission is as follows..."He pulled a map out of his pocket and spread it across a nearby building's wall, dragging his finger along a path. "You are to scout ahead to the next village, ascertain it's defenses or lack of them, and 'make life difficult for the Wutai'.""That's... not very specific, Sir," said Sebastion uneasily."Yes, well, that's not my problem, it's your squad leader's," said Genesis dismissively.Kairi shot him a glare, he gave her an amused look back. "Carry on, we'll link up with you when the army arrives. Try not to get yourselves killed."With that, he made an about face and strode off. Not a word of advice or anything? Just 'try not to get yourselves killed'?"I'm going to kill him," she finally decided to mutter.That drew a laugh from the other three, "He always like that?" asked Sebastian.Kairi hummed as an answer and turned away from the town. "Lets go.""So... what does 'make life difficult' entail exactly?" asked Luxiere.She waited until they crossed a small bridge over a brook before answering, "As SOLDIERs, we're faster, stronger, more durable than normal people.""Yeah? So?" said Luxiere."So why are we held back, fighting alongside the main army in big battles when we could make the need for such confrontations irrelevant," said Kairi."I don't follow," said Essai."I do," murmured Sebastian, "Though, I don't think I like it. We're not just harassing the enemy, this ain't going to be using their own Ninja's guerilla warfare against them. We're going to take the next town ourselves, aren't we?""If possible," said Kairi.Luxiere coughed. "Say what?! Dude, we're not firsts, we're a handful of thirds.""And?" said Kairi."This is suicide," exclaimed Luxiere."If you go off on your own maybe," said Kairi, "But stick together, cover eachother's backs, and we have a chance to win with minimal to no casualties involved for Shinra. We won't have to risk the infantry at all.""It's their job," said Luxiere, baffled."Your point?" said Kairi coldly, pausing to briefly turn and glare at him.Luxiere went silent.Mother chuckled. "Silenced with but a glance, as it should be."Kairi ignored Mother, turned and started forward again, into a woods."While I don't agree with your reasoning, this is a chance to not only showcase your power, but to improve. Be warned however, there is risk, you are not yet at the point where an army of these petty humans is nothing to you," said Mother, "At least, not how you fight. If you prove... lacking... I will personally intervene and guide you. Are we clear?"Kairi had a brief hiccup in her step, remembering the last time Mother had 'intervened'. The monsters in the slums... the raw slaughter... gore and blood everywhere...She steeled herself and pushed onward. "That won't be necessary.""So, is there any strategy with this? Are we going to try to lure and pick some off one by one, attack and retreat, anything but diving in head on and hoping for the best?" asked Luxiere."I'm open to suggestions," said Kairi."Well, for one, just bumbling through the woods like this is going to get us killed," warned Sebastian, "Ninja's, traps, and ambushes will be littered everywhere...""Good," said Kairi."Uh...," began Luxiere."We're going to spring and beat every trap or ambush the Wutai sends at us," said Kairi."I mean no offense, but, you are severely overestimating...," began Essai.
Snap
Kairi felt her boot break through something on the ground, followed by leaves falling from above, and almost what looked to be a thin sharp wire swinging down from above right for her neck and...Kairi's hands shot out almost a split second to late as the wire sliced into her neck. She felt blood gushing out and down her front as she stopped the wire from taking her head clean off and pushed it out. She wrenched and tore it down from above. Her hand went to her throat, a small gurgle escaping her mouth, hand scrambling for her cure materia."Kill the Shinra!" came a cry.They were onset by the Wutai in moments, troops bursting out from behind trees.The SOLDIERs formed a triangular defensive position around her as she casted cure on herself, feeling the deadly cut on her throat close up. She joined them, shifting into a square formation, but the entire time they fought off the ambush, only one thing tore through her mind.She had almost died.At first, it was chilling, and it stayed with her until the last Wutai fell or fled. It had been awhile since she was last seriously faced with life or death. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, the chill turning into irritation as a thought struck her. It hadn't been in a battle against a person, or an epic monster, no...She had almost died to a piece of frickin wire.Mother shared her displeasure. "Be aware of your surroundings you foolish child! You almost ruined everything!""Nice to know you care," spat Kairi back at her."You okay kid?" asked Sebastion.Kairi rubbed her bloody, but thankfully sealed throat. "We'll take it slow."Sebastion nodded. "I'll take point and..."Kairi brushed past. "No thanks."She wasn't risking anyone else besides herself. If she let someone else take the brunt of it, showing fear or weakness, she'd never live it down. They moved at a slightly slower pace, and they did not talk. The silence of the woodlands was what they listened for, when it was broken, that's when things generally went wrong. She very quickly began to identify the small tell-tail signs of traps as they kept springing them. A ever so slightly disturbed bush, an uneven pile of leaves, oddly bent branches, and the like.Clearings were also almost always an ambush. A place where people would think they could take a moments rest from a hike through the woods? More like an open killzone. They avoided clearings after the first time the Wutai starting shooting and throwing little sharp metal stars at them. Though, they wouldn't hesitate to go and clear around the clearings, reversing the ambush.They came upon the first town, an hour later, and hunkered down behind a bush at the edge of the woods.Sebastion spoke quietly, "Alright, first real test.""If this is the test," said Luxiere, "Then what the hell were all those traps and ambushes?""Warm ups?" said Kairi humorlessly.Essai scoffed. "Right."Kairi pointed at a group of tense Wutai at the distance. "They're patrolling.""Well, we weren't exactly subtle going through the woods," said Luxiere, "They know we're coming and to be on the watch for us.""We could just pick at them and soften em up for the army," pointed out Essai."The army is going to move far slower than we did," said Sebastion, "It's going to be at least half the fricken day before they catch up, if not more.""We're taking the town," said Kairi.There was a collective sigh from the three other thirds."So, how are we going to do this?" asked Sebastion with resignation, "Running straight in is stupid. We are not firsts.""Pick off the patrols first," said Kairi, "That I imagine will draw attention. They might send out more troops to investigate.""Or lock down the town," countered Essai."Maybe, maybe not," said Kairi, "But sitting here arguing wont get this done. Let's get moving."It was disgustingly, and disturbingly easy, to pick the Wutai off one patrol at a time as the day slowly began to pass. A SOLDIER was stronger, faster, more agile than a regular person, even a trained one. A patrol could be wiped out by a single SOLDIER, let alone four, before they could even react. Their bodies would be dragged away and hidden while the SOLDIERs waited for the next opportunity. The Wutai picked up on their missing patrols and started sending out larger groups to investigate.All that did however was give the SOLDIERs more opponents to pick apart.Unless the Wutai could completely surround a SOLDIER, they didn't stand a chance. When the Wutai finally stopped sending people out into the woods to die and locked down the town, it was laughably easy for the four SOLDIERs to vault over an unmanned portion of the wall and into the village. The hid behind a small storage container, coming together to speak quietly."Well, that thinned them out a bit," said Essai.Kairi didn't comment on that. She, once again, had way to much fresh blood on her armor."Hardly enough to throw a fit about," chided Mother, "Even for you."If Mother had been in front of her, Kairi would have glared."Would have thought they'd stop sending people out after us hours ago," muttered Sebastian, "Whoever is in command here is a moron, wasting so many men.""Hey, I ain't complaining," said Luxiere, "Makes this easier.""Enough," said Kairi thinly, "Do any of you have suggestions on what to do next?""Stick to the shadows and alleyways and pick off the Wutai one by one?" said Essai."Since when are we Ninjas?" joked Luxiere."Since we don't want to get surrounded three hundred to four?" answered Essai."Fair point," said Luxiere, "But at least its damn close to a hundred less than it might have been a few hours ago."Kairi's stomach did a flip, had they really killed that many people already? For a brief moment, she felt a heaviness on her shoulders that made her so uncomfortable......until the lid of the storage container they were next to was taken off and a Wutai soldier reached down into it, freezing at the sight of the SOLDIERs hiding behind it.Sebastian managed a quick, "Ah shit," before the Wutai hollered, "SHINRA!"Kairi resisted the urge to swear as well and acted instantly, drawing her sword and driving it through the Wutai's neck, blood spraying, before rising to her feet, "Get ready!"Caught at the edge of the village before they could even get a plan set. This was going to be unpleasant.The Wutai came in from all sides sporadically. Which, when Kairi got a moment to think about between swings of her blade, was probably the only reason they hadn't gotten overwhelmed in the first few minutes. The moment the Wutai stopped panicking and started coordinating, this would get nasty."Kairi," called over Sebastion, "We need to move. We stay here we're done for.""Book it to the left!" cried out Kairi, turning and bolting.The four of them ran, cutting down any Wutai unfortunate to get in their way. A trail of furious Wutai followed them."Aerial!" called out Sebastion.Kairi glanced up, confused, and glanced back down in time to see Sebastion leap up and grab the edge of the roof of a Wutai's house, pulling himself up. Nice idea, regular people sure as hell couldn't leap like a SOLDIER could. The other three followed his lead, leaping up, out of range of their pursuers, and continued on, leaping off the roof and back onto the wall surrounding the village. They slew the guards in the immediate vicinity at hunkered down away from the edge of the wall to avoid any shots."'Kay so," said Sebastion, glancing at Kairi, "We've stirred the hornets nest and squashed a bunch of wasps, good enough?"Kairi pursed her lips. "The village isn't taken yet.""Kid, I don't know what you feel you gotta prove, but a squad of four thirds can't fight an entire village," said Sebastion, frowning."Tsk, such cowardice," mocked Mother, "So long as the ants can't surround you, this will be a glorious slaughter.""Not at once no, but, if we keep moving, whittling down the Wutai as we go, we can take this place in a few hours," countered Kairi, "The Wutai troops can't keep up with our mobility. Hit and run, jump to the roofs when we have to run or need a breather."And she believed it too. The four of them were SOLDIERs, if they abused their strengths, the Wutai wouldn't stand a chance. The other thirds on the other hand exchanged uncertain glances."If you don't feel confident in this, return to the main army then and report our status, they shouldn't be to far out by now," said Kairi, "I'm staying."Sebastion sighed. "Kid..."Luxiere crossed his arms. "She's might have a point, so long as we don't screw up we might actually be able to do it."Essai scoffed. "Sure, right. We're SOLDIERs, not miracle workers. We DO eventually tire out you know."They might, but she wouldn't so long as she didn't mess up, not before the army arrived. She had Mother's gifts, and she was ready to use them to her advantage."Make your choice, stay, or return to the army and...," began Kairi.She paused when a hissing sound followed by a tink hit the ground behind them. She glanced behind, eyes widening, as little metallic balls with burning string were lobbed over the wall at them."Grenades!" yelled Sebastion, diving.The four of them barely started to move before the small cluster of grenades exploded. Each of them were thrown in a different direction. Essai off the wall towards the woods, Sebastion along the wall to the north, Luxiere along the wall to the South, and Kairi right back into the village. She hissed in pain as the explosion carried her through the air, feeling shrapnel bury into her back. She managed to pluck a few pieces out before the compacted herself, rolling as she hit the ground, tripping a few Wutai with her body, and then sprung up swinging."Shit shit shit," she exclaimed, panicking at the sight of dozens of Wutai coming for her.One SOLDIER was a much different set of odds then four."MOVE!" roared Mother in her ears, "Don't stand still you fool!"Kairi turned and bolted, her back flaring in pain, but pushed through it, elbowing a Wutai out of the way and flooring another to the ground as she ran. She cried out as a bullet tore through her shoulder, and then another through her lower hip. She ducked and weaved, trying to make herself harder to hit, and ran for an alleyway. She reached the end, crouched, and leaped up, pain rocketing through her back and hips, but managed to grab the edge of a roof and hauled herself up. She scurried away from the edge as a horde of bullets peppered the spot she had just been at. She laid down on the roof, taking ragged breaths, before sitting upright and reaching behind herself to try and get as much shrapnel out of her back as she could.All she needed was a few minutes to rest and wait for her body to heal, and maybe a few cure spells, then she'd be...Her thought's trailed off, eyes going wide, when, to her astonishment, four Wutai scaled the wall, almost seeming to run up it. They were only lightly armored, a cloth bandage wrapped around their lower faces, thin sharp swords drawn. Fricken ninjas...She rolled as one of them stabbed down at where she had just been and then sprang up, swinging for her attacker's next. This one was a bit faster than most and ducked, losing a bit of hair instead of his head. One came at her from the right, one from the left, another circling from behind. Crap crap crap!She saw no way to avoid what was coming, and made a sacrifice she hoped they weren't expecting. She turned and met one's charge, running him through as he ran her through. She cried out when another sword slashed at her back and another stabbed into her side. She turned and wrenched, pulling her sword out of the ninja and decapitating another with a heavy swing.Her vision blurred, agony ripping through her body, and swung wildly before tripping on the blood on the roof, falling down but narrowly avoiding two swings from the remaining Ninjas. She lashed out with a boot and slammed into one of their knees, sending the ninja stumbling back and screaming off the roof. She aimed a hand at the last one and cast Bolt, shocking him and sending the ninja staggering away. She forced herself to her feet, adrenaline burning through her veins, and bum rushed the final ninja and swinging hard. She severed his sword arm, latched onto the remaining arm, and threw the ninja overhead and off the room, plummeting and screaming to his death.Kairi took a few steps towards the center of the roof and collapsed, her sword clattering to the side next to her. She took a few pained ragged breaths and reached for her Cure materia, managing to cast the spell. She laid there, breathing painfully, agony still spiking through her. She coughed up blood and cursed quietly to herself. Her lung definitely was pierced when she was run through."You have minutes before more manage to get up here," hissed Mother, "Heal yourself quicker you...""WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING?!" screamed Kairi in her mind, "Unless you can actually help me, then SHUT UP!""Insolent child," grumbled Mother, "Fine, I'll lend you what strength I can."Kairi took in a strangled breath as strength invigorated her body, her vision clearing briefly. She shook her head, cast Cure again, and sat up."Thank you Mother," murmured Kairi."Finish restoring yourself," ordered Mother, "Then make the Wutai suffer for harming you."Kairi spent a few minutes resting and casting Cure over and over again before a familiar hiss and tink sound hit her ears. She grabbed her sword and was already rolling and diving away when the grenade exploded. She gave a yelp as the roof collapsed, and she crashed through into what looked like a grainhouse. Bags of rice were a much nicer landing than the rough ground. She didn't have long to get her barrings before the Wutai burst into the grainhouse.Kairi rose to her feet, cast Barrier on herself, hefted her sword, and charged with a warcry. She was briefly surprised to see fear on the Wutai's eyes before she tore into them, her rapier stabbing through their armor or severing limbs. She burst out of the grainhouse and took a brief assessment. Two dozen Wutai stood outside, staring at her in disbelief. One of them glanced up at the roof, shock and fear on his face.Kairi blinked when a bit of blood splashed down from the roof where she had been fighting the ninjas, hitting her hair and face. That seemed to scare the man."Bloodletter!" cried out the man, backing away and lifting his gunlance to fire at her.Kairi burst to the side as bullets tore through where she had just been. The Wutai were no longer trying to fight her in melee, oddly enough. They seemed borderline terrified, backing away and trying to shoot her instead. She used that to her advantage, trying to keep a Wutai between herself and others as a shield, trusting her Barrier spell to take the brunt of whatever else got through. Swing and move, stab and move, slice and move, her heart was pumping nonstop as the Wutai started dropping rapidly, either to friendly fire or her blade."Fall back!" commanded a voice.The Wutai needed no further warning, and turned and bolted, leaving a single Wutai in heavy armor and a longsword behind. Kairi narrowed her eyes briefly, sizing up her opponent. He matched the description Genesis gave her for a samurai. She charged at him. She was taken offguard when the Wutai used her earlier strategy against her. He met her charge head on as she swung down, not even attempting to fight her. Her blade slashed through his armor deeply across his chest as his stabbed right through both her Barrier spell and her stomach."My life for Wutai," spat the Samurai.Kairi hissed in pain before raising a foot and booting him away, "I can heal, you can't."The Samurai dropped, staring up weakly at her in disbelief as she grabbed his sword handle and pulled it out of her. She bit back a scream and fell to a knee, reaching for her cure materia once again. When she tried to cast it, her vision instead blurred. Her energy was damn near fully spent. She staggered away from the downed Samurai and ran as more Wutai came onto the scene. One hand clutching her sword, one hand clutching her most recent wound, she kept on moving. Gunfire sounded off in the distance, hopefully that meant that Sebastian and the others were okay.Kairi barreled through a door, smashing it open before turning and closing it. She turned and glanced around before grabbing what furniture she could and barricading the door. She moved to the back of the house and plopped down against the wall, taking deep ragged breaths.She moved her hand away from the bloody but slowly shrinking hole in her stomach. "Tsss..."She closed her eyes and sat there for a time, listening to the sound of combat in the distance. She felt bad about letting the others keep fighting without her, but she was no use to them at the moment. She licked her dried, bloody lips, before glancing around the house. She moved into a kitchen area and rummaged around for water to drink and something to snack on. Her body needed the energy.She paused when a horn sounded, her eyes furrowing, what was that signal for?She found a flask of water, took a deep drink, and carefully moved to the side of a window, glancing out. The Wutai were moving. She watched dozens run passed, towards the entrance of the village if she saw right. Were they abandoning the fight?"Can you not smell it?" asked Mother, "The fear in the air. They run like frightened children. You, and I suppose your lackeys, have carved a bloody path through this place, and nothing they have done has made a difference."Kairi scoffed. "If I ran into a squad of them right now, they'd probably stand a good chance of finishing me.""Ah, but they don't know that do they?" said Mother gleefully, "All they've seen is you take wounds and run them off like they were nothing as you slaughter them. You should prey on their fear, charge out, kill them as they flee!"Kairi frowned intently and moved away from the window. "No."Mother hissed. "Why?""If they're fleeing, the fight's over," said Kairi wearily, "I'm not going to keep killing if I don't have to.""Any enemy you let flee today is another you have to face another day," warned Mother."Then I'll face them another day!" spat Kairi, "I've been stabbed or slashed or shot enough today! And..."Her face fell. "I've killed enough today as well..."Mother grumbled something under her breath but thankfully went silent. Kairi once again sat down against a wall and closed her eyes to rest......and was shaken awake sometime later, Sebastian's worried eyes boring into her. "Kairi?""Hey," she murmured.She glanced over his shoulder, sighting Luxiere and Essai standing behind him, looking a bit worse for the wear."Shesh, she looks like shit," muttered Luxiere."Thanks," said Kairi dryly.Essai laughed bitterly. "She's fine, but, with due respect, you can count me out if you go and do this again."Luxiere grumbled in agreement.Sebastian offered a hand, and Kairi took it, letting him haul her up. "The Wutai abandoned the town. The army shouldn't be more than an hour or two out. Let's hit the front gate."Kairi nodded and followed him out wearily. She pursed her lips as her eyes went over the carnage on their way through the village. Four against a garrisoned village, no losses on their side, most likely several hundred on the Wutai."A glorious slaughter," mused Mother, "A herald of what is to come."Kairi sighed at Mother's bloodthirstiness but didn't comment otherwise. She ungracefully plopped down when they reached and opened the gate. They sat there silently for a time, resting, until the army finally arrived. Genesis walked at the forefront, Kairi had been hoping he'd seem impressed. Instead, he looked positively furious. The man stalked forward, pausing a bit before Kairi to look her over."Well," mused Genesis dryly, "Judging by the fresh coat of 'red paint' all over you, I suppose you are earning that nickname the Wutai gave you."Kairi glared at him.Genesis returned the glare. "Apprentice, what were you thinking?"Her eyebrows furrowed. "That I wanted to complete the mission?""When I sent you out here," he said thinly, "I was expecting you to spring a few traps, foil an ambush or five, weaken their defenses, perhaps pick off a patrol or three, and then return after softening them up. Instead, judging by the atrocious condition I find you and your squad in, I'm led to believe you charged the village. How you actually managed to survive and win is beyond me."Kairi scoffed. "Well someone never actually gave concrete instructions, I'm not a mind reader. And hey! Give us a little credit. We picked off way more patrols than just three, and we didn't charge in. We snuck in... and then got caught, we had to improvise from there.""Improvise," stated Genesis before shaking his head, "Forget it. You four are getting looked over by a medic, we're going to set up in the village, then I expect a full debrief."Kairi pursed her lips tightly, but didn't respond as he moved on. They moved off to the side as the army started funneling in. Not a congratulations or good work or anything passed their way as the troops moved. Some of the other SOLDIERs gave them appraising looks, while most of the infantry just seemed awed or scared of them. It left Kairi a bit peeved, she had done this to save lives, and those lives she potentially saved seemed wary of her.One by one as the hours passed, Sebastian, Essai, and Luxiere were summoned by Genesis to give reports. Kairi was saved for last. She walked through the village silently, an uneasy, unpleasant sensation crawling down her spine as she saw a corpse pile full of Wutai being made in the village square. She walked passed it, willing herself not to flinch or stare at it.The walked into an improvised command center, but rather than the assortment of people who had been in the last one, only Genesis was there. He stood impassively at a table, looking down at a large map of the Wutai area."Sit," he said, his voice calm, betraying not a hint of what he was thinking.Kairi moved to a chair and sat down quietly."Report," ordered Genesis.Kairi cleared her throat and began, recounting to the best of her abilities. Genesis didn't react to her words outside making a few notes on a slip of paper.When she finished, Genesis leveled his gaze on her for a very uncomfortable minute before finally speaking, "Two hundred and forty-five.""Pardon?" she asked."That was the latest casualty report given to me based on the number of bodies counted on the way here, from dead patrols you hid, and sifting through the village," he said.Kairi paled.Genesis studied her reaction. "All things considered, your plan was a success rarely seen outside of 1st Class SOLDIERs. No casualties for Shinra, a heavy loss to Wutai, and what I imagine must be a severe demoralizing blow to them as well. All done with just four 3rd Class SOLDIERs, with only one of them, Sebastian, having ever stepped into Wutai before. All four of you acted moderately well under pressure when separated as well. I suppose I'll be sending in glowing reports back to HQ."He tapped a pen on the table. "You must be pleased, no?"Kairi licked her lips, dryness in her mouth. "No.""Oh?" asked Genesis, "Why ever not?""I...," she began before clearing her throat, "I wanted this mission so we didn't... didn't have to waste lives."Genesis raised an eyebrow. "So, you went with my first suggestion then to look passed the bloodshed.""I'm... I'm not looking passed it," said Kairi, a bit of shake to her voice, "I never wanted to be here. Killing people. I... I acted on..."Genesis spoke softly, "Apprentice. You don't have to justify yourself to me.""Then why are you acting so peeved?!" she hissed at him.Genesis rolled his eyes. "There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess."Kairi had to resist the urge to tell him to can the Loveless."I'm 'peeved' not because of you, but because of how I imagine this is going to look back to those at HQ," said Genesis with a heavy sigh.Kairi stared at him blankly."I was already on 'thin ice' with Lazard from our little 'training exercise'," drawled Genesis, "Can't imagine how they're going to look at this, to them, this is me sending you off on another 'impossible' mission by yourself to get you killed.""Oh..., said Kairi, "But this was my idea...""That I allowed, so will they care?" mused Genesis, "Who knows. Hell, it wasn't even supposed to be my turn back in Wutai yet. I'm here a full rotation early on 'punishment', taking Angeal's place. Seems no matter what they do with me I lead to messes."He threw his head back and laughed. "My friend, the fates are cruel."He shook his head and gave her a slight tilt of acknowledgement. "Regardless, you did well apprentice, aside from the fact that you look like you were sculpted by a woodcarver. I hope you'll be ready to do this again soon, because next time it will be my turn to have fun with the Wutai."Kairi frowned. "It wasn't fun."Genesis rolled his eyes and flapped his hands dramatically. "Fine, 'challenging'. Two against impossible odds, teacher and apprentice, will be a 'fun' little bonding exercise."He tilted his head to the side. "If I'm still a commander come morning and Lazard hasn't decided to revoke that as well."Kairi winced and opened her mouth to speak...He waved a hand. "Off with you. Get some food, rest, and for the goddess's sake, bath and get another uniform. While I like the Wutai's name for you, the fresh coat of blood all over you makes me near nauseous. If Hojo hadn't already shown how much blood you can lose without it affecting you, I might be concerned.""Well, things did get blurry for a little bit," admitted Kairi.Genesis raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Then I'll repeat myself, food, rest, bath, uniform, and sleep."Kairi sighed, gave a quiet 'yes sir' and left...Genesis sat at that same table as day became night, brooding to himself. He had sent the report hours ago, and had yet to get a response. On one hand, he was immensely proud of his apprentice for pulling off such a stunt, on the other hand, he was both peeved at the danger she had put herself in, and most likely drawing the ire of Lazard, Sephiroth, and Angeal on him again. He was moderately surprised his PHS hadn't lit up and bombarded him with endless rebuke.To be fair, he hadn't expected his apprentice to go so far. He had hoped it would be a learning experience for her. Instead, it had turned into a resounding success. If it weren't for that 'madness' bit the others kept expecting of her, this would have sprung-board her military career without question.Not that she cared for it.Oh but her attitude in regards to this war... she had a desire and she acted on it. She wasn't the first to suggest to him or others that a squad of SOLDIERs could work over the Wutai. He was relatively certain he, Sephiroth, and Angeal could win this entire war three against the entire nation if it came down to it. However, all the suggestions or fantasies didn't matter, since they never acted on it.Kairi?She acted. She despised killing, despised war and death. And was willing to act to put an end to it as quickly as she could doing whatever it took, even if that meant getting her hands dirty, and bloody. He didn't think she understood just how much impact such an outlook was going to have. So long as they weren't recalled, he briefly entertained the notion they might end the war in this rotation.
Brr. Brr.
Ah, there's the PHS. Time to face the music.Genesis flicked open his PHS......and his jaw dropped when he realized it wasn't a text from Lazard or Sephiroth or Angeal.It was from the President.'Effective immediately, 3rd Class Kairi has been promoted to 2nd class. Come morning a helicopter will be dispatched to bring you and 2nd class Kairi back to the main staging area to meet with Professor Hojo to give her the 2nd Class Mako infusion. Afterwords she is to be returned to the front.'Genesis's mouth was still hanging open. "What...?"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi stared out the side of the helicopter taking her and Genesis back to the main staging area, brooding to herself. 2nd Class, she was being promoted and given her mako shots. She ought to be happy, it would make her stronger and allow her to help end the war faster. It was something every SOLDIER looked forward to. Yet...It felt like she was being rewarded for murder."You're being rewarded for your... performance," said Mother, "You impressed them enough to warrant more strength. Power you will need my child.""But why? Why does anyone honestly need this inhuman kind of power? What I already have is absurd," countered Kairi."For insignificant sentients perhaps," mused Mother, "But in terms of greater beings. Such as your brothers, and other entities that exist in the stars that you have yet to even fathom, your power is paltry in comparison. Trust me my child, you will need ever scrap of power you can get."Kairi frowned and let a soft sigh escape her lips. "Yes Mother.""Hmm," began Genesis, looking up from his copy of Loveless, "You don't seem thrilled to become a 2nd class."Kairi shrugged. "Maybe if I had gotten it from normal missions. This?"She repeated her earlier thought. "It feels like I'm being rewarded for murder."Genesis half raised an eyebrow. "You are aware armed combatants do not fall under the same distinction as civilians."Kairi leveled her gaze on him, lips pursed.Genesis closed his book with a snap. "Legally, taking a life of an enemy during wartime is not constituted as murder or homicide."Kairi crossed her arms and mocked, "Oh yes, because that makes it all A-Okay."Genesis snorted. "A-Okay? Are you a child? I haven't heard that phrase since I was a youth in Benora.""I am only fifteen," huffed Kairi, "Sixteen in like a month or so. I might as well still be a kid."Genesis scoffed. "I consider myself an adult, and you're only two years younger than me, act your age."Kairi did a double take. "Wait what. You're seventeen? I thought you were mid or early twenties."Genesis looked affronted. "Excuse me? Are you calling me old?""Well, twenties isn't really old at all," backtracked Kairi, "I just thought you were a grown man, not..."Not basically still a teenager.Not someone who would have actually been a child in earlier Wutai...Kairi's breathing hitched a bit. The Wutai War had been going on for five years now. It took effort to get into SOLDIER 1st class, years of it and battle and service to Shinra. Had Genesis..."How old we you the first time you entered the war?" she asked quietly, shakily, not wanting to know the answer and yet for some strange possessive reason craving it.There was a ever so subtle pause to Genesis; to someone who knew him, as a man of action and motion, to see him completely still was unnerving, it meant her words made and impact, the memories they brought up had to be powerful. "Thirteen. I joined SOLDIER after hearing about 'Sephiroth's amazing feats' and decided to become a hero myself."Young.So damn young.And wanting to fight for all the wrong reasons.He smiled wryly. "Managed to drag Angeal along with me. We were trained and marched out like good like soldiers to fight as Sephiroth's side."His smile died, it died utterly, and an almost lost look crossed his face, his voice becoming oddly hushed. "He had the tittle of hero, but that's because no one knew better. He was a boy fresh out of Hojo's labs, given a sword, and tossed into a war. He was twelve when he first entered the war."Kairi's heart wrenched.And Mother's irritation was apparent, a brooding throb in the back of Kairi's mind. "My Chosen One is power incarnate, immense, but even an inexperienced child could have been caught off-guard or overwhelmed. The Shinra should have taken better care of what is MINE. Only I may harm what belongs to me."Kairi felt a bit... disturbed at that, but refocused when Genesis slowly shook his head, "We heard the whispers before we ever reached him. His own troops thought him, a child, was an inhuman monster brought into this world for wanton slaughter."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed. "Why...?"Genesis leveled a heavy gaze on her. "Because no one had ever bothered to teach him the difference between a combatant and a civilian, just gave a superpowered child a sword and ordered him to put down the Wutai."It took a moment for Kairi to understand what Genesis was saying, at it made her whole world tilt. "Oh gods... how many people...?""Sephiroth had gone through several entire villages at that point," mused Genesis, "Hadn't the slightest clue what he was doing was wrong. Years in Hojo's labs does that so someone I suppose. It is one of the few reasons I will ever pity him. Aside from having the social skills of a stump of-course.""Pity my Chosen One?" growled out Mother, "Fool. There was nothing wrong with what he did. The 'civilians' as he called them should have known better than to be in my son's way."Kairi was so sick of casual disregard of life, and had she bothered to eat that morning, she knew it would be all over the helicopter's door. "Shinra... Hojo."Her face contorted in utter loathing. "How I hate them."Genesis snorted. "Join the club. Angeal and I, even Sephiroth, can smell the stench of corruption permeating through the corporation."She stared at him in disbelief. "Then why don't you three do something about it?""If I didn't know any better apprentice," drawled Genesis, "I'd say you were suggesting anarchy.""You have the power to do it," pointed out Kairi.Genesis barked out in laughter. "Perhaps we do. The three of us could make the Shinra tower look as bad as you did yesterday with relative ease."Kairi scowled at him. "Why don't you? You know what goes on in the Science Department is wrong, that this war is wrong, and who knows what else is wrong with Shinra.""Do either me, Angeal, or Sephiroth look like we'd know how to run a corporation that pretty much owns the planet?" asked Genesis dryly, "Besides, Shinra is all Sephiroth has ever known. He wouldn't consider leaving it, let along turn on it.""In time, he will know MY will, rather than Shinra's," hissed Mother, "And they, along with this world, will pay the price for my pains."Kairi shook her head, trying to banish Mother's words. "Have you ever bothered asking him?"Genesis shrugged. "No, didn't see the point of it when the answer is obvious."Kairi frowned. "People can surprise you Genesis. If you ever asked him, I think he might shock you."Genesis rolled his eyes and let her words roll off his shoulder. "Again, beside the point. If Shinra was toppled, do you have any idea what that would actually do to the world? The economic, social, and industrial collapse of civilization? Perhaps if I were a vindictive dying man I might not mind, but I quite like my fancy quarters, dining out at expensive restaurants, and seeing Loveless plays once a week."Kairi snorted. "If you could marry Loveless, I think you would.""It has captured my heart I suppose," mused Genesis.Silence descended over them, and Kairi let her brief boiling hatred of Shinra and Hojo simmer and then cool off. Maybe she was just letting her bitterness and resentment get to her. Toppling a company like Shinra wasn't a clean cut thing as Genesis just pointed out..."When the perfect answer is to simply kill them all, it actually is," countered Mother.Mother's bloodthirstiness was really not a surprising thing anymore. Kairi was starting to simply take it as a given, in fact. "Is that you're answer to everything?"Mother chuckled. "Convert and kill my child, it's a tried and true method."Kairi resisted the urge to roll her eyes and settled down to wait. They arrived ten minutes later and set down before being escorted to a building, looked like a converted warehouse. She couldn't help but tense at the sight of Hojo waiting at the entrance."Ah, Specimen K, how good to see you," mused Hojo, "You did impressive work, I suppose. More proof of the genius of my design.""Your design?" hissed Mother, "There will come a day when your usefulness is at an end, and you will see it twas not yours, but MINE."Kairi blinked a few times, slightly confused, before banishing it and saying, "Let's just get this over with."Hojo studied her briefly, eyes calculating, before he turned and went into the building.Mother was still irritated as Kairi was led into a small barren room far to reminiscent of the labs and ordered to lay on a table. "Honestly, he takes credit for stumbling upon something, fiddling with a few things or taking the obvious path. I alone saw your potential, I alone made your my child..."Kairi very carefully tuned Mother's ranting out and focused on keeping an eye on Hojo. Genesis thankfully hadn't been ordered to leave, though, she had a feeling he'd refuse considering he did the same last time. It would be harder for her to disappear if Hojo tried to snatch away out here rather in the depths of the Science Department, but she still took no chances. She watched as he took out five hefty syringes. They were MUCH larger than the simple single booster shot she had gotten before."As we don't have the necessary equipment in place, I do not have any restraints should she react... poorly... to the increase in Mako in her body," said Hojo, turning to eye Genesis, "I assume you are competent enough to deal with that problem?"Genesis rolled his eyes. "Of course professor. I'll keep her from accidentally giving you a concussion."He added in slyly. "Probably."Hojo shot him a glare.Kairi hid a grin at that before commenting, "Honestly, I passed out within moments of getting my first mako injection. I doubt it will be a problem."That for some reason caused Genesis to give her a peculiar look. "That so?"Hojo cleared her throat. "Your medical information should be kept quiet.""Rather curious," mused Genesis, "Most people grow 'hyper' after getting Mako pumped into them. Hard to keep them settled and controlled."Kairi shrugged. "Maybe it's a girl thing.""Not quite," said Mother, "It's more along the lines of your body shutting down to adapt. You were born of a separate realm, separate rules, your body didn't seem to know how to react to Mako without me guiding it.""What does that mean?" asked Kairi."That you would most likely still be in a Mako Coma if not for my efforts," said Mother."Oh...," was all Kairi could say in response."As a warning, your body HAS since adapted to Mako with my aid," said Mother, "Thus, I am... unsure exactly what a sudden increase will now do to a unique body such as yours. It could be normal as with their other SOLDIERS, or something else could happen. If need be, I will render you unconscious until your body adapts.""Thank you," said Kairi, not wishing to accidentally hurt someone."I'm more inclined about the potential danger to you than others," shot down Mother.Kairi rolled her eyes and braced herself as Hojo wheeled over a cart with the syringes and Genesis moved into place behind her head, hands gripping her arms. Hojo briefly grumbled about being forced to do this in such an uncontrolled environment, but that didn't stop him from jabbing each of them into her. One into each limb, one into her heart. At first, it was a simple uncomfortable pressure, of the liquid being pumped into her body...Then...Then she was on fire. She hissed, feeling like her limbs, her chest, were burning, and it was spreading, igniting her entire body."Ease apprentice," murmured Genesis.HOT HOT HOT! WHY WAS IT SO HOT?! She started writhing and crying out in pain, causing Genesis to tightening his grip on his arms. Hojo, in his usual fashion, had a notebook out and was jotting down her reaction, scrutinizing her without a shred of care in his gaze. Her vision started turning green, giving an odd hue to her surroundings. A buzzing, so heavy and all consuming, filled the back of her mind, Mother's presence growing stronger and stronger. Images and visions passed through her mind, all incoherent rushes of different people and places...A wolf tracking it's prey through a forest. A fish swimming in the sea. A tree swaying in a storm. A boy playing in the mud. A leaf being blown about in the breeze. A newborn being pushed out into the light. A rock tumbling down a cliff. A crab scuttling across a sandy beach. A young man and woman sitting and talking on a swing-set. A mother bear protectively watching over her cubs. So many things and more. It was so hard to focus, so hard to figure out what was real...Suddenly, sounds began to fade, her vision blackened, as if she were falling away from her own sight. Exhaustion began to cripple her. So tired..."At last your will weakens," came Mother's voice, so quiet, coming from far away, but sounding so greedy and gleeful, "Sleep my child. Sleep and fret not. I will take care of your body for you. Leave everything to Mother dearest, sleep forever in my depths, and I will make all of our dreams a reality..."Sleep... didn't seem... so bad...Then the falling stopped, and the buzzing abruptly was driven away by the command voice of a powerful female voice, "Begone Calamity."There was an audible screech from Mother before her presence went quiet, driven to the far back of Kairi's mind. She hazily turned what little focus she could manage towards the other voice, searching."Focus not on me, but on your sense of self Lost Child," came the Voice, "They pump the blood of the planet through your veins, fragments of souls and memories that threaten to overwhelm who you are. Focus on something, anything that is important to you. On what matters to you, who matters to you."Kairi could hardly bring herself to think, with the torrent of images and sensations resuming, but she did, thinking one name. "Sora...""You wish to see your friend again?" asked the Voice."Yes...," answered Kairi."Then reach out for him," said the Voice, "I can guide your hand, but I cannot look through the door again myself so soon after the last time. If you wish to see him, it must be through your own will."She focused, as much as she was able, struggling to push aside images of animals and people and plants, of memories not her own, aside. She hazily saw herself lift a hand glowing with light......and everything went white.Genesis's eyebrows furrowed as Kairi finally stopped struggling. For a split second, her eyes had shifted to that unnatural green cat eye slits that did not belong on her face. Then it had faded. He sincerely hoped Hojo had not caught sight of that, that man would probably want to dump her in the labs again if he did. He watched as her eyes closed, and a soft smile played across her face. That... was an odd reaction to Mako injection. He cautiously let go of her arms and stood straight, staring down at her; perplexing.He glanced up at Hojo, noting the man furiously scribbling on a notepad, cataloguing Kairi's every reaction.His attention was recommended when a soft light caught his attention; he glanced down and gaped, there was a glow starting to surround his apprentice. "What in the hell?""Well that's curious," murmured Hojo, pausing to study Kairi intently.They both watched as the girl lifted a softly glowing hand into the air, as if reaching for something......before it flashed heavily with a bright white light, completely drowning out their surroundings, and forcing Genesis to shield his eyes.
When he lowered his arm from his eyes, Genesis found himself floating in the air. He glanced around briefly, confused, before spotting Kairi floating off in the distance. Hojo was there as well, curiously look around, not alarmed in the slightest, but intrigued. Genesis glanced down, and raised an eyebrow at the fanciful sight below him. There was a humongous city, devoid of color and life. Off in the distance, there was a giant gray castle floating above the city. In the city itself, at the foot of a skyscraper, were two figures battling against a seemingly endless tide of black humanoid monsters.

The first was a boy with brown spiky hair that only Angeal's puppy could rival. He had on a black jacket and odd clothes with far to many zippers to be practical. He swung around a giant key like weapon of all things, smashing aside or destroying the monsters. To Genesis's interest, he moved around almost as if he were enhanced, with incredible speed and agility. Strength that did not match his youthful teenage body. Yet, he could not see any mako glow in the boy's eyes.

The second was a tall, imposing man in a black cloak. His gray, or perhaps silvery hair, hung down to rest on his shoulders. Even through the cloak, Genesis could see his physical strength. His eyes were an almost sickly yellow, devoid of emotion. His face mirrored this, being strong set, but empty. What drew Genesis's interest was nothing short of the LASER BEAMS extending from the man's hands being swung like swords.
"Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul, pride is lost, wings stripped away, the end is nigh," muttered Genesis, "I must be going mad.""If this is a delusion," said Hojo, "Then it is odd that it would be shared. Impractical even."
"Sora...," came Kairi's faint voice.

Genesis looked to Kairi, noting the hazy distant look on her face, then followed her gaze back to the boy. So this was an acquaintance of hers? From before she came to Shinra? But where was this? He didn't recognize the city at all, even the architecture, as dull and lifeless as it was, was unfamiliar to him. He knew of all major cities and settlements in the world, and none of them matched what he was seeing now. Not to mention the monsters, he didn't recognize them at all, and he had fought a considerable amount of different types on various missions. There were many of them, hordes of them, rushing to their deaths at the pair's hands. If he had to guess, there were thousands of the things converging on the two lone souls.

He didn't figure their pairs chances to be high. These two were powerful, the boy oddly so, but they were no 1st class SOLDIERs. Though he might not have minded sparring against the man in the black coat.

"Legend shall speak off sacrifice at world's end," murmured Genesis.

The boy, Sora, gave yelp as a horde of the creatures managed to overwhelm him, taking him to the ground.

"Guard!" shouted the black cloaked man, either moving so fast Genesis couldn't follow, or teleporting, directly to Sora and forming a see-through sparking barrier that blew the monsters off the boy.

The man swung his blades, banishing his barrier and sending little red bolts of energy off in all directions that blew the monsters away and gave the two a brief breather.

The boy huffed and huffed before sitting up. "Thanks Xemnas."

The man seemed disinterested in his thanks, merely grabbing Sora's arm and roughly hauling him up and speaking in a monotone voice, "They come again, prepare yourself Keybearer."

Key-what?

"How long do we need to keep their attention?" asked Sora, wiping sweat off his forehead and then hefting his key-weapon, "How long until your Kingdom Hearts is complete?"

Kingdom-what?

"That, I do not know," said Xemnas, "We beings of nothingness sought to mold our Kingdom Hearts for one purpose. What we are converting it into is another completely."

Sora went silent for a moment before asking, "If it's completed, will it really work?"

"I don't know," answered Xemnas bluntly, "It is an artificial Kingdom Hearts, not the true one. Whether it can hold back the darkness in place of the missing Princess of Heart, remains to be seen. But if it cannot..."

"It won't really matter anymore," finished Sora grimly.

"Indeed," said Xemnas.

There was no more chance for words as the dark creatures came for the duo again.

"Sora... don't give up...," murmured Kairi.

Genesis turned his head to look at his apprentice, noting a bit of focus had entered her eyes. The longer she watched her friend fight, the more awareness came back to her. Finally, she jolted, gave a gasp of surprise and then delight, and looked down at Sora again, a soft smile on her lips.

"Hmm, back to the waking world are we apprentice?" asked Genesis.

Kairi's head whipped up to look at him, eyes going wide. "Genesis?! How are you..."

"Specimen K does not appear particularly surprised by what she sees," noted Hojo.

Kairi's face turned into a deep scowl, turning her head to see him.

"Care to explain?" inquired Hojo.

"No," answered Kairi, turning her head back down to watch Sora fight, her eyes lingering with worry.

"Apprentice," said Genesis, "Where exactly are we?"

"Beats the hell out of me," said Kairi, shrugging, "Last time he was in a different place."

"Last time?" asked Genesis.

Kairi's lips went tight, and she did not answer. Genesis frowned at his apprentice, but did not dig any deeper. He instead floated over to Hojo.

"Well professor? What do you make of this?" asked Genesis.

"Wait what?!" exclaimed Kairi, eyes going wide and swerving to him, "You can move!?"

Genesis blinked a few times. "Yes...?"

Without further word, Kairi dove through the air down towards the fight, causing Genesis to swear. "Imbecile!"

He didn't know if this was some shared delusion or not, but on the off-chance it was not, diving into an impossible-to-win situation was not his idea of a good time. He drew his sword and started to follow to drag her back, only to stop when Kairi reached her friend, and tried to stab a monster attacking him, only for her blade to phase through it and do nothing.

"No!" shouted Kairi, "No no no! That's not fair! He needs me!"

Genesis gave her a look of pity, especially when her friend didn't seem aware of her presence, before sheathing his sword and floating back up to Hojo. "Professor?"

"My first thought is this is a mako induced illusion, showing her someone she used to know," said Hojo, "Yet, that would not explain us being dragged into it as well."

Hojo adjusted his glances, an interested look on his face. "Jenova could exert mental influence... yes, perhaps that is how we were dragged in, most interesting."

Hojo brought a hand up to his chin and began to cackle and mutter to himself.

Genesis rolled his eyes and sighed, floating away and down to Kairi, watching her uselessly try to fight and help her friend. "Apprentice."

"I have to help him!" shouted Kairi.

"Apprentice!" said Genesis, raising his voice, "I don't know what this is, but you have no effect here. You can do nothing."

Kairi froze up mid-swing of her sword, a quiet sob escaping her lips. "It's not fair..."

"Life rarely is," said Genesis, touching down next to her, "We should leave."

Kairi made no move, simply watching her friend and Xemnas cut down scores of the dark creatures.

"I suppose we can turn this into a learning exercise if you insist on staying," drawled Genesis before pointing at Sora, "That is exactly how to not fight. Self-taught to be sure, flailing around without control, just trying to hit something."

Kairi turned and scowled at him. "Hey! That's my best friend!"

Genesis raised an eyebrow. "And...? I criticized you just as readily for your lack of skill when you first came to me."

Kairi huffed a little before sadness bled across her face. "I... I want to make sure he'll be alright."

"Incase you didn't notice up above, there are thousands of these creatures...," he began, whacking an arm through one of the black monsters with no effect, "They will be at this for hours, if not days. We have other things to be doing apprentice."

Kairi still made no move.

"Besides," said Genesis, his voice softening, "Would you really want to watch him die?"

She turned and glared at him with cold steel in her eyes. "He won't die."

She crossed her arms. "He's to stubborn to."

"Then you can trust him to take care of himself," said Genesis, "Now find us a way out of here. I have the distinct impression that while we are... wherever the hell we are, our bodies are unconscious elsewhere. I'd rather not leave ourselves defenseless."

Kairi hesitated, uncertainty crossing her face. "..."

"Besides, the longer we remain here, the more interested the professor seems to get, and I think that is an unwanted thing," warned Genesis.

Slowly, Kairi nodded. "Alright."

Finally.

Genesis floated up in the air back towards the professor, only to pause and glance back when he faintly heard his apprentice speak, with softness, yet something so intense, "Sora... I'll always be with you."

For a moment, the boy paused his fight and half turned his head, eyebrows furrowed, looking straight at Kairi as if he had actually heard her. The moment passed, and the boy returned to the fight. With that, Genesis and Kairi floated back up, and as they did, the area began to turn white around them...
Genesis gave a strangled gasp and found himself staggering, grabbing the back end of the table Kairi was laying on. He shook his head, blinked a few times, and glanced around, finding Hojo in the same state he was. The professor righted himself, adjusted his glasses, and began writing in his notebook once more without a single word. Genesis looked down, eyes furrowed, at his apprentice, watching her slowly open her eyes, with a mako glow more intense than before, of a 2nd class SOLDIER. He could feel the difference, a tingle running down his spine, at the strength she now possessed."Well, absolutely strange hallucinations aside, how do you feel apprentice?" asked Genesis.She swung her legs over the side and sat up, examining herself, a masked look on her face betraying nothing, the fury in her voice however..., "I'm fine."She got off the table and made for the door without another word. Oh, she hadn't liked being dragged away from that had she?"Specimen K," said Hojo, glancing up at her.She paused at the door and ground out. "The mako injections been given, I have no further need to stay here. What do you want?"Hojo studied Kairi in silence for a minute, his gaze intense. "Jenova was said to be the Heaven's Dark Harbinger, I wonder, what does that make you?"Kairi blinked a few times, giving him a baffled, if but hostile look.Genesis however was frowning. Jenova? As in Sephiroth's mother? What did a long dead woman have to do with this? And what exactly was that title supposed to entail? Hadn't he also mentioned her in that... thing?Kairi didn't reply to the scientist, instead, she turned and left the building. Hojo merely smiled at that, creepy enough to force Genesis to subdue a shiver. Hojo had gotten something out of that... hallucination... or whatever the hell it had been. He looked downright satisfied. Genesis grumbled to himself and left in pursuit of Kairi, determined to have a few choice words.He found her already climbing back into the helicopter to go back to the front. "Oh? So eager to return to bloodshed and war my dear apprentice?"He froze when Kairi turned around and glared at him, her pupils contracting into green slits. "Genesis. Shut. Up."She turned and climbed into the helicopter without giving him a chance to respond. Genesis glared daggers at her wake and pursued her inside, strapping himself in directly across from her. He noted, curiously and warily, that her eyes hadn't gone back to normal yet. She was giving off a vibe that put him on edge. He had questions for her, so many of them..."What was that?" he decided to start with.Kairi grunted out, "I don't know."Genesis scoffed. "You don't know? You expect me to believe that?""Believe what you want, I don't care," spat Kairi.Genesis blinked a few times, taken off-guard by the open hostility, and responded of course with a bit of mocking, "Well, someone's in a fine mood. Shall I recite Loveless and make your woes all better?"The way her slits narrowed reminded him far to much of Sephiroth. "Keep it up and I'll burn the copy you gave me once I get back to Shinra HQ.""You wouldn't!" exclaimed Genesis in outraged horror."Try me," said Kairi.Genesis took a moment to weigh the value and sentimentality of the Loveless copy against trying to pull answers out of his apprentice. "Hmph, have it your way, keep your secrets for now."He pulled out his own copy of Loveless and flicked it up, making an act of reading it while watching his apprentice over the top of his book. Her shoulders were slumped, her head bowed, staring at the floor of the helicopter. From what he could see of her eyes at this angle, they almost seemed to be flickering back and forth before normal mako blue and green slits. He watched her reached up and massage her forehead, an almost pained look crossing her face."Headache?" questioned Genesis."Something like that," said Kairi before muttering something he didn't quite catch involving 'Mothers'.When she resumed her silence, Genesis merely sighed and continued his vigil, half-reading Loveless, half-keeping and eye on his apprentice. She looked... a lot like how she had looked after getting her mako boosters a few months ago. It made him wary, and that vibe from earlier still hadn't gone away. It was, oddly enough, a tingle he got when he was in danger, usually only something that triggered these days from Sephiroth when they got carried away in a duel. Something felt... wrong... to him, though he couldn't pinpoint what exactly it was, just something about Kairi in genera. He had a feeling he'd need to keep a close eye on her for the time being...A very close eye.Kairi felt like she was drowning. The moment she had come back from watching Sora fight, the buzz in the back of her mind had begun rocketing through her skull. It was so hard to focus, and Mother's voice was coming out like a loudspeaker. She was drowning in noise, and it was a struggle to keep up an outward calm appearance. She was fairly certain she was failing in that regard ."Your fret over things beyond your control to readily," said Mother, "That boy will live or die by his own merits, nothing more nothing less. He is beneath your notice now anyway."Kairi let a audible growl roll up her throat, not caring about the look Genesis was giving her. "He is my best friend...""Was," corrected Mother, "Even if he survives that, he exists in another realm, one you cannot return to."Kairi couldn't help but let out a small choking sound. Oh Sora... what in the world was happening back there? Why were there so many of those monsters everywhere? What were they? She hadn't seen anything like them in this world."Creatures vary between worlds," mused Mother, "I expect that is even more true between realms. The fact that humans exist in both is an amusing coincidence."Kairi didn't respond to the comment. Differing creatures or not, she wished she could go back. She, well, didn't exactly hate this world or realm or whatever it was, but she extremely disliked it. Psychopaths like Hojo. Greedy bastards like the President and probably over half the people in Shinra itself. People willing to do anything no matter how foul or awful like the Turks. SOLDIERs who lied to themselves or fought for the wrong reasons..."Oh get over it my child," hissed Mother, "How long are you going to bemoan your fate?""As long as I care to," shot back Kairi."Hmph, insolent child," huffed Mother, "What will it take for you to finally focus on the here and now and forsake the past? To harden your heart? Perhaps the death of your Chosen One due to your lack of focus?"Kairi rolled her eyes. "Genesis is a big boy, he can look after himself.""We will see my child," said Mother darkly, "We will see."Mother grew silent after that, but the buzz did not decrease. It slowly increased in volume as they drew back to the front. She wanted to think through everything that had happened after getting her mako shots, but it was so blurry in her mind, so hard to remember, and especially so hard to focus. She didn't even notice when they had returned until Genesis nudged her shoulder."Apprentice, are you there?" mocked Genesis, "My friend, do you fly away now?""What?" she half-asked-half-demanded."Ready to test out that enhanced strength?" questioned Genesis.Kairi raised her head and stared at him, unblinking. "You're the commander. It's your call."Genesis rolled his eyes. "Such enthusiasm. Come, the army is taking a day to rest and recover from that oh-so-awful hike through the woods."Kairi snorted. "So exhausting."Genesis's lips peeled back into an amused smile. "Indeed. I thought it would be apt for me to test your strategy personally. Just the two of us."He paused. "Unless you are feeling unwell after your shots? It's not uncommon for SOLDIERs to take a day or two off to rest and re-balance themselves.""I'm fine," said Kairi."Very well, I'll briefly check in to make sure the army somehow hasn't fallen on their own swords and then we'll be off," said Genesis.Kairi raised an eyebrow at the comment."What?" he said shamelessly, "They are all incompetent as far as I'm concerned."Kairi slowly shook her head, but didn't comment otherwise. She merely moved to sit down at the entrance of the village she had helped capture. She massaged her forehead, trying to will the buzzing and pressure in her head away, to little effect. In hindsight, maybe not taking a day to rest was a bad idea, going into a battlefield like this was a recipe for disaster."You will do fine," said Mother, "And if not, I will intervene.""That's the problem," muttered Kairi.Mother huffed. "I learned my lesson last time, if I'm forced to act on your behalf, you have your mother's promise I will be more subtle."Mother's voice grew alluring, soothing, consuming. "No one will know what happens, will be left alive to know or tell..."Kairi clutched her head, shivering, and let out a fitful but quiet moan of pain. So hard to to think... so difficult to focus..."Do you not trust your mother?" came Mother's smoothly sweet voice, "Am I not a caring mother who looks out for her child? Who knows what's best for her daughter?""Y-yes mother," whispered Kairi faintly, a high pitched whine ringing in her ears.She shook her head and lowered her hands when she heard Genesis striding towards her. "Shall we be off then apprentice?"She rose to her feet and followed wordlessly, moving out of the range of the village and towards the treeline to the woods connecting this and the next village. Kairi frowned briefly as they started trudging through the woods without care. She knew they should be careful, but what were they supposed to be looking out for? So hard to think..."T-traps," Kairi finally managed to think and blurt out.Genesis paused and glanced back. "Hmm?""The Wutai leave traps all over the place, just bumbling through the woods without keeping an eye out is going to get us killed," said Kairi.Genesis grinned. "Ah, but springing traps is the best part."Kairi gave him an incredulous look, recalling how the first trap she sprung nearly took her head clean off. "You're insane.""So I've been told on occasion," mused Genesis, followed by the audible snap of a twig and a woosh through the air.Genesis ducked instantly as the same type of wire trap that nearly killed Kairi yesterday swung down, missing his hair and then swinging aimlessly in the air. He righted himself, shot Kairi a mocking grin, yoinked the trap down, and moved on."Smug bastard," muttered Kairi.Genesis laughed, but didn't respond otherwise. On and on they went, moving in silence, or Genesis tripping and then cockily evading a trap here and there. Then, they came across their first clearing, only for Genesis to begin to stride right into it."Genesis, wait a sec," said Kairi, "The Wutai usually have ambushes in clearings...""Good," said Genesis, "I'm itched to draw my blade."Kairi swore to herself and followed in behind him. Sure enough, gunfire rattled into the clearing. But unlike the clearings she and her squad had stumbled into yesterday, dozens of Wutai poured into the clearing from all sides with a war cry of 'Kill the Crimson Demon' or 'Kill the Bloodletter!'. Her eyes went wide to realize this was a specific trap, just for them. Overwhelm and outnumber from all sides."They learned your lesson well apprentice," mused Genesis nonchalantly as he evaded bullets and drew his sword, "I'll take the front you take the back."Genesis and Kairi were a blur as they surged at the Wutai. Kairi was briefly shocked by how fast she could move now. How her blade carved through armor with so simple a slash rather than a piercing stab. She could track bullets as they came at her and subtly shift to dodge them. Hardly had to put any strength into her blocks or attacks...She cringed briefly as the buzzing in the back of her head erupted in noise. The pause was enough for a bullet to pass through her shoulder and a blade to slice into her arm. She hissed and sprang away and out of the group trying to surround her and cast a quick cure spell before another wave of buzzing noise assaulted her. She clutched her head with a hand and shivered, her vision blurring. What was going on?!"Sleep my child," murmured Mother, her voice soothing, "The stress of the day is to much for you.""F-fighting," whispered Kairi, sluggishly moving to evade attacks and bullets."Sleep," came Mother's voice again, "Let mother dearest guide your hand.""B-but...," began Kairi."SLEEP!" commanded Mother.And Kairi's world blackened out.Genesis hummed a verse of Loveless to himself as his blade surged back and forth, blocking and riposting while he moved through the battlefield with ease. Oh it was so much better to not have to fight alongside the infantry or lesser SOLDIERs. He didn't have to hold back as to not risk their safety. This ambush was nothing, he could have handled it himself. Both him and his now 2nd class apprentice?Child's play.He made to swing his sword down before he froze. Before all of them froze. The entire battlefield suddenly went deathly silent and still. His breath suddenly became visible, a chill filling the air. A sense of wrongness invaded the area, making his stomach churn with unease. The hair on the back of his neck stood straight up. Every sense in his body suddenly started screaming at him.

DANGER!

DEATH!

DESTRUCTION!

FLEE!

Genesis was momentarily caught completely off-guard. He had never felt anything like this, had never had anything cause such a reaction, cause such fear to suddenly settle into him. The Wutai in-front of and around him showed even worse signs, the ones without helmets had showed their faces paling, shivers running down their spines. They were terrified and confused, not knowing what had set them off.Kairi's voice rang out through the clearing, yet there was an odd tone to it, almost older, like an echo within her voice. "Ah, facing mortals again. It's been so long..."Genesis's head turned sharply towards his apprentice, all heads turned towards her. She ran a finger down her sword, picking up a bit of blood, and brought it to her lips, savoring the taste. A deathly smile ghosted her face, and for a split second, Genesis caught sight of her eyes. The grin slits were practically lines now, glowing intensely and sickly. Everything about his apprentice's stance was bizarre and foreign, almost as if she was a different person. Again and again, his senses were screaming at him to run, to get away from her. Something was wrong, deathly and dangerously wrong."You pathetic gnats aren't worth the effort to consume," spat out Kairi with disdain, looking down on those around her with contempt, "Not honestly worth my time save for sating a penchant for death long overdue to be filled."Those around her began to back away."Not one of you will be left alive," said Kairi with such sadistic glee that Genesis took an involuntary step back.Then the screams began. Genesis's jaw dropped to see Kairi suddenly moving and striking with enhanced force well beyond 2nd class. He blinked and refocused in time to catch a blow meant for him with his blade and counter. He'd deal with whatever the hell was going on with his apprentice once the trash was cleared away. As his blade moved his mind however went back to the report Tseng had given them about the time Kairi went off the wall and butchered a bunch of monsters in the slums. The mannerisms were comparable to then, but the chill in the air, the absolute death and danger radiating from Kairi, that was different. Was this another such episode?The Wutai didn't last much longer, and none of them were given the chance to flee, Kairi gutted any that tried to flee like they were animals, laughing and savoring the kill with borderline psychopathic glee. When she finished her last kill, she slowly looked over the carnage, a satisfied look crossing her face. Then, her eyes landed on him, and he did not like the way she looked at him. She eyed him like a predator that had caught it's prey and couldn't decide whether to toy with him or kill him. Slowly, her lips peeled back into an almost ghoulish smile, her green slit eyes sharpening with deadly and lethal focus. She spoke three words then with a falsely sweet voice laced with a mocking undertone, three words that made absolutely no sense, but sent a feeling of dread and terror down his spine for a reason he couldn't possibly fathom."Hello my Son."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Hello my Son."Despite his senses screaming bloody murder at him, Genesis mustered up the nerve to raise an eyebrow at his apprentice and answer with sarcasm, "Son? I think you're a bit to young to be my mother, apprentice."The ghoulish smile on Kairi's face turned into a sneer. "Young? So blind to see only skin deep. I am older than you can possibly imagine my child.""Oh? Were you lying? Instead of fifteen, are you perhaps sixteen?" he mocked, "So much older."Her face turned into a scowl. "I was simply going to kill you, but disrespectful children must be punished."He put a hand to his chest, sarcasm dripping from his lips, "The arrow has left the bow of the goddess."The chill in the area around them roiled. "Your goddess will be dead at my feet and her soul in my gut before the decade is up."Genesis narrowed his eyes at his apprentice, all mocking humor gone. "I suggest you curb your tongue Kairi."The ghoulish smile was back. "Kairi? My daughter sleeps for now, not forever, not yet, but long enough to end your miserable sickly existence."Genesis gave her a blank look. What in the hell...?"My foolish daughter is to soft, to weak, to susceptible to sources outside myself," said Kairi, glaring pointedly at Genesis, "Only my words may sway her, she is MINE to influence and mold to my liking. You dared to tread upon what is MINE. You will be punished, your pathetic existence snuffed out, and my daughter will be safe from your foolish ideals. Alone. Isolated. Susceptible only to MY will."If the hair on Genesis's neck could stand any straighter, it would, just what kind of damage did Hojo do to Kairi's mind to create this? "Well, I always thought Kairi was to pure myself. Guess that needed to be balanced with a psychopathic sadistic alternative personality disorder of all things."Kairi gave a bemused sigh and rolled her eyes. "So ignorant to attempt to define and label me in terms that your little feeble mind can wrap itself around.""Ignorant?" said Genesis, feigning offense, "I think I'm a rather cultured and enlightened fellow if I say so myself."Kairi's lips peeled back into a sneer. "If you were 'enlightened' to even a fraction of what I am, your mind would splinter, your mouth gaping open, your eyes hollowed out in horror and awe and fear. You would tremble and kneel before me, begging for my deliverance, for Reunion."Her voice grew hushed, a mixture of seduction and sadism coating it, "And I would deny you."Genesis's throat was dry, getting dryer by the second. It was getting harder and harder to maintain him normal facade. He had no idea what she was talking about right now, but every time she opened her mouth, he was more and more convinced that whatever persona Kairi had right now, it was pure, unadulterated, evil. The complete opposite of the Kairi he had first met. He was more than aware she'd gut him with a smile on her face at the moment if she had the chance.Normally he'd scoff at that, she shouldn't be anywhere near his level yet, in both power and skill.This wasn't normal however. His senses were screaming. The chill in the air was oppressive. He had seen her moving and attacking faster and stronger than she should normally be able to as a 2nd class SOLDIER. He severely doubted she was going all out on the Wutai either. His skin prickled as Kairi adjusted her stance into something strange, her sword held upward behind her back with a single hand, her other arm loosely hung at her side, she slanted her head and gaze, relaxed, not-on-guard, not appearing to take him seriously whatsoever. She looked down on him as if he were common trooper trash. It rankled him, and for once made him wonder if this is what people felt when facing him?Genesis licked his lips and assumed his own ready stance. Goddess... he couldn't recall the last time he actually felt scared to enter a fight. The first time he had ever entered combat, or fought Sephiroth, that had been excitement mixed with perhaps a bit of anxiety and a tiny bit of fear. This? This was fear. This was dread. Sitting cold in the pit of his stomach weighing him down. He felt as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he didn't know why.Genesis sucked in a breath and slowly let it out, offering a verse of Loveless as a soft prayer, "When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky, wings of light and dark spread afar, she guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."Kairi grinned maliciously, "Ah, that ode. If only you knew what it truly meant.Genesis's eyebrows furrowed. "Pardon?"Kairi's ghoulish smile growing so sickening. "After all, just whom do you think was the goddess that descended from the sky?"Genesis had no time to question just what the hell Kairi was talking about, she was already moving, bursting forward at a speed rivaling lower 1st classes. She spun as she swung, grabbing her sword two handed and making to drive the blade straight through Genesis's face. He took a step back and blocked the attack, their blades screeching against one another. Her face, so close he could see the sickly green glow of her eyes pulsing as she stared him down with contempt. She freed a hand from her sword and slammed a palm wreathed in fire against his face, sending him stagger.Genesis frowned as he skidded to a stop. Did she just use her Fire Materia to solely ignite her hand? That was a level of materia control Kairi shouldn't have, at all, to use it for a purpose beyond simply casting a spell. He hadn't taught her that yet, doubted it was something she could have picked up in the labs, and especially not on what low tier missions she had went on with Angeal's puppy. Nothing about this was making sense.She was on him again, swinging in hungry flurries, simply trying to breech his defense by any means. He parried aside any attack, watching her fight with her unfamiliar style that spoke nothing of his apprentice being in there at all..."Enough of this," he spat out, parrying her next attack and then riposting for her shoulder.He was shocked when she not only took the hit head on, letting his blade pierce straight through, but drove her sword completely into his side. He hissed out and backhanded her across her face, sending her staggering, ripping her sword out of him. He scowled and sprang back, a green glow of magic surrounding him as he cast Full Cure on himself.Dark twisted laughter blew out of Kairi as she dusted off her shoulder. "My poor sickly child... do you feel it? The way your cells balk and tear apart each time they replicate? Each time they try renew your flesh?"Genesis didn't reply, studying Kairi's wound instead. She hadn't cast a cure of her own, but it was well on it's way to regenerating. Of course he knew she was superior in that regard, but... the wound hadn't phased her at all, and it appeared to be kicking in faster...Kairi's mocking voice rang out. "Each time you mare my daughter's body, her flesh shall be knit anew. Each time I mare yours? It quickens the pace of your sickness and demise."Genesis scowled at her, aimed a hand, and released a Fire3 right at her. She rushed forward, elbowed right through the spell as it exploded on her body and ignited her clothes, but kept on coming. She swung careless blows at him, leaving her ripe for a counterattack, but he knew better this time. She was purposefully leaving herself open. Daring him to damage her and leave himself vulnerable in the meantime. He'd have to time his strike just right...She swung a heavy overhead attack, instead of blocking, he shifted to the left, letting her swing past, and tripped her with a leg, slashing down her back as she staggered back. She turned and swung at him without pause, her blade barely missing his face. Immediately she resumed her offensive, not phased in the slightest, blade swinging in uncontrolled and unskilled swipes. She had 1st class strength and speed that she shouldn't have yet, but that was still below his own skill, adjusting ofcourse for her absurd lack-of-defense fighting style.Parry parry slash, he countered with a smooth cut along her sword arm while spinning out of the way her counter, his own blade now above her own and cutting deeply into her cheek. She barreled into him rather than countering, driving her elbow into his stomach and then raising her sword arm. He lashed out and grabbed her wrist with his hand. He glowered down at her, unimpressed, she merely gave him an amused and leaned up, almost close enough to kiss."Bolt," she whispered.Thunder descended from the sky from her materia and gave him a good stunning shock. She pulled her head back and then slammed it up into his chin, sending him staggering. Pain erupted along his body as she swung a heavy blow, slicing from his waist up to his shoulder. He staggered back, a pained grunt escaping his lips. She rushed at him, sword held two handed above her head, mad laughter escaping her lips. For a moment, he forgot he was against his apprentice, and acted on instinct. He drew on his full magical power, aimed a hand, and unleashed the most powerful fire spell he could.Fire erupted from his hand, engulfing his apprentice, causing her to momentarily scream and stagger back as the flames engulfed her. He scowled briefly, cast Full Cure on himself, and waved a hand, dismissing the flames, and grimaced. Kairi stood there, here face half melted, her clothes melted into to her flesh, cracking burnt flesh pussing down her arms. She stared at him, her burnt blistering lips grinning."I didn't think you had it in you my child," mocked Kairi, not apparently caring about the 3rd degree burns generously coating a good chunk of her body, "To actually unleash your true power against my daughter. Perhaps there is hope for you yet if you can throw away such sentimentality."Genesis narrowed his eyes, disbelief on his face. "Do you need even feel pain?"Kairi slowly shook her head. "Fleetingly, but what is pain to an immortal? To one who has fought and bled for eons? Pain is fleeting, my victory, everlasting.""Beyond that," said Kairi, holding a hand up into the air, "At long last she awoke her power when she called out for her friend, to see his fight herself. Her power, her light, briefly opened the door. Now that it is awoken, bear witness to my daughter's power!"Light. Pure white light engulfed her hand and ran down her body, soothing and mending her flesh within seconds, leaving Genesis utterly flabbergasted. He didn't know what that was, but it wasn't materia, wasn't magic, it didn't leave a tingle in the air like magics did. Yet it healed just as good as a Full Cure, and didn't even look like using that power had winded her reserves at all."She believes, so foolishly, every word I say," mocked Kairi against herself, "She can open the door through her own power, and if she was in the right place, push more than her consciousness through. Once she is mine, and this world consumed, I will go through the door myself."She laughed. "She will meet Sora again, oh yes she will, but like the Ancients of this world, when he greets me as his dead lost friend like they did, I will deceive and devour him. And thus, will the cycle continue as it always had."The chill in the air had deeply settled into Genesis's bones. "Apprentice... what the hell is wrong with you?""NOW!" she shouted, ignoring him, "You've seen her power, bear witness to MINE!"She threw her swordless hand to the side, and to Genesis's utter shock, a white feathery wing burst out of her shoulder. "What in the hell?!"With a single flap of her wing, she burst up into the sky and then surged down at him, glowing white with light. He swung his sword, batter aside her attack, and then was ungracefully knocked to the ground as she floored him flat, gliding along the ground and back into the air. He rolled and sprung to his feet, staring up into the sky as his apprentice circled over head.His apprentice had a wing.She had a wing.What the fuck did Hojo DO to her?!And how was she flying with a single wing now that he thought about it?Genesis narrowed his eyes up at her. No more games. He did not want to kill his apprentice, and hopefully wouldn't with that absurd healing of hers, but this had to end. He aimed his hand and unleashed one full-powered spell after another. Blazing bursts of fire, intense bolts of lightning, devastating burst of ice. The power of gravity to sap at her strength. Every status ailment he could throw at her. She surged through them like they were nothing, each wound they inflicted almost instantly healed by the light coating her body. Status ailments didn't even seem to manifest, almost like she bore a ribbon. She swooped down at him, striking with her light coated blade, his own blade sparking in the clash.Again and again their blades met, energy erupting with each clash. No matter how much he outplayed her, each wound was shrugged off and disappeared within seconds. Each one she managed to land on him he had to waste energy healing. At this point, he was more than aware she was going to simply wear him down over time. Dammit... he hoped he would forgive her for this when she was mentally sound again.He made to parry, but shifted back as she swung down at him against, and then swung when her blade was past, his sword severing straight through her wrist and lopping off her sword hand. Genesis winced as her sword loosed from her hand and embedded into his shoulder, causing him to stagger. Kairi hissed and flew up, blood streaming down through the air. She held up her bloody stump, glowering at it, before glancing down at him with annoyance. She flew down and landed a bit in front of him, her wing stretching up threateningly. She aimed her stump at him, and he was shocked when her hand on the ground melted down into pure mushy flesh and surged into the air, condensing over the stump in a writhing mesh of flesh. Within moments, her hand began to reform, within half a minute, it was good as new.And Genesis simply stood there, staring in disbelief. How in the hell...?"You cannot win my child," murmured Kairi, almost sadly, "For all your power, you are but larval, marred in your created, defective and sickly, where I am ancient beyond imagine, hold such power and knowledge and wisdom within but a single cell of my being."Genesis scowled at her, reached up, and pulled her sword out of his shoulder, tossing it aside before muttering, "Full Cure."Only this time, something was wrong. He felt it instantly, the way his shoulder wound had most certainly NOT fully sealed. He reached a hand up to massage the wound with confusion. Since when did Full Cure NOT do its job?"Ah... it begins at last," said Kairi with amused dark glee, "In a true battle, the weakness of your body makes itself known. Perhaps you could have deluded yourself for a few more years had you remained largely unharmed and unchallenged, but now? The end begins for you, one way or the other. Your sickly cells will destroy you even if you should somehow survive this fight. I almost want to let you just to see you watch your body degrade before your very eyes.""What are you talking about?" he demanded.She flew up into the air, her head tilted upward, eyes downcast looking down upon him like her was a pitiful mortal unworthy of her presence, and despite the light coating her body, she cast such a deep and dark shadow across the clearing, engulfing it entirely, "Tell me my child. What is it that your treasure most? Is it your little play? Your Loveless whose origins are so far darker than you can imagine? Shall I tell you its secrets? Or is it your pride? Your power? Your youth and body? Shall I let you watch them decay and wither? Tell me what it is, so that I may have the pleasure of taking it away from you."Genesis clenched his fists tightly around his sword, red energy springing from it, the wind picking up around him and glowing with magical energy, of the limit break ready to burst from his body. "I think it's time to put you in your place, apprentice."He held his sword into the sky, a runic red symbol appearing overhead. He pointed his sword up at Kairi, concentrating all of his energy as he roared out, "APOCALYPSE!"Light exploded out of the circle, rushing up and engulfing Kairi in a massive and blinding explosion. He watched, smugly satisfied, huffs and puffs escaping his lips, as the ragged form of his apprentice plummeted down and impacted on the ground with a sickening thud. He wiped his forehead and walked over, staring down at her unconscious and battered form, that light finally gone...Only for her to open her mouth and muse, "Even marred as you are, you are powerful. Perhaps you have proven yourself."He sprang back as she opened her eyes and slowly sat up, flexing her ruffled and charred wing. "So my son..."She rose to a knee. "Will you not..."She took to her feet, a ghoulish smile once again on her face. "Bend a knee to your beloved mother?"He stared at her silently, watching her skin mend itself, and a soft glow of light start to illuminate her again, he hadn't wanted to kill her anyway, but this was ridiculous, that was his most powerful attack, and she was dusting herself off from it. "What does it take to put you down?""Scour the last cell from existence and perhaps you could kill me," mused Kairi, "But even your beloved Goddess who you think you speak poetry about could not manage that feat so long ago."Something about this, even beyond the absurdity and tenaciousness of the fight, was bugging him. This... alternate persona... was rubbing him so very wrong. Doubt about the validity of his guess to his apprentice's problem was starting to fill him. Yet, if a disorder was not the issue, just what was this?"Kneel," she spoke, her voice commanding, "And I shall grant you deliverance. I will mend your marred body, wash away the sickness burning through your flesh, and make you properly MINE."His shoulder throbbed painfully. "Let me think about it..."He raised his sword and pointed it inches from her face. "No.""Tsk," said Kairi, not appearing surprised, raising a single finger to casually push his sword away, "Such a prideful child. By now you must realize you cannot defeat your beloved Mother. Why not simply submit? Or shall I devour your mind and soul and puppet you along with strings?"Genesis froze for a moment, staring at her in disbelief. This... thing... wearing his apprentice's flesh, he couldn't even consider it an alternate personality for he refused to consider it Kairi at all, was so disgustingly diabolical it was beyond revolting. He had to end this and get Kairi back, but how? She wasn't stronger than him, but, she could outlast him with absurd ease. If he didn't take her head from her body, he wasn't sure anything he did to her would matter. It was beyond frustrating.But perhaps...The solution wasn't in the body, but the mind and soul? Kairi had a caring heart, if he could only reach it..."Apprentice," said Genesis, standing up completely straight, "I think it's time you snapped out of whatever the hell this is."Kairi gave him a bemused look. "You think my daughter can save you?""My friend, do you fly away now?" asked Genesis, waving a hand through the air, "To a world that abhors you and I? All that awaits you is a somber morrow, no matter where the winds may blow. Or to put it into blunt terms for your neanderthal mind, snap the hell out of it our your going to KILL your teacher! Who is perhaps your only true friend in all of Shinra, who doesn't give a damn if you're crazy."The amusement on Kairi's face was gone, her eyes slightly evening out, before they snapped back into narrow slits, a hiss escaping her lips. "Insolent daughter."She rushed at him and attacked; Genesis backpedaled assuming the defense. It normally did not suit him, but now it did. If he did not give her an opening to attack, even tired as he was, she could not break through. He did not attempt to attack at all with his blade, letting his words be his weapon."There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess, hero of the dawn, healer of world," said Genesis, "Snap OUT of it Kairi, I don't wish to see the repercussions for this if you manage to kill me. Sephiroth will be sent after you and you will die, and dammit... I actually enjoy your presence enough to not wish for that."Kairi's blade wavered for a moment and she grew still, her eyes briefly evening out before going to slits again. "Grr..."Kairi glared hatefully at him. "I retract my offer my foolish child. You spurned my generosity, thus when this world ends, you will be snuffed out and left behind, if I don't tear your soul apart before then.""My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey, in my own salvation, and your eternal slumber," preached Genesis before snarling, "Get the hell to the back of Kairi's mind, alternative personality or whatever the hell you are, and give me back MY apprentice!"Something odd happened then. Instead of Kairi's eyes going back to normal, the color of her slits changed, from a sickly green to a warm redish-pink. "Mine..."Genesis lost his breath at the raw possessiveness in her voice. The presence in the air abruptly changed, from a chill, to a warm welcome feeling, soothing, encouraging him to approach, to be healed, to join with her, to become one...Genesis suckered in a breath and shuddered, resisting the feeling and shoving it away. Whatever the hell this was, it felt as unnatural as the chill, only in the opposite direction. This wasn't anymore right than what had just been trying to kill him. He surged forward, raising his sword, and SLAMMED the hilt of it as hard as he could into her forehead, leaving a very visible bloody dent. Her eyes reverted back to their normal mako blue seconds before she collapsed in a heap on the ground, finally unconscious.He huffed and puffed for a moment before exploding at the top of his lungs. "WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT?!"He stared down at her, running a hand anxiously through his hair. "Oh Apprentice... this 'madness' or whatever the hell is wrong with you is so much worse than I imagined..."He reached down and heft her up, slinging her up over his shoulder. He glanced awkwardly at her wing, mumbled a soft apology, before ripping it off and igniting it to burn away the evidence. She'd probably regrow it at some point and eventually call it out again, but for right now, he needed it to not be there. He gave a heavy sigh and slowly trudged back to the town his apprentice had captured yesterday. He mulled over the whole ordeal, trying to consider what had set her off, what the hell was up with that sadism-Kairi personality, and... whatever the hell that had been at the end with the eye color change.The later two had him baffled, but as for a cause. There were two common denominators. A mako injection, and a violent situation, because Kairi had been relatively fine for a whole helicopter ride and quick trek through the woods. It gave him an idea on how to handle the whole situation, as much as he wanted to just shush it up, he couldn't risk the danger to his comrades back home. Because this could have killed him. If this was caused by mako injections and violence, then safeguards needed to be in place. If she had her 1st Class injections and mako shower, she might have actually killed him there.Nigh disregard and immunity to pain.Ability to almost instantly heal off any wound.Forgoes any defense to favor attacks.Lets blows be landed to land her own.Ability to fucking regrow and or reattach her own limbs?! THAT one pissed him off even more than her healing, though he was grudgingly glad she wasn't permanently marred.And lets not forget flight."Pride is lost, wings stripped away, the end is nigh," He shook his head in disbelief. "You are something else my apprentice. You are going to be completely unstoppable when you reach 1st Class, and I'm wondering if that is going to be a good thing or not."He reached the village a minute later, ignored anyone who gaped at Kairi's status, and went into the first building he found, plopping Kairi down on a couch and then shutting the door. He stared down at her silently for a moment before fishing out his PHS and dialing his silver haired rival."What is it?" came Sephiroth's voice, straight to the point."I think I've figured out what trigger's my apprentice's madness," said Genesis.There was silence on the other end for a moment before Sephiroth spoke in a dangerous tone, "She had another episode? In a warzone?""Mako injections," cut off Genesis, "I believe the additional mako, along with thrusting her into a violent or potentially dangerous situation triggers it."Sephiroth hummed in thought. "Interesting.""No one thankfully saw it who is still alive," said Genesis, "My apprentice and I were on our way to the next village alone when it happened during a Wutai ambush."Sephiroth scoffed. "Ah yes, your new 'strategy'...""Kairi's actually," interrupted Genesis, "It worked well the first time, and if not for that 'episode' it would have done fine again, I'm certain.""Of course it would of," went along Sephiroth, voice deadpanning."My friend, you wound me," mocked Genesis, hand reflexively going to his chest even though Sephiroth wasn't there to see the gesture.Sephiroth sighed and shifted back to the original topic. "She'll be scheduled for another mako booster in a few months, we will 'test' this theory then."Genesis hesitated. "Before then... I need you to look up everything you can on multiple personality disorder.""You can't be serious," said Sephiroth, "And its called dissociative identity disorder to be clear.""Of course it is," said Genesis dryly, "And I'm not joking, she goes positively sadistic when she flips, becomes a viscous little thing. I don't think it's a good idea to trigger it, or if we do, only for the booster shot, not for if when she becomes a 1st class.""I'm not sure she should be allowed to become one if she is potentially unstable," said Sephiroth.Genesis grew offended on her behalf. "Don't deny her that for something so far out of her control.""We'll resume this conversation and argue that point when you return, and when the chance to test your hypothesis comes up," cut off Sephiroth, "Until then, she is to be in your sight at all times. Are we clear?"Genesis rolled his eyes. "Fine.""As a final question, does she know about this... disorder?" asked Sephiroth.Genesis hesitated. "I'm... not sure."Sephiroth was silent for a long minute, thinking, before giving a final order, "Don't mention it to her. Risking an episode in a public setting would be unwise, and confronting her about it might serve as an alternate trigger.""Agreed," mused Genesis.With that, Sephiroth gave a tired sounding goodbye and clicked off. Genesis pocketed his PHS, crossed his arms, and stared down at Kairi for a time......at least until the drip drip from his shoulder wound caught his attention. He scowled at it, moved to a chair, sat down, and took off his coat, peeling back the cloth to examine the unusually pale looking wound, it seemed to have fully torn open again while carrying his apprentice. He fingered his materia for a moment before casting Full Cure, feeling another heavy drain to his magic reserves. Yet... the wound only partially closed, much to his irritation and confusion.Perhaps he just needed a night's rest... yes, that had to be it.He sighed, ran a hand through his hair, leaned back, and closed his eyes to rest...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi slowly opened her eyes and stared aimlessly up at an unfamiliar ceiling. It took her a few moments and a lot of blinking to suddenly snap to full awareness with a start. Where was she? Last she remembered...She frowned, rubbing her forehead, a dull throbbing pain in the back of her head pulsed, making it hard to think. Not only that, there was an odd ache behind her left shoulder. Her right wrist and hand felt off as well, but shouldn't place why. She shook her head and thought; Hadn't she and Genesis... gone to try to take the next village...? She couldn't remember what happened. She let a frustrated growl escape her lips before glancing around. She paused at the sight of a softly snoozing Genesis, sitting in a chair. What had her immediate attention and alarm was an unusual amount of holes and rips in his clothing, dried blood on them. She glanced down to find herself in a similar state, though not as bad as Genesis."Genesis?" she called over.The man snapped awake in an instant, his eyes focusing on her and body tensing in a way that made it seem like he was ready for a fight, causing her to let out a quick, "You okay?"The man stared at her for a moment before relief briefly tinted his eyes; then it was gone and he crossed his arms, huffing; "Back to the waking world are we apprentice?""What happened?" she asked, "The last thing I remember, we were leaving to go take the next village."Her eyebrows furrowed when she heard an anticipatory hiss from Mother in the back of her mind. What was that about?Genesis flapped a hand through the air dramatically. "We've outdone ourselves apprentice, the Wutai designed an ambush just for the two of us. We could have handled it, but someone's pride refused to let them rest the day of a Mako injection and collapsed mid-ambush. Nearly gave my poor old heart a heart attack."Kairi cringed. "Oh...""Hmph, so he keeps his silence," came Mother's amused voice."On what?" asked Kairi.Mother didn't respond right away. "On... his taken injuries obviously. You do see how much your Chosen One was wounded in getting you to safety, do you not?"Kairi bowed her head, her cheeks turning red, and murmured out a soft, "I'm sorry..."Genesis sighed and stood up, briefly massaging his right shoulder with a wince. "Pride comes before the fall my Apprentice. I'm as guilty of it as any, but don't let this weakness effect you. If you need rest, if you need help, you have just but to ask.""Alright," she said quietly."Now," said Genesis, "Let's get a move on. Find something for us to eat, I'm going to our 'command center' and commandeering your strategy.""Huh?" asked Kairi."The army will be marching on the next village, but we will go on ahead once they reach roughly the half way mark and soften the village up," said Genesis, "The army will come in and subjugate it afterwards if we have not already done so. Going on in alone without any backup soon to arrive is glorious when it ends in victory, but foolish when you end up dead or nearly so."Kairi scratched her head. "I guess... but... it saves lives if we can handle it.""I'm aware on how you feel about it," said Genesis with a flap of his hand, "And if I did not think your 'method' had some merit, I would not incorporate it into our plans. Now off with you, go find something for us to eat, we march in a few hours for the next village..."And march they did. Through the forest to the next village. Her, Genesis, and a few of the 2nds and 3rds as an advanced force left the village wide open like a gaping wound for the army to pour in like a virus. They repeated this day by day, week by week, marching through valleys and forests and villages with hardly any pause. By the end of the month, they had recaptured all the territory that had been lost with the ceasefire. Kairi heard plenty of whispering and murmurs about their pace. That it was insane, hardly any caution compared to being led by Angeal or Sephiroth. That even for Genesis this pace was breakneck and dangerous.Apparently she was a bad influence on him; which made her want to laugh.They were ahead of schedule by a large degree, she had heard enough in the planning meetings Genesis dragged her into. They hadn't expected to be back to this point until the end of Genesis's deployment, not only a little bit in. It made Kairi smile a bit, they weren't fooling around, Genesis was going for the win. They were going to punch straight through to the heart of Wutai and end the war before their time here was up and Sephiroth took their place.If only the price of it wasn't so high.The Wutai were lambs to the slaughter, they could not match a group of SOLDIERs, especially one with Genesis in it. Each battle was an exercise in butchery. The worst thing was... it was starting to numb over. Each kill didn't hurt as much, much to her Mother's apparent delight when she stopped 'complaining'. She didn't like it, death wasn't something someone should just 'get used to'. It was just so... methodical and mechanical. They'd rush a village, the Wutai would come at them roaring about defending their home, and then they would die en-mass, then the survivors would flee. Kairi didn't want to think about the fact that the SOLDIERs here, her included, had been involved in the death of thousands. SOLDIER? They had lost maybe... two people thus far, Genesis might come off as cruel to some people, but he watched out for those under his command, especially Kairi to her chagrin. It felt like he was always watching her.Regardless, the Shinra war machine was relentless and largely uncaring. They cut a scorching path of repetitive battles (slaughters) through Wutai, and soon enough, Fort Tamblin wasn't a far off goal, but maybe a few weeks instead. The Wutai grew more fierce and desperate, and to her surprise, they came up with something new as she and Genesis scouted out their next target, laying down at the top of a hill to look down on the next town."Is that a... monster?" she whispered."How cute," mused Genesis, "They're training monsters to fight us. It's almost adorable."Kairi raised an eyebrow, glancing against a the lumbering plated beast wielding a battle axe. "That's not quite the word I'd use."Genesis chuckled. "Perhaps not my apprentice."He looked again at the monster, a frown on his face. "When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky, wings of light and dark spread afar, she guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."He spit on the ground. "If they think these beasts will make a difference they are sorely mistaken. Perhaps they might kill a 3rd class if they got sloppy, these things won't be able to touch anything faster than a common trooper. In fact..."Her eyes went wide as he stood up and aimed a hand, glowing orange with fire, "Genesis! Wait a sec!"To late. A massive fireball exploded from his hand and surged down from their hiding spot. It struck the monster head on and burst, leaving the monster as a smouldering corpse and incinerating anyone nearby it; Genesis called out in a mocking voice, "Come now! Surely you can do better than monsters?"Kairi couldn't help but flinch as she swore she felt a wave of despair emanate from the troops around the village. They looked at the monster's corpse as if it had been their only hope. What did they really think it would have done? If it was some kind of 'Anti-SOLDIER Monster', it had been a poor one at best...The resulting battle when the rest of SOLDIER and the advance forces of the army showed up had to be one of the worst ones she had been in yet. So much of the Wutai fighting spirit seemed to have been stripped away after crushing their latest attempt to stop SOLDIER. To be fair, it had to be demoralizing to have it destroyed before it could even enter battle. Kairi leaned against the gate to the village as the rest of the troops and Genesis made their way in, setting up their next camp and checking for supplies. She looked over the battlefield bleakly, shaking her head at the madness of it all, before she spotted something that made her blood boil.There was a child, a little Wutain girl, looting through the dead without a care in the world.Kairi stalked forward, angry, and closed the distance just as the girl happily plucked a materia from one of the few Shinra corpses, giving it a kick as she stood up. Kairi lashed out and grabbed her arm. "What do you think you're doing?"The girl yelped and tried to pull herself free. "Leemeee gooooo!""I ought to paddle your ass for desecrating the dead," she snarled at the girl, "If my father had caught me doing something so disgraceful I would have been grounded for life.""No!" said the girl, yanking on her arm. "I am great Ninja Yuffie! You can't paddle me!"Kairi rolled her eyes. "You wanna make a bet?"Yuffie had the audacity to stick her tongue out at Kairi. "Blaaaaaaaah!"What an immature little brat...Kairi frowned for a moment and glanced the child over. Little was right. She was young. How old was she? Five? What in the world was she doing so close to a battlefield? There had been no civilians in the fighting, the village had already been evacuated prior to her and Genesis even showing up to scout it out. So what was this 'Yuffie' doing...Yuffie.Why did that name ring a bell?"Oh my," came Mother's voice, a pleased purr in the back of her mind, "You should pay more attention to your studies. Did you not read about a Yuffie Kisaragi before coming here? You've just found quite the prize."Kairi's eyes went wide for a moment. No way. What the hell would the daughter of Wutai's leader be doing here all alone? It couldn't be, the girl just had to share the name."I wouldn't be so sure," mused Mother, "Think of how great a blow this will be to the enemy, their princess's corpse thrown dead at the next gate. It will be demoralizing beyond belief.""Mother!" hissed Kairi in her head, allowing her outrage to show once more, "I am NOT a child killer!"Mother huffed. "It would crush the spirit of the Wutai and end the war so much faster, is that not what you so desire?""Not at that price," spat Kairi.She refocused as a sharp little pain stabbed into her wrist. She glanced down to see the girl with a small throwing star striking at her. Kairi scowled and yanked it free of the girl's hand, tossing it aside. "Little kids shouldn't play with sharp objects.""Not little!" whined the girl, "I'm great Ninja!""Sure you are," said Kairi, "Now what is a 'great Ninja' like yourself doing here looting the dead? Surely your father taught you better."Yuffie averted her eyes and mumbled something."What was that?" asked Kairi."Need materia," the girl mumbled, embarrassed, with an odd desperation in her eyes for someone so young."Why?" asked Kairi.The girl bowed her head. "Mom sick, need materia to make her better."Kairi froze for a moment, the anger in her heart at the act melting away. "Oh..."This also confirmed for Kairi that this probably was Yuffie Kisaragi, she could faintly remember reading about the girl's mother being sick. She glanced down at the materia clutched tightly in the girl's hand, and then frowned when she identified what it was. "Yuffie, that materia wouldn't help your mother.""No! It will, Shinra liars!" the girl hissed at her.Kairi yanked the materia free and cast it, sending a burst of first out from her hand away from the girl. "If you used this on your mother, it would have killed her, burned her alive."Yuffie looked at her in shock before she fell to her knees and burst into tears. "No! No kill mama..."Kairi sighed softly and stared at the girl in pity. She was tempted to just give the kid her cure materia and let her go, but... thinking on it, cure didn't fix sickness, and even a Heal Materia only cured specific things. Not to mention, Mother was right in a way, Yuffie was far to valuable to let go. She didn't think Genesis would kill the girl, even he had his limits. In fact...Kairi stared at the girl for a moment, an idea slowly forming in her mind. The Wutai were a proud people, she doubted that Godo Kisaragi would surrender even for his daughter. But... what if... something else was offered? The love of a husband for his wife had to be just as powerful...Mother groaned. "My poor foolish bleeding heart child, whenever will you learn?"Kairi turned, pulling the girl to her feet. "Come.""No!" hissed the girl, trying and failing to yank herself free again, "Lemme go!"Kairi ignored her and dragged her into the town, ignoring the curious/amused looks some of the SOLDIERs and troopers gave her. She marched straight to the town hall (hut) of this village and barged inside. Genesis and a few of the higher ranking SOLDIERs were busy setting up tables and maps to plan their next target, pausing to turn and glance her way.Genesis quirked an eyebrow. "Abducting children are we apprentice?"Kairi rolled her eyes. "May I introduce one Yuffie Kisaragi."Genesis paused, his head then sharply turning to stare at the girl, looking her over. "Well now... that's quite the find. Wherever did you find her, I barely left you alone twenty minutes ago.""She was alone looting the dead," said Kairi.Genesis glared at the child, a growl escaping his lips. "Little children ought to be punished."Yuffie stuck her tongue at him.Genesis grinned. "Feisty for a five year old. How in the world did you get here unsupervised?""I great Ninja!" she said proudly, "I escape anyone! Even watchers!""Much to your father's chagrin I imagine," mused Genesis, tilting his head thoughtfully to look down at the child, "What to do, what to do.""If I may Genesis," said Kairi.He turned his head towards her. "Go on.""Do we have a way to contact Godo Kisaragi?" she asked.Genesis scoffed. "He's not going to surrender just for the girl.""I figured as much, but trust me, I have an idea," she said.Genesis studied her for a moment before slowly nodding, "Very well, let's see how this plays out. It's not like we wont crush the Wutai in a few weeks anyway if whatever you have in mind doesn't pan out."He flicked out a phone and dialed a number. "I need a helicopter at the front to take us back to the main base, now..."Kairi scowled as the young girl hurled for the umpteenth time during the helicopter ride all over Kairi's boots. "Gross..."Genesis wrinkled his nose. "Note to self: be very glad I don't get motion sickness."Yuffie moaned. "No feel good..."The girl started muttering something in Wutaian, her face already turning green again. Kairi pinched the bridge of her own nose in exasperation. The moment they landed Kairi was out of the helicopter, setting the girl down on the ground. Yuffie flung herself down, hugging the earth for dear life."Gnn, never again," she moaned."Yes again," said Kairi, "You're going to get in at least one more of these."Yuffie wailed as if the world were ending."Give her a minute, she probably shouldn't look so green when we contact her father," said Kairi.Genesis rolled his eyes. "I'll be inside setting things up."Kairi give a few minutes before nudging the girl's shoulder gently with her boot. "C'mon..."The girl spun and flung dirt up in Kairi's face before bolting. Kairi swore and brushed dirt out of her eyes and best she could. "That little shit!"She took off and overcame the young girl's short legs, grabbing her shoulders and hauling her off the ground. "Oh no you don't!""Let go Shinra dog!" she yelled.Kairi rolled her eyes and forced the child to stand in front of her, making her move into the compound. Yuffie was lucky it was Kairi who had a hold of her, that bravery and attitude was near suicidal. Kairi herself was resisting the growing urge to throttle the child. The didn't give the child an inch as she led the girl into an impromptu conference room, a technician working on setting up a video call."What exactly is taking so long?" demanded Genesis."The Wutai don't exactly use up-to-date tech," answered the tech, "We have to calibrate for backwards compatibility."Genesis rolled his eyes and flapped his hand before turning to another aid. "Fine fine. Did someone at least send a message that we wanted to 'negotiate' with Lord Kisaragi?""Yes sir," was the reply, "We haven't heard back yet."Genesis scoffed. "Ah yes, the Wutai are at no one's 'beck and call'."Kairi moved Yuffie to a chair and made her sit down, standing behind the chair and giving the girl no way out. The young Kisaragi glared at her and crossed her arms stubbornly. They stood there waiting patiently, a damn near hour going by, until the screen finally flickered to life and the technicians left the room. The photo on file that she had seen before coming to Wutai seemed pretty accurate as she looked the man over, seated in a chair at his own table. The irritation and contempt in his eyes was more than apparent as he glared at Genesis. Kairi glanced down to see Yuffie shrink miserably into her seat at the sight of her father."To what, do I owe the pleasure of the Crimson Demon's beseechment?" came a calm, controlled, but very deep voice from the intercom, "I doubt it is anything that Shinra did not demand during the ceasefire. Have you come yet again to gloat your victories? Demand our surrender?""Nothing of the sort actually," said Genesis, motioning towards Kairi, "My beloved apprentice was the one who wanted this meeting, and we're so gracious for you to grant it."There was a slight narrowing of Godo's eyes. "You waste my time to introduce me to Shinra's latest attack dog?"Kairi bristled. "My name, is Kairi."Godo glanced towards her, irritated, before he froze for a split second, his eyes laying on his daughter, before pure wrath played across his face. "So this is the new low Shinra sinks to. To abduct children to be held against their fathers. Have you people truly no shame?""Considering I found her looting the dead, you might want to cut the hypocrisy and teach your child better," shot back Kairi, "Not to mention keep a better eye on her. How does a five year old escape her caretakers or even get close to a war zone?""You would be surprised," he said, frowning and glancing with reprimanding disapproval at his child, making her squirm and squeak out something timid in Wutian.Godo pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking, his voice never changing in tone, but there was something in it, an edge, that told Kairi that this was dangerous. "Be warned, if you arranged this to make me watch my daughter die, you will incur Wutai's wrath in a way you never have before, and this war will not end until the blood of the last of the Wutai has been spilled or Shinra lays in utter ruin.""I am not a child killer," Kairi spat out, glaring at him."No? Simply only killing those who fight to defend their homeland?" he countered, not amused in the slightest."I don't enjoy it," was all she said in response.He studied her for a moment, leaning forward to squint at the screen. "Hmm."He waved a hand, motioning for her to speak, "What are your demands for my child's release?""For you to listen to what I have to say," she said simply."You have my attention, do not waste it," he warned."When I asked your daughter why she was looting the dead, do you know what she said?" Kairi asked.Godo didn't answer, merely leveling his gaze on her."She said she was looking for materia to heal her mother," said Kairi.For a brief moment, Godo's visage filled with sorrow, then it was gone. "My wife's illness is no secret.""I mean no offense to you or your people Lord Kisaragi, but I've read and seen that your technology and advancements are not even half of what Shinra's are. A child shouldn't have to grow up without both her parents, Shinra has doctors that could most likely help your wife."Godo's jaw set. "So you attempt to use both my hearts against me? To turn the love for a daughter and a wife into a weapon against my nation?"Kairi frowned. "I'm trying to offer you and your people a way out. Listen and listen carefully. You. Are. Going. To. Lose. This. War. We will take Fort Tamblin within the month.""You underestimate Wutai, you may be surprised to see what we have in store for you," he said ominously."If you mean those big hulking monsters, Genesis killed one of them in a single spell earlier today in the village I found your daughter at," said Kairi dryly, watching Godo stiffen slightly, "They wont matter. And once Tamblin falls, and Shinra gets to the wide open capital area, it's over. Shinra's tanks and machines will end it, and no number of these monsters will make a difference. I'm not even sure we would need them. Incase you haven't noticed, Wutai hasn't been able to slow our advance down in the slightest since the ceasefire ended."Godo gripped his chair arms tightly. "Wutai will not suffer those abominable reactors desecrating our lands."She warned, "Do you understand what will happen when Tamblin is taken? You will be forced into an unconditional surrender unless you want your capital city to turn into a bloodbath. You're not going to have a choice in the matter, unless you surrender now, in which, you can perhaps dictate terms."He scoffed. "I've been over this with Shinra 'negotiators' during the past several ceasefires. Unless they include a lack of reactors, any such terms would be unacceptable.""Pride comes before the fall Lord Kisaragi," she challenged, "And it will doom your nation if you let it. When Shinra full on wins the war, they won't simply build reactors. They'll disarm your nation, subjugate it, and do who knows what else. How much of your culture will survive that process?"He glowered at her. "What good is a nation or a culture if the land it lives on is dead? I have seen pictures of the land surrounding Midgar, Wutai will not suffer that fate.""Then limit it," she said, exasperated, "I think Midgar is that bad because they run multiple reactors nonstop in one single area. Negotiate to limit the number of reactors in Wutai, and maybe negotiate to limit how long they are active. Perhaps running for a season or two and then shutting off for one would limit the damage. If you're forced into an unconditional surrender, there will be multiple reactors, and they will run without any downtime.""We are not beaten yet," growled Godo.Was he seriously still not relenting? Fine then, how about a mix of a threat and a lie? "You will be once both Sephiroth and Angeal show up to join us. Nothing in Wutai's arsenal can handle the trio at all once."Genesis sharply turned at Kairi, the eyebrow now hidden away from the screen raised. Godo simply stared at her silently, grimly, saying nothing.She stared him down, chin raised in challenge. "Take the offered way out Lord Kisaragi, your wife's health, your daughter returned, your nation having some say in it's fate, and an end to this endless butchery of a war."He said nothing for a long several minutes before he cleared his throat. "I will discuss this with my advisors. Expect my answer within the next few hours."The call was cut without any further word.Genesis aimed a hand at Yuffie and muttered, "Sleep," the materia in his bangle glowing.The girl pitched against the table without a word.Genesis sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Oh apprentice... while I am impressed by your steel in staring and arguing down Kisaragi, you really have no idea what you just did. I'm already going to be in enough trouble for our current tactics as it is."Kairi grew confused. "Why?""Because I'm ending the war, rather than slowly advancing and dragging it out as instructed," he said simply.It took Kairi a moment to understand just what he was saying. "WHAT?! You were told to...""This war is currently profiting Shinra, recruits have never been higher, SOLDIER's popularity is through the roof, industries that support the war effort are booming, and stocks are raising steadily," he said sourly, "The President wants this war to go on for at least a few more years. Kairi, what you threatened Godo with, the President keeps us rotating out to avoid that specific scenario because of how much damage we did the first time the three of us stepped onto a battlefield together. We could have ended the war years ago."Kairi felt so damn sick for the moment. "President Shinra is a monster, there really is nothing but greed behind this war.""I'm not denying it," he said.Kairi frowned. "But we've been advancing nonstop for weeks now, why hasn't...""It's called not answering calls nor listening to orders my apprentice," he said, bemused, "I think it would be obvious."She stared at him, baffled. "Why?"He looked rather uncomfortable for a moment. "Because... it's what you wished for."She gave him a blank look. "Me...?""There are very few things I wouldn't do for you my apprentice," he admitted, a distant look and a frown on his face, "This war isn't good for you, I see it eat away at you day by day. And I suppose I am a bit tired of being a 'Shinra lapdog' as the Wutai would call me when not a demon. I suppose you've been a buzzkill to my sense of honor and glory out here as well. I hear you bitch about it day in and out."She raised an eyebrow. "If by buzzkill you mean telling you that there is no honor or glory in this war? Then yes."He flapped a hand. "Yes, that."Kairi grew silent for a moment, processing that he was going against orders to end the war for her. "Just... why though? We've hardly known each other that long. I haven't even been your apprentice full-time for a year."He rolled his eyes. "You've missed the part where I've never taken an apprentice before. I chose you Kairi, Aside from Angeal and I suppose Sephiroth, you are only the third person I've ever chose to treasure."Kairi's face turned a little red. "What about your family?"He scoffed. "I was adopted, and Angeal's mother was a better parent than mine.""Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly, "I guess I got lucky in the adoption wheel then."He raised an eyebrow, an odd glint in his eyes. "You too?"She nodded. "I washed up on Destiny Island one day, was taken in by the mayor and his wife. I don't honestly remember where I came from originally.""A mystery eh?" he said, opening his mouth to speak before Kairi beat him to it, "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess."He laughed. "You know me to well apprentice."They shared a laugh before they quieted down, each pulling into their own thoughts."Hmph," muttered Mother, "You both have chosen one another, I ought to be amused, except that his is supposed to be my son.""You mean the one you think almost nothing of save for disdain?" challenged Kairi."Perhaps, but that doesn't make him any less mine," growled Mother."Well, to bad," said Kairi, feeling an odd possessiveness, "You treat your child like dirt and you may find someone else snatching him up.""Watch yourself my child," a warning tone entering Mother's voice.Kairi grinned and turned her head to glance at Genesis before she frowned. Focusing in on him... she felt that same sickness from him, yet... it seemed different. Active. Growing. When had this happened? What did it mean?She felt... protective all the sudden. "Genesis, just remember this was my idea, you don't need to bear Shinra's bitching yourself. If there's punishment of some sort, I'm fine taking it."Genesis gave her a bemused look. "Your idea, but my decision to allow it to go forward. Don't forget that I am the commander here."She narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps you shouldn't forget that I'm a SOLDIER and that I'm capable of taking responsibility for my own actions.""Not that there's anything wrong with said actions," she muttered.He chuckled. "Indeed. Very well, if you wish to share the burden, so be it. Not that I intend for them to be able to do much publicly, as I have an idea forming in my oh-so glorious mind.""Such as...?" she asked.He grinned mischievously, "Such as actually taking advantage of those ridiculous fanclubs. They do spread gossip and rumors quite well, what's a little truth to be thrown in before Shinra can put their spin on it?"She raised an eyebrow. "Explain.""Well, it depends on whether or not Godo agrees, but if he does, tell me, what do you know about PR?" he asked.Her eyebrows furrowed. "Public relations?"He nodded. "Correct. Tell me apprentice, it looks quite well on us, and I suppose Shinra, that we so graciously offered Shinra doctors to save the lady Kisaragi from her illness?"Kairi frowned, "I... guess, but... I didn't intended it like that.""No, you care to readily," he said dryly, "Even for our foes. But it doesn't mean your actions still can't be looked on so favorably. After all, we are crushing the Wutai, the press back home is going positively berserk over the two of us at the moment for our unstoppable onslaught, not that you ever check your PHS. We don't need to offer the Wutai anything, we could crush them and attain an 'unconditional surrender' as you said."He rolled his eyes. "I can imagine all the bleeding hearts and their reactions."He looked rather smug. "Not even Sephiroth has garnered such a huge reaction before. Though I suppose 'first female SOLDIER' does attract attention. Though, the 'brash and reckless' Crimson Commander has a few articles as well. Apparently back home, they think I've 'had enough of this shit', have thrown caution to the wind, blazing a trail with my young apprentice at my side. You'd be surprised some of the shots they've gotten of the two of us.""Shots...?" she asked."Pictures," he explained, "I don't know who the hell is stupid enough to take them mid-battle, but they've been steadily making their way back home. Did you know you have your own starting up? Call's themselves the Crimson Hearts."Kairi deadpanned. "You can't be serious.""Oh I am," he said gleefully, "Did you know you already have love letters? Shall I read some of the ones that were posted...?""No," she said flatly."Mmm, they worship and adore you," mused Mother, "As it should be."Kairi wanted to groan. "Great, just great."Genesis slapped a hand on her shoulder. "Just wait until they start sending gifts. I've got over three hundred copies of LOVELESS I've kept in a little storage warehouse for my own amusement.""Please no," she whined.There was a knock at the door before a technician peeked in. "Sir, we've received word that the Wutai wish contact."Genesis nodded. "Give us a minute to wake the brat up."Genesis fiddled with his bracelet before casting, "Heal, wake up brat."Yuffie stirred after a touch of green magic illuminated her. "Hrm?""Your father will be giving us his answer soon," said Kairi.Yuffie stared at her blankly for a minute before rubbing her eyes, muttering something in Wutian. She sat up straight, yawned, and stretched. She looked around, peering up at Kairi, before recognition lit her eyes and distaste crossed her face. Just like before, the young Kisaragi crossed her arms and 'hmph'd'. Kairi rolled her eyes and waited patiently for the screen to light up, and when it did, she took one look at Godo Kisaragi's resigned face to know what he had chosen, and that at least in her mind, he had chosen right. So long as President Shinra didn't screw this up,"Assuming Shinra follows through and ceases hostile actions, Wutai will open the capital to Shinra's envoys to discuss terms," he said tiredly...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Wutai... was beautiful.Kairi was more than sad to realize just how long it had taken her to really see their nation for what it was. Finally, not distracted by violence and bloodshed and tiredness, she could really take it in. So much greenery compared to Midgar, heck, even compared to Destiny Islands. Clothing unlike anything she had ever seen, kimonos, obis, yukatas, hakamas, haoris, and so much more. Were she still a normal schoolgirl, she'd go on a shopping spree fit. There was so much color, everywhere, compared to Shinra's blandness. There were well crafted statues of people, animals, of the mighty Leviathan. The structure of their buildings was so unusual and foreign she couldn't help but take them in as unique rather than obstacles in a battlefield. The way their language flowed together, even if she had no idea what they were saying...It... was beautiful.And filled her full of such guilt to have carved a bloody path to this point through it all.She stood behind Genesis as they welcomed President Shinra, Angeal, Sephiroth, Veld, Lazard, Hojo, and a few other corporate buffoons, to the heart of Wutai, landing just outside their capital with a helicopter and stepping out.President Shinra fixed his coat briefly before glancing at Genesis, a not so subtle tone coating his voice. "How nice of you to finally pick up your phone and invite us over, Commander Rhapsodos.""I aim to please," said Genesis, not phased in the slightest.Sephiroth gave Genesis a soft shake of his head, trying to get him to reign it in."I am curious as well, how the public received notice of this proceedings, and our so generous offer to tend to Lady Kisaragi, before I did," said the President thinly."I haven't the faintest idea," lied Genesis smoothly, "Perhaps the same way pictures and articles were circulated about my apprentice or I without consulting either of us?"The President did not look amused. Just a tad of anger reaching his face."Treating Lady Kisaragi was my idea, sir, I thought it would look good on us, and help to get Wutai to finally agree to surrender," said Kairi with a half lie (she hadn't given a damn about publicity), taking a firm step forward to stand beside Genesis.Genesis tensed only a little bit as Shinra affixed his gaze on her. "You, child, had no authority in making such an offer, nor did your commander without consulting me. It is only because of the overwhelmingly positive public reaction and rise in our stocks that both of you are getting out of this without losing rank, let alone getting a severe reprimand."He narrowed his eyes at them. "Don't make such mistakes again. You answer to ME, not yourselves."Kairi did not physically respond. Inwardly, she was seething. If she ever adopted Mother's attitude in how to deal with people, this greedy fat bastard would be the first to die, after Hojo of-course."I look forward to hearing him squeal," said Mother, gleeful at her thought, "Who does he think he is commanding those who could kill him with a flick of their wrist?"Neither Kairi nor Genesis affirmed his words, not responding. The President noticed this, if the even further narrowing of his eyes was any indication.He turned to Genesis, and scoffed. "Don't think I don't know where your defiance comes from. Having an apprentice was a terrible influence on you."He strode past them without giving either of them a chance to respond. "When we return to HQ, you two will both be giving a large amount of your time to PR. Consider that your punishment."The groups joined and shuffled after him silently. She noted, uncomfortably, Hojo taking quick, studious glances at her. It always made her uncomfortable and fearful to be under his gaze. She forced herself to face forward and not even look his way. The group entered the capital, one half of the street lined by Shinra forces, the other by Wutai, and met Lord Kisaragi at the steps of his palace.President Shinra was all business as they met. "As per our arrangement, Professor Hojo will attend to your wife and see if he can diagnose her ailment before we begin these proceedings, as a token of Shinra's good will and generosity."Kairi had to admit, she was impressed when Godo when he didn't even twitch at Shinra's words. Kairi would have at least scoffed in derision.Godo merely thanked him, motioning inside. "We have prepared guest rooms in the palace and will have dinner ready before we begin negotiations.""Hmm, you've never failed on promptness Lord Kisaragi, one of your good traits," said President Shinra, all fake-complimentive.Godo merely tilted his head in acknowledgement."Though, I do ask that Professor Hojo be allowed an escort when he preforms his duties," said President Shinra.At that, Godo pursed his lips in displeasure, "Wutai will attend to all rules of negotiations. He will not be harmed while here, but if it gives you peace of mind, I will allow it."President Shinra nodded curtly and turned to..."2nd Class Kairi, you will guard Professor Hojo," ordered the President.Oh, that asshole!"Yes Sir," was all she said, giving a brief salute.They split off then, Hojo and Kairi led by Godo one way, while the others were led to their rooms.Hojo whispered very softly, in a way that no one but a SOLDIER would ever hear, "Genesis is a bludgeoning fool, he wouldn't have the capacity to engineer this situation in its entirety. I am impressed, Specimen K, that you could wrap Genesis around your finger and manipulate the situation to your advantage."Kairi slightly narrowed her eyes at him, but didn't respond. Let him think what he wanted, Genesis made his own choices."Genesis may get the glory of battle, but you will earn the public's heart," whispered Hojo with an odd mixture of derision and approval, "Should it ever come to a choice if you keep this up, I hold little doubt the masses would choose you over the President in the chances of a sudden change in leadership, if that is your end goal. Not that I particularly care either way, but it would be amusing to see you take this all the way. Proof of my genius in starting Project K if you took the company away from that pompous oaf."Kairi had to resist the urge to stare at him wide eyed. Did he just imply...They arrived at their destination before she could finish that thought. They were led into a quite room, with the lady Kisaragi laying very pale on a bed, an elegant patterned blanket pulled up to her neck."Chair please," said Hojo.Godo offered him one and placed it next to the bed. Hojo set down a medical bag he was carrying, and pulled out an assortment of gadgets, syringes, and a laptop. "Table please."Well now, it appeared Hojo knew how to actually be civil.Godo got one, and Hojo set his equipment down on it."Lady Kisaragi, are you awake?" inquired Hojo.The woman's eyes fluttered open, and she weakly nodded."Hmm," murmured Hojo before clearing his throat, "I will need you, or someone who has been with you often, to detail your symptoms."Godo spoke solemnly. "She has been ill, nonestop, since she gave birth...""Specifically," interrupted Hojo, "After birth? Or a bit before birth?"Godo paused to briefly think. "After. There has been, at most, a day between any illness she had. She is strong, but this constant onslaught of ailments has weakened her to... to this point."Hojo frowned thoughtfully. "I cannot be certain without running my tests, but it sounds as if her immune system, which fights against illness, was compromised.""I know what it is," said Godo a little irritably, "How could it possibly become compromised? She was healthy, had been for years, and rarely if ever got sick. I refuse to believe her body simply started to fail.""Hrm," said Hojo, "No, if she did not have a history leaning towards constant bouts of sickness, the chances of it suddenly onsetting are slim. Tell me, do you know if anyone in her family had this happen to them? There is a chance it was genetic."Godo crossed his arms, lost deep in thought. "Not... that I am aware of. Her family was, and still is, largely healthy. Her line is often thought to have been blessed by the Leviathan.""Hmm, there are several ways a compromised immune system could occur," said Hojo, pulling out and testing a syringe briefly, "I'll need to take a blood sample to confirm before I make guesses."Godo knelt next to his wife and whispered softly to her, gently tugging an arm out from under her blanket. The woman nodded, and weakly watched as Hojo gently (GENTLY!?) took a blood sample and began to feed it into a small machine. There was a short period of beeping before it spat out a result on a small piece of paper and continued to beep and churn."Well now," said Hojo, raising an eyebrow, actually looking rather impressed, "Your white blood cell count is dangerously low. A normal person usually ranges from five thousand to ten thousand per micro-liter of blood, depending on various conditions such as age, gender, ethnicity, genetics, and location. You are at roughly one-thousand five hundred. Frankly, considering that count and lack of medical advancement in Wutai, I am surprised you are even alive."Godo gripped his wife's hand tight in fear, causing her to briefly wince, and elect a soft apology from him.Kairi didn't know much about medical mumbo-jumbo, but being almost four thousand below the minimum normal people had sounded bad."There is a chance your body has lost the ability to produce white-blood cells, and these are simply the last batch," said Hojo calmly."Is... there nothing that can be done?" asked Godo."I did not say that," said Hojo, "It largely depends on why her white-blood cell count is low, and why they have stopped producing if they have. There is also the possibility she is burning through them faster than her body can make them in order to fight her constant illness."He glanced at the readout again. "In particular, her CD4 cells are even lower than any others. This suggests HIV and considering her frequent vulnerability to illness, AIDS. If you give the machine another few minutes to run its tests, we will have a confirmation.""What?" hissed Godo, "That's preposterous! Neither of us have that disease! Both of us were tested before we were wed, and yes, we have tests for it, we are not inconceivably far behind Shinra!""Let us wait and see then," said Hojo, noncommittal.A few minutes, and a few pieces of paper spit out the machine later, they had their results. "Positive for HIV.""That's impossible!" said Godo with disbelief."I do not particularly care for political and marriage fallout, so I will simply ask, have either of you had sexual relations with another partner?" asked Hojo.Godo looked practically murderous. "She is my heart, and I would never betray her."Even the exhausted woman managed to get out a firm, raspy, "Never.""Hmm," said Hojo, squinting at them as if to see any lies, "Well, that narrows it down a bit. Godo, I wish to test you as well, allow me a moment to grab a clean syringe."A few minutes later, they had his results. "Negative for HIV. Interesting, you haven't been with your wife since her pregnancy?"Godo frowned, not looking comfortable (and frankly neither was Kairi). "At first, she was to sore from the pregnancy, then, she was to sick.""Impressive restraint," commented Hojo mildly before growing thoughtful, "When was the last time you had sex with your wife?"Eww...Godo pursed his lips. "A month before she was due.""Good, good, that narrows down the window of infection," said Hojo, standing up and beginning to pace as Kairi had seen him do so many times in the lab. "Your child shows no sign of illness?""None," answered Godo."Then it suggests she was infected after birth if your daughter is not infected as well. Tell me, did she breastfeed her child?" asked Hojo."No, we had a wet nurse to give my wife a chance to rest and recover for the first week before she assumed her duties," answered Godo, "Then, she got sick, and it was ill advised to do so."Hojo nodded thoughtfully. "The most likely culprit was unsanitized tools used in the delivery, if any were used at all. Perhaps if one of the doctors that attended to her had the virus and an open cut. Drug use from an infected syringe...""Neither of us," said Godo with a hard edge to his voice, "Use drugs.""...or she somehow came in contact with bodily fluids that contained the virus," finished Hojo before tilting his head in thought once more, "There is also the consideration, based on that she is a head of state, that she was deliberately infected. That was done once or twice in Shinra's early days before we wiped the disease in Shinra Tower and regularly clean that unsavory Bee Inn the President visits. Regardless, the prognosis is the same."Godo was briefly angry at Hojo's words before something akin to hope entered his eyes. "You can defeat this disease? I thought it was incurable?"Hojo smiled thinly. "I trust you can keep this a secret: I had to create a solution considering the President's less than ethical amount of mistresses."Godo had a look of disgust on his face before he shook his head. "Do you have this cure on you? How fast can you bring it here if not?"Hojo pursed his lips. "HIV and AIDS are not normal conditions, and not easily bested. I understand that you and your people have an... aversion, to the use of Mako. Any treatment that deals with HIV, and especially AIDS, requires a Mako laced solution in order to wipe it out and restore balance to the immune system. Considering her current condition, she will need a strict and intense treatment plan. You will either need her to be brought to my facilities in Midgar, or have something brought and set-up here."He fixed Godo with a stern look. "And make no mistake Lord Kisaragi, considering the late stage she is in. There are no guarantees she will survive either the illness or the process. People in better condition than her have failed to live."Godo was grim, but did not waver. "We will not hesitate. We would prefer her to be treated here, but if need be, we will go to Shinra.""The sooner the better," said Hojo mildly, "Time is not on her side..."Kairi stood once again next to Genesis, watching from their corner of the room as the President and Godo discussed terms and conditions of Wutai's surrender. Sephiroth stood behind Shinra, like an ominous specter, watching over the proceedings. The same was true for Godo and his elite of the Crescent unit behind him. Angeal stood in the other corner of Shinra's side of the room. Advisors and high ranking officials from both sides sat a table, watching, occasionally chiming in, but mainly letting the leaders duke it out.Godo had thankfully taken her suggestion to heart. Rather than arguing for no reactors, he was arguing for less of them, or less active ones. And the President, seeming rather pleased by that change, was willing to negotiate. Wutai disarmament had come up once or twice, and was sure to come back up again, but Godo was adamant that the reactor issue be solved first. There was also the odd request that Shinra be allowed free range in searching Wutai's lands. When questioned on this, the President merely said they would be looking for the opportune place to put a reactor.Though... Kairi had her doubts..."He searches for a land that does not exist," said Mother, darkly amused, "At least not in the way he thinks it does. I could personally send him there if he so wished it, then again, anyone could with the sharp end of a blade."Kairi got the second part, but was confused on what the first meant, but Mother did not elaborate.She watched quietly, intently, and rather marveled at how controlled Godo was. Despite his wife's dreadful condition and prognosis, he kept calm, he did not rush these negotiations to get her treated quicker. He did not cave in to outrageous demands with the fear that Shinra may back out and he would lose the treatment to save his wife. She did not envy him despite this strength, for it had to be utter agony to go through. Having to balance the weight of a nation with the love of his wife was... nothing Kairi would ever want to go through. She wanted love one day, to find that certain someone, but that's it. She never wanted to have to choose between love and duty."Four is to much, you don't even know how many locations would be suited for reactors yet," said Godo in a slightly raised voice, temper finally seeming to make an appearance."Two for the size of your nation is a waste of potential," countered President Shinra."Do not forget, while we are negotiating an end to this war, it is still MY nation, not yours," warned Godo.Kairi closed her eyes and resisted the urge to sigh. Why couldn't they just land on three and be done with it?They eventually did, but not for another hour of squabbling. One reactor scheduled for upper Wutai near the capital area, one for the mid-forest/mountainous area, and one for the southern reaches. Of course, those were IF Shinra could locate suitable locations and didn't just wash their hands of building a reactor later on.Which was something that really pissed Kairi off. Shinra didn't even know if there were any, yet they went to war for this? Greed... greed was a disgusting, abhorrent thing.They settled in for the night after that, and were led to their own rooms. Though, considering the sheer size of the Shinra staff brought along, some were a little cramped. Angeal and Sephiroth shared a room, she and Genesis shared a room, the President of course got his own, but it was surrounded by Sephiroth's on one side, and Veld's on another. She didn't particularly pay attention or care about anyone elses.There was a firm knock on the door as the teacher and the apprentice settled in to lay on their respective beds.Genesis tilted his head towards the door. "By all means my apprentice.""Lazy bastard," she grumbled.Genesis merely grinned. "Well, when you are the Master with your own apprentice, you get to order them around too. Something to look forward to."Kairi rolled her eyes and made for the door. She hesitated a fraction from the handle, feeling the presence on the other side."My Chosen One graces you with his presence," whispered Mother.Sure enough, she opened the door, and Sephiroth was there, as was Angeal.Sephiroth's eyes studied her with an odd criticalness before he tilted his head. "2nd Class Kairi. I assume Genesis is still awake?""My friend, have you ever known me to be asleep this early?" drawled out Genesis from his bed, "Let them in dear."Kairi stepped aside and raised an eyebrow at Genesis. "Dear?"He grinned lazily at her. "Would beloved apprentice be better?""How does arrogant teacher sound about you?""Dotting child perhaps?""Pessimistic bumkin.""You wound me my apprentice!" said Genesis, hand going to his heart mockingly, "I'm at least culturally pessimistic."Angeal chuckled, following Sephiroth in and closing the door behind him. "You two do this often?"Genesis and Kairi both snorted in amusement.Sephiroth however made no acknowledgement of the festivities, turning to Genesis. "What were you thinking Genesis?"Genesis groaned. "Are we going to do this now?""Yes," said Sephiroth thinly, "We are."Genesis put his arms behind his head on his pillow, lifting one leg to rest on a knee, foot pointing towards the ceilings, head tilted to stare at Sephiroth. "Oh go ahead then, get it out of your system."Mother hissed in the back of Kairi's head. "He should watch how he speaks to my Chosen One."Sephiroth narrowed his eyes slightly. "You cut off communications suddenly without warning. There was concern that you might have died."Genesis scoffed. "Me? Die? Your concern is touching."There was the sound of tightening leather, Kairi's eyes briefly flickered to Sephiroth's hands, tightening briefly into fists. Genesis noticed as well, an almost sly smile crossing his face. "My my, someone's feathers are ruffled.""Perhaps for once Genesis you could take something in your life seriously?" asked Sephiroth, "Do you have any idea how much trouble you could have been in?"Genesis waved a hand. "Do tell.""You broke protocol, cut off communications, completely disregarded standing orders, acted on your own desires and tactics...," began Sephiroth."Which won the war," said Genesis, uncrossing his legs and moving to sit rather than lay down, glaring at Sephiroth. "What, upset that I stole the glory of it from you, hmm?""Is that why you did this, for glory?" asked Sephiroth, exasperated."Actually," said Genesis with just a touch of amusement, "Glory had little to do with it. Sad to say with how much you harp on it, I can't help but wonder about you and yours.""I do not, nor have I ever cared, about 'glory'," said Sephiroth thinly, "I've told you several times that this hero nonsense does not matter to me."Genesis as he slowly stood up and crossed the distance, face to face in a mater of moments. "If you don't, then why do you care about this so badly that you couldn't wait till we were back at HQ?""Do you understand Genesis, just what the President could have ordered as your punishment?" demanded Sephiroth.Genesis smiled and threw back his head, laughing. He turned and walked to the other end of the room, crossing his arms and starting at the wall. "Hmm. Oh, you're right! That dastardly fat bastard could have taken away all my sweets, cut me off from the VR room, and taken away my precious LOVELESS, oh the horror of it all!""Genesis," said Angeal sternly as Sephiroth glowered at the redhead, "Can you please treat this seriously?"Genesis turned, a dark look on his face that set Kairi ill at ease. "Alright, you wish me to treat this seriously? Fine. Shinra could have demoted me to a 2nd or 3rd class, the horror of being a lesser rank while still having my 1st classes enhancements, truly a terrifying prospect. The cut in salary and having to listen to orders from those beneath me would be the worst part of that.""They could have put me on probation, court-marshaled me, tried to lock me up, but I suppose what you are really hinting at was if they tried to fire me," said Genesis, a truly grim smile on his face, "Because we all know that the only way one leaves the company is in a body bag."Kairi stared at Genesis, unsettled beyond belief. "Genesis..."He held up a hand for her silence before staring at Sephiroth, hard and cold. "But we all know that the only people capable of actually doing that deed are in this room. So tell me, dear Sephiroth, would you have killed me if Shinra ordered it?"Sephiroth, for once, lost his controlled demeanor, staring at Genesis in open shock.Angeal stared at Genesis, wide eyed with disbelief.And then Kairi decided she had to step in before this went really south and became a fight. "Genesis! That's uncalled for!"Genesis scowled at her. "Apprentice, you are supposed to be on my side!""I am, when you aren't being an utter ass," she said, scowling right back at him, "If I was Sephiroth, I'd have knocked you through the wall for that! Friends don't treat each-other like that!"Genesis huffed and turned away. "Is that what him and I are? Sometimes I wonder..."Sephiroth's hand clamped down on the redhead's shoulder, his voice so firmly controlled and forcibly blank it hurt to hear. "Genesis. When have I ever given you a reason to doubt that you are my friend?""You didn't answer my question and here you are asking your own," said Genesis, glancing back over his shoulder at him.There was... a cold fire in Sephiroth's eyes that made Kairi a bit... well, frightened. "No, I would not have killed you. It is within my right to refuse any mission given to me as a 1st class, and I would have venomously refused to kill either you or Angeal if that order ever came down.""Venomously?" mused Genesis, "Hard to imagine then when you barely show even the most simple of emotions.""Genesis!" hissed Angeal, finally overcoming his speechlessness, "Just because someone doesn't wear their heart on your sleeve to see plain as day does not mean that they do not feel! We've been over this!"Sephiroth turned and raised an eyebrow at Angeal.Angeal sighed. "He's bitch-complains about you a lot to me."Sephiroth turned his head back and stared at Genesis silently. His face was so masked Kairi couldn't get a single hint of what he felt at the moment. It made her nervous..."Have either of you ever sat down and actually talked to one another?" asked Kairi honestly, "Or is the most that happens sharp-jabs at one another and VR room spars?"Angeal snorted. "That, would be accurate."Genesis huffed. "The three of us have a gathering every Sunday night to drink our woes away.""I thought alcohol doesn't really effect 1st classes?" asked Kairi."It doesn't," said Sephiroth mildly, before turning and looking at her thoughtfully, "Perhaps when we return to HQ, he and I need to 'talk' as you say. It is obvious to me there has been... miscommunication in regards to several things."Genesis snorted. "Oh this is going to be fun. I'm positively ecstatic. Will we be having crumpets for our little tea date?"Sephiroth brought his hand off Genesis's shoulder and slowly shook his head. "Genesis... you are an exasperation."Genesis grinned. "I know."Sephiroth pursed his lips. "Answer one question Genesis, and I will leave it at that for now. Why did you take this course of action in the war?"Genesis crossed his arms and frowned. "Do you honestly blame me for it Sephiroth? We've all bitched at one point or another about this war being a waste. If we had been allowed to push as a trio rather than listen to that fat bastard's greedy warmongering, the war would have ended in the first year rather than being dragged on as it has been. I decided I was sick of this war and decided to end it."His eyes briefly flickered to Kairi, growing uncomfortable. "There is little to no honor in the slaughter of a people who can hardly fight back. It was time this war was brought to a close."He turned and made for his bed. "Now, if you would see yourselves out, we have to be up early to resume negotiations tomorrow."Sephiroth's eyes flickered back and forth between Kairi and Genesis, looking an odd mixture of apprehensive and thoughtful. "Very well."The silver general turned and walked from the room without further room."Genesis," said Angeal, exasperated, "She is right you know, I'm not sure you have ever been as much of an ass to Sephiroth as you just were."Genesis gave a non-committal hum and laid down. "Good night Angeal."Angeal sighed and left.Kairi sat down on her bed. "Genesis...""What did you want me to tell them? That I ended it for you?" he said, exasperated, "Sephiroth already doesn't like you after that whole madness bit. I'm not adding more fuel to a fire that could kill you so easily."Kairi blinked a few times. Sephiroth thought ill of her?"Erm... perhaps there were additional casualties of that... incident, than I thought," mused Mother with chagrin, "My son will learn to get over it."Kairi went silent for a little while. "You could have at least been nicer to him."Genesis scoffed. "Kairi, you know me, when am I ever nice?"She sighed and laid down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "So the only way out of Shinra is in a body bag huh?"Genesis didn't respond.Hojo's earlier words echoed in Kairi's mind. So much of the Shinra Corporation was pure evil, full of greed and malice. It did need to change, new leadership WAS needed. She didn't want to be it however. She didn't want to be responsible for so many people, to have to lead and take charge. Someone was going to have to eventually though..."That policy is only going to last until one of you three wants out," said Kairi quietly, "So what happens when that time comes around?""That, my apprentice," said Genesis tiredly, "Is the question, isn't it?"Yeah... it was.Three reactors (assuming proper locations were found), Wutai disarmed in the areas around them, Shinra given access to search their lands, Shinra given free access to Wutai's waters for their ships to pass through, and a tax levied at Wutai paid to Shinra. Lady Kisaragi would be receiving treatment, whether at Shinra or in Wutai Kairi hadn't heard. When all was said and done, that was roughly what the negotiations ended up as. The exact nitty gritty details Kairi wasn't aware of, but, it was done, and that was all she cared about.Soon, they'd be flying away from Wutai.No more senseless pointless butchery.No more injuries and pain.No more death."For the time being," mused Mother, ever the buzzkill to Kairi's better moods.Beside her, waiting at the front of the Wutai Palace face in his PHS, Genesis scoffed, "Real time updates, would you look at that picture. Our fanclubs are obsessive beyond belief."Kairi rolled her eyes and reached over, snatching the PHS, "Dare I ask what they've taken pictures of?"It was actually a picture of the two of them standing as they were right now with the subtitled 'Crimson Hero and the Warrior-Maiden await the end of the war'. She scoffed. "Warrior-Maiden? Really?""There was a technical argument in a thread online about whether to call you a 'shield-maiden' or not," said Genesis, swiping at his PHS, which she gingerly sidestepped to keep a hold of, "I thought it was rather amusing."She glanced down at the PHD. "Dare I ask what other pictures they have?""You do have your own PHS you know," he said, grabbing for his PHS again.She twirled around him, tripping him as she went and earning an affronted 'apprentice!' from him. "But yours is right here and on the right page."She began flicking down the website he was on, amused, at least until she came across a certain set of pictures that stole any good feelings she had away. It was a set of images of her preforming CPR trying to revive a dead SOLDIER, tears in her eyes, titled 'SOLDIER with a heart - cries over her fallen fellows'. It made her go rigid and cold."They had no right," she whispered coldly, feeling oddly violated to have had that moment splashed across the internet for all to see.Genesis's hand froze inches from snatching his PHS back. He peered over her shoulder and winced a little. "Welcome to fame my apprentice, full of leeches who offer you no privacy nor space."He gently took his PHS out of her hand and pocketed it. "Perhaps... you should avoid looking up your fanclub and seeing what they've posted.""Yeah," was all she said, bitterness coating her voice.The leadership came out, and a 'great scene' was set up for photographers. Genesis, Kairi, Sephiroth, Angeal, and a few other high ranking Shinra employees on one side, Godo and President Shinra met in the middle shaking hands, with who Kairi assumed were important Wutai figures on the other side. There was a mass flash of cameras, before the two sides pulled apart and went on their way.Kairi walked at Genesis's side, eyes honing eagerly on a set of helicopters waiting outside the capital area. The moment they were strapped she leaned back and sighed heavily with relief. "Finally over."Genesis gave a non-committal hum. "Until Shinra finds their next target.""Whose even left?" asked Kairi, "Wasn't Wutai like the only other nation that hadn't fallen under Shinra's sway?""Mmmm, I think Cosmo Canyon technically doesn't fall under Shinra jurisdiction," said Genesis.Kairi huffed a bit. "Yeah, because a single town or whatever they are would last more than a night?""Never know," jested Genesis, "Shinra could drag it out sending a single trooper in at a time."Kairi rolled her eyes and was about to respond before the helicopter door opened and the Turk Tseng climbed in and buckled in a seat down from Genesis. "There are a few things that need to be gone over before we land in Midgar."Kairi wanted to sigh, loudly, but held it in.Tseng motioned up for the pilot, and the helicopter took to the air. "There is a parade being set up for when we return. We will land on the outer edge of the upper plate with the President and the rest of the returning SOLDIER forces, assume the roles and positions I will momentarily outline for you, and move to HQ.""Of course there is," mused Genesis, "It wouldn't be Shinra without making a big scene out of it."Tseng raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you object?""Oh no, by all means, I absolutely love screaming fangirls flashing me as I parade past," mocked Genesis.Kairi chocked a bit. "They don't really do that, do they?"Genesis leveled an exasperated look at her. "My dear apprentice, that is modest behavior from some of the more moderate fans.""I'm going to hate this PR stuff the President wants us to do, aren't I?""You have no idea."She really didn't.When they landed hours later after being coached on how to act (always smile, wave to the crowd at least once every few minutes, and other useless gestures) by Tseng, nearly and continually blinded by flashing cameras, screaming fans, declarations of love and mirage, extremely loud cheering and clapping, among other things that made Kairi wonder about people's sanity. She didn't know if it was always this bad, or only because Sephiroth, Genesis, Angeal, and Kairi were all there at one event. By the time they reached HQ, Kairi had an absolutely massive headache and swore she was still seeing spots in her vision.Whats worse was the press release the President apparently scheduled for tomorrow morning that she and Genesis were mandated to attend. She couldn't get up to her room fast enough, bidding Genesis goodnight even though it was only nood. She was further irritated by the pile of gifts and presents someone had laid on her bed from her apparent fanclub.She sighed, shoved them to the floor, and flopped on her bed. "Mother, if this is what you meant by having people adore me, I don't want it."Jenova laughed at her expense, and Kairi put her pillow over her face in mock suffocation, willing herself to nap the headache away...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

By the time the week was over, Kairi was about ready to kill someone. A bit hypocritical since she had just left a war she hadn't wanted to participate in the begin with. At this point though, she really didn't give a damn. She had been through so many goddamn press conferences, interviews, public meetings, and the like that she was about ready to go actually insane. The utter garbage they tried, tried being the key word, to make her say was sickening. They wanted her to butter the public up, make all the little girls and teenagers interested in SOLDIER. That had frickin written into various scripts that she was to 'giggle like a schoolgirl' at certain points.As she had said to Genesis and gotten admonished for it, 'Fuck that'.She hadn't been a schoolgirl since they had experimented on her and dumped her in Hojo's labs to get ripped apart by monsters for a year straight. She stuck close to the script, but she absolutely refused to lie and deceive the public, or give off a false image of herself...So here she sat in Genesis's room on his couch, watching a replay of the latest interview. It was a spacey little apartment. A couch, several chairs, a table, a TV, a kitchen, and a bedroom plus bathroom. About the same as her own. She refocused on the screen in time to catch her 'favorite' part of the it......she gave the audience a mirthless smile, (and oh hadn't Kairi felt elated to get that jab out even if the Turks warned her for it later). "My entrance into the program wasn't quite the standard procedure as the first female SOLDIER, I was trained after the fact. Such an allowance wont happen again. I've been shown what the Cadet Program is actually like, it's difficult, and will test you thoroughly to make sure you have what it takes and prepare you to be a SOLDIER. But at the end of it if you make it through, you will have what it takes to become a SOLDIER."
"And while SOLDIER's stick together, sometimes like family, this isn't some after-school club. Being a SOLDIER is a lifelong commitment, it is not a game, it is dangerous work, and people's lives depend on us. If you girls out there think you have what it takes to become a SOLDIER, perhaps even if you don't think you can but still want to try, then sign up for when they finalize the process, you might just surprise yourselves. But don't join up just because you think it will be 'fun', because you think it would be cool, or any silly reason."

Kairi gave the audience a serious look. "Join up because you are serious about helping people. Because you are serious about making the world a better place. Because you want to make a difference."

"Do you feel like you made a difference?" asked the interviewer.

Kairi raised an eyebrow. "I'm not arrogant enough to claim that I made the sole difference, but I helped end the war under Commander Rhapsodos's leadership. So yes, I made a difference, and I don't regret it..."
"I haven't had a chance to say it, but you held yourself well during that one especially," came a calm voice from the doorway.Kairi jumped a little to see Sephiroth, and then Angeal, both carrying alcohol of some kind if she saw right, enter the apartment, Genesis on their heels. She gave the last a curious look, and he rolled his eyes. "I did say we did gatherings on Sunday, and you've more than earned the right to join in, my apprentice."She looked at him suspiciously. "With alcohol?""We can't get drunk," Genesis said flatly, with pure disappointment in his voice, "Believe me, we've tried.""I don't think I'm old enough...""I'm not one to encourage it," said Angeal, taking a seat on the opposite end of the couch, setting his share down on a table, "But Midgar's drinking age is sixteen."Kairi tilted her head back in thought. Was she sixteen yet? She had faintly lost track of time in Wutai. If she wasn't she was close. She eyed a beverage, made a whatever-face, and took one, popping the top and pitching it back...Genesis made a choking laughter sound when she spit it out, "Gaaah! Why would anyone drink this crap?"Sephiroth seemed amused, taking a seat in a char aside. "It's an acquired taste. I don't think you're supposed to try to drink it all at once.""And definitely not supposed to spew it all over the table," said Genesis flatly, "Go clean it up."Kairi rolled her eyes, took a pillow off the couch, and used that, earning an indignant 'Kairi!' from him. Angeal chuckled a little Genesis's expense, before they all settled down and lazed in the chairs and couch. Kairi eyed the bottle in her hands with doubt, before slowly sipped at it, trying to keep the burning disgusting sensation from rising in her throat again."So, glad to be back home Kairi?" asked Angeal.She shrugged. "If you can call HQ home. But yeah, anywhere is better than being back in the War."Angeal gave a short nod at that. "Agreed. I like being of use, in action, given a purpose and a task, but..."He shook his head. "We've all made our dislike of the war known at one point or another."Genesis reached over and grabbed the remote, flicking through channels, "I think that's enough PR bullshit for one evening.""What do you guys watch?" she asked."Whoever's apartment we end up in gets to choose," said Angeal."Sephiroth watched cooking shows last time," said Genesis with disdain."I find them fascinating," the man in question admitted, not defensive in the slightest, "To see how so much delicate and precise effort put into what is so simple an activity for us. Some of what I've seen looked rather appetizing.""Maybe because all we get if we don't order or eat out is Company grade mush," muttered Angeal."I wonder if I can find the latest performance of LOVELESS," mused Genesis.Angeal and Sephiroth both groaned in dismay.Kairi watched them, a little fascinated at the display, to see them so relaxed. Especially after that encounter in Wutai between the three. Perhaps they were used to big confrontations like that. She doubted the trio ever did anything on the small scale of things. They settled down in relative silence to the sipping of alcohol while Genesis flipped through one channel after another.Kairi was curious on one thing, though she was glad Zack wasn't here. "You don't bring Zack to these gatherings, Angeal?""I will one day," said Angeal, "When he's proven himself and earned it. You're Gen's apprentice, and you covered his back for his deployment. You also never tried to shift any blame to him in order to save face with the President. An honorable thing to do, especially with what you offered to the Wutai when you frankly didn't need to. You're okay, kid.""Not a kid," she huffed, beaming a little in pride at the praise.Angeal hesitated and licked his lips. "Kairi, about Zack. You know he didn't want...""Nope," said Genesis, "This is our relaxation day, you can deal with whatever issues there are tomorrow."Angeal sighed and wiggled deeper into the couch, muttering, "Sir yes sir."Kairi said nothing, feeling a tad uncomfortable with the territory Angeal had just been heading towards. She took another swing of the... she squinted at the label, which was blacked out with a sharpie and had a duct tap over it labeled 'Slum Piss'. She snorted at that, not sure if she should be amused or alarmed. She took another drink anyway. She had never had alcohol before, but she had been to a party once or twice (snuck out) and seen people get utterly wasted. They seemed to enjoy it. She finished the bottle and reached for another, getting it half way to her before she froze.A high pitched whine range through her ears, followed by the shattering of the bottle as she dropped it, drawing the looks of the 1st class trio. Kairi could hear someone screaming, crying in the back of her head. She flinched as a wave of nausea and pain overtook her, bowing her head forward between her knees and clutching the back of it with her head, taking a ragged breath."Kairi?" questioned Angeal with mild alarm."No! Stop stop stop! It burns!" screamed a young girl's voice in Kairi's head.She shivered uncontrollably, and Genesis was beside her in a second, hand on her back, voice cautious, "Apprentice?""S...someone's screaming," she whispered, drawing a confused 'what?' from him."At last," spoke up Mother, "It's time."T...time?"You're first child," mused Mother.Her first what?!"Hone in on the sensation," said Mother, "Feel your child's terror and pain as if it were your own, and enter a whole new existence my child, my heir."Kairi focused on it, feeling waves of fear and pain rippling uncontrollably through the back of her mind. For a moment, she was somewhere else, looking through someone else's eyes in a familiar white room, a lab, the experimentation room. Head turned towards her limbs, strapped down, struggling. Dressed in nothing but undergarments with Hojo's gleeful and mad face peering down at her while taking notes. Everything burned, it felt like there was a fire inside of her spreading. She was screaming, begging to be let go...Kairi lost the sensation a moment later and then went completely numb in shock at the new sensations overwhelming her."You knew they were planning on creating more female SOLDIERs with your cells," said Mother, "It would appear they succeeded."The numbness broke.Just like she had been made Mother's daughter, someone had done the same to whoever this was. She had a daughter, a daughter! Someone who bore her cells. Pure elation and pleasure rolled through her body in a way she could hardly comprehend. Then something else hit her. Her daughter was in pain, was in agony, was terrified out of her mind. She had never felt so ENRAGED, felt so possessive and protective. She would find her child, and she would destroy anyone who dared harmed her. She would take her inside herself and keep her protected and cared for and cherished and loved... she would never be harmed again... never again..."My daughter," warned Mother, "Mind your impulses..."Kairi stood up abruptly and shoved Genesis away, so much wrath on her face the trio rose to their feet and backed away warily, watchful and cautious."That BASTARD," snarled Kairi, "He did it again!""Kairi?" questioned Genesis, watching her round the couch."Hojo abducted another girl," she spat, "And is experimenting on her.""How would you know this?" questioned Sephiroth carefully.Kairi briefly paused at the door and glanced back at him. "Because I can feel my cells in her. I can feel her fear and terror and pain."Sephiroth's eyes went wide. "Your eyes..."She didn't care, she wrenched the door open, off it's hinges, and stormed out...Sephiroth watched those pink catlike eyes turn away, and exchanged glances with the others, before they hurried out after her. Kairi was in a dead sprint, and he found himself actually hard pressed to catch up for once. She took the stairs rather than the elevator, bounding up in great leaps, not a care in the world about potentially plummeting many flights down. They came across the ripped open doors of the Science Department. Guards and scientists and staff were scattered about, thrown out of the way, a few were bloody and unconscious having been thrown into walls.Sephiroth followed the trail deeper in, Angeal and Genesis at his side. This incident was not what the unstable girl needed with the thin ice she already walked on. He might not like her because of said instability, but Genesis did. And as much as his friend believed he did not care, he was wrong. Sephiroth did not want to see Genesis hurt by his apprentice's potential death if she caused to much damage, or Gaia forbid kill Hojo as much as Sephiroth wanted the man dead. Genesis hardly let anyone in, only rivaled in this regard by Sephiroth himself. He had seen enough devastated SOLDIERs losing their comrades to not wish it on his friend.They caught up to her as she ripped open a pair of double doors. "HOJO!"Inside was an unfortunately familiar room to Sephiroth, Hojo's favored playground, filled with an uncomfortable white paint, a single examination slab with restraints, cabinets full of supplies, and various syringes, machines, screens, and other gadgets he experimented or tested with with. Surprisingly, there actually was a blonde teenage girl restrained on the table, writhing in pain and sobbing. Hojo whirled as Kairi stalked forward and wisely go out of her way. She ripped the restraints off, picked up the girl, and carried her into a corner of the room, cradling her tightly to her chest as she ran her hand through the girl's hair."Shhh, shhh, it's okay," whispered Kairi, "Mother's here, I won't let him hurt you anymore, shh..."The girl's writhing turned into twitches, and sobs into hiccups and sniffles. "It hurts...""I know, I know," murmured Kairi, kissing the girl's forehead, "It's all over now, shh..."Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at the exchange and mouthed 'Mother?' at Genesis and Angeal, both who looked just as baffled as he was."My names Kairi," whisper Kairi with affection, "What's your name?""E... el... Elena," whispered the girl."I'm pleased to meet you Elena," said Kairi lovingly, before darkening, "What did he do to you?""I... I was just walking home," whimpered the girl, "Was going home from the Academy and I... I woke up here and he was sticking needles in me and... and..."The girl started hiccuping and crying again, much to Kairi's distress as she tried soothing the girl again.Sephiroth however was more than irritated, glaring at Hojo who was busy taking notes. "From the Academy?""I wanted a more sturdy and worthwhile specimen for the trial of what I was hoping would be the final version of the procedure, which evidently worked," said Hojo before scowling, "Don't give me that look, you know how the company functions."Angeal made an absolutely disgusted sound. Sephiroth glanced briefly at his friend. Angeal always struggled with the darker side (was there any other side?) of the Company, and tried to drown it out in with his honor. Being forced to confront it like this was never easy for his friend. Judging by the dark look on the man's face, it was going to be a long night for him."Much the same as I was my daughter," said Kairi after managing to quiet the girl down, "I woke up in a cage myself, something that binds us together."Sephiroth was disquieted at the 'cage', but the daughter comment was... curious."D-daughter?" Elena evidently felt the same, looking up into Kairi's face with an odd mixture of confusion and longing. "Why do... why do I know you? I've never met you but I... feel...""While I would have preferred you done so willingly, you bear my cells," said Kairi, kissing her forehead again, before her voice raised into a viscous possessive snarl. "But what's done is done, you're my daughter now, MINE. I won't let anyone hurt you again, I'll kill anyone who dares!"Elena cowed in fear, shivering, tears in her eyes, before Kairi went into soothing her again, hands running through her hair or caressing her face, "Shh, it's alright, shh...""Well, now we have a third persona," said Sephiroth flatly, "Normal Kairi, Sadistic Kairi, and... Mother Kairi?"Genesis snorted. "Lovely."Hojo turned sharply to Sephiroth, "Personas? Explain."Sephiroth hesitated, unsure if he should give the professor anything, but hoping the Professor might let something slip and help him understand just what was going on here......and then, to add into matters, an assortment of guards and a red-headed Turk rushed into the room. "Where's the disturbance... sir!"Sephiroth waved a hand. "It's being handled. Leave."The guards immediately did, the Turk however did no such thing, eyes narrowing at the corner of the room with the girls. "Wait a sec... ain't that..."The Turk rounded on Hojo, pulling a rod out of his back pocket and pressing it up against the scientist's neck. "Oh no you didn't. You did not take Gun's sister!"Sephiroth pinched the bridge of his nose. Hojo had kidnapped and experimented on a Turk's sister? Of course he did... this was going to be a very long night...Hojo scoffed. "I don't particularly care who the specimen is.""You're a dead man walkin," the Turk growled before pulling away, taking out his phone and speed-dialing as he left the room. "Boss, this is Rod. I don't mean to give ya orders, but get yourself and Gun to the labs, that fucking pyscho scientist took her sis."Yes, this was going to be a great night. Then again, if Veld ended up killing Hojo, it actually might become one of the best nights of his life. He knew better than to get his hopes up. Still, he did so hope that Hojo had finally overstepped his bounds."Kairi," called out Genesis, drawing a growl out of the girl in question as she clutched Elena protectively to her chest, "Did he just put your 'cells' in her, or are her eyes glowing as well?"Elena briefly glanced towards them, and Sephiroth sighed softly when he caught that Mako blue glow. Complication after complication. "Angeal, please call Lazard and have him come into the office."Genesis crossed his arms as Angeal stepped into the hallway. "Well, this is going to be the second time we've had to do this."Hojo scoffed in derision. "I would appreciate it, if you would stop stealing my specimens from my lab before they are ready."Kairi growled in Hojo's direction, and Sephiroth tentatively agreed with the sentiment, as did the more vocal Genesis. "Perhaps Professor, you should keep your mouth shut before you get yourself shot. But if you'd prefer that, then by all means, keep speaking."Hojo grew dismissive, returning to his notes. "Veld is the President's dog, he won't bite unless Rupert tells him to.""Keep barkin doc," said Rod as he stepped back into the room, "You keep it up till Veld gets here, and we'll see whose the dog."Hojo ignored him and continuing jotting down on his notepad."Uh... why's she cuddling the kid?" asked Rod, eyebrow raised at the corner of the room with the two girls."She's protective," said Genesis as if that explained everything, "And I would advise you not approach until they both calm down."Sephiroth agreed with the notion and watched the two teenagers. Elena looked an odd mixture between comfortable and not, both wanting and not wanting to be held in Kairi's arms like that. Kairi was however fretting over the girl, an absurd amount of love and possessiveness in her eyes and voice and touch that made absolutely no sense to Sephiroth. Why would having her cells in someone else cause such a reaction and change over the girl? There was something deeper going on here..."Professor," said Sephiroth calmly, "Why are her eyes pink versions of my own?""You are a pinnacle in one way," said Hojo carefully, "She may be a pinnacle in another. Aesthetic differences are to be expected."Sephiroth wanted to growl. Hojo always did that, answering without actually giving any real information."How did Specimen K know what was happening here?" questioned Hojo."She felt her," said Sephiroth simply."Fascinating," said Hojo, scribbling down more notes and muttering to himself, "A telepathic link perhaps? Or would it just be an awareness of those that bear her cells? Or perhaps..."The scientist's ramblings were cut off by a loud, "Elena!" as a blonde haired Turk rushed into the room. He assumed this was 'Gun'.Elena looked up sharply, "Sis!"Kairi briefly looked up at the Turk, eyes narrowed, before glancing down at Elena as she squirmed for freedom. Kairi glared at the Turk and hissed out a warning, "Hurt her, and you die.""She's my sister," said the Turk, indignation in her voice, who yelped and staggered a little when Elena lunged at her legs, sobbing into one; she knelt down into the embrace and rubbed the younger's back, "Shesh sis, where's the usual hate? You're scaring me here.""S-shut up," muttered Elena, squeezing tighter an electing a pained hiss from her sister, "Ease up Ele, your crushing my legs.""S-sorry," said Elena, looking at her sister.Gun swore softly, "He put Mako in you, that son of a bitch..."Kairi stood and hovered a bit behind Elena and her sister, hands twitching as if she wanted to reach out and draw her 'daughter' back to her. Most likely did. Gun looked up at Kairi and motioned for her to take her, which she did gladly. The Turk turned, drew a pistol, and made for the Professor, a dark look on her face."Gun," came a deadly calm voice behind Sephiroth.Sephiroth turned his head to see Director Verdot and Tseng walk into the room, an assortment of Turks blockading the hallway from anyone else entering the area. Director Verdot briefly took an assessment of the room, looking at the gathered 1st classes with irritation, eyes pausing briefly to size up Kairi and Elena, washing over the protective tightening the 2nd class SOLDIER had on the slightly younger girl. He looked at Hojo, then at Gun, who was glaring at her leader, daring him to keep her restrained."A leg only, and he is to live," said Director Verdot."What?" sputtered Hojo, "You can't expect to..."
BANG
With expert precision, Gun put a bullet through Hojo's left knee, taking the scientist to the ground with a scream. Gun drew closer and resumed shooting until she had completely taken the leg off at the knee with her pistol. She turned to Genesis and spoke with lethal sweetness. "Do you have a fire materia? I'm going to cauterize it, slowly."Genesis smiled savagely and took a materia out of his bracer, tossing it to her.The screams that followed from Hojo were the most beautiful sounds Sephiroth had ever heard in his life. Judging from the darkly pleased look on Kairi's face, she enjoyed it just as well. Sephiroth would have pleasant dreams for days, perhaps weeks to come. When Gun was finished, she smashed the barrel of her gun into Hojo's head and knocked him out. "Fucking bastard. No one messes with the Turks and gets away with it. No one.""Enough Gun," said Director Verdot, "Tend to your sister and take her to our floor to have her looked over while I discuss this... development... with the SOLDIERs.""My daughter is not going anywhere without me," growled Kairi.Gun gave her a disbelieving look. "Excuse me? Your daughter? What drugs are you on?"Kairi glared at her. "She's MINE."The possessiveness sent a shiver down Sephiroth's spine, and elected a whimper from Elena.Director Verdot's eyes flickered to Kairi, and Sephiroth judged the trajectory enough to see them focusing on those pink-catlike eyes. The Director showed no surprise nor shock, his control so masterful that Sephiroth always found himself impressed. It was rare to find himself rivaled in anything after all. "Then you may go with her.""Boss!" exclaimed Gun, "She's completely loony!""I've given my order," said Director Verdot, "Go with them Gun. Your sister is under your joint protection as of the moment. "Gun pursed her lips, but obeyed, leading the SOLDIER and the SOLDIER to be out of the room."Sephiroth," said Director Verdot calmly, "I trust you can give me an honest and thorough debriefing before this matter escalates?"Sephiroth's lips twitched in amusement. "Damage control?""It's a bit past that point," said Director Verdot calmly, so very calmly it almost seemed natural even to the SOLDIER's enhanced senses; Sephiroth wondered just how furious the Turk actually was, "I will be voicing my displeasure to the President, I simply want answers in order to determine how I go about this.""Very well," said Sephiroth, placing his hands behind his back and straightening before giving the man what he wanted. It only took a minute, considering that it had been so brief and sudden. Less than ten minutes if he had to guess.Director Verdot's gaze leveled at Hojo's notepad when Sephiroth finished, and he could see the temptation in his eyes. But he knew better. They both did. The President might allow Hojo's punishment to get away unchallenged, but looking through what would most likely be retroactive classified as beyond top secret? That got people killed. The Turk turned on his heels and motioned to the hallway. "The good doctor can figure himself out when he awakens. Shall we?"Sephiroth walked at Director Verdot's side with the other Turks and 1st classes filing in behind them; The head Turk spoke quietly, at a level no security would pick up, but his Turks and the other SOLDIERs would. "The Professor had best know what he is doing. Ignoring his stupidity in targets, the more his project with the girl develops, the more wary I become. I cannot help but feel he is playing with fire, and more than one of us may be burned by it.""Agreed," said Sephiroth softly, "While it is to early to tell with his current victim considering what just happened to her, if the instability 2nd class Kairi has is a common feature with those who are enhanced based off her, this is going to end in disaster.""Elena's a good girl," said Director Verdot in a way that made Sephiroth think he actually meant it, "Gun didn't want the Turk life for her, nor I imagine SOLDIER. Out of our hands now, but I saw nothing out of ordinary for the girl considering the situation. All things considered Sephiroth..."He turned his head and met his gaze. "We both know Hojo did something more than simple Mako enhancements to Kairi. I hold doubts the regular female SOLDIERs will show anything more than what the males do for you.""Perhaps," mused Sephiroth, "But I certainly don't feel them the way Kairi does for Elena, and considering that Elena felt like she knew Kairi, it goes both ways to a degree. I have a general awareness when I'm near my SOLDIERs, but I am not connected in the way I'm assuming she is."Director Verdot nodded slowly. "I suppose we will have to wait and see. The President is going to go forward with this regardless. If Kairi reacts this way to each and every one of them, this will become complicated.""Your Turk's sister was abducted and strapped down," said Genesis mildly, "Considering that Kairi said she felt her fear, that may have been a major reason for her reacting the way she did. I can't explain the whole mother and daughter thing, but if Kairi really considers the girl that way, a mother will do anything to protect her child. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess.""And considering all of the female SOLDIERs will bear her cells," said Angeal in warning, "That is a dangerous thing that's going to have to be taken into consideration if she feels that way towards them all."Director Verdot pauses his steps briefly, the weight of what Angeal said impacting him just as heavily as it did Sephiroth.This was going to become complicated.So very complicated...It had taken a lot of arguing, but Kairi finally had her daughter taken back to her apartment, with the Turk sister sleeping on the couch. Elena might have been a little uncomfortable with it, but they slept together, skin touching save for their undergarments. Kairi held her, unable to completely wind down and fall asleep yet, gently running her hand through her child's hair. The sensations running through Kairi's head were overwhelming. Each time skin touched skin, there was a burst of pleasure and yearning, to join with her child, to become one. Yet at the same time, there was a conflicting emotion that neutralized it, the desire to see her child stand alone, to develop and grow and become more than what she was now. She understood what they were, but did not understand how or why, not yet.Connected but apart.Strength in separation.United as family.As many of the collective.The sensations ran through her mind so blazingly hot that nothing else could get through. Mother had tried to speak a few times, but after Kairi had taken off, she had been drowned out. And Kairi couldn't find it in herself to care. Her whole world seemed to revolve around the child in her arms. Not that Elena was actually a child, at best they looked a year apart in age. Kairi couldn't bear to think of her in any way but her child though, her first beloved daughter. She loved her as she had never loved anything before, it was all consuming, a warmth that ran through her body and soul. She pressed the feeling to her child, watching as a soft smile spread across the girl's sleeping face.She would allow her child no nightmares tonight of what that bastard Scientist had done to her. The pure rage that filled her Kairi had to quickly crush as to not disturb or alarm her child.There was also the guilt to consider. She treasured her daughter so, but... Elena had not chosen this life. She worried her child might resent her, there was already a hint of fear in her direction, scared of how Kairi had acted towards her. She couldn't help it though, at least not right now. She'd have to practice restraint, she knew she couldn't stay attached to her child like this all the time. But for tonight, she would. She kissed her daughter's cheek and rolled her over gently, peeling the blanket off them and looking down on her child's beautiful sleeping form."My child," she whispered, "Beloved daughter, MINE."Her hands roamed her child's body, fingers tracing her skin, examining and taking in every inch of her. She pressed herself against her child, wrapping her in a tight embrace, shuddering almost none-stop at the overwhelming sensation of being so close to becoming one with her child but not. She let the sensation dominate her mind for a time before she forced herself to let go, exercising some restraint. So she gently rolled her back onto her side and drew the blanket around them before wrapping her child in her arms and drawing them tightly together for the night...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning Kairi feels...Settled.Waking up, feeling the existence of her child, a thrum in the back of her mind, a link, a connection, family. A sense of belonging and being belonged to, the last time she had felt anything remotely like this, not counting Mother, was back on Destiny Islands with Sora and Riku. Content doesn't even begin to describe it; if she could stay in bed forever, arms wrapped around her daughter, keeping her close, she'd consider doing so..."It's been so long," mused Mother, "Since I had my own first child, experimenting with my existence. I had forgotten the euphoria of it all.""How long ago was it?" asked Kairi, curious."I am ancient beyond the stars," said Mother sagely, "It would have been billions of years ago.""Huh," Kairi blinked a few times before teasing, "So, my old, venerable mother...""Insolent brat," chided Mother fondly."...want to say hi to your Grandchild?" asked Kairi.There was a moment of silence before Jenova spoke, an odd tone in her voice, "That, I believe is the first time I've ever been asked that.""None of your other children have had children?" asked Kairi in disbelief, "In billions of years?"Mother's voice grew... careful, "Our definitions of grandchildren differ. You would believe that any child someone physically had who bore my cells would be considered one, or if they... gifted... their cells to another. To me, there would be little difference, and I would consider both my children. You however, are not a mere child, but a heir, the first I've ever had. Your child, this Elena... is the first child of a heir, and thus, my first Grandchild."Mother went silent again for a moment before admitting, "I'm not sure what to think or feel about this. The sensation is... strange. You are my child, MINE, She however does not feel like mine, and is only loosely linked to me through you. I am not... connected to her as I am to you. I cannot feel her emotions nor detect her thoughts, I am only barely aware of her presence. I do not feel... possessive, I suppose would be the word I choose."Kairi huffed a little, pulling Elena tighter to her. "Well, I suppose I'll feel possessive enough for the both of us."Mother snorted at that. "I suppose you will. Regardless... I don't think her and I... should meet yet."Kairi frowned. "Why not?""She will already be overwhelmed by the changes that have happened to her," said Mother, "Adding me on top of that would be unwise."Kairi nodded slowly, but felt..., "That's not all of it, is there?"She felt a tint of surprise from Mother. "Perceptive my child.""Well?"Mother didn't want to seem to admit it. "She is not bound to me, I do not trust her."Kairi felt a wave of ugly anger. "My child is trustworthy!""Do you know even the first thing about her?" chided Mother, "Her life? Her loyalties? Her sister by blood is a Turk, loyal to Shinra, those who imprison me and create my children. Since I cannot feel through her mind, that alone makes me wary!"It took Kairi a moment to feel it out, and she was surprised, struck with disbelief. "Mom... are you afraid of Elena?!"Mother did not immediately answer."Mother?""I was not expecting it to be this way," said Mother uneasily, "She is an uncontrolled progeny. Who is not bound to you the way you are bound to me, and I know you my soft hearted child, you will not instill obedience and force loyalty. She, and any future children you have, could endanger everything."Kairi snarled. "My children will be loyal because I love them and they love me, not because I crack a whip!"Mother shrank back briefly from the burning sensation of Kairi's anger, hissing out, "And what if they don't? Hmm? What if they are not loyal?""Well, loyalty must be earned, not demanded," subbed Kairi, "I'll show that I care, and that will be that.""The intricacies of mortal allegiances are far more complex than that, my foolish child," chided Mother before pulling back, "I've said my peace. Know your children, but do not tell them of me."Kairi growled a little under her breath, but didn't respond otherwise. She laid with her child for a time before a knock came at the door. "Elena? Kairi?""Enter," called out Kairi.She watched as her child's blood-sister entered the room, warily eying the two of them sleeping so close together. Kairi vaguely recalled her being called... Gun? A codename if Kairi figured right. Gun looked distinctly uncomfortable with the whole thing, and despite the control Turks usually had, she was visibly stressed, the night's sleep having done little for her."Is she alright?" questioned Gun.Kairi's eyes shifted towards the blonde bob of hair below her chin, a soft smile running across her face as she ran a loving hand through her child's hair. "I allowed her no ill dreams last night. She's sleeping peacefully."Gun scrutinized them for a moment, focusing on Elena's sleepy smile, before just a tint of stress leaked out of her shoulder. "Well... thank you for that I guess... but how could you even do something like that?"Kairi shrugged. "I simply pressed my love and care to her mind and it soothed her."Gun frowned, eyes narrowing a bit. "Love? You don't even know her."Kairi narrowed her eyes right back at her. "She bears my cells, she's my child! MINE."Gun tensed right back up. "I don't know what weird freaky shit you have going on in your head, but...""Gnnn, trying to sleep," muttered Elena, rolling over and nestling her face into the crook of Kairi's neck.Kairi's anger melted instantly as she smiled down at Elena. "Shh, its alright, go back to sleep."When she returned her eyes to the Turk, Gun looked absolutely baffled. "What in the hell is going on here?""We can scream at eachother later if you want to," said Kairi, "Elena's trying to sleep.""I wish I could let her," admitted Gun, "But there's a meeting about this whole mess in an hour, you both are required to attend."Kairi growled a little under her breath. "She needs time to adjust and relax, not be thrown back into this mess."Gun nodded slowly, if but reluctantly. "Yeah..."She stared at Kairi, looking lost, "You really do care about her... just because she has your cells in her?"Kairi resisted the urge to growl at Gun, the Turk wasn't trying to be hostile, she was protective of her sister, Kairi could related, the woman just didn't understand. "She's my daughter, we're connected. I... I can't properly describe what this feels like.""Connected how?" questioned Gun."I feel her in the back of my mind," said Kairi, "Her presence, her emotions, I heard her panicked thoughts yesterday.""That's... invasive," said Gun warily.Kairi shrugged. "I think she should be able to do the same with me. I have nothing to hide from her."Gun didn't answer, instead, she walked forward and sat on the edge of the bed, nudging Elena gently through the blanket. "Ele, wake up."There was a muffled grumble even Kairi's enhanced hearing couldn't quite pick up. It made her smile though.Gun shook her again. "C'mon Ele, I'll drag you outa bed again. Honestly, had to do that your first day of the academy to when you were late for class."Kairi grinned a bit at the mental image."Wasn late," murmured Elena, turning her head and blinking sleepily at Gun."Morning bed-head," teased Gun.Elena huffed a bit, glancing with tired confusion around the room. "Ain't my room... since when do you let me crash at your place?""It's not my room either," said Gun before scowling, "And if you weren't so stingy all the time, I'd let you use my apartment whenever you want."Kairi felt Elena come into focus, glaring at her sister. The sensation of -competition- -rivalry- burning in the back of her mind was an invigorating fire for Kairi to feel, though, there was the tint of familial affection behind it. "Well maybe if you weren't Miss High and Mighty Turkett..."Gun groaned. "Please don't use that term where any of the others can hear, I'd never live it down, Turk is gender indifferent, Elena."Elena stuck her tongue out at her sister, and Kairi couldn't help but laugh a little. Elena jolted a bit, only apparently now just realizing she was wrapped in Kairi's embrace. "Uh...""Oh...," whispered Elena, curling a little, her sibling rivalry fading into soft panic and distress, "That was all real... wasn't it?"Kairi ran a hand through her child's hair. "Shhh, it's alright."Elena gulped, struggling a bit to force down her anxiety, though something else took focus, a tint of red on the girl's face. 'Uhh... I'm in bed with another girl...'Kairi made a few. "Eww, don't think like that, I'm your mother."Elena froze. "You... that was... you can hear my thoughts?""Just really loud ones," explained Kairi, "Everything else is just soft background noise."Elena hesitated for a moment. "I um... how?""We're connected," said Kairi, hand thumbing through hair again, "You and I. You bear my cells..."Elena gave her a blank look."Perhaps you could let her up and get showered," suggested Gun carefully, "And maybe we can all come to some sense on this in the meeting."Kairi reluctantly did so, allowing Elena to scoot out of bed. "Umm, wheres the bathroom in here?"Kairi briefly gave her directions, and one of her old 3rd class uniforms, and watched her go. There was an ache in her chest all of the sudden, to not be so close, touching, to her her child. She couldn't help the longing she felt to hold her again despite here merely being a hallway and a closed door away."Shesh, you look like your puppy just got run over or something," said Gun."I want her to be with me," murmured Kairi, "Wrapped in my arms, never letting go, always mine.""And that doesn't alarm you, at all?" asked Gun, "That you're just all of the sudden feeling that?""Not really," said Kairi, "I... love feeling connected like that..."Like feeling that she had family...Her face darkened. "At least when I'm not feeling her terror and fear and pain and hearing her screams in my head."Gun looked... disquieted. "That has to be... unsettling.""Jarring," corrected Kairi, "One minute I'm hanging out with Gen, Angeal, and Sephiroth, the next I feel her connect to me, hear her screams in my head. I can't... I can't describe the sensation, the belonging..."Kairi's lips peeled back into a sneer. "She's MINE, my child, and if that bastard Scientist so much as looks at her funny, let alone hurts her again, I'll rip him limb from limb.""Not if I put a cap through his forehead first," muttered Gun before squinting at Kairi, "Connected or not, she's her own person way before she's an object of yours."Kairi stiffened. "That's not what I meant!""Yeah? Well maybe you should consider what you say, because calling her 'mine' all the time kind of makes me think your calling her a slave," said Gun, hostile.Kairi growled under her breath. "Not. Like. That. It's a sensation of belonging, of being a part of eachother, family, two pieces of a greater whole."Gun just shook her head. "You make no sense. Hojo shouldn't be messing around with this freaky shit. We're always cleaning up after him, and this I'm sure is going to end in disaster."Kairi glowered at her but didn't answer. Gun wasn't a part of their family, even if she was blood to Elena. She couldn't understand. Elena wouldn't understand yet, but she would, soon enough. Though...A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine.Gun could be made to understand.Could join their family...Mother's presence was at the forefront of her mind in an instant. "Do not think of it child of mine.""Why not?" asked Kairi.Mother took her time in answering, "There are certain... powers, that would not take kindly to spreading your family at an accelerated pace. Besides, my sweet, foolishly kind hearted child, are you saying you would force your family upon others? Take them in without giving them a choice?"Kairi's eyebrows furrowed for a moment before chagrin hit her. "No, that... that wouldn't be right."Elena walked back in a few minutes later, tugging at her uniform, giving it a disgruntled look. "Ugh, so baggy."The girl glanced between them, a heavy frown on her face. "So how does this... work exactly? Because I never signed up for SOLDIER.""Neither did I," said Kairi softly, earning a startled look from Elena.Gun tensed. "Could you not go airing company laundry out like that? I'd rather you not make my sister a liability thank you very much."Kairi bared her teeth. "I'd like to see any of you Turks do something about her, liability or not. I'd kill each and every one of you if you so much as lay a hand on her.""Hey hey hey!" said Elena, raising her voice, "I've had enough shit the last day to last me a lifetime without you two going at eachother!"She rubbed a finger under her nose. "'Sides, I'm already a liability. This one time I walked in on Gun interr...""SHH!" exclaimed Gun, "Gods Ele, why are you such a ditz sometimes?""I'm not a ditz!""Blabbermouth then?""At least I'm not a bitch.""It's my job to be a bitch.""Really? You were a Turk since you were eight?"At first Kairi had felt a flare of protective anger, now though she couldn't help snickering. They reminded her of Sora and Riku a little, just, with a bit more hostility and swearing. The two young woman turned their glares at Kairi, who didn't even try to look innocent. She made a mental note not to freak when the two of them went at it like this, honestly, it was kind of amusing. Her daughter had the potential to give as much as she took.Gun sighed. "You going to shower Kairi?""I should," said Kairi, but made no immediate attempt to move, enjoying her daughter being in the same room again.She resisted the urge to sigh as she forced herself to move. She wouldn't be able to be around her daughter every moment of the day everyday, she scolded herself to practice restraint, as much as she didn't want to. She moved to her dresser, grabbed a spare uniform, and went to take a shower. The entire time, there was the nagging sensation to immediately go be near her child. Speaking of said child... she caught flashes of uncertainty, fear, confusion, aggravation, and more from her. She focused her attention..."Look, sis, I'm kinda freaked out too," came her child's voice in the back of her mind, "Like, really freaked. But... she doesn't want to hurt me or anything.""And how do you know that?" Gun's voice was as if from a great distance."I... I just do, okay? I can feel it," said Elena uneasily, "She scares me a bit, but she's not gonna do anything."Kairi blinked, feeling vaguely disoriented. What in the world...Mother chuckled. "You can hear and see through your children if you so wish it, my daughter. Merely maintain your focus on them, but be mindful that in your current... state... you may not be able to do that and maintain an accurate awareness around your body at the same time."Kairi frowned a bit, displeased, her stomach doing flips, at the thought of her daughter being scared of her. She also wasn't sure what she felt about... being so invasive like this... yet... she could learn what her child honestly felt..."...she's psycho sis, like, completely batshit insane," said Gun flatly, "Calling you her daughter and that crap. We had a mom once, and I don't take kindly to any nutjob trying to take her place.""She's...," began Elena, "I feel something towards her, an awareness, a connection.""You can't seriously think she's your mother," exclaimed Gun, "Fuck, is being pscyho contagious?""No! I... I don't know," said Elena, stressed, hiccuping a bit, "I know she's not my actual physical mother, its... not the same feeling that I used to have when mom was around. It's... I can't describe it, I don't even understand it myself."Kairi felt her daughter shifting, lifting an arm. "Even if I didn't know where the bathroom was, I could point you in her direction. I can just... feel her I guess? She's like a huge, warm sensation, a presence. Being near her makes me feel warm, protected, loved...""That look on your face says you like being near her," came her sister's accusing voice."Can you just screw off for once sis?" exclaimed Elena, "I'm having a life-crisis right now and your pointing fingers at me! I don't see you being the one that was put on a table by that freak scientist!"There was a heavy, pained silence at that. "...sorry sis..."Kairi pulled away from her child, deciding the moment should be between the pair... and found herself uncomfortably sprawled against the shower wall, like her body had collapsed against it. Hmm... if she kept doing this, she's need to practice trying to maintain control of herself. She stood back up and finished washing off before exiting and clothing herself, moving to re-enter the bedroom. The atmosphere was a bit... tense, both girls looking strained. Kairi didn't comment on it. She also didn't betray any hostility towards Gun. She was not insane."So, meeting?" posed Kairi.Gun nodded sharply. "Lets go, and as a warning, there are going to be several big wigs there, behave.""Is Hojo going to be there?" posed Kairi with lethal sweetness."Yes," said Gun, noting her sister shiver and encouraging, "And he will be the farthest seat away from you, Ele, with several Turks, and high ranking SOILDERs between him and you.""Making her be in the same room as that bastard is heartless," hissed Kairi as they started walking."Is it?" posed Gun, going for a mock-pointed tone, "If it wasn't for him, you wouldn't have a 'daughter' now, would you? I'd say you should be pretty happy about..."Kairi's hand was around Gun's throat and slamming her into the nearest wall, Gun drawing a pistol and pressing it against Kairi's chest seconds later."STOP!" cried out Elena, "Both of you stop!""Do not EVER," snarled Kairi, "Imply anything like that EVER again. I treasure her, but I would never have wanted to force her into this. Anyone who joins my family should do so willingly, not be forced."Elena's hands gripped Kairi's, "Please, let her go, she's just scared for me."Kairi let a deep growl go up her throat in warning, releasing Gun and dropping her. The Turk coughed raggedly, her throat black and blue. Kairi scowled a little and tossed a cure at her, not for the Turk's sake, but for her daughter's."Sis," hissed Elena, helping her up, "You really need to chill with that mouth. Even I wanted to punch you for that."Gun massaged her throat and scowled, but said nothing, moving to brush passed Kairi and lead them out of the room. They were led up a few floors and into a meeting room...Kairi's eyes flickered around the gathering, making sure to keep her expression schooled. The President, first and foremost, was in session. To one side of him was the Turk director Veld Verdot. To the other was the SOILDER director Lazard. Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal were all present. As was a few other Turks lining the room that Kairi didn't know. Hojo was in a wheelchair, his leg hastily bandaged up, glaring daggers at Veld, who didn't acknowledge it in the slightest.She frowned a bit, but moved as Gun made to line up with the rest of the Turks.The President tapped a cigarette into an ashtray and motioned to the table. "Sit."Elena, unsettled at being the apparent center of attention, hesitatingly sat at the opposing end from the President, Kairi moving to sit at an adjacent chair.The President's face was irritated. "This, is not what I imagined I would wake up to this morning. I have been briefed, but to make sure there are no misunderstandings... there are several questions that need to be asked in order to determine where we go from here."His eyes sharpened on Hojo. "You, professor, targeted a Turk family member...," he turned to Veld and stressed, "...without my knowledge or permission," then turned back, "What in the world put that fool notion in your head?""With due respect Mr. President," said Hojo, "You said you wanted a proper test done for the final serum. I went through academy records and took an above average specimen..."Kairi's visioned went red with rage again, a growl escaping her throat, "Her name, is Elena."Hojo's gaze flickered towards her before pausing, slowly reaching for a pocket to retrieve a notepad. "Your eyes have not reverted yet."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed, confused. "Not what?"The President interrupted, having a warning. "You will have your chance to speak, 2nd Class Kairi, when you are called upon. Not before."Kairi narrowed her eyes at the man, but said nothing.The President turned back to Hojo. "Focus on the matter at hand Professor, you have more important things to be worried about than her eyes at the moment."Hojo shifted a bit in his seat, scowling. "As I said, I did as instructed, perhaps if her profile had been properly flagged, she would not have came up as an option.""Announcing to the world who is the family member of a Turk is against procedure," said Veld simply."My point exactly," said Hojo flatly, "How was I to know?""Awfully defensive and innocent now, aren't you?" said Genesis pointedly, "I recall you saying that you didn't care who she was yesterday.""Rhapsodos," said the President in warning.Genesis went silent."The point is, Professor," said Veld sharply, "Is that if there are any... disappearances that are to happen. It should be requested and screened by the Turks."Kairi turned her narrowed eyes at the Turk. He didn't care about what Hojo had done in-so-much that it was because the scientist had taken a Turk's sibling. She hated this company, she really, truly did..."You know this," said Veld pointedly, "The fact that you went around us makes me wary. Just how many times have you skipped procedure, Professor? How many unexplained disappearances can potentially traced back to you? That could damage the company's image if found out because it was not expertly done? The fact that you expressed, in front of witnesses, not caring about who the target was, makes me concerned about several of my own Turks who suddenly vanished without a trace over the years."Hojo glared at him. "If you have an accusation to make, Verdot, then say it.""Enough," said the President, "Hojo, let this be the last warning I need give on the matter. If you have requirements or requests, funnel them through the proper channels. I don't like assets who get the idea in their heads that they can't follow procedure and can act as they see fit. I've had enough of that recently as it is."The pointed look the President gave Genesis afterwards didn't appear to phase the man. Kairi didn't react either when those eyes turned towards her.The President shook his head. "The Turk's displeasure has been noted, and you've received your punishment on the matter, Hojo. For your sake, it advise you not to agitate my Turks further, the loss of your leg is civil compared to some of the things my Turks do to those who tread deeply against them.""Turk's protect their own," said Veld in agreement, a sharp edge to his voice.The President turned his gaze towards Kairi. "2nd Class Kairi, there are several things I am curious about. I have been told the events from the prospective of your fellow SOILDERs, and the Turks. How did you become aware of what was happening to... Elana was it?"The girl in question gave a hesitate nod as confirmation."I felt her," said Kairi simply, "It was like a high pitched ringing in my ears for a few seconds. I heard Elena screaming and crying in the back of my head. I felt her nausea and pain. It took me a minute to understand what was happening. When I did, I took off to rescue my child."That got an eyebrow raised from the President. "Child.""She bears my cells," said Kairi in a possessive tone, "I'm connected to her as she is to me."It took an immense effort not to public claim MINE to them all.The President frowned at her, glancing towards Hojo. "Nothing like this happened in the original SOILDER program. Do you have an explanation, professor?""I have a few theories, but I need to ascertain a few facts first," said Hojo before he adjusted his glasses and focused on Kairi, "When exactly did you become aware of the specimen?""Elena," corrected Kairi sharply, with open hostility.Hojo, for once, did not argue. "When did you become aware of 'Elena'?""I don't know, I was in the middle of watching TV with Gen, Sephiroth, and Angeal, I wasn't paying attention to the time," said Kairi.Hojo glanced at the SOILDERs in question. "Were one of you at least paying attention to that?"Sephiroth gave a soft sigh and gave the man what he wanted.Hojo flipped through his notes. "Hmm... not an immediate awareness then. It took several minutes for the cells and mako to spread."Mother huffed in the back of Kairi's mind. "Its not anymore instantaneous for you than it is for me. Our cells need time to integrate, reach the mind of the inf... of our new family, to enter their minds, hearts, and souls.""I don't know if the timing is important or not," said Sephiroth slowly, "But her eyes changed after she recovered from her surprise, and as we've seen, have not changed back. You implied this may be of significance."Hojo jotted a note down, but didn't immediately answer."Okay, what exactly is different about my eyes?" asked Kairi a little sourly.Veld turned his eyes towards one of his female Turks, who pulled a little hand mirror out of her pocket and approached Kairi...She blinked. Her eyes had gone green catlike before, but not pink catlike to her knowledge. "Well... that's... weird.""There are some things," said Mother carefully, "That can and will deeply, and permanently change who and what you are. That your first child has been made is significant for beings such as us in ways that the fool scientist will never understand. There is no going back, you've become a Mother, as I am. Not as widespread or experienced, but the two of us are so close to the same now. We could be considered the same species now if you will.""What exactly do you feel," posed Hojo, "You said you are connected to her?""I can feel her presence, her emotions, and really loud or focused thoughts," said Kairi."Telepathy," said Hojo, fascinated, scribbling furiously on his notepad, "Most interesting, most interesting indeed."The President rubbed his chin in thought. "Telepathic SOILDERs could have its uses. I assume this... telepathy is only towards Elena at the moment?"Kairi nodded. "I'm not connected to the other SOILDERs like I am to her. I can in general feel them when I'm near them, but its not close to the same.""The coordination offered if it could be honed could make them an incredible fighting forced," offered Lazard.Kairi's face darkened a bit, and she barely withheld her tongue. Her connection to Elena and any future family shouldn't be used as a weapon for Shinra."They are not wrong about coordination," advised Mother, "A truly unified and controlled force, all acting as part of the greater whole, is a devastating tide that few can properly match. Trust me, I know from experience."Kairi took it under advisement and schooled her face."It could also be used to locate captured, stranded, or isolated SOILDERs," offered Angeal, "She honed in on Elena with perfect accuracy from multi-floor distance."The President didn't seem as interested in Angeal's words as he was Lazard's. "Hmm, valid points. I don't in particular see any reason not to continue with the current timetable. Far from it. Though..."He looked at Kairi. "I trust you will not be damaging company property or injuring our personnel every time someone is inducted into the female SOILDER program?""That depends if they are screaming bloody murder in the back of my head after being abducted or not," she jabbed.Genesis coughed loudly, she ignored him.The President didn't look particularly amused. "I've made my thoughts on that matter clear. Any future members of the program will be going through the proper testing, boot-camp, and enhancement process from here on out."Kairi hesitated for a moment, glancing at Sephiroth. "How... do SOILDER's generally react to getting enhanced?""It differs, from person to person," admitted the silver-haired man, "Some walk it off easily. Some are unsteady, as if drunk. Some become hyperactive. Others have been known to have temporary hallucinations. A few sleep for an above average amount of time for the first few days. As a requirement however, we generally order all new SOILDERs to take twenty-four hours to adjust to their enhancements before any further activity takes place."Twenty-four hours her ass. She didn't have that long herself before she was thrown into the experimentation room, of that she was sure of. She didn't let that feeling show on her face. "Then assuming none of them are in the state of absolute panic and fear Elena was, it should be fine. Though, I would like to be there the first time it properly happens."Sephiroth glanced to the President, who nodded slowly and spoke, "It would be best that you become accustomed to the sensation I suppose. I don't want this kind of reaction happening again after all. Now..."The plump man shifted his attention to Elena, causing her to sit up straighter. "Your sister is a Turk, and family gossips. I'm sure you have some awareness of how the company must function below the surface."Elena swallowed and nodded. "A-a little bit, Sir.""You understand that since you have been enhanced, that you will be trained as a SOLDIER," he stated.Her shoulders slumped. "Yes sir..."Kairi's lips purse a bit. Not liking the air of defeat around her daughter. She struggles with herself for a very long moment before she clears her throat and speaks; its like she's stripping skin from herself to even suggest it. "If she wants it, are you sure the Turks wouldn't have her?"Elena is staring at her wide eyed. There is an air of surprise from some in the room. Sephiroth airs it in a careful question. "I'm surprised you would consider it, with your apparent... closeness... to Elena."Kairi narrows her eyes at him in challenge. "As much as I want her near me, better she be happy elsewhere than miserable nearby."The mixture of emotions she feels from Elena is like an adrenaline surge through Kairi's body. Confusion, happiness, uncertainty, hope for what she said, and yet, a small hint of abandonment. That last make's Kairi's heart clench a bit."No," said Veld simply, "Unfortunately, there are certain delicacies required of a Turk than an enhanced would find rather difficult. The eye glow, while it can be hidden to a degree by glasses or contacts, can also make it difficult to blend in if either were to be dislodged. There is also the point of your apparent telepathy. That alone bares her from being a Turk. Company secrets that the Turks maintain, asset or no, you are not cleared to know."The resignation sets into Elena, and all Kairi can do is say quietly, "I tried Elena."The girl gives her a small smile."Well then," said the President, "I think enough time has been devoted to this matter. Angeal, you will work with Kairi and get Elena settled in as a SOLDIER. I want her presence kept from the public until the first set of female SOLDIERs are enhanced. Make sure your SOLDIERs understand this, am I clear?""Yes sir," confirmed Angeal."Good. Hojo, Lazard, Sephiroth, Veld, stay, we need to discuss the time table for opening applications now that the procedure is proven to work," said the President, "I would like the first set of cadets within the next few months if possible."Kairi's eyes widen slightly, feeling a hunger, a craving, for more children. Her throat so dry. It takes an immense effort to reign in the sensation and rise to her feet. She has to focus on the child she has now, others will come later. She puts a hand on Elena's shoulder and gives it a soft, comforting squeeze. Elena rises after, and the pair wait for Angeal to take the lead out of the room. The man waits until they are in the elevator before speaking."I'm sorry," is all he says softly.Elena nodded, but said nothing in response.It is an odd, almost eerie reminder of Kairi's own introduction to SOLDIER with Angeal. The man got Elena a sword, and a few starting materia. Though, rather than the gym, he led them into a private training room. "We can't have a same repeat as we had with Kairi. While you are an academy student rather than the schoolgirl she was, I wish to see what you know before we have you train or interact with other SOLDIERs."Elena wiggled her nose, crossing her arms. "I already got two Elite Emblems at the academy I'll have you know."Kairi doesn't know what those are, but judging from the way Angeal's eyebrows climb, it has to mean something. "At your age?"Elena grins. "Best in my class at Martial Arts, solid with explosives too."There is glee emanating from her, Kairi's fairly certain there's a story there that she'll get out of her at some point."That so?" said Angeal, "What about swordsmanship?"Elena's grin faded a bit, looking sheepish. "Umm... I'm good on my feet but the weight kind of throws me off. My instructor said I probably shouldn't wield one, like, ever. Said I fight like a clumsy drunk with a sword."Angeal snorts at that. "Noted. But, as a SOLDIER, your enhancements will generally deal with the weight of a blade so long as you don't wield the larger variants. I suppose then we'll see what you remember from classes. Not to mention you will need time to adjust to your enhancements. The strength can be tricky to handle.""Yeah... I uh... mighta broke the toilet handle in your bathroom," said Elena, looking at Kairi with chagrin.She blinked. "Oh. Uh, didn't really notice. I'll call facilities to fix it, that's fine.""...and crushed the doorknob a bit. The shower door might be a little cracked to."Kairi can't help laughing, wasn't nearly paying attention with the morning mess to her surroundings if she didn't notice that. Angeal offers a soft chuckle as well, and together, the two of them settle in to guide Elena into her first steps as a SOLDIER...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"So, see any winners yet mom?"Kairi briefly glanced away from the window overlooking the cadet training yards at Elena. "Dunno Ele, it's literally their first day after orientation."Elena gave her a sheepish grin. "Well, when its just me n you in a tower full of sweaty guys, we could use a bit more ladies as soon as possible."Kairi rolled her eyes, but gave her a fond smile. "Don't let any of them hear you say that."None of the other SOLDIERs watching the first class of female SOLDIER cadets pay them anything more then a snort in attention. Of course, its not just young teenage girls down there, they stand in line with the boys just as ready. Shinra doesn't pay for any special treatment for the genders outside of separate bathrooms, so no separate dorms, which is probably a weird learning experience for them. Hell, in Wutai, it had been an awkward when their only bathing sometimes was in a river. Regardless, it's a mixed class, and frankly, Kairi thinks that's a good thing. There will always be some kind of competition between SOLDIERs, but, segregating the genders would ask for an us/them mentality and rivalry when that's not SOLDIER's purpose.That faintly reminds her of days long past on the Destiny Islands, where the boys just gave her a funny look when she had asked that first time to play toy swords with them and been shut down. Regulated to cheering either Sora or Riku on (usually Sora since Riku got waaay arrogant over time). She has a brief pang of sadness for the friends she was long since separated from, but... she's already made a close friendship with Genesis, a new Mother in Jenova, and now, she's making a new family here.Ele was but the first.And an exercise in patience. Oh boy was she ever that. She loved her daughter dearly, but she was clumsy, and had this terrifying habit of missing sheathing her sword when she went to put it on her back and throwing it behind her instead. She had sent multiple people to the infirmary because of that. Not to mention just plain forgetful of their enhanced strength sometimes. That ever present smile and upbeat personality though, despite being forced into this life... it made any downsides worth it. And who knows, Ele was still a little younger than Kairi, perhaps she'd mature out of it....Nah.Clutz for life.Elena kicked her shin. "I heard that."Kairi just gave a teasing smile and ruffled her hair, making her child bat it away. "Hey!""Some of us are trying to appraise the newest batch, girls," came Genesis's voice, "Do keep it down."Kairi smirked in his direction, but went silent. She didn't immediately take her eyes off Genesis, nor Angeal and Sephiroth standing next to him, the three of them watching the cadets critically. She knew, as the first potentially naturally recruited female SOLDIERs, they would be held to a more critical standard. Kairi's eyes shifted down to the rank and file, at a few of the girls gossiping in the back and giggling before an instructor went over to berate them. Kairi knew many of those here probably wouldn't last the first month, let alone the first week. SOLDIER wasn't some groupie or afterschool club, she had said that already during one of the interviews, and hoped it would stick.Shinra especially didn't like wasting time or money. If a cadet wasn't a good fit, they were gone, and they were gone early. The cadets themselves would only have a certain amount of time to get out if they decided they didn't like it (though Shinra didn't advertise that line in the contract loudly), and they have to provide a good reason why they want out. Kairi wasn't sure many of the young people here really understood or perhaps underestimated what they signed, what the term 'legally binding contract' actually means. Some of them were so young, the oldest of the class were eighteen, the youngest thirteen, and it made Kairi ache to see people who were basically children here. Who were younger than she had been when Hojo had taken her.And as much as she would treasure any who made the cut, she didn't want any repeats of herself and Elena. If one of the girls got into SOLDIER, and wanted out because it wasn't what they expected or wanted, then it wouldn't end well. SOLDIER was for life, or until the company tried to stop one of the trio from retiring alive. That would end in disaster unless the company was smart and let them go. Though if the company ever tried to make one of her future children disappear, there would be absolute hell to pay. She wasn't Genesis, Angeal, or Sephiroth, but she knew she could cause immense damage to the company.Kill Hojo.Kill the Preisdent.Reveal Shinra's atrocities.Let the world sort it out after.She was uncertain of where the trio would fall in the spectrum of that. She didn't think Genesis would stand against her if push came to shove. Angeal had an honor streak ten miles wide, it grated at him to look the other way at Shinra's evil, he could maybe be persuaded, more likely if she could Genesis on her side. Sephiroth was the unknown, Mother thought Sephiroth would turn on Shinra if he came to know her will, but otherwise, Kairi had an immense amount of difficulty in reading him. He may help her, her may fight her, he may simply sit back and stay neutral. She didn't know.She prayed Shinra wouldn't force her down that road though.She shakes her head slightly when she feels a hint of concern from her child. They have the tendency to know when the other is in a bad mood; she sends a touch of appreciation down their mental connection before refocusing on the training fields as the recruits start their drills. Her eyes flicker from one would-be SOLDIER to another. Its not to say one can decide in a single glance if they will make a good SOLDIER or not, with enough perseverance and the right attitude, any of those present might be able to train and push themselves to meet the requirements. But... a lot of the girls are lagging behind, not all though. Some are way overexerting themselves like they've got something to prove. Few are going at what would be considered anything close to a standard pace.So, the one girl that actually looks like she's correctly pacing herself is the one that draws Kairi's attention. She hones her eyes in on a young, brown haired and eyed teenage girl. Bit lanky. Has a firm look of focus and determination on her face. From what Kairi can see of it anyway, the girl has her head ducked a bit, and runs in the middle of the group as the cadets are ordered to make laps around the yard. Almost like she's trying to not draw attention. Curious. Kairi pulls out her PHS and starts flipping through the recruit roster until she finds a name that matches the face.Jessica Redman, Jessie listed as a nickname.She pulls up the girl's personnel file. Age thirteen. Father deceased, daughter to one Alberta Redman whose a Shinra Employee, a SOLDIER therapist... wait, SOLDIERs had their own therapists? Well, that's news to her. Anyway, the girl isn't from the Shinra Military Academy like Elena, but, has decent grades in the Midgar public school system, participates in afterschool sports so she's a bit athletic, and has been noted by her teachers as having displayed a technical aptitude. Based off some of her test results in the initial testing for cadets, has been noted by recruiters to be snagged as a potential engineer if she washes out of the Cadet Program. Though apparently she has a mischievous side, several detentions alongside a few troublemakers for pranking her teachers and fellow students, the names Biggs and Wedge come up alongside hers every time.Kairi smiles, already a little fond, and nudges Ele, passing her PHS off to the girl. Her daughter read it over quickly, a grin on her face as she hands it back. "Oooh, she sounds like fun. Hope she makes the cut."Kairi hummed in agreement, tossing the PHS to Genesis when he raises an eyebrow at her, he looks it over, head tilting after. "Redman's girl? Surprised the shrink let her apply considering her inclination towards our work.""A story there?" asked Kairi."We're all pitiable souls traumatized beyond belief who need love and affection to combat the rigors of our daily lives," he answered dryly.That got a few sharp laughs from a few nearby SOLDIERs.Kairi made a show of sizing Genesis up for a moment. "Hmm, looking at you, maybe she's right."Genesis makes an indignant sqwack. "Apprentice! You wound me.""Good," she snubbed playfully, "Need to damage that ego of yours every now and then."Genesis huffed, but handed her back her PHS, crossing his arms to look over the training groups once more. "There aren't a lot, male or female, in this batch that draw attention for more than a moment."Sephiroth hummed in agreement. "Not now at least. Perhaps with a bit of discipline, a few may show promise, or at least meet the standards, in a few weeks."Kairi's eyes flickered over the cadets. As much as she wants more children, she doesn't want to gain them, grow close to them, only to lose them because they can't handle the lifestyle. Losing a child to a mission would be an awful thing to suffer through. Regardless of that... she does hope she at least gets a dozen additions to her family. She knows for a fact there had been an absurd amount of applicants to the program this time around, it was a new thing after all and all the girls who had the desire wanted to be in the first group even if they weren't fit for it. A number of the would-be-cadets had already been cleared out from initial testing. But Shinra didn't quite have a formula for what kind of background or personalities they'd like in their female SOLDIERs yet. There were a few hundred cadets in the newest class, majority female for the time being, but the class size would steadily drop week-by-week.She watches the girls down there, hungering, and wonders whom amongst them will prove themselves and become her children...They drop like flies, day by day, week by week.Those who can't keep up, but still want to try, are moved to regular infantry training, and allowed to apply and try again in six months. If Shinra has their eye on someone for something else, and it looks like they're not going to make the cut, they'll approach them to be recruited into another department. Elena's already mentioned hearing from her sis that there's a few new girls snatched for Turk 'internships'. It fills Kairi with an ugly jealousy sometimes, wondering if they're stealing someone who would have made a good SOLDIER just because they can. She's heard that SOLDIER and the Turks have butted heads before on who gets what cadet if they show promise for both departments. She doesn't have the leeway herself to do so, not yet, but she will bitch at Genesis to do so for her if she really wants one.A number of girls in the initial batch have already washed out, vastly underestimating how harsh it would be, and showing little of what Shinra would want in them, they are let go when they request to leave; company policy is to not waste money after all. There has already been a few instances however, where someone wants out, but Shinra decided they might be a fit for, if not SOLDIER, then another part of the company. There is a fuss, their contract explained again, but if they still cause a scene, they are led away by Turks, and when they come back, they are scared into being compliant and 'trying their hardest', it makes Kairi's stomach twist to see it at a distance between missions.They were only half way through the SOLDIER boot camp. Six weeks of intense, brutal training. She was told the boot camp for the infantry was longer and more evenly paced, but the SOLDIER one was a special kind of intense hell to see if the cadets really had it in them to be SOLDIER. Kairi was honestly pretty sure she would have been failed out of this bootcamp, but then again, her own 'bootcamp' had been a year long hell in Hojo's labs, and she's not sure if any of the girls here would have survived that."Doubtful," came Mother's voice, "There are few here that show exception, most will simply be extensions of your will if they pass Shinra's little test, to obey and carry out our desires."Kairi frowned and corrected, "They'll be my children, Mother, not little toy soldiers."Mother huffed. "You shouldn't coddle them, Shinra surely wont.""I won't coddle them," agreed Kairi, "But I won't abuse them either."Shinra already did enough of that already. Physically and psychologically. Kairi can't personally say what another world's military would be like, Destiny Islands didn't have one, but seeing a thirteen year old with a training sword being taught where to stab and slash, how to kill and be desensitized to it, brings back uncomfortable memories of her time in Wutai. She hates war, she truly does, but... she wishes she had gone through this to lessen the pain of it. Of course, its not full swordsmanship training, not yet, just the basics, another test to see if the cadet resists the training, proves too averse to killing. It's also a conundrum, killing monsters is one thing that most people wouldn't hesitate to do, but killing a human being is another, as a SOLDIER they may have to do both. Though, with Wutai's surrender, that will lessen in occurrence.She is starting to see the cadets even out, boys and girls alike slowly developing muscle, gaining endurance, looking more confident despite their exhaustion, growing comfortable with their weapons. She watches from afar enough times to neglect her own training, as Genesis likes to point out, but she can't help it. Once the boot camp is done, they move to the preparation training, more specifically tailored towards SOLDIER, and then... the girls become hers. She gains more children. Its already like ecstasy sometimes just to have Elena. What will it be like when she gains multiple children at once?It's also an aggravation to not be able to interact with any of them outside of the single speech she gave in orientation. SOLDIERs weren't allowed to interfere or play favorites, not to cadets at least. They could watch and pick out one to take under their wing when they became SOLDIER, she's told its what Angeal did with Zack, but they can't step in and give them a leg up. The cadets have to make it on their own and prove themselves. So she watches her would-be children from afar, day by day..."So, hows the class look?" asked Elena, walking up to Kairi and staring out the window."They're all still arguing about what class name they want," answered Kairi dryly, "Apparently boys and girls want different things in that regard.""Okay, but how are they?"Kairi shrugged. "Out of the hundreds that applied, there's twenty-two boys and thirty girls that made it to the prep course. It is the largest class of SOLDIER yet.""Wahoo, girl power!""The girls started out almost twice the number of the boys," said Kairi, amused."Owch, crash and burn," said Elena, wincing a little, "We'll, it'll even out I guess once the hype is gone, because honestly, a lot of those kids at the start weren't fit to be in the infantry or Turks, let alone SOLDIER."Kairi smiled a little. "Maybe. I think the next class will be bigger still, when all the girls who still want in finish their infantry training and try again next time. After that it'll probably tapper off to whatever normal levels will be for the girl side of things.""Agreed," came a voice behind them.They turned see Angeal walking up to stand next to them. "It was like that with the initial applications for SOLDIER back when we first started."Kairi nodded at that and returned to watching out the window."3rd Class Elena.""Uh, yes Sir?""Is there there someplace you're supposed to be right now?""Uh...""Your 2nd class partner is waiting in the lobby to supervise your first mission, which was supposed to start half an hour ago."Elena yelped and took off in a run.Kairi just started laughing, Angeal chuckling next to her before they tapered off. "I'm surprised you didn't ask to be her partner for her first mission.""I wanted to," admitted Kairi, "But if even half of the girls here make it through the final part, I'm going to need to learn to not be so clingy."There was a hint of approval, and understanding. "I was fine having someone else watch him, but, letting Zack do missions alone is a rough adjustment for me."Kairi blinked. "Alone? He made 2nd?""About a week ago, surprised you didn't hear it along the grapevine."Kairi shrugged, growing disinterested. "Been busy doing missions and watching the cadets."Angeal was silent for a moment before sighing. "Kairi, I know you're still mad at him, and us, about being watched. It was nothing personal, and he's sorry that he hurt you by doing so."Kairi's lips tightened."I can't force you to, but could you at least talk to Zack at some point?" asked Angeal, "He misses being your friend."Kairi closed her eyes for a moment, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. "At some point. I'm not making a promise as to when."Angeal nodded. "Thank you.""No! Absolutely not!"Kairi watched from the entrance of the training yard, drawn in by yells, a frown on her face, as a petite woman with glasses, redish-brown hair, and brown eyes dressed in a professional purple suit, proceeded to have a screaming match with a SOLDIER almost twice her size over one of the cadets, it took Kairi a moment to recognize the cadet as Jessie."Ma'am, with due respect, you signed the waver form," said the SOLDIER."I thought it was for summer camp!" exclaimed the woman."Well maybe, mom, if you actually paid attention to anything I did, you would have noticed," spat out Jessie, making the woman flinch a little.The woman composed herself. "Jessica, if this is some kind of teenage rebellion phase, its not the way to do so. You can't stop being a SOLDIER once you are one. You have no idea what you are getting into."There was the sound of a throat clearing, as the Turk Tseng approached the small group. "I was under the impression you should be handling psych evaluations of the cadets at the moment. Is something the matter, Doctor Redman?"The woman narrowed her eyes. "I'm pulling my daughter out of the program."Tseng raised a single eyebrow. "Both of your signatures are on the contract, not only that, the company has spent a significant amount of time, effort, and money on her training. She passed bootcamp with good recommendations, and is on the fast track to complete the program and become a SOLDIER. Is there a particular reason you wish her pulled? I don't believe there has been any issues at all noted in her profile.""I'm not seeing my daughter pumped full of mako, shipped off to a war, and come back shattered," hissed Redman."The Wutai War is over," commented Tseng mildly, "And the chances of another full fledged war is very slim.""Right, because Shinra is so diplomatic with its enemies," spat Redman, "Rather than grinding them underfoot."Ut oh..."Doctor, perhaps we should take this discussion elsewhere?" said Tseng in a forcibly pleasant tone, his eyes sharp with warning.The returning look he got was filled with steel, and hit pretty much every flag Kairi had for how not to deal with a Turk. That woman was going to get herself killed. Kairi quickly made her way from the entrance over to the sqwabble. "Is something wrong here?"Jessie jumped a little at Kairi's sudden appearance, Tseng closed his eyes in exasperation, Redman schooled her face, and the SOLDIER instructor gave her a stink eye. "2nd Class Kairi, you know unauthorized personnel aren't supposed to be here.""Well, when I hear screaming as I'm passing down the hallway, I decided it would be my civic duty to investigate," she answered sweetly.The SOLDIER snorted. "Right. Has anyone ever told you you're full of shit?""Comes with being Genesis's apprentice," she replies smoothly before turning to Jessie's birth mother (Birth mother, not mother, because soon Kairi would be her mother, not this woman), "Ma'am, I couldn't help but hear your concerns. I understand it can be stressful to let a child go and step out into the world, especially into a military profession. While I wont coddle them, I do promise once I'm actually allowed to, I will look out for any of the female cadets who become SOLDIERs."She took a few steps forward and put a hand on the woman's tense shoulders. "You can trust that."She leaned forward to whisper so very quietly so Jessie couldn't hear, but the instructor and Tseng were close enough to, "But if you commit suicide by Turk, you will hurt the child, and cause problems for her down the road if she ever figured out how you died."The woman blinked, hesitating. Finally it looked like a lick of common sense broke through. Honestly, what did she think she could do coming here and having a freak out? She didn't have any of the pull nor publicity nor power Kairi herself did. She was doing a favor to her future daughter by saving her birth mother from her own stupidity (though was it really? Kairi wouldn't hesitate to confront the Turks if she thought it mean saving her children, but they were her children so...)."Stop rambling," bemoaned Mother, "They're not even your children yet and you grow possessive.""She at least will be," hissed Kairi."As I said, perhaps we can discuss this elsewhere and let the cadets get back to their training?" posed Tseng."Ah... yes, yes of course," murmured Doctor Redman.Tseng gave a curt nod and then shot Kairi a look. "Your help is appreciated, but you really should vacate the area before I remember to report yet another breach of protocol."Kairi gave him a smile that was all teeth. "Of course."She stretched brief, watching the turk escort Redman out of the area with her arm firmly in his grasp. The SOLDIER instructor shook his head in irritation, and went back towards the middle of the ground. "What are all you idgits lookin at? Back to push ups!""So... why aren't you allowed to be here?"Kairi turned her head briefly to look at Jessie, the girl giving her a baffled look, and grinned. "Aside from the instructors, SOLDIERs aren't allowed to interfere with cadets, something about playing favorites or giving some cadets a leg up on the others. Believe me, if I was allowed to, I'd be here every day."Jessie looked sheepish. "Oh, that makes sense I guess, to bad, a lot of the girls want to meet you.""They'll get their chance when they finish their training and are inducted into SOLDIER."Jessie nodded before going hesitant, deciding on a teasing smile. "So, you make a habit of 'breaching protocol' and being a trouble maker?"Kairi laughed and turned to go, waving as she went. "Oh, believe me, you have no idea. Now off with you before the instructor gets after both of us..."Kairi stood waiting to the side alongside Genesis and Angeal as Sephiroth finished his welcome speech to the dressed-up uniformed cadets in a large auditorium, their training finally over, mere minutes from being led to get their mako injections. "...but the true challenge, and rest of your lives, begin now. From this day forward, you will be SOLDIERs. Your actions will reflect upon Shinra, SOLDIER, and yourselves. So stride forth with honor and pride, prepared to do your duty, as one of the few, as one of the elite.""That is all," he said with a curt nod before motioning to the side. "First class Hewely and 2nd Class Kairi both have things that need to be said, then will escort you to your mako treatment. Afterwords, you will each be required to rest for twenty-four hours to give your bodies time to adjust."He looked over them for a moment longer, making eye-contact with each, before nodding his head. "Welcome to SOLDIER."There was no cheering, far to disciplined by now for sudden brash wildness, but many were struggling to suppress grins. They stood with pride, near bristling with anticipation. They had to wait for the Preisdent and other Shinra leadership to leave the room before Kairi and Angeal moved to take Sephiroth's place. Angeal spoke first. "Alright cadets, we'll be having two separate smaller meetings to go over a few smaller details and advice on how to handle your enhancements for the first few days. Kairi also has a few things to say to the girls, sort yourselves and we will get things going."Kairi could hardly hold back her hunger and anticipation as she watched the cadets move and arrange themselves, she grinned at her group of cadets. "Alright girls, we've got a few things to discuss, if you would follow me..."She led them into a side room of the auditorium where Elena was waiting and motioned them to sit down in chairs. She noted many of the girls give Elena a startled look, perhaps even disgruntled or jealous (they probably thought they would be the first aside from Kairi). But no one made a comment before the class of twenty-eight was seated. There had been thirty, but, one had died in a training accident, and one had been dismissed from the program for brutalizing a fellow cadet. Shinra wanted their SOLDIERs aggressive, but not uncontrolled."First off, a bit of background. SOLDIER used to be all guys, it wasn't closed to girls for the reason you might have thought, it was mainly because the enhancement killed females," she explained, watching for reactions, but the girls were more disciplined than that to show even a tint of squeamishness, before giving her coached explanation, "I was a bit of a fluke. Apparently, there was something in my DNA that made me able to survive the process without dying, or having any nasty side effects like mutations."She motioned to Ele, "This is Elena, one of the top students of her class from the Military Academy. She was chosen to be the initial test for the altered enhancement formula, to make sure what happened with me could be adapted to the rest of you."Ele, for her credit, didn't show any reaction to truth smudge. She had bitched and moaned about it back when they were given their lines to speak, but she knew not to say or do anything to give any indications that it wasn't the truth."Otherwise, this program wouldn't have happened, and I'd remain the sole fluke," Kairi said cheerfully, "But thankfully it did, and I'm not stuck as the only girl in a group of macho-men."That got a few snickers."Now, there's some differences you are to be made aware of before you are enhanced, between those enhanced based off the normal method, and you girls," said Kairi, "First, our strength is different from the guys. We're not as strong, but we are more enduring. I can regenerate and walk off wounds that would kill normal people, or put most SOLDIERs out of a fight until they've had a chance to be recover, or at least tossed a Cure. Elena has shown to have inherited a bit of that, as will the rest of you."She held up a finger. "But that's not an excuse to be stupid or careless. A decapitation is still a decapitation after all."She waited for a collective bob of heads before she cleared her throat. "There were also a few unexpected side effects of our enhancements. Anyone who is enhanced through the process based off my enhancements is telepathically linked."That got a few starts and wide eyes."Its not a joke, or an exaggeration," said Kairi, "Elena and I, and soon to be all of you, will be able to speak to one another mentally, be able to sense eachother's feelings and presences. We can hear eachother's louder thoughts, don't give me that look you can have loud thoughts. It's not like you have a lot of privacy in the military anyway, but, you'll have next to none after you are enhanced."She watched the girls, the twitching on their faces, waves of uncertainty passing through them. Giving up physical privacy was one thing, but giving up the sanctity of their own mind was another. Elena spoke up, "But, Kairi and I have done plenty of experimenting with this. Thinking quietly so we don't disturb one another if we're busy or trying to sleep, not focusing on eachother's presence, tuning eachother out if need be, or quietly pretending we aren't aware of embarrassing moments or things we hear.""Mostly on Elena's side," mused Kairi.Elena shot her a betrayed look. "Hey!""I'm not the klutz here," said Kairi, grinning.Elena huffed. "Well, aside from the teasing, the connection also brings us closer than other SOLDIERs would be. We've gone on a few missions together, we were literally anticipating eachother's movements on from our first co-op, coordinating in a way it would take most people dozens of missions together to be able to do, and perhaps not even then."Kairi nodded. "Any of us working together on missions will have an incredible advantage in coordination."She paused briefly. "Of course, that's just between the two of us. Were not sure how the telepathy will work when there is more than two, so it will be a learning experience."She smiled at the group. "But, we'll do it together. More than just its military applications, our connection binds us together, like family.""So if you ever want something, just bat your eyes at Kairi and call her mom n' she'll roll over on the spot," teased Elena.That got a laugh from a few of them, and Kairi sent a mental swat at Elena, who reflexively ducked her head and grinned. Kairi shook her head, bemused, and looked over her soon-to-be children. "That's a basic summary for us girls specifically. In general for SOLDIERs, you need to be mindful about your enhanced strength. Some of the first follow up lessons you will get as SOLDIERs will be on how to control that power. Most of you have family out there in a world, it would be so easy to accidentally crush them with a hug when you visit on vacation. Restraint and control will be one of the first follow-up lessons you get as a SOLDIER."She gave a sly smile. "And I'll apologize in advance, SOLDIER's cant get drunk, the mako deals with it. So no getting wasted on a weekend."That got a few groans from the older girls.She paused briefly to consider how to give the next bit of advice. "I don't suppose any of you have heard of the Honey Bee Inn incident?"There is mostly confusion, not all of them are from Midgar after all, but some are giving her looks. "It was before my time, but its where a bunch of SOLDIERs looking for a good time hit the local brothel and got most people there pregnant. Most of you are still young, but I'll give the warning now anyway. If you're going to have sex, use protection. Preferably the pill, as our enhanced strength makes physical contraceptives not as effective. Mako makes guys potent," that got a few choked laughs, "And it makes us enduring. We won't ever have periods again, some would thank their gods for that, but that makes every sexual encounter risky. So please, always use protection."Most handled the embarrassment well, the amount of red in some of their faces however made Kairi grin. "Don't worry, the guys get the same speech, or so Angeal tells me."More laughs, and Kairi lets out a chuckle before finishing, "The rest you'll learn on the way. Are there any questions?""No Ma'am!"Kairi grinned a little. "Just Kairi is fine, I'm not one for titles or positions. I'm fine with us being a bit more at ease between eachother."She moved towards the door. "Alright then, its time to turn you cadets into SOLDIERs."She led the cadets out of the room, down the hall, and into the awaiting enhancement room. Hojo was thankfully doing the guy's enhancements, so they had one of his underlings giving the spiel about what to expect during the enhancement process. It was all Kairi could do to not bounce with anticipation, as the first girl was instructed to lay and be strapped down on an examination table, and the first syringe of glowing mako, with Kairi's own cells mixed in, was brought over......and one by one, each girl was injected and enhanced.Each girl become another awareness in the back of Kairi's mind...Each girl gave a startled mental gasp as they became aware of her, connected to her...Each girl she sent soothing waves of affection and her love to calm them...Each girl she twirled and bound their presences to her own...Each girl added and expanded a growing mental web...And each girl made the glow of Kairi's eyes more focused and intense as she spread through her children...Two Calamities.It was better, that way, to refer to the Lost Child as a Calamity, rather than think of what she had been before, what she once had the potential to be. When Minerva had first opened the door to allow the child sanctuary in her realm, she had never imagined this would be the result. A second sickness plaguing the Planet, different in design and feeling, but still a taint. The Planet, the lifestream, swirls in anxiety as the second strain begins to spread.Where Jenova was a vile, chilling, soul consuming monstrosity that enslaved the unwitting to its will and influenced them to its desires, whose cells were an infectious invasion...Kairi was a warm, loving sensation. Her presences was a beckoning, encouraging others to want to be host to her cells. The goddess could feel it, in the children of the planet being infected by her. How their cells and souls did not treat Kairi's as an invasion to fight against, how the new Calamity was readily welcomed within them, her light a deception they could not see past, they would cheer her on as she twisted them in her image. In this, she was more virulent than the original Calamity, none of her would-be hosts would fight against the infection, and those with misgivings would have them washed away when they were bound to her.She was a different danger.Jenova would consume the world and it's lifestream.Kairi would warp and remake it in her image.It was all Minerva could do to still the Planet's desire for its WEAPONs. It wasn't time, not yet. There was still one out, before the Planet would be forced to act. She knew what the Heaven's Dark Harbinger wanted, its desire for its child-turned-Calamity. To devour and replace its daughter, to attain a host body of alarming power and resilience. One day, that desire would come to a head, and Calamity would fight Calamity. If the planet was patient, then its enemies would destroy one another.Then, the Planet would pick up the pieces, and destroy the survivor...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It took Kairi far to long to realize something.Oh sure she had all of her daughters to get to know. To interact with, to help teach and train, to win over to her growing family. She had her own training to do as well, along with missions. Fretting over her various older teenage daughters also getting sent on their first missions was also a attention consuming thing. Not to mention the continual PR stuns she had to be dragged into. At this point, only Sephiroth had to attend more of them than she did, and they both hated every second of it. But still, it should have hit her sooner, far sooner.She hadn't really interacted with Genesis in over a month.A glimpse here or there, a greeting in the hallway. But they hadn't done anything in awhile. He hadn't given her any lessons, or sparred. They hadn't ribbed eachother in what felt like ages. Not even argued over or debated a LOVELESS verse. When those facts hit her, it grated. So, she did the natural thing, and went to track him down almost immediately. She caught him by the SOLDIER floor elevator."Hey Genesis!"He glanced over and tilted his head in what had started to become a cooled greeting. "Apprentice.""So, what are you up to?" she asked, sliding up beside him as he waited for the elevator, "Got time for a spar?"He blinked at her for a moment, and for that split second, she thought she saw wistfulness on his face, before it left and he closed off. "I have an appointment with Doctor Hollander."She frowned. "Appointment? Is something wrong?"He just shook his head. "Just a checkup."She made a face. "Ugh, I have my own in like... what, a month or two? I'm dreading to have to go to Hojo again."He hummed in agreement as the elevator dinged. "We'll, you'll have one of your new lackeys to back you up, or Sephiroth if you really think you need someone with influence. Now, I have to be off, good day."She watched the door close, blinking rapidly. Did... he just brush her off? What the heck?
"I think he's a nice piece of meat, ten out of ten."

"I dunno, I think he's a six outa ten, nice to look at, personality of a stump."
A fit of giggles rippled through the mental web, making Kairi sigh as she chose to sit down next to Genesis in the cafeteria as he ate with Angeal and Sephiroth, rather than with her children for once. The redheaded man raised an eyebrow in question, and she answered, "Of all the things the girls could use telepathy for, some decide to ogle guys with one another."Angeal snorted and muttered, "Mature."Sephiroth just shook his head, saying nothing while he picked at the slop on his tray.Genesis didn't particularly react, just went back to giving his food a brooding look, looking not hungry in the slightest.Kairi's eyes flickered around the table uneasily. None of the three were really interacting with another. No jokes, no ribbing, nothing. There was a strained air about them. Had she missed something while she had been focused on her children?"Something wrong mom?" came Elena's voice through the web.Kairi quieted her agitation and sent back a, "Not yet.""That's not a no."Kairi sent a mental 'twack' down the bond. "Something I have to handle, don't worry about it."She cleared her throat. "So, what have you three been up to while I've been looking after my girls?"Sephiroth quirked an eyebrow. "Your girls?"She rested an elbow on the table and then her chin in her hand, eyebrow raised in challenge. "Fairly certain I've heard you call SOLDIER in general 'your SOLDIERs'."That got a slight upturn of his lips. "So I have. To answer your question: Paperwork."Angeal groaned. "Don't I hear that. Paperwork and training. We have about double the paperwork to manage with the extra manpower boost, and twice the green recruits to train.""Would you rather be sent out for kiddie missions?" drawled Genesis, "There's more than enough SOLDIERs now to take care of the bottom of the barrel trash thrown our way."Angeal shrugged. "I don't mind training, but it would be nice to actually get out of the tower once in awhile."Genesis gave him an unimpressed look. "Angeal, do I need to remind you how much leave you have accrued?"Angeal ducked his head a bit, sheepish. "Ah... well, I could head home for a week. It's been awhile since I've gone back and seen my mother."He gave Genesis a pointed glance. "And speaking of family, when's the last time...""Not. Interested," said Genesis flatly, rising to his feet and storming from the table.Kairi watched him go, perplexed. "Okay... did I miss something? He seems a bit... sour.""He's been that way since the transfusion," muttered Angeal.That caught Kairi off-guard. "The what?"Angeal blinked at her. "You didn't know? I thought he would have told you. Apparently one of the wounds he got in Wutai wasn't healing properly, Hollander says it must have been a nasty virus or infection or something that got into the wound, since its over in Wutai, we have no antibodies for their diseases, strong enough to combat the mako in us. I gave him a bit of blood to go along with a bunch of antibiotics that the doctor pumped into him for treatment. He's been sour as you called it since."Kairi's lips went tightly together. Why in the world hadn't he told her?! She frowned, thinking back to that sickness, that vileness she always felt in his body. Was that it? But... he's always had that sensation, though she recalled it seemed different in the later half of Wutai. Had he seriously hidden a non-treated wound that entire time? Stupid, stubborn, hypocritical man. Told her to ask for help if she needed it but wouldn't do the same until it was absolutely necessary? She ought to throttle him."Umm... 2nd Class Kairi, is something wrong? You're giving off a lot of anger," came a voice from one of her children."Genesis is being stupid, don't worry about it," answered Kairi, trying to stifle the emotion, "And I've told you all, just Kairi is fine if we're talking like this."Her children were always so quick to note any changes in her mood and pester her about it. She was going to have to figure out how to hide her feelings better. She'd ask Mother, but she had been oddly silent and watchful ever since the mental web had really gone active with her children. She only really ever spoke to her at night while her children were sleeping, or when they were off alone on a mission. In some ways, it was offputting to have Mother go so distant, on the other hand, less bloodthirstiness in her daily life wasn't a bad thing.She scowled a little when that didn't get a reaction from Mother.Sephiroth noted the look on her face. "He always has a penchant for dramatics and pride. He never likes to be seen as weak. Collapsing mid-spar was a blow to his pride I imagine he did not like. It's not the first time he's been indignant like this."The man frowned a little. "Though, it is the longest he's held onto it."Kairi refocused. "Well, is it fixed? He had to go to an appointment with Hollander a few days ago."Sephiroth blinked, eyebrows raising. "Did he?""He said it was another follow up," said Angeal, waving a hand dismissively, "To make sure the issue was handled. He's had a few."Sephiroth hummed, settling back into his chair. "Well, constant exposure to the Science Department is a likely reason for his continued displeasure."Kairi wasn't so sure, she wasn't so sure at all...Kairi started not-so-subtly following Genesis around. Poking and prodding to see if she could get him back into his normal antics. By the end of the week, not having him quote even a single line of LOVELESS was really worrying her. Though, she had started learning how to shield her thoughts and emotions from her children. She didn't like to, but she didn't want any of them getting involved. They were all 3rd Class SOLDIERs with no rank or notoriety as of the moment, they had no reason to bother any of the trio unless it was during training exercises one of them were running.Which was another note. Genesis was a terror of cadets and 3rd Class SOLDIERs, but he had dropped his magic training sessions. Another note of concern.So, Kairi went for the source, willingly (ugh) going to the Science Department and knocking on Doctor Hollander's door. The man opened it and squinted at her. "What can I help one of Hojo's projects with?"Kairi's eyes narrowed, instantly taking a dislike to the man. "I wanted to ask about Genesis."The man went still. "What about him?""Is he okay? He's been seeming, off, for awhile now," asked Kairi, "Angeal and Sephiroth mentioned he had needed a transfusion? Did that sort everything out?""That, is none of your business," he said flatly.She blinked. "Excuse me?""Have you never heard of patient confidentiality?" snubbed Hollander, "Genesis is none of your concern.""I'm his friend, I'm just worried...," began Kairi."Hah, 'friend', right," said Hollander, sneering, "My projects don't need to be friends with Hojo's freaks."A cold, festering hate started to build in Kairi's gut. This bastard was just as foul as the man he scorned. "Call me a freak again, I dare you."Hollander cowed a bit, taking a step back, "I uh... if that is all, I have work I need to get back to, goodbye."He hurriedly closed the door in her face, and all Kairi could do was mutter, "Coward."She walked back to the elevator, and took it to the SOLDIER floor, her face icy, her stance irritated as she moved. Which of course had people take notice, which passed to her daughters soon enough."So... what has your panties in a bunch mom?" came Elena's voice a few minutes later.There was a few gasps down the web. "Ele! You can't say that to her! She's your commanding officer!"Elena just snickered.Kairi paused by her door, thinking, before a cruel smile played by her face, and she let hostile mischievousness spread down the web to her children. "If any of you encounter Doctor Hollander, would you be a dear and go out of your way to be a nuisance? I'd appreciate it."
"Oh that sounds like fun."

"Sure can do."

"Is he the one with the sandals? Honestly, that's so unprofessional."

"Not to mention stupid, doesn't he work in a lab? What if he drops a chemical or something on his feet?"

"His loss-oh! Girls! 'Accidentally' step on his toes!"
That got a fit of giggles. "Operation Crushed Toes is a go girls!"Kairi's lips twitch into a smile, her anger fading into warm approval. Her girls could take her troubles away in an instant."Just don't be obvious about it," came Jessie's voice, "Let me give you guys some tips. I used to prank my teachers all the time back in school. Let a pro show you how its done...""Say, Kairi...," came a familiar voice.Kairi turned away from watching two of her children spar in one of the training rooms, sighting Zack leaning against the entryway to the observational level, watching her. "What?""Angeal's been curious as to why a number of the new 3rds have been reported to be harassing one of the Scientists, Hollander, for the last week," said Zack, "You hear anything about that from them?"Kairi's lips twitched. "Now what reason would my girls have to pick on that fat, pompous, arrogant, unprofessional, jerk?""Well, you just listed four reasons," he said before wagging a finger, "And no, being fat isn't a reason to harass someone.""Didn't say it was," she said, non-committal."They put his foot in a cast," he said, deadpanning."And if Angeal is to busy, he can pass their discipline onto me, I'll talk to them," she answered back, not quite hiding the smugness in her voice."High-five girls," she sent out, "I just heard Hollander is in a cast."Whoops and yells of triumph flooded the web."Though Angeal is on to you all," she warned, "Play innocent.""But mom, we are innocent," said a voice sweetly.Kairi mentally purred to herself at that. She loved when another of her children started to accept calling her mom, even if they were only starting to in jest. They'd accept it as truth soon enough..."Riiiight," said Zack, giving her a knowing look."If that's all...?" she posed.Zack scratched the back of his head. "Actually... do you have time to just... talk?"Her face closed off. "About what, Zackery Fair?"He sighed, looking dejected. "My screw-up?"She frowned a bit, weighing whether she really wanted to do this or not. He was opening from the position of having wronged her, and Angeal had asked her..."Fine," she said in a clipped tone, "Close the door."She turned to give her children down below one last glance, measuring their pace, before turning back to Zack, crossing her arms. She took a brief moment to guard her mind, she didn't want this spilling into the web and drawing in her children.He held up both hands. "Look, I'm sorry. I get it, okay?""Do you?" she bit out, "Do you know how awful and alone you made me feel for those few months?"He lowered his hands. "I didn't mean to hurt you like that. I thought..."She pointed a finger in his face. "I told you. Having someone ready to kill me if I went off the deep end is a horrifying thing. Friends don't give up on or abandon one another. I didn't think otherwise before, and I still don't now, even after my time in Wutai.""I wasn't going to kill you if something went wrong," he murmured, "Knock you out and sat on you maybe, hope you had yourself under control when you woke up, but...""Really?" she deadpanned, "That's not what you told me.""Because I couldn't!" he said helplessly, "I was bugged the entire time I was watching you!"She blinked. "You were what?""The Turks kept their own surveillance," he said, "And had me wear a wire for them to record anything you said that might sound off. If I said anything against what they wanted, I'd be the one in trouble then."She closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose. "I hate the Turks, I really do.""Look, Kairi," he said quietly, "So long as no one saw an episode, and you were better after, I'd have argued and fought tooth and nail to make sure nothing happened. Maybe damaged the wire and blamed it on a monster or something. The only time I might have considered actually killing you, let alone hurting you, would be if you lost it in public and started killing civilians."She said nothing, weighing that kind of situation in her mind, not liking it either way."But you never had a relapse under my watch, not one, and Genesis said you were fine over in Wutai," he said, "Or haven't you noticed you're not as watched anymore? That you don't have to have a tag along since you came back from Wutai?"Kairi exhaled through her nose. "I was assuming it was because of Genesis, or because of PR. Can't have me be seen having a watcher."He raised an eyebrow. "Turks at least could watch you without anyone knowing. It stopped because Angeal told me you came up for review in a meeting between Lazard and the Trio after Wutai and they relaxed the issue."Well... that's good she supposed. "About time."They grew silent for a little bit, Zack bouncing anxiously on his feet a bit. She just raised an eyebrow at him."I said I was sorry?" he said sheepishly."And?""If we can't go back to the way we were before, can we at least start over?" he asked, practically begged, his eyes going puppy wide with a pout.She sighed. Why did he have to make it so hard to keep resenting him? "Fine, we can start over. You get a second chance."Zack whooped and had her in a bear hug, lifting her up and swinging her around. "Awesome! You're the best Kairi!""Z-Zack! Put me down this instant!" she ordered."Nope," he said, grinning as he slung her over his shoulder, "We're gonna go visit Aerith now. Gotta thank her for her advice, and she's been asking about you.""I can walk myself!" she shouted, banging on his back, "Zackery Fair! Don't you DARE carry me down the halls like this!""ZACK!" she screamed in outrage as he opened the door, left the room, and started bolting down the hall, a cheeky grin on his face, other SOLDIERs snickering when they saw him and her.She elbowed his face, making him yelp and crash into the wall and then to the floor. She rolled, grabbed his head, locked it between her side and her arm, and proceeded to give him a full-force SOLDIER grade noogie. "Ow ow ow ow! Not the hair, not the hair!""You deserve it you utter raving lunatic," she growled out."Hey, get a room you two!"Kairi scowled, rose to her feet, and thrust Zack forward, making him stagger before righting himself, signature grin on his face as he massaged his head. "Yesh, you ain't gentle.""Get moving before I kick your ass," she said sourly.Honestly, that boy...Though she hadn't seen Aerith in a long while, since before Wutai, she wondered how the girl was doing. She huffed a bit and moved to walk with Zack, the pair heading for the elevator and to the lobby. Zack was once again a chatterbox as if nothing had ever happened between them, talking about missions or Aerith or some of the 3rds he had been helping train. She mostly tuned him out, only paying attention when he mentioned one of her children, and a little about Aerith. Something about a flower wagon or something. Shesh, had he always rattled on like this?By the time they finally reached the slums, Kairi's exasperation was leaking into the web, and when prompted by one of her children, she merely answered with, "Zack.""But he's so cute!""Doesn't mean I don't want to shove a sock in his mouth to shut him up," answered Kairi."Rude."
"Isn't he the guy everyone calls a puppy?"

"Yeah, that's him."

"Ohhh, Kairi's out of the tower with Zack, is love in the air?"

"They're going on a date!"

"Kairi and Zack, sitting in a tree..."
"I am not going on a date with Zackery Fair," answered Kairi grumpily to the teasing, "We're going to see a friend.""You've got friends outside the tower mom?" asked Elena, "You almost never leave unless its for PR or a mission.""I've got 'a' friend, who I've been a bit slacking on visiting," answered Kairi sheepishly, "And if the way he goes on and on about her is any indication, they're the ones dating."

"Nooooo!"

"My hopes are crushed."

"Guess I owe Gale ten gil."

"Ah man."

"Honestly, you girls are pathetic."

"Hey, shut up miss butch."

"Uh, aren't we all kind of butch after boot camp and the mako injections?"

"I ain't a lesbo."

"Being tough doesn't mean your a lesbian, shesh you're ignorant, and who cares anyway if you are one?"

"Well aren't you miss PC?"

"Girls, civil."

"Forget them. Is Zack's girl cute at least? Send pics ASAP!"

"That one's definitely lesbo."
Kairi cant help snorted in amusement as her children burst into fits of giggles and laughter, starting to argue again. She swore they had more fun being connected like this than Kairi herself did. Maybe they took it as an outlet to the normal serious rigors of being SOLDIER. Who knows. At least they mostly liked being connected, rather than freaked out. Though there were a few who were rather quiet, out of shyness or wariness of the mental web, she hadn't determined yet."What?" asked Zack, "I didn't think talking bout the slum monsters was funny."She waved a hand. "Was talking to my girls, I tuned you out like thirty minutes ago."Zack gave an indignant squawk. "Hey!"There came a bit of giggles from the church they were closing in on. "That's rude Kairi."Kairi's eyes flickered to the door of the church, to the brunette holding a basket of flowers. Aerith had grown a bit a little taller, a little more developed, entering her younger teenage years. She still wore that blue-white dress, though now that Kairi squinted, it looked a little big for her, maybe a hand-me-down. She gave the girl a smile and said, "He talks so much though."Aerith wagged a finger at her and turned to the church door, walking through humming to herself. Kairi walked inside alongside Zack, eyes flickering briefly to an unfinished wagon next to the door. Aerith knelt down next to the center of the church, hands brushing across flowers, plucking one or two to add to her basket."I never got the chance to ask, how do you feel being back from Wutai?" asked Aerith, briefly turning to look at her.Kairi didn't immediately respond. There was something... piercing about the way the girl looked at her. It wasn't hostile or wary, it was just... there. Like she was looking through Kairi. "Well, it was nice to be out of that waste of a war."Aerith tilted her head a little, the question unasked but implied.Kairi wrinkled her nose. "It was entirely based off greed on one side, pride on the other. There was no honor in that pointless massacre."Aerith hummed, smiling a little. "I'm glad you don't like war."She returned to thumbing through her flowers, leaving Kairi a little... off-balance. "Why would you think I did?""The news reports and pictures that made their way back painted you in a few different pictures," answered Aerith.Kairi made a face and sat in a pew. "I hate PR, I really do."Zack moved to start doing squats in the center isle. "So how was your day 'Rith?""Pretty good, there's been a lot less monsters roaming around with all the SOLDIERs clearing them out," said Aerith."Well, wars finally over, and we got a manpower boost with all of Kairi's girls," said Zack, thumbing at said girl."Your girls?" said Aerith, amused, glancing at Kairi.Except... those eyes looked more calculated than anything else... it made her feel a little uneasy, but she pushed it away."They're family to me," said Kairi warmly, thinking about her girls, "My children. I treasure each and every one of them.""Hmm," murmured Aerith, head tilted, hair briefly shielding her eyes before she brushed it aside.There was an audible growl from Mother in the back of her mind, the first in a long while. "The Cetra best mind itself.""I still don't get why you hate her," answered Kairi, "She couldn't have had anything directly to do with your situation.""I underestimated the Cetra once, I shan't do so again, not with the last and most favored one," spat Mother, "I'd almost say you should just force her to join your family now. Cut your hand and force your blood down her throat, binding her to you."Kairi broke eye-contact with Aerith, narrowing her eyes at a random spot in on the church wall. "I will NOT force someone to join my family against their will Mother."Jenova huffed. "She sees and knows to much, letting her exist freely is dangerous. If it comes back to bite us, it rests on you."Kairi ignored the comment."So, Kairi, wanna help with the wagon?" asked Zack, thumbing towards it, "I brought some tools last time.""Sure," she said, shrugging and following him over."Zack," called over Aerith, "I take it my advice worked?""Ahuh, went right up to her and talked it out," said Zack.Kairi gave him an unimpressed look. "She's the one that told you to?""Advised," said Aerith smoothly, "Though, I said he should butter you up first, not just go right up out of the blue."Zack grinned. "I'm naturally buttering.""I have no comment," said Kairi, grabbing a wagon wheel, adjusting its position, and then reaching for hammer and nails.Aerith giggled a bit. "Well, whatever works. I'm glad whatever the issue was, was worked out.""Less worked out, more he can start over," said Kairi absently, focusing on her task, "Not that he didn't make an utter nuisance of himself.""What, I thought girls liked to be carried by their knight in shining armor?" teased Zack."Says the guy who was crippled by a measly noogie," countered Kairi."Dude, my head's still sore," whined Zack."Bullshit, you have mako," said Kairi, wagging the hammer at him.Zack stuck his tongue out, and Kairi snapped her hand out to try and grab it, but he managed to roll out of the way. "Next time, I'm yanking it out.""You two are to much," said Aerith, giggling a bit.Kairi hammered in the wheel before giving Aerith a considering look. "So, if you're having an issue with someone, you suggest just confronting them on it?"Aerith moved from the center, brushing her dress off, before moving to sit at the back-most pew, arms resting on the back of it, head laying on her arms. "It depends. Do you know what the issue is?"Kairi hesitated. "Well... do you know who Genesis is?"Aerith nodded. "The Crimson Commander.""He's been... evasive," said Kairi, "Withdrawn, sour.""Isn't he always sour?" asked Zack.Kairi slugged his shoulder, hard."Ow!" whined Zack, "For a girl, you hit really hard."She cocked a fist again, but he shifted away."Did something bad happen to him?" asked Aerith, head tilting to lay sideways on her arms."Well, he got a transfusion from Angeal awhile back apparently for a wound he got in Wutai," said Kairi before scowling, "Not that he ever told me.""So, he's isolating himself?" asked Aerith."It's getting there," said Kairi with weariness, "Sephiroth and Angeal said it's his longest he's been like this yet. He still sticks around Angeal a bit, but he's just... there, not really interacting with anyone. I swear he spends more time going to Hollander's office than with any of us."Aerith's eyes went distant for a long moment, thinking. "If you're really that concerned, sometimes... you need to push the issue. He might be hurting and hiding it, trying to appear strong."Her eyes focused a bit. "You sound like you don't like this Hollander person?""He's scum," spat Kairi, "Talks about people like their objects. Called me one of 'Hojo's freaks'."That, oddly, made Aerith flinch a little."Dick," swore Zack, "I see why you sicked your girls on him.""I admit nothing," said Kairi cheerfully."If you don't trust Hollander," said Aerith slowly, that distant look taking over again, "Then is it a good thing Genesis is spending so much time alone with him?"Kairi hesitated."She sees and hears very far indeed," mused Mother suddenly, "I can feel that she's been working on her ability to listen since last we met.""Are you saying she might have a point?" asked Kairi."Perhaps," said Mother, a swirl in the back of Kairi's mind of consideration, "I haven't been paying attention to your Chosen One, but I will divert some of my focus to observe him for the time being.""Thank you mother," said Kairi."He's a Shinra doc," said Zack, "He works for the Company, same as the rest of us.""How many people there work for Shinra, or work for themselves?" asked Aerith quietly, eyes refocusing, "And either doesn't necessarily mean they are good people."Zack made a hurt face. "Sayin I'm not good 'Rith?"She pouted at him. "Zaaack! Don't put words in my mouth. You are fine, a bit immature, but a good person.""Owch, right through the heart 'Rith," said Zack, hand going to his chest."What about me?" said Kairi teasingly."You, are complicated," answered Aerith.Kairi blinked at her.Aerith blinked back."What's that supposed to mean?" asked Kairi defensively.Aerith gave her a sad look. "I suppose I'm just afraid of you losing yourself as the years pass. The TV and newspaper paint you one way, in person you're another, but either way, you're not quite the young girl I first met over a year ago.""War changes people," said Kairi quietly."That and other things," agreed Aerith in a sad equal quietness.Mother growled again.Aerith raised an eyebrow, as if in challenge, and Kairi wondered absently if that was directed at her, or if Aerith had some way of knowing that Mother was there and didn't like her."We all grow up and change one day," said Kairi grumpily, "I'd like to remain friends, but if you don't want to..."Aerith smiled a little and shook her head. "I'm happy to be a friend. I'm just concerned for you, that's all. The world is full of those who would take advantage of you, pretend to be your friend or family and abuse you. Turn you against everything you used to stand for and warp you in their image."Mother sounded positively animanlistic in her growling now."Yeah well, Shinra is Shinra," said Kairi dismissively, trying to ignore Mother's loud dislike of Aerith, "In their eyes, you're either with them or against them.""Shesh, badmouthing the bosses," said Zack halfheartedly.Kairi shrugged. "Your point being what? Half the company hates the leadership. Hojo is fucking nutz. The President is a fat greedy bastard. People say Scarlet is a ruthless psychopath. Sephiroth himself says that Heidegger is an arrogant pig-headed buffoon who let his position go to his head..."Zack coughed. "We came here to hang out and get away from Shinra, Kairi."She hummed. "Whatever. Let's get this wagon done."They got down and focused, piecing it together. The entire time, Kairi could feel Aerith's eyes on her. She couldn't get a sense of what the teenage girl felt, or why she was so intently looking at her. It was a little unsettling to be honest. Aerith commented on Kairi changing, but in her opinion, it was Aerith who had changed the most since they most met. She was far more reserved, and wise, than she had been before. Especially for what she assumed was a thirteen year old. Honestly, what in the world had caused such a shift in the girl with only a year?She dismissed the though a moment later as hypocritical. A year in Hojo's lab had changed Kairi herself quite a bit.They finished the wagon and stepped back from it, Aerith giving it a cursory look over. "We need some paint.""We can hit Wall Mart," offered Zack, "I'll pay."Aerith gave him a shy smile. "Zack, you already paid for all the wagon supplies."He ran a proud finger under his nose. "What can I say? I'm a gentleman."Kairi snorted and elbowed him as she passed for the door, making him stumble. "Suuuure you are.""Hey!"The trio laughed a bit and started to head out...Before Mother started hissing in her mind. "That IMBECILE."Kairi's steps hiccuped a bit before resuming. "What is it?""Your Chosen One just left a meeting with Hollander and is considering doing something incredibly foolish," snarled Mother, "Honestly, what does he and that idiot scientist think they will accomplish?""What do you mean?""Go confront my foolish son before he starts something that will only end in his and many of our collective children's deaths," spat Mother.The hairs on the back of Kairi's neck stood up as she came to a stop. "Excuse me, what? What the hell is Genesis getting involved in?"She could feel Mother's sneer. "Something that will make my Chosen One have to truly decide if he will disobey an order to kill his 'friend'."Kairi's face paled."Yoohooo, Gaia to Kairi?"Kairi blinked, noticing Zack waving his hands in front of her eyes. "You zoned out for a second there. Not lookin so good.""Where is Angeal?" demanded Kairi.Zack blinked a few times, a bit taken back by the sudden mood and topic shift. "Uh... packing to go on VK and see his mom last I knew. Was going to see him off tonight.""Good, he's still here then," said Kairi, "Give him a call and tell him to sit on Genesis."Zack frowned. "Uh... why?"Kairi was already taking off on a run, fishing out her own PHS. She didn't know what Genesis was getting involved in, but like hell was she going to let him get himself or any of her children killed. She hit Sephiroth's number from the list of contacts.He picked up a few moments later. "Yes?""Do you have Tseng's number?" she asked, ignoring the flare of irritation at asking a Turk for aid."I do, what is this about Kairi?" he asked."Call him and tell him to either arrest Hollander or watch him and make sure he goes nowhere," she said.Sephiroth was silent for a long moment before clearing his throat. "Is this some kind of joke or prank, Kairi? I'm already aware of your 'girls' harassing Hollander.""With good reason," she said flatly, "He's trying to convince Genesis to do something very unwise. Just call Tseng, then sit on Genesis with Angeal."Sephiroth didn't respond for a long moment, "I am giving you the courtesy of suspending my disbelief. If this is some kind of farce, no one will be amused by it, and there will be consequences.""Thanks," she said crisply, "I'm on my way back in HQ now..."When Kairi finally arrived, it was to loud hollering outside the trio's rooms. "I'm trying to do my goddamn job yet you two for some reason can't be bothered to leave me the hell alone! Now if you two don't have something important to bother me with then GET OUT!""Genesis!" snapped Sephiroth, "That attitude is both uncalled for and unacceptable..."Kairi's eyes went wide with shock as she saw Genesis pick Sephiroth up by the collar of his cloak and throw him back through the door way. Sephiroth landed with a grunt, eyes wide in disbelief that Genesis would do such a thing. The redhead grabbed Angeal's arm and yanked him out. "Genesis!"He turned his head to glare at her, and there was something almost feverish in his eyes that set her on edge. "Not now Apprentice."He made to close the door, but Kairi went forward and put her arm in the way, wincing slightly at the force he tried to slam it closed with. She barged her way in, ignoring his narrowed eyes. "Genesis, what have you and Hollander been meeting about exactly?"For a split second, his eyes went wide, before he masked them. "Follow up sessions to make sure my injury is properly healing.""Bullshit."He narrowed his eyes before turning around and making for his desk. "I have work to be doing apprentice, see yourself out."Her eyes flickered to his desk, a frown on her faces as she noted piles of folders on his desk of... SOILDER personnel files? What was he looking through all of that for? There was a bin to the side of his desk with folders haphazardly thrown in them, and a neat pile on the desk itself with a 'take' sticky note on it. Take? Take where? Where was he going?She glanced up at him... and frowned. Was it just her, or did he seem paler than usual? There was an odd glint in his eyes... almost feverish. That sickly sensation from him, she focused on it... the vileness was active, more than she remembered. When had it gotten to the point where it seemed to be affecting him?"All three of you, I won't say this again, OUT!" he snarled.Kairi glanced at the door, sighting Sephiroth and Angeal both squeezed on the other side peeking in. If the situation were anything else, she might have laughed. Instead, she walked over and said, "Go check on and speak with Tseng. I'll deal with Genesis.""Honestly, does no one listen these days? And speak to Tseng about what?" demanded Genesis as the door closed."Hollander actually," she said, turning to face him, watching his eyes widen before glaring at her, "Genesis, what did you meet with Hollander about? What is going on?"Genesis stood up from his desk, looking livid, a wildness entering his eyes, "You have no idea what you are screwing around with Apprentice. You'd be wise to leave it well enough alone."Kairi tensed at the hostility in his voice, he almost seemed... unhinged. "Well, wisdom is something neither of us particularly have."It didn't even get a twitch of a smile out of him. He turned around, bringing a hand up to run through his hair. "You're going to ruin everything at this rate Apprentice, you always did know how to be a nuisance."Kairi huffed. "Learned it from you."He just muttered under his breath and began to pace. Some of the things she faintly heard started to really alarm her. She walked over and grabbed his shoulder, hard. "Genesis, what is..."He screamed.He screamed in horrific pain, his shoulder giving a spasm, his hand coming up to try to pry her off. She recoiled away from him, shocked at the wetness she had felt coming up from his shoulder through his jacket. She looked down at her hand, a tint of red and sticky white puss, the sensation of vileness so overwhelming. "What the f..."She narrowed her eyes, watching him half crumple to the ground in agony. She wiped her hand on her thigh and then was on him in seconds, ripping his coat off and tugging down his shirt over his shoulder. She stared, in horror, at the open and deeply infected wound there, leaking blood and puss. Her mouth went grimly tight as she battle the fury in her chest. "Genesis, what the fuck is this?! What is going on? This should have been dealt with! Shinra...""IT'S THEIR FAULT TO BEGIN WITH!" he roared at her, shoving her away with enough force to fly across the room and impact against the wall, "Shinra screwed me up before I was even born! Had Hollander experiment on me with abandon, and now their sins have come full circle."Kairi's stomach felt like a bottomless pit as she stared at him, face paling.He trembled with maddening rage and despair, "You want to know what Hollander and I were talking about? Leaving the company, taking anyone who we thought would follow with us, finding a cure, and then taking revenge and destroying Shinra!"She held up both hands in placation. "Genesis, I know Shinra is fucked up beyond belief...""You see! You admit it," he ranted, "I told Hollander if we just approached you that you'd come with me! You are MY apprentice!""But," she said loudly, "What makes you think Hollander can find a cure? Why would you trust him after he did the initial experiments, he doesn't give a damn about you.""Mind yourself apprentice," he snarled."He called me one of Hojo's freaks!" she snapped back, "Said 'his projects' don't need to be friends with me."Genesis's mouth went shut as he stared at her for a long moment. She could see the gears in his head, rusty and dulled by the feverish look all about him, not to mention pain, turning. "You're not joking.""No, I'm not," she said, "Why the hell do you think I sicked my girls on him?""So it was you," he mused, lips twitching, and for a moment, she saw the old Genesis standing before her.Then it was gone and he was raving again, "He's still my best bet, Shinra won't care, they'd rather kill me than fix me, can't have their public image damaged by revealing their human experimentation or the degradation that can plague their uttermost elite.""How is that your best bet?" she asked, incredulous, "Away from all of their laboratories and equipment that could be used to run tests and try to fix the damage?""Oh yes, the life of being one of Hojo's lab rats," he said snidly, "After you, I think I'd decline."Kairi recoiled, hurt ripping openly across her face.Genesis faltered for a moment, a hand coming up to rub his forehead. "No, I didn't mean it like that, I..."He trailed off."He's not wrong," mused Mother, sounding almost sadistically gleeful, "I don't believe that fool scientist, either of them, could mend what is broken. Delay his execution perhaps, but he is a walking dead man."No.Panic bled through her.No, she couldn't lose him.He wouldn't die, she wouldn't let him.She could feel the slits of her eyes narrow intensely, her vision sharpening on the redhead. What could she do? If Mother thought it was hopeless, what could be done? Damn it, how could his mako not beat this? Then she swallowed, wondering if this would afflict her to."No," said Mother, "You are easily immune to this. Not only through your own power and regenerative abilities, but because I molded you myself."She felt a huge relief wash over her. If she was immune, then her children were also immune. Anyone sired from her cells would...Her thoughts trailed off as she remembered something said barely over an hour ago by Mother..."I underestimated the Cetra once, I shan't do so again, not with the last and most favored one," spat Mother, "I'd almost say you should just force her to join your family now. Cut your hand and force your blood down her throat, binding her to you.""Don't you DARE," hissed Mother, "Misbegotten as he is, he is my child, not yours."Kairi tuned Mother out. If she couldn't save Genesis, then Kairi would. She could take him, heal him, make him like her, make him HERS, a part of her family..."Genesis...," she said slowly, her eyes gleaming intensely, "Do you trust me?"He blinked. "I...""Do. You. Trust. Me?" she demanded, slowly walking forward.He stared at her, again, for a long moment, struggling with himself before finally, in a moment of clarity, he spoke quietly, "You are my apprentice, of course I trust you.""I have an idea on how to fix this," she said, stopping in front of him and nudging the chair, "Sit."He gave her a bewildered look. "You, with not an ounce of scientific background?""Do you honestly trust Shinra, and yes, Hollander IS a part of Shinra, even if he turns against it, he's scum like that, to fix this?" she asked, "They are more likely to make it worse, and Hollander himself would turn you against everyone who cares, and before you say it, YES, Sephiroth does care."Genesis scowled as he sat down. "Only so much as to whet his blade against me."She jabbed his shoulder, making him hiss in pain. "Shut up Genesis. He might not be good at showing it, but he does care. But I digress. I know how to fix this."Slowly she drew her sword, and his eyes sharped on it, but he didn't move, just tracked it. She pulled down his shirt again over his shoulder, and held her hand over it, pressed her sword into the palm of her hand. His eyes went wide. "Kairi, what are you doing?""STOP!" roared Mother.Kairi could feel the reprimand in the back of her mind, Mother reaching to stop her, but she snarled mentally and grabbed her first, shoving her back, "Don't interfere Mother! I know you don't like Genesis despite you claiming him as a son. If you won't save him, then I WILL, and I will make him MINE.""You had an infusion from Angeal already, did it help at all?" she asked as her blade began to dig in."A little," said Genesis, eyes tracking the bit of blood starting to trickle down the sword, "But the wound reopened soon enough.""Then perhaps you just needed the right donor," she said hungrily, ""My cells have an incredible regenerative property, whats to say that can't fix this?"For a moment, his eyes went wide with hope before he hesitated, "Kairi, we don't even know if your blood is compatible, or if there would be any complications.""And yet they use my cells, my blood, for all of my girls," pointed out Kairi, "I ask again Genesis, do you trust me?"He said nothing for a long moment before nodding sharply.Kairi cut into her hand deeply, blood gushing out and spilling onto his shoulder wound. He flinched a little, looking down at the wound as Kairi's blood entered it. Kairi squeezed her hand tightly on her sword, ignoring the pain, watching as well as she felt IT. The beginning sensation of those being woven into her web. It was a sickly sensation, and she could feel the alarm of her children, but she soothed them as she focused on Genesis, willing her cells to multiply faster, to destroy the sickness, to integrate, to change him and make him hers.He jolted violently, sucking in a breath. "Burns, damn, DAMN, that BURNS!"A cleansing burn.Then he screamed and started clawing at his shoulder.Then the door burst open, and both Sephiroth and Angeal rushed in, alarm on their faces. Kairi had a moment, as Sephiroth's eyes narrowed in on her red hand leaking blood onto Genesis's shoulder, to realize neither of them were going to take what she was doing well. Then faster than Kairi could blink, Masamune batted Kairi's blade out of her hand and he had her pinned against the nearest wall, his arm against her throat.He snarled. "What. Are. You. Doing!?"She smiled. "Saving him.""You foolish, stupid girl," said Sephiroth in fury, "Tseng squeezed Hollander for information and he spilled everything, Genesis's affliction, his manipulations of Genesis by dangling a cure in front of him. We had just brought Hojo in to interrogate him about the degradation and see about finding an answer, and then you do this?!""My cells...," began Kairi."Might kill him!" said Sephiroth icily, his tone dangerous, "You have no clue if your blood is compatible to his, let alone if your different enhancement process might interfere with his! For all we know you might have just killed him or..."There was a loud cry from Genesis, following by a ripping and tearing sound. Kairi glanced over Sephiroth's shoulder as the man turned his head, both of their eyes going wide to see a long black wing explode out of Genesis's shoulder. Angeal, who had been kneeling in front of Genesis, a comforting hand on the man's thigh, stood and backed away in horror and shock. Sephiroth's gaze slowly turned back to Kairi, and it was murderous."...and caused mutations," he growled out, so positively livid, "So help me Kairi, if this kills him, you will follow him out."Kairi met his gaze calmly, the wing was... weird, but a side-point for the moment. Idly, she thought this was perhaps the most emotional she had ever seen Sephiroth. "And you thought he didn't care, Genesis."Genesis didn't respond, staring at his new addition silently. He oddly didn't seem that surprised to see it."Do you not take this seriously?" snarled Sephiroth."Deadly seriously," she answered back, "I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think it would help.""Angeal," demanded Sephiroth, "Run back to the interrogation and get Hojo, now.""I...," began Angeal, looking at Genesis in concern as the man began to hiss in pain again."NOW!" ordered Sephiroth.He was gone in a split second, and Sephiroth was back to glaring coldly at Kairi as Genesis continued to writhe and hiss in pain. About ten minutes later, just as Genesis fell out of his chair and startled spasming uncontrollably, Angeal, Hojo, Tseng, and a few other Turks entered the room."Restrain him," said Hojo firmly, Angeal moving to do so, "Oh Specimen K what have you done now?""Piss off Hojo," she snarled at him, "I'm helping. I can feel it helping."Hojo hummed. "Do you? And what exactly is it that you did, hmm?""My cells give me and my children incredible regeneration, I cut my hand open to pour my blood into the wound, it is helping him," she said.Hojo looked at Genesis, eyebrow raised as Angeal struggled to try to get the man still. "Is it?""Healing hurts.""Perhaps," said Hojo, "I wont lie, one of my initial thoughts while being brought in to clean up Hollander's mess was to use your cells as a base for treatment."He held up a finger before she could comment. "But not without first testing in an active culture and seeing if I needed to genetically alter for compatibility, let alone to see if it was even possible. That does not also ignore that it may have been better to try a slower, but more safe method of Gene Therapy."Kairi snorted. "You? Practice safe science?""I am not here to listen to your lip, Specimen K," said Hojo flatly, "Sephiroth asked me to help with this, so I would comply, but as of the moment, the best I can do is see if he survives your foolishness and then go from there..."Then Genesis suddenly stopped moving, stopped breathing. Angeal swore, preparing to do CPR. "Don't you do this to us Genesis."For a moment, a flicker of doubt his Kairi, and Sephiroth saw it the moment his eyes flickered back from Genesis to her. His arm was gone, and in its place was a hand, lifting her up and slamming her into the wall as his grip tightened and cut off her air supply. "I warned you."Kairi gagged and clawed at his hand, trying to pry him off as black spots started dancing across her vision...There was a gasp of breath from behind Sephiroth, and she felt Genesis's presence bloom in the mental web, enough of him changed to be like her. Her cells moved remarkably fast when she willed them to. It was followed by a yelp of Angeal hitting the floor. Genesis was there, looking paler then death, but awake and definitely breathing, his sword in his hand and resting on Sephiroth's shoulder.He rasped out, his breath shaky, "If you would so kindly stop strangling my apprentice?"Sephiroth's head turned slightly, eyes appraising Genesis, and then the sword so close to his neck. "Are you alright?""Positively ecstatic," drawled Genesis before going grim, "I can literally feel her presence beginning to ebb. Drop. Her."Sephiroth did, Kairi landed with a grunt on her butt, massaging her throat as she took in deep breaths. "T... told you."Genesis scowled down at her, a weary look on his face. "The next time you offer me a miracle cure, I might have to decline. I don't think I've ever felt anything quite like that before.""It worked, didn't it?"He looked down at his shoulder, still covered in blood and puss, but definitely sealed closed. "It would appear that way. It still feels like I'm melting internally. I'm assuming its destroying the degradation."Kairi's head turned at the sound of pencil on paper, and of course, Hojo had a notepad out jotting down notes.Genesis closed his eyes and briefly swayed before shaking his head. "I'm also fairly certain I'm going to pass out, though that desire is warring with my stomach telling me it wishes to eat a horse."Sephiroth raised a finger and slowly pushed Genesis's blade off his shoulder. "We will accompany you down to the labs, and Angeal will grab food for you on the way. You will eat and rest, and when you are better, you and I are going to have a long talk about incredibly foolish decisions. Both here with Kairi, and with Hollander.""You can count me in on that," said Angeal mildly before turning to Tseng, "I think you ought to clear the halls so no one sees... the wing."Tseng nodded. "Give us a minute.""To be fair," commented Hojo mildly, "While I will not make excuses for Hollander's projects," he ignored the hostile looks everyone sent him, "Degradation, from my understanding of it based on the brief questioning Hollander, effects all parts of the body, including the mind and decision making.""I'll keep that in mind," said Sephiroth mildly.Genesis sagged a bit, and Sephiroth caught him, leaning him against his shoulder. The man grumbled a bit before looking at Kairi. "Do your girls ever shut up?"Kairi blinked at the sudden question before she realized that in her focus, she had stopped paying attention to any part of the mental web that wasn't Genesis.
"Gaia to mom, whats going on?"

"Who the hell is that?"

"I've been feeling some really wacky crap going on."

"Anyone got a clue whats happening? The Turks are asking everybody to leave."
"I don't know, but I swore I heard screaming from the higher ups rooms."Kairi winced. "Girls, uh... keep it down for a bit, there's been a bit of a situation. I had to... put my cells in someone to heal a pretty bad infection.""Uh...""It works like that?""Shhh, she asked us to keep it quiet.""You can hear them?" questioned Sephiroth cautiously.Genesis flapped a hand. "Yes, and they are quite loud. Or maybe the headache is making it worse, I don't know."Sephiroth sighed. "This is an unneeded complication.""On the contrary," said Hojo, his eyes sharp, "It's rather fascinating. I did not think Specimen K's cells on their own outside of the formula could be used in this manner.""Because," said Mother thinly, hissing in anger in the back of Kairi's mind, "You idiot scientist, she is my daughter, my kin, made to be like me. Everything I am, she is.""Does that mean you could have healed him?" demanded Kairi."Only if I were physically there to tend to him," said Mother in a... cautious tone.Kairi wasn't sure if she could trust those words.Then Angeal exclaimed and distracted her, "Wait wait wait, are you saying merely getting Kairi's blood in you will do... this? She's what, infectious?"Hojo scoffed. "If that were the case, many of the monsters she's combated would have been incorporated. No, I don't think her blood does this on its own. For the how and why, I believe Specimen K is going to need to explain.""I'll explain when you can actually start calling me by my name," she said sourly.Hojo merely adjusted his glasses, staring at her."Enough," barked Sephiroth, "I'm getting Genesis down to the labs to rest. Hojo will look him over, and we will need to decide what to do about the wing. Angeal will get him food."He pointed a finger at Kairi. "You, until this is figured out, are staying in the labs as well."Kairi gave him a foul look. "Yes sir.""Just get it over with and rip it off," rasped Genesis."Do not do something so utterly foolish," said Hojo, "We don't know if it is connected to any arteries for one. Until I have had the time to examine both it and you, it is to remain attached."He frowned, muttering, "Though I'm curious about such a strange mutation. Why only one wing?""Something a mortal like you would never understand," mocked Jenova in the back of Kairi's mind.Kairi frowned a little, but put the unasked question to the back of her mind as they filed out of the room and down to the labs...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Something was different.Kairi's eyes hung sharply on Genesis as he laid down on the examination table, his wing propped up on a cart pushed next to the slab as an extension of it. The protective ire and anger she felt spiked as Hojo stripped off the man's coat and began to poke and prod, attaching sensors, taking samples, it all reminded her of her own time here. Yet the feeling is worse, its so much worse than even her experiences, despite Hojo being 'gentle' again. Not gentle like he was in Wutai with the Empress, but gentle as in cautious and curious, not wanting to break his new specimen until he understood it. She felt the same possessive belonging she had for her children for Genesis, and she knew how dangerous Hojo was. If that bastard stepped even an inch out of line, she'd do more than the Turks did by blowing away his knee. She'd tear his spine out his throat if he DARED harmed what was HERS.Yet somehow... it wasn't the same as her children, and she didn't understand why. He was a separate, different awareness. She was hyperaware of her cells, each little pulse, rippling and replicating within him. Spreading HER within HIM and making him more hers by the second until there would be nothing left in him that was not part of her. The euphoria of it was beyond bliss, heading into territory that covered the dirty words she'd hear in the cafeteria. She felt complete, whole, and despite how little sense it made, she reveled in it.Mother was of course being pissy and not explaining anything. But that was alright, she had given up the right to have Genesis when she did nothing to help him. Kairi had earned this. So she'd figure it out herself...She tensed when Genesis hissed."Oh do stop complaining," scolded Hojo, a scalpel in his hand as he made an incision into Genesis's shoulder under the wing, "You are exposed to far greater pain than this during training and on missions."Genesis glared and Kairi joined in, a warning growl escaping her lips. Both of which the mad bastard ignored."Do you believe the mutation can be safely removed?" inquired Sephiroth from the doorway.Hojo didn't immediately reply, poking and prodding, a line of blood slowly seeping down the table into a small puddle. When he did, his voice was curious, "Not without quite a bit of preparation and careful surgery if it were to be fully removed. Which would be counterproductive to his chosen profession, as I would have to take most of the shoulder muscle out with it, disabling the arm.""Why?" asked Sephiroth."I don't believe this was actual caused by Specimen K," admitted Hojo, "All things considered, it is seamlessly merged with the rest of his shoulder muscles as if it is a natural part of his body. I suspect, this is a side effect of Hollander's work, and has grown with him his entire life until the stress of the moment caused it to become exposed."There is hesitation on Genesis's face, for a moment, his eyes flicker to Kairi for some reason. "No longer term side effects if you just rip the wing off?""Aside that it may bleed all over my workstation?" inquired Hojo flatly, "We have no concept of what nerves it may be connected to. All things considered, since you are now infused with Specimen K's cells, it will likely just grow back unless it is completely and surgically removed, which, as I stated, will disable you. I suggest you best resign yourself to your new appendix and once you are medically cleared, learn to manage it."Genesis sneered. "Oh yes, because walking around in broad daylight with a wing wont cause any issues.""That, is not my problem," sniffed Hojo, "Besides, you can most likely learn to compact it and keep it under your shirt and coat."Genesis wrinkled his nose, muttering to himself. Hojo continued to poke and prod for a few minutes, taking a few samples from the wing; feathers, muscle, fleshy samples, and then left the table to go to his equipment and began examining them."Not even going to close me up?" drawled Genesis.Hojo waved a dismissive hand. "You have Specimen K's cells, you will heal on your own quickly enough.""Was he like this with you?" asked Genesis sourly, looking at Kairi."Yes," she answered thinly, tone clipped."Right, right," he muttered before scowling, "One of you call Angeal and tell him to bring me a copy of LOVELESS in addition to the food down to read while we wait for the, 'good doctor', to finish."That... made Kairi relax a bit. There was the LOVELESS loving Genesis that had been missing. She heard a sigh from Sephiroth, eyes flickering to the man as he fished out his phone and stepped into the hallway. Her eyes lingered on the door, the silver haired man's phantom grip on her throat. She had been... in an odd state while Genesis was integrating her cells, not taking him as seriously as she should have. Looking back... she ought to have been out of her mind terrified. Still though... she's pleased Sephiroth would kill for his friend. They are all family here, and family looks after their own.She smiled a little, wondering about days long past: Would Sora or Riku have killed to save her?Well, all things considered, back then all three of them would have been horrified by the thought of it.But she hasn't been that little schoolgirl for a long while now.She'd kill for her children.She'd kill for Genesis.Perhaps for Angeal and Sephiroth too.Sometimes she missed those old days of innocence.Other times she could only marvel at the family she had gained in exchange.Both Angeal and Sephiroth walked in a minute later, the first carrying a bag of takeout; Genesis exclaimed, "Angeal my savior! You brought me actual food and not the cafeteria rubbish!"Angeal snorted and walked over. "Well, you're in a fine mood.""I feel better than I have in months," whined Genesis, fishing out the takeout and shoveling it down his throat."Yeah, because you fucking hid your wound the entire damn time," snarled Kairi.Genesis winced, swallowing before answering, "Ah... I suppose that's true.""You 'suppose'?" said Kairi thinly."Alright, I fucked up, are you happy apprentice?""Not even close."Sephiroth cleared his throat. "I find myself in agreement. What exactly were you thinking at the time, Genesis? You know better than to let a wound go untreated like that. Degradation, from the brief description Hollander gave, worsens over time, not immediately, so a damaged thought process is not an excuse. If you had brought it immediately to our attention, and we discovered that it didn't heal even with a transfusion then and not only a month ago, this might have been dealt with without unnecessary complications."Genesis looked uncomfortable, his wing curling a little off the examination table and to his side. He kept his silence, much to Sephiroth's irritation. "I asked you a question, SOLDIER.""Its none of your damn business," snapped Genesis, sitting up, shoving away his uncomfortableness."Considering this almost delved into treason, from one of my SOLDIERs, regardless of illness, yes, it is my business," countered Sephiroth, eyes narrowing."I fucked up, alright? I kept it a secret because I know you, you'd whittle every single blasted detail out of me, and how I got the wound is too mortifying to even admit," spat Genesis.Sephiroth pinched the bridge of his nose. "Pride Genesis?""Gods Gen," groaned Angeal.Kairi says nothing because... something feels off about Genesis's answer. Its strange, with the connection to him, that she can feel the deception. There is some truth in it, but there is something far more important he's holding back. She keeps the thought to herself. She'll consider confronting him over it later, but... she's not sure he'll spill the beans to her."I didn't expect it to go this far!" exclaimed Genesis, "Everything just... just started going out of control after Hollander explained degradation to me, I didn't know about it at first!"Sephiroth shakes his head. "You should have come to one of us, Genesis. This entire crisis to be was completely unnecessary, and is going to cause problems. I can argue with the President about the mental affects of degradation and hopefully get some leeway, but this is going to hang like a specter over you for quite some time. Not to mention the 'conversion' of SOLDIER processes is yet another issue from Kairi tacked onto the rest."Kairi lifts her chin. "I saved him."Sephiroth turns and narrows his eyes at her. "You took a dangerous risk with his life.""There was no danger," she snapped back."Mmm, so you say," butted in Hojo, "But of the people here, I alone am the scientist with far more understanding of genetics and the SOLDIER process than anyone else, and as such, I agree that with my current knowledge and understanding, Sephiroth is right, there was a risk."He adjusted his glasses. "However, it is more than apparent my current understanding is lacking. As I said earlier, your cells should not be able to do this. That was not part of your enhancement process. Unlike Hollander's reckless foolishness, I made sure there were no unwanted side effects with what was introduced to you."Kairi frowns at him, head tilted when she hears Jenova's mocking laughter in the back of her mind."I do believe, Specimen K, that you owe an explanation," stated Hojo."Kairi," stressed Kairi, she's had years of this shit and its really, really grating, "My NAME is Kairi, NOT Specimen K."Hojo says nothing, so Kairi merely crosses her arms and tilts her head up in defiance. She is DONE with this shit. "Which is more important to you, belittling and demeaning me, or getting information?""Sephiroth can order you to...""Sephiroth can go to hell," said Kairi flatly, eyes narrowing at the man in question.Sephiroth just looked exasperated. "Professor Hojo, is a name truly that difficult to say?""She's not earned the right to one yet," snubbed Hojo."Keep it up you freak," said Kairi darkly, hate dripping off her tongue, "And we will see if Sephiroth is capable of stopping me from killing you."Sephiroth's head turned sharply, eyes boring into her in warning.Hojo doesn't particularly seem impressed by the threat. "My vote of confidence is towards my greater creation."The annoyed exasperated look that Sephiroth gets is almost worth the stress of the moment. But not quite. "Sometimes, I really wonder why HE hasn't killed you.""He's not worth the paperwork and the mess it would create," answered Sephiroth dryly, earning a huff from Hojo."Fine, Kairi," spat Hojo, "I can be generous and gift you acknowledgement just this once to sate my curiosity, how not only did your cells integrate with Hollander's failure, but overwrite the enhancement process used."Kairi's head tilted down, a dark look crossed her features as the tilt of her head cast a shadow across part of her face. "Because I willed it."There is silence for a moment before Sephiroth sounded out, "You, 'willed', it?""That's impossible," snapped out Hojo, "You are not capable of that, I made sure of this.""When I first woke up here in a cage," spat Kairi, hostile, "Didn't you say my DNA was different then most people's? Wouldn't that mean what you introduced to me might react differently?"Hojo paused, blinking a few times. "Hmm.""Professor," began Sephiroth slowly, "You said that you 'made sure of this', that whatever subject you are dancing around that was introduced to her shouldn't grant her this ability, are you saying that it could have normally if you hadn't done so?"There is sudden and intense focus from Mother in the back of Kairi's mind, a heavy tension. "My Son is far too intelligent for his own good."Well... that's an odd reaction. She files the thought away with the rest of its kind.Hojo's face becomes a mask. "Yes.""What exactly is it that you enhanced us with?" posed Sephiroth."That, is above your clearance grade," cut off Hojo simply.Sephiroth scowled. "Of course it is."Hojo regarded Kairi for a long moment before moving to a drawer and pulling out a syringe. "I'm going to require more of Specimen K's blood to test. While I do so, please explain how you 'willed it'."Kairi rolled her eyes and let him take a sample before focusing. "I felt that it would help him, I... I'm not sure how to explain it. When the thought of putting my blood in him to help him crossed my mind, I knew, surely and utterly, that I could fix the damage..." her voice changed, almost feverish, "That I could take him, mold him, make him like me, make him better..."Make him mine...Mine mine mine mine MINE, MAKE HIM MINE!Kairi swallows back the words and crushes the urge to shudder in pleasure at the thoughts, shaking her head and clearing her throat. "It was...""Instinctual?" posed Hojo cautiously."Yeah, I guess," answered Kairi, "I cut my hand, let the blood flow into his wound, and I felt it. The same sensation I feel when my children are brought into the fold. But it was sickly, so I focused on what I felt, on the vileness inside Genesis, I just... willed my cells to multiply, spread, destroy the sickness and change him...""Are you saying," said Angeal with unease, distress, "That you can mentally control genetic manipulation, instinctively?""I guess...?" said Kairi, shrugging, "I don't have to focus when my daughters are enhanced, that just happens on its own. This felt... different.""It would if you were consciously doing it," mused Hojo thoughtfully, "Well, I can't deny it I suppose. You shouldn't be able to, but you can. Most interesting.""Most alarming," corrects Sephiroth thinly, holding up a finger at Kairi, "I will say this once, and only once, you are never to do this again. To 'infect' someone against their will...""I did not 'infect' anything," she snarled back, "I SAVED him! He agreed to it!""HE WASN'T MENTALLY SOUND ENOUGH TO MAKE THAT KIND OF AGREEMENT!" bellowed Sephiroth, making Kairi take a startled step back.Oh man... he was pissed."Perhaps not then, but I am now," said Genesis, his voice irritable."Really?" said Sephiroth dryly, "And how do we know she isn't influencing you to say that? She's admitted to being mentally connected to her 'children'. Who is to say she can't control them? Control you?"Genesis narrowed his eyes, a dangerous tone entering his voice, "Are you implying that I would allow someone to puppet me?"Sephiroth raised a single eyebrow. "Hollander."Genesis scowled. "That's not fair!""Life is unfair.""Genesis," stressed Angeal, "I want to give you and her the benefit of the doubt, I really do, but are you sure you are not being influenced, even subconsciously?"Genesis rolled his eyes and pointed upwards. "I feel more of the others than I do of Kairi. Its not that I don't feel her at all, and believe me, the sensation of being, 'connected', to others in the back of my head is startling and foreign enough as it is that I would know when it enters unwanted. From what I do feel of Kairi... I get a sense of... restraint.""Restraint?" posed Sephiroth."A desire to reach out, I think," said Genesis, frowning, "Its hard to explain. I have a whiff of her... emotions I guess, and she is practically mentally bouncing like Angeal's puppy to 'connect' I guess."Mine mine mine mine mine..."She wont be able to control him against his will," interrupted Hojo, "Because the original testing of the... enhancement process, even before SOLDIER became a recognized program, showed that anyone with a powerful will would be able to at least struggle against any mental influence. If he were fighting for control of his mind, it would be readily apparent."Sephiroth gives Hojo a distinctly uneasy look, and Kairi kind of agrees, what kind of sick and twisted experiments did Hojo DO to create SOLDIER? "I am not sure I ever wish to know the details of the origins of the SOLDIER program. There are far to many unsavory things you've implied since we've entered this room."Hojo scoffs and moves to set up a microscope on a countertop, sliding in a sample of her blood with tender adoring care. "Morality has little place in the world of science, some sacrifices and lines must be crossed in the name of progress."Kairi grumbled, a growl in the back of her throat. She hated when Hojo did that, treated her blood like it was some prized possession. She didn't want him to have it... she blinked when she felt an impulse in the back of her mind, gave into it, and let out a startled gasp as her blood literally jumped off the microscope, stretching like a bloody string. She reflexively raised a hand, and the blood compacted, yanking itself to her an absorbing into her skin. The entire room was silent, eyes wide in stupor."What the fuck, apprentice!" exclaimed Genesis.Hojo whispered an awed, "Oh."A maniacal grin spread across his face. "Hee hee hee haww. I was wrong. Wrong! It's not Reunion Theory OR Replication Theory. Its Reunion Theory AND Replication Theory!"Kairi stared at him blankly, just a tad creeped out by that look.He looked at Sephiroth, and then at Kairi. "Not just one perfection, but two!"He smiled a twisted smile and practically rushed for a notepad on the countertop, furiously writing in it, dead to the outside world.Mother sighed. "Idiot. Only now does he even begin to attain an inkling of what I made you.""On speaking terms again are we mother dearest?" jabbed Kairi."I do believe the human phrase is 'no use crying of spilled milk'," mused Mother, "He is your Chosen One in far more than name now, I suppose I'll have to see what you make of him."Kairi frowned a little, not certain what exactly she meant. Mother has never been particularly clear on what that phrased implied."Hojo's ramblings aside, what I said still stands, 2nd Class Kairi," said Sephiroth crossly, "You do not do this ever again without express permission, all other options considered beforehand. Are we clear?""Yes sir," she answered flatly.They both turned when Genesis groaned with dismay. "Do they truly use this 'mental connection' to talk about 'boys'? Really?"Kairi snickered. "Among other things."Genesis shook his head before he froze, eyes widening, and then sinister delight crossed his face. "Kairi, my dearest apprentice, how do I use this connection to communicate? Perhaps I should 'enlighten' your children about LOVELESS's divine words. Nonestop. For hours on end. Every. Single. Day.""Genesis, don't do that," said Kairi, trying to hold back a laugh, "You're going to make them all want to throttle you.""No, wait, I think I've got it," said Genesis, eyes half closing."Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess," began Genesis in the back of her head, drawing a startled yelp from many of Kairi's children.Kairi facepalms. "Oh gods..."Angeal snorts. "You brought it on yourself.""Mooooom! Why and how is Genesis Rhapsodos preaching at us through the web?""Seriously, make him stop!""Can we blast music through the web somehow? That sounds like a good counter.""Not if its your god awful country shit.""Hey! Take that back, country is god's gift to humanity.""No way, heavy metal or bust.""If you find a way to blare that head banging garbage into our heads, I'm going to go to your room and strangle you."Kairi cant stop herself from snickering. "Genesis, go easy on them.""Fine, I'll compromise" answers Genesis before mentally challenging, "Every single time I hear you girls prattling about 'boys' I will read a verse. Don't want to hear LOVELESS? Don't burden me with your girlish fancies.""Piss off asshat, this was a girl's only connection first!""Excuse me? Is that how you address a superior officer?" threatened Genesis."Rank doesn't matter here, mom's law. Since Kairi leads us, we go by her word far before we go by yours."Genesis raised an eyebrow at Kairi. "Really?"Kairi crossed her arms and raised her chin. "I like familiarity with my girls."Genesis shakes his head. "You spoil them.""Mother's prerogative," teased Kairi.Genesis scoffed. "Really. And that doesn't bleed into the physical?""I've called out the girls the few times it does in public," admitted Kairi, "But they've learned that appearances have to be kept.""Appearances on what?" asked Angeal, baffled."Kairi lets her girls get away with not going by rank to a superior office mentally," snitched Genesis."Tattle tale," chided Kairi."Well...," said Angeal slowly, gaze going back and forth between the two, "I kind of let Zack get away with that.""Your puppy would do that anyway, even if you tried to discipline him," said Genesis, deadpan.Angeal smiled sheepishly. "Maybe.""If you all are done making a mockery of my lab...?" posed Hojo sourly, "Begone.""Nope," said Kairi, "So long as Genesis is in here, I'm not going anywhere. Everyone here knows better than to leave someone alone with you."Hojo scoffed. "You would feel if I did anything.""Don't care," answered Kairi cheerfully.Sephiroth made a clicking noise with his tongue. "Is there anything in particular you require from any of us, Professor? Or that you do, Genesis?""My spare coat, and some spare clothes," answered Genesis immediately, "My shoulder is sticky with blood and puss, I want to shower and change.""Noted," said Sephiroth, glancing at Hojo.Hojo frowned a little. "Fine fine, the boy can get cleaned off, there is a station to wash in further down the hall to the right. As for necessity, I may wish to have Specimen K test a few things with the connection."Kairi narrowed her eyes. "Such as?""What happens if you do actually reach out to him mentally," answered Hojo, "Have you done so with the others?""I've offered feelings before," answered Kairi, not quite sure she understands, "Amusement for jokes, comfort if they're having a hard time, that kind of thing."Hojo shakes his head. "That is mere trappings, I am talking about what happens if you brush your mind against his, or attempt to actually enter."Kairi frowns intently. "Why would I do that?""Why wouldn't you?""I try to give my daughters what privacy I can through the mental web," said Kairi, "And I've never even thought of trying to go in one of their heads, couldn't that be dangerous?"Hojo didn't seem to care. "Your point? You have plenty of spares."Kairi narrowed her eyes, teeth bared, possessive protectiveness flaring dangerously, hate filling her so deeply and fully, her hands itching for her blade, lightning from her bolt materia cackling down her arm, a growl deep in her throat before she bit out, "Unlike you, you sick psychopathic freak, I am not careless with life, especially my family. I'm not going to risk their lives to sate your mad curiosity. If you ever threaten my family, if any of them ever go missing, I will hunt you down and rip your spine out through your throat."Hojo went still and silent, no fear on his face, but due caution.Sephiroth cleared his throat. "Angeal, help Genesis to the showers, Kairi, you're with me. Hojo, think before you speak and get your throat torn out."Kairi eyed Hojo with predatory intent, a snarl on her face and a growl of warning in her throat before she turned and followed Sephiroth out. They remained silent until they reached the elevator and punched in the SOLDIER floor.Sephiroth crossed his arms, leaning against the elevator to stare at her intently. "I am going to make my thoughts and intentions clear, Kairi. I think you are dangerous and unstable. If it were up to me, your half of the SOLDIER program would never have gone forward, and if it were not for Genesis and the President, I would have you removed from the program, either permanently whether it be death or allowed retirement, or temporarily for extreme psychiatric help."Kairi narrowed her eyes at him.He didn't give her a chance to respond. "I do not entirely blame you, I grew up in Hojo's labs," he said with distaste, "I know what they are like, even worse if you were not previously prepared and conditioned to experience them as I was. This whole issue would never have come about had Shinra had a speck of decency and morality as to not pluck a schoolgirl of all things off the street to give to the mad scientist to experiment on. Which is realistically small on the scale of atrocities Shinra has committed."Kairi held her tongue and her fury back for a long minute, considering how to respond. He kept his silence to her of his opinion up until Genesis had been 'endangered' as he believed. Perhaps that then was the point to be used in her favor. "What would have happened, Sephiroth, if I hadn't been here to heal him? If I hadn't been here to rescue him from Hollander's schemes? He sure as hell wasn't going to go to either you or Angeal, so what would have happened?"Sephiroth's lips tighten, the leather of his gloves crinkling as he clenched his fists."I tell you what would have happened," said Kairi thinly, jabbing a finger at him, "Genesis would have left Shinra and caused who knows what kind of damage, and you would have been put to the test, to see if you truly meant what you said in Wutai.""I meant every word," snapped Sephiroth."Then Shinra would have kept sending people to their deaths against Genesis, or until his degradation got to the point where someone could kill him," she snapped right back, "I saved him Sephrioth, in more ways than one. I never, not once, had any intention of harming him."Sephiroth's nostrils flare before he closed his eyes, letting out a frustrated breath, and opened them. "Intention is not my concern. Kairi, both you and Genesis have the tendency to act without thinking of any repercussions or consequences, leaping before you look. Pairing you two together as Master and Apprentice only enlarged this issue. You should have come to me before you did this, we should have looked at every possible angle..."Kairi let out a sharp laugh. "Sephiroth, you know Genesis. How long do you think he would have allowed himself to be poked and prodded in a lab with his mind slowly deteriorating?""He wouldn't be the first to have been confined for his own safety and others.""Unless you specifically sat on him twenty-four-seven, all it would have taken would be one lapse and he would have blown his way out of Shinra," she chided, "And he sure as hell wouldn't have forgiven any of us for keeping him in the labs as a science experiment for Hojo to toy with, one way or another we would have lost him.""I had already made it clear to Hojo," said Sephiroth thinly, "That if he had overstepped his bounds with Genesis, I would kill him."That stops Kairi short for a moment, eyes widening with surprise and then pure delight, she instantly forgives his earlier words in favor of these words. "I think you and Genesis really need to sit down and actually talk, Sephiroth, like you said you would after Wutai. Because I don't think Genesis knows you'd do that for him. Refuse a mission to kill him, maybe, but defy the company and kill Hojo to protect him? No."Sephiroth closed his eyes for a long moment, a sigh escaping his lips. "I find that letting Genesis know such things tends to make him more reckless, and for the record, I have been defying the company for Genesis for a very long time. Well before you arrived. Do you have any concept of the amount of trouble Genesis causes? How much Angeal and I have to smooth over?"Kairi smiled fondly. "I can guess."Sephiroth rubs his face tiredly as the elevator dings open. He levels his gaze at her, and then surprises her. "Will you protect him and look out for him as you would your 'daughters'?""I'd die for him, I'd die for any of them," said Kairi without hesitation before jabbing, "That includes you and Angeal too, you dolt."That gets a raised eyebrow out of him. "Why the two of us?""I've... always felt something, a connection of sorts, a pull, towards you, Angeal, and Genesis, I've been able to feel your presence at a distance," admitted Kairi, "You are family, not as my daughters are, but still family."She peers at him, wondering if he will answer honestly. "Do you feel it as well?"Sephiroth frowns, saying nothing for a long moment, considering her, before he nods. "I do, to you, Genesis, and Angeal."He sighs. "I've never particularly given what Hojo did to me any serious consideration outside of being 'enhanced', but, both what he's done to you, and his rant down in the labs makes me rather concerned that what he did is something far more than simple 'enhancement'. This connection is not natural."He looked away for a long moment, down the hall, his voice quiet, "I'm not sure either of us are quite human. Because I won't deny that I do feel some possessiveness to my SOLDIERs, and my friends, though not nearly at the level you do."Kairi is... surprised and touched that he'd admit that to her, but still, she's been okay with not being exactly human for awhile now. She's not conflicted anymore, as she was on the ship to Wutai. She's 'mostly' human, hopefully, she seems that way anyway, so she merely shrugged. "Humanity is in actions, not genetics. Can you look me in the eye and say Hojo is human? He's more a monster than anything and anyone I've ever met."Sephiroth huffed, shoulders relaxing, a twitch of a smile on his lips. "Fair point. Come, we should fetch Genesis's garments, can't have him fretting about like a wet cat."Kairi grins at that. "Perish the thought."They make it down the hall before one of Kairi's children rounds the corner and spots them; Jessie gives Sephiroth a brief salute before looking at Kairi. "Mom, are we going to get a real explanation anytime soon on why Genesis fricken Rhapsodos is preaching Loveless down the web? I'm pretty sure he's singing Loveless in a shower right now."Kairi snickers briefly when she should be scolding her for the familiarity in front of a superior office, but lets it drop. "In a day or two hopefully, the whole thing is... a mess at the moment."She glances briefly at Sephiroth, the man nods in agreement. "Ideally this wouldn't have gone beyond those directly involved, but since he is now... mentally entwined... something will be given as an explanation."Jessie looks a bit impatient, bouncing on the soles of her feet like a... well, like the impatient teenager she is."If that is all...?" ventures Sephiroth.Jessie steps aside, and the pair passes.Sephiroth sighs once they reach and enter Genesis's apartment. "Your mental web makes 'Need to Know' and 'Classified Material' an extreme irritation to manage.""Well, Genesis did kind of announce himself to the web," said Kairi cheekily."My point exactly from earlier," said Sephiroth, exasperated yet fond, "Another mess of Genesis's. He should have kept his presence quiet until a decision could be reached on how to handle it.""Mmm, well, you can't really hide your presence in the web, they kinda felt him the moment it happened, they just didn't know who exactly it was at first," said Kairi.He shakes his head and moves to grab what they need. However, a question comes to Kairi's mind just before Sephiroth can open the door. "You, me, and Genesis were experimented on, but what about Angeal?"Sephiroth's hand freezes on the doorknob."We feel connected to him too," pointed out Kairi."There is a possibility," said Sephiroth, a deep frown spreading across his face, "While Hollander did not mention Angeal when questioned, Hojo has distastefully called both Angeal and Genesis 'Hollander's Failures' before."Sephiroth lets go of the doorknob and turns to give Kairi a look of warning. "Do not discuss this with Angeal."She crosses her arms. "Its bound to occur to him sooner or later.""And I agree, he's not stupid, just focused on Genesis," said Sephiroth, "But I need to handle this in a careful manner. Angeal is carrying on strong for Genesis at the moment, but once this situation winds down, he will not be in a pleasant state over what was done to his friend. Another blow on top of this..."He shakes his head and levels his gaze firmly on her. "I will say it again, let me manage Angeal. Especially if he also suffers from degradation, that will be dealt with through...""I never felt it in him," she cuts in.Sephiroth closes his eyes, a level of tension fleeing his shoulders. "Good.""I won't speak of it to Angeal, for the moment," she said, watching his eyes narrow, "But don't hide this from him for to long, the more time this is given to fester, the worse it may get.""Time to see how Genesis settles, time to do a bit of digging and perhaps interrogating Hollander, then time to formulate a strategy of how to approach and disclose it to Angeal," agreed Sephiroth.Kairi nodded in agreement, and they left to return to the labs. They went to the showers first, Angeal pausing his soft talks through the door before taking the clothing, shoving them through, Genesis exclaiming "Finally! What took you two so long?""The elevator took its time," answered Sephiroth smoothly.Genesis huffed through the door and emerged a minute later, making a face of distaste. "Must I remain in the labs? The unpleasantness of the healing have mostly faded.""For a night at least," shot down Sephiroth, "Hojo will need to look for unfortunate side effects, and you need to learn how to manage your... new limb."Genesis rolled his eyes and flex his wing, and Kairi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at how fricken huge it was compared to Genesis. "I swear that things longer than you are tall."Genesis hums and glances back. "I suppose it would have to be in order to actually fly with."Angeal scoffed. "With only one wing?"Genesis grinned. "I think I can counterbalance it with a bit of magic, not to mention a float materia. Airborne combat will certainly be interesting."Sephiroth points a finger at him. "No.""Why not?!" whines Genesis."Publicity," answered Sephiroth, "Were you not complaining to Hojo about issues with the public?"Genesis shrugged, compacting his wing, and strolled pass, not-so-subtly waking Sephiroth with it as he went. "I suppose.""He's enjoying himself to much," said Kairi."He certainly bounced back quick," said Angeal with a stressed chuckle."Better than not at all," says Kairi as she moves to follow.They re-enter the labs, and Genesis goes to sit on the table, crossing his arms and glancing at Hojo who has his nose looking down at microscope. "So, good doctor... any news?""You left the room less than half an hour ago," answered Hojo dryly, "I am the best in my field, but I'm not that quick."He does break away though, turning to look at Genesis in consideration, and then Kairi. "I still believe we should test what happens if you brush minds."Kairi gave him an annoyed look. "Why?""Better it happen in a controlled environment than elsewhere, hmm?" he poses."I haven't had any 'accidents' with my daughters," she countered.Hojo smiles. Its creepy as fuck. "Its merely a matter of time."Kairi crosses her arms, lips pursed, eyes narrowed. "And you're merely suggesting this so we learn to 'control what happens' if anything at all does? No secret purposes?""Oh no, far from it," answered Hojo, "I have several theories ridding off of what happens, I cannot say which however, that would bias the experiment."Kairi exhales through her nose. "No...""Fine."She blinks at Genesis. "Why would you go along with this?"He looks at her with an awkward hesitance. "Well... I do not wish to bring up a... unpleasant memory, but... while you have not had any further episodes, if by chance you do I would not like to be effected."Kairi closes her eyes and grinds her teeth. Was she never going to be free of that madness stigma? Dammit Mother...Speaking of which. "Mother, is there anything about this I should know?"She frowns when Mother does not respond. She can feel her watching... but she frustratingly keeps her silence; Kairi opens her eyes and snaps out, "Fine."Hojo has his notebook out in a split second. "If you would please elaborate and describe upon how you go about doing so...? You've never particularly described your mental web to me before.""I don't have any interest in doing so," she snubbed, "The less you know about it, the better."Hojo narrows his eyes at her.Kairi raised a mocking eyebrow."Connect then," said Hojo thinly.Kairi sighs and glances at Genesis, who shrugs at her, so she reaches out to touch his mind...
"So, Kairi's home is out there somewhere, right?"

"Could be, we'll never know by staying here."

"But how far could a raft take us?"

"Who knows? If we have to, we'll think of something else."

"So, suppose you get to another world. What would you do there?"

"Well, I haven't really thought about it. It's just... I've always wondered why we're here on this island. If there are any other worlds out there, why did we end up on this one? And suppose there are other worlds... then ours is just a little piece of something much greater. So... we could have just as easily ended up somewhere else, right?"

"I don't know."

"Exactly. That's why we need to go out there and find out. Just sitting here won't change a thing. It's the same old stuff. So let's go."

"You've been thinking a lot lately, haven't you?"

"Thanks to you."

"If you hadn't come here, I probably would've never thought of any of this. Kairi, thanks."

"Heh... you're welcome."

"So Angeal, how long do you think it will take us to reach the top? If we had to make bets."

"Bit ahead of yourself there Gen, we haven't even entered the Cadet Program yet."

"Oh please, we're the best and the brightest. We'll show up the rest, climb the ladder, and prove ourselves the hero!"

"If you say so Gen."

"Pah, yee of little faith."

"Genesis, we're not even leaving Banora for another year until we hit the age requirement."

"Spoiler of dreams! Ruination by cruel harsh truths!"

"You are so a melodrama."

"Am not!"

"And so whiny too..."

"Angeal! You wound me!"

"Just... don't get your hopes up to high Gen."

"...do you really not think we'll do well?"

"Its not that, its just... the higher you leap, the more you have to fall. If we have to high expectations and it all falls flat... I remember that meltdown when you got snubbed for the lead role in that play..."

"That was years ago, Angeal! I was eight! A child!"

"Hmm..."

"Whats with that look?"

"You're kind of still a child..."

"Hey!"

"Hahahahah."

"Wait till I get my hands on you... GET BACK HERE ANGEAL!"
They looked out through twin eyes at eachother, taking in duel perspective as their minds tumbled together, memories starting to spill and slide together, holding their hands up to their face in mirrored motions, and screamed."Gods!" exclaimed Angeal, startling and tensing.Sephiroth had a hand instinctively to his blade, his-her foolish brother always ready to whet his blade on someon-because he cared and was afraid for them.He-she raised their shaking hands to their heads, trembling in confusion as they stared at one another."What the fuck?"The words came from both mouths at the same time, in the same tone, but from two different voices.Sephiroth stared wide eyed at the female body. "...Genesis?"Both heads turned to stare at him. "This is the last time I ever agree to do anything that freak tells me to."It sends a shudder down their spines as the words spill from both of their mouths. Its terrifying... but so exhilarating... it feels... good... the connection... its starting to spill together... to become... become something...
Become One.
They shiver again."Break it, now," snaps Sephiroth, "This connection, break it, now."They blink at him. Do they want to?They frown and think. Examining themselves for a moment, the duel touch, the echo of two-as-one, the presence of two different bodies but one mind-not one-two-becoming-one..."NOW!"They huff and cross their arms. "Come now Sephiroth, you always try to hold yourself to such exacting and controlled standards. Having a fit is hardly becoming of you."Sephiroth narrows his eyes and makes to point an accusing finger before blinking, his finger wavering back and forth between their bodies before a pinched expression crosses his face. "Don't you start Genesis, you both just screamed bloody murder and are speaking out of eachother's bodies.""Well I... we... I..."They falter, confusion rippling between them. Were they an I or a we?"Gods Gen, please," stressed Angeal, real fear in his voice, "You are freaking me out."That makes them falter more. They like this... but not at their brother's expense."We're... not sure how," they admit.Sephiroth took in a deep breath and let it out. "Kairi, you initiated it, did you not? I imagine you have to end it."K... Kairi?They blink at him in confusion. "We're... I'm not... I am..."They were... Kairi, but... Genesis... they weren't... he certainly wasn't a girl...They twitched, feeling a drift in their presence, a sudden nonalignment, their bodies not moving quite in sink. "We..."Their voices not quite matching..."I..."Kairi yelped and jolted, collapsing to her knees, hugging her arms to her chest and taking in deep, ragged breaths. "H... holy... fuck..."Genesis groaned, collapsing backwards onto the examination table. "Well... that was an experience."He wrinkles his nose and glances at Kairi. "That Riku boy needed his ass kick."Kairi lets out a startled laugh before it registers just what he meant. "Y...you saw...""You didn't?"She snickers, glancing at Angeal. "He is such a melodrama, that episode when he was eight...""HEY!" shouts Genesis, sitting upright and glaring at her, "None of that!"Angeal just gapes at the both of them before looking at Sephiroth. "...are the two of them real?"Sephiroth sighs heavily. "Unfortunately."Kairi snickers again before glaring, "And hey! Riku was my friend!""Still didn't mean he wasn't an arrogant little shit," said Genesis, wrinkling his nose, "Could be a lot better if he pulled the arrogance-stick out of his ass."Kairi huffed. "It only really started the last year or so."Genesis flapped his hands. "Teenage drama, ugh. At least that Sora boy was a little better, even if he was an absolute dork."Kairi doesn't exactly deny that, just cools her glare. "It's wrong to speak ill of the dead."That makes him wince. "Right, sorry."Hojo clears his throat. "If we could get back on track...? I want you to detail...""Nope," interrupts Genesis in deadly-cheer, "Because I got a first hand taste of some of her time in your tender-loving-care, and if you ask me to play anymore nice with you than I am right now, I will gut you with a smile on my face."The room goes intensely silent, and Kairi's face pales. Oh no... no no no... she didn't want anyone to know any of that... let alone experience it through her..."If you ever lay a hand on my apprentice again for your sick experiments," whispers Genesis menacingly, "May the Goddess have mercy on your soul because you will die."Hojo hums, not particularly threatened. "Specimen K had been threatening to kill me since months into her testing.""And you just keep pushing it, don't you?" snapped Genesis."Enough!" ordered Sephiroth.They go silent.Sephiroth gives a very tired sigh. "We will return here in the morning. For now, Kairi and Genesis will be returning to their respective rooms...""He has to stay for observation!" exclaimed Hojo.Sephiroth glared at him. "Professor, do not push this more than you already have. You should have left it rather than press for this... 'mental connection test'. They are returning to their rooms to rest and recover, for their own safety, and yours."Hojo scoffed and waved a hand. "Get out then, I have much to think upon and theorize."Kairi needs no second nudge, she's the first out the damn door. She does wait to grab Genesis's arm when he walks out. "Don't."He pauses to look at her. "Don't what?"Kairi doesn't care that much about him knowing her time in the Experiment Room fighting monsters, even as terrifying as it was and embarrassing as her early blunders were. No, she's much more worried that he might have caught glimpses of Hojo's... other specific testing. There are things that happened in that one year she does not ever want to think about again. That she keeps pushed down deep and tries to forget-forget-forget. That make the Experiment Room the safe room, because kill or be killed is preferred compared too... too..."Don't ever... d-dont you ever speak of what you saw," she says, swallowing thickly, "And whatever you saw when I... when I was his experiment, I don't want to know."She is aware of Angeal and Sephiroth staring at them pensively. Genesis shows nothing in his gaze, and she feels a complete stillness in the emotions from him in the web. Perfect control. He gives a slow nod, and turns away, walking down the hall as if they hadn't stopped at all, topic dropped instantly and hopefully never brought up again. She lets out a shaky breath, feels tears that she hasn't had for so long now ready to run down her face. She holds them back though, she wont let them fall here. She wont let them fall at all until she's sure it wont spell into the mental web.A web that is rather quiet now that she thinks about it. There is a sense of confusion and unease spread throughout all of her children. She doesn't know if they saw anything, they weren't directly connected as she and Genesis had been, but... whatever happened must have caused some kind of reaction down the web. She doesn't want to know, because she is never doing that again. It may have been blissful when it was happening, but she is never inflicting what she experienced on someone again. Never violating the sanctity of sense-of-self, because...She swallows back the thought until she is alone in her room....because there hadn't been a Genesis or a Kairi anymore for those few moments, if they hadn't managed to pull apart, they'd have been gone, consumed into one another, become something... else...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Things... didn't exactly turn quite back to normal. At least, not right away.Both Genesis and Kairi were brought before the board to be screamed at. Genesis at least had the 'oncoming mental instability' card to play. Kairi just got chewed out for taking 'unnecessary unauthorized risks'. That ended ultimately in a pay cut and six month probation. Kairi had the most 'inexplainable' (not really) feeling that the President was getting very tired of her and Genesis. Veld too, but that was his own damn fault for dragging Kairi to Hojo in the first place. Honestly, it wasn't like Kairi went absolutely out of her way for this kind of crap to happen, it just did, and she reacted. She'd like to see the President try to retire her without causing a schism in SOLDIER that would literally tear the company apart. But... if she could, she'd try to keep on the down-low for awhile, because she didn't want to risk her children in such an incident.Hojo yanked her and Genesis down to the labs a few more times, but, not much came of that either since both of them were distinctly against doing that... weird merge thing again. Not to mention the entirety of the higher ups who even knew about it were against it as well. It was nice seeing Hojo shot down once in awhile from all sides. And because Genesis was stable, he lost a lot of the ability to demand Genesis's presence, though, the bastard did gain control of Genesis's periodic check ups since Hollander was... indisposed.Whether than meant imprisoned or taken somewhere and shot, she didn't know; hopefully the later though.Speaking of checkups...She glanced down at her PHS as she lazed about in bed, bored out of her mind from being stuck in Shinra HQ on probation unless the higher ups directly approved a mission. Her calendar reminded her she had a checkup in an hour with Hojo. Ugh...She texted Genesis: Checkup w the psycopath n an hour.She waited, but he didn't reply in the next few minutes. She frowned a little, maybe he was in the middle of a spar or something with the others? She tossed the PHS to the other side of the bed and crossed her arms behind her head on her pillow, sighing. She couldn't even go train with her children unless she was escorted by Sephiroth or Angeal, because 'apparently' that counted as instructing and she wasn't trusted to do so at the moment. Fucks' sake... six months of this. No good deed goes unpunished it seems."Patience is a trait you will need learn child," commented Mother mildly.Kairi rolled her eyes. "Of course, Mother."She expected Mother to go silent after her short critical comment as normal, but surprisingly, "No, I don't think you truly understand. In many things you brush off my words of wisdom, but in this, you need pay heed."Kairi sighed petulantly. "Why?""You and your Chosen One have joked about this, but child, you ARE immortal," said Mother patiently, "Baring being completely obliterated down to the last cell, you cannot die. That includes to wasting away as you age."Kairi slowly sat upright, a shake to her voice "...w-what?""You heard me.""But... how?" she whispered incredulously, "Down to the last cell? As in a microscopic little thing?""Yes," said Mother before explaining, "I told you before that you and I had become the same. We are the same kind of being, and so long as even a cell of us remains, we cannot die. Your cells no longer function as a normal being's, they contain all that you are, and from them, you may be reborn. For your sake, child, you should wish to never be reduced to a single cell, it is... unpleasant."Kairi stared aimlessly at nothing, trying and failing to understand and comprehend Mother's words for a few minutes. How could anyone survive that? She was implying that if Kairi got shot in the head, or blown up... she'd still survive? "I don't..."
Brr. Brr.
Kairi shook her head and shoveled down her confusion, reaching for her phone and seeing a reply from Genesis: We will meet you down there.She frowned a little. "We?"She was a tad surprised, when come checkup time, when Angeal showed up as well. She gave him a friendly hello, but he merely returned a tight smile. Her surprise grew when they walked in and Sephiroth was there talking to Hojo. This felt like a little overkill."Nothing more than the standard procedure and booster, are we clear?" said Sephiroth in a non-negotiable voice, "We are having our own... experiment afterwards, and I want nothing to... contaminate results."Hojo adjusted his glasses, a scowl on his face. "Fine then, but you owe me boy.""Owe you? For doing your job as directed?"Hojo didn't respond, eyes narrowed.Sephiroth turned away. "Ah, good, 2nd Class Kairi is here. If you would get started professor?"Hojo scowled, but motioned to the center of the room. "Strip to your undergarments and lay on the table."Kairi did as instructed, folding her uniform quickly and shoving it under the examination table before laying down on the table, trying to quell her heartbeat, her fear. It was bad enough to be afraid when it was just her and Genesis in here, but the other two as well? Hojo went and did the normal doctor stuff that probably made the bastard nauseous to do, or he found pointless. Blood pressure, measurements, respiration, reflexes, ect... she wasn't sure if the blood tests were specifically needed, but the sick freak probably wanted to salivate over his precious samples when they were gone. Honestly, the way he looked at them, and sometimes at her, was worse then lecherous. Well, in its own way. Bathing in Wutai, there had been more than one infantry or SOLDIER who had ogled an underage girl, nothing her brothers would do thankfully.Not that she'd be a 'girl' for much longer. She wasn't exactly sure if the calendars here lined up perfectly with the ones back home, but she was pretty sure she was hitting eighteen in a few months. Of course, she was still thinking off back home, sixteen was the age of maturity in Midgar after all. The fact that children as young as ten could be registered into youth military programs through Shinra with parental consent was something that disturbed her incredibly. She was playing volleyball on the beach and goofing off with her friends at that age, being trained on how to kill instead was...She shot down the thought as Hojo retreived a Mako booster and approached, jabbing her with it without any particular warning or preparation and inject it in.Like the last time, and like her 2nd class injections, burning heat spread through her body. Mother's buzzing grew louder, not nearly as loud as back in Wutai, but it was distracting. To the point where it started to drown out her ability to hear her children through the web...
"Mom? You feel weird."
Kairi blinked, trying... trying to figure out who spoke. She should know instantly. Why did everything feel so muddled?She shook her head and sluggishly sent down the web. "Checkup, Mako Booster."
"We... et... oosters?"
Kairi pinched the bridge of her nose, a headache forming, and lost all firm hearing from the web. Everything sounded distant."Hmm," hummed Genesis from near the door, staring at Kairi curiously, "She's compleatly muddled, I can hardly feel her, neither can the others."Sephiroth, Angeal, and Hojo paused to regard him, the last fishing out a notebook to jot it down and speaking, "It likely disturbs her equilibrium as it offsets the natural mako loss. She will need time to adapt and will sort herself out."Mother huffed. "There is no Mako loss, what little is spent in daily use is easily regenerated by the spirit."Kairi blinked slowly. "What...? Then what is...""He wants to keep his profession, to make Shinra believe he is needed to continue SOLDIER, child," chided Mother, "People have done far worse than lie to maintain their positions."Kairi took in a breath and let it out. "Can we prove that?""Perhaps eventually," mused Mother, "But, when we reunite, such a thing will be unnecessary, we will simply kill him. Would that not be more preferable?"Kairi doesn't exactly say no. "If it could deal with him earlier in some capacity, make it less likely for him to hurt others...""He still has his uses where he is for now."Kairi resists the urge to growl aloud."Done," says Hojo finally, and flatly, "Now get out of my lab."She grabs her clothes, putting them on quickly, before speed walking out, the other three moving to walk with her. Sephiroth takes the lead and speak, "Come, we are going to the VR room."Kairi frowns. "Why...? What did you mean by 'experiment'?""You'll find out, you will be sparring with Angeal first."Kairi goes silent, not sure how sparring is an experiment. They've all sparred before, what makes this any different?"I think I know," mused Mother, interest clear in her voice, "My my my, this could be interesting. Tell me, child, would you be... willing, to allow me the chance to test my sons? To see their strength firsthand and determine their power for when we unite to destroy Shinra."Kairi's steps briefly hiccup. "What?!""I wont do anything to jeopardize your position nor your children," soothed Mother, "But considering what happened after your last 'checkup', they may be seeing if they can 'trigger' a relapse.""And WHY would we do anything to suggest that is possible?" hissed Kairi, "You don't need to test them to know the four of us alone could take over Shinra if the rest of SOLDIER stood aside, more likely they'd join us even...""Because, it creates a cause and effect," answered Mother, "Rather than leave them wary and uncertain, always considering you a potential danger that may at seemingly random go off, they will know what supposedly causes it, that it is something the will believe they can manage and control."That... gives Kairi pause. She does not like, at all, any indication that she might be insane, especially when its not true at all. But... she does remember Sephiroth's words, about him thinking her unstable anyway, despite no real 'relapses'. Would... would this kind of consistency... lessen that? Make her brother trust her more if he thought he could manage her supposed 'madness'? It makes her gut wrench either way, to 'confirm' it for him, or to just let it sit. There are no good outcomes to this, because she is still aware of how untrusted she is despite her position and role. Perhaps especially more with her role...
"If it were up to me, your half of the SOLDIER program would never have gone forward, and if it were not for Genesis and the President, I would have you removed from the program, either permanently whether it be death or allowed retirement, or temporarily for extreme psychiatric help."
Sephiroth's words are a depressing echo in her mind. "If you think it will help Mother... go ahead..."Mother's touch is gentle in the back of her mind, soothing, an unseen hand combing through her hair. All the while, the buzzing is growing louder. By the time they all enter the VR room, its hard to hear even their own footsteps. She can feel the pressure coming from the back of her mind, from Mother, feel her awareness stretching, preparing...She could resist it, push it away, but she lets Mother, and it makes her shiver, a shake going down her arms, a sharp ragged intake of breath. She barely hears Sephiroth speaking, instructing her and Angeal on the rules of the spar. Something about going harder than normal...There is a look of masked concern from Genesis, and not-at-all masked concern from Angeal, but Sephiroth pays neither of them heed. Rather, there is anticipation on his face. He and Genesis move to the entrance of the room and activate a simulation. It... its the slums. In fact, it looks almost exactly like... like where Mother had...Oh gods above...
How?

Why?!
Mother was right, they WERE trying to exactly recreate the situation. She can't contain herself at the sight of it, not with Mother so loud in her mind, not with so much pressure, so hard to think...So a choked sob escapes her, and she clutches her the side of her head as a spike of pain hits her. Why does it hurt...Things are spotty...Hard to hear..."K...ai...?"She blinks, feeling Angeal's standard sword against her neck. Had it started?So hard to focus...Genesis feels it the moment it happens.Its like a sickly, icy sensation fills where Kairi had been in the connection between her, Genesis, and her SOLDIERs. Almost like some kind of taint. He instinctively pulls away from it with his mind, and can feel Kairi's girls do the same, shrinking back in bewildered alarm. He regrets this, regrets this so much from the moment he and Sephiroth first came up with the idea. He had wanted to shelve it, but Sephiroth had reminded him it had been his idea at first all the way back in Wutai, as a way to test this. His apprentice hadn't been in any condition to handle this, she had needed rest after the booster, not to be put into this. It makes him wonder, and concerned, if all female SOLDIERs will have this kind of reaction to...He can't stop himself from tensing, absolute ice pouring over him, as Kairi speaks in that ghoulish tone that haunts his nightmares. "My son, you are unwise to lower your defenses!"Her sword is drawn and seeking Angeal's heart almost faster than Genesis can register it. Angeal barely reacts in time, a hand backhanding the sword up to pierce into his shoulder rather than his chest, making him grunt in pain. Kairi latches onto Angeal's collar, pulling herself up and slamming her head into his chin, making him stagger back, head snapping up. Kairi yanks her sword free in a small pray of blood, the thin sword falling to her side as she aims a hand at Angeal, a sphere of fire forming in it. Except... she doesn't release it. His eyes go wide as she channels the spell, pouring more energy into it, the sphere glowing in size, releasing it only as Angeal recovers. The poor man barely has time to cross his arms defensively as it hits him and explodes, rattling the room and sending him rocketing backwards into a pile of scrap.Kairi tisks. "Your brother responded better during our... bonding."Genesis snorts audibly, subduing his emotions and calling out, "Ah, glad you remember our treasured time together."Kairi turns her head to smile ghoulishly at him, her now green mako eyes piercing into him, sending another shiver down his spine.Sephiroth swore quietly under his breath. "I see what you meant now. I feel it in the air. I don't think I've ever felt the like, even against some of Hojo's more abominable experiments. What in the world did he do to her?"Kairi's eyes flicker to Sephiroth in consideration for a moment before she all the sudden sprung away, Angeal... Angeal with his Buster Sword DRAWN, swings down heavily where Kairi had just been. What in the world? He regards Angeal... and notices suddenly how tense the man is, how apprehensive, nervous... even perhaps... afraid. He clutches the Buster so tightly, as if for dear life, as if he needs it to ground him. Kairi smiles creepily at him, her tongue slowly piercing her lips and rolling over them hungrily. Genesis can see his friend's foot rise backwards briefly, almost stepping backwards away, but managing to steel himself and hold his ground, bringing his foot back down.Genesis's heart is hammering so loudly he's sure Sephiroth can hear it. He has never felt more afraid for his friend despite both him and Sephiroth at the ready to intervene at a moment's notice. He doesn't however keep his arms crossed, he lowers one to one side, the other he rests on his rapier. He will not hesitate if he thinks he needs to get involved, no, not IF, when. Kairi would have killed him if he hadn't snapped her out of it. Angeal might be physically stronger than Genesis was, more durable, which might help him, but he does not exactly have Genesis's speed nor his magic.Fortunately, the man is holding himself like the battle were life or death.Which... it likely is.Why in the world had any of them thought this was a good idea?Oh he hopes she doesn't bring out her wing.
Rip tear.
She throws her arm to the side, and her own white wing explodes out of her shoulder and uniform.Of course she did...Sephiroth suckers in a breath, and Angeal lets out a chocked exclamation. Kairi's wing beats once, flinging her up into the air where she maintains her position, staring down at Angeal like he is an unworthy, insignificant speck. Light begins to spread across her body, engulfing it and her sword in a blazing glow. But there is no warmth from it, if anything, the area grows even colder, pressure in the air rising. Memories from his own battle are howling and clawing at his mind. He pushes them down as Kairi dives at Angeal, and he hopes, prays that the man had listened on the few warnings and hints Genesis had given, that Kairi fought with no self-preservation while in this state.Angeal moves his massive slab of a weapon and blocks. Kairi spins as she lands, her sword screeching across the Buster as she lashes out and boots Angeal's side with her foot... and does absolutely nothing but make him wince, little done against the wall that is his friend. She yelps when Angeal frees a hand, grabs her ankle, and proceeds to fling her into and through a pile of slum scrap, sending her flopping across the ground. She springs to her feet, a scowl on her face, but no embarrassment like his real apprentice would have had over such a blunder, her wing flickering threateningly.Angeal takes a moment to roll his shoulder, but doesn't bother to actually cast cure to heal the stab. All things considered it will heal on its own in a few minutes. He likely wants to keep his mana reserves until he actually needs them."Such a sturdy child," mused Kairi aloud, "You lack either of your brother's raw power, but you could become a bulwark for your dear mother. A titan that none could dream to bring down, one who shatters hope. Shall we test this? My son? To see if you are worthy?"Angeal narrows his eyes, but keeps his silence. In a true fight, the man doesn't bother wasting breath on banter or wordplay.Kairi swings her sword... and a wall of blazing light erupts in its wake, surging at Angeal whose eyes widen in surprise, crouching down and moving the Buster to block the brunt of the wave as it slams into him. The light-fire washes over his sword, singing parts of his uniform, but Angeal withstands it. Genesis's jaw hangs open in surprise, she certainly hadn't done THAT before."I've never seen Kairi glow like this," stated Sephiroth quietly, because 'apparently' that was more important to focus on, "I can see and feel the increase in strength it gives her.""I don't think my apprentice normally knows how," said Genesis, "I don't believe Kairi actually knows half of what she is capable of. Hell, I don't know half of what she is capable."Sephiroth goes silent for a long moment, watching Kairi begin to pepper Angeal with blasts and waves of light. "She is more dangerous than I assumed, contains far more potential, if it could be harnessed without... this."The first half made Genesis tense with concern, about Sephiroth reacting poorly to this, but the second..."On one hand," said Sephiroth, eyes tracking the arc of Kairi's blade, the light burning out of her, "To see her at her worse is... more than I imagined it, even after your words.""And the other?" posed Genesis quietly."It lessens my condemnation of her normal escapades," admitted Sephiroth, reluctantly, "They pale compared to this."The man takes a minute of watching Angeal on the defense, weighing and judging, before he makes a verdict, "We have to be very careful on all future Mako Boosters, to keep this contained. Its nothing I, or the two of you together couldn't handle, but we must be present.""You'll stay your hand then?"Sephiroth nods. "So long as no further triggers are discovered, yes. This is... manageable if we can control when it happens and who witnesses it."Genesis lets out a breath."This... persona... is strange," said Sephiroth, an air of curiosity where there should be tension, "The 'mother' thing I can view as a twisted uptake on her protectiveness and possessiveness, but the violent hostility coupled with it seems... off. She claims him as a son yet is very quick to try to kill him.""You don't seem concerned by that," posed Genesis, eyes flickering as flames of light washed over Angeal again, making his own heart pound."She had an advantage against you that she doesn't have with Angeal," said Sephiroth, "Two really. You burn quickly and blazingly in a fight. If she survives that, which she will with her regeneration, then she will defeat you."Genesis bristled and gritted out. "The second?""He's not degrading as you began to.""Fair point," agreed Genesis quietly.His eyes flicker to Sephiroth, but see no further comment, or a look sent his way. Sometimes he wonders if Sephiroth understands just how hard it was to admit such a thing to him. If he hadn't witnessed some of Kairi's memories, the conversation on the elevator, where Sephiroth admitted (to someone else of course) that he cared, what he would be willing to do for Genesis, he might not have...Kairi suddenly gave a roar, pointing her blade at Angeal, then thrusting it into the sky..."Angeal!" cried out Genesis as a pillar of white fire erupted from the ground at Angeal's feet, engulfing the man before he could move.Sephiroth's hand latched onto his shoulder before he realized he had been starting to move.Angeal himself, definitely singed and 'slightly' on fire, burst out of the pillar, leaping with inhuman strength into the air and swung his buster at Kairi. She blocked, but was sent plummeting to the ground by the force of the blow, impacting and shaking the room hard enough that the VR briefly flickered before restoring itself. Genesis briefly winced at his apprentice's behalf, but she merely dusted herself off and stood up. Angeal landed a moment later, patting himself down to extinguish what fire remained."Have some faith in our friend, Genesis," commented Sephiroth mildly, "I am aware of the effect her current presence has on our... circulatory system, but there is no need to overreact. He is in no real danger despite what we feel."Genesis mouths 'circulatory system' to himself in disbelief that that was how Sephiroth refereed to the pounding fear in Genesis's chest. But... he doesn't miss the 'we' part of that statement. So even the great and mighty Sephiroth isn't immune to it. Just so absurdly controlled he doesn't let it affect him. He absently wonders if this 'fear effect' is some kind of weird magic ability that she is pressing upon them, or an instinctual reaction to her presence. He personally leans towards the latter."I do wonder however," said Sephiroth, "And I wonder very deeply, how she is preforming this... magic of hers. I know of no materia that does anything like this, and I know what materia she currently has, nothing unknown and..."He trails off.Genesis breaks from his listening (and curious agreement), to see that Kairi's head is half turned to lock eyes with Sephiroth, the glow of light around her fading. "Perhaps not with my daughter's light, nor her degree of regeneration, but this is something you yourself could learn to do, my son. All of you."Genesis slow blinks. "What...?"Kairi reaches up to brush a loose thread of hair from her eyes. "Despite your power, you are so larval, the lot of you. You, like my daughter, require your paltry little limit breaks to even begin to tap into the power that dwells within you rather than learning how to draw it out at will. None of you are a fraction of as powerful as you could be."Genesis has a stupor filled moment of considering what it would be like to call out Apocalypse at will before he carefully pushes the thought away for later. "If it comes at the price of madness, then no thanks."She turns a ghoulish smile towards him. "I am curious, why do you think I am insane?"Another wave of ice pours down Genesis's spine. "You absolutely lost it and slaughtered dozens of monsters while laughing might have something to do with it.""Are you saying you don't take paltry missions to vent on them yourself?" she asks, eyebrow raised mockingly, "That you don't enjoy the kill?"Genesis hesitates."You have no concept of how long that was held in," said Kairi, a snarl escaping her lips as she turns her back on Angeal to glare at Genesis, pinning him rigidly in place with nothing but fury and malice, "The chance to release my rage has not come often. I took the chance, my daughter was not supposed to have suffered any public backlash from it."Angeal took the opportunity to come at her from behind and made a stabbing motion, only for Kairi to not even bother moving, letting the slab of a sword stab right through her, breaching flesh, lung, and ribs in a spray of blood, but continued talking as if nothing had happened, "Had I known a Turk would be there, I either would have restrained myself, or made sure there hadn't been any witnesses left to report it.""Good gods," gagged Angeal, withdrawing the Buster from her and stepping shakily away, shocked by the lack of effect.Genesis HAD tried to warn him.Sephiroth had a briefly disturbed look on his face, but masks it, crossing his arms. "The ability to conceive premeditated murder doesn't make you sane.""No, but the ability to hold intelligent conversation might," commented Kairi mildly.Genesis was thrown by how Sephiroth in tone that sounded.Sephiroth blinked once. "Neither does that mean soundness of mind."Kairi sighed and shook her head. "Those who do not understand always seeks to define and identify to their own means, never allowing that what they do not understand may be so much more than what they allow."That... was rather philosophical for a sadistic persona of his apprentice."Then what would you say you are then?" posed Sephiroth."Hmm, better," mused Kairi, "That you ask rather than define, but you aren't capable of handling the answer, not yet."Something in Genesis squirms at the way 'yet' rolls off her tongue...She levels her gaze firmly on Sephiroth. "In the simplest terms for you, my larval son, I am a PREDATOR!"Kairi thrusts her sword-less hand forward and-her entire arm elongates to the extreme and twists into a flesh-bone like spear! Genesis cries out, "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?!"Sephiroth dives out of the way, knocking Genesis over in the process as the spear stabs into and through the VR room wall before withdrawing with a disgusting slurp sound, reforming effortlessly into a completely human form. Sephiroth hauls them both to their feet, tense and ready, but Kairi makes no further move, merely studying her hand curiously, almost with an air of disappointment. Her fingers shift, her ring and pinky finger to one side, her middle, index, and thumb to the other like a V... that splits down her hand, ripping it open into two bloody oozing parts that she looks at with complete detachment.Genesis flinches at the slow ripping sight of it continuing down her arm before she seemingly pulls herself together at will."Do you not fear, my son?" asked Kairi, glancing up at Sephiroth.Sephiroth scowled as if the question offended him. "As little as possible.""Fear, my child, is not the enemy," murmured Kairi softly, "It is a treasured friend, an instinctual guide that warns you of dire moments. When you must commit with everything that you are, or must flee. So allow mother dearest to give you a gift."She smiled ghoulishly at Sephiroth. "Allow me to give you fear."Sephiroth tenses, readying his sword."And remember, my sons, everything I am capable of doing, so too can you."Genesis's breath comes up short in that one moment.Then Kairi's entire body splits in half in a fleshy stretchy bloody explosion. Before Genesis can finish throwing up his breakfast and even begin containing his horror, her body finishes splitting, and then starts reforming the other split away half for each part. Genesis gapes, puke drooling down his chin, as flesh and bone and clothes steadily reform until there are two identical Kairi's standing side by side. Though the way the clothes aren't seamless where the split happened gives him the unsettling feeling part of those clothes are imitations made of flesh, and that second sword is likely made of bone for all it looks like metal.Kairi lets out a dark chuckle from both bodies, twin voices speaking out, "MY daughter indeed.""Gods above, what the hell ARE you!" exclaimed Angeal, "Sephiroth, this is completely out of control. Shut this down and shut her down! Permanently if we have to!"Genesis takes in a raged breath. "Angeal!""You see?" posed Kairi, "He is in tune with his fear.""I'm very tempted to agree with him," gritted out Sephiroth, "What is this?""Education I suppose," she mused mockingly, "Or do you think I was lying?"Nausea fills Genesis, not able to think, to comprehend how or why or what was going on with this. That any of them could do that."There's no way we could do something like that, we're not monsters!" shouted Angeal."Aren't you?" said Kairi, both bodies raising the arm facing one another upward, almost touching, a sphere of light forming between them... that rather than released light, began to suck it in.The room began to darken. Like an all consuming void she devoured every scrap of light in the area, every source of heat, leaving nothing but darkness and cold, with an impossible sphere of light that gave off none itself."Scream for your mother."There is a grunt, a slicing of flesh and a cry from Angeal, followed by a very close clashing of Masamune against another blade."She's not insane," spat Sephiroth, "She's sadistic."Kairi laughed from two separate areas of the room.Genesis locked down his emotions, his face cooling into fierce control as he took stock of the situation. His first instinct was to cast fire, which was promptly put out by the light sphere. Except no, he could feel the fire, feel his control over the spell, but not light or heat. He frowns at the impossibility of it all before snuffing it out. He focuses his senses on his hearing, on the way Sephiroth's leather coat swishes as he moves, the tightly control humming of Masamune as it reaps space. On the heavy parting air of the Buster Sword, the scuffle of Angeal's boots. They could manage this, could fight if they could learn to work together in handling the lack of light.But since when had Genesis ever been a real team player? He always went for the glory if he saw it.He rushes away from the fighting, straight for the sphere of absorbing light itself. Best to remove her advantage. He leaps up, gives a roar, and swings down at it, only for what feels like a snake to coil around his waist and yank him back, his sword missing by inches. He is flung to the far corner of the room and slammed hard into the wall. He grits his teeth, and then notices the sphere of light is now moving around rather than staying in place."Bitch," he grits out."Unworthy weakling," calls out three Kairi's voices.Genesis's heart stops briefly.When the hell had she split into three?"Why my foolish daughter sought to make you her Chosen One is beyond me," she continued scornfully."The hell is that supposed to mean?" prompted Genesis, trying to figure out where the third one was.Except...There is no sound that isn't nearby Sephiroth or Angeal. He listens, listens carefully, but he hears nothing...Save for a soft whistling from behind!He ducks forward, a sword cleaving some of his hair off, but not his head. He rolls as he lands, springing away and firing fire at where he suspects her to be, but doesn't hear anything aside from fire hitting the wall. She's not flying, he would have heard the flapping, so levitation then. He hears it again, a stabbing motion, and readies to move except... wait.He lets it stab him, gritting through the sharp piercing pain, and then latches onto the arm. "Yes, I suppose she did choose me, and incase you forgot, that means I'm now probably close to as annoying to kill as she is!"He wrenches her to him as he slams his head forward, cracking their skulls together and earning a grunt from her. He boots her with all his might, sending her rocketing back and slamming into the wall with enough force for cracks to briefly allow outside light in before that too is swallowed whole. He turns and bolts for the light sphere, tracking its movement, leaping, and slicing it in half. The resulting explosion temporarily blinds him and flattens him to the floor, making the entire room, and probably the floor, shake.Kairi tisks, and then Genesis looks up, blinking rapidly to try and make the blurriness go away. If he had anything left in his stomach he would have heaved it up, as it is, he gags at the third Kairi. Only partially formed, more fleshy and skeletal than skin and clothes, one arm being a bloodied bone spear, the other long and thin like a snake. No lips, but the sneer is still transparent to him."I think I liked you better decaying," mused the third Kairi, a putrid aura emanating from her rather than light, "Shall we fix that?"Genesis tensed."Grand Cross."Its like reality itself warps around them, bending and twisting as the walls crack and scream and shudder, the VR program disrupted, the lights flickering. Empty holes rip themselves open around Genesis, and some kind of red and black miasma begins to pour through..."Genesis move!"Sephiroth comes out of nowhere and slams into him, throwing him clear and across the room. Then the miasma hits him, and Genesis, for the first time in his life, hears Sephiroth scream. The man buckles to his knees, arms wrapped around his chest, looking utterly sickly and frail, blood is pouring down sours opening across his face and body. Genesis snarls in protective anger, going for his Sense materia and...Sephiroth has almost every single ailment possible on him that his equipment doesn't guard against, along with ailments Sense can't even identify! "Esuna! Full Cure! Esuna!"Sephiroth takes in a deep, gasping breath as the magic washes over him, and rises shakily to his feet. The intensity on his face is something Genesis isn't sure he's seen before. "We end this, NOW!""As you wish."It wasn't either Genesis or Angeal that responded."Five."Genesis jumps out of the way as a Kairi goes past him."Four."The three Kairis moved to the center of the room."Three."They began to meld together in a disgusting display of twisting flesh and bone."Two."Genesis, Sephiroth, and Angeal all tensed."One."Kairi reformed herself in one body and smiled."Ultima."The entire room was blown apart in a sea of green."...I don't care for excuses, Sephiroth!" came the President's shrill voice, "You four are not allowed to spar together at once ever again! Or at least not in the damn building! The repair costs alone are estimated to be in the tens of millions of gil! Medical expenses for non-SOLDIER personal injured will be in the tens of thousands easily!"Genesis groaned and blearily opened his eyes, finding himself in a bed in... not the SOLDIER floor infirmary. Probably got wrecked by the... Ultima. Good gods, she cast Ultima without the materia. He takes a quick look around, spotting Angeal and Kairi unconscious on another bed. Sephiroth stood at attention speaking with the President, Directer Lazard, Director Verdot, and Professor Hojo."I understand," said Sephiroth in a clipped tone, "I willingly offer to pay as much of the damages as I am able to, I don't particularly spend my salary on anything after all."President Shinra narrows his eyes. "It will be coming out of all four of your funds. All of you will be taking a paycut on top of this as well. I expect better from you especially, Sephiroth, don't let it happen again. You are now all on incredibly thin ice.""Understood, sir."Rupert Shinra shakes his head and leaves.Verdot raises a single eyebrow at Sephiroth, but the man doesn't react or offer any words.Veld mirrors Rupert, shaking his head and leaving.Lazard sighed. "Its going to take days for any kind of mainframe repair to be done, as such, the PHS Mission Roster System is likely shot for the time being. All SOLDIERs are grounded for the time being, and as part of the punishment, all of them will know exactly why that is.""I see," is all Sephiroth says.Lazard hums and leaves.Hojo clasps his hands behind his back and studies Sephiroth for a long moment. "I do believe that is the first time, in a very long time, that I have seen you bloodied in a training accident, boy."Sephiroth says nothing."Are you particularly injured?""No.""So it has all healed then? Superficial wounds?""Yes.""Fatigued?""Not physically.""Mentally then?""No.""How so?""Tired with myself more than anything.""You allowed things to spiral out of control then.""...yes.""Was whatever your experiment was worth all of this?""Not in the way I imagined, but yes.""I see."Hojo studied Sephiroth for another moment longer before turning and leaving without further word.Sephiroth closed the door and sagged against the wall with a heavy sigh, scrubbing at his face with a hand"I'm surprised she lasted that long against you," said Genesis to his silver-haired friend as a friendly opening shot.Because he could."I couldn't see her," commented Sephiroth mildly, not even glancing at him."Bullshit, you can see in the dark...""There was nothing to see!" he snarled back, legitimately angry, "That sphere sucked in everything, I could not see her at all. Relying purely on hearing and reverberations through the air is not something I have excessive experience in. Not since the labs..."He cut off with a growl. "I was, for once, held at a disadvantage that I could not immediately circumvent or overpower. It is an... unsettling experience coupled with the effect her presence had.""And thus does the god come down from his lofty mountain," mused Genesis."I'm trying not to die of a migraine over here Genesis," groaned Angeal, "You aren't helping."A full-cure washed over both him and Angeal, but not Kairi. Evidently Sephiroth didn't want her up yet. Discussion time then."Not insane," Sephiroth opened with, "Full blown mental split. Kairi herself displays almost none of what that persona does. Everything negative was split and shunted into creating that by something Hojo did, likely whatever enabled that... that ability to bodily modify herself since she knows how to control it. Kairi couldn't cope with it, and the persona was born.""Bodily modify herself," said Angeal flatly, "Is that what we are calling it? Gods above, Sephiroth, I've never been terrified of real monsters like I was that thing, even before it ripped itself in half and put itself back together again.""Her," said Genesis in a warning tone, "She is not a thing. Not if we aren't as well."Angeal scrubbed at his face. "So we're all monsters then? Experimented on by madmen playing gods?"Genesis hesitated. He had been hoping Angeal wouldn't realize he likely bore Hollander's touch as well. "Angeal... you...""What? You think I didn't realize it about myself? Hojo calls us both Hollander's Failures," snapped Angeal."Angeal," ordered Sephiroth firmly, "Look at me."Angeal, the good soldier he is, obeys on reflex."Monsters are not born, they are made, by actions, by deed," said Sephiroth, "Before you personally encountered this persona, did you at any point truly consider Kairi a monster?"Angeal hesitated."Do you truly consider Genesis a monster?""No!""Me?""No.""Yourself?""...no.""But you are so very scared you could be.""...yes."Sephiroth let out a breath. "So am I, I suppose. Because I do very much believe she was telling the truth, though I don't know how she did any of that.""I don't particularly think its something to experiment with," said Genesis crisply, "If we cut off a hand and it doesn't grow back immediately, we're screwed at bare minimum until the next Mako Booster of hers in which we had better pray asking nicely for advice works, and then we'd have to explain how the hand grew back.""I'm voting never intentionally trigger that personality again," snapped Angeal instantly, "Next booster, we see if having her just relax and sleep keeps that abominable persona at bay. Some lines between man and monster should never be crossed. Let... let the real Kairi continue on in blissful ignorance of what she's capable of. If she remains the SOLDIER Mom for the rest of her life, that's fine, that's good. Anything but that thing.""Agreed," said Sephiroth, "I think it needs to stay firmly under wraps from now on."He shifted focus. "The only reason more eyes were not drawn into poking with what happened as anything more than us taking things too far is because of how few people even know that Ultima Materia even exists. Or have ever seen it in action to recognize it. The majority of the people in the world who would have the reserves to even cast it live in this building."Angeal propped a knee up. "So we're going to address that elephant in the room then? Kairi was casting magic without materia.""She did not just cast any old magic with Materia, she cast Ultima without materia," stressed Genesis."Only the most elite monsters I have ever faced could cast that spell," said Sephiroth, "And none with the degree of force Kairi did."Genesis let that sink in, lets that remind him that Kairi knocked him the hell out with that spell, Angeal too, even if they were caught offguard by it, before taking a heavy breath and letting it out. "The arrow has left the bow of the goddess. How?""If I had to guess, genetic splicing," said Sephiroth."Which is what?" asked Angeal."Taking genes from something and putting it into something else," said Sephiroth, "Its a poor explanation, but its the best I know of it from listening to Hojo ramble at times. I don't know where he found whatever gave her that 'Grand Cross' magic, I've never heard of it before, it was... unpleasant."Genesis snorted. "I think you are putting it lightly."He hesitates and grudgingly offers. "Thank you for getting me out of the way of that."Sephiroth of course merely waves it off."So he... what? 'Spliced' monster genes into her?" asked Angeal, voice indicating he didn't understand the how of it."Hojo does love to experiment," mused Sephiroth, "In complete defiance of if he should.""And he and Hollander did that to all of us?" asked Angeal quietly.That makes Sephiroth frown."Because, I still don't know when the hell Hollander experimented on me and Genesis," said Angeal, "But Hojo only had her for a single year.""And while I wont exactly speak of it without Kairi's direct permission, I witnessed a portion of that when we... 'merged'," said Genesis quietly, "I don't recall anything like the ability to split yourself in half.""If the memories were divided, would you have?" asked Sephiroth."I don't know," he admitted.Yet... even more than before, something about all of this tickles him in a horrible way. Where as before, when he fought Sadistic-Kairi alone, it had been her words that had unsettled him, here it had been her actions and abilities. When he took both of those things and tried to combine them together... it was illogical, paranoid, scared thoughts that made more sense than saying 'blame Hojo' and being done with it."Those who do not understand always seeks to define and identify to their own means, never allowing that what they do not understand may be so much more than what they allow," he recited, "That's what she said."Sephiroth blinked. "You think we are wrong?"Genesis shrugged helplessly. "I don't know..."
"She believes, so foolishly, every word I say," mocked Kairi against herself, "She can open the door through her own power, and if she was in the right place, push more than her consciousness through. Once she is mine, and this world consumed, I will go through the door myself."

She laughed. "She will meet Sora again, oh yes she will, but like the Ancients of this world, when he greets me as his dead lost friend like they did, I will deceive and devour him. And thus, will the cycle continue as it always had."
He lets the memory rest in the forefront of his mind, remembers feeling her memories of Sora, how she had treasured the boy, warring with himself to -tell them tell them tell them-, and finds himself instead saying once more, "I don't know..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

She knows.
Its the first thing that really strikes Genesis, and dumbfounds him, when Kairi wakes up and is informed about the damage to the training room, and the consequences of it. They of course don't tell her anything real that happened in the fight itself, but she's not surprised by the damage, even if she admits to not remembering it. Nor by how they skirt around the issue of what exactly happened in the fight. She merely nods her head, an odd sadness to her eyes, an air of depression around her, her gaze lingering on all three of them as if waiting for something. The way her shoulders are tensed... he knows his apprentice inside and out.Its like she's expecting rebuke, or punishment, or perceiving impending harm.That ultimately bleeds the desire to confront her on her sadist-persona, and makes him think, really think, back to Tseng's initial debrief to them of Kairi's first 'madness incident'...
"Mother, mother why?"
What Tseng had told them, Kairi hadn't been calling out to a dead mother long gone. Its what she called the Persona. Goddess... there are so many implications he needs to consider with that. Sephiroth, bless the man for once not pouncing on the visible weakness, offers an apology for apparently hitting her hard enough for short term memory loss and losing control of the spar, suggesting she go get some rest. Her eyes search his for a long moment and she gives a quiet 'its alright', before leaving to hopefully do that."She knows."Surprisingly, its Angeal who says it out of the three of them.Sephiroth slowly nods, and proves that perhaps the three of them think more alike than any of them thought. "Tseng said, back in his debriefing of the first known incident, that she called out for a 'Mother'."Genesis exhales in frustration. "Its what she most likely calls the Persona.""Isn't 'Mother' what her girls call Kairi herself?" posed Angeal warily."There are implications of that," considers Sephiroth, "Dissociative Identities are usually formed in response to extreme trauma from what I have read, as a defensive mechanism to survive. Some are aware of their other aspects, some are not. A Mother is generally a supporting, comforting figure, but also fiercely protective of their young. Its likely this Persona protected Kairi while in Hojo's labs. Which in turns causes her to wish to assume such a mantle for those connected to her. Even down to the hostility she displays when they are threatened.""The Persona goes overboard though," said Angeal flatly, "I'm pretty sure that this 'Mother' was very much actually trying to kill all three of us despite Kairi caring for us."Sephiroth nods again. "I don't profess to understand this 'Mother' completely, but, I have an... uncomfortable theory. I've read that some mothers can be... overbearing, possessive, controlling. Including of those who interact with their children. This Mother persona was created in the labs, in which she would have to kill most things Kairi would interact with. Or, if that's not it, then perhaps... well, she made her opinion of Genesis known. Perhaps she doesn't approve of us in relation to her 'Daughter'."Oh, Sephiroth likely hit the nail on the head in ways he didn't understand."My friend, the fates are cruel," recited Genesis, "You are assuming that this Persona actually cares about Kairi's well-being."
"Kairi? My daughter sleeps for now, not forever, not yet."
The sadistic words ring in Genesis's ear, there had been dark desire in them.Sephiroth blinks. "You have reason to believe otherwise?"
"She believes, so foolishly, every word I say," mocked Kairi against herself, "She can open the door through her own power, and if she was in the right place, push more than her consciousness through. Once she is mine, and this world consumed, I will go through the door myself."

She laughed. "She will meet Sora again, oh yes she will, but like the Ancients of this world, when he greets me as his dead lost friend like they did, I will deceive and devour him. And thus, will the cycle continue as it always had."
Genesis licked his lips at the memory assaulting him again, for what must be the thousandth time, screaming at him that this is more than delusional madness, than a disorder, that something is terribly wrong. "Merely playing the devil's advocate.""It is your favored role," mused Sephiroth.Genesis huffed and whacked his shoulder, making the man smirk back with amusement. "Hmmm, so thin ice with all four of us then I believe the fat buffoon said?"Sephiroth huffed. "Yes, and all things considering, especially with you and Kairi, this needs to be the last such incident for a very long while.""So a year or so then until we muck things up again?"Angeal groaned. "Lets not, Gen."Genesis merely laughed and waved before he strode out the door.Its... odd, in a way, as the months pass.Without a single stir.Sure, the other SOLDIERs are irritated at Kairi and the trio, but really, nothing happens. No more incidents in any form. Kairi's probation ends and she finally starts on missions again, the mainframe long since back up and the PHSs working. Not to mention finally training her girls again. Even Mother's bloodthirsty comments relax, seemingly sated on sparing with her sons. Kairi really, really hopes that Mother kept to her word about the fight, but Kairi really doesn't have it in her to ask either Mother or the trio about what happened.She's caught Genesis more than once lounging about in the common area reading LOVELESS. Not the 'reading it aloud to annoy everyone' kind of thing, but quiet relaxing contemplation in a public space. Its... weird to not see him egging people on frequently.Sephiroth is, as ever, far to busy with paperwork to usually hang out except on Sundays, and then, he simply sits in his chair at the gathering, leaned back, eyes closed, basking in their presence. A reprieve from the life of Shinra. Kairi knows things between them aren't... exactly the best. She's not even sure they'd be considered friends, let alone if he considered her family. But... some part of her does hope he finds some enjoyment in her presence.Angeal is quieter than normal, and she corners him on it once."You okay Angeal?"He turns away from aimlessly staring out the window. "Just thinking.""About what?"He pauses, eyes flickering, but they're alone, ya know since he was standing adrift in a hallway randomly. "If my mother knew about the experiments. You, Genesis, Sephiroth, there's no chance I wasn't experimented on as well. I just can't ever remember when. I'm... considering confronting her on it, but... some part of me is afraid to do so."He runs a hand through his hair. "If I ask, I can't take back knowing.""I suppose it depends on whether or not you want it hanging over your head the rest of your life," said Kairi, considering what Genesis had exclaimed about, that the experiments on him were done before they were born. It was likely the same with Angeal, but he deserved to hear the truth from his own mother, not passed down the grape-vine."Perhaps both you and Genesis can ask both of your parents," she suggested, "And be there for one another. Hell, see if you can get Sephiroth to go with you, I swear the man doesn't understand what 'vacation' means. If he sees it as a chance to support his friends, it might work."Angeal chuckles. "Devious."Kairi merely grins back.Angeal slowly nods. "I think... yeah, that would work. Its... not likely to be pleasant, but I'll manage with my friends."Kairi deflates a little, giving a sad smile. "I know you and Sephiroth don't exactly like me, but I'm here as well if you ever want to talk."Angeal pauses, turning his head to give her a contemplative look. "Kairi, its not that I don't like you as a person, but I'm going to flat out say that there are... parts of you that outright scare me, and not just from the... mental incidents. Not to mention, had what you did to heal Genesis went wrong, I could have lost him."Kairi crossed her arms. "I won't apologize for what I did, it saved him."Angeal merely sighs. "You have a good heart, Kairi, but the things it drives you to do are going to give me gray hairs before I'm even thirty."Kairi smiled a little. "Hows that gonna work with Sephiroth, silver hair and all?"Angeal snorts. "Not a clue."They both reflexively check around to make sure the man isn't walking around the corner to overhear before giving one another a conspirators smile.Her smile fades into something akin to a grimace. "As for the rest... I'm who I've always been, who I became after... after the labs, after being trained as a SOLDIER, and the war. There are parts of me even I don't particularly like, but, you can't just pick and choose. The good and the bad are part of make me who I am, so... I am who I am, Angeal."He stares at her for a very long minute that feels uncomfortably piercing. "So long as you stay true to who you are, SOLDIER mom, then that's fine. Just... don't let it overtake you, the negatives in life. Don't lose yourself to your past, I don't need to know the details to know far more went on in your time in Hojo's labs than having monsters sent after you."Kairi reflexively swallowed. "So long as you don't either. I'll tell you the same thing I told Sephiroth, I don't think any of us are fully human anymore, but, humanity is in action, not form. We're far more human than something like Hojo is."Both his eyebrows climb, before falling into a furrowed look. "You don't think you're human?""Well, it was out of Sephiroth's mouth that time, but... no."That gets a surprised look from Angeal, then worried. "Sephiroth... hrm. Perhaps I should talk to him during the vacation about that."Kairi smiled a little. He's a good friend for the man. "I came to terms with what I was awhile ago, even if I don't fully understand it myself. It doesn't particularly affect me anymore."There is an air of wistful respect about him. "Human by action huh? Something we could stand to learn from you."Kairi snorted. "I don't think you have much to learn from me.""You'd be surprised Kairi," he muttered, turning and starting down the hallway, "You'd be surprised."Kairi frowned at his back, a tad confused and worried."His thoughts, his mind, shows himself little reprieve, they are his own worst enemy," commented Mother idly, "His own great weakness, he is a bulwark that he himself holds the key to shattering."Kairi nods slowly, she'll ask Genesis to keep a closer eye on his friend, draw him out of his thoughts more. After all, if he was going to start a nickname for her, it was the least she could do to live up to it...Bumping into the Turks was always something she didn't like.Bumping into Director Veld Verdot was even worse, an exercise in restraint to not gut him. Even though that she wouldn't have come to this life in SOLDIER, to her girls, without him finding her... she will never forgive him for delivering her to Hojo."Director," she says in a clipped tone."2nd Class Kairi," he responds, a slight head tip.They move to go past eachother after their assesses looks, before Kairi notices something.His arm is mechanical. "What happened to your arm?"His face briefly goes tight, a grimace, a loss, an air of pain around him before its gone. "Work hazard."She could say something snide or cutting, but..., "My condolences."An annoyed look briefly crossed his face. He merely nodded and turned to go.That however riles her. She was being nice to him after all. "What, is offering sympathy poison to a Turk?"It is when its all I hear about or my men keep dancing around me about it and my fam...," he cuts himself off, frustrated, teeth gritting and turning to just walk off.Fam... as in family?Shit.She hated the guy, but..."I'm sorry to hear that," she offers quietly, "And you should be happy to hear it from your Turks, it means they care."He stops in the middle of the hallway for a long moment. "I suppose they do."He continues on his way, and she goes on hers."Nope, you've been working waaaaay to much lately mom," said Jessie, her and Elena grabbing her under her armpits and dragging her down the hall towards the elevator."I was bored out of my mind during probation," said Kairi dryly, "And it's literally my life-slash-job.""Well, not tonight, its girl's night out!" exclaimed Elena, "We've got the entire theater for one of their plays.""Well, girls and the one token guy anyway," said Jessie, snickering, "Genesis bought out all the seats to 'grace us with LOVELESS's divine words'."Kairi snorted, hiccuped, and laughed. "And everyone's showing up?""Well, if they're not out overnight to a mission somewhere," said Jessie, "I think most are coming just because its a group thing, some want to see if its everything Genesis made it out to be. Most of the 2nd batch haven't been exposed enough to him yet to get tired of hearing it all the time."Part of being on probation had meant Kairi was chased away from even looking at the second SOLDIER boot camp and SOLDIER Prep girls being able to join. It had been, as predicted, a larger class of girls than the prior one, roughly forty more added to the family. The core of the web, her, next to her Genesis, then Elena, then the '1st batch' as they called themselves in a circle, then the 2nd batch. There was an... age of connection between them all, more firm and known between those who had been around longer. Kairi didn't really differ in her treatment of them all, but she was loosely aware of the different 'batches' grouping together. Not quite rivalry, but... something that Kairi doesn't quite know how to phrase.Like the sitting arrangements once they arrived in the theater. The first generation sits in a circle of seniority. She and Genesis sit with the best seats, Elena next to Kairi, Jessie directly behind her, with the girls filling out in an order that almost seems subconsciously instinctual. There is no arguing or fighting over seats at all. There is an order and lack of conflict about it at that... stirs something.Mother chuckles. "Its pleasing when all who bear your cells fulfill their designs to your will even in so simple a thing."Kairi frowns a little."Or would you rather they overly fight and bicker? You're presence soothes such things, so is it not a pleasing sensation?""I suppose," says Kairi as the lights dim and the curtains rise."Oh its been too long," says Genesis softly, his eyes lighting up as he eagerly watches the actors take stage.Kairi smiles at his enthusiasm, feeling it fill the web, seeping into others, bringing some enjoyment to the girls who were here only because everyone else was. Kairi hadn't had all her girls together since the graduation ceremony, but as it did then, it filled her with such contentedness to have them all together...Made her eyes sharp and glowing...Fulfilled and together yet separate and apart...She half closes her eyes, and more enjoys the thoughts and feelings of her children and Genesis more than she does the play...Horrific pain rips through the mental web, worse than anything Kairi's felt before from one of her children, even in nasty training accidents.Its enough to make Kairi gasp and stumble as she walks into the SOLDIER floor common area, one hand clutching her head, the other reaching out for the wall for support. There are wheezing, coughs, gasps, and even a muffled scream from her children in the area."The fuck?" one of the guys says, slowly standing up.Zack is there as well, glancing around nervously. "Uh... you girls okay?""Whose out on missions?" Elena calls out, "Someone just got mucked really fucking bad, like holy shit I felt like I got stabbed and I'm sitting right here.""Bastet is off in Junon, nothing dangerous.""Trinnie is at Corel, clearing out a infestation in their mines.""Nichole went off on leave, shouldn't be anywhere dangerous.""Gale's up by Icicle Inn with a squad of infantry and one of the guys, something about investigating a bunch of people going missing.""Lanna is en-route to her mission at the moment, don't think its her."Jessie comes rushing into the room, right for Kairi. "Mom you felt that?"Kairi nods. "Yeah.""Pretty sure that was Gale and...," begins Jessie.In a moment of agonizing pain, a hole is abruptly torn right through the mental web.Kairi falls to her knees and screams.Screams and screams and screams, her vision blurring with black spots and red haze.All of her girls, no matter where they are in the world, collapse and scream as well, convulsing. She can feel Genesis gasping for breath up in his room, clawing at his chest."Holy fuck! What the hell?!""Does anyone have a Sleep? Knock them out before they hurt themselves!""Pin them down! Pin them down!"It is a minute of chaos as SOLDIER scrambles. Zack is by Kairi, gripping her shoulder and pinning her firmly to to the wall as she shakes and screams. "Kairi! Kairi! Get ahold of yourself!"It takes a long few minutes as her children are knocked out one by one before the feedback loop of agony going through the mental web lessens to a point where Kairi can even consciously think. She slides down the wall out of Zack's grip to the floor, stunned, numb. He takes a few steps back, looking around anxiously.Sephiroth and Angeal both enter the room, likely drawn by the screaming. The former barks sharply, "SOLDIERs! What is going on in here?""Don't know sir!" one of them, Sebastian maybe, Kairi can hardly see straight or hear coherently enough to tell, "There was a incident, they all kinda just gasped in pain, said one of the others out on a mission was hurt bad. Then like a minute later they just started howling and convulsing. Ain't ever seen anything like it."Sephiroth frowns intently, glancing towards Kairi, eyes narrowed in wariness and concern. "2nd Class Kairi?""Dead."Sephiroth blinked. "What?"Kairi shakes, breathing labored, rasping out, "One of my girls is dead. The... the backlash of it... it just..."Sephiroth purses his lips, eyes flickering around the room to judge every collapsed female SOLDIER. "I see."Angeal massages his face tiredly. "Well, we were wondering about downsides and dangers to that mental connection. If one dies they all go down."Kairi snarled, flickers of fury filling her. "One of my children is DEAD! Do you even care?!"Angeal points a finger at her, his voice sharp, "Don't you put words in my mouth Kairi, you know that's not what I meant!"Kairi grits her teeth, closing her eyes, tears welling up.There is a quick footfall, the crinkling of leather of someone kneeling down, and Sephiroth's firm hand is on her shoulder. "You have my condolences for your loss, but you need to pull yourself, and the rest of your girls, together, now SOLDIER."She doesn't know how.The pain is still there.There is a horrific gaping wound in the web that is pulsating suffering to them all."Close it," hisses Mother, sounding groggy and pained, "Close off the wound and cut it off from the rest of the web until you can heal it properly.""I don't know how!" Kairi exclaims back."Fortunately for you, I do," snaps Mother, "Its been eons since I first felt a child die, since I was vulnerable to this. I had forgotten the danger of a psychic backlash when it is pain rather than nourishment."Kairi's nostrils flare. "Nourishment?!"Mother pauses and quickly rephrases her words. "As a drive, my child. Feel the death of your child, and let it spurn you on. Let vengeance become your goal."Kairi doesn't bother even trying to hide her suspicion of that quick cover up, but she just wants the pain to stop so she looks over it. "How?"Mother guides her. It feels like the skin over her chest is ripped open and something was torn out. She slowly pushes the mental bloody flesh back in place, but there is a sunken hole where there once was something before. The edges are frayed, the skin not yet knitted closed nor healed. But its enough to quiet the bleeding agony into a painful throb of loss. The unconscious girls around the rooms stop twitching in pain, the few that are still conscious groan."F-fuck...," sobs Elena, "Fuck!"Jessie staggers upright and over, falling down and curling into Kairi's side, burying her face into the uniform and sobbing, clutching her for comfort. Kairi reflexively puts a hand through her hair, trying to offer what was needed when Kairi desperately wanted it for herself. She opens her eyes to wearily meet Sephiroth's gaze. He gives her a crisp nod and stands up."Until further notice, all female SOLDIERs are barred from missions until a method can be devised to limit this kind of damage," he orders.Kairi does not object."This is a danger and a weakness that cannot be left unchecked," he said mildly, "Imagine if this had been a battlefield, it would have gotten every single one of them killed."Kairi can't fathom the agony of what that would have felt like."Madness inducing likely," said Mother mildly.Kairi doesn't disagree, she feels frayed around the edges as it is. But...But red is starting to seep in.Red rage.Dark twisting hatred.Fire is igniting under her skin.She rises to her feet, Jessie clutching to her leg. "Agreed, and it will be handled, after we've done our duty."Sephiroth's face twitches, a slight frown. "Your... duty?""One of my girls is dead," snarled Kairi, absolute hatred dripping from her mouth, a chill in the air that makes both Sephrioth and Angeal, all of the guys, tense, "That does not go unanswered.""Kairi...," begins Sephiroth in warning."Elena, Jessie, get up," snaps Kairi, pouring the rage and fire she feels down the web.Elena and Jessie gasp, a few of the other girls coming back to consciousness, all of them rising to their feet, their shell-shocked faces twisting into hatred and wrath, eyes gaining a faint pink glow to them akin to Kairi's.Kairi coldly and calculatingly goes through the web, judging those who are fit enough to partake in vengeance. She nudges them one by one. "You all will come with me, and we will have revenge. Everyone else, take care of your siblings.""Sephiroth, I want two helicopters ready in ten minutes," she said icily.He regards her for a long minute. "...very well."He didn't challenge her on it.
Good.
"Angeal and myself will be coming with you to... observe," he added."As you wish," she said dismissively, glancing around the room, "Get the rest of my girls either to the infirmary or back to the room."She sweeps out of the room after, her girls on her heels, Sephiroth and Angeal behind them, the former dialing his PHS. Genesis falls into place as they exit the elevators, already anticipating her move and joining her without needing prompting. "I don't believe I've ever felt anything quite like that.""Neither have it," said Kairi in a clipped tone.Not even her thoughts of losing her Island, Sora, Riku, her friends, her adoptive family, had felt anything like losing one of her children."Whatever or whoever killed my daughter will suffer."Genesis nods. "My soul, corrupted by vengeance...""I'm not in the mood for LOVELESS," she snaps, climbing into the helicopter."Perhaps not," he agrees, climbing in after, "But it paints the picture we are to make all the same."She catches sight of Tseng as their pilot, watching warily out of the corner of his eye. Sephiroth and Angeal fill in, followed by as many of her girls as she can in this helicopter. The rest of those she is taking will fill out the second. They lift off towards the Northern Continent. Sephiroth types with his PHS, but strangely does not call. Or perhaps not strange if he doesn't wish to be overheard. She doesn't care about procedure or politics at the moment if thats what its about. All she can focus on is the fire in her bones. The molten hatred burning in her core. Its unlike anything she's ever felt before.She frowns. How is she going to figure out what killed her child?"Carefully open the wound and look," advised Mother, "She bore your cells, you should still be able to glean some of the memories left in your web."Kairi closes her eyes, and it feels like she's peeling skin off herself to open the wound in the web...
Its so fucking cold here, even with the damn enhancements, brrrrr. Gale hoped they'd find whatever had been offing villagers soon, roaming around this snowy little hellhole wasn't her idea of a good time.

"Whats the matter girly?" teased Justin.

Cute guy, bit of a hunk, if he weren't such an ass she might consider dating the SOLDIER. "Cold as tits here."

He huffed with laughter before giving her a sly look. "There's ways to heat em up if you're cold."

"In your dreams perv," she snubs.

"I thought SOLDIERs were serious," she hears one of the troopers whisper behind them, "These two have done nothing but flirt since we got on the helicopter."

But it was so fun to do so! Especially when she intended to leave him high and dry and...

An ear splitting roar fills the air, followed by the rapid crunching of something big running through the snow. She whirls in time to see a giant yellow Behemoth tear into the infantry behind them. Horns severing one in having, trampling another, biting a third and swinging its head back and tearing a giant chunk out of the poor man. Its tail lashes out, slamming with enough force to crush ribs into an unfortunate trooper.

"Shit!" she exclaims, drawing her sword and making forward.

"No!" exclaims Justin, grabbing her shoulder, "We need to split! Everyone bail, NOW!"

"What?" she demands, "Its a behemoth, we can take it!"

"KING Behemoth!" he counters, "There's no way two 3rds and a few troopers can take that thing!"

Gunfire erupts, but not for long, the King Behemoth slaughters the troopers in seconds before roaring and standing up on its hind legs, a massive sphere of energy starting to form infront of its head.

"FLARE!" roars Justin, tackling her into the snow, "Get down!"

The flare barely misses them, but explodes near enough to send them both flying, the explosion and impact leaves a brutal ringing in her ears, her vision swimming as she rises to her feet...

She screams in horrific pain as a horn erupts through her chest and lifts her up. The beast roars and throws her across the snowfields. She tumbles, leaving a trail of blood in the snow. She lays there, gasping for breath, tears in her eyes freezing on her face. She tries to rise, fumbling for her bracer and cure materia. She... she couldn't... couldn't die here. Not... not like this...

There is an awful scream and she looks up. The King Behemoth's jaw is around Justin's elbow and it... oh fuck...

It bites right through the shoulder, clean ripping his arm off. Justin collapses into the snow, shivering and convulsing with pain. The King Behemoth chews and swallows it, bloody teeth bared as seemed to grin. It lifted its head up, roared in triumph, and then speared down, driving its horn clean through Justin's chest, and unlike her, he doesn't have mom's endurance and regeneration. He doesn't move again after the King Behemoth pulls its horn out with a brutal spray of blood.

Gale screams.

The beast whirls, nostrils flaring, and charges at her.

She turns and bolts, clutching at her chest as she runs, sobbing.

Not like this, not like this, not like this!

The King Behemoth catches up and slams the side of its head into her body, sending her flying. She hits the snow and rolls, trying to get up. The best tramples her into the snow, rearing up, its hoof coming down right for her head.

She screams and...
Kairi gasps, a sob, a wail escaping her lips.Elena and Jessie clutch her. Her other children trying to scoot closer and reach for her."Kairi?" poses Angeal."She went digging through the remains of... of where her SOLDIER had been in the web," gritted out Genesis, "I caught glimpses of it, the squad was wiped out by a King Behemoth."Sephiroth's eyebrows furrow. "A King Behemoth? Icicle is still some distance from the Northern Crater. One truly ventured that far from its territory?"Genesis nods.Sephiroth closes his eyes and sighs. "Damn.""We're going to need to keep the 3rds back then," said Angeal, "A King Behemoth isn't something I'd risk 2nds on, even entry 1sts would have a hard time against that."Kairi takes a shaky breath, gritting her teeth and pushing herself through the horrible death-echo. "We're it only a few of them perhaps. Fifteen of them plus me and Genesis will be enough. You two may observe as you said, but do NOT interfere."Angeal leans back at her tone, at the rage on her face, uneasiness clear as day on him. He doesn't reply. Sephiroth merely raises an eyebrow. "So long as it is kept under control. If I believe one of them is in danger of dying, I will intervene. I do not particularly enjoy losing my SOLDIERs, two in what was supposed to be an ordinary mission is far to much as it is."Kairi meets his eye for a moment before giving a crisp nod.They set down at Icicle Inn hours later. Sephiroth takes a few minutes to question the townsfolk and get a direction of where the previous group had went. Then, like predators on the prowl, Kairi leads them out, Genesis at her side, Elena and Jessie right behind them, the rest of her girls spread out. Sephiroth and Angeal jog quickly to catch up. Tseng, perhaps smartly, doesn't join them. A suit has little place transversing the cold terrain, especially at SOLDIER speed.They find the remains a few hours later.The troopers are ripped apart, laying where they fell. The SOLDIER Justin, dead in the snow, a pool of blood out of his missing shoulder and arm staining the snow. And her daughter... her daughter is dead some yards away. Head crushed like a melon from the King Behemoth's hoof. A giant horn sized hole right through her rib-cage. Even worse though is her stomach and bowls ripped open, no, chewed open."It fucking ate part of her," chokes out one of her children.Kairi shakes with blind fury and hatred. She is going to find this animal, and she is going to slaughter it."If it ate part of her," said Mother in a careful tone, "Some of your cells will still be in it. You can use that to locate it. Here, let me show you."Mother's guidance is cautious, almost like she is... afraid... of Kairi. She wonders absently if Mother can feel the depths of her anger and hatred, how much it is pouring through the web. This was her daughter, one of her children, a part of her, a singing part of the mental web all binding them together. And she was gone. Ripped away. There was nothing in all her time as a normal schoolgirl that could describe the horrible sensation. Its an... other sensation, not human. A hatred beyond what a human can feel.She revels in it as much as she loathes it.The crest a hill, and there it is prowling around.Gigantic.Yellow skin.Horns bigger and longer than Kairi is tall.Incredibly muscular.Power ripples from it, crashing against an otherworldly sense, easily the strongest monster she's ever faced, above the Dragon Genesis pitted her against.It will die as nothing.She mentally nudges Genesis, and warns him to brace himself. When he does, she pours that hatred into him, the volatile emotions, and he snarls, his eyes shinning just like hers. He runs a hand along his sword, igniting the runes in red energy as the orange aura of a limit break is pushed through him. He thrusts his hands into the air and roars, "APOCALYPSE!"The King Behemoth whirls, nostrils flaring.But doesn't get more than a step before a runic sigil appears in the sky above it, raining energy down that bombards and blasts it into the ground. When the snow and the energy clears, the King Behemoth is battered and burned, struggling to get to its feet.Kairi's eyes turn into pure slits.Predator before wounded prey.Kairi howls with inhuman hatred. She charges blindingly fast, sword stabbing into the King Behemoth and slamming herself into it with enough SOLDIER grade force to topple it over. Then the rest of her children are there. Snarling. Stabbing. Cutting. Clawing. Biting. Peeling flesh from bone. Ripping it apart. Eating its flesh. A trio of her children rip open its chest and rib cage, reaching in to rip out its bloody beating heart. The descend on it in in a gory tug of war, three heads nestling in and ripping back and forth to tear chunks out of it."Good gods," gags Angeal.Genesis doesn't join in after the initial barrage. He stands at the ready nearby, eyes on the horizon searching protectively for additional threats.Its some time before they're finished.Before their vengeance is sated.Kairi regards the blood and gore not with horror or squeamishness, but with grim satisfaction. Genesis watches them solemnly, Angeal looks a mixture between wanting to be sick and looking terrified. Sephiroth merely has a single eyebrow raised, motioning back the way they came with his blade. She wills her children to rise, and they leave the corpse of the King Behemoth in tatters behind them, to be forgotten and picked apart by any animals or monsters that come, walking off without trying to clean themselves off. Its blood a badge of honor and vengeance. They are united. They are one in their revenge. There are no doubts in any of their minds about what just happened, nor any of their siblings who catch traces of it down the web.Kairi gently picks up and cradles the corpse of her child to her when they return to the scene of loss.Her children pick up the remains of the others."Angeal, could you run ahead and see if they have body bags or... or something else we could use at Icicle Inn?" she asks softly, pained.Angeal takes a long look at her, fear plain on his face fighting with whatever else he feels before he nods, his fear slowly fading in the face of duty. He rushes on ahead. Genesis walks beside Kairi, a comforting hand on her back. Sephiroth walks beside them."I will smooth over anything on the Board's end if something comes of this," offered Sephiroth."Thank you," she answers.She's not sure when he ordered it, or perhaps Angeal did since he'd have had hours with his run VS their quiet mourning walk, but there is a third helicopter waiting for them that they load the bodies into. Kairi gently lays a hand on her dead child's shoulder, grief so strong it threatens to bring her to her knees, before she zips the body-bag closed.The President is unusually silent for one of these incidents. Usually he is fuming after something involving Kairi after all the messes she's caused so far. He taps his cigarette in his ashtray, and takes another puff. Perhaps its because Sephiroth might have 'slightly' smudged the report of what Kairi and her children did to the King Behemoth. How... animalistic they had been carefully hidden away. He stands with Genesis and Angeal in front of the board. All of them agreed what they would say on the way back."Hmm," muses the President, "Its been a good year and change, after that training room mishap. Quiet. Business as normal. A well oiled machine. All things considered..."He huffed. "I was expecting worse when the next incident happened."Sephiroth's shoulders slowly relax. Perhaps he will not have to run as much interference as he expected."A quick takedown of a threat is something Shinra can appreciate," he muses, "Though the resources devoted to doing so were... excessive.""No one in particular was thinking straight," admits Genesis, "Sephiroth and Angeal supervised to make sure nothing went completely out of hand. But... I don't think I can properly describe what it felt like to have part of the mental web connecting Kairi to those who bear her cells ripped out. Pain like nothing else."The President studies him in consideration before looking at Sephiroth. "I trust you've already made it clear that this cannot happen again?"Sephiroth nods. "I've instructed her to try and find a way to... lessen the mental backlash that such an event would cause.""Good, good," agrees the President, glancing at Heidegger, "What is the bereavement leave policy again?"The man in question straightens up in his chair. "A week for the person in question to get their head on straight again. If they want longer it comes out of their normal leave."The President waves a head towards the door. "Give them all a week then. During that time, I want a solution found, and my SOILDERs ready to resume their duties afterwards.""All of them, sir?" poses Heidegger, baffled."Well," admits Reeve, "No one here is blind to how much the female SOILDERs cling to one another. They openly call themselves family," he glances at the President, "I'm surprised you noticed, sir."More like he's surprised the President is taking that into consideration at all, and Sephiroth quietly agrees.The returning smile is thin, head nodding towards Veld briefly. "We've discussed policy and incident management in regards to our newest branch of SOLDIER. We have to take such things into consideration when valuating proper responses. This is rather mild all things considering. A small hiccup to be paved over. I am a business man, Mr. Tuesti, I do what it takes to keep my business running smoothly."Ah... so Veld decided to run interference. That is... curious.Or perhaps not.Sephiroth has considered worst case scenarios about Kairi and her 'children'.So to must have Veld.Anything to keep things towards the status quo would be preferred.Good.Sephiroth gives Veld a small nod, and the man returns it.With that, the meeting ends and they go on their way.They've sealed off one of the larger training rooms for their own use.Roughly seventy female SOLDIERs sitting in the room, plus Genesis.They'd come up with a way to seal the hole, the gaping wound in the web.Kairi sits against the wall, listening to her children reminisce about their fallen sister. Memories are slowly poured into the wound. She packs them in quietly, carefully reaching in and doing her first conscious alteration of the web without Mother's guidance. It just... comes to her. The pained ruptures are sanitized and smoothed over with her lost child's laughter. Her coy teasing and flirting that Kairi would have teased her about if she had more time to devote to enjoying her children. It grieves her to have learnt more about her child after she died than when she was alive, fills her with shame. Kairi lays her head down on Genesis's shoulder as she does her duty to her children, the living, and the dead.It takes hours, to fully treat the wound.She won't say heal, because its not gone, its still a scar. A reminder. A memory both good and bad. A graveyard in their mind that they can find if they wish to remember one who was fallen. Kairi stares at it, and a part of her dreads it. She dreads the ideas of more of these mental gravestones being erected in the web. But... at least even if they're gone, she'll always have something to remember her children by.The emotions are hushed through the web, faint echoes to the rainstorm they could be, the flood of emotion and thought normally there.Making mental walls that they can raise and lower between them all wasn't that hard to do. Though Kairi misses the freedom of being able to so easily reach out to her children without any resistance. They usually lower them the moment they feel her reaching for them anyway, but... she still misses the innocence of it. Before the loss. But they can't afford to remain that innocent and naive. They can't afford to be crippled by the loss again. They are lucky that no one was in a position that being hit by that would have left them vulnerable and likely to die. There's no guarantee they would be so fortunate in the future.So, walls come up, and some of her children she can faintly feel are both relieved, and feel slightly guilty, to have mental privacy again, the ability to close off easy access to the web. She doesn't hold it against them though. In truth, even with the walls, she's never felt more close to her children. United in their grief for one of their own...Kairi licks her lips, feeling awkward and... sad.She put this off to long as it is.She's clothed in a dress uniform, a folder under her arm carrying information and procedure for her dead child's birth family.She's never done a Death Notification before, she's not sure she ever wants to do this again. A Turk could have done it... but Kairi had pushed herself to do it (punished herself with it).She raises her hand, and knocks on the door of a small house out in Gongaga.A middle aged woman opens the door a few moments later, and Kairi twitches at her child's features on the woman's face. "Good evening.""Oh!" exclaims the woman, "You're the first girl SOILDER, right? Kairi isn't it? Seen you on the tele."Kairi nods. "Yes, ma'am.""Oh no need for that," the woman waves off, "What can I do for you? Is this about Gale? She didn't cause any trouble did she? She always liked a bit of mischievousness."Kairi's face falls. She'd been given her lines to say, how its usually done. But it just... it feels empty.The woman's face turns into concern. "Is... something wrong?""Ma'am," says Kairi softly, "Could we take this inside? Is the rest of your family in?""We were getting ready for lunch," the woman says uneasily, "My husband and youngest daughter should be setting the table.""Perhaps we should take this to your living room," says Kairi quietly.There is an air of dread about the woman now, she has to have a hunch what this is about.Kairi is led to a couch, and sits down, waiting for the family to be gathered."I...," begins Kairi before swallowing, going through the rehearsed lines, "I have been asked to inform you that your daughter gave her life in the line of duty last week. She was killed in a mission investigating a mysterious loss of life up near Icicle Inn on the Northern Continent. I personally led the follow up mission that determined that she and her entire squad were killed by a high grade monster known as a King Behemoth, which was overwhelmed and put down. On the behalf of the Shinra Corporation, I extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy in your great loss."They stare at her, shellshocked."I'm sorry," says Kairi quietly."I'm so sorry."The next batch of cadets is smaller than the first two.It also has a lot more of what Kairi's experienced eyes detail as 'Turk Recruited SOLDIERs'.At least a quarter of the girls, and guys, look terrified and scared to be there.Especially the smallest of the group.She's pretty sure Shelke Rui is NOT actually the thirteen years old her file lists her as, she'd be lucky to be ten. Her file has been flagged for some kind of important ability. Kairi doesn't have the faintest idea what 'Synaptic Net Dive' is. But apparently this cadet was personally selected by the President to join the female SOLDIER program. The recruiter suspected that the mental web might enhance the girl's abilities to a greater level then normal. It still disquiets Kairi to see a child, not even a teenager, being put into the bootcamp, and eventually the SOLDIER program.Its...Its not right.Anyone who looks at the child feels queasy.Genesis mutters LOVELESS platitudes about 'no honor remains' that Kairi ignores.Sephiroth's jaw is closed tight, eyes lingering on the child through the observation window as the girl struggles to keep up with the training.All he offers when she pokes him on it is. "At least she can be somewhat protected here in SOLDIER. They could have secreted her off to Hojo to be picked apart in his labs after all."Shelke's not even Kairi's daughter yet, but she is enraged at the prospect of it.She's already nudging her children through the web, pouring in an image of the young girl along with the relevant information, and making an order. 'They're not likely to fail her out of the Cadet Program because of this 'Dive' ability. I want ALL of you to look after her when she's enhanced.'The tide of protective fury she gets in response warms her. It also slowly kills off the last kind of denial most of her girls have. They're only now realizing just what kind of company Shinra truly is. None of them are satisfied. Nor are the guys either. Angeal looks like he swallowed something absolutely foul. He takes one look at Shelke, runs a hand down his face, and leaves, muttering to Sephiroth that he is scheduling his vacation trip home that they had talked about.Shinra had best be careful about the atrocities shoved down SOILDERs throat.There is only so much they will take."Is it even safe for her to be enhanced at that age?" mutters Kairi."No," said Sephiroth, "Being enhanced before puberty can cause extreme dangers, including impeded physical and mental growth. I'm not sure how I circumvented it, I was enhanced younger than she is to be, but for her I believe the assumption is that your cells will avoid this issue.""Assumption," says Kairi flatly, "And if this assumption proves true, are they going to keep snatching children off the streets?""They would even if it doesn't," says Sephiroth quietly, an air of disgust in his voice, before he turns and marches away, fists clenched tightly.Until the time comes... the best Kairi and her children can do is take in these forcefully recruited children and give them family...Kairi doesn't realize anything is wrong until she feels a shocked, twisted sensation from Genesis.She blinks awake wearily, looking at the clock. 5'AM in Midgar. So that'd be... 7 or 8 down in Banora. She fishes for her phone and shoots him a quick text.He doesn't answer.His walls come up thick, and at the distance between them, she can get nothing.It doesn't set her at ease. Him, Angeal, and Sephiroth had went down to Banora for their 'vacation', for Angeal and Genesis to question their families with Sephiroth there as support. Something has gone wrong."Mother?" she asks.Jenova is quiet, eyes in the back of her head calculative, but unanswering.Its not until she's taken her shower and getting ready to start her shift that Genesis finally calls her."Angeal's mother tried to kill herself," he grits out.Kairi freezes, one hand on the door handle, on hand on her phone by her ear. "Why?""Guilt? I don't know. I was off comforting Angeal after the first round of questioning while Sephiroth stuck around. He smelt the blood and found her bleeding out in the kitchen, she tried to kill herself on the Buster Sword. If he hadn't found her in time she'd be dead. As it is, even with a Full Cure, she lost a lot of blood."She hears the shaky breath from him."How is Angeal?" she asked."Distraught, this is not what he needed," said Genesis angrily, "How could she do that to him? Her own son?! Leaving him adrift, questions unanswered, wondering if its his fault. I've never known Gillian to be so damn selfish. Even with all of that, Angeal has barely left her side in the town clinic. Its likely he's going to be burning all of his saved up leave to stay."Realistically, she knows there is nothing she could do. Actually... "Should I... should I see if I could get Zack sent down there? Would that help Angeal? Or no?"Genesis hums. "I don't know. His puppyness might not be appreciated in this situation, or it could be a relief from it. One minute, I will head back inside and ask Angeal."She hears a desperate sounding yes from Angeal, audible even at a distance, and hangs up her phone.He finds Zack flirting with a Turk in an elevator, Cissnei if Kairi recalls right. The Turk seems exasperated more than anything, but she is what Kairi needs at the moment. "Turk, could you get a helicopter ready?"Both of them turn as she steps into the elevator. Zack gives a sheepish signature grin, as if he hadn't been caught as a shameless flirt. Cissnei just gives her an appraising stare. "Why? Is there a mission you need to be flown out for? I haven't been dinged with approval for one."Kairi hesitates for a moment. "Zack needs it."He blinks. "I do?"She licks her lips. "Genesis called, just said Angeal's mother tried to kill herself, he needs you there as support, ASAP."Zack recoils, jaw dropping. "She what?! Oh shit, oh man, poor 'Geal. Damn."He turns and gives Cissnei his best puppy-dog eyes. "Pleaaaase Ciss?"The woman has a slight frown on her face, sounding out, "Gillian Hewely attempted suicide?"The Turk knows the man's mother's name off the top of her head? That rings alarm bells. "Yes."Cissnei eyes go distant for a moment, thinking. She speaks slowly. "I will need to get quick approval from my boss. I don't know the specifics of it, but I am certain he needs to be appraised."Kairi's not sure its a good idea for the Turks to find out the trio had gone snooping, but... it is what it is. To late to take it back.She watches the helicopter lift off twenty minute later, Veld Verdot himself standing next to her watching it go."The company could offer a... approved therapist for Mrs. Hewely," he muses."Perhaps, but you do know there's only one reason she would have tried to kill herself," Kairi poses, as if she didn't have insider knowledge of what the trio had gone poking for."Most likely," he gives as a non-answer, side-eying her."You had to know they'd try seeking answers eventually," she says, non-committal, "For what little I know, we do know I wasn't enhanced normally, and neither were they."Veld sighs."What are you going to do about it?" she asks."That is up to the President, and to Hojo," said Veld, "IF they ask, its likely he will offer an overview of the... project that led to their birth as placation. Its purpose without going into details they don't have the clearance for.""What you will advise them to offer you mean," she muses out loud.He huffs. "You're getting used to how we operate.""Well, it was bound to happen eventually after you plucked me off the streets and threw me into a cage in Hojo's labs to be experimented on," she answers flatly.He doesn't answer.She turns and walks away.Kairi grabs Hojo by the throat and pins him to the wall, oh so enjoying having him there at her mercy. "Listen here you psychopathic freak."Shelke lays on the examination table, ready to be enhanced after the graduation from the Cadet Program, her head is turned, watching them, wide-eyed."If she ever disappears," snarls Kairi, "I will gut you no questions asked. She will NEVER be allowed alone with you, I don't care what the Board of Directors says. One of her sisters, or myself, will always be with her. She's already told us about the first few 'testing sessions' you had with her about her ability, and if you ever do anything like that again to her in our presence, you will die. Am I clear? AM I FUCKING CLEAR?!"He wrinkles his nose in annoyance. "You've made yourself vocal, Specimen K."Kairi drops him, scowling. "Then get it done, the sooner she is away from you and with her new family, the better."Hojo fixes his glasses before moving to obey, going to grab a vial of the enhancement solution."F-family?" squeaks out Shelke.Kairi moves to stand behind Shelke, running a gentle hand through her short red hair. "Yes, family. All of the other girls will be your sisters, and me your new Mother. We will protect and cherish you. We wont let anyone hurt you ever again."Shelke swallows, looking so very scared, and whimpers out, "I want Shalua.""Who is Shalua?" asks Kairi quietly."M-my s-sister," she whispers.Kairi frowns thoughtfully. If this Shalua hadn't been brought in alongside an unwilling Shelke, its likely she had been shot and killed if she had been around during the abduction. She is however not going to say that to the poor traumatized child whose just out of being forced to train to be a weapon at so young an age."When you've joined the family, you'll be able to show us what she looks like with your mind," offers Kairi, "We'll keep an eye out for her, okay?"The girls are eyes are wide. "R-really?"Kairi nods."You promise?""I promise."Hojo walks over and injects the serum into Shelke without any particular decor. Kairi scoots the child over as she takes in raspy breaths, shaking as the mako and Kairi's cells spread through her. She holds Shelke close as she joins the family, her daughters, Shelke's new sisters, there mentally for support no matter where there are in the world. They'd been planning this moment for months, ever since they'd first seen the girl.They welcome her into her new family.Any fear she feels at the sensation is quickly overwhelmed and carefully brushed from her mind...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The year 2001 does not bring anything grand to Kairi's eyes, just a lot more helped onto her plate. Entering into the role of a senior 2nd Class SOLDIER, at least in responsibility, does not leave nearly enough time in Kairi's day. Running trainings or classes (along with doing her own), doing missions, not to mention Lazard has started Kairi on helping out on paperwork in relation to her girls. She doesn't have to really do more past her required work-shift unless requested, but really, why wouldn't she spend time helping out her girls?Whatever discussion the trio has with the Turks, Kairi is left out of it, and none of the trio speak of anything they learn. The most she's seen is early tensions after the first few days, but whatever issues they have, the trio keeps it internal. She accepts it grudgingly. She figures, with Mother whispering in her ear, she's likely to know more than them anyway. Its not like she doesn't have her own secrets anyway.The surge in SOLDIER applicants has slowed to a trickle now compared to the initial batches, even the Turk-Recruited ones are seeming more scarce. The latest batch she's briefly watching standing next to Genesis by the window has a total of twenty guys and eight girls compared to the huge amount of that first one she saw. Could just be a dry year she supposed. She's only stopping by to see if there's any obvious hopefuls to tell her girls about before moving on. Her eyes flicker over the cadets-to-be spread out over the area getting barked at by their instructor before pausing on two in the far back, eyebrows furrowing.A boy with spiky blonde hair, obvious rival to be for Zack in that department. She's faintly sure she's seen him somewhere before.The girl...She searches her mind before snorting and elbowing Genesis. "Check it out, brown haired girl in the back with gloves. Its the tour guide from Nibelheim when you tried to roast me with the dragon."Genesis huffed. "Are you still on about that?""Genesis, no one is ever going to let that go," she teased.The both shared a laugh...

WOOOOSH BOOOM!

Then a rocket shoots down from a building on the other side overlooking the area, exploding into the middle of cadets. Kairi lets out a choked gasp as bits and pieces of the cadets were sent splattering everywhere, the ones on the outside of the area are the only cadets to escape unharmed. Gunfire erupts from the same building, targeting the surviving cadets, but the SOLDIERs watching from afar are no longer shocked into stupor. Kairi and Genesis burst through the window, leaping and bounding alongside the rest. She hears Sephiroth literally snarling in anger, and she agrees.These aren't even trained SOLDIERs.They're just kids!"Angeal, handle the injured and get the survivors out of here," barked Sephiroth, "Genesis, Kairi, with me in the building, everyone else, move to surround and cut off escape points before moving in! GO!"Kairi's fury and horror is already drawing concern down the web, before anyone can directly ask, Kairi sends the memory of the attack straight down the web.
"What the fuck!"

"Goodness!"

"Someone run and get medical down there."

"How could anyone..."

"Shut up!" came Elena's voice, "Keep the chatter down incase we need clear communications. Everyone in the building form up, gather supplies, whoever is closest to medical grab them, everyone else spread the word and get down there to support!"
Kairi tunes out the web now that the message has been sent. She does a mental tally that Elena did well to take command, before focusing on the building as she kicks in the door and moves in, Genesis right behind her, more SOLDIERs funneling in behind them. Sephiorth took the initiative to leap for a window as an alternative entrance. Wasn't like a rocket was going to do any real damage to him."Room to room," whispers Genesis, dangerously soft, "Captured preferred to be interrogated, but not necessarily in one piece."She doesn't need to be connected to the guys to know they're feeling savage glee at having permission to rough whoever these bastards are up. She hears gunfire from various parts of the building along with screaming. She bursts through a door, only for it to be empty, turning to go before...She sniffs.That smell...She turns back, eyes narrowed. She moves into the room, towards a mass of covered crates with...Her eyes flicker up....with cords running down the wall to them.She rips off the cloth, eyes going wide at what she sees, and screams at the top of her lungs both aloud and through the web, "THE BUILDING IS RIGGED TO BLOW! EVERYONE OUT!"She barely gets out of the room before she hears a beep, throws up the fastest barrier she can, and her entire world turns orange with fire...Kairi awakens slowly, groaning in pain, barely able to breath. She twitches, and finds herself crushed under who knows how many pounds of ruined building."F-fuck...," she chokes out, wincing.She can feel something metal skewered through her abdomen. Her legs and arms are definitely pasted, cant take more than short gasps of breath, so ribs and lungs are right along with it. She has an absolutely massive headache, which suggests she got a head injure along with it..."It was crushed until your cells pushed the offending object off and regenerated it," said Mother crisply, "You are most fortunate you are who you are or you would be dead."Kairi swallowed thickly. "Oh."Mother had said she could recover from down to a single cell... but Kairi really hadn't... well... been in a situation that highlighted just how absolutely extreme a recovery ability that could be. Even the dragon way back when hadn't pulverized her head."You'll need to get this rubble off you to finish healing anytime soon, as it is your body is stressed from pulling itself together from being crushed, partially incinerated, and pieces blown apart," hissed Mother, "Just relax until your children retrieve you."Kairi closes her eyes, taking in ragged shallow breaths. "I don't feel like I'm missing bits and pieces.""Your cells have a... certain pull to them that will draw pieces back to the whole," explained Mother in a cautious tone.Kairi doesn't have the energy or focus to try to pick apart that tone and those words. She feels frantic knocking at the edge of her mind from her children. She must have reflexively cut herself off from them to not pass down the pain. She tries to compact and push away her pain before she opens herself up and feels the absolute panic from them."Enough," Kairi orders down the web, "I am injured, but not dead. I will survive until someone digs me out, focus on anyone else you find first.""But...""That's an order," snaps Kairi.Genesis backs her up, and Kairi's not to lost in herself not to feel him in pain too. "Agreed, triage my dears, you know the drill. Focus on those who need immediate aid. We'll rescue your damsel of a mother after."Kairi sends a mental 'thwack' upside his head, earning tense chuckles from those who felt the knock. She lingers briefly, a private connection, a gentle nudge asking for his condition. Genesis brushes it off and doesn't answer. So, if he's not bemoaning his goddess, he's not lightly injured, somewhere between decently and heavily if he's clamming it down. He'd know better if it were a critical injury, they'd made sure of that after the degradation debacle. Definitely not unscathed, as he was on the same floor after all, if but down several hallways.She sighs weakly and closes her eyes, settling in to wait...Kairi is scarcely out of the infirmary, limbs still feeling stiff despite her own regeneration and a full cure, before she's practically dragged to a Board Meeting with every department head and the trio there. Sephiroth seems as unruffled as ever, Angeal looks a little crispy, a layer of dust still on him. Genesis...Parts of his coat are all that's left of it aside from his burnt pieces underneath.Goodness, he's probably more pissed about the loss of the coat than any injury he had healed off."How the hell did this happen?" demands the President once everyone is seated, "Who knows much gil in damages. Fifteen potential SOLDIER cadets killed by the rocket or gunned down, the rest in various stages of injury. Seven SOLDIERs killed when the building blew, ten more in critical condition if not crippled. An unknown number of staff and guards killed by the infiltrators on their way in. How the hell does this happen!? Veld!"Kairi swallows, reflexively checking the web. None of her girls are dead, she'd have known if they were, but there are a few closed off with pain radiating through their mental walls. If she isn't demanded elsewhere after, she's legging it back to the infirmary.Director Verdot cleared his throat. "We've only just started looking into this, Mr. President.""I want results within the next few hours Verdot, this cannot go unanswered or unpunished," demanded the President."Perhaps if SOLDIER would be willing to lend their youngest...?" posed Verdot."Agreed, I want 3rd Class Rui in the SND room looking through surveillance now!" barked the President, "2nd Class Kairi, bring her there immediately."Kairi nods. "Yes sir."She sends a nudge down to Shelke along with an apology before pushing the image of the SND chair to the girl. The reflexive grimace and distaste back from Shelke always makes Kairi chagrined to ask it of her. But better Kairi do it herself than others drag her daughter there. On the plus side at least, Kairi is out of the meeting less than a minute into it. On the down side, grumpy child, oh, and Tseng moving to fall into step next to her.She bites back her distaste and merely says, "Shelke will meet us along the way."Tseng nods curtly.They are quiet for a few minutes before he speaks, "Were any of your SOLDIERs...?""If they had, you'd know," she answered in a clipped tone. It's likely she'd have been ranting and raving worse than the President had been. As it is, seven of her brothers in arms along with fifteen hopefuls were dead. That was already bad enough. Not to mention the injuries...He nods, and goes quiet.They meet the littlest SOLDIER outside the SND room. Shelke is... special. Within SOLDIER. If Kairi is honest, considering Shelke's role, she should have been a Turk, not that she'd admit that to anyone but herself. Its more than likely Shelke will never leave on a normal mission, never be risked by management like that. Not when Shelke can parse through hours of camera footage from dozens of cameras in minutes. Not to mention parsing through electronic records and the internet. A rate that has steadily improved as the girl gets more experience in using her SND ability. Her role as a 'SOLDIER Security Specialist' despite only being eleven years old is, she quotes President Shinra 'a security goldmine'. As such, she doesn't even follow the normal 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class ranking. She wears a silver and navy blue modified mako suit. The suit had been a... precaution, in-case Kairi's cells didn't prevent or fix the damage of being enhanced at so young an age. Fortunately, her cells had. Unfortunately, it was discovered that Shelke's SND ability amplified when she had additional mako temporarily pumping through her veins.There was a reason Shelke hated the SND room. Like one of the Dialysis machine's she'd seen one of the fat pompous exec's using once for their blood while she was on guard duty, extra Mako was filtered into and out of her blood when she was hooked up to the SND network, enhancing her abilities. They couldn't do it permanently yet like 2nd and 1st class enhancements because of her young body. Shelke had once commented that it felt like she was burning the entire time she was on the machine, like fire through her veins. Its why Kairi or one of the other girls were always there with her, to share some of the burden through the mental web.Speaking of which. "Did anyone catch a glimpse of a face of one of those bastards?"She gets a blurry image pushed back groggily through the mental web, along with a sense of numbness. One of her girls likely on some pretty heavy painkillers to even effect a SOLDIER. She sends her thanks and love back, reaching to the mind to gently send them off to slumber, before taking the image, trying to focus some clarity into it, and pushing it to Shelke."One of the girls saw a face," Kairi offers, "Search for that one on the camera rolls to see if we can track down whoever the hell was targeting untrained kids.""Roger," affirms Shelke, setting the SND helmet on her head and diving in.Kairi watches as the mako suit starts to light up. Like glowing veins, mako pours through into Shelke. She does her duty as the SOLDIER mom and reaches through the web, siphoning off more than her fair share of the heat starting to build in Shelke's body. Then, well... then the magic happens.All throughout the SND room are huge monitors on the walls and computer stations between. Tseng is already walking among the employees, voice quiet but firm as he directs them to ready themselves to capture what Shelke sees and make a timeline out of it. Eventually Shelke wont even need the help, but for now, she's still learning and growing. Security camera footage from dozens of camera flash across the monitor at nausea inducing speeds libel to give people headaches. The screens briefly pause as Shelke identifies footage with the face, then another screen lights up matching other people the person interacts with.Its all kinds of amazing how in fifteen minutes flat literally days worth of looking through security records is done and they have footage of not only the man, but several of his accomplices and likely superiors from ALL throughout Midgar, not just the area surrounding the attack. The main two they catch giving out orders are a young woman, like... barely out of being a teenager if Kairi had to guess. And a thuggish looking man who stands protectively close to the lady."Shears," said Tseng slowly pointing at the man next to the lady, frowning thoughtfully, "A bandit and one of the few rival gangleader's opposed to Don Corneo in the slums. Has a vendetta against Shinra, but has never taken on a large nor public target like this before. This is incredibly bold from him."He tilts his head thoughtfully, eyes going to the woman. "Hmm...""Know her?" asked Kairi."Not off the top of my head," he murmurs, "But I think I might have seen her once, or at least a photograph of her somewhere. Specialist Shelke, please run her face against the company database on personnel and citizens, here or in other cities, towns, and villages.""Roger," confirms Shelke, parsing through for a single minute, "The security image loosely matches one Felicia Verdot from picture taken two year ago."Tseng freezes, face paling. "The directors presumed dead daughter?"Oh.Oh bloody hell.Kairi whistles. "This is going to be a mess.""Are you absolutely sure of this identification?" stresses Tseng.Two images come up, one of the woman in the slums, and one of a very, very similar looking woman at a graduation ceremony from her school being hugged by her father.Tseng swallows thickly. "I... have to inform the director of this immediately.""This isn't something that you Turks can keep quiet," warned Kairi in a low voice, "She got SOLDIERs killed. You can trust I will be informing the proper chain of command of this. In fact, let me escort you back to the board meeting."His jaw clenches for a moment. "Very well.""Keep on the lookout for them, Shelke," instructs Kairi, "I'll have a number of your sisters come and help with the heat from the suit.""Roger."Kairi is vindictive enough, over her being dumped into the labs at Verdot's hands, and over the dead SOLDIERs from the attack, to hope that this blows up magnificently in the Turk's faces. She is however more practical than vindictive, and will settle for it being dealt with quickly if it results in no more deaths to her kin. One dead SOLDIER is one dead SOLDIER to many. She is... very curious how a Shinra Director's daughter gets involved in something like this.She not-quite frog marches Tseng gleefully back to the board meeting, the gathered people coordinating strategy. President raises an eyebrow at the pair when they step in. "Something to report already?""Of a... sensitive nature...," began Tseng."Verdot, mind telling us what your daughter is doing what looks like leading the group that did the attack?" Kairi interrupts without a shred of mercy.Veld stares at her blankly as the room goes silent. "My what?"'Shelke, connect the image comparison to the board room's display,' Kairi directs her youngest daughter through the web.The screen flickers to life, and everyone's eyes turn to it. Then...Veld doesn't beg or plead or declare innocence or anything like she's hoping. Instead, he reaches across the table for Hojo, grabs him by his collar and drags him across roaring, "YOU SON OF A BITCH! You told me there were no survivors!""Sephiroth, separate them!" barked the President.Both men are picked up by the scuff of their neck and lift with such casual ease. The silver haired SOLDIER forcibly puts them back into their chairs, but remains behind Verdot, a cautionary warning hand on his shoulder.The President's eyes are narrowed as they shift between the two men. He glances back at the screen for a moment, jaw set. "Do we have a lock on their positions at the moment?"'Sector 6 slums,' Shelke relays to her when prompted, 'Near the broken playground, moving off for the moment deeper into the slums.'Kairi passes it along.The President takes in a breath and lets it out. "Verdot?""I didn't even know my daughter was alive," the man responds sharply, "I don't know what the hell's got into her.""Well, considering that Kalm was bombed..." poses Hojo.Kalm was what?! When the hell did that happen? Damn this company, a town gets bombed and its covered up so easily..."...are you sure its not revenge?" he finishes."I made my daughter more than aware of the dangers of crossing the company," said Veld flatly, "If she had an issue, she knows to bring it up to me.""Until further notice, you are under watch, and temporarily relived of your authority," said the President, "Basic procedure, I'm sure you understand. You're judgement would easily be compromised. Tseng can lead for the time being."Veld closes his eyes for a long moment. "And my daughter?""Retrieved alive," answered the President, "I want to know how deep this goes, names, finances, everything. That was military grade ordinances used. I want to know where and how this little group got them. The more she cooperates, the better off she'll be. As it is, and as a favor only for your years of loyal service to the company, its likely she is going to be under house arrest for a very, very long time rather than shot."Veld nods sharply. "Of course.""Rhapsodos, take your apprentice and a squad to neutralize this group," ordered the President, "Leadership alive is preferred, but the girl is the only one with an explicit no-kill order.""Yes sir," Genesis says with a nod, turning and walking out, "Come apprentice, its time to hunt.""I'll have Jessie come along, she's got a good knowledge of the slums," offered Kairi, "I'll send Elena back to the meeting to give status reports on our progress."Genesis nods and hesitates. "This will sound crass either way, but considering that your girls are more likely to walk off explosives than most SOLDIERs..."Kairi makes a displeased face. "Fine, I'll fill a squad with my girls."'Jessie," Kairi says sharply down the web, 'Grab any of your sisters from the slums, especially if its from Sector 6, and meet me by the entrance of HQ, we have our orders.'She gets an tense affirmative back. 'On my way mom.''Elena, status report duty with the big wigs,' ordered Kairi.She gets the feeling of 'ugh' from her daughter, but a confirmation none the less.A minute later, pulses race down the web, a presence of her child each, identifying who will be coming.'There's a slight complication with this one,' Kairi continues to them alone, 'Our primary target,' she flashes an image down the web, 'Is to be taken alive.'She flashes an image of Shears. 'He is also preferred alive, but that's negotiable.'Genesis butts in and steals her thunder. 'Everyone else is fair game my dears. The arrow has left the bow of the Goddess.'Kairi rolls her eyes at him. 'We will be teaching them about the consequences of going after soft targets like untrained kids.'She enjoys the pulse of almost feral-like anger down the web. When their is a union of purpose, of thought, of desire, of value, the sensation of the whole of the web in agreement is beyond bliss. She gets the faintest sense of guilt however from Genesis and shoots him a questioning look."I wish Shinra had held that value early in the War," he admits quietly.Kairi's jaw clenches tightly, but merely nods. In agreement. In acknowledgement of the subtle confession of his own. They are SOLDIERs, not saints. There will be a reckoning one day against Shinra's leadership, of that she is sure. One way or another. For now, they have a mission.Genesis fishes out his phone and calls ahead for a train to be cleared. He, her, and two sets of five make up their squad. Jessie and four will directly support her and Genesis, the other four will secure the area and both keep civilians out of the way along with catching any fleeing enemies.'They're splitting mom,' comes Shelke's voice down the web a few minutes after the train departs, 'The groups are separating. I'm not that good at reading lips yet, but... I think they're mentioning something about Junon?''Where is Felicia?' asks Kairi, tensing.'Still giving out orders and distributing the groups,' said Shelke, 'There... there's a lot more people involved than I thought. There's been dozens of people, and at least half wear hoodies so I can't get a good look at their faces. Currently, they're moving supplies out of a warehouse.'"They know Shinra is likely to be on the hunt sooner rather than later," murmured Genesis, "Cleaning their tracks then. Its likely they'd burn the warehouse after they are done.""Its a good thing we're on them within the same damn day then," gritted out Kairi, "Its frustrating to lose most of the small fry. But Felicia and Shears? They're not getting away."The train arrives roughly ten minutes later, and they move out quickly, closing in on their destination within ten minutes. "Jessie, go on ahead and pick off any lookouts. I want them caught by surprise and surrounded. We'll give them one chance to surrender, then we hit them hard."She pigy backs through Jessie's eyes watching as they scout the area. There's only one lookout, a sense of 'sloppy' coming off a scornful Jessie. Her slum child clenches a hand around the man's mouth and skewers him straight through from behind, waiting for the lookout to die before nudging them forward through the web. Kairi, Genesis and the five of them wait a moment for the other five to get into position before they burst forward. The kill the group of criminals hefting equipment out of the warehouse before they can even react, bursting inside not even thirty seconds after they began."Lay down your weapons and surrender!" barks Kairi as the criminals spin or drop what they're doing to face the group of SOLDIER.Felicia is thankfully still there. The woman spits on the ground, "Shin-Ra dogs, AVALANCHE wont surrender to fools and weaklings like you. We will destroy you, Shin-Ra, and all who threaten the planet!"AVALANCHE? She passes the name of the group down the web to Elena. She mildly contemplates the odd pronunciation of 'Shinra', maybe a hint of where she's been if she has an accent. She focuses. "That so Felicia? Think you're hot stuff do you?""Felicia?" posed the woman a frown on her face, "I don't know that name."Kairi studied her for a moment, studying the eyes but finding not a shred of guile or lies. A pinched expression crossing her face. "Amnesiac then. Guess that explains a few things."Genesis huffs. "Oh, that's grand. Amnesiac daughter of a Shinra director starts a rabble terrorist group aimed at downing the corporation. You could make a play out of this.""Must you Genesis?" lamented Kairi.Felecia narrows her eyes at Genesis, shifting her body and drawing a sword off her back, focusing and apparently determining him to be the greater threat. "Shin-Ra director's daughter... no, if that's who I was before, then I don't care. I was found by AVALANCHE, raised by them when I had no one else. They are my family, not some Shin-Ra lapdog! Down with Shin-Ra!"Kairi stares at her, incredulous. Is she seriously thinking on going toe-to-toe with a SOLDIER? Especially a 1st Class? Especially one of the trio?! She's out of her mind...Then Kairi frowns.Something is off.She becomes aware of tension radiating from the back of her mind, from Mother. 'Mother?'"She burns," hisses Jenova, hackles rising, "She carries burning within her."What?"You see, but you do not look," said Mother sharply, "Look. At. Her."Kairi closes her eyes for a moment, and like when she does with the web, she reaches out...She recoils instantly. The outline of the woman is like a burning underneath her eyelids. Her sword-hand especially is like its made of molten lava. Tension radiates off Kairi, a sensation of -danger- pulsing down the web. Her girls who are waiting for her signal pick up on it instantly and freeze where they are. Genesis either doesn't, or ignores it, giving the woman a mocking smile. "By all means, my lady. Impress me."Kairi opens her eyes, and she sees a fiery echo behind the woman. Smokey and inhuman in form, a presence, something... otherwordly. Something is wrong here. She speaks sharply, "Genesis!"He waves her off, saluting Felicia. "By all means miss Verdot.""My name," Felicia says sharply, "Is Elfe."Kairi's eyes go wide as the woman bursts forward at SOLDIER speed, SOLDIER 1st Class speed. Genesis barely has time to raise his sword to block, the blow sending him reeling. Felicia... Elfe... plants her foot into his chest and punts him through the damn warehouse wall."BACK!" roars Kairi aloud and down the web, "ALL SOLDIERs pull out NOW!"She's not risking her girls against someone who has trio-level of power. She charges forward as her girls pull out, determined to keep Elfe's attention, clashing her blade against the woman's and forcing her focus on her. Each parry, each block, sends a rattle down Kairi's arms. Its beyond alarming. How in the hell..."Hojo," snarls Kairi under her breath, before roaring down the web, 'ELENA! Ask Hojo how the hell Verdot's daughter is on par with a SOLDIER elite!'"Blow the warehouse!" yells Elfe as she tries to skewer Kari, "Then scatter and meet at the rendezvous!"Elfe isn't nearly as skilled or well trained as Kairi is, but holy shit she packs a damn punch. Kairi might have a ridiculous healing factor, but she is wary of trying to abuse it when Elfe can and will cut her limb from limb. She is driven out of the warehouse, and she gets a sense of fear from Shelke who can definitely now see the battle on camera. That sense escalates when she evidently passes it down the web.'Cut the damn fear!' demands Kairi sharply, 'I'm trying to focus!'Walls come up around the web instantly, and Kairi re-focuses. She redirects Elfe's blade to the ground and lashes out, bracer glowing with magic before she shoots a Bolt3 off her materia point blank. Elfe grunts, but is barely phased, freeing a hand to backhand Kairi across her face, definitely making a few teeth loose or crooked until her regeneration can deal with it, drawing blood and sending her staggering. Before Efle can pounce, a massive fireball shoots at her. She drives out of the way, letting it sail pass and explode into a pile of scrap."Well," drawled Genesis, looking quite ruffled, "I dare say lady Elfe, I'm impressed, and so very, very curious."Elfe salutes him mockingly.Then the warehouse explodes.Kairi is thrown away at the force of the explosion, as is Genesis. When they rise to their feet, there is fire and smoke everywhere. There is also a lack of Elfe."Dammit!" swears Kairi, 'Shelke, where is she?''Belay that,' orders Genesis, 'I'm pulling the mission. We are not chasing an enemy of this caliber through their preferred territory. We're more likely to fall into a trap, or for her to suddenly come out of nowhere, take us offguard, and kill us. And unlike most, she actually has the capacity to do so. We're not facing some unenhanced opponent, this woman demands a comprehensive strategy, especially as it appears she has a coordinated group behind her.'Kairi sends a pulse of agreement down the web and orders her girl on cleanup. 'See if we can't contain the fire. No need to let the slums burn.''I informed the President,' comes Elena's voice down the web, 'He's not thrilled. But he's a bit distracted with Verdot and Hojo. The Turk actually had his hands around the freak scientists throat at one point roaring 'you fucking experimented on my daughter!'. Is it bad if I was rooting for the Turk to kill him? I think Sephiroth was, the President had to order him to separate them again rather than him just doing it."Kairi twitches with amusement. 'I think we'll give it to Verdot this one time.'She frowns. 'Because this is yet another mess of Hojo's. It practically reeks of him.'She also feels an awkward sense of kinship with Elfe for being a likely experiment, even if its at extreme odds with the woman targeting cadets...The board room is tense when Kairi and Genesis return.Hojo has very visible bruising around his throat, and it is oh so satisfying to see. "Causing more messes for us Hojo?"The scientist wrinkles his nose. "In my defense, my aids had informed me all the specimens had been disposed of. I'm guessing they took that as let them loose into the wilds rather then put them down."Veld snarls at him. "I'm going to put a goddamn bullet through your skull!""Enough!" barked the President, "Veld, you have been an integral part of this company since you joined the administration, and considering this is yet another mess of the good professor's that shouldn't have happened I will be lenient and continue to offer my support and approval of retrieving your daughter. You must however be aware that this complicates things."Veld jabbed a finger at Hojo. "What the hell did you do to her?"He waves a hand towards the display screen, a brief loop of Genesis flying out of the warehouse wall, and Kairi's short duel with the woman, showing. "What sick shit did you do to my daughter?"Hojo wrinkles his nose. "Oh its nothing so barbaric. The Kalm specimen group was tested with materia grafting."Veld blinks. "Grafting?""We embedded materia into various body parts within a special graft that linked them to their nervous system," explained Hojo, "The experiment was mostly a failure. Most specimens either died from various feedback effects, killed themselves with uncontrolled magic, or failed to show any results at all."Veld's jaw clenches. "And what, exactly, did you put in my daughter?"Hojo adjusts his glasses briefly. "I'd have to have someone retrieve my notes on the project. I didn't bother learning something as unimportant as a specimen's identity."If Sephiroth wasn't there with a hand on his shoulder, Kairi is pretty sure Veld would have thrown himself at Hojo. "This is twice now, Mr. President, than Hojo has directly struck against the family of the Turks, and that's only whats known. If we went looking into your closet, how many of our skeletons would we find Hojo? Hmm? What about Vincent you bastard! He was reported dead by you after all, and what do you know, just like my daughter was!""Enough!" barked the President.'Vincent?' posed Kairi down the web to Genesis.'Old hotshot Turk, before our time, still sung as a legend if you hang out with the Turks,' he answered offhand, send a memory of an old picture along with a few stories of him, 'More than likely Verdot is spot on with that Turk's fate.'Kairi raises a single eyebrow at some of the memories fed to her. This 'Vincent Valantine' sounded like one Turk she wouldn't have lightly crossed."Veld is correct Hojo," remarked the President, "You are on dangerously thin ice. This, coming after the previous debacle? As of this moment, all of your funding is cut on review of each and every project you have going. I will personally decide on each of them whether they advance or are scrubbed. You move forward on what I decide from here on in Professor Hojo until you've earn the right and proven yourself responsible to supervise your own department without oversight again."He looks to Veld, wagging a finger at him. "Hojo is to not disappear or have a mysterious accident, am I clear?""Let it be warned and said, Rupert," said Veld in a dangerously soft voice, his fiery fury cooling into ice, "Most do not get the chance to cross a Turk twice. If this happens a third time, and he gets away with it yet again, then the Turks will be viewing this as a betrayal of our service."Kairi froze.Did he just...?President Shinra looks just as stunned. "Did you just threaten me?""Considering that the Turks own enough evidence to blackmail the Shinra Corporation into ruin, there is no need for something so quaint as threats," said Veld mildly, "We have a business arrangement that has worked well with the company for decades. WE have followed through with this arraignment without question, doing what was asked, no matter how grisly or difficult the deed, even if it ended up with our Turks dead in the end despite being put into missions and situations we should not be. Yet this is how we've been rewarded for our service? You have been very, very reckless with us for a very long time Rupert, we are not in the wrong here within the corporation, you know this."His eyes go hard. "The Turks are some of your most valuable assets. Start acting like it."President Shinra glowers for a long moment, jaw set. Slowly, his fury fades into a contemplative look. "You always were a shrewd man. Being this blunt is offkey for you Veld.""Everyone has their breakpoint Rupert," Veld answers, "You are coming dangerously close to mine by letting your little pet labcoat so far off the leash. Tightening it for a moment does not undo what has been done."President Shinra rubs his face tiredly for a moment. "I like a smooth business Veld, you know this. This disaster was never in my desires, I have lost both future and current assets out of this, and we are now unfortunately at odds. I have always appreciated your service. I do not wish us to be opponents, Veld.""Then consider who is more valuable, the Turks, or a replaceable scientist," said Veld flatly, "You have more than enough SOLDIERs to cover for decades for someone to reverse engineer his formulas and to burn through the current stockpile. This is the final line. If he crosses it again, you better be ready to make a choice. And, as fair warning, if I end up suddenly unexplainably or conveniently dead, the Turks go live with what we have."President Shinra gives him a hard look before nodding. "The final line then. See to it you do not cross it Hojo. You are valuable to me, but you are not worth more than the entire Turk department and the damage a confrontation of such would be. Especially with your very evident lack of progress on the matter of the Promised Land."The whatnow?For once Hojo actually looks... not frightened, but wary. Tense. His voice quiet. "Of course, Mr. President."The President's eyes narrow. "Your progress with the female division of SOLDIER was good, but as of recently, I have yet to see much else out of you of exceeding worth. Start producing results Hojo, consider this your official and last warning. I want a report of the grafting project on my desk by tomorrow morning the latest."Hojo nods, but doesn't speak otherwise.Why can't they just kill the bastard?!"Now, Felicia, or I believe 3rd Class Elena passed on that she was called Elfe?" posed the President."The Turks will neutralize and capture her," said Veld crisply, voicing his own declaration that he was getting involved despite the President's previous order.The President hesitates for a split moment, but obviously decides not to contest Verdot on this. "You have a method to do so?""Several.""You have ways to neutralize someone of SOLDIER strength huh?" drawled Kairi, "Does any of your methods work on a SOLDIER above 3rd, or even 2nd class? Because need I remind you she punted Genesis through a wall. No one aside from the trio can actually beat her one on one, I might be able to keep her busy but I sure don't have her stopping power. A coordinated team could take her down, but again, if the aim is to capture alive, that complicates things greatly. Its likely someone would die even if we weren't aiming to take her alive, and Verdot? I will not sacrifice one of my daughters for yours."Veld eyes her for a long moment. "Noted."She gives him a nasty look. "Not nice being on the other side of the Hojo, is it?""How many times must I say enough?" demanded the President, "I expect a united front in handling this terrorist group, this AVALANCHE. Is that clear?""Yes sir," gritted out Kairi, "But Veld? You spoke of lines? If she kills one of my daughters, that's my line I will not allow crossed unscathed.""Then it is fortunate I do not require any but the top of SOLDIER for assistance," answered Veld coldly, "What SOLDIER assets are available for this, Rupert? Lazard?"Lazard flicks his wrist. "Take who you need. SOLDIER lost some of our own and several hopefuls, we want this ended swiftly and decisively.""Agreed," said President Shinra, "Up to and including Sephiroth himself are at your disposal to handle this. Speaking of which, you may be seated."Sephiroth slowly moves away from his spot behind Verdot, eyes calculatingly flickering around the room.Scarlet clears her throat. "Machine and heavy asset ordinances are available as well.""With careful targeting only," informed Veld, "But yes, your division's assistance will be appreciated."Veld looked to Tsueti, "Reeve, I need the Midgar schematics. Any spot that doesn't have a camera needs one installed. I want full coverage of Midgar from here on out, especially in the slums. Do we have blueprints of Junon anywhere? I believe Specialist Rui mentioned something about AVALANCHE and Junon?""They can be delivered," agreed the President, a dark look on his face, "This 'AVALANCHE' choose poorly in attacking us. The Wutai War is years over, there are no major events going on, we have no other distractions. SOLDIER has never been stronger, Turk recruitment last I heard was above average these last few years as well. Military?"Heidegger huffed. "Ready and willing, sir. Give us the word, and we'll march and stamp out this AVALANCHE.""They have to know they can't match us head on," commented Lazard mildly, "Its likely it will be guerilla warfare again.""How fortunate that we had such a war not too long that gave us such experience," countered Heidegger scornfully."Yes, but the Wutai didn't have rocket launchers," retorted Lazard, "Speaking of which...""I'll have a team looking into where and how," said Veld, he glances at Kairi, "Specialist Rui's assistance would be largely appreciated, for both camera work and parsing through purchasing and bank records.""Just remember, she might be a SOLDIER, but she is not a machine, and she is still a child," warned Kairi, "She has limits.""Of course," he agreed before giving her a considering her a considering look, "Amnesiac or not, Felicia is not suicidally stupid. She'll engage Sephiroth if she has to I imagine, but I doubt she'll do so if she has a choice. You are a target she is much more likely to go after.""Bait?" asked Kairi dryly."A public enemy to AVALANCHE," said Veld smoothly, "I'd like to plaster your face over the anti-AVALANCHE efforts. Vengeful SOLDIER mom has certain ring to it, and you are a far more sympathetic figure for the public.""Used to be me," mused Angeal.Kairi rolled her eyes. "Do what you will. Are we making her public enemy number one?"Veld considers it briefly. "The name Elfe and a vague description yes, but not Felicia.""Just as a warning, she didn't care when Genesis mentioned that she had a director as a father," Kairi warned mildly.Veld gave her a level stare. "Once Felecia has been captured the Turks will handle her detainment and integration.""Integration?" she asked skeptically."We will see if we can jog her memories and if we do, judge from there," said Veld calmly, "If that fails, or she still proves hostile..."A pained looked crossed his face briefly. "She's objectively done well for losing her memories once."Kairi blinks, not missing what he implied. Holy shit, that's cold. "You'd mind wipe your own daughter?""If that's what needs to be done to keep her from becoming a danger to her own survival," he answered, "I've raised her once I can do so twice."I.E. being an active threat to a company and having a target on her back. She's not going to ask how they'd wipe her memories. Kairi frankly doesn't want to know...Kairi steps out of Shinra HQ, taking in a breath of smoggy air and exhaling in frustration. She's eating out on her last light in Midgar for awhile. Tomorrow its a press conference, then she's being flown to Junon. She wants something... nice and expensive. Knowing her luck she'll barely have time for ration bars from here on in. She takes a few steps down before hearing a faint sniffle. She turns her head to see... the two cadets she recalls from the attack, both still thankfully alive and sitting on a bench. She still faintly recognizes the girl as the tour guide from Nibelheim but for the life of her can't recall the name. The boy... she thinks is also from there...He also isn't in a cadet uniform anymore.Washed out already? How the hell did he manage that?"Something wrong?" she poses.The boy is too miserable to look up, the girl to focused on her friend. The spiky blond speaks up, "F-failed out. Dreams shot just over a Nibel-damn fluke."Yep, nailed it. Fluke though? "What happened?""They gave me the test shot, body won't be able to handle the mako apparently," said the spiky blond bitterly, "Just a little bit really messed me up for a few hours."The girl rubbed his back. "Hey, it'll be alright Cloud."Kairi stared at the pair for a moment, a small frown on her face. Awful shame for the both of them to have come all the way from Nibelheim just for one to lose their dream on being SOLDIERs together...She tilted her head thoughtfully before reaching for and thumbing open her thumb, dialing a number she'd never ever willingly called before. "Hojo.""Well well well, if it isn't Specimen K," came the nasally and very sour voice, "Called to gloat?""Can the girl's formula be adapted for males?" she cut straight into it, watching as Cloud and the girl's head snapped up to her, both of their eyes going wide when they realized who was standing in front of them, "I know there was the whole Genesis thing, but that was... different.""Hmm," mused Hojo, "Is there a reason you are asking this?""One of the cadets has a mako tolerance issues for the guy's formula.""Ah," he said, "Well now, that's a thought. Though its likely whichever specimen you are asking on behalf of will need a dosage of your cells first well before the mako is introduced for assimilation to them in order to circumvent the tolerance issue. Yes... yes... a new experiment. Fascinating.""Hojo," she said in a warning tone."Yes yes yes I've heard all of the threats," snapped Hojo, "Assuming there are no dire side effects, I will try not to damage the specimen beyond normal operating expectations.""I'm filled with confidence," she answered flatly."It is in my own interests to see that this works smoothly," he rebutted, "The President is in need of a reminder that I am an invaluable genius. Making sure we don't lose any potential candidates to something mundane like mako intolerance will reinforce this."Ah dammit... she's not in the habit (ever) of getting Hojo out of the hot seat, but...She had her girls. She had Genesis, her 'Chosen One' as Mother called him. She had yet to have a son. She eyes the hopeful blond boy. Soon though... soon."Have the specimen sent to the labs, have him check in at the front... as a volunteer for the Project K Tolerance Test," ordered Hojo before hanging up.Kairi passes on the instructions to the boy who looks like hes about to cry with relief that his dreams aren't shattered. "T-thank you miss..."She holds up a finger. "Just be sure about this. There are always risks when something new like this is tested. I'm confident he can adapt the girl's version of the SOLDIER serum, but...""Its fine," he said, standing up from the bench with a puff that amuses Kairi greatly, "I didn't come all this way to back down now."The girl bites her lip, worry clear on her face, but doesn't argue against him. Instead she turns back to Kairi and gives her a smile. "Thank you for going out of your way to help."Kairi waves it off. "Its not a problem.""Don't suppose we'll be seeing more of you when training starts?" asks the girl, slightly leaning forward eagerly, hands clasped behind her back."Unfortunately no," shot down Kairi, watching the girl's face fall, "SOLDIERs aren't allowed to interfere with the cadet process once the training starts. Besides..."Her face turned dark, making them twitch back. "Starting tomorrow, I'm part of the task force going after the bastards who attacked you cadets."That got a grim look from the girl. "Give em' hell for me. Getting shot hurt!"Kairi blinks and looks her over. The girl pulls down her shirt a bit over her shoulder, revealing a cured over bullet wound, a scar all that's left. "Badge of honor already huh?"The girl snorts, fixing her shirt. "If you wanna call it that, sure."She sighed sadly. "I suppose I'm lucky, we're lucky, that we didn't die."Kairi nods. "You are."Her phone vibrates, she glances down at the text flashing across it. 'I demand takeout apprentice! Feed me!'"Gotta go," says Kairi, giving them a nod before heading off as if she were going somewhere important and not just hitting a restaurant. She'll decide on whether Genesis gets food on her gil or not after she's full.Tee hee."Good luck!" calls out Cloud."Stay safe!" calls out the girl.It occurs to Kairi she should have asked for the girl's name, but, she figures she'll learn when the girl makes SOLDIER. The drive to come across the world to try out for SOLDIER isn't a small one. She's confident the girl will make it. Just as she's confident she'll get a son soon. Just as she's confident she's going to destroy this group of terrorists...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

If they thought Veld's daughter being involved was the biggest scandal of the whole AVALANCHE thing, they were sorely mistaken.Kairi had expected to be on the helicopter to Junon by now, but when Shelke informs her down the web that she's traced a connection from Rufus Shinra to AVALANCHE, well... things got a whole lot more complicated. She stands a bit behind Shelke in support as the girl quietly debriefs the Board of Directors. She shows each interaction: Rufus donating money to some fake charity or investing in a startup that doesn't exist. The money changes hands to a new bank account. A recording of a person physically withdrawing it before depositing it into another account or the money changing hands, and several bank accounts, before a person Shelke had identified as an AVALANCHE supporter finally withdraws the money for its purposes in AVALANCHE.Not to mention that Rufus Shinra can apparently requisition equipment, have it disappear into the unknown, and no one ever questioned him on it. It would seem having the name Shinra lets you get away with absolutely everything so long as it doesn't damage the company. Utterly ridiculous. He also had access to sensitive and military files and information; Shelke had compiled a list of everything he had ever accessed and downloaded or printed out as potential damage that could have been given to AVALANCHE.She didn't know most of the stuff off the list with various project titles, but things like -Reactor Guard Shifts- seemed like very, very terrible things to give to a terrorist organization. Shelke had security footage of what appeared to be an AVALANCHE member sniffing around outside Reactor Eight a day before the Attack on the Cadets, but apparently even with the schedule there were to many SOLDIERs and troopers on duty to take a crack at. At least, when compared to taking out SOLDIER hopefuls and thus taking out future dangerous assets.Shelke finished up by presenting a conversation taped by a hidden elevator camera between Rufus and Lazard awhile back, AKA the apparent Shinra bastard child..."...I need an answer soon brother," said Rufus in a mocking tone, "I know that you had... intentions... with Hollander that..."
"That I had never given him a firm answer to nor offered any support at the time, as I wanted to see what Genesis would actually do VS what Hollander was leading me on with," interrupted Lazard smoothly, "Which turned out to be the much wiser decision. You've been away too long Rufus, not paying nearly enough attention. This isn't the same Shinra that you left prior to your little tours and business trips."

"Hardly," scoffed Rufus.

Lazard shakes his head. "Rufus, as much of an aggravation you've been to me, I will still warn you, so listen, and listen well. We both have issues with our... sire. But those issues are not worth dying for. T
he Shinra Corporation is more powerful than ever. SOLDIER was a small division before the war, recruitment picking up with the popularity of Sephiroth, and then both Genesis and Angeal. Adding Kairi into the equation tipped that even more with the opening of the female division. Their numbers are more than quadruple what they were at the start of the war, and that's expected to keep increasing as certain sections of the population age into the appropriate range. Tell me, do you know the exact number of SOLDIERs under Shinra employ? Its in the multiple hundreds and climbing, we'll break a thousand easily within the next two decades. Think on that. A single SOLDIER is capable of superhuman feats and are ridiculously difficult to take down, not even considering Kairi's girls and their enhanced regeneration. Shinra has an army of them. That still fails to consider, of course, that Sephiroth, Angeal, Genesis, and likely Kairi when she reaches first class, are each capable of taking out an entire army of unenhanced on their own with ease."

"And if their opposition were to be enhanced?" posed Rufus.
Lazard blinked at him. "I'm going to do you the curtsy, brother, and pretend I didn't hear that as its evident you are failing to hear me. Whatever you are planning, stop and get out of it. You're set to inherit the company when the President passes. Ruin that if you want, but don't get me involved."
"I will be the President of the company, sooner or later," warned Rufus as Lazard pressed the button to open the door, "And I have a long memory."

Lazard hummed and walked out without further comment.
Lazard clears his throat."In my defense, I did not know exactly what Rufus was planning, and I advised him to stop whatever he was."President Shinra waves it off, just staring at the display screen, lost in thought for a very, very long time. No one else has dared to speak since the presentation finished. Kairi places a hand on Shelke's shoulder, squeezing gently and sending approval and praise down the web to her before they move to take their seats. Her daughter did well, exceptionally well, for such a short time. In the duration it had taken Kairi to do her press conference lambasting AVALANCHE as terrorists and murderers who had killed kids, she'd obliterated the secrecy of AVALANCHE's benefactor with ease. Honestly... Shelke was kind of scary like that, and she was still relatively new at what she was doing, not even two years of experience with SND yet.Rufus Shinra should have spent more time at HQ, if he had, perhaps he would have understood what Shelke was capable of and that his ambitions were utterly foolish and doomed to fail. Even more... she considers Lazard's words on their numbers. She's mainly focused on her girls, but she is aware that the guys still double them, likely there will always be more guys as SOLDIERs than girls. All things considered... there's what, two classes per year of cadets. The first two after Hojo adapted his formula for females were huge for both genders funny enough, but the third and fourth generations had tapered off to a combined class of sixty-three and fifty-five, this fifth generation had been tiny even without AVALANCHE's attack. There were one-hundred and twenty-one of her girls as of the moment, and she was pretty sure there were close to three hundred of the guys. Of course, the rank/age range were all heavily slanted towards third class. But still...Almost five-hundred SOLDIERs.Almost five-hundred people with unreal superhuman strength.Four of which, as Lazard highlighted, go even drastically beyond that.When she actually contemplates it, wraps her mind around the sheer power of this group, its a little mind-boggling.Mother chuckles softly in the back of her mind. "When the time comes my child, it will be so easy..."President Shinra clears his throat. "Sephiroth.""Yes sir?""You will be traveling to Junon with 2nd Class Kairi and... escorting Rufus back to HQ," he said in a hard tone."Of course, sir.""Once Rufus is here in custody, Verdot, you have my clearance for full interrogation.""Full?""Full," confirmed President Shinra, "As of this moment, all of that little shit's privileges are privately revoked. I'd cut everything right away if it wouldn't tip him off. Whether he makes it out of this alive or not depends very much so on both his cooperation, and how much more damage this AVALANCHE manages to do before they are nipped in the bud. Regardless of that..."He looks at Lazard for a long moment. "You, Lazard, are hereby named my successor to the Presidency of the company. We will have to go over the paperwork and discuss our... differences... that you mentioned to the traitor son, but I don't foresee any true difficulties since you seemed much more capable of thinking things through rather than committing to foolishness."Veld cleared his throat. "He had considered it at one point.""Of course he had," said the President mildly, "I would have too all things considered. Would have been stupid not to do so with the implications. If Hollander had succeeded in manipulating a desperate and degrading Rhapsodos away, its likely he would have gained both Heweley, as he is Rhapsodos's childhood friend, along with any men loyal to both of them, and Kairi along with her division within SOLDIER. Sephiroth is powerful, but outnumbered three to one odds in both SOLDIERs and SOLDIER elites, even he had his limits."Kairi crossed her arms, but said nothing. Angeal fidgeted in his seat, opening and closing his mouth, but ended up wisely saying nothing as well.The President smiled grimly, withdrawing a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up, taking a puff before speaking, "I am not unaware of how dangerous that situation could have been. It could have destroyed SOLDIER, destroyed the company itself if it had gotten bad enough.""I suppose Sephiroth going with us would too absolutely catastrophic to consider," mused Genesis softly.Kairi glanced briefly at him, surprised he'd openly admit that Sephiroth would even think to do so. Had the pair actually sat down and talked when she hadn't been looking? Was the tooth fairy real? Did miracles happen? All excellent questions.The President took out his cigarette for a moment, rolling it between his fingers in consideration, before he put it back in and completely ignored the comment. "You can trust, ladies and gentlemen, that once this AVALANCHE crisis is dealt with things will be changing, and yes, considering all the information the traitor gave them, it could easily become a crisis."Changing?Changing how?"May we ask how things will change?" posed Reeve carefully."I don't have answers to give at this time," answered the President, "The Shinra Corporation has been admittedly... lax and perhaps careless, with certain assets, and evidently too free with its trust as well with those who should not need to be watched. My thoughts on the subject are simple: I don't care anymore if you or your family were part of the original investors in the company, or you head a department or a key project. Shinra is already rich, already in control of the entire world. There are no other challengers anymore that do not start from within Shinra itself. The only way the Corporation falls is if it destroys itself, and I will not see that happen."He gave each person in the room an appraising look. "As such, loyalty and results are to be rewarded. You do your jobs, you do them well, and there will be no problem. If issues come up, you put them through the proper channels. You do this, and you will not only live a prosperous life within the corporation, but have a lofty retirement awaiting you."Kairi huffed, drawing his attention. "You have something to say?""If were pointing out issues and laying cards on the table, then I am going to freely admit that I've heard that for critical assets, the only way out of the Shinra Corporation is in a body bag," she dared.Dead silence filled the room. Genesis goes dead still in the web, cold dread rippling from him.Mother hissed. "You foolish child! You would risk this provocation? Now? Before you've attained the last enhancements or reunited with me?""I have faith in my brothers and my children," was all she retorted.The President regarded her for a long moment. "You have not thought to bring up this... concern before now?""No.""Why?""Because I thought it would neatly solve itself one way or the other once one of the trio decided they wanted to retire," she answered with a mockingly sweet smile.He narrows his eyes at her.She just keeps smiling, a certain edge to it. "Perhaps you should remember, President Shinra, of the four head SOLDIERs, I'm the one who was recruited by abduction and waking up in a cage to be experimented on followed by a year of what can nicely be summed up as torture under Hojo's hands if we're being civil."Most don't blink, but she does get a twitch of surprise from Director Tuesti, horror briefly on his face before he masks it.President Shinra considers her for a long moment. "What would you want as reparations?"She slow blinks.Is she dreaming? 'Genesis, am I dreaming? Or is he smartening the fuck up?'All she gets is a sense of numb surprise from him. And a mental pinch to prove she's not asleep.Well then.Perhaps Shinra was finally realizing just how precarious his position was. Finally realizing what he needed to NOT do. I.E. not push his SOLDIERs into killing him. Because really, he has no actually way to stop SOLDIER if they turned on him. None at all. Almost five-hundred and counting superhuman beings that he cannot stop if they go for a coup. Its about time he recognized it."There are several things I consider to be unconditional and non-negotiable," she began slowly."Which are?""First and foremost, none of my girls suffers any sudden or mysterious disappearances or unexplained deaths," she said in a warning tone, "I've already warned Hojo that he dies if they do, but I'm flat out putting it out there. If there is an issue from them, bring it to my attention. If its severe, we'll discuss it like, oh how would you say, reasonable businessmen and woman?"He gives a simple nod, obviously something he would expect."Two, the moment Hojo steps out of line one more time, his life is mine to do with as I see fit," she said firmly.Hojo raises a single unimpressed eyebrow at her, seeming completely unfazed that she demanded the right to kill him however she wanted."Not unexpected considering past circumstances," said the President, a slight frown on his face, "I would suggest, Professor, that you are very, very careful and efficient in your work from here on in, because I am inclined to agree."Hojo hummed, but didn't speak."I will make a covet to that."Kairi blinked and looked to Sephiroth in surprise. "Yes...?""You forget, you were abducted into his labs, I was born in them," and for once, Kairi sees undisguised hatred in Sephiroth's eyes for Hojo, and it sends a chill down her spine. She swears the room feels cold, even Mother shrinks back briefly to the edge of Kairi's mind at the oppressive sensation. Then its gone, "I have asked very little of this company, but that, I will ask if it is to occur."Now the President twitches, a bead of sweat rolling down his face."I'm fine sharing," Kairi says, smiling sweetly.Its so nice so see so many united in their hatred of Hojo."Was there anything else?" asked the President."Three," she picks up, "Me and my girls, no, anyone who comes to bear my cells, will not, ever, be subjugated to experimentation we do not explicitly agree to."That gets an easy enough nod, something he decided he was prepared to give up.She considers if she could possibly demand Mother's freedom...She gets a sharp pinch of warning in the back of her mind from Mother and decides against risking them knowing she knows of Mother's existence.She frowns in thought, trying to think of anything else major...A minute passes before Shinra poses, "I'm surprised you're not asking for your 1st class promotion."Kairi bristles instantly. "1st Class must be earned."There is an air of approval from all three of the trio at that."If there is nothing else then...?" asks Shinra."I mean, I don't care about money, nor material possessions," she muses, tilting her head, "I have my girls, I've secured their safty to a degree, got shared kill-rights on Hojo...""Ah," she says, giving Sephiroth a sheepish look, which he raises an eyebrow at, "I know I just said I don't want to be freely given 1st Class, and this is a perk of 1sts, but, the right to decline certain missions I disagree with would be... appreciated."Lazard smiled a little. "We already screen your missions to a certain degree."Kairi blinked, a little startled. "Why?""You have a habit of going of course on things you 'disagree with' as you said," said President Shinra mildly, "You are a valuable asset otherwise, so mitigating that effect with what mission you receive is a small price to pay."Kairi frowns, head turning to bore into Genesis. He gave a shrug. "I didn't know.""You have had the same for years while we're on that topic," said Lazard dryly, "You're just so much of a drama queen for anything to be a safe bet.""Hey!""He's kind of got you pegged Genesis," said Angeal, grinning."If we can get back on topic," reprimanded the President, "If there is nothing else 2nd Class Kairi...?""...maybe tone down the PR? After AVALANCHE is stopped anyway."He doesn't seem phased by the request, more to it, he regards her with an air of skepticism. That she's not demanding more. But really, basic human decency and safety for her family is all she really wants. Okay, and revenge on Hojo. Really, she should have just outright asked to kill him.The President moves on, eyes still on her. "Sephiroth will be leaving with you to apprehend the traitor, but primarily, we are placing all SOLDIER operatives assigned to dealing with AVALANCHE under your command. Consider this a test of your ability to command in the middle of a crisis, and how you deal with said crisis."The way he phrased that...Even if he offered it earlier, he's gunning for her getting 1st class anyway. Girl nixes terrorist organization, gets promoted to 1st class, good publicity for both Shinra, SOLDIER, and her. Something to mitigate and divert away from AVALANCHE and whatever damage it might cause between now and then.She nods. "How many?""You may take a squad of your own hand picked for this," he offers, "Any SOLDIER you meet on the field of duty may be diverted away from their duties to aid you if need be. Those stationed at Junon may be requisitioned. You'll need to speak with Heideger, but I'm sure he can devote a few squads of infantry to accompany you, and of course, I believe Veld mentioned he wanted to involved with capturing his wayward daughter.""You did say that Tseng would be in command of the Turks for now," mused Veld, "I'm fine with leaving him here to run things. This requires a personal touch."Oh yay.She got to work alongside Veld Verdot.Joyous days.Speaking of Felicia. "Do we know yet what materia was embedded in her?"Hojo shifts a folder of paper on the table. "A broken summon materia was put into her hand."Kairi slow blinked. "A summon materia.""Yes, that's what I said."That could explain the extra strength. But still, that power boost... did she have Bahamut or something? What kind of summon pumped her up to trio level of power without an ounce of mako or Mother in her? "Which summon?""I don't know.""You... you put an unknown summon materia into someone," said Kairi slowly, incredulously before she shakes her head, "No, what am I saying, of course you did.""Does it matter if its broken or not?" asked Verdot, a frown on his face.Hojo shrugged. "I don't know. The materia never activated one way or another so I deemed it a failure.""I wonder if it was Ifrit," mused Kairi, "I don't think its strong enough, but it would explain the burning.""The...what?" asked Veld."I felt... like when I reach out and feel her, that she's this burning presence, her hand looked like it was made of molten lava. She had a kind of fiery echo behind her," explained Kairi, before noting the blank looks from most non-SOLDIERs, "Enhanced senses thing.""Right...," said Veld, tilting his head back, "I'll get someone researching all summons or folklore on beings related to fire. Could be useful knowledge if whatever it is ever comes out.""I really hope it doesn't," admitted Kairi, "Being in her presence was the first time in a very, very long time I actually felt endangered and threatened, and that was before I even knew she was that empowered."Sephiroth frowned intently. "Kairi, I ask for an honest answer, do you believe you can handle this assignment?""I mentioned yesterday that I don't think I can beat her one on one," admitted Kairi, "But I can contain her and wear her down until Director Verdot can enact whatever he has planned. She's unskilled in combat and throws her power around. Genesis got punted mostly because he wasn't expecting that kind of power. We know loosely what we're up against now. I..."She frowned. "I don't think it was necessarily Felicia I felt threatened by. Whatever that summon is, its not something as simple as a Choco/Mog. I really, really, don't think we want to put to the test as to the 'why' the summon materia isn't working outside of empowering her. I have a bad vibe about this whole thing.""Something to be extracted from her and secured away for safekeeping and careful study then," agreed Verdot, "I have a team ready to depart with me in a separate helicopter to prep for Junon. There is ofcourse the potential that she wont be there or will be directing things from afar, but groundwork needs to be laid. There is also a... request I have, Mr. President, that I'm unsure of so I am open to input.""Which is?""I'm considering if we should try to get Legend back into the fold."President Shinra choked on his cigarette smoke for a moment, waving his hand to clear it out and coughing. "No. I am more than comfortable with him staying in retirement where he's not causing more trouble then Rhapsodos and his apprentice put together."Kairi raised an eyebrow, looking at Genesis, who looks kind of clueless. Its Sephiroth who appears to know this 'Legend'. He explained quietly, an air of discomfort about him, "Back in the early part of the Wutai War, when I was... thirteen. Legend was an integral part of our forces. I became known as a demon, he had been known as a death god."Kairi slow blinked. "What did he do?""What didn't he do would be the more accurate question," said Veld mildly, "There are reasons that the early skirmishes were so... civilian casualty heavy for the Wutai after all.""And you wanted him back why?" posed Kairi warily."Because he'd have a more keener understanding of how AVALANCHE would operate since they seem to follow the same motto.""I'm sure we can manage," she retorts, "Especially since we're aware of their... benefactor. Not to mention... President, is there a way to link Shelke to Junon without her physically being there?"President Shinra pauses to consider it. "Reeve?""I don't see why not," mused Tuesti, glancing at Shelke, "I'm surprised she hasn't connected to their mainframe yet actually."Shelke shifts uncomfortably in her chair. "Don't know how to safely connect to networks outside of Midgar.""Safely?""I tried following an email to the Junon servers once," mumbled Shelke, "But I had to come back, it felt like I was going to lose my way back to my body."Reeve nods slowly. "I'm glad you did come back then. We can test your reach by setting up temporary servers set distances outside of Midgar, and see if we can't figure out a work around. Does that sound alright?"Shelke glances up at Kairi."So long as its done very, very carefully," warned Kairi."Of course," he agreed readily, "I look forward to working alongside Specialist Rui."Shelke gives a hesitant smile, though through the web Kairi detects her poking people about the man in question. Nothing inherently bad is returned, apparently, he is one of the few directors that people have a decent opinion of. If but considering him a bit useless. Shelke relaxes just a tad, which is more than she does for anyone not of her family or extend family via the guy SOLDIERs."If that is all...?" poses the President, waiting a moment, then nodding crisply, "Good, we all have a lot of work to do. I will be individually meeting with department heads to go over policy, project, and funding management at a later date. Within the year, I fully expect AVALANCHE neutralized, our house cleaned, new policy and management decisions enacted, and business to have resumed to a new normal operations.""Make it happen people."Kairi ends up deciding a smaller and more mobile team is better.She takes Elena, Jessie, and two squads of troopers with her. She's splitting her girls up into team leads, both commanding a squad each and taking their own helicopters. Veld will be sending a Turk with each, Gun with her sister, Shuriken with Jessie. Kairi will delegate certain investigation and protection details to her girls, or coordinate an offensive. Otherwise, Kairi is going to take a page out of her and Genesis's Wutai War handbook and front-load most of the responsibility onto herself. She has regeneration capabilities beyond anyone else, just like she did in the war, she is going to abuse that to hell and back.Because no one but Felecia herself can stand a prayer against driving Kairi off.Her, Sephiroth, Veld, and two more Turk's he has chosen to personally assist him, Reno and Rude, pile into the final helicopter, and then all three are in the air making their way to Junon."Coordination time then I suppose," mused Kairi, "I can keep an open connection to my girls to pass on anything relevant.""Nifty," said Reno, "Hows that com-uni-cation when they're gettin busy?"Rude sighs, but says nothing."Reno, mind out of the gutter and focus," said Veld mildly."Ah bossman, yer no fun sometimes," whined Reno.Kairi kicks his shin not-to-lightly, earning a pained yelp."Thank you," continued Veld, "Now, we have a few critical assets both being delivered to, and at, Junon. My suspicion for AVALANCHE's target at Junon is the Sister Ray.""The big-waste-of-gil-way-to-big-cannon?" asked Kairi."Yes," Veld answers simply, whether he agreed or didn't care to argue she didn't know, "What most don't know is that up until yesterday, the President was supposed to be going to Junon for an inspection and announcement about the Sister Ray. He held off on it after the attack, and now we have no intention of sending him there anytime soon. Rufus knew he was going to be there, but now he and AVALANCHE don't know about the change. So I expect they were planning on setting up for a two-for-one attack, killing the President along with either damaging or destroying the Sister Ray."Sephiroth hummed. "I imagine Rufus would have conveniently left a day or two before the attack.""Most likely.""Better question actually," said Kairi warily, "Last I heard, that thing was still having some last minute construction. That was awhile ago. This 'announcement', is the cannon operational now?"Veld pauses for a single moment. "Yes."Sephiroth clears his throat. "Should I send Rufus back to Shinra tied up and stay here myself? If they were to capture the cannon and fire it at Midgar..."The casualties would be catastrophic. Like, everyone in the entire city blow to bloody bits either from the initial hit, or when all the Mako Reactors explode. Apparently Rufus Shinra doesn't give a shit about terrorists getting that kind of weapon that could result in the deaths of every single person in Midgar. Okay. Yep. She wont care in the slightest, hell, she'll applaud if he just mysteriously disappears and is never seen from again after all this.She's not interested in her girl's getting vaporized, at all. Hell, she doesn't know if she herself could survive anywhere close to a direct hit from that thing."Not this body, no," admits Mother, "But a single cell, even adapted from your children, is enough for you to be reborn."...
What?!
"How does that even work?" Kairi demands."Focus on the here and now," chides Mother.Veld frowns thoughtfully. "We could make a show of it, have you escorting Rufus into a helicopter, heck we don't even have to let him know he's being arrested. Just lie and say his father recalled him for his own saftey after the AVALANCHE attack. Once he's in the helicopter, stun him, leap out part of the way back to Midgar, and return to Junon quietly.""Do you have anyone unquestionably loyal to you here in Junon, Veld?" asked Sephiroth, "Rufus cannot be allowed to escape or bribe his way to freedom.""Yeah, I can get a babysitter for the brat's return to Midgar," agreed Veld, before shifting, "However, I said for you to quietly return for a reason.""You'll scare them off if its apparent you are still there," agreed Kairi, "And we want to either nip AVALANCHE in the bud here, or do as much damage as possible."Sephiroth nods. "I suppose I can make myself scarce... say... guard duty in the cannon control room?"Kairi grins. "That would be a nasty surprise if they somehow get that far. If need be, while management will bitch, if they somehow get control of the cannon, turn it into scrap."Sephiroth hums, a flicker of amusement on his face. "I have, several times, in the VR room. It would be interesting to truly do so. Shame that Genesis and Angeal won't be here to assist me with it this time."Kairi huffs a laugh. "Shame indeed."Kairi tilts her head back, eyes half closed, and speaks aloud to them, and to her two girls. "Elena will be based in Junon operations on the cannon security detail.""Aww that's no fun," whines back Elena cheekily."Its not about fun when AVALANCHE could blow Midgar to bits and kill all your sisters with the Sister Ray if they got control of it," rebukes Kairi.Elena goes deathly quiet before answering softly, "No, its not. I got it mom, AVALANCHE won't get that cannon, you can count on me.""You'll have support in that," Kairi alludes vaguely, "Jessie, you are going to be on the ground throughout Junon proper and its town below. You're objective is to poke around. You got your shades, right?""Always got my specs, gotta hide the mako shine somehow if I don't want people hassling a SOLDIER," Jessie answers."Good, I'm sure you can find a change of clothes on base once we touch down, you and... Agent Shuriken can blend in," she said, raising an eyebrow at Veld who nods once, "Hit the bars, have your squad appear off duty. Heck, order them to appear... generally disillusioned with Shinra, maybe you can net a lead that way, Ultimately, its up to you and the Turk, you're both kind of sneaky like that."Rude."Kairi grins, unashamed, and refocuses here. "When and how will I expect your support Verdot?""I have a few things I can try to take down Felicia," he answered firmly, "Get her locked into a fight and wear her down.""And then...?""Tell me, did you know we've been tasked with capturing some of the most dangerous monsters for Hojo? Behemoths? Dragons?" posed Veld."And who knows what other assortment of creatures he pitted against me in the labs," mused Kairi non-committal before looking at the silver haired SOLDIER, "Or against him."Sephiroth merely raised a single eyebrow in response.Veld didn't rise to the bait. "We have several different approaches to try. Sedatives that could knock a dragon out in half a minute. Electro-shock them unconscious in the same timeframe. We also have a rather unique approach to using Slow and Stop and Haste in combination to keep a target indefinitely offbalanced, confused, and paused for an extended timeframe."And not a shred of apparent care about using them on his own daughter. That kind of mentality is scary, or at least, the ability to compartmentalize is. She should know after all. "So long as they work, remember, she hasn't the skill, but that summon in her hand does bring her up to trio level of raw power."He nods."If all else fails, are you willing to accept me taking her hand off to disconnect the materia from her?" asked Kairi.Veld grimaces. "She can be fitted with a prosthetic if need be. I would prefer her not to be maimed, but if you have to choose between letting her escape, or disabling and capturing her, take the hand."Kairi hums. "Good.""So, what will you be doing exactly?" asked Veld."Making an utter nuisance of myself," said Kairi, grinning, "Once we have a lead on AVALANCHE, I'm going to abuse my capabilities to the fullest.""The fullest?" posed Sephiroth."Mine and Gen's Wutai strategy."Sephiroth huffed. "Do try to limit the collateral damage."She grinned cheekily, humming in response but not answering. They settle into a quietness for awhile as the helicopters make their way to Junon.Then Kairi hesitatingly decides to poke on something. "So... this 'Legend' Turk I heard about, you knew him?"Sephiroth's face tightens. "I did.""May I ask why you seem uncomfortable about him?" she poses cautiously.She's aware of all three Turk's watching.Sephiroth frowns. "When I was first introduced into the Wutai War, certain... classifications and rules of war had yet to be explained to me that I had not known at the time. Hojo certainly never bothered to explain anything. Legend took note of this... deficiency, and influenced my superior officer to direct my deployment to the fullest in regards to destroying Wutai."She remembers this, remembers Genesis talking to her about Sephiroth and the early Wutai War. How at age thirteen fresh from Hojo's labs, no one had ever explained what a non-combatant was. How several villages, down to the last, were wiped out. Kairi grimaces. "Real piece of work then this Legend.""He was something else," agreed Sephiroth, "I learned much from my instructors in wielding a blade, but from Legend, I learned much on how to kill."Kair finds she has nothing to say to that.There's nothing she can say.Its years to late to change anything.She doesn't offer sympathy or pity, she merely gives him a crisp nod and drops the subject.The rest of the ride to Junon is relatively quiet before they land and begin...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was becoming too much.Of all the things Minerva had expected from the second Calamity, the Lost Child turned Calamity of Light, a psionic threat to the Lifestream was not it. It was such a soft, quiet thing, that if Minerva had not keenly been paying attention to both The Heaven's Dark and Light Harbingers, she might have missed it until it was far too late. The ripple, the pulse, the call, the hymn of the Calamity of Light's so called 'mental web'; in truth, so much more.It was a mere murmur now, but with each new cluster of infected, it grew. The chorus of a multitude was the opposite of what the Original Calamity was. Jenova consumed unto itself, the chorus of the damned contained within it to empower and sustain itself. Kairi did not. Each connection was a soul, a thread, a link, a connection, a sharing of memories and emotions and joy. Separate but still intertwined and united. A chorus, a stream of life. Just like what flowed beneath the Planet's crust.Where the Original Calamity had once tainted and tried to corrupt a negative Lifestream out of the original to bleed the Planet dry during its planet-fall, the Calamity of Light was creating a Lifestream within itself. Left unchecked, the younger Calamity would eventually subvert the Planet's Lifestream, and likely end up absorbing Minerva herself and replacing her as a twisted avatar. Except where Minerva was bound to the Planet as its Avatar, the Calamity of Light was bound unto itself.Abomination.Much like the reality it came from.Oh, how foolish Minerva had been, lured by the siren's call, a little child crying out for help. A deception of the highest order. The Avatar had gone looking, when her strength had returned enough to pry open the Door between Realities and send her consciousness through, trying to understand how and why. For the younger Calamity's ability to generate, to create Lifestream... it didn't seem to be Calamity in origin, as if it were a part of the child, as if her mere existence encouraged life to thrive and grow when connected to her. The signs had been there, the warnings... but Minerva had missed them, had failed to realize just what kind of reality the young girl had come from.At first, she had believed that realm merely functioned strangely, bound to different rules. Tiny little worlds, some barely bigger than one of the Planet's continents in size, connected and bound to one another yet separate inbetween by a chilling void not unlike but not quite the same as space outside the Planet. In truth, that reality was fragmented, damaged. Those worlds were pieces of the whole, what had once been a single creation if Minerva could see the threads of this reality correctly. What colossal event had blown that reality apart she wondered? To the disrupted fragments?She could see it, could feel it, the claws of absolute end, of destruction, prying at that reality. That reality's so called 'Darkness' would come and consume the light, and without a counterbalance, would collapse onto itself. All of that, held back by seven souls shining with light and life, six there, one here. Their souls tied into the core of that reality, encouraging life to flourish and thrive around them. And that...That was what a so called 'Princess of Heart' was. They were in essence, while not an exact translation or definition, walking Lifestreams. They pushed away 'darkness', and encouraged life. Not as a direct stream of spiritual energy, but more as an aura. The... adaption... the corruption of that ability into what the young Calamity had now, that came from the introduction of actual Lifestream via mako and the Original Calamity's cells into what had once been the Lost Child. She has assumed the princess was originally a noble intent, turned into a cross reality Calamity-Princess of Heart hybrid...Then...Inspecting the Princesses of Heart was where she made the discovery: See had seen another Calamity's Son, a different Sephiroth, within that reality fighting another human copied from her reality in defense of one of the seven. That was when the nature of this reality became apparent in all its horror.It was parasitical.Kairi's reality was trapped in a state of decay, of death, desperate to survive. It reached out and connected to other realities, leaching from them and replicating parts of their worlds and the people in them to fill the horrific wound that The Event that tore that reality apart left. The princesses serving as a stabilizing and recovery agent to try and revive the reality back to its origional state. Six of the seven Princess of Heart were copies, imitations, replicas remade within that reality from others. Perhaps no less real there, but not the originals. The only true Original Princess of Heart was Kairi. That one was special to that reality; Kairi had not died, had not passed on whatever made her special there to another, and thus by taking her away, removing something critical, had started a cascade failure.If it were within Minerva's power to send more than just a consciousness through the Door between Realities, she would simply get rid of the Calamity of Light by sending her home, regardless if it afflicted Jenova upon them, for Minerva would do everything to safeguard her own world and reality before another. Then she'd do everything in her power to sever or at least limit the connection between realities. Unfortunately, it was not. The original Calamity had once implied that Kairi herself could open the door, but Minerva doubted at this point she would willingly do so and leave her children. As such, there was only one realistic outcome.The Calamity of Light needed to be destroyed.Especially incase the Original Calamity were to win over the younger and consume her. Minerva does not know if Jenova would merely devour her as its normal desire was, or if the powers of the Calamity of Light would be adapted and corrupted to horrific proportions. The problem was how to defeat the Calamity of Light. Its battle prowess was not the most impressive, there were still many other Shinra SOLDIERs more skilled than her, but of course they were her allies and not usable. The issue was that there were no unenhanced humans that could take on and hope to defeat her. The Planet still yet desired to use its WEAPONs, and Minerva was growing less and less inclined to hold them back.Unfortunately, she was also aware that the chances of the WEAPONs actually being able to destroy the younger Calamity was very, very small. She had waited too long to consider using them, The Calamity of Light had hundreds of SOLDIERs, the alliance of Calamity's Son, both of them, along with the son she stole. The entire human military. Whatever monstrosities the abominable scientist produced. Worse yet...She knew of SOLDIERs practice, of their rankings from the ones she'd sifted through when they died.The Calamity of Light still had one SOLDIER enhancement left to go. Still yet more power to obtain, and that was only through human methods. The thought of the younger Calamity repeating the efforts of the first and consuming Lifestream and finding power that way was... not something Minerva wished to consider.The Calamity of Light was not yet at that point either. She... it... still did not understand what it was, what it had become. Still had the mindset of a mortal girl, not the abomination it was. To be frank, if it obtained and acted upon that knowledge in a manner akin to its sire, awakening Omega and his Squire might be the only solution to keeping the Lifestream pure, starting over anew on a new world.This moment.This chance.Before the Calamity of Light grew even stronger.Before the Calamity of Light truly realized what it was.This was perhaps one of the last few chances to end the threat before it reached catastrophic levels.The only solution Minerva could think of was... dangerous. There were perhaps two entities on the Planet that could take on the Calamity of Light, even with its support. One could be somewhat limited and controlled, the other could not. One was designed to burn the world, one was designed to cleanse it of life and return it to the planet.The World Burner and Omega's Squire.The Squire, if awakened and activated fully, would fulfill its purpose without pause and would not obey the Avatar.The World Burner might be persuaded to listen to the Avatar, even if fully awakened.Minerva saw little choice. She reached out for Zirconiade, the entity lost and confused to be bound within mortal flesh, trying and failing to summon itself without its support materia. She looked through the eyes of he World Burner's host, through the eyes of those around them, throughout the human city, and came to a conclusion. The human, Felicia Verdot, Efle, whatever she wished to identify herself as, was walking helplessly into a trap that would be her doom. Already the Calamity of Light drew close, wasting little time in searching out her opponent, silencing the humans in support of Zirconiade's host. Her group would be dealt a death blow here, and she would not stand a chance.At least...She wouldn't without Zirconiade's power truly ignited within her. With that, she might stand a chance of surviving to find the support materia. Of which, their location she would whisper into the young woman's mind..."Verdot," Kairi whispered into her PHS, "You ready with your shit? I've got Felecia's location and am moving in."The Turk Director's voice crackled through. "Yeah, we'll track your location and arrive in a few, wear her down.""Got it," she answered, withdrawing her sword out of the AVALANCHE thug she'd interrogated and gutted, wiping it on his back and moving past without a second glance.Felicia wasn't even into Junon proper yet. She'd apparently been trying to sniff out someone to either threaten, bribe, or convert to her cause in order to get the codes up the lift and take over the life to ferry her people up during the night. Not improbable considering the rampant greed throughout Shinra and the desire for self-preservation. Unfortunately for AVALANCHE, Shinra was for once on the ball. The sun was beginning to set as Kairi stepped upon the docks, a wooden board creaking underneath her. She could spot a lookout on one of the larger ships. She contemplated subtle VS head on and decided...She aimed a hand and released a Bolt 3 right at him. The man fell off the boat screaming, into the water, where the combination of that with the residue lightning left him quite dead. Kairi rushed forward and leaped up and right onto the deck of the boat with inhuman strength, drawing her sword as she landed and roaring, "Lay down your arms and surrender! I won't offer again!""DEATH TO SHINRA!" multiple AVALANCHE members roared, drawing guns, knives, swords, and the like.Lambs to the slaughter.These aren't the Wutai, honorably defending their homeland. These bastards killed children, killed SOLDIERs with the bombs in the building, wounded her girls, and would likely kill anyone in their way. They don't receive a shred of her mercy. She shows them a SOLDIER who doesn't hold back, and cuts them down faster then most of them can blink. Mother is purring with satisfaction in the back of her mind, a unification of desire. The entire deck is cleared of AVALANCHE before Felicia finally shows up from inside the ship.The woman stares grimly at the corpses and body parts littering the deck. "You... you damn Shinra dog.""Technically, I'd be a bitch," commented Kairi mockingly.Felicia's eyes twitched, hatred flowing over her, the rage on her face, the rigidness of her shoulders, the entire slant of her body posed and ready to rip Kairi limb from limb. She drew her blade and readied herself. "AVALANCHE is my family, you slaughtered them like animals!"Kairi snorted. "You mean like how you slaughtered parts of mine? Killed kids seeking out dreams of being SOLDIERs, being heroes? Hypocrite.""There is nothing heroic about Shinra," spat Felicia, "About mutilating the planet, subjugating its people, bleeding the Lifestream dry. Shinra will be the death of the world if they're not stopped!"Kairi frowned. "The hell is 'the Lifestream'?"Felicia sneered. "The Blood of the Planet, you'd know it as Mako. Let me tell you, fool, that Mako is not infinite, and has dire consequences as its bled. Or did you not ever notice how the land around Midgar's reactors is dying?"She knew that, had argued that during the peace talks with Wutai, that the reactors damaged the environment. This whole 'blood of the planet' thing seemed like a bunch of mumbo jumbo to her though. She doesn't think... had she ever heard the term Lifestream before? She can't recall."Its complicated," came Mother's cautious tone, "She is not entirely incorrect about the dangers, but we will have solved that problem ourselves when we are reunited."Kairi moves a hand to brush a strand of hair out from her face. "I'm not unaware of Shinra's corruption, but if you think that gives you an excuse...""I don't need an excuse," snarled Felicia, "AVALANCHE exists to protect the Planet, and we will protect it at any cost. So let me tell you, Shinra bitch, that the Planet does not need humanity to survive, especially if all they will do is ruin and destroy."Kairi's eyes went wide. Did she really just...Felicia surged at her, swinging a heavy overhead attack that Kairi dove to the side to avoid, watching it cleave into the deck at their feet. "You're implying you'd kill off humanity? You're insane."The woman responded by trying to spear Kairi's face with her sword.'Elena,' Kairi called out down the web sharply, 'Pass on the order to all units: Put any AVALANCHE who doesn't surrender down with extreme prejudice. Their leader literally just told me she'd kill off humanity as a whole to see their goals done.'She gets a startled yelp down the web, a sense of Elena spilling coffee all over herself. 'The fuck?'Kairi spares no more thought for her child as the duel begins in earnest. Her initial assessment of the woman had been right, ridiculously powerful, not very skilled. She employs her 'Sephiroth sparring mindset'. I.E. don't confront head on. Deflect, parry, or dodge the woman's attacks, take light or glancing blows if she must as they'll simply heal on their own. Unlike sparring with Sephiroth though, Kairi has and takes opportunity shots, counterattacks, and has a whole lot more chances. She could wear her down and win if she wanted to.Hells, she could kill her.Felicia gives a roar and swings a brutal horizontal attack, aiming to cleave Kairi in half. Kairi falls to her knees and ducks her head under it. It would be so easy, to shove forward and skewer the woman right through her heart. Instead Kairi gives her own slash, cutting through the woman's clothes and across her stomach. Nothing that can't be cured after they take her down, but deep enough to bleed considerably and slow her down. Felicia stumbles back, scowling, a brief glow of a cure materia from her equipment.Kairi pounces while the woman's focus is momentarily split. She stabs for a lung, and Felicia barely gets her sword up enough to batter it above. Kairi takes advantage and boots the woman in the stomach, sending her flying off the ship. Kairi rushes and leaps off after her, watching the woman crash into and through the docks with the force of the impact. She lands on one of the wooden outreaches and cautiously approaches as Felicia drags herself out, teeth gritted, looking furious, and perhaps more importantly, soaking wet and weighed down by the water. It might not be much to someone of SOLDIER strength, but even a fraction of a second slower could matter in the long run. Could cost the woman an attack or a block she could have made had she only been slightly faster. Not to mention...Kairi smiles a little, her bangle cackling with lightning. "Nice and wet there Felicia. Would be such a shame..."She throws a Bolt 3 at the woman. Felicia tries to dodge, just a split second too slow, and she goes crashing to the docks screaming in agony as lightning flows over her. Yet, the woman grits her teeth, struggling to stand. Kairi hits her again and again with Bolt 3, yet the damn woman gets up, screaming in pain, charging Kairi. Damn, she's made of tough stuff."Hit her!"She glances over Felicia's shoulder at the Turks now on the scene. Reno and Rude aim a strange set of guns at her. Wires shoot out, clip unto the back of Felicia, and pour electricity down the connection. Apparently great minds think alike. Kairi hits her again with a Bolt 3 to go with it, and Felicia crashes to the dock screaming in suffering."Dart her bossman!" calls out Reno.Kairi moves and kicks Felicia's blade out of her hand, sending it skidding down the dock towards the Turks as Verdot pulls out a dart gun and lands a shot on Felicia's writhing form. Slowly, Felicia's motions fade into uncontrollable twitching. Kairi breaths a sigh of relief that its just about over, with the leader down, its all just cleanup. That... ended up a lot easier than expected. Nice to catch a break for once...Then her world turns to flame.Fire erupts in a nova from Felicia in a roar of power. Kairi is thrown hard enough into a ship to impact in its hull. The Turks only survive by sheer reaction speed of diving into the water at the last possible second. When Kairi wrests herself from the hull, literally everything but the water around them is on fire. Smoke is billowing everywhere, and Felicia...Are those wings?!Felicia floats off the burning pier, arms stretched to the side, wings made of flames ignited out of her back. Veins visible through her skin are a burning orange, her eyes a mixture of orange and mako green that wasn't there before. A literal aura of orange-red energy pools just off the woman's skin. Felicia's sword levitates over to her hand, and the moment it touches her, warps as fire trails down it, changing its form to something rusty red in appearance and almost spear-like in length/width if not for the sharp edges. The aura spreads down the blade as well. Then the woman's eyes lock onto Kairi's...Every sense Kairi has is screaming danger."FLEE!" roars Mother, "You are not prepared for this!"Felecia blurs and then is gone. Only the pressure of her presence and the heat from her body lets Kairi know she's behind her. She whirls, bringing her sword up, and clashes blades...Only for the impact to send Kairi rocketing off the docks and into the town. Which Felicia follows, roaring in fury, and promptly sets everything on fire with a swing of her blade. Fire erupts from her weapon, burning the area around her as Kairi tumbles and rolls on the ground, wincing painfully. She pushes herself to her feet as Felicia comes at her with brutal and unrelenting blows."STOP!" cries out Kairi, arms already numbing from impact, "You're killing innocent people!""A small price," answers Felicia, an echo to her voice, "To kill a Calamity."A what?Kairi misses a block.It happens so fast.Then a burning blade sears through her side from her middle, and she's screaming in agony because it BURNS! All she can try to do is block and parry, and even that is ineffective when each blow sends her flying through a house, breaching its walls and setting it on fire. She tumbles through the ruins, gasping for breath and coughing, she can't breath... can't see... the smoke is everywhere...A blade skewers right through her middle and she cries out in pain as she's lifted up and then slammed into the ground. Felicia boots her through another building and all Kairi can do is panic. Everything was going so wrong so fast!'Mom!" she hears Jessie down the web, her presence far to near.'STAY AWAY!' roars Kairi down the web, 'STAY AWAY!'She can't spare anymore focus as Felicia is upon her again. Kairi takes a deep breath, finally knocked somewhere not clouded with smoke, and digs in. Felicia makes to skewer her again, and Kairi uses that, thrusting her left hand onto the bladepoint to pierce through, wrapping her hand around the blade as she wrenches it aside and thrusts her own. Felicia catches the blade in a burning hand easily, and has the audacity to smirk at her before she rips both blades out of Kairi's hands, one in a spray of blood, and tosses her sword aside.Felicia lays into an unarmed Kairi in swift slices until Kairi can't even stand, collapsing onto the ground, blood melted onto her skin and clothes."Time to di...," begins Felicia.A wave of pure energy slams into the AVALANCHE leader, sending her rocketing backwards."I think," comes Sephiroth's mild tone, "That is quite enough."Kairi looks up through blurry eyes at SOLDIERs finest gasping for breath. He frowns down at her, eyes flickering across her marred body. "Your wounds..."Everything is... is starting to go... go dark..."They're not healing," he mutters.The last thing she sees before she passes out is both his bangle glowing green with cure, and Felicia coming at him roaring with a burning blade...Something's gone terribly wrong.Genesis paces back and forth on the entrance to the landing pad at Shinra tower. Kairi's presence still hadn't woken up since that surge of burning pain down the mental web followed by her falling unconscious several hours ago. She's not dead, they'd know that. A medical team is waiting behind him, and its all Genesis can do to order all of Kairi's girls to stay clear and keep their fretting to a minimum. His enhanced hearing catches the helicopter blades at a distance. He crosses his arms, spots it, and waits, feet tapping.Sephiroth is the first off the helicopter, moving to support Jessie and Elena as...Merciful goddess what the hell?The three SOLDIERs careful extract a bloody, battered, and crispy Kairi off the helicopter, a chunk of her side is cut open and full of bloody bandages and cloths. "Why the hell did none of you just throw a Full Cure on her?""The wounds are resistant to regeneration and cure effects," commented Sephiroth mildly, "We stabilized her as best we could, but she is going to need better support, not to mention heavy surgery. We would have taken her to the Junon hospital, but I didn't wish to risk Verdot's daughter returning after driving her off."Genesis's eyes narrowed. "She did this? How?""It appears that the summon woke up," said Sephiroth mildly, "The Turks are interrogating all captured from AVALANCHE about her back in Junon, we'll know more later."With that, Kairi is moved over to the medical team and they whisk her away.Genesis follows them down to medical and plops himself down next to Jessie and Elena, Sephiroth having left to go report to the President. "The hell happened?""It was bad," whispered Jessie, "Verdot's brat burned all of lower Junon to the ground, almost 100% civilian casualties, infantry and guards are gone too. Only reason there were no SOLDIER deaths was because there were none down there when she hit it, aside from me. I... I got lucky that she was focused on Sephiroth and I could drag mom out of there."She swallowed. "Mom looked a lot worse before we tried to heal her. I don't know whats with those burns, but there's something in them that makes healing weak. Sephiroth chugged his entire energy pool after driving Felicia off, casting full cures, and it only managed to take her out of dead-for-sure into critical condition."Genesis grew faint. "His entire..."Merciful goddess...Jessie rubbed her face. "Verdot's brat went toe to toe with Sephiroth, I couldn't even follow how fast they were moving. The only times I could was when she screwed up and Sephiroth landed a blow. Its why she ran, she's stupidly strong and fast, but she's not a trained SOLDIER...""And Sephiroth is the strongest and most skilled of us all," Genesis murmured without heat.He'll take admitting that aloud if it meant his friend drove off Kairi's would be executioner.It was hours before they were let in. It had been a very, very long time since he'd last seen his apprentice in anything but SOLDIER colors, a simple hospital gown on her. Hojo is unfortunately there, taking notes. "Well?"The scientist doesn't bother looking up. "Specimen K will survive. The energy in the wounds appears to be lessening with time and application of both cure materia and salves. In a matter of an hour or so I suspect her regeneration will begin to overcome the effects of it. She'll be awake by tomorrow morning."Genesis lets out a soft sigh of relief.Hojo adjusts his glasses. "Still... most unexpected. I am very, very curious as to what this 'summon' is that could actually endanger Specimen K. Hmm..."Hojo waddles out of the room, muttering to himself, and Genesis plops himself down on a stool next to the bed Kairi's resting in. Elena and Jessie stand wordily beside the bed despite the assurances of Kairi's survival. Though, Genesis will have to admit, he is... a little shaken too. Kairi was, for most intents and purposes, immortal and unkillable. When his PHS vibrates and he gets a preliminary report from both Sephiroth and the Turks, it makes him wary understanding of how badly she got trashed...Felicia Verdot is a threat.An actual legitimate threat to the top of SOLDIER.The Shinra Corporation does not tolerate threats very well.He rubs his face tiredly. "This is going to be a mess."Then his PHS rings, he flips it open, frowning. "Yes?"He blinks once in surprise when Veld Verdot's voice comes through. "We will bringing the AVALANCHE prisoners back to HQ in the morning.""...and this concerns me, why?""One of them is named Shaula Rui."Both girls whirl from Kairi's bed, eyes going wide. The words 'Shelke's Sister was with AVALANCHE?' echoing down the web, making Shelke's presence suddenly throb heavily with surprise/fear/concern followed by a sense of steel and grim determination.Oh yes.This was definitely going to be a mess.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi wakes from unease and fire pouring down the mental web.Not to mention alarms blaring.She stares up at... the infirmary ceiling? Yes, one of the science division's recovery rooms. She'd been here once or twice as Hojo's experiment under the Turk's watchful eyes. Its also completely empty at the moment. The hell is going on?'Status Report,' she demands.'Oh thank gods she's awake.' chimes in one of her girls.'Mom! Do something about Shelke before she turns this tower into a bloodbath!''Explain,' demanded Kairi, 'Shelke? Where are you and what's going on?''They have my sister,' came Shelke's angry voice, 'They have Shalua. I want my sister, that's all I ever asked after being forced to be a SOLDIER. I WANT MY SISTER! I'll turn every one of Scarlet's robots on the company if they don't give her to me!'Kairi is out of bed and scrambling for a spare SOLDIER uniform that had been left for her, she's out the door half clothed and fumbling for the rest as she goes. 'SHELKE! Don't do anything hasty, let me talk to the Turks and get this sorted out, okay? I promised you I'd help with your sister, remember?''She was a part of AVALANCHE, there were people talking about executing all the captives because of what happened in Junon!' rages Shelke.Oh hell.Kairi is going to kill whoever said that in range of Shelke if Shelke doesn't do so first. This is not something they can afford to be happening right now with AVALANCHE's leader having a ridiculously powerful summon boosting her. SOLDIER can handle the robots in the tower (and hopefully around the reactors), but the civilian employee casualties from that would be a disaster and could potentially wipe out the leadership. Hell, Shelke could mess with the rest of Midgar, cut off communications, and god forbid if her sister died she'd be likely to blow a goddamn reactor.Kairi should know, she had discussed possibilities with the girl if Shinra ever turned on their family.'Genesis,' Kairi shouts down the web, 'Where the fuck is Verdot?''Stuck with the rest of us in lockdown in the board room, the President is reluctant to allow his 'finest' away during this... mess,' said Genesis irritably, 'Its about time you woke up apprentice, Rui has been inconsolable and refuses to listen to anyone.''Alright, okay, so no one is dead yet?''Yet being the prime word, but your girl did force the building's lockdown procedures to activate.''Right, good, that's good. Next question, where is her sister, Shalua?''Locked with the rest of the surviving AVALANCHE members in the science department's detainment unit, why?''Because I'm going to do the intelligent thing and give Shelke her goddamn sister,' snapped back Kairi, 'She has control of all of Scarlet's murder-robots, you tend to give someone with that control what she wants, and no, I'm not asking for permission.''I'll pass that along,' Genesis answered mildly.'Shelke, did you hear that?' asked Kairi, coming to a closed door, 'I'm going to get your sister, please open all doors between me and her, and unlock the elevators.'The only answer is the door whooshing open. Kairi rolls her shoulder and slows from a run to a brisk walk. She arrives about five minutes later into an unfortunately familiar series of cell's she'd been forced to stay in if she'd ever really pissed Hojo off way back when. One of the cells opens on its own, likely from Shelke, and Kairi walks over, peaking in to see a young redheaded woman with glasses wearing a slightly burnt red vest and a pink undercoat with jeans looking at her warily."Shalua Rui?" posed Kairi.The woman nods. "...yes.""You'll be coming with me," said Kairi, "Shelke is... eager to see you."The woman startled. "You... what? You're willingly taking me to... why?""She kind of threw a fit," said Kairi mildly, "If you didn't notice the alarms blaring."Shalua gives her a blank look."Shelke is our... security specialist in a sense," said Kairi in a careful tone, "She, and the rest of us, were hoping to find you at some point. Someone apparently voiced wanting to axe those of AVALANCHE for Junon and she freaked.""...she took down the Shinra building?""Kind of? Doesn't matter, we don't want it to reach that point. We'd have rather you been brought to her under better circumstances than this, but we'll make do."Shalua closed her eyes for a long moment. "You're implying that all I ever had to do to find my sister was walk up to a Shinra and announce myself?""More or less?"Shalua sighed miserably. "I only joined AVALANCHE because Shinra abducted her and I thought I'd have to fight to find her again. Merciful gods I had to endure Fuhito's madness for nothing."Kairi blinked. "Who is Fuhito?""AVALANCHE's crazy scientist," answered Shalua flatly, "One of the top three along with Elfe and Sheers. He's a creepy bastard that's philosophy is there is no such thing as civilians.""Okay, a Hojo wannabe, nice," said Kairi sourly, "Lets go."Shalua cautiously walks out, looking around warily as if expecting a trap of some kind, but finds none and falls in behind Kairi."If you are not so loyal to AVALANCHE, would you be willing to debrief management everything you know?" posed Kairi, "It would hopefully soothe some ruffled feathers over this whole mess.""Assuming you're actually taking me to Shelke and she's in good health? Yes," agreed Shalua.Kairi passes that onto Genesis to tell management. She gets a timetable in return, 'They want the lockdown lifted and both Rui sisters in the board room within the hour and they'll be willing to sweep it under the rug and pass it off a some kind of drill.''Can you poke the Turks about disciplining whoever the fuck mentioned murdering Shelke's sister in her hearing range?' asked Kairi.Genesis gets back to her a minute later. 'Veld's made a note of it.'The closer they get to the SND room, the higher Shelke's anticipation and yearning grows. Kairi sends a gentle 'remember that enhanced hugs can break ribs' in advance a bit down the hallway before they reach the door. The moment the door opens, the siren's cut off, doors open in the distance, Shelke tears off her helmet, and launches herself at her sister. She buries her face into Shalua's stomach are starts sobbing.Kairi closes the door behind her as she leaves, 'I'll wait outside. Thirty minutes Shelke then management wants us.'Shelke's response is emotional gibberish mixed with frustration and irritation.Kairi poses down the web. 'If it can be worked out and she passes inspection/training, having Shalua work in the same room as her sister could do wonders.''One thing at a time apprentice,' said Genesis mildly, 'Right after this mess is not the appropriate moment to suggest that. Give it a few weeks at least.'Kairi sent the equivalent of a shrug and leaned against the wall to wait...Shalua and Shelke follow Kairi into the boardroom, hand in hand, and move to a pair of seats with Tseng standing behind it. Shalua is... mixed emotions from what Kairi can tell, happy to have her sister, but nervous about being here. Shelke is a ball of happiness blooming warmly down the web. A relaxing sensation after waking up to alarms blaring.The President clears his throat. "Specialist Rui, while the circumstances are... moderately understandable, the next time you hear alarming rumors, ask a Turk first before considering such a reaction. Is this clear?"Shelke flushes a bit before nodding. "...yes sir.""Now... Shalua Rui is it?" posed the President, waiting for a nervous nod before continuing, "I've been informed you've agreed to provide willing testimony on the inner working on AVALANCHE?""Y-yes sir," agreed Shalua, "Its... I don't know what you know about AVALANCHE, but the reality is likely worse. I wouldn't have been caught dead with them after the first week if I hadn't thought it the only way to get back my sister."The President waved it off. "You've already been cleared of any potential charges as a... favor to Specialist Rui, and I can assure you, I've been informed by Kairi's second that AVALANCHE's leader voiced murdering the entire human population to see to her goals."Kairi blinked. Management considered Elena her second? Huh... well... she supposed they weren't wrong.Shalua winced. "That sounds about right, and if everything I've heard about Zirconiade is right, they might be able to do so.""What is this... Zirconiade?" posed Veld, a pen and notepad at the ready."Its supposed to be the ultimate summon apparently," said Shalua, "Fuhito, one of AVALANCHE's three leaders and the chief scientist, had me researching it while he focused on trying to recreate Mako Enhancements."The President leans forward, face tense. "Have they succeeded?""Not that I'm aware," said Shalua, swallowing thickly, "The... the test subjects Fuhito tried to enhance either ended up mutating horrifically or ending up brain dead or in a coma. He's... he has... he has no morals. He's a monster. According to him, there's no such thing as a civilian. He considers most humans parasites upon the planet and will do anything to further his goals. He tries to appear so calm and collected but he has no soul."Hojo hummed. "While he may have the right methodology to try to figure it out, he will never recreate SOLDIER without our sources."Kairi sneered in distaste at him."I am more concerned about this... summon," interrupted Sephiroth, "The power it granted Miss Verdot was... substantial. What can you tell us about it?""It's called the World Burner in Cetran Legends," said Shalua uneasily.Hojo narrowed his eyes. "Which legends? I have read most translated texts on the matter of the Cetra and I have never heard of this supposed World Burner.""Its out of Cosmo Canyon," said Shalua, "If I recall correctly, the legend goes something like '...as Omega raises towards the heavens, those who remain behind shall bring the four keys together and behold the cocoon of the World Burner. Legends will speak of their sacrifice at the world's end, as the ultimate one turns terra unto ash, burning away impurity to never taint again the stars.'"Kairi's gaze is sharp on Hojo, noting the man had tensed upon the word 'Omega'. "You recognize the verse, professor?""This verse? No," said Hojo, "But, it does reference another verse of legend I have heard before.""It also references LOVELESS," posed Genesis with interest.Kairi groaned."It does!" whined Genesis, "'Legends shall speak of their sacrifice at the world's end'. Its right there!""Considering the play is Cetran in origin, there is likely a reason for it," said Hojo mildly.Genesis stared at him. "...I beg your pardon?"Scarlet cleared her throat. "Down boy, you can pester the professor later. Hojo darling, do you think this 'legend' has any merit?""Most legend have some basis in truth," said Hojo, adjusting his glasses, "I suspect that this verse is a continuation of another that I have determined has a great deal of truth to it. So it is likely that this summon was considered by the Cetra to be the most powerful. I'm curious, miss Rui, do you have any idea what these four 'keys' are?""Yes, they are four support materia," said Shalua.Genesis sputters. "The summon requires four support materia to be beckoned?!""That is what Fuhito and I were able to determine," said Shalua sourly, "AVALANCHE suspects where two of them are, a guess at another, but no clue on the fourth.""And where are they located?" demanded Verdot."Fuhito suspected they were being used in either the Midgar reactors or the outer village ones," said Shalua, "He said it was likely they wouldn't be recognized as anything but powerful energy sources to be used in them. He has guesswork at another maybe be located at one of Shinra's abandoned facilities around the world."Verdot frowns. "Is there anyway to actually tell if its one of the four support materia?""He suspected Elfe would react to the support materia and wanted to use her as a radar," explained Shalua, "I... I tried speaking to her once about him, about what Fuhito wanted the summon for, but she brushed me off. They voice Zirconiade as the ultimate solution to Shinra, citing the company and those reliant on you as the 'impurity' in the legend, but I don't even think he translated the word right!"Again, Kairi notes how Hojo tenses. Strange..."And this is important because...?" posed Veld."He translates the word as 'impurity' based off the scientific community's collective translated works," said Shalua, "I disagree, I translate the word as 'calamity'."For the first time today, Mother hisses in the back of Kairi's mind, much to her perplexion."Some of the last writings of the Cetra in Cosmo Canyon refer to a 'calamity' or 'crisis from the sky' and the Cetra fighting it, but that's all that was referenced to the word in Cosmo," explained Shalua.The President drums his fingers on the table in thought. "Veld, after this meeting is over, I want Turks and an escort for them to all reactors. Any unidentified materia or power sources are to be returned to Midgar for safekeeping. You have permission to either shut down or reduce capacity for the reactors if any are found in them. If you need the specifics on it, talk to Reeve about reactor management.""Of course Mr. President," agreed Veld."Now, what can you tell us about the leadership specifically, Miss Rui?" asked President Shinra, "You mentioned Fuhito already, what about Felicia and the unknown third?""...Felicia?""She's an amnesiac," explained the President."Right, well... Elfe, or Felicia, was found wandering in the wilderness somewhere by Fuhito, completely amnesiac with a materia buried in her hand," explained Shalua, "She went with him to Cosmo Canyon and studied there for a short time before joining AVALANCHE. I don't know quite when they took over, but when they went to Midgar they were in charge. I wasn't with the initial group, but apparently their third in command was a thug who tried to rob them named Shears, who ended up pledging allegiance to Efle after she handed his ass to him."Veld nodded. "So it is Shears then. We had already identified him, but didn't have a clear definition of his role in AVALANCHE.""Yeah, well considering he got burnt to a fucking crisp by Elfe, he's not a problem anymore," said Shalua bitterly, "Honestly, I was lucky to not get burnt to death when Elfe set the pier and our ship on fire!""She left them behind and killed some of her own," commented Verdot, frowning, "That's... now that I think of it, that doesn't match the profile we were building on her AVALANCHE persona."Kairi hesitates for a moment. "I... her voice changed. When the summon woke up."Verdot blinked. "What?""When the summon woke up and she changed, its like there were two people talking at once," explained Kairi, "I'm... not sure its only Felicia active in there anymore."Verdot purses his lips. "So then she's being either influenced or controlled by the summon?""Most likely," agreed Hojo, "And if so, what is the summons likely desire, hmm? To summon itself."Kairi withdraws into herself as the meeting continues, slightly troubled now that she thinks on what Felicia/the summon said. They called her a Calamity... hadn't that been what Shalua had mentioned reading in Cosmo Canyon? What... what did that mean exactly?"Chaos and Omega existed naturally," commented Mother, "But the World Burner was only created during the death of the Cetra.""What does that mean exactly, Mother?" asked Kairi, about to ask about Chaos and Omega before pausing as something hits her and washes that thought away, "Mother... you... you hate the Cetra, are...""Am I what they refer to as 'Calamity?'," finished Mother, a long pause before she answered, "Yes.""You fought the Cetra? Why?" asked Kairi."I wanted to welcome them to my family, they rejected and attacked, I retaliated, and it escalated into a brutal battle until they locked me away," said Mother, "They brought upon their own fate by waging war on me, my child, all I wanted was to seek out the worthy to join with my family.""...and they created this 'Zirconiade to fight you?" asked Kairi."The World Burner is a last resort, the Cetra imprisoned me before the actual creatures made to fight me could be used," mused Mother, a slight edge of mocking to her tone, "Not that their WEAPONs would have been of use. I would have taken them from them and used them as my own."Kairi purses her lips, but doesn't press further. She's... she's not sure what she thinks, what she feels about this. She feels Mother's calculating gaze upon her mind, so she pushes her thoughts on the Cetra off for the time being. Mother had told her once that they were now the same species, so she was apparently considered a... 'Calamity' by this Zirconiade? What does it all mean?What does it mean to be Calamity?"...and what about their numbers exactly?" posed the President, drawing Kairi's focus back to the meeting, "And do you have any idea where this 'Fuhito' would have fled to after Junon?""AVALANCHE was more hit and run than anything else," said Shalua, "Their numbers were never huge. They lost a chunk in Midgar, and took an absolutely huge hit in Junon when the ship burned, and the forces you mentioned around the city were either captured or killed. They have agents here and there in a number of cities and towns, but... its likely they have less than a hundred combatants strong left, and if Elfe is off on her own, then AVALANCHE has basically no leadership. Fuhito is fucking crazy, he's not a strategist, he'll burn through his men fast with how careless he is with people."She frowned. "As for where he is... there are a few bases they use. Cosmo Canyon is the final fallback if need be, though the inhabitants themselves aren't a part of AVALANCHE. There's also a base in the hills around Corel. A few safehouses I can mark on a map in a few different towns."Verdot nods. "I'll have a few maps drawn up to..."He pauses, when his phone chimes with an odd alarm. The President looks at him sharply, "Answer it.""Emergency tone," offered Sephiroth quietly to Kairi.Veld draws his PHS. "Yes...? Slow down Reno, what?"His jaw clenches. "The reactor?!"He closes his eyes for a long moment. "Understood. We will have someone dispatched soon."He clicks off the PHS, tense. "Felicia hit Corel. Tore into the reactor and was seen flying out with some kind of sphere before it blew. Took out most of the town."Oh shit.Wait."Oh fuck," said Kairi, eyes wide, "Stopping the summon isn't something we have time to plan and carry out steadily. The summon is gunning for its support materia RIGHT NOW! It might even know exactly where they are, might be able to feel it. It went active yesterday, we're talking about days at most before it collects them all at this rate!"The President rises to his feet, fury on his face. "Effective immediately, all of SOLDIER and the army is placed on high alert. I want Turks out to find and take out Fuhito, I want him put down immediately. I want Sephiroth, Genesis, Angeal, shipped out to likely locations to intercept Felicia or search for these support materia. Take a full escort with each of you. Kairi, you will be working alongside Reeve to comb through all of Midgar's reactors. We need at least one of these support materia secured, if Felicia returns to Midgar you are to intercept and delay her as long as possible.""Yes sir," answered Kairi grimly."All of you, GO!" ordered the President, the board and the top of SOLDIER scrambling out."We will need to speak as you search," said Mother with tension, "I had not intended to teach you until we had been reunited, but there are powers and abilities as one of our kind that you must be made aware of if you are to survive another encounter with the host of the World Burner."Kairi sends an affirmative, and focuses on her child. "Shelke? Take your sister and Director Tuesti with you to the SND room, she's your responsibility for now. I'm going to need your eyes and ears around Midgar to give a warning if Felicia comes back, and to help me walk through the reactors.""Yes mom," agreed Shelke.Shalua gave them a baffled look, all Kairi said in response was, "She'll explain later. We have a crisis to handle.""Genesis, Angeal, Sephiroth," she called out as they started to split, "Be careful."She gets a two fingered salute from Angeal, a huff from Genesis, and a curt nod from Sephiroth before they depart to go their separate ways..."...and the first time your original body is destroyed is... unpleasant and jarring," explained Mother while Kairi rode on the train to the first reactor, "You will be lost and disoriented, its likely your entire mental web will be sent into disarray until you realign yourself. You must focus your sense of self to a part of your web and reform yourself out of what belongs to you.""How in the world would I do that?" asked Kairi."It is likely that you will need to... commandeer flesh from one of your children," said Mother cautiously, "Or, pool it together from multiple of them as to not be significantly taxing for them.""From... from my daughters?""Yes, so long as even one of your children remains, you can be reborn out of their cells," explained Mother, "However... death by the World Burner is likely to leave lasting damage. You were not awake for it, but your mental web was burned around your presence. If the World Burner actually destroys your body, your mental web is going to be damaged until you repair it."Kairi frowns, but nods to herself. She's still not sure how she can just come back from nothing..."It will be instinctual, my child," explained Mother, "And I can guide you.""Alright...""Next, is the ability to draw power from those who bear your cells," said Mother, "I can siphon energy from those who bear my cells and are... aligned fully with my intent. The more who bear my cells, the stronger I am. You are capable of doing the same, and likely with the depths of your connection to your children, may even attain a stronger result."Kairi considers it. Considers being able to draw power from over a hundred of her girls... from over a hundred enhanced SOLDIER 3rds, what would that feel like? Just how strong would she be?"I am... uncertain," admitted Jenova, "We are the same kind, my child, but we are not exactly the same. Our powers are similar, yet different in key ways. Your connection to your children is more... indepth and symbiotic than mine. You should test this connection before battle."Odd phrasing, but, "Okay, anything else?""...while I doubt you can use it on the World Burner's host herself," said Mother, "If you need to force loyalty and take control of any AVALANCHE you encounter, imbue your cells into them and take control."Kairi blanked for a moment before the shock hits her. "Are you saying I can mind control people with my cells?""Yes."Kairi feels revolted by the mere idea of it. "No. Absolutely not. Fuck that.""Child...""NO!" said Kairi sharply, "That's... just no.""Still so young and still somehow so innocent," said Mother, disappointed, "I knew you weren't ready for some of this knowledge."Kairi bristled, jaw clenched."It could be a matter of life or death, for you... or for your children," taunted Mother in an alluring tone, "Are you sure you would risk their safety for the sake of your own childish morals?"Kairi looked away outside the rushing train. "..."She stretches out her sense down the web to her children. Feeling plenty being spread out through Midgar or out with the trio. Her stomach clenches with fear over their safety. Felicia on her own is capable of killing any of her children. If the summon is actually called forth... just how terrible will it be? She doesn't want to lose any of her girls...She takes a deep breath as the train pulls into the first reactor station, adjusts her sword strapped to her back, and steps out...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Reactor security is a bitch.It shouldn't take a god-damn hour to get through the checkpoints and security doors and into the actual reactor during a crisis. About the only good thing that happened in that time frame was an uplink from Kairi's PHS to a new emergency server curtsy of Shelke. Its a little congested with everyone coordinating, but Shelke steadily filters them into their own channels.All of the Trio and the Turks have organized their forces and are airborne in helicopters before she's through all the gates. She has her PHS to her ear once she's in the elevator heading down. "Alright Director, hit me.""Once you exit the elevator, turn left and head down the staircase, keep going down until you hit the bottom," instructed Director Tuesti.Kairi took the initiative to vault all the way down."That's... one way to do it," he said, muttering something like 'insane SOLDIERs' under his breath, "Go in through the service entrance, it will be quicker if but slightly unsafe, mind the decay, its... been awhile since repairs have been okay'd for the reactors.""Almost sounds like a compliant," mused Kairi, leaping over a small gap, "I assume I'm climbing my way down?""Yes, keyword being 'climb', if you jump and miss your landing you will be swimming in mako-laced coolant," he warned, "Even you would likely find that to be lethal."Kairi huffs and steadily makes her way through the area, walking along railings and pipes until she reaches a long set of ladders and climbs down to a walkway leading to the reactor itself. She pauses at the end, staring at the turn-wheel. "Alright, I'm here.""There will be a passcode needed to be entered on the side of the valve-door, entering it will unlock the door and send the reactor into standby mode," instructed Reeve, "Punch the keys exactly as I instruct..."She carefully taps the keys in with a gentle-touch, because the numpad certainly doesn't look SOLDIER proof. A green light shines above the valve. "Okay, next?""For now, wait, the reactor needs a few minutes to go-into standby," instructed Reeve.Kairi sighs and taps her foot impatiently as whistles and steam blow off the reactor. "How long exactly?""Preferably half an hour minimum, but if you're willing to put your SOLDIER endurance to the test, fifteen minutes for the heat to dissipate to a very uncomfortable level," he warned.Kairi gritted her teeth. "And we're going to have to do this for every reactor?""Yes."Fuck, this was going to take forever! Especially with transit times and going through security each time! "Any way to do this in advance?""Not safely," commented Reeve, "There is an emergency shutdown command, but we've never actually tested it. Even if it goes off without a hitch, the entirety of Midgar would be left powerless, including hospitals."Right."In for the long haul then," she lamented, "Shelke, connect me back to the main group."Her PHS cackles. "Hows the flight going boys?""The boys and girls are ancy," commented Genesis, "I'm not exactly thrilled to be squished into a helicopter with this many teenagers.""With due respect sir, we are the one's stuck in here with you, not the other way around," came one of her girls voices.Kairi grinned."The disrespect is unbelievable," whined Genesis."Genesis," said Angeal dryly, "I've been stuck in a helicopter with you enough times to know what having LOVELESS quoted at me for hours with no escape will do to someone."That gets a chorus of laughter."Cut the chatter," instructed Sephiroth, "You all have your flight orders?""We're over the ocean now, I'm heading for Gongaga," said Angeal, "Priority is to evacuate the town then head into the reactor to search for the support materia.""I have the longest flight," complained Genesis, "Off to Nibelheim to check their reactor and the old Shinra Manor located there. I'll have the boys and girls hit the manor while I go for the reactor. I can move faster on my own and... am inclined to see how fast I can go. I imagine it'll almost be like flying."Kairi blinked. Was he going to use his wing once he was out of sight?"I'm making my way through Junon for the underwater reactor," said Sephiroth, "I will most likely be unable to receive communication while down there due to interference. I will instruct my men to evacuate upper Junon into whats left of the lower for the time being incase Miss Verdot returns. I will have someone near the entrance to run down to me if I am immediately needed."He cleared his throat. "To be passed on to those under your command: None of them are to engage the target unless absolutely necessary. She is to be left to either myself, Genesis, or Angeal. Kairi, if she returns to Midgar you are to pass on this same message and work on containment. Do not try to win, just survive until I can return."Which is likely why he was sent to Junon, quickest turn-around by helicopter if Felicia returned. That's... that is likely why she was kept here to check the Midgar reactors. She had already proven unable to face Verdot..."That was before my child," chided Mother, "When she caught you offguard. You could not have won that fight, but had you been prepared perhaps you would have not been so heavily beaten. Now though, pull power from your children and you will match her."Kairi huffed to herself. "Whats the likely chance I'll have another opportunity to fight her?""Oh, very likely," mused Mother, "She will most certainly come for us if she succeeds in retrieving all the support materia."What? "Why?""We are the greatest threat to Zirconiade, aside from my Chosen One," answered Mother."I really don't care for fighting the summon if I don't have to," answered Kairi, "Honestly, if I'm left alone I'm not a threat to anyone.""Oh I know, my young and Innocent little child," mocked Mother, to Kairi's annoyance, "But Zirconiade and those it answers to are so foolish as to not realize that."...those it answers to?Her PHS squeaked and she refocused as Reeve spoke, "Thirty seconds."Kairi refocused as steam began to really blow out of the reactor."Alright, begin to turn the valve," instructed Reeve.It was hot to the touch, enough to make Kairi twitch and grit her teeth. She turned it none-the-less. When she opened it, steam hot enough to temporarily blister her skin washed over her. She hissed and turned her head, closing her eyes until it was over."...are you sure you don't want to give it a full half an hour?""I'm fine," she gritted out, "I go in I assume?""Yes."Holy fuck.She swayed once she crouched and stepped through. It was sweltering... if she were unenhanced her skin would likely be melting or burning or whatever else she doesn't wish to dwell on.Luckily, her PHS is built to withstand SOLDIER strength, so it survives. "Alright, inside you should see several more valves, turn each an pull to pull out each source. Generally, the reactors are supposed to be powered by what they generate, but for the first time setup they were imbued with natural materia. Most melted, but considering Felicia was reported to have an intact sphere out of Corel, you'll be looking for a large ball sized intact materia."One by one she opens them and pulls out a white hot racking filled with either melted goop or clusters of little materia. "This reactor is clear.""Alright, carefully push them back in and close each valve," instructed Reeve, "Make sure they are tightly closed, but don't break the valve.""Yeah yeah yeah," she complained, tediously going through the process of closing everything back up, exited, and closing the main door."Now, go back to the keypad and type in the following to restart the reactor...," he instructed.Kairi was heading out of the Reactor at a quick pace after, eager to move on. She had far to many reactors to go, and she was hoping if she did nothing but them it wouldn't take more than a full day. Its another two reactors and several hours later that her attention was diverted.Her PHS crackled and she was pulled into the main channel in time to hear Zack's voice, did they put it on speaker or something? "...fuck oh fuck oh fuck that explosion was from home!""Zack, calm down," ordered Angeal, "We don't know the full situation.""My home town 'Geal! My parents!""Zack Fair," said Angeal sharply, "Are you, or are you not a SOLDIER?""S-SOLDIER, sir.""Then keep calm, when we get there, any survivors will need our help, a SOLDIER panicking will do no good, understood?""Yes sir," said Zack thickly.Kairi gritted her teeth, staring down at the PHS. She knew what it was like to lose everyone back home. She wouldn't wish it on anyone. She prayed quietly for his parents at least to have survived, before reaching the security gates. Getting out was thankfully quicker than getting in. She was on the train to the next reactor a few minutes later."Shit," said Angeal, fury clear in his voice, "It looks bad from here. No sign of that witch. Likely heading north if she's checking reactors. Small favor Nibelheim's reactor is up in the mountains.""We've almost caught up," said Genesis, "Her having to search through the reactors buys us some time, not much since she seems to get to them swiftly, but some. We can catch her at Nibelheim. Angeal, leave Fair and the rest of your men at Gongaga to assist with the damage, then take the helicopter and join me. This ends now, she's not getting out of the cold north. This...""The arrow has left the bow of the goddess. She's blown two reactors, killed who knows how many civilians between Corel, Gongaga, and Junon. I'm all for putting her down," said Genesis sharply."Considering the power she's thrown around, capturing her was a very slim chance to begin with," said Angeal in grim agreement, "If I have to decide between risking her escaping and killing more, or capturing, we will act in public interest. At this point, I'm not sure the President will disagree, even for Verdot. There's just... to much damage, to much death. This can't be so easily swept on the rug.""Shelke, is Verdot not on this comm?" Kairi asked down the web."No, he and the Turks have gone comm silent," said Shelke, "They're infiltrating the AVALANCHE safehouses my sister listed."Kairi sent a feeling of acknowledgement down the web. She takes in a deep breath, running a stressed hand through her hair as she lets it out. She's checking into the fourth reactor before her PHS crackles to life again."Touchdown in ten seconds," came Genesis's sharp voice, "The town seems unharmed."Nothing for about a minute, then..."I have no time for whatever plebeian issues you have, I don't care if you are the mayor, I need to know if you saw a flying burning figure, now!" came Genesis's voice."Y-yes, she went to the old Shinra manor about twenty minutes ago then just... turned off the fire," said Mayor."Odd, going for the manor instead of the reactor," said Genesis, "Alright, you need to coordinate with my men and evacuate the town. That woman has destroyed two reactors and slaughtered far to many people. You stay here at your own peril."Kairi's eyebrows furrow. Why would Verdot/the Summon suddenly cool off when going into the manor?"Angeal? ETA?" demanded Genesis."Two minutes," Angeal answered."I'll wait, hurry your ass up," ordered Genesis."I'll tell the helicopter blades to spin faster," said Angeal dryly.Kairi glares at the guard pushing buttons and checking clearance. "Can you hurry this up?""Sorry ma'am, procedure is procedure."Kairi wants to bang her head against the wall. She's barely through the door before Angeal links up with Genesis."How do we want to handle this?" said Angeal."Keep her busy up close, I'll snipe with spellwork," offered Genesis, "Moving in if you need covering or to catch your breath. We do this by the books, same strat we have for Sephiroth, except she isn't him so she wont know what hit her.""Got it and...," began Angeal before cutting off, "Miss Verdot.""Calamity Spawn," comes the distant echo-ey voice of Felicia and the summon."Calamity what?""The only thing calamitous here is you," spat Genesis, "Though I am curious, why the change? The town is nigh unscathed.""I have little interest in disturbing my brother's rest.""You're what-ANGEAL HIT HER DON'T LET HER- FUCK!" roared Genesis, the sound of a bolt materia going off crackling briefly, "Dammit, she flies so damn fast. Wait, what did she just throw that fireball at... oh hell, there goes our helicopters. We have to leg it to Gongaga to take one of the helicopters still there. Damn.""She's flying east," said Angeal irritably, voice picking up in volume, PHS likely right in front of his mouth, "She has three of the support materia floating around her. Unless the fourth is located somewhere unknown, its likely she's heading for Junon or Midgar. Someone send word to Sephiroth down in the reactor, and to Kairi in...""You've been on speaker for awhile," said Kairi dryly into the PHS."...saves us time," answered Angeal sheepishly."Any idea what she meant by brother?" asked Kairi."Not a clue, and considering that Verdot doesn't have a son, and Shalua never mentioned a brother figure, I think that was more the summon speaking," said Angeal grimly, "If there is another summon in the manor then I vote on it safely staying shut in a materia.""Agreed, we can send someone to investigate later," said Kairi."What is your progress apprentice?" asked Genesis."...I don't want to talk about it.""Apprentice.""Reactor security is inane, I'm only just entering the fourth.""The- apprentice! We've flown across the entire ocean and half a continent and you are only on the fourth reactor!?""Like I said, trains are slow, reactor security is obnoxiously long and tedious, there is a wait time on actually cracking open a reactor, I have to close the door after myself, and I have to be careful the entire so I don't break or blow something up."Genesis sighed. "Just... hurry it up.""Trying," she said testily, "Lucky I've gotten what I have done."She's punched in the shut-down code, waited the fifteen minutes, and cracking open the next reactor before the PHS crackles to life, Genesis's sharp voice coming through "...one of the Turks in Costa Del Sol just called and reported seeing Felicia flying overhead to the ocean at incredible speeds with FOUR, I repeat, FOUR spheres floating around her. Where and how the fuck did she find the fourth in under an hour?!"Kairi swallows thickly. "She has all four support materia?""Yes," gritted out Genesis."Why didn't she just summon then?" asked Angeal."Don't know, might be location dependent?" suggested Angeal."She comes for us," hissed Mother, "Finish here and get away from the reactors.""Five gil says she's going to do the summoning in Midgar to try to destroy Shinra," said Kairi grimly."I... am not going to take that bet," said Genesis, a slight shake to his voice, "Where the hell is Sephiroth? Shouldn't he be back by now?""Still down in the reactor, sir," came a male SOLDIER's voice on the comm, "I don't know the exact security process for this one, but I heard from a few of my junon pals that the guard duty is a real bitch. Its also structured different since its underwater. He's going to be awhile.""Then get the hell down to him and get him surface side!" roared Genesis, "We need Sephiroth airborne and back to Midgar immediately."Considering they don't need to look for the support materia, Kairi closes the valve and gets the passcode to restart the reactor. If Felicia is really coming for her, she needs somewhere clear... the Sector 6 Plate has a good spot, maybe. She's out of the reactor and on the train in ten minutes. Nervous doesn't even begin to describe what she feels. She got trashed the last time they fought not even a day ago..."Maybe she'll be tired from flying so much...""Not likely," shot down Mother, "Not for an entity like that... child... I don't need to re-itterate the danger this will be. Everything hinges on this. If you cannot stop the World Burner, everything will be in jepordy. She will come for my primary body after you, and I cannot defend myself. Next she will go for the nearest cluster of my cells and burn them, and whoever holds them, to ash. She will destroy all of SOLDIER, every one of your brothers, every one of your daughters.""Over my dead body," snarled Kairi."If it comes down to it, and your children are not enough...," said Mother uneasily, "I will fully open our connection and give what power I can, just... be warned, you will most likely find it disorienting.""Why?""I have existed for a long, long time, and my experiences have not made me kind, my energy will reflect this."The hell was that supposed to mean?Mother doesn't answer. Kairi takes a deep breath and lets it out. She is not thrilled to have open-combat be the first time she's tested drawing energy from her children. She throws open the web fully, drawing attention from her children and Genesis, "Girls, listen up and listen well. The target is likely to be returning to Midgar to preform the summoning. I don't know when Sephiroth will be returning, and at the speed she was reported to be going, its likely she will arrive before he's even topside in Junon. I will be moving to intercept alone. No one else in Midgar is to intervene, you will only get killed. Is that clear?"She gets an uncomfortable sensation of acknowledgement, concern, apprehension, and fear. "To that end, I have an... idea I am hesitant to try, but it will tip the scales if it works.""Like what mom?" asked Elena."We are able to send feelings and thoughts down the web, we literally feel the whiplash from a severe injury or gods forbid death, I believe we can transfer energy down the web as well.""How the fuck would we do that, apprentice?" demanded Genesis, "Even if possible, some of us are across the world incase you didn't notice.""And yet we can still so easily speak despite the distance," she countered."Again, how?"Mother whispered into her ear, and Kairi instructed, "The web will need to be fully open, no shielding. Feel like your about to send thoughts or emotions, but instead imagine you are calling on a materia, pulling out the energy to cast, and push it down the web. I'll latch on and do the rest. I want one volunteer first before we try in bulk.""Me," says Elena instantly.Her first daughter, always so willing. She feels the gates between them swung open since the first time since the death of Gale. Elena struggles for a moment, clumsily sending a mix of frustration and jumbles thoughts for the first few minutes. The train stops and Kairi makes her way to leave...Kairi lets out a gasp and stumbles a bit. It feels like cool water poured over her body. There is a slight tinge of embarrassment that is from her/Elena? But its gone for that moment. More importantly... it almost... it almost feels like there is no difference. Between her and Elena. In that moment they are connected and one. Similar to when she and Genesis did that weird mind-merge thing, yet... not quite. There is still a distinct sense of Elena, a clumsiness to both of their movements despite being in two separate parts of the world. Its like... Elena has submerged into Kairi herself but still moves her own body almost on auto-pilot. Its... its heady feeling, blissful, a high that Kairi wonders if it is drug-like."It is wonderful the first time," agreed Mother quietly, "The sensation only grows as more are cons... as more join.""That feels weird down the web," commented Jessie, "Its like she's mixed in with... please tell me you can undo that."Kairi frowns for a moment, moving away from the train door and people staring at her. She feels along the web for what is Elena and what is Kairi, feeling for fault-lines that are faded and begins to pry and push...She stumbles again as Elena splits away and they separate. "Woah... okay mom that was wack. I just... I don't even know how to describe..."Kairi cuts in. "No negative side effects?""Not that I can feel aside from really wanting to do it again," admitted Elena, "Its a little scary but holy shit it feels crazy. Do you always feel like that mom?""Like wha... it doesn't matter right now," Kairi refocused. "Alright, all of you girls, get yourself somewhere safe or coordinate with whoever is in charge where you're at. I want you safe when you're all giving me your strength. Genesis, you game?""If I must," he huffed.She doesn't fail to detect his relief, and his determination. On her own she'd likely get defeat, but together? Especially with Genesis's power pushed down to her?"Yo mom, I caught you heading to Sector Six, right?" said Elena, "You think the target is heading there instead of HQ?""Yeah, call it... call it a hunch," said Kairi."A hunch? A hunch is a lot to risk, apprentice," said Genesis thinly."Mom, its not hard to feel your hiding something with the web so open," commented one of her girls.Kairi twitch, especially when the focus of so many of them squared in on her. "I... I have reason to believe she will be coming for me, rather than Shinra.""What? Why you specifically?" someone demanded."Its... its something she said last time," explained Kairi, "I'm not sure on the specifics, but... she called me Calamity.""As in what Miss Rui was saying in the meeting?" asked Genesis, perplexed."Yeah, she said along the lines of 'wiping out Junon was worth killing a Calamity'," said Kairi quietly, "I don't... I don't fully understand it, but... I'm certain she's coming for me.""Hmm," mused Genesis, "Its something we will ponder once this crisis is over, for now, call for an evacutation of the Sector Six Plate, unless we want a repeat of Junon, hmm?"Kairi grimaces, chastises herself, and brings up her PHS to her face. "Reeve, still on?""Erm, yes?" he said, "I'm coordinating with Shelke on emergency shutdown procedures incase one of the reactors is damaged and in risk of detonation. What is it?""I need sector six evacuated, make it happen within the hour," she said."...alright," he said, not questioning it, "Give me ten."Kairi clips her PHS to her belt and takes a breath, moving out. Sirens start blaring almost exactly at the ten minute mark. Civilians start fleeing the area for the train station or sector exits, guards escorting and coordinating them through. Kairi makes for the center of the plate, what looks like a large business square, a fountain in the middle, buildings off the edges of the square. If she can't kill Felicia and stop the summoning, hopefully it will be enough room, after all, she has no idea how big this Zirconiade is.It goes without saying that Felicia has overstayed her welcome. Verdot will have to live with it.She crosses her arm and waits patiently, her PHS crackling a bit later. "Target has been sighted flying over Junon heading north-east straight for Midgar! Fuck, at that speed ETA less than five minutes! I hope you're ready.""I hope so too," she agrees, clicking her PHS off and steeling herself.Comfort and belief pour down the web, filling her every breath, igniting her limbs. She draws her sword and lets the tip rest slightly infront of her right foot, waiting. She feels Felicia's presence before she arrives, a great burning sensation far more than it was before. Its unreal, merely having the support materia seemed to have strengthened her. Finally, the burning woman arrives, flying down from the sky in an orange streak, blue glowing spheres following her as she touches down a bit from Kairi.Felicia stares at her for a long moment before speaking in a dual-voice. "So you have begun to realize your potential then."Kairi slow blinked. "What?""The Planet felt it, the moment you took one of your children into yourself for power," said Felicia, drawing her burning sword, "Like the Original Calamity you parasitically leach that which is not yours."The hell is she talking about with that planet nonsense?"I gave back what I took," snapped Kairi."For now," agreed the woman, "But not for long. Innocence dies in many ways, and the abomination you will become means it is best you be burned away now."Kairi responds by raising her sword into ready position.Felicia smiled a grim smile. "Its time. Under the correct destined circumstances, the summoning would require the full, undamaged materia, its four support materia, and five willing sacrifices. One for the materia, one for each support. Otherwise full power would not truly be achieved. Its funny really, if Fuhito's original methodology had been achieved, Zirconiade wouldn't have been summoned with anywhere near her true strength, even if one sacrifice, me, had been given, it wouldn't have been enough. The support materia would have to have charged for far to long to be anywhere effective, allowing interruption and defeat. Even the WEAPONs would have been stronger. But then you came along..."Her smile turned feral. "The Lost Child turned Calamity of Light."Kairi narrowed her eyes. She knows that term. Where had she heard 'Lost Child' before? "Are you going anywhere with this?""The Planet fears you, Calamity. Your potential fully achieved would perhaps be more dangerous than even the original Calamity. As such, the Avatar is willing to break a few rules to see you destroyed."Avatar?"Meaning what?" demanded Kairi."Zirconiade's summoning was supposed to happen after my brother... after Zirconiade's brother Omega had taken flight with the Lifestream. But guess what? Both it and the Avatar are still here," said Felicia, raising her burning sword into the air.Green energy began to ripple intensely from the blade, the four support materia moved and began to spin around Felicia. Kairi surged forward, only to be blasted back by a pulse of energy from the materia."With the blessing of the Goddess and the power of the Lifestream, all it requires, is one sacrifice," said Felicia with fanatical glee, reversing her grip on the blade, bringing it down, and running herself through with the sword.Red and white energy erupted out of the young woman. A sphere of the energy wrapped itself around her, red lightning arcing off her and bathing the area. Kairi hissed and ducked under one tendril, leaping over another. The sphere rose into the air, expanding in size, the support materia moving to continue to spin around the sphere, energy beams surging from them into it. The entire plate began to shake, dust and loose bricks flying up into the air, drawn by the energy. Kairi planted her feet down firmly, gritting her teeth and staring up at the near blinding light.Despite the red and white light emanating from it, the area began to bleed mako green. It was as if reality was being distorted and warped, Buildings took natural angles, the bricks making up the square began to levitate and expand, until it looked like a pathway one could leap upward brick by brick into the sky. Kairi readied herself to leap, only for it to be a moot point...The energy sphere explodedKairi raised her arms to shield herself, casting barrier and cringing with effort. Slowly, the explosion faded. Then, the green glow faded, buildings returned to their original state only to be blasted and damaged by the explosion. The bricks fell back unnaturally smoothly into formation. Kairi slowly lowered her arms and looked up into the sky.At Zirconiade.Fully summoned into the world.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi stared at the colossal form of Zirconiade as it floated up in the air above Midgar. For a summon, it was very... metallic in appearance compared to the more animal like or humanoid ones she'd seen so far. Its coloring was mostly blood red or steel/gold. Its... torso? Hips? Were mostly six containers that had gigantic rings attached to them which had jagged blades connecting to them in place of 'legs'. Though hanging down from its torso were two hooks on either side of a segregating slab of metal that parted one set of ring containers from another. From the torso rose a smaller almost human like form, thin red arms, a smooth pale face, and an odd vertical circle of metal from its forhead connecting to the backside of its head. Attached to its back was a huge pinwheel like object that had four very pointy almost-lance-like extensions. From its shoulders, were black pauldron like objects that had a trifecta of metal wings. Finally, surrounding the summon, was an intense mako-like glow.Yet... for as imposing as the summon appeared, it felt weaker than Felicia had been after the summon had awoken in.Strange...And then mother started screaming. "COCOON!"What?"That form is a cocoon!" roared Jenova, "Larval, preparatory! IT HAS THE POWER IT NEEDS TO CHANGE! KILL IT! KILL IT BEFORE IT CAN TRANSFORM!"Ah shit."Alright, girls, Genesis, its time!" she said down the web, "Send me everything you've got!"Kairi's vision swam as pure power flowed down the web into her. Her limbs felt aflame with energy, her chest seemed to want to explode with all of it. Her form felt so tiny to contain such gathered strength. Her eyesight sharped back into intense focus. She could literally see Zirconiade's metallic eyes narrow at her despite the great distance from ground to sky. She ran towards the nearest building at blinding speed, kicked off the ground, and began to run up the building, sprinting to the top before she gave a war cry and leapt with inhuman impossible strength and height at the World Burner...Which didn't move at all.She swung her blade and with a heavy metallic screech, carved open from slightly below its chest down into its metallic torso. She tore her sword free and plummeted. She curled and then rolled once she hit, the impact jarring, but nothing to her empowered mako strength. She sprung to her feet and glanced up in time to see fire gushing out of the wound she made... yet the summon still didn't seem phased. Then the fire began to move up its body, slowly engulfing the entire thing in a coat of burning energy."AGAIN!" screamed Jenova, fear in her voice, "AGAIN!"Cracks began to splinter out from the wound, spreading across its entire metallic body."Too late," gritted out Kairi, gripping her blade tightly.The mako glow around the summon began to bleed orange.The air began to tremble.Flakes of metal began to fall off the summon and levitate around it in a circle.The summon spread its hands out to the side.The flames began to burn so bright.Brighter and brighter...Kairi cried out and shielded her eyes as a nova of blinding burning energy blew apart the metal body. She felt its presence before her eyes adjusted, and Kairi trembled. The pure, raw, power that hurt her to even feel, emanating from the summon that was so titanic compared to what Felicia had achieved. Even with her children, with Genesis, it wasn't enough. Kairi wasn't strong enough. Her eyes adjusted, blinking away the blurriness, and she looked up to see its new form.Gone was the metallic machine like form.In its place was a huge woman-like form, easily twice the size of Shiva if not three times. It kept its red and steel coloring, its skin the steel, its armor the red, though with mako green laced through it like veins. Its eyes was burning orbs the looked down at Kairi like she was an insignificant pest. Upon its back were burning wings the beat with slow immense force, much like Felicia had when the summon awoke within her. The lance pinwheel that had been upon its back was instead held in one hand centered like a shield, transformed. The lances were gone, and instead, the jagged blades that had once been Zirconiade's legs went around the edges, definitely dangerous enough to kill with. Held in the other hand was a giant burning blade that looked an awful lot like the one that Felicia's sword had transformed into. It had more humanoid legs now, steel colored and smooth, ending in feet without toes. Even from the distance between them, Kairi could feel the heat, like a burning aura, that would probably ignite those who drew to close.Kairi was fucked.She was dead and she knew it."Not. Yet," snarled Mother, "There is one final chance I spoke of before. It is not yet time for our Ruinion, but I will will come as close to it as I can in this moment before we are physically aligned.""Okay," answered Kairi shakily, "What do I have to do.""Let me in."A shiver went down Kairi's spine at the craving tone. "How?""Reach out your mental web to be and temporarily connect it. Do NOT allow your children to break the connection. Grip them tightly, and drag us all together," instructed Jenova, "You will only have one chance at this."Kairi took in a deep breath, watching Zirconiade as it rolled its sword handle in its fingers, staring down at her. It raised its blade into the air, and a sphere of intense almost molten like energy began to form high above it in the sky."NOW!" screamed Jenova, "DO IT NOW!"So Kairi reached out, grabbing her children, grabbing Genesis tightly, and then reaching down into her mind, down the connection between her and Mother, for Jenova. She took a sharp intake the moment she brushed against her, feeling... feeling pure, utter, malevolence, a presence so different and so alien to her. For all Mother called them the same species, Kairi had a hard time seeing any similarities between them. But she didn't have time to really figure out anything from a passing glance. She felt her children recoiling from Jenova, she couldn't let them break the connection or they were all dead. So she dragged Jenova to the web, connected, and...They jolted.They gasped.Took a deep breath.Blinked.Let it out.They... she...Stared down at their hands, clenching and unclenching the empty one, marveling at herself. She felt... strange. Who... who was...Kairi.Jenova.Genesis.Her children, her so many children.She was everything and more.But ultimately, in this body..."K-A-I-R-I," she sounded out, tasting the name.Yes... that was who she was...K-A-I-R-I.Kairi.A Mother to children much like Jenova was to her. Knowledge and power filled her that she parsed in seconds, abilities she could barely begin to fathom, and... information that Mother had withheld about her own power? Light? A wing? She searches for more, and yet... memories are either missing or blocked. Mother had shielded much of herself from their union, gifting mostly just power, experience, and knowledge around certain abilities. She has little time to dwell on it, and certainly no time to try and breach into what was hidden.She threw out her right arm, and her white wing exploded through her clothing and extended off to the side. She reaches deep into herself, for the purity and light she felt, and bathed herself in it, an aura of light surrounding her. With a powerful beat of her wing, she launches herself into the air, using a insignificant flutter of energy to keep herself right within the air despite only one wing. For the fallen only bore one...Fallen bore...Where had that thought come from...?She shakes her head and dismisses it, rising higher and higher into the air until she matches Zirconiade in the sky. The summon glared at her with pure hatred, pulling the now-massive ball of molten energy down and absorbing it into it's blade before swinging it at Kairi and launching a massive wave of orange energy at her. Kairi burst into the sky, launching herself above the attack before flapping her wing and coming back down, swinging a mighty blow. Zirconiade raised its shield and blocked, a shockwave energy erupting upon impact. Zirconiade shoved her off and swung its own weapon. Kairi backflipped through the air, her body barely slinging itself over the blade. She took the initiative while Zirconiade was offbalanced and surged forward, channeling her power down her sword to not let it be destroyed and then swinging and slashing into the summon's body.Zirconiade shrieked as burning blood sprayed, but did not take it laying down. It swing its shield back around and slice into Kairi, digging the shield into her skin and half way through her ribs before she was thrown through the sky. Kairi howled in pain, flapping her wing and righting herself, free hand gripping the smoldering bloody wound... that was not healing.Fuck.Even with all this power, her wounds were still not naturally healing?! Could not overpower the might of the World Burner?Well then.Simple solutions first to test.She casts Cure3 on herself, and lets out a shuddering breath as the energy tips the scales enough for her regeneration to knit her bones and skin back together. Yet... its still feels raw. Superficial healing enough to close the wound and stop the bleeding, but not a full cure in any manner of speaking. The wounds will add up over time, even if she heals the most dangerous parts of the damage away. She must be careful, for this foe is one who can actually kill her.She dives back for the World Burner, and only now notices the heat emanating from it, like a hot summer day to her. Likely it would melt her children or other SOLDIERs merely to be in its presence. Genesis and Angeal, her brothers would not last long. Sephiroth would have had the most chance against the World Burner's true might, but even then... she doesn't know. She'd never seen the true depths of Sephiroth's power after all, but from what she has seen, she's not sure how long he would last. Mother had always said he was the strongest, her Chosen One, but Kairi remains skeptical until she witnesses it for herself.Her though?Kairi and Jenova and Genesis and all their children...A ca-joined might, an army all in one.Her blade clashes with Zirconiade's, equal force meeting equal force that sends both jarring at the impact. The clash again and again, energy erupting from each parry of a blade or block of the summon's shield. They battle through the air, the summon's giant form trying to stab and slash and batter away at Kairi like she were a gnat flying around her. Kairi is more careful, ignoring her favored form of just abusing her regeneration to plow through and win, not against this opponent. She is forced to give up far to many opportunities to flip or dodge out of the way of that damned giant blade and shield.She flaps her wing and launched herself back, her bangle glowing as she snarls out, "Bolt3!"It sparks and gushes from her hands, but the summon merely swats the spell away with its shield.Alright then, lets see how it likes this!She aims her free hand out at it, and pulls on her light. She calls forth the power even without needed to hit her Limit. "Light Nova!"The energy explodes at the point of impact without Zirconiade having a chance to block, making it roar in fumble through the air. Kairi flies forward, wing beating heavily, closing the distance and swinging down at Zirconiade's back, her blade biting in and leaving a molten red line from where burning energy sprays out from. Zirconiade screeches in pain and springs, not catching Kairi with her weapon, but still managing to slam her with its arm and sending her rocketing away. Kairi uses the momentum to swoop down and then back up...And then she notices the helicopters."IDIOTS!" she snarled.Missiles rain from them at Zirconiade, impacting and exploding but doing nothing. Zirconiade rights itself in the sky then swings its sword. Unlike Kairi, the helicopters are not near as graceful. The energy impacts and turns them into molten, and then exploding scrap. But more and more of Shinra's forces come. Any and all of Scarlets robots with flight capabilities. Missile batteries all around Midgar lightning up. A torrent of missiles and gunfire erupt from all over. All for the World Burner.And its all worthless, only serving to get in Kairi's way.The aura of heat from Zirconiade becomes so very visible, and expands, turning all the robots into scrap and even setting distant helicopters ablaze. Zirconiade aims its sword down at Midgar, and releases a beam of burning energy from its tip at one of the missile batteries. The resulting explosion is far, far bigger than the size of the missile battery. Kairi snarls in fury, that definitely causes civilian casualties. She beats her wing, dives into the burning aura, through the torrent of missiles and gunfire, and swings at the summon, forcing it to fight her. The summon barely gets its shield up in time to deflect the blow, but that's fine. So close, Kairi raises a hand, ignites it with intense light, and smashes a Light Nova into its collarbone. The explosion sends Kairi and the summon rocketing away from eachother.Kairi uses the momentum to surge towards one of the more distant and intact helicopters. The pilot is staring at her, mouth gaping. She moves around and pounds on the door, denting it a bit. A trooper opens it and steps back. She grabs onto the door and pulls herself in, folding her wing."PILOT!" she roars, "Get President Shinra on the damn phone and call this shit off! None of Shinra's none-SOLDIER assets are going to do anything against that thing! It will only draw the summons wrath. If its focused on me, its not focused on blowing away chunks of Midgar, am I clear!?""Y-yes ma'am!" stutters out the pilot, "U-um, 1st Class Sephiroth made contact about five minutes ago, he's heading for a helicopter to fly him back to Midgar, ETA less than 10 minutes!""Yeah? So fucking what?" she snaps out, "Unless he can pull a wing out of his ass as well what is he going to do when the summon is airborne so far above Midgar? Get him on damage control instead, if he can intercept any of the summon's wayward energy blasts that head ground-ward, he might be able to save lives down there.""Y-yes ma'am," stuttered the pilot again."Now get yourself out of here and radio in what I s-," began Kairi before she notices the summon sending out another blast down towards another missile battery, blowing away another chunk of Midgar and who knows how many civilians.Kairi snarls flings herself out of the helicopter, her wing beating and rushing again for Zirconiade. The gunfire, robots, and missiles stop coming about a minute later after Kairi has engaged the summon again. This time though, its changed up its arsenal. It aims its shield at her, and the center glows and spins rapidly before a massive beam of molten energy erupts from it. Kairi yelps, curls her wing to her body, and plummets down to evade it, but even then, it feels like her back just got a wicked sunburn. Her clothes also smell... crispy. She extends her wing, swoops down rapidly then skimming along the streets belong before surging back skyward at insane speeds. She gives a warcry and swings her blade. The summon spins away, its shield deflecting the blow.The summon chucks its shield at her as she surges past, and as it spins, waves of fire erupt from it in all directions. Kairi ducks and weaves down, her wing feeling a bit burnt, and then notices the blasted shield is following her! How the hell...Wait.Shield in the sky homing in on her meant it wasn't in the summon's hand!Kairi grins and swoops down for Zirconiade. The summon swings its massive blade at her. Kairi swings her blade down as she goes, sending herself spinning on impact, but that was her intent. She flips down and thrusts up with her feet as she impacts upside down on Zirconiade's chest, her feet cracking into it's chin and snapping its head upward, just in time for the stalker-shield to fly by and carve in a deep trench into its forehead. Zirconiade roars and a nova of fire erupts from it in all directions, sending Kairi screaming in pain through the air.Kairi chain-casts Cure3 a few times on herself to stop the burning from turning her skin into goop. Her SOLDIER 2nd class uniform is more than a little charred and somewhat melted into her skin. Fucking hurts, but she's not going to waste further energy to deal with it now. Zirconiade has righted itself in the air, burning blood sliding down its face. It has its shield in hand again, its grip tight on both it and the sword. Then...Then it brings them together, the shield shifting to wrap around the blade, jagged edges trailing along it. Zirconiade aims her sword into the air, and like the start of the fight, another massive sphere of molten energy begins to form. It begins to levitate higher and higher into the sky, then... then it sneers at her and glances down at Midgar before looking back up at her, gaze predatory.Fuck.Message received.Its going to blow Midgar. If that hits, the entire city is gone. Its goading her, block the energy or watch it happen. She doesn't have a choice, if she lets it go she'd lose her children down there along with all the population. If the children in Midgar died, she'd lose chunks of her power and most likely not be able to go toe to toe anymore. She doesn't hesitate, as the summon lifts its sword, Kairi dives downward. It swings its blade, and the molten sphere surges down.Fear pumps through body.Fury burns in her veins.Determination steels her limbs.Her emotions peak.Her power ignites.She feels the Limit Break coming, but its not Light Nova. Not this time. Some people, if they have Limit Breaks at all, never find a second. Its taken her years for this moment, but she wont complain. She rights herself, flying just above the bricks of Sector 6. She feels the power, the word enters her mind, and she roars..."LIGHT-ZANTETSUKEN!"Her blade turns into a massive sword of light. She blurs, faster than sight can follow, and cleaves through the energy sphere, faster than the resulting explosion, and then through Zirconiade. The summon screams as its body is severed in two, the bottom below its torso falling away and disintegrating into mako green energy. The Limit Break fades, Kairi turns, triumphant...Zirconiade spears its massive blade right through Kairi's body.Kairi can't even scream.The blade's girth penetrates her from her collarbone all the way down to just above her pelvis. Its... its utter agony. Pain unlike anything she's felt before. It feels like her body is melting from the sword onward, spreading through her. She... she... no... not... not like... not like this...She aims her shaking sword at Zirconiade and releases a Light Nova, the explosion sending Zirconiade flying, wrenching the massive blade from Kairi in a brutal spray of blood. She plummets to the ground, impacting on Sector 6 hard enough to send a crater through the brick street, her vision blurring at the jarring force of impact. She spits up blood, gasping for air. She fumbles for her bracer, arms shaking, vision darkening.Cure3...Not enough...Cure3...Not...C...cure... 3...E... enou...C... ur...C...
"Goodbye mom."
One of her children within her presence blinks out of existence, then another, then another. Consciousness pooling away and sliding into Kairi in a way Kairi knows she cannot undo. She screams in suffering and loss. Sacrificial power briefly fills her, the wound stitching closed. She screams into herself for them to stop. But the parts that make her who she is don't listen. Another ten of her children are gone in as many seconds before Kairi is healed enough to stagger to her feat.Thirteen.Children.Gone.Dead.Never coming back.Never coming home.She screams once more, light erupting from her and bleaching the area white. She flaps her wing in once massive beat and flies into the air, a snarl on her face. She surges for the form of Zirconiade. Even severed in half the damned thing still lives, its bottom half cauterized closed. Kairi might have just lost thirteen pieces of herself, but that still wasn't the same amount of damage that the summon had just taken. She is going to slaughter this abomination! Her children might have chosen to sacrifice themselves, but its the same as the summon outright murdering them to her. Her family tore apart that King Behemoth over Gale's singular death.Zirconiade will know death.Kairi glows with the power of a Limit Break but it simply can't be formed into an actual move. She surges at Zirconiade with powerful blows instead, her speed and strength surging in peaks, falling back on lows. Zirconiade had separated its sword and shield back into separate parts to try to keep something always between Kairi and ripping into its flesh. But it is sluggish compared to before, still stupidly powerful, but nowhere near its peak. Its sword and shield moving to parry and deflect but hardly to attack, then... opportunity.She clashes her blade against the sword and lets it push her into a flip, the massive blade surging overhead. Kairi flips head over heals, gives a warcry, and brings her blade down on the summon's wrist holding the shield, severing clean through it. The summon screeches and flaps its wings backwards away. Kairi allows it to temporarily escape, she funnels her fluctuating Limit Break into one massive Light Nova and obliterates the summon's falling shield in a brutal blinding explosion.She flaps her wing, breathing in deeply and raggedly. Fuck, when is the last time she well and truly felt exhausted in a fight? Even for their army in one body, throwing around this kind of power against an equal power is draining. Regardless, the summon is weakened and critically wounded, its time to end this. The summon must know its time is up, its blade melts into pure energy that pools into its hand. It gives a roar, all of its energy funneling into its sphere...Kairi gives a battlecry and surges at it.Zirconiade aims the sphere and releases a brutal beam of energy.Kairi screams in pain as she flies through it, her clothes charring , hair burning away, vision blurring as her eyes damage, her skin melting, but she pushes through, bursts into the sky above Zirconiade, screams in fury, and rains down, her sword carving down through the summon's head, down through its chest, bisecting it in half...The summon explodes.Moments before it hits her she... Mother is... why separate... n-now...?"You did well child," said Mother, "But a taste of our power when we truly embrace Reunion."Kairi barely has a moment to orient her perspective, to be Kairi and not K-A-I-R-I, for her children to suddenly impact back into their own bodies, before the explosion engulfs her.Sephiroth watches as the charred and blacked body of Kairi crashes down towards Sector 6. He leaps from his helicopter, limbs tight to his body. He hits the ground of Sector 6 and rushes forward, leaping to catch Kairi and spin around, using his body to shield her from anymore of the explosive energy that washes over them and sets the entirety of Sector 6 aflame. He waves a hand, a barrier appearing around them, before casting Full-Cure.It does absolutely nothing.He casts Sense, she's barely clinging to life.He goes for his PHS and dials a number he oh so hates to. "Hojo, shut up and listen. You had best have developed something to counteract the Summon's damage.""Ridiculous," rebutted Hojo, "I wasn't even aware that should be a task I waste time on."Sephiroth grits his teeth. "Kairi killed the summon, but suffered critical damage and will die without extreme assistance. Full Cure is doing nothing, I doubt any medical potions or elixirs will do much considering her throat is likely seared closed."He morbidly wonders if asphyxiation will kill her before anything else, SOLDIERs can go without breath for a very long time, but coupled with such wounds...Hojo considers for a moment before ordering, "Bring her back to HQ.""To your lab?""To the Mako Showers," corrected Hojo, "It seems its time for her to receive her 1st Class enhancements, if we wish for Specimen K to live. I will have the solution ready for injection, and the showers prepped with Mako by the time you arrive. The final enhancement should, theoretically, allow her to overcome the damage."Sephiroth pushes aside his misgivings, aside his thoughts that so unstable a SOLDIER should never receive such enhancements, and rushes through the flames towards Shinra HQ as fast as he can...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Genesis stalked into the viewing room above one of Hojo's labs, right up to Sephiroth who was impassively staring down as doctors worked over Kairi's charred husk, and demanded, "The hell hasn't she been treated yet?! You texted...""Her flesh was too burnt for the syringes to go through, the needles broke or couldn't even jab through," said Sephiroth mildly, "They had to cut into her lungs to get a breather into her or she would have suffocated hours ago. As it was, the mako pump system from the reactors was damaged from one of the summon's bombardments. It took time to get enough mako manually drawn for the mako shower."Genesis gritted his teeth, a snarl on his lips...Angeal caught up and put a hand on his shoulder. "Easy Gen, easy. Sorry Seph, he's been in a mood since the half-way point back to HQ.""I imagine that was roughly when Kairi was caught in the summon's death throes," said Sephiroth mildly, "Tell me, Genesis, do you have any idea how she challenged the summon at its full strength when she couldn't handle Miss Verdot empowered with it?"Genesis stood next to him, staring down achingly at Kairi, or well, the mass of doctors, and the abominable Hojo, crowding around her. "She pulled us in, drew strength from each and every one of her children, and me."Sephiroth takes in a sharp breath. "She can pull power from those with her cells?"Genesis nodded.Sephiroth frowns. "I... see. That would be... considerable. Over a hundred SOLDIER's power shoved into one body.""And the Mother persona as well," said Genesis uneasily, "We felt it, like a malignant taint, Kairi drew that in as well. The girls will have questions I imagine once this blows over."Sephiroth nods. "I assume taking in the 'Mother' is how she figured out the wing and that strange energy."Genesis shrugged. "I'm... not honestly too sure. When I mean we were all drawn in, I mean like what Hojo had done when he demanded Kairi go into my head, except... more. There was almost no confusion, just... just one ca-joined mass, one dominant personality, just Kairi."A pensive look crossed Sephiroth's face. "...And you are alright? No side effects?"He nods. "None that I can tell.""The others?""Most of the girls are... relatively alright, save for the few who died.""The process killed them?" said Sephiroth sharply."No, Kairi was fatally injured during the fight, thirteen of the girls bled out their own consciousness, their lifeforce, and fed it into Kairi to rejuvenate her," said Genesis softly, "Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end. The wind sails over the water's surface, quietly, but surely.""Not that I would want anymore causalities.. none sacrificed themselves for this?" said Sephiroth, motioning down at Kairi."No, from what I could feel... the Mother personality somehow split the merge shortly before the explosion," said Genesis icily, "Almost intentionally if I had to guess. It was... more conscious than the rest of us in that state. Most of us were just... there but not. The thirteen who sacrificed themselves were the ones she whispered the knowledge of how to do so to."He gritted his teeth. "Kairi loves them, that abominable persona couldn't have cared less. Even if Kairi wouldn't have lived without it... that persona prepped them for the slaughter. None of the rest know how to do more than clumsily allow Kairi to reach for their power, which she can't do unconscious, otherwise I would expect foolish sacrifice when we have a solution ready to be used here.""Its hard to remember sometimes, that Kairi has such a darkness living in her," muttered Angeal, "As much as I wouldn't wish her pain, its good that the enhancement was delayed until all three of us were here, incase she... relapses into the persona.""I have a theory on that which I would like to test," said Sephiroth, "Each enhancement or mako booster, she has been thrown into a violent situation after. If we merely order her to rest and sleep...""Perhaps the beast will lay still, hmm?" said Genesis.Sephiroth nods. "Assuming of course that she survives. Hojo has voiced his surprise more than once that she is even alive at the moment."Genesis grimaced. "She's a burning mass in the mental web. Hurts to even focus her way."Sephiroth sighs and rubs his face. "...and how is the rest of the female division taking the losses, compared to last time?""Its... muddled, muted," said Genesis awkwardly, "Without Kairi everything feels... sluggish. Numb. The web is in disarray. I'm... not actually sure how many retained the knowledge or realizes that there were casualties. Especially...He hesitates. "Especially since they're not dead like young Gale was. Ripped away. These thirteen... fed their lifeforce into Kairi. Its like they're gone but not gone. There is no 'them' anymore in the mental web, their presence and identity are gone, but it doesn't actually feel like they're gone, just..."He looks down grimly at his apprentice. "Just that they're a part of Kairi."Sephiroth... doesn't look like he quite gets it. Its hard, for someone not connected to the web, to understand. After all, dead or alive was a distinction most lived by, especially someone like Sephiroth who wouldn't know any form of religion if a holy book smacked him on the back of his head. Dead-in-all-ways-that-matter-but-not isn't quite a state of existence most would understand.The conversation ends when Hojo waves up to them, the doctors part...Genesis grimaces. They had to cut away much of the burnt flesh, and all of her clothing that had been seared into her. Its... not a pleasant sight. The doctors put her on a gurney and cart her away. They move to the mako showers. Its not often used, 1st Class is a special promotion very rarely given out. 1st Class must be earned. In this instance, not only is it needed to save her, but killing that summon definitely earned her the right. They move into another viewing room above the showers. Kairi is set down on the floor, glowing vials are injected into her body, the doctors pull out the breathing support, leave the room, then the showers start and Mako pours down onto and into Kairi's exposed flesh.At first there is nothing for a long, agonizing minute.Then the twitching starts.Then her agonized consciousness flares to awareness.She wails, not aloud, her throat isn't healed enough yet, but it rips down the web, making Genesis gasp in pain. It doesn't take too long before she starts screaming and howling aloud either. Slowly, her flesh starts to mend, she writhes and twists on the floor of the showers. The sight of her squirming along with her flesh slowly stitching itself together and spreading back over her body is nausea inducing, he has to hold back a retch. He is mildly surprised that even her hair grows back. Within fifteen agonizing minutes, Kairi is physically resorted. Wing included. The last of the summon's damage washed away.Mentally though, he's not sure where Kairi's head is. Because her consciousness is all over the place, disoriented, and very, very confused. The Mako surely isn't helping either, the longer it rains down on her, the more skittish and delirious her mind feels. Finally, the allotted time passes and Hojo flicks a switch, shutting them off. Genesis notes one of the doctors holding a spare uniform, a 2nd Class one, but that's fine, she'll get to design her own if she wishes. Otherwise she'll get the standard 1st class uniform to work with.For now, Genesis merely grabs the uniform from the doctors and thumbs downward to his friends. Sephiroth and Angeal nod, following in behind him. If Kairi gets violent, or the Mother persona surfaces, they will restrain and immediately knock her own. Assuming they can even stick a head injury to her long enough to render her unconscious anymore that is. He walks down, into the room, and cautiously approaches his shivering apprentice."Kairi?"She lolls her head towards him, blinking slowly, no recognition on her face."Come apprentice, lets get you clothed," he said, kneeling down and helping her.She reflexively, if but clumsily, slots her limbs through the appropriate holes. Her wing is... difficult, so he merely cuts a hole in the back of her uniform. Its not like its something to hide anymore. He already had seen videos circulating the web on his PHS on the way back, zoomed in as much as they could on the titanic struggle above Midgar. The videos he has seen might not be the clearest, but he's certain one will be cleaned up enough to identify Kairi. A redheaded female SOLDIER with a wing going toe to toe with a summon that rained death down on Midgar and made quite the lightshow isn't something that can be hushed up. Not where it happened at least, and not with the damage and death.The President literally can't.The public was already going to be baying for blood over the loss of Corel and Gongaga along with the Junon and Midgar casualties. The President has to offer up AVALANCHE on a platter, a clear picture that wont even really be lying. He doubts they'll give Felicia Verdot as a name, most likely just sticking with AVALANCHE Leader Elfe. AVALANCHE will, rightly, be painted the villains. Kairi, the valiant hero who struck their ultimate weapon down. How they spin the wing... he's not quite sure. Its not his job to do so anyway. He is however content to keep his own hidden for the time being."N-n-no v-v-oice shish t-time," slurs out Kairi.Genesis frowns. "Voice?""W-wana... w-wana...," she struggles, "S...seee... Ssssoooraaa."That name, where had he..."Want... I want... to see...," she struggled, eyes going in and out of focus, "Sora."She holds up a hand, and it glows with light.His eyes go wide with recognition. "Oh not this again!""Genesis what...," begins Angeal.The light surges from her hand and engulfs them all...
The place Genesis finds himself floating above is not the same as the last, when Kairi did this during her 2nd Class Enhancements. Instead, he, Angeal, Sephiroth, and Kairi, float above a desert wasteland, and a battlefield. Those black humanoid monsters from before are there teeming in the thousands, and in so many more shapes sizes and forms than before. All of them surging for a group of warriors in a circle formation around a group of six woman/girls...

He squints down.

...who look like they haven't had a proper meal in months, skin and bones and weary, and so, so crushed by the world, bandaged and bruised. Protecting them are seven warriors wielding... key like weapons? He recalls the boy Sora that Kairi had known doing so and thought it weird, but all of them? And... and one of them was a bloody humanoid MOUSE of all things flipping through the air with such mobility that it would make 2nd's jealous. It is dressed in a black zipper vest, red pants, and very oddly big shoes. Genesis stares at the oddity for a moment long before a powerful explosion of magic draws his attention.

A graceful blue-haired woman cartwheels away from the energy blast, a shimmering shield of some kind of barrier surrounding her. Wearing a black/blue halter top with pink belts crossed over her chest. Gloved, with odd scraps of armor here and there across her body, and her very oddly pointed armored shoes compared to the rest of her cloth clothing. She burns though, with magic intensity Genesis can feel. She swings her key weapon and energy shoots out from it, bolts of lightning, blasts of fire, gravity-like-magic that sucks in and obliterates hordes of the monsters coming for her.

"XEHANORT!" she screams, exhaustion in her voice, "Any last ideas?!"

Genesis's eyes go to the responder. "At this point Master Aqua, any idea is a moot one. The Doll was my last idea without being able to create the Kye-Blade, and it utterly failed to replace the missing princess."

The voice belongs to a young man. Silvery hair, piercing yellow eyes, his top a tight black shirt with red straps over it, his bottom an
almost Wutain samurai-like clothing, hakama maybe? His key-weapon is... menacing compared to the others he sees, black and silver with a wicked eye glaring out of it. Dark energy surrounds the man, and he wields it expertly, surging through the air with powerful swings of his weapon. Shooting off energy. Sinking into the group and coming up in the middle of a pack of the monsters with a giant purple hand that collapses and obliterates them.

"I... I'm sorry," half sobs half squeaks out a young voice.

Genesis's head turns... is that Kairi? No... the girl looks so similar to Kairi when she was a young teenager, just... black hair instead of red. Garbed in a full body black coat, she wields a key-weapon much like she recalls Sora's being. She strikes and surges at the monsters near her, but she doesn't take on the full brunt. She is between the distance separating Xehanort and 'Master' Aqua, cleaning up any that get through.

"Enough Xehanort, Xion tried," comes a sharp voice of a young man, "We asked of her what no one could do. When nothing else we tried did anything more than delay the inevitable, what did you honestly expect?"

There is another silver haired young man. Perhaps related to the first? Not sure. He's dressed in absolutely hideous yellow vest that clashed horribly with the blue jeans. His key-weapon is somewhat similar to the menacing one. Red and black, but with an odd blue wing at the end as its teeth. He holds himself grimly, determined, but with little tolerance to his own health. He fights as recklessly as Kairi does, just without her healing factor. Genesis pegs him as the first to give out in the warriors, if only because the man will want to go out fighting.

"Way to be a downer Riku," comes a somewhat familiar voice, and then he sees the boy Sora again. Same clothing as before, though its looser on him. He's not nearly as fed as he had been last time Genesis had seen him. All of them looked like they needed a date with a dinner table to be frank. The Sora boy is somehow oddly cheerful despite the impossible odds coming for them. No less lethal then before though, in fact, there is much more form in his strikes now. Properly trained compared to the sloppy self-training he had before.

"Sora...," comes Kairi's whisper, looking down at him blankly.

"Sorry loser, but the downer is right," comes a voice that Genesis can practically hear the sneer in.

"Piss off Van-Ven," calls out Riku.

"Don't fucking call me that! I AM VENTUS! More than either of them ever were!" is the snarled reply.

Genesis locates that one in the bloody mass of dark monsters. Its a blond haired teenage boy with yellow eyes in a skin-tight red and black body-suit duel-wielding two different key-like weapons. He has an entire section to himself, throwing around power recklessly, obliterating his enemy in hoards. Definitely not a team player that one.

"Yeah? So what, the only loser here is you Mr. Couldn't-form-the-blade."

"Turns out a willing merge doesn't do the trick, the fuck was I or them supposed to know?" snapped back Ventus.

"Enough!" called out the Mouse, "Focus on the battle at hand, nows not the time to be at eachother's throat.

"Well your majesty," mocks Ventus, "When else are we going to? I don't see us getting out of this one. Unless you can pull a scheme out of your ass or a miracle happens, we're toast. How bout for once you wipe that happy-go-lucky grin off your face Mickey and accept reality?"

"Where there is light, there is always hope," countered the Mouse.

"Genesis," says Sephiroth, floating closer to him, "What is going on? What is this?"

"I... don't fully know how to answer that," admits Genesis, "I might have left out that this happened once before. Different place, the only one I recognize is the Sora kid that gives Zack Fair's hair a run for its money."

Angeal snorts. "That's true."

Angeal surveys the battlefield grimly, amusement gone in an instant. "Is this... real? Some kind of hallucination we've been dragged into?"

"Not sure to be honest," said Genesis, "Never figured it out, shoved it to the back of my mind, had a war going on to deal with after all."

Then a scream sounds.

Genesis looks down to see Sora lose his key. A tide of the monsters overwhelming him and dragging him to the ground.

"SORA!" screams Kairi, and Genesis feels her presence snap into intense conscious focus.

She surges downward, blazing with light. Genesis sighs and calls out, "Apprentice! You could do nothing before..."

Then Kairi touches down, slams her light infused fist into the ground, and obliterates all the nearby monsters in a massive explosion of light.

Genesis's jaw drops. "Or not."

Kairi rises to her feet, wing extending, fury on her face. A high pitched whine fills the air, energy shimmers around her hand, and a key-weapon appears in her grasp. Blood red length, white teeth, a handle made of countless interconnecting links with what look like names etched into each one, impossible to read at the distance. What looks like a Keychain dangles from the end of the handle-grip, a blue-heart symbol hanging from it. A green and red vine oddly snakes around the blade and handle, almost like it was trying to strangle it. Despite never seeing the weapon before, he hears a name in his mind.

The Mother's Key.

"K-kairi?!" exclaims Sora, shocked and so very evidently seeing her.

"Genesis! Angeal! Sephrioth!" she roars, "Defend the survivors, square formation, give them a breather and show no mercy to these things!"

Genesis hesitates for a moment, but the others don't. Angeal surges down, drawing his buster, and lands near Aqua, swinging his might blade and severing through hordes of the monsters. Aqua stumbles back, wary and alarmed, but smartly doesn't attack. Sephiroth goes to the opposite end, near the Riku boy, who is giving him disbelieving looks as if he can't fathom either why he is there, or why he is fighting for them. Strange, something to dwell on later. Genesis makes himself known by raining fireballs from the sky and landing in front of the Mouse who squeaks in surprise.

"Well Ven, seems a miracle happened," said the Mouse.

The utter cheek.

He wants to keep the sassy little thing as a pet.

"A temporary one at best," said Xehanort, a quick turn of his head sighting all but Sora retreating to the center around the six woman/girls to take a breather. Sora still stays on the ground, staring up at Kairi in shock, "Stretch out and feel, they aren't truly here. Their forms are projections, powered to the near physical by the Princess if I had to guess. I suppose she heard you in your time of need, Sora, but it won't last."

Princess? Were they referring to Kairi?

"Kairi!" sobs Sora, rising to his feet, "I... its been years... where...?"

"Another Realm," is all Kairi says grimly, briefly looking down with confusion at her key-weapon before turning and cutting down the nearest monster coming for her, "I don't really know how I got there, I don't know how to get back home. Honestly... I... I had kind of given up hope on it. But I'm not leaving you, not this time."

Sora sucks in a breath, lets it out, and grabs his key, moving to support Kairi. Its... odd. They've never fought alongside one another before, but from the brief flashes Genesis gets when he spins through battle, they fight with a synergy that should have taken years to form. He also has questions for his apprentice. The hell does she mean by 'Realm?'. Genesis brushes it away as he returns to mindless slaughter. These beasts aren't difficult for him, but they are numerous, and some of them don't fall to single blows despite his own great physical and magical power. It is far difficult to hold the line against such odds here than it was against the Wutai.

"Okay, anyone want to tell us why Sephiroth of all people is both alive again and fighting for us?" asked Riku.

"Kairi asked," answered Sephiroth simply, briefly glancing back at Riku, "I was not aware we had met before. Nor that I had ever died."

Riku cocks his head, eyebrows furrowed. "You... aren't him, are you? You look similar, voice is almost the same, just... less insane really."

"Somehow, I think I don't want to know," said Sephiroth mildly.

Genesis abruptly feels like he's being yanked. Half lifting off the ground before settling, nearly getting swarmed before he waves his hand and obliterates the shadowy monsters with a chain burst of Fire3.

"What was that?" said Angeal sharply, "Feels like something just reached into my chest and pulled."

"Like I said," said Xehanort, "You aren't truly here. Your projections wont last. If I understand what the Princess meant, you don't exist in our realm, no, our reality, and somehow, neither does she. It would explain so much, why we could never find her, why another wasn't born in her place. The power was taken and not replaced."

"Prin... Kairi, apprentice dear, you're royalty?" called out Genesis.

"Hell if I know," she called back.

Then another yank, only this time, Genesis's form starts to lose solidity, and he loses the ability to harm his opponents. "Blast it."

"NO!" screams Kairi.

Genesis rises into the air along with Sephiroth and Angeal, the Key Warriors moving to ready themselves, grim.

"NO NO NO!" wails Kairi, her key-weapon flickering out of existence.

Sora is briefly overwhelmed, taken to the ground by the monsters, surprised by the loss of his partner all the sudden.

"NO!" screams Kairi, briefly solidifying again to banish the creatures with a blast of light.

She helps Sora to his feet, then her form starts flickering, tears are streaming down her face. "Sora..."

He reaches forward and pulls her into a desperate hug. Genesis feels a twang of sorrow at the sight. They won't be returning. Even if Kairi could induce this... 'event' again... no one will be alive to find. This ontop of the loss of her thirteen children is going to be brutal for her.

"I WON'T LEAVE YOU!" She roars.

There is another sharp, intense pull...

A scream sounds...

A horrific, almost tearing sound fills the air...

Kairi's form seems to rip apart...

And a massive nova of light erupts from her body, going on for miles and obliterating each and every one of the shadow monsters as far as the eye can see, far off into the sky. When the nearby light clears, Kairi is floating in the air, staring down at Sora...

Who has a very real blonde haired girl garbed in a raggedy white dress in his arms where Kairi had just been. The girl blinks, confused and bewildered, and turns to look up at Kairi. Catching sight of her face, he sees someone so similar to Kairi, like that Xion girl, the eyes just the same as his apprentice's. The young woman stares down at the young girl, and there is a sense of knowing that Genesis feels come from her.

Kairi smiles softly at her. "Take care of him..."

She pauses and then gives a name. "Namine."

Genesis, Angeal, Sephiroth, and Kairi begin to float into the air and fade.

"WAIT!" screams Namine, "Wait! Kairi! Please! Don't trust her! Don't trust Je..."
Genesis snaps back into his own body with a groan, face first in a small puddle of mako in the shower room. "Apprentice, why does the most absurd things happen around you?""I don't know," comes her voice, quiet.He looks over at his apprentice, sitting up, and their eyes meet...Something is missing.Gone from her.He doesn't see any of that little girl she had once been in her eyes anymore. Her presence in the web is... firm and strong as always, yet... not the same. There is no more innocence in those eyes of hers, difficult as it had been to see it anymore after Wutai anyway, nor her presence. She looks like a SOLDIER through and through. Yet it still makes him ache. The child she had once been had been left behind.
Literally.
How the hell did that even happen?"Does anyone," said Angeal slowly, coming to his feet, "Want to explain what the hell that was?""I might not be from this realm?" Kairi offers sheepishly."Which means what?" demands Angeal."That silver haired man referred to it as reality," corrected Sephiroth, staring at Kairi with intense fascination."Okay, this is getting way too ridiculous for me," said Angeal, sagging a bit and rubbing his eyes, "Was any of that actually real?""It was to me," comes Kairi's hard voice, "I didn't know the others, but I knew Sora and Riku, I grew up with them.""I find myself academically curious about the whole thing," mused Sephiroth, "I have read articles on the potential subject of alternate realities, timelines, and the like. Hojo considered it all worthless speculation without foundation, so...""You read it out of spite," said Genesis, chuckling, before humming, "So... I heard you had an insane version of yourself out there, hmm?"Sephiroth grimaced. "I didn't want to ask more than I already had."He looks at Kairi again in consideration. "It would explain a few oddities I suppose.""I was under the impression she was an alien, but your words, I suppose as ridiculous as it is, explains a great deal," comes a dreaded voice, "What happened this time, if it was like the last?"Hojo is there, standing in the doorway, eyes locked onto Kairi."None of your damn business," snapped Kairi, "It doesn't matter anyway. I'm not going back again... I... she will take care of him, of them. Its time I left home behind..."She stands up, brushing hair out of her face. "I have a new home and family here after all."She moves past Hojo without another word."Kairi," called out Sephiroth, "Bedrest for the next day at minimum."Kairi looks back, scowls, but gives a nod of assent and leaves."An alien," said Sephiroth flatly, eyebrow raised at Hojo mockingly, "Really?""Her genetic structure was similar to humans, but different in certain areas, I thought perhaps she was a half-breed of some kind..." said Hojo mildly, before he scoffed, "I suppose it doesn't matter. Another reality... pah. I couldn't even begin to guess or fathom how such a crossover happened, or if it can be replicated without proper framework of how Specimen K came through.""I do believe you have enough concerns here for the time being Professor," said Sephiroth flatly."I suppose I do," agreed Hojo, "Including checking you over for any side effects of that little venture I imagine you had. I suppose I should look over Hollander's Failures as well for comparison purposes."Sephiroth sighs.Genesis agreed with the sentiment.It was going to be a long day.Kairi... Namine... whoever she is... stands in the dusty landscape, staring up in horror at where her Other... her true self had faded away from. Without Jenova's taint, without her presence in her mind, in her thoughts, everything is so terribly, horrifically clear. Connecting the dots from observations over the years where thoughts defiant of their supposed 'Mother' had been shoved down along with the innocence lost murdering those defending their homeland in Wutai. Innocence lost in Hojo's labs. Its not a full vision, but its enough to understand that Jenova is a monster, and she intends nothing good for Kairi. The hints Jenova had given or slipped up on..."So she stands in then? In place of the Princess of Heart?" posed Xehanort."It would appear so," said Aqua tiredly, "Or at least enough to bring some kind of balance back to the Realm of Light."Xehanort huffed. "Well, at least the original plan worked, just instead of the puppet we needed a real piece of the Princess."Xion bows her head, saying nothing.Namine can't stop shaking. "She... she left me... she needs me... she NEEDS me. Jenova... Jenova is going to..."A hand gently rests on her shoulder, and she turns to look into Sora's eyes. "You're... Kairi called you Namine?"She nods with hesitation. "I... I guess?""Are you okay?" he asked."I... no... no," she said, shaking, "Nothing feels right, its like I'm missing... missing part of myself...""The Princess of Heart separated herself," mused Xehanort walking up a way to stand behind Sora, arms folded across his chest, "This girl both is, and is not, Kairi. Not quite like Vanitas and Ventus, nor like a Nobody. I'm not sure how to define her existence I suppose.""Who is Jenova?" asked Aqua, moving to stand next to Xehanort, giving him an uncomfortable look before refocusing on Kai... on Namine.She swallows thickly. "A monster. No, monster doesn't describe... I... I don't know where to even begin.""Gosh, from the beginning usually works," said the Mouse, smiling at her."Later," interrupts Xehanort, "We need to get off this world and regroup. I've had my fill of the Keyblade Graveyard for a lifetime. The Princesses need proper medical attention as well. Losing one after gaining a stand in for the lost one would be... disappointing.""We should see how many survivors we can find too," agreed Riku."And food!" exclaimed Ventus, "Fuck, I don't know about you all, but I'm...""Starving, yes, we know, watch your mouth and we'll find food to stuff in it," said Aqua flatly before glancing at Xehanort, "And perhaps... renegotiate a deal..."Xehanort huffed. "Not likely. Terra was the price to be paid for our alliance. He agreed to it, bought us several years for us with my wisdom. I will not give up this second life, you have no grounds upon which to demand that I do. Even if I for some reason agreed, his heart willingly faded into mine, he is gone Master Aqua, leave it be."Aqua gritted her teeth and looked away, fists clenched."Before we go, I have to ask," said Sora in the awkward silence that followed, "Namine... you're scared for her... is Kairi going to be okay?""No," said Namine shakily, "Not unless she realizes just what Jenova plans for her. Its... that thing is..."She thinks long and hard, on memories buried deep down that Jenova had smothered away. Notions it had nudged away. At hidden memories of nearly murdering Genesis. At what Jenvoa said...
"Sleep my child. Sleep and fret not. I will take care of your body for you. Leave everything to Mother dearest, sleep forever in my depths."

"Kairi? My daughter sleeps for now, not forever, not yet."

"Alone. Isolated. Susceptible only to MY will."

"Once she is mine, and this world consumed..."

"She will meet Sora again, oh yes she will, but like the Ancients of this world, when he greets me as his dead lost friend like they did, I will deceive and devour him. And thus, will the cycle continue as it always had."
"Its going to consume her," whispered Namine as it all came crashing down, voice trembling, "It will kill her, wear her flesh as its own, and use her to kill everything and everyone she's ever known or loved..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first time Kairi see's Veld Verdot after the defeat of Zirconiade, its the Turks returning with whom they identify as Fuhito in cuffs. Verdot brings him before the President, pulls out his pistol, and splatters the AVALANCHE scientist's brains out across the carpet. The President takes one hard look at Verdot and says..."Take a vacation Veld, the last week has been harsh on you, take as long as you need, I'm sure Tseng can hold the reigns while you grieve. I'll call someone to clean up the trash."Verdot says nothing, he turns on his heel and leaves.His eyes are cold and dead.Kairi makes a decision and trails after him, waiting until they are alone in the elevator before saying quietly, "I am sorry I couldn't save her from herself."She both is, and isn't. She's lost daughters, she knows the awfulness of that feeling. She's still repairing the Mental Web after Zirconiade's damage to it through her, so many of her girl's scattered throughout either Midgar, or Corel/Gongaga's ruins helping with evacuations, assessing damage, cleanup, and the beginnings of repairs don't have a clue how many of their number died. Thirteen might not seem like alot to some, but considering they had lost no one in their division since its inception except for Gale, it might as well be cataclysmic. Its going to be bad. Kairi had an exceptionally difficult time getting out of bed the last few days.It of course does not excuse the death toll and damage Felicia caused and the reason she would have had to be put down anyway, capture was never a realistic outcome after the summon woke up and he had to know that.He gives a brief sharp nod. "You have my condolences for your girls."Kairi's jaw sets for a moment before she nods as well. "One day, Hojo is going to die for all that he has done or caused.""One day," agreed Veld, "Pray it doesn't take too long Kairi for you or Sephiroth to find a reason to kill him, for I find myself with almost no reasons not to do so myself, damn the consequences.""You have to look after and protect your Turks," she said quietly, "As I have to protect my girls."She looks at him for a long minute. After Zirconiade... after the loss... after giving up part of herself to make Namine...Holding onto the grudge just seems pointless. She's gained as much as she's lost if not more. While she will not forget who it was who delivered her to Hojo..."I'm too tired to hold onto my anger with you, not after he's hurt us both so much, not after what we've both lost," she said quietly, "I may not like you Verdot, but I'm willing to let the past go."He studies her in the cold calculated way he's been since he's returned. "Does that extend to all your girls?"Kairi slow blinked. "All? I wasn't aware most of the non-Turk recruited ones had any issues.""They picked up on it from you I believe.""Well, then I can play civil and they'll pick up on that too."He huffed lightly. "Very well, I've had my own misgivings about you and your division for a long time. I am... tired as well. I will let go, I will not forget and not stop watching, as I doubt you will either, but I will move on. I have higher priorities."They leave the elevator and go their separate ways.Kairi sits in her room, brooding, watching TV while she's obeying her 'do not leave HQ until public relations figured out what to do with you' order. She's not ignorant that she's more than earned a break/rest, it still frustrates her that she's not out there doing something more. Of course, as she's watching the news she gets the route they're going for shoved in her face without anyone bothering to ask her opinion of it or enlighten her prior.
"...and what of our resident hero?" asked the news anchor to the Turk Cissnei, "No one has seen or heard anything about 2nd Class Kairi of SOLDIER since the battle. The recordings of it circulating have raised... many questions. Primarily, is she alright?"
Well, that's nice people aren't decrying her as a freak or a monster.
Cissnei gives a charming and disarming smile, "She's doing well enough in recovery. It was a close call in surgery, AVALANCHE's summon both injured her badly in battle along with the explosion when she defeated it, but we are expecting a full recovery hopefully within the next week or two thanks to her SOLDIER enhancements."

"That's good to hear," replied the news anchor, "Though there has been a lot of... curiosity, confusion, and speculation. How and why does she have a wing? No one else in SOLDIER does."

"Surely you've heard that it was the success with the formula introduced to her that enabled the entirety of the female SOLDIER division, correct?"

"Yes."

"That is entirely because of a DNA mutation with her, something that crops up throughout the population here and there, usually not in obvious ways," explained Cissnei, "I'm not sure of all the science mumbo-jumbo..."
Kairi huffs a laugh. They picked well with the approachable easy-going Turk for this.
"...but from what I know it was a reaction with the SOLDIER process that created the wing. While that part of the SOLDIER process is based off her, the wing is not something that's going to crop up unless more people have the exact same mutation," said Cissnei, "So, we'll be surprised if it shows up again anytime soon."
Hopefully anyway.
"Why wasn't it revealed before now?"

"It was her decision, I believe she was a bit self-conscious about it, afraid how people would react," lies Cissnei smoothly, "Which is completely understandable all things considered. It also, while not the reason, gave her the element of surprise since AVALANCHE never knew of that capability of hers. It allowed her to match the summon and keep it from completely blowing away Midgar."

"And we are all so very grateful for that," said the news anchor, "Does Shinra Corporation have any clue what that summon was? I've been researching both online and through physical records, and there are absolutely no clues, even from so-called experts on the subject of summons."

"This isn't an official report or anything, but we suspect it was a special war-summon the Cetra created before their fall several thousand years ago," said Cissnei, "Where AVALANCHE found it, we are still investigating. Unfortunately, these fanatics followed a slash and burn philosophy, they've destroyed so much of their own records, blow up their own hideouts, and take their own lives rather than be captured alive. Its frustrating and disheartening, but... we have doubts if we will ever discover the truth."
Cissnei turned to look at the camera, her eyes so pleading it made Kairi want to half scoff/half laugh since she has seen that woman's ruthless side more than once. "That is one of the reasons Shinra Corporation wishes to reach out to the populace. AVALANCHE never should have been able to gain the foothold that it did, never should have been able to cause so much death and destruction. While we will always try out best, we still need your help. Your eyes and ears where we cannot always be. Any cults, any deranged fanaticism, any terrorist leanings you overhear or discover, we will have a special hotline set up soon for such things to be reported. We will never infringed on peaceful religious beliefs, groups, and gathering, but nothing like AVALANCHE can ever be allowed to rise again. If we work together, we can keep our world, our society, a safe place for us all to prosper in."
"While we have Shinra Corporation, and especially SOLDIER to protect us, everyone has a responsibility," agreed the news anchor, "SOLDIER can't be everywhere, and can't be where they don't know where to be."

"Quite right," agreed Cissnei, "And on the note of SOLDIER, before we're done for the evening, I thought it would be nice to spoil, to give the public something to look forward to, that we have a special reward for our SOLDIER's heroic efforts against the AVALANCHE summon."

"Oh?"

Cissnei leaned forward conspiratorially. "I heard there is going to be a special ceremony for our newest upcoming 1st Class SOLDIER."

The news anchor claps excitedly. "Oh! There hasn't been a new 1st Class since the Wutai War if I'm correct!"

"As SOLDIER likes to say, 1st Class must be earned, and she's more than earned it."
Kairi rolls her eyes, but understands the reasoning for it. Give people something to celebrate and focus on during this tragedy. She's not sure she's going to like the publicity anymore than she already had (her girls sometimes read fanclub shit aloud through the mental web, its obnoxious as it can be mortifying) but she will play her part. She turns off the TV and sighs, laying down on her bed and staring up at the ceiling...Its odd to have a wing.Its especially odd to have it out.She's learnt to keep it compact to her back, folded in on itself, but the sensation of it is... weird. She's jolted more then once walking under vents and feeling air literally ruffle her feathers. She's also had to suffer jokes about 'molting' all over the place. Honestly, the maturity of SOLDIER knows no bounds. She hasn't lost a feather since she'd woke up actually, they stick to her wing quite tightly. Might have something to do with her regeneration and keeping even the smallest feather pristine. Its offbalanced her in her training in the VR room every single time. She has no idea how that... amalgamation she had been during the fight with the summon battled with it so easily.Mother's influence perhaps.And speaking of Mother, Jenova had been utterly silent since Kairi had woken up days ago. She had poked and prodded, but the most she had gotten was tired annoyance shoved back at her. She'd let Mother rest for now, giving energy seemed to have exhausted her, but Kairi had questions that needed answering. She doesn't have specifics anymore, but she distinctly recalled that... that K-A-I-R-I had memories of using both the wing and that strange light energy. Just not the specifics behind it. Where and when and how had that happened? Why didn't Kairi remember?She brushes the thoughts off for now as she knocks on Sephiroth's door and is invited in. The trio is already seated on either a chair or a couch and sipping out of their beverages on this Sunday gathering, so she grabs one and plops down next to Genesis, thwacking his with her wing as she does."Rude.""Just getting some delayed revenge on Sephiroth's behalf."The SOLDIER in question huffs, a brief quirk of his lips upwards. He raises his beer. "To no more disasters for at least another few years.""I'll drink to that," agreed Angeal."Gods only know if we'll get a break," grunted out Genesis, knocking back his can.Kairi sips at hers. She's gotten used to the taste, still doesn't really like it, but she'll drink for the bonding of it. She speaks softly, "To those lost, to those who walk the path's they tread."Sephiroth hums. "Are you ready for the event tomorrow?"Kairi made a face. "If I must. I'm more glad that most of my girls will be back. I... we all need to talk. The Web is mostly repaired, word has passed, but... everyone is subdued, quiet. I can feel questions wanting to be asked, but no one is. Passing thoughts and words to one another is well and good, but sometimes in person matters more.""Agreed," said Angeal, "Genesis had this phase once where he texted us in-place of talking to us for months, it was obnoxious."Genesis grinned. "Did it even if you were literally sitting across from me."His face slowly turns serious, turning to regard Kairi. "I know its Sunday and all... but the girls are... I'm not going to say afraid, but very confused and wary at minimum. I don't know how you feel it from your perspective, Apprentice, but the thirteen girls we lost... they don't feel gone. They feel like they are a part of you.""In a sense they are," said Kairi quietly, not trying to hide her grief nor sugarcoat it, "They gave me their very lives to heal the damage. That energy, that lifeforce, who they were... its still there, but its... not people anymore. Its just energy that feels faintly like them.""Its undoable then?" posed Sephiroth.Kairi stars down at her drink, not answering.They drink in silence for the rest of the night.Enhanced or not, dozens if not hundreds of camera's going off as President Shinra hands her a medal and loudly proclaiming her 1st Class SOLDIER before a cheering crowd is giving her one hell of a tension headache. She feels like a specimen kept in a cage again as countless people gawk at the Winged SOLDIER. There isn't a place she'd rather not be than here. She turns to the crowd, regurgitates out the rehearsed speech PR gave her with a forced smile on her face. The cheering as she finishes makes her wonder if people can go deaf from it. But she's more than ready to be done with this...Then two children slip through the crowd and run up towards the stage. Judging by the shifting of nearby Turks and guards, not part of the script. She catches sight of a mortified woman running after them."Miss Kairi Miss Kairi! Can you take us flying?"The woman catches up and grabs them both by their ears. "I'm so sorry about this..."Kairi gives a huff and a laugh. "Its fine ma'am."She kneels down on the edge of the stage. "As for you two troublemakers, maybe a few minutes after this is all done, IF you behave for the rest and your mother is okay with it."The children cheer, the mother gives her a long suffering look for enabling them, and Kairi cracks a grin. At least there was some amusement to this. She stands back up as the President moves to retake the podium, his own amused look forcefully plastered on his face. She moves to rejoin the trio, standing next to Genesis."Piggyback riding apprentice? When did you graduate to babysitter?" he mocks playfully."I'll carry," she corrects, "They'd probably fall off if I didn't."He rolls his eyes and elbows her, she elbows him back before they both stand up straight when Sephiroth shoots them a reproving look. They stand at attention as the President uses the event to detail a bunch of changes that amount to 'Shinra will be stalking you all the time', 'you have no expectation of privacy', and 'spy and report on your neighbors', all for the greater good. Nothing like using a good tragedy to expand your control of the populace to 'ensure their safety'.It makes her want to sneer at it all.Especially as the public all cheer the President on while he strips them of more freedoms.She supposes it doesn't matter. Unless Shinra truly spurns their SOLDIERs, there are no more threats left that she's aware of, and the President has been smartening up on that regard. Internal memo's have been going out for benefits changes and actual retirement for SOLDIERs, all positive. Hell, she's heard that the President has been doing that for all departments, and boasting about it too. Work for Shinra, set for life. Work for someone else, good fucking luck.Shinra owns the world.There is no denying it.Kairi had confiscated a large meeting room that the President used for press conferences and sits against the wall as her girls pile in one by one and take a seat. None of them draw near to her, not even Elena. There is an uncomfortable space between them that only Genesis occupies. The girls confer among themselves in small groups for a little bit, and ultimately, Jessie is chosen as the spokesperson. Better than over a hundred girls trying to talk over eachother at least."Okay, mom," began Jessie, "What the fuck happened?""You're going to have to be a lot more specific than that."Jessie gives her an unamused look, and its poured down the web by all her children, making Kairi twitch uncomfortably under that pressure. "Specific? Alright, lets make a list shall we? One, that... that merge thing where every single one of us pretty much ceased to be a person. Two, that absolutely sick and twisted presence that came from you and connected to the web. Three, the wing, was Shinra right and we wont be sprouting or were they full of shit? Four, same thing about the glowy shit you used. Five... the girls, what the fuck happened to them? Are they actually dead or not? Six, after your enhancements, your presence literally disappeared out of the web for a little bit before coming back, what happened?""Mom... just... what happened?"Kairi looks down for a minute. Nothing she has been asked is anything they don't deserve to know. She knows she has a choice here, brush it off and lose much of her children's trust and respect. Perhaps she'd eventually get it back... but... she's tired."We're not exactly human anymore," began Kairi, drawing sharp breaths from a number of the girls who hadn't learned how to turn their faces to stone in serious situations, "Me more than you to be honest. The serum we were given... its based off me, yes, but there are other things in it distinctly not human, that changes us."Genesis scoffs. "Making it more ominous than it needs to be. The Ancients aren't that far off from human."Kairi slow blinks. "Ancients...?""It was part of the debrief myself, Angeal, and Sephiroth got after Mrs. Hewely almost killed herself," he explains, "That SOLDIER was originally an attempt to recreate the Ancients."The fuck? That's a load of bullshit. They were changed by Mother's cells..."And they don't need to know that," chimes in Mother, her first words in well over a week of course were for secrecy yet again.Kairi frowns intently and goes for a half-lie half-observation, "That's news to me. I had been led to believe differently, especially when none of our abilities are anything like the Ancients. They aren't superhuman powerhouse. They didn't sprout wings. We still can't use magic without Materia unless its via Limit Break, and I have no honest clue if that light is anything Ancient.""Well, how do we honestly know?" called out one girl, so much for the spokesperson, "They died out over a thousand years ago.""Mostly," said Kairi, "I've met an ancient, but only the one, and she's not like us."Genesis's eyes go wide. "What?!"Zack's girlfriend.""You're joking," chokes out someone.Kairi flashes an image of Aerith down the mental web. "Nope.""Holy shit, a real living Ancient? I mean... how do you know? She looks normal," called out someone excitedly."Trust me, if you're in her presence, you'll feel it, the otherness," explained Kairi, "But, if you see her, be nice and don't harass the poor girl.""So... if we're not replica Ancients, what are we?" asked Jessie worriedly.Kairi shrugged. "Fuck if I know."She still doesn't understand what it means to be Calamity. No use worrying them over an ominous sounding name when she can't explain anything. "The only thing I know is that the Mental Web comes from our enhancements. I certainly couldn't do it before."Their is a sense of uncomfortable wariness. They all thrive off the web, but truly, they don't actually know what it is aside from a connection between them."Okay, so, putting aside what we don't know," said Jessie, giving Kairi a wary look, "What was that awful presence?"Kairi falters, because she has no idea how to explain this without actually telling them of Mother..."Do you all know what an 'alternate-personality disorder' is?" posed Genesis.Kairi blanked for a moment. What?"Uh, like two different people in one person's head?" called out someone."Idiot," snapped another, "Its where a person has two or more different persona's in their head, usually brought on by childhood trauma, physical head injury, or extremely horrible events that trigger it.""The hell do you know that?""One of my favorite dramas on TV has a main character with it."That gets a snort and a figure snickers until someone asks, "But what does that have to do with... oh."Kairi has the uncomfortable stare of over a hundred people at her."But what...""How many of you," interrupted Genesis, "Have any idea about how my apprentice initially 'joined' Shinra, hmm? Aside from Elena and some of the original batch ofcourse."There is a very uncomfortable silence before Genesis sighed. "The good Doctor Hojo had her for a year under his 'kind, tender, unrestricted' care, with all that entails. That twisted presence is, as far as I can tell, a result of that. I've been on the nasty end of it before, along with Genesis and Sephiroth, so they are aware of it."Kairi stares down at the floor, mortified, and slowly growing alarmed. "Mother, what the hell did you do when you were 'testing them'?""Exactly what I said I would do," answered Jenova vaguely.Kairi has to wonder, is apparently being assumed to have this 'disorder' worse than being considered crazy?"Does it matter? Its useful," commented Mother, before shifting focus, "I warned you that my existence has not made me kind. I care little for those outside of my family, dear child, I'd readily watch the world burn otherwise. That is easily reflected in one's presence."Kairi purses her lips, but doesn't answer."...and the running theory is most of her negativity was blunted to the alternate persona which only comes out in specific circumstances, namely after Mako boosters or enhancements followed by violent situations," said Genesis, "Which, we was tested further after she received her 1st Class Enhancements by, simply put, ordering her to bed, and lo and behold, no nasty little persona.""She is to nice for her own good sometimes," mused one of her girls.Kairi rolls her eyes and sighs. "If you say so..."There is an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before clearing her throat. "I... don't think any of you will get a wing...""Right Mother?" asked Kairi."Not unless you manually change them," answered Mother.So no."...as for the glowly energy... I don't fully know myself. I didn't realize it was anything at all outside of a Limit Break," Kairi admits, holding up a hand, reaching inside herself mentally, and calling forth a soft glow that makes her arm and hand tingle warmly, "I'll have to experiment with it, but, I don't think its something that will be passed on. It comes from within me, it... I think... it feels like its a part of me, that its always been a part of me, even from before I was enhanced. It..."Her face flushes in embarrassment as the cheesy statement comes out of her mouth, "It feels like coming home."She lets the sensation ripple down the web, and she's quick to note how relaxed most suddenly become."You sure you ain't an Ancient mom?" asked Jesse."Pretty damn sure," said Kairi.Especially with what she's going to have to come clean on after the next question, because they deserve to know. Kairi... Kairi isn't of this world. They have the right to know."Alright," said Jesse before hesitating, "And our sisters?""They're gone," said Kairi heavily, "What you feel... its just what's left.""I don't understand," said Jesse, "We still feel them...""When we all joined together to defeat the summon, we were still ourselves," said Kairi, "Each of us had come together under one dominate persona from what I can figure, but there were still boundaries that defined who we were as a person. For those that sacrificed themselves, there are no boundaries anymore, nothing to define who they are or were anymore. Their energy is spread out through... though me. There is no consciousness to any of it.""Could... is there a way to bring them back together again?" asked Jesse quietly, "Their bodies are still in bags in the HQ freezer, could...""Mom?" asked Kairi."Child," answered Jenova, sounding oddly solemn, "They have become one with you in a way that is not possible to undo. I have taken many unto myself, many that I could drag to the surface if both I and they wished, but not after they have broken apart like your children did. They asked to give their lives for yours, and willingly made themselves a part of you to save you, without any force, just guidance asked, do not make slight of that willing sacrifice."
"Guidance asked?"
"If you had lost, all of them would have died sooner rather than later," said Mother, "They desired the knowledge, I gave them it."Something ugly twists in Kairi's gut before she can beat it down. She takes a breath and lets it out. "...and was there truly no other way?""None that would have saved you in time," said Mother, "None that wouldn't have forced you to break your morals to do if you were even able to find someone before that body failed and died.""What exactly are you implying?"Mother pauses for a few seconds, as if weighing something, before she speaks with brutal honesty. "You would have had to force your cells into someone, likely multiple people, and forced them to become a part of you the way your children did."Kairi had to hold back the urge to retch at the mere notion of what Jenova was implying. To murder others, who would likely have been innocent... to... to have had to feed on them like some kind of monster, some kind of parasite...Kairi bowed her head and takes a ragged breath, cutting off that line of thought. "They made the ultimate sacrifice. If there is a way to bring them back, I haven't the slightest idea how."The grief hits hard, a whiplash down the web, but not as destructive as it had been for Gale's brutal and sudden death. The parts of the web that had been her thirteen children hadn't been ripped away, they had faded into the web, into Kairi. In some ways, its worse. Where Gale had died, they had put in memories of who she had been to patch the hole in the web, and could revisit it at will to bring back crystal clear memories. With these? The web had never been damaged. Where they had been simply was gone.Kairi sighs and raises her head. "For your final question. Its... complicated. Short answer? I'm not of this world, let alone this reality."Jesse slow blinks. "Come again?"Genesis huffs out a laugh. "Just push your memories down the web, they'll figure it out."Kairi rolls her eyes, but does so. She shares flashes of her childhood on the island, enough to cement that it had been very real. Then she shares the night her island fell to monsters, falling through the door, crash landing hard in an alleyway, and being abducted by the Turks."Okay, well, guess there's the reason you hate Director Verdot," muttered Jesse, "But how does falling through a door equal 'mom is a cross-dimensional alien'? Could have had an exit-materia primed to it after all."Kairi cracks a smile. "Like I said, its complicated."She shares the three times she had mentally crossed back over, much to their growing confusion. Namine especially got a shocked response down the web."The fuck?" someone called out, "Did you just rip yourself in half, when your body wasn't even there? And it made a new person? Is this for real?"She didn't want to leave Sora, so she left part of herself with him. Kairi doesn't have an explanation for how that happened. It just did. She just shrugs helplessly. "I barely have an answer for the question as it is, the how and why I got here is beyond me to answer.""Like holy shit... this is mega sci-fi shit," someone exclaims excitedly, "Was that just because you were in two places at once? Could you do that here? What the hell were those key-thingies? Can you..."Kairi holds up her hands defensively. "Easy easy, I have no clue to any and all of those questions."She gets a sense of pouting down the web; her response is yet again rolling her eyes. "The point is, my island doesn't exist on this world, and neither do those monsters. I've done name checks for those people on Shinra's stalker-database with either no results or false positives. That desert place doesn't really match our world's either. As much as I hate him, Hojo himself has claimed my DNA is noticeably different even before enhancement, and does agree with the notion.""Angeal still is in disbelief," says Genesis, cocking a grin, "Funny enough, Sephiroth was the first to believe it."That apparently smooths over a chunk of doubt. Let it be known her children apparently believe in Sephiroth for truth over her. She smiles in amusement at the thought, shaking her head. Her brother IS one of the most serious and no-nonsense kind of person most will ever meet she supposes."Alright," said Kairi, standing up, "I think that's enough for one session. You've all got a lot to think over. I'm more than willing to answer individual questions as they come up, but I doubt we're going to have the chance to have a big meeting like this again anytime soon. We'll all be receiving our ship-out notices for helping with cleanup and repair in either Midgar, Junon, Gongaga, and Coral along with normal mission-load. Take the time until then to be with your family here, it'll be a long while till we get that kind of chance again..."The newest, and smallest, batch of SOLDIER had finally passed their training and received their enhancements. Only five had joined her children, maybe double that for the other SOLDIERs, but to her delight, two of them were the Nibelheim kids, they had both succeeded. She watched over the five as they twitched, adjusting to their enhancements, new awarenesses blooming in the web.Of course, barely five minutes after the injection as they're being unstrapped..."Moooom! Why is there another guy in our web?" whines one of her girls down said web, "Genesis was bad enough!"Like usual, the startled reaction of first time SOLDIERs hearing the web is adorable, even if they had been warned of it. What she hadn't warned any of her current children of was that they'd be getting a brother. She thought it would be an amusing surprise. She watches as the spiky blonde Cloud Strife flushes in embarrassment, and... something else.Kairi frowns as she feels the teenager withdraw into himself, hurt. There is a flicker of -frustration|loneliness|isolation|Anger|I'm better than them I don't need them- that peels off him before he struggles to push it down. His friend, Tifa, sits up on the adjacent examination table, looking over at him. "I'm pretty sure she was just kiddin Cloud."He gives her a sour look. "Yeah, they're always kidding."There are images that come off the young man, inexperienced in holding himself in the web. Kairi gets flashes of what is very clearly bullying, not that she didn't see him starting his own fair share of fights or not trying to de-escalate. His thoughts cascade in a way that suggest they do so frequently in his own mind and it makes her grimace briefly. She is so glad she has since exited her teenage years instead of entering them. She had plenty of reason to be angsty or miserable in the labs, but she doesn't quite enjoy feeling it herself, nor from her younger children, especially when he starts panicking about not being able to keep himself to himself.Kairi sighs, reaching down the web, not taking offense when he flinches away from her presence, and with a bit of firm guidance, helps him raise his initial walls around his presence in the web. He bows his head, murmurs a quick half-hearted thanks, and is the first to bolt out of the room when they're cleared. There are a few snickers from the others in the room, and down the web, the childishness of it all makes her roll her eyes. She sends a brief chastisement down the web and resolves to send some of her more 'mature' children to help the kid get his footing.Tifa is staring down at her hands, clenching and unclenching them, frowning, her voice quiet, "I didn't realize he was having that much trouble back home..."Kairi claps her on the shoulder. "We'll, you'll just have to help him with fitting in here. We're family now, and while we may sometimes be little shits to eachother, we look out for one another."That gets a smile out of the girl, who nods, plants her feet on the floor, and stands up, far too chipper after getting her enhancements. "Yep!"Kairi watches with amusement as Tifa takes a spare uniform, a paper with her new room assignment, and leaves after Cloud. Kairi raises a single eyebrow as the girl bounces with her step, wondering how long that enthusiasm will last. It gets shorter and shorter each batch, taking less time for them to discover just what kind of company Shinra is. As much as she loves her children, and is more than happy to keep gaining more, she sometimes has the thought that they might be better off outside of Shinra."Wow, look at those jugs that new girl has!" someone chimes down the web, "I think I'm jealous. They grow em big out in the sticks."Kairi rolls her eyes as indignation flared down the web from the girl in question. "Real mature."
"No need to be jealous mom, we still love you, even if you're totally flat."
"I will beat you within an inch of your life, if she doesn't first, I've heard Lockheart has a wicked right hook, and that was before she got her enhancements.""Love you, bye!"Kairi sighed in exasperation and left the room."Cut VR."Kairi stands in the VR room, staring down at the floor as the simulation fades away.Staring down at her severed arm that barely hurts and is wiggling around on its own.She's in a bit of a state of disbelief, that she fucked up so badly, and... her arm doing its thing. Getting used to 1st Class Enhancements is a bit more of a jump than 2nd, especially with the wing. Going from thrusting her hand out to cast a Bolt 3 then swinging her sword to kill a VR-Monster charging her had resulted in taking her own damn arm off a bit above the elbow before she could withdraw it. Maimed by her own stupidity, horrified that she'd just crippled herself over a stupid, idiot mistake...Then she saw her arm wiggling towards her.Kairi swallows thickly, licking her lips, Her arm had already closed off the edge-wound, and she could feel it tingling, cells multiplying. She recalls Mother saying she could recover from nearly a single cell if there was one left. But... this is...Seeing it physically in action, not just the aftereffects is...Her arm on the ground splits itself, little tendrils sprouting from it to drag itself faster. She watches, horrifically mesmerized, as it closes the distance, then leaps for her damaged limb. She winces as it latches on then burrows in, flesh balling and churning disgustingly for a moment before its smoothed out and good as new, the tendrils re-absorb, even her blood seeps back into her body. She stares at her arm for a long moment, wondering if this is what her body had done to repair itself after AVALANCHE had detonated that building on her and crushed her underneath it.She shakily runs a hand along the arm. "What... is this?"She hesitates for a long moment before she raises her sword and severs it intentionally. Just like before, her arm starts wiggling, but this time, Kairi focuses. Feels it, feels the pull, the desire for her cells to rejoin her, to be reunited. She focuses on the arm and thinks 'Stop'. Her stomach drops when it listens. She wonders...'Regrow," she orders, imagining it becoming a full arm.Her eyes go wide with horror when the arm starts to churn, energy bleeding from her into the limb that's starting to grow the rest of its arm, continuing into a shoulder, into a neck..."STOP STOP STOP!" cries out Kairi in a panic.It does.Kairi's heart is beating a mile a minute. She stares down at the partially formed mass, horrified yet still drawn in. Could... could she... could she make another her? Another body? Would there be two Kairis? Would it be another creation like Namine? Would she just be controlling two bodies?She swallows thickly and takes shaky steps, kneeling down and placing a hand on the flesh. It twists, reaching up and absorbing into her body. She gasps and twitches as the flesh moves underneath her skin to her damaged limb, re-integrating seamlessly. She stares down at her once again restored limb. She focuses on her cells again and orders.'Stretch,' imagining her arm elongating.

It.

Does.

She stares at her arm as it grows twice as long, flesh stretching, marks briefly there before its smoothed over. She swallows thickly, a shake in her hands. She imagines it back to normal, and her flesh obeys. She drops her sword on the floor, takes a step back, and sinks to the floor, staring aimlessly at the wall."What... what am I?"Kairi sits alone on a swingset on a ruined playground in the Sector 6 slums. She had finally had enough with her children and Genesis pestering her over her sudden sullenness. She just... wanted space to think, to be alone for a time. Closing herself in the web for a bit. One leg is drawn up to her chest, the other gently pushes against the ground to move herself on the swing. Her thoughts are aimless, and so very confused. She's been going through her memories (memories so unusually crystal clear, is this a side effect of being what she is?), of things her Mother had said or hinted at. Thoughts she had shoved down and away. She doesn't know what to make of all of this...But...She has misgivings that are starting to take a very unpleasent shape.There is a brief clang of metal next to her, and she turns her head to see Aerith Gainsoborough lowering herself onto the adjacent swing. The girl mimics her, lightly pushing off the ground into a gentle swing."Aerith.""Kairi," she greets back softly, head turning slightly to glance at her, "I've had the oddest time with your girls, when they're down here, going out of their way to escort me to and fro. Is there a reason for that?"Kairi winces. "I... might have let it slip you're an Ancient?"Aerith's face pinches. "I never told you that.""I have my ways," answered Kairi, non-committal.Aerith gives a tired sigh. "That's... dangerous for me, Kairi. If anyone lets it slip in the wrong spot, and Hojo figures out where I am... I don't want to go b..."She cuts herself off, but its enough for Kairi to understand, temper flaring. "You were in the labs too."Aerith says nothing, staring down at the ground as she swings.Kairi comes to a stop, jaw set. Was there anyone who Hojo hadn't harmed directly or indirectly? She's so damn sick of him...She pauses when she notes a jet of familiar red hair peaking out over a pile of scrap off in the distance. "Is that Reno?"Aerith shrugs. "My watcher for the day."The Turks know? They know and don't deliver her to Hojo?Something ugly fills her for a moment, jealous fury that they protected Aerith but not her. She shutters it away and instead considers the implications of the Turk's protection of her, reaching for her PHS in her pocket, bringing it out, and dialing a number, hitting speaker after.Verdot's voice comes in dryly. "Is there a reason you are bothering me?""Aerith Gainsborough.""We are aware of her.""She's an Ancient."Verdot sighs. "We're aware."Aerith grins. "I'm not that much of a hassle, am I Mr. Veld?"There is a groan through the PHS. "Can I not have a break? Have you two burnt down Midgar in my absence?"Aerith giggles. "No, nothing new has been burnt down."There is a huff from him. "Kairi, what's this call about?""Its come to my attention, mainly because RENO IS SHIT AT HIDING," Kairi calls out loudly, "That Aerith is under Turk protection."Reno comes out from behind the trash, shrugs, leans against it, and pulls out a smoke to light, giving her a brief two-finger salute."Your point being what?" asked Veld."I'm also placing her under mine," said Kairi, earning a baffled look from Aerith, "If Hojo ever gets his filthy hands back on her, its grounds to kill him, agreed?""Of course," said Veld without an ounce of hesitation, "If that's all?""Yeah, just checking, glad we are in agreement, enjoy your vacation," said Kairi, switching off her PHS.Aerith's eyebrows are furrowed, a puzzled look on her face. "Kairi... I really don't understand you.""I think what I just did was fairly obvious."Aerith sighs, frustration evident in lines on her face that really don't belong on someone so young. "It would be so easy if you were one way or the other. But... you're not. No matter how many times you lose yourself, no matter how deep you delve into what you shouldn't, you are still somehow you, still come back to yourself and don't cross that final line. It would be so easy if the Planet's fear was fully justified, but... I have doubts that go both ways."Kairi frowns. "Aerith? What...""I'm still learning how to understand the Planet, hear its whispers, but... if I understand correctly what its purpose was," said Aerith quietly, "Zirconiade should not have been summoned. Especially not given its full power. I'm not afraid to die if I have to, but, so many rules were broken that shouldn't have been. Except... the Planet was afraid. Of you."She... knows about the summon? Its name was never publicly disclosed. "Why?""Because of what you have become," said Aerith softly, eyes searching her own, looking for something, "Because of what you are.""That doesn't answer the question Aerith," said Kairi sharply, "Just creates more questions."Felicia, and now Aerith, have implied that... what? The Planet is sentient? If for a moment she believed that, why would the Planet be afraid of her?"Do you regret, what you've become?" asked Aerith quietly.Kairi opens her mouth to give an angry reply at the evasion before a memory flashes, of her wiggling arm, clawing and stretching for her, and she falters. She looks away from Aerith and starts swinging again, staring off aimlessly into the distance."I wouldn't give my children up for anything in the world," said Kairi with hesitation, "But..."
You would have had to force your cells into someone, likely multiple people, and forced them to become a part of you the way your children did.
What Mother said and and all it implies about what Kairi can do are like a cancer in her thoughts. Her ability to pinch off pieces of herself that can apparently be directed to act on their own. That she can what? Put her cells into someone and leach off them like some kind of parasite? There is a picture that's being drawn of what she is, about what a Calamity is, that she doesn't like. Many pieces of the puzzle are still missing, but even with what she knows..."I'm starting to have the notion it may have been better for everyone had I not come to this world," said Kairi, giving voice to her fears.Aerith watches her impassively before she seems to steel herself. "Don't trust Jenova."So she knows about Mother then? "Funny, she tells me the same thing about you."Aerith doesn't seem surprised. "I suppose then, one way or the other, we'll find out eventually who and what you choose."They swing in silence for a time before Aerith leaves, Reno falling in a ways behind her. Kairi keeps swinging for a bit before something odd registers. Not once in that conversation had Mother chimed in, nor had she reacted to Aerith's words. Considering that she usually went into a near feral rage at the Ancient's presence...Its odd.Hojo sits idly in his lab, staring blankly at the screen of his computer, his mind elsewhere as a voice pours in."I'm running out of time," comes the Heaven's Dark Harbinger's words, "I had thought, in losing her innocence to her home-realm, she would have become more palpable, more susceptible to my will, more willing to breaking away from her morality. But I forgot a valuable lesson, and with it, made a mistake: With innocence comes undeserved trust. With its loss, that trust decays. Trust not just in me, but in what she is. Already she questions more than she has before, already she pokes and prods and delves into her abilities. She will come to understand what she is far too soon, she will break from me without extremely careful handling, perhaps even with it. Regardless, I find myself tiring on this."The pressure in Hojo's mind sends him crashing out of the chair to his knees. "Give me time to gather strength, then send my daughter to me with two of her children, preferably new or weak ones."He nods in acknowledgement before asking. "Why two?""I need nourishment."Hojo hums thoughtfully. "You are implying a confrontation? I was under the assumption that the Reuinion Theory..."He hisses in pain as a burning crosses his mind. "Foolish little human. There was always going to be a confrontation, the question is when. After we have started to become One and she comes to understand me in everything that I am, or before and I have to force her to become One. My daughter will be my vessel, all I require of you is that you deliver her to me. After, when the world has become one, you will have your reward, eternity. Pray little human, that you can handle it."Hojo adjusts his glasses and re-takes his chair. The thought of being aware within Jenova, learning all there is, experiencing everything, ever changing, ever growing... forever...There is no greater desire...He waits until the presence leaves him, eyes flickering to his laptop, a button pressed, watching as the camera shifts to Sephiroth in his room, the man sitting before his sword with his maintenance kit scattered around him. His thoughts shifting back to normal, though it grows more difficult to do so with the Calamity so active since Specimen K's enhancement...There is no greater desire, no greater desire but to see his greatest achievement become more than Jenova ever could be. Once he is ready, Sephiroth should be able to dominate it. To prove him right. To see if his creation can enact Reunion Theory himself (which he should once he is in control and awakened that part of himself, but there is no way to actually test outside of the confrontation). But not now, not yet. He is still so young, still so foolishly attached to Hollander's failures. Still so untested. He had hoped to be able to send him to Jenova soon, but he needs more time before he is ready.Let the Calamity have its daughter.It distracts her from his son.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi stands in the VR room with Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis, all of them gathered on the Junon Sister Ray."...and what I'm saying is that we need answers," said Kairi firmly, holding up a arm and willing it to split down the middle, tendrils connecting both sides in a sickening red display, "This isn't fucking normal!"There is a grimace, but no surprise at what she just did. Shit, did Mother do this during her 'testing'?"Perhaps," commented Jenova.Kairi sighed, willing her arm to fix itself before reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose. "I guarantee that whatever line they fed you about being 'recreations of the Ancients' is a bunch of bullshit.""I have little doubt that things were held back, or information misconstrued," agreed Sephiroth, "But what exactly is it that you expect of us?""There is only one person who likely has a full idea of whatever was done to us," said Kairi, giving Sephiroth a pointed look, "We've warned them that we'd be killing Hojo at some point if he 'fucked up' again. I'm saying we use that.""Oh dear apprentice? Wishing to interrogate that mad doctor, hmm?" hummed Genesis, "Set him up to die even if he's been toeing the line properly?"Mocking he may sound, that dangerous glint in his eye says he agrees with the notion. Because Hojo will cross that line again, its only a matter of time.Angeal crosses his arms, uncomfortable. "I really don't want to know more about what was done to us. The fact that we were experimented on at all is still a hard pill to swallow, even if most of it was done as embryos.""Lucky you," said Kairi dryly.He winced. "You know I didn't mean..."She waved it off and nodded at Sephiroth. "He had even more time in the labs than I did."A pinched look crossed Sephiroth's face, but he nods in acknowledgement."We deserve to know, we have the right to know, what was done to us," said Kairi sharply, "Especially for crazy side effects that we may not know about. Imagine if I had accidentally discovered this bodypart splitting crap in public. It would have been a nightmare. Same issue if I keep discovering more things, and whose to say I'm the only one that can do crazy shit? Have any of you tried?"Genesis shrugged. "How would we even know how to do so? My wing is the only oddity I have, apprentice, I haven't exactly gone looking for more. I am unusually good at magic, but I've noted nothing else. Unless we count your mental web and gossiping girls as something."She wacks his arm in retaliation, he just grins, unrepentant.Angeal shrugs. "I've noticed nothing.""I have considered it, but have been hesitant to attempt anything," admits Sephiroth, "While I have noted nothing out of the ordinary for myself, it does not mean I do not believe that I have capabilities beyond my current understanding."He considers her for a long moment. "Forcing information from Hojo may give answers. It may not. But if you do find what you seek, will you like the answers?""Probably not," said Kairi, "But... I should have been trying to figure this out for awhile now."She'd been so complacent... letting questions that needed answers falling to the wayside."I am not unopposed to dealing with the Professor before he can cause another mess," said Sephiroth calmly, "But there are logistics that need to be handled. It may be prudent to get Director Verdot involved, in fact, it is likely he would prefer to be involved."Angeal groaned. "Are we really considering murder and coverup?""We do work for Shinra," pointed out Genesis, "Its practically company policy!"Angeal put his head in his hands. "Genesis..."Kairi claps him on the back. "Its fine Angeal, if you don't want to be involved, you don't have to be.""Knowing about an upcoming murder and doing nothing is still involved."Kairi shrugged. "Call it murder if you want, I call it putting down a monster that should have been dealt with years ago.""Agreed," said Sephiroth, "As for..."Kairi's PHS buzzes, interrupting the discussion. She sighs and fishes it out, glancing over a newly assigned mission. "Oh joy, reactor checkup and monster extermination. All the way on the other continent too."Genesis huffs. "Conversation on hold for the time being?""Mhm, work over Angeal. Sephiroth, pose the question to Verdot," she instructed."Ah yes Genesis, help me become an accomplice to murder," deadpanned Angeal."Oh! Why yes, I shall endeavor to fulfill your request dear Angeal," said Genesis, giving a deep bow.Angeal sighed.Sephiroth shook his head in exasperation. "Just be sure this is what you want Kairi. I have no qualms about doing this, but there is always a chance this may blow up in our faces.""Good thing we are being famous and irreplaceable assets to the company," said Kairi mildly, "And really, I have to ask, what could the company actually DO to stop us if we wished to merely waltz up to Hojo in a board meeting and take his head off?"Sephiroth levels a hard look at her. "Having power does not mean it should be abused. I have no desire to become a dictator.""Not sure how offing Hojo equals becoming a dictator.""Its called the slippery slope argument," advised Sephiroth, "If we are to do this, it will be thought out, carefully planned, and carefully executed, not just a haphazard killing and show of force. I'd rather not have people terrified to be in my mere presence. The attention I already have is bad enough as it is without it turning negative or hostile.""I'll drink to that," muttered Kairi before thumbing 'accept' on her PHS and pocketing it, "Alright, I'll catch you three later."Sephiroth gives a curt nod, Genesis flaps a hand in dismissal, and Angeal looks to the sky as if begging for divine guidance. Kairi cracks a grin and leaves.
It would be the last time all four of them would stand together as friends.
Kairi watches with an eyebrow raised as Cloud hurls his lunch over the side of the ship on their way to the other continent. "Nice. Ten outa ten for projectile vomiting range."He groans in response and doesn't answer."I thought being enhanced dealt with that kind of thing," said Tifa, walking over to rub his back."It usually does," mused Kairi, "Though some SOLDIERs with pretty bad conditions or genetic disorders still suffer them after enhancement. It lessens with each tier of enhancement. Its likely he either wont feel a thing from motion sickness if he ever makes 1st, probably at most an unpleasant feeling in his gut for 2nd.""N'other reason to make 1st," groans out Cloud.Kairi smirks and stretches briefly, glancing over their squad. Her, Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockheart, both looking snappy in their fresh 3rd Class uniforms, and five troopers. Its a small mission, something she could have easily done on her own, but having natives to Nibelheim as part of the team means they don't need hire a guide or waste time with directions. Besides, it helps the kids get their feet wet. The troops also serve as a buffer if they need between them and the townsfolk, and to keep lesser monsters out of the way incase anything big shows up that the SOLDIERs need to focus on.She watches her two newest children bicker with eachother, Cloud ever so sour, Tifa a tease. Its endearing she supposes. It won't last, so she'll lock away the memory as a treasure. She's been lax in doing so with all her children, spending a lot of time with the trio, or out on missions, or brooding on her own. After the mission, and after Hojo is dealt with, perhaps she'll start trying to spend more time with them. Or as much as she can when they are a private force for Shinra sent out for missions and such.The ship arrives at Costa Del Sol a few hours later, and Cloud is briefly relieved to be on solid ground...At least until they pile into a military transport waiting for them."Puke on me and I will punch you," teases Tifa."That'll just make it worse Tifa!" he laments."We have sick bags sir, if that helps," offers one of the infantry, rifling through a box of supplies."Thanks," said Cloud, taking it and breathing deep, "Ugh. I'm going to make a fool of myself when we get home and puke at the gate. Its going to be bad enough as it is..."Kairi tilts her head. "...you don't want to visit your home?""I made SOLDIER, yeah," said Cloud, looking up from his air bag, "But I haven't done anything yet! Having missions in the slums where we are being babied by a 2nd isn't anything to boast about. Its stupid, the stuff down there is nothin compared to Nibel's home monsters. We don't need help."Kairi shrugged. "Company policy, no solo missions until you're fifteen at least."Cloud crosses his arms and scowls. The green look on his face makes it not very impressive."Well...," said Tifa, "I'm really not looking forward to it. I may or may not have skipped town without telling my dad."Kairi coughs and then then laughs. "Oh that's going to be fun to watch."Tifa huffs. "Like hell was I sticking around to be married off and turned into a gossiping babymaker."Kairi wrinkles her nose at the thought. "Glad you got out then."Tifa gives her a shy smile. "I'm glad I met you and got the idea to do so. Seeing you almost be dragon-chow was terrifying, but, the idea that girls could be SOLDIERs, especially when it the news went out that it was possible, was a dream come true.""I was not almost dragon-chow!" defended Kairi, avoiding the hero-worship.Tifa rolls her eyes. "I still remember how much of a bloody mess you were. I never did ask if Commander Rhapsodos got his ass handed to him for that.""He got a yelling," said Kairi vaguely, "And maybe removed as my mentor for awhile.""Honestly, having you fight a dragon all on your own was ridiculous," lamented Tifa, "I mean, I feel tougher than ever! But I'm still not eager to trade blows with one of Nibel's overgrown lizards.""Especially without a sword," said Kairi pointedly.Tifa rolled her eyes and flexed her wrists. "I'm a walking battering ram at this point. You can have your pointy stick, I'll take my fists and gloves anyday.""While the thought of a solely martial arts SOLDIER is cool, you're going to need to learn to use a proper weapon at some point, leaving it behind for missions is generally a no go," said Kairi mildly, not-so-subtly informing her not to do so again, "Angeal uses his fists a lot of the time, but even then, he still carries both his buster and a standard issue sword with him as well.""Yeah yeah yeah," said Tifa, waving the discussion off, "What about you Cloud? I thought you were going for one of those long swords like 1st Class Sephiroth, what happened to that idea?"Cloud flushed a little, scratching the back of his head. "Zack happened."Kairi throws back her head and laughs. "That tends to be a good description of anything involving Zack Fair. Honestly, that guy is ridiculous."She eyes the larger than standard-issue sword laid on the floor next to Cloud. "So Zack converted you to team Buster then?"How'd he manage getting permission for Cloud to have anything but standard issue as a 3rd? Then again, its Zack.Cloud scoffs. "I guess. I mean... S...s-ephiroth's sword is legendary, but really, its kind of the guy himself. I really didn't feel it when I was trying something like it in the training rooms. I guess I just like the Buster class more, its..."He pauses to think. "More imposing to see a guy or girl with a giant sword coming at you.""I suppose," agreed Kairi.Then the car hits a bump and Cloud has to fumble for his sick bag. Kairi wrinkles her nose. "Do you want me to just cast sleep on you until we get there?"Cloud pulls his face out of the bag, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, "I don't need to be babied."Kairi rolls her eyes and goes to a supply crate, fishing out and tossing him a bottled water to rinse his mouth out. They arrive at Corel by nightfall. Kairi takes a moment to look over the town. Much of it is still a smoldering scrapheap from the reactor explosion, crews are still out in the fading light going through ruined buildings and plucking away at the scrap. A few of her girls assigned to the town wave briefly to Kairi, but don't break from their assigned work. There are a lot of tents outside of the broken town that people are either in or gathered around. A Shinra supply caravan hands out food in a line. The tavern either was fortunate to survive the explosion, or one of the first things repaired/rebuilt. Kairi makes the decision to see what room they have available if any.She's a little exasperated when the current head of the town makes a brief commotion, the big burly dark skinned man shaking her hand vigorously. "Heard you took out that damn AVALANCHE monster they blew our reactor for. Damn bastards killed so many, lost my wife Myrna, my best man Dayne. So many dead and for what? To try n kill more people over n Midgar. All so pointless. So for you? Take a night at the tav free o charge.""Thanks," said Kairi, "And I'm sorry for your loss."Mr. Wallace scratches the back of his head. "Ain't easy. Speakin of that, before ya go, can I ask for a small favor?"Kairi cocks her head, that's rather forward. "What do you need?""Well... I'm lookin after my best mate's little girl. Name's Marlene. She um... saw you on the telly when you were flyin them kids after yer ceremony..."Kairi cracks a grin. "She wants to go flying?""Yeah, it'd make my little girl's world right now,' said Mr. Wallace sheepishly."Not a problem," said Kairi, "Catch me tomorrow morning before we leave and I'll give her a few minutes."Tifa elbows her after they've been packed into a room. "You're a sucker for kids wanting a ride."Kairi huffs. "Oh shush. If the most people want of me is piggyback rides for their kids then that's better than the alternative.""What alternative?""People freaking about me having a wing?""Oh," said Tifa sheepishly, "Fair."Cloud flops down onto his bed. "You coulda said no."Kairi frowned. "The poor girl just about lost everything, a few minutes isn't much to ask.""I didn't mean it like that," said Cloud, sitting up to scowl, "I meant you could have said no and made up any 'xcuse, but didn't."He flushes a bit. "You're really nice for a top SOLDIER."Kairi raised a single eyebrow. "Whats that supposed to mean?""Well... all the news articles and commercials make you all so serious most of the time," he said.Kairi groaned and went for her own bed. "Public Relations is bullshit, Cloud, don't trust what you see on TV. We ALL hate being dragged in for those sessions. We usually don't even get to write our own lines to say.""Really?""Mhm," said Kairi, "Trust me, if you came to SOLDIER looking for fame and glory, you're going to regret it if you end up getting what you want. Its an absolute pain in the ass."He frowns thoughtfully, but doesn't respond, choosing to lay back down. Tifa goes through a set of stretches before she makes for her own bed and they all settle down to sleep. They next morning, Kairi gives an excited little wide eyed girl a five minute flight, shakes her happy adoptive father's hand one more time, then they are all piled into the military transport and off for Nibelheim. Both Tifa and Cloud fidget the closer they get. Kairi feels mildly entertained by it all. She'd step in if she thought it necessary, but Tifa could likely handle her own parents if anything got physical.A crack of lightning and the barrage of raindrops on the hood of the vehicle is sudden."Hope its not as far north as Nibel," muttered Tifa, "Otherwise its gonna be snow.""So?" asked Kairi.Tifa gives her a level look. "Super SOLDIER or not, 'mom', you don't screw around in Nibel blizzards. If its snowing, we're not going up into the mountains today. Not happening."Kairi huffs. "Fine."She returns a cheeky grin. "Just more time for me to see you embarrass yourselves with your families then."Both teenagers scowl at her, earning a snicker...
THUD
They all flop to the floor of the vehicle as it crashes into something.*growl*"Uh... Ma'am!" cries out the driver, "Trouble on the road!"Kairi picks herself up and moves to the front, squinting out into the rain. "Whats the prob- is that a dragon?!""What?" exclaims Tifa, "This far from the mountains?""Both of you, stay here," snapped Kairi, shoving open the door.The dragon in question is picking clean a wolf-like monster of some kind, the corpse's side ripped open and being feasted on. It snorts in their vehicle's direction, at least somewhat irritated, but not enough to stop eating. Though its likely if they just went around and sped off it'd draw its attention anyway, monsters love to play chase. Kairi could force a fight and attack it head on, but she's not interested in her children nor the troopers being caught in the crossfire, she has a better idea. She takes the initiative to end it decisively, flapping her wing and shooting off into the sky, drawing her sword, and free-falling down towards the dragon, gripping her sword two-handed, and cleaving through its neck as it bites into its food, taking it clean off, landing with a heavy thud on her feet as it collapses.She wipes her sword clean on her leg, frowning thoughtfully at the dragon. "Mom? Why do I feel some of your cells in it?""Because, you grow near to my prison, and some of my cells are leeched out into the Mako that leaks out into the wilds."Kairi pauses for a long moment. "You're imprisoned in Nibelheim?""The reactor."Kairi sheathes her sword, staring off into the distance, and despite the divide between them, she's fairly certain she's looking in Mother's exact direction. "I suppose we'll be meeting sooner rather than later? Unless you still think...""No," cut off Jenova, "It is time we met face to face my child. Its time for me to be free."Apprehension and eagerness war in Kairi for a long moment before she forces it away and returns to the vehicle. "Drive around, I imagine the wildlife will eat it at some point.""Y-yes ma'am," stuttered the driver before they started up again.She ignores her child's wide eyed awe and merely sits against a supply crate, nabbing a water bottle to sip out of."Your daughter's concern is active," commented Mother mildly, "There is a blizzard around the reactor, the town is around the edges of it, I imagine it will arrive at the town shortly after you do.""Tomorrow then.""Tomorrow."Their arrival in Nibeheim draws a few curious looks as they enter the gates, then a lot of murmurs as Tifa and Cloud become visible."So, back home, feel as you thought it would?" asked Kairi."I can see the gosipmongerers going at it already," said Tifa dryly, "Pretty sure someone just ran for my Da."Not even a minute later a man comes running. "TIFA LOCKHEART!"Tifa grumbles to herself. "Pretty sure I'm reconsidering the blizzard."Who Kairi assumes is Tifa's father walks right past her and up to Tifa. "Where have you been young lady! You disappeared months ago and... are your eyes glowing? Is that a uniform? TIFA! You went to Midgar? You went for SOLDIER? I raised you better than this!"Tifa sets her jaw, "I'm not having this argument here dad. If it weren't for the storm I see coming for Nibel I wouldn't even waste my time since we're on a mission."She grabs his arm and starts yanking him along, earning a yelp as he stumbles and is practically dragged by SOLDIER enhanced strength off to where Kairi assumes is their home."So... is your mother going to be equally pissed?" asked Kairi.There is a soft laugh as a not-so-spikey blonde haired woman steps forward, smiling at Cloud. "Oh I never tried to stop him from going. I knew better."Cloud shuffles forward and mutters. "Hi mom-omph!"The woman pulls him into a hug and laughs. "So you made it then?""Ahuh, still just a third, but I got in!" he said, puffing a bit with pride.The woman briefly glances at Kairi, "Alright if I steal my boy for a bit, ma'am?""He's free until tomorrow with the storm coming," said Kairi, "Afterwards we're heading for the reactor."She nods and motions into the town. "Alright Cloud, lets go home, tell me all about the big city life and SOLDIER."Kairi turns to the troopers behind her. "Alright, head into town. One of you book us a room at the inn, the others start questioning the townsfolk about monster activity.""Yes ma'aim!" she's answered followed by salutes as they scurry off.Kairi stares off up the mountain, listening to the whistling wind heralding the upcoming storm for a moment before shaking her head. She takes a brief look around town, identifying a shop if they need to re-supply at some point, and the location of the inn. Overall, the town is small and quaint, even smaller than her village back on the main island of Destiny Islands. It also has little that would have saved it if the reactor had been blown by Zirconiade and an avalanche came crashing down the mountain. Speaking of which...She remembers what she had overheard the summon say to Genesis. Something about a sleeping brother?Kairi makes her way towards the Shinra Mansion, briefly pausing when she hears loud shouting from one of the housing, Tifa's voice. She lets it go, the girl can fight her own battles, and keeps on going until she reaches the mansion gate and vaults over. She brute forces the door open and steps in, glancing around the abandoned place. A staircase going up, a few siderooms on the floor. Dusty and dreary with faded colors. She takes a brief look around the first floor, pausing when she notes a piece of paper on the floor. Her mood sours at the familiar handwriting on it."I must get rid of all those that stand in the way of my research. Even that one from the Turks. I scientifically altered him and put him to sleep in the basement. If you want to find him, search the area. But... this is merely a game I thought of. It is not necessary for you to participate if you don't want to," she reads aloud, "Oh boy, ten gil says this is going to end up with something that sends Veld off the deep end. And honestly Hojo, what the fuck? Making a 'game' out of experimenting on a Turk? Really? Has a damn deathwish."She thumbs her PHS and dials Verdot, waiting for him to pick up."What is it Kairi?" he asks tiredly, "If this is about what Sephiroth was asking last night...""Not quite, but I have a feeling its going to encourage you to go with it. I've found something in the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim I think you need to be appraised of," she said before reading off the paper.There is dead silence for about thirty seconds, all she hears is heavy, intense breathing, before Verdot explodes, "THAT SICK FUCKING SON OF A BITCH, I KNEW IT! I KNEW HE DID SOMETHING TO VINCENT!"He seethes for a few seconds before snarling aloud, "Reno! I'm unavailable for the time being, reschedule my meetings and wave off anyone that comes in."She faintly hears, "Uh... yeah sure bossman, whatever you want.""Kairi," snaps Verdot, "Put and keep the PHS on speaker. I want live updates.""Right," said Kairi, clipping her PHS to her belt, pausing when she spots another paper on the floor, "Now what's this? Something about a safe...?""Second floor, left side," grits out Verdot, "I recall Vince complaining about Hojo keeping important documents in a safe that any fresh Turk could crack.""Okay, well, I'm going to physically crack it because I'm not interested in a scavenger hunt for the dials the paper is hinting at," said Kairi dryly.She goes up the stairs, turns left, finds the safe room, draws her blade, pours the light energy down her hands and into her sword, then spears her sword right through the safe's door, starting to carve it open...In hindsight, she really should have expected this.But honestly?"HOW THE FUCK DID HE FIT THAT MONSTER IN THE SAFE?" screeched Kairi after the door exploded outwards and an absolutely hideous monster that looks like two different ones stitched together down the middle unfurls itself, taking a swing at her that knocks her through the nearby wall and into the hallway with a spray of wood."Kairi? Kairi!" demands Veld."Busy, Hojo left a present," snapped Kairi, eyeing the monster as it pulled itself through the doorway.She lures it downstairs back into the main lobby, much more open and easier to fight in. It takes a a swing at her. She ducks under the blow and surges forward, slashing horizontally. Her blade sears a white line into its flesh, earning a screech from it. She makes to kick the monster back, but when her foot hits the purple side, its like she kicked titanium, her foot throbs in pain through the boot, earning a hiss from her... and a swipe from the monster when she's offbalanced. She grunts as she's sent crashing into a wall, slumping down. She frowns thoughtfully and eyes the monster as she gets back it."I don't know why you are wasting time in this place," came Mother's voice suddenly, sounding exasperated like a mother who looked away for a moment then looked back and found her child getting into a mess, "But do pay attention. Feel the creature, its an amalgamation. One half immune to the physical, one half immune to the magical.""Why'd my blade hurt both then?" asked Kairi."Because it is both when empowered by your light."Fair point.The monster comes at her, raising a fist again. She ducks and rolls under it, letting it embed its fist into the wall. She rises, turn, and cuts into the back of its legs, sending it screeching to the floor. It turns and glares at her, waving a hand and launching a Bolt at her. She grits her teeth, takes the magic attack, then leaps up and stabs her sword right into its face, dragging down and near bisecting it. It deals enough damage to kill the thing though, its parts separating and falling to the floor in a bloody heap...And then the purple side absorbs the other, becomes fully purple, roars, and gets up. "The hell?"It hits a lot harder this time, sending her rocketing across the room and crashing into the nearby wall, leaving a dent."What the heck IS that!"Kairi turns her head to see Tifa storming in, Cloud not far behind her, a few townsfolk behind them, all staring at the monster."MOVE!" roars Kairi.The monster leaps at them, both fists raised. The pair dive to opposite sides, large fists denting where they had just been. The townsfolk scream and flee. Which is good, because they'd be dead if they stayed.Kairi frees herself from the wall, rushing at the monster and slashes her blade. It barely sinks into its flesh this time, the monster immune to its physical bite. She withdraws as it turns and bats at her. Then Cloud and Tifa charge at it's back, the boy's sword clanging against its skin, Tifa yelping as her fist impacts and hurts her instead. It turns and backhands the both of them, slamming them into and through the doorway with a splintering of wood.Kairi snarls in rage at the brief sight of blood on the monster's fists. How DARE it hurt her children!A whine of a limit break ignites around her. She swings her sword at it and roars, "Light Nova!"The resulting explosion obliterates its face, literally taking a giant chunk out of its body and charring the rest. It collapses to the floor, finally dead. Kairi growls, kicking the beast as she passes, rushing for her children. "Tifa! Cloud! You okay?""I don't know what hurts more," lamented Tifa, sitting up from where she had crashed on the ground, "My pride or my fist.""It chipped my sword!" whines Cloud, "What was that thing made out of?"Kairi sighs, exasperated, but pleased that its mostly just a superficial whack they took. Their faces are a little bloody, maybe a broken nose or two, but otherwise fine. She briefly notes the townsfolk peering at them from the mansion's gate at a safe distance.Kairi motions towards them. "Get yourselves looked at.""But Kairi, shouldn't we stay as backup?" asked Tifa, "Scared the shit out of me when I heard that roaring. If there's anything else in there..."Kairi shakes her head and smoothly lies (though it might technically be true?), "You two don't have clearance to be in here. Thanks for checking in, but I can handle myself in here. I've got a side job the Turks want me to look into while we wait for the blizzard to hit and pass."Tifa sighs, but obeys, turning and leaving to join her now fretting father rather than angery father. Cloud just kicks at the dirt and follows her out. Kairi watches them go before returning to the mansion, stepping through the ruined door, briefly checking her PHS for damage. "Still with me Verdot?""I am," he answers before commenting mildly, "Technically, you don't have clearance either.""Bite me.""Bit young for that."Kairi grins. "Veld, you know what cafeteria I eat in, right? Do you know what I hear in there?""Fair point."She's hardly a little fourteen year old girl anymore anyway. Though she doesn't think she'd be into 'biting'. Who knows, she's hardly had the time, nor found the right person to fool around with anyway.Kairi returns to the safe room, finding a red summon materia had fallen out of the safe. She gingerly picks it up, rolling it between her fingers. Powerful, but nowhere near Zirconiade from what she can tell. Nothing that the World Burner would have cared disturbing, so not likely the 'brother'. She pockets the materia and looks back in the safe. "Single key, single summon materia.""Take both," ordered Verdot, "Don't know why an asset was left wasting away in a safe, summons are in high demand in all departments.""Yeah, well someone else can have it when I get back, I've found myself disliking them.""I can agree with that," he mutters before clearing his throat, "Head for the basement.""Okay, so where is said basement?" she asks."2nd floor, right side, bedroom, there will be a push in switch on the wall that will reveal a hidden spiral staircase," instructed Verdot, "I recall Vincent bitching about the steps as a safety hazard.""Luckily I have a wing," said Kairi with cheek.She finds the secret stairway a minute later. There's really not much room for flying, so she gingerly makes her way down the steps. "Safety hazard is a poor description for deathtrap."She hits the bottom a few minutes later, coming down a very dimly lit hallway. She tries the first door she comes across, locked. She puts the key in it, and what do you know, fits. She unlocks the door and moves in. "Room full of coffins. Mostly skeletons, one coffin sealed."There is a heavy sigh from Verdot, his voice crackly from a little bit of interference. "Knowing that bastard, he probably left Vincent to fucking starve to death. Just... take a look and confirm a description if there is a body."Kairi moves and yanks the coffin open, staring down at a surprisingly not-decomposed corpse. "Well intact body. Guy likes his leather. Long hair, red cloak drawn up to his chin, pointy boot, has a metal claw for one hand, old relic of a gun stuck in there with him.""The hell would Hojo leave him armed... ah, suicide shot," muttered Vincent bitterly, "Pretty sure that's him. Just... describe the gun."Kairi reaches down for it.A hand reaches up and grips her wrist, and a presence flares to life in her awareness, powerful and strong. "To wake me from the nightmare..."Red eyes shine out with an intense glow as he opens them. "Who are you?"His presence...Oh fuck.It feels kind of like Felicia's did, a dualness to it. Though one side seemed dormant. This is the brother the summon mentioned. "Kairi, 1st Class SOLDIER.""I don't know you. Leave," orders the man.There is a strangled noise from the PHS. "Vincent? Vincent Valentine is that you? You're alive?!"Valantine stares down at her PHS. "...Veld?""Vincent where the fuck... how..."Kairi unhooks her PHS and hands it to Vincent. The man stares at it for a long moment before clumsily taking it in his normal hand. "I've been... sleeping.""Sleeping? Sleeping you asshole! Its been decades! I thought you were dead!""I should be," said Vincent softly, "I failed her Veld, I failed her and her son. This... this is my atonement.""Oh don't you dare," snarled Veld."Just forget about me Veld," muttered Vincent, "Better you focus on your family than a failed friend...""My family is dead," snapped Veld, "Linda died to a botched OP, and Felicia... Hojo got his filthy hands on my daughter and everything went to shit."Vincent grips the PHS tightly, face darkening. "Veld... I'm sorry. But I...""I don't care for your fucking excuses Vincent, you will be returning to Midgar with Kairi after her mission is up and I am going to chew you a new asshole," demanded Veld."...do I have a choice?""Don't make me get on a helicopter and come out there," warned Veld, "Because I will, Valentine."Vincent huffs. "You haven't changed.""That makes one of us, because I don't remember you being a coward who takes a nap in a coffin for years on end," snapped Veld."Veld... I'm not... I'm not human anymore," said Vincent quietly, "I'm not natural. I haven't eaten since I was put in here and yet I'm fine. I've got... things inside of me that are dangerous. That I can hardly control.""What did he do to you?" snarled Veld."He feels like Felicia did with Zirconiade in her hand, but before it went active," said Kairi."Fuck, he put a summon in you too?" gritted out Veld, "Dammit, we can't kill Hojo fast enough. Vince, just... get back here. We will handle complications as they come. We're setting up an OP to put the doctor down when you all get back. I trust you wish to be part of it?"Vincent chuckles softly. "You always did know how to tempt me. I... alright Veld. I'll come back.""Good, that's... that's good."Vincent swallows thickly. "Have... have you heard from... how is Lucrecia?""I don't know Vincent," said Veld quietly, "Doctor Crescent disappeared shortly after you did. No one knows what happened to Lucy."Vincent closed his eyes. "And her son?""Sephiroth is top of SOLDIER, 1st Class, a war hero if you ask the press."What? Wasn't Jenova..."The birthing vessel was inconsequential," snubbed Mother with disdain, "I am my Chosen One's mother in all ways that truly matter.""Is she dead?""No, she's much like this fool, locked away in her own misery," mocked Jenova, "She could have forced the issue, I gave her enough power, but she chose to abandon my son instead, she deserves no pity and no mercy.""...and I... I think I would like to meet him," said Vincent quietly, "Has... does he know about... Lucrecia? It was one of the reasons I confronted Hojo, that she wasn't allowed to even hold her own son.""...I don't know what Sephiroth has been told about his mother," said Veld, "I'm not even sure he knows Hojo is his father."Kairi coughed and sputtered. "The fuck? Are you kidding me? He experimented on his own son? Put his own son through years of the labs?!"Vincent takes a sharp intake, but withholds an exclamation.Her answer is a calm, brutal, "Yes."Kairi closes her eyes, trying not to sway at the sheer betrayal of it all, moving to the wall for support. "Forget my claim, Sephiroth deserves the kill, no questions asked. His own son..."She can't fathom her adoptive father back home having done even a fraction of this. Hell, the worst she had received as punishment was time out, she'd never even been spanked!
"Kairi?"

"Mom?"
Kairi pulls her emotions back to herself when she feels concern coming down the web, Genesis and her children poking her. "Classified bullshit. Genesis, focus and go private."It takes a moment, but Genesis connects directly to her. "What is it apprentice?""Did you know Hojo was Sephiroth's father?"Genesis is silent for a long few stunned minutes. "...I didn't, and I don't know if he knows. The few times we've ever discussed his family, he said his mother was dead and just laughed at the topic of fathers. He might. He might not.""His own son, Gen, his own son...," she rasps."Do we tell him?" asked Genesis."I don't fucking know, it might be better for Sephiroth to simply kill the bastard and let it lay, but, if we find all the answers we're looking for he's likely to find out anyway, and he wont like that we held the truth back," said Kairi, "I... you should tell him. But don't be your usual crass asshole! Just...""I'll pick a good time," said Genesis, sighing, "Maybe I'll ask Angeal for support... or nevermind, right, he got sent on a mission last night. Woe is me, the sole hero with such a burden.""Bye Genesis," she said, booting the connection with a playful jab.When she focuses, Vincent is staring right at her. "...what lurks in me does not like you. Whatever you were just doing drew its agitation."Kairi scowled. "I'm aware summons don't like me. I don't like them either."Vincent's eyebrows furrow. "...I see.""Who is this...?" murmurs Mother, "I care not for the vessel, but what slumbers... I have felt this one before... almost as if..."Mother's presence snaps into tension. "Tread carefully child. This one is not to be trifled with.""Is it as strong as Zirconiade?" posed Kairi."In some ways yes, in some ways no," said Mother carefully, "If this is what I think it is, it likely has less raw power than Zirconiade, but is far more lethal."The hell does that make sense?"For now, leave the creature be," advised Mother, "It will likely become a problem at some point, but when we are reunited, it will be a trifle matter.""Well... I'll leave you and Verdot to chat, I'm going to take a look around the rest of the basement," said Kairi.Vincent's eyes trail her out the door.Kairi feels a shiver go down her spine, but keeps her back straight as she ventures down the hallway and find... a library? "Huh... if even a tenth of this is classified shit, Veld is going to have a stroke at how accessible it all is."Kairi considers the merits of sticking her nose into it before she shrugged. She passes her hands along a few titles, realizing as she does some of these are journals, or a collection of reports. Then her heart skips a beat. "Northern Continent Jenova Expedition."She thumbs it open and begins skimming, flipping through the first few pages, "...an organism that was apparently dead, was found in a 2000 year old geological stratum. Professor Gast named that organism, Jenova."She blinked. "...you're a corpse?""The body is irrelevant," said Jenova sourly, "And is corpse-like because the body itself was a trap."...how in the world does that make any sense?She frowns and keeps flipping through the report, in which they half-way through suddenly declare Jenova an Ancient, without any theories, explanations, or proof. Kairi snorts to herself, Mother hates the Ancients. She keeps reading, noting a quick passage on the 'Jenova Project' being approved. She frowns thoughtfully."Huh, so they were serious?" muttered Kairi, "Shinra actually thought they were recreating the Ancients?"She gathers a few books/journals/reports of related names and walks down the library to a comfy looking chair and table, plopping them and herself down. She opens the first one, a thesis on the Ancients, and begins skimming through it. It honestly sounds like shit she'd see on the fanclub websites or group chats. Propping up the Ancients as the greatest thing since sliced bread and bemoaning humans in comparison."So Mom, on a scale of 1 to 10, how pissy does this thesis make you?" teased Kairi.Mother scoffed. "The Ancients were hardly the greatest species I have encountered in my lifetime. Clever in the way they entrapped me, but not the greatest."Kairi frowned. "How exactly are you trapped?""Its simple, they sabotaged my vessel," said Mother, "This body itself is damaged, preventing me from acting. All I require is your strength, an infusion of new cells, and I can become truly alive again."Kairi nods to herself and resumes reading. The next book she reads implies that humans are descendant of the Ancients, ones who stopped 'migrating'. It scorned humans as cowards who left the Ancients to fend for themselves when a 'disaster' struck. Kairi's eyebrows furrow and she hums."Are you the disaster?" asked Kairi."I've been called worse," said Jenova mildly.Honestly, if the Ancients and Jenova were in some kind of war, it was probably the smart thing to do to sit the hell out of it. Not their problem to deal with.Mother laughs briefly, lowering into a dark chuckle, but doesn't comment.Kairi reads for roughly another hour, her reward is mostly just a headache. A lot of this is just seems odd...There is a soft footfall and she looks up to see Vincent approaching, eyes flickering across the titles on her desk, before she hands her PHS back to her. She takes and pockets it. "Done with the catchup?""Hardly," murmurs Vincent, "Veld and I will have time for a full debrief another day."He stares at her, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of gold in his eyes before its gone. "Where are we staying for the night?""The inn," said Kairi, pushing away from the table and standing, stretching briefly before walking passed. "C'mon, I'll see if can book you a room as well."He hums in acknowledgement. "I'll refrain from mentioning you're pilfering through what is likely restricted information."Kairi huffs. "Its a load of hogwash mostly, and I really don't care if you tattle to Verdot on me.""I doubt Shinra has changed much in how it handles security breaches," said Vincent softly."You'd be surprised as of late, but really, it doesn't matter," she turns briefly to give him a cold stare, "I'd like to see Shinra try to 'forcibly retire' me. It wouldn't end well for the company."There is a quirk of his eyebrow, but she ignores the unasked question. He follows her back upstairs and out of the house, making towards the inn. The edges of the storm had arrived, snow starting to fall."Hey Kairi!" comes Cloud's voice, jogging over to greet her, "Mom invited us over for dinner and... whose this?""Vincent, meet 3rd Class SOLDIER Cloud Strife. Cloud, meet Turk Legend Vincent Valentine," she said.Vincent huffed. "Please tell me they don't actually call me that."Kairi grinned. "I've heard you're still talked about up in Turk land. Ready for all the little Turk fanboys and girls?""No," he answers shortly."Umm... anyway, dinner?" said Cloud awkwardly.A few minutes, she, Tifa, Cloud, and Vincent are sat at a table in Cloud's homely little house with his mother tuttering around filling their bowls with a warm meaty soup. There is a whiff of nostalgia, a reminder of home dinners years ago back on the Islands. The closest she had come to this had been the Sundays with the trio, eating and drinking together. It brings a smile to her face as she digs in. She lets the idle chatter wash over her, answering the occasional question, but mostly, she just takes it in. Honestly, she ought to try to figure out how to cook and invite her girls over for dinner. Then again, when would she have the time?Kairi wonders if she and Mother will have moments like this.She supposes she'll find out soon enough.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sephiroth storms down into the Science Department in the early hours of the morning. The guards, scientists, and other personnel scrambling to get out of the way of his fury. He had always had suspicions that never failed to sent him into depressive hysterical laughter when he thought about them alone, but to have it actually confirmed...
"I don't know of any easy way to say this, so I'll ask it plain, Sephiroth... do you know that Hojo is your father?"
Sephiroth snarled, making those nearby cower.His father.His damned father.Of course it would be him.Sephiroth has the urge to turn the entire Science Department into a blood bath, and he is finding it difficult to reign it in. How many of these people were there while he was growing? How many watched while...He cuts the derailing thought process off and instead focuses on getting answers. How Hojo gives them determines how slowly and painfully he will die when the time comes. He makes for the mad bastards office, and then pauses when he sees the door slightly ajar, and hears the sound of mad cackling laughter. Oh dammit, what has he done now?"Her vessel... yes... her vessel... oh yes," cackled Hojo, "It will be perfect. The Crisis at its peak power, hosted by its greatest vessel. The perfect test, the perfect challenge..."Sephiroth peaked in, and then raised an eyebrow. Hojo looked even more deranged then usual, and like he hadn't slept in days."Once Sephiroth defeats and destroys... no no no... join...," slurred Hojo, clutching at his head, and to Sephiroth's brief shock, the skin on the man's head and hands bubbled and stretched a bit before returning to normal, "Should... he should join his mother, his sister..."What in the world had the doctor done to himself? Was there no sanctity? Had he experimented on himself too?"Yes... yessss...," slurred Hojo, "The son standing at the side of the devoured daughter, unstoppable. Specimen K will fulfill her destiny, as will my son."What did Kairi have to do with these mad ramblings?"My son...," groaned Hojo, clutching at his head again, "No no no no... perhaps... perhaps should have sent them together. Could replace... could overwhelm. Specimen K and Specimen S together... no, no he's not ready for the Calamity. Better this way. Better to send Specimen K to her fate."Sephiroth narrows his eyes, not liking that at all, and steps inside. "And where exactly, Hojo, did you send her?""Where did I send her?" cackled Hojo, standing up and looking at him with a mad glint in his eyes, "Why, to her Mother of course. Hee hee hee haaaaw!"Sephiroth narrowed his eyes. "Her Mother?""Yes... to Jenova. I sent Specimen K to Jenova," cackled Hojo.Sephiroth blinked a few times. His Mother... was also Kairi's? How was that possible if she was from another reality?"But maybe I was inconsiderate. Perhaps I should have sent you as well. Jenova will soon have her host to possess, but she will also need her son as her champion, then, when you are Reunited with her, what Jenova began two-thousand years ago can finally be finished, hee hee hee," cackled Hojo.The hairs on the back of Sephiroth's neck rose and his skin began to crawl. Host... HOST? To possess? Any possible implication he could draw out of that statement were ALL catastrophically negative. And two-thousand years ago? For one, that eliminated her from actually being his physical mother. For two, what was he talking about? What had happened two-thousand years... wait... the fall of the Cetra was said to be around that time... could it be just a coincidence? His gut instincts were screaming at him, something terrible was soon to happen, and Kairi and his Moth... and Jenova were at the heart of it."Well? Do you not feel her call? Or is she to busy preparing for her rebirth into this world through her host? Hee hee hee, I never imagined since the beginning of Jenova Project K what Specimen K's true potential was, what Jenova desired for her. Glorious... it will be glorious! The Calamity from the Skies will be reborn! The Heaven's Dark Harbinger shall rise again, even more powerful and eternal than ever! With Specimen K's body, Jenova will be practically immortal! Haa haa haa haaaa-ERK."With one swing of his blade, Sephiroth decapitated Hojo, fists clenched tightly on his blade. "That... is enough... out of you. I should have done this years ago."Sephiroth's mind was racing and whirling over what Hojo had just said, but above all else, one thought shined out clearly: Kairi was in danger, extreme danger.Sephiroth flicked his phone out and attempted to call her, but, to his frustration all he got was: "We're sorry, this number has been disconnected."That damn man! Hojo had set this up perfectly. He had implied a grim fate for her, and potentially for him as well, calling him Jenova's champion. If Jenova was capable of possessing Kairi, and maybe him as well, he couldn't be the one to go after her. With Angeal away, the only one left was...Sephiroth dialed a number in an instant."Well if it isn't the great and mighty Sephiroth, confronted the old bastard yet have..." began Genesis."Genesis," interrupted Sephiroth with an urgency he didn't think he had ever used in his entire life.Genesis's tone changed instantly. "What is it?""Can you reach Kairi in your mental web?" demanded Sephiroth."Well of course I... wait... what?" said Genesis, "I don't... what IS this?""Genesis?""Its like a wall just went up around her, slimy and dirty to touch, I don't... she's been shielded in the web, I can't reach her," seethed Genesis, "What the hell is going on?""Do you know where Kairi went on her mission?" asked Sephiroth."A mountain town called Nibelheim, why?" asked Gensis warily."Go to her, now. She is in danger," ordered Sephiroth."From what exactly? She's practically immortal," asked Gensis skeptically."Hojo," was Sephiroth's reply.He didn't have enough time to properly explain, Genesis needed to go NOW. Nibelheim was on the Western Continent, it would take hours at top helicopter speed to reach Kairi, every second counted.There was a series of curses from Genesis. Hojo was one man they all had feared, even immortality wouldn't save someone's sanity and mind from that man, that was what he trusted to get Genesis moving."Go as quickly as you can Genesis, you must reach her before its to late, and... beware Jenova," finished Sephiroth."Your mother?!" said Genesis at a loss."GO NOW!" he ordered.Sephiroth paused at the sound of shattering glass, ripping clothes, and the sound of a wing beating furiously in the air before the call was ended. Genesis was going to FLY? Hmm... well... when driven he could be pushed beyond his limits. Perhaps he could reach her in time, but, such an effort would drain his strength...Sephiroth ran a hand through his hair out of distress. Kairi wasn't his only concern, no, not the only concern at all. What truly concerned him was what Hojo had implied...
...Jenova will soon have her host to possess, but she will also need you as her champion, then, when you are Reunited with her, what Jenova began two-thousand years ago can finally be finished...
If Jenova was the one who had destroyed the Cetra... then... just what was it she would be 'finishing'? What Hojo had called her... the Calamity from the Skies, the Heaven's Dark Harbinger... neither tittle implied anything good. It filled him with dread. If Jenova had all but wiped out the Cetra before, what would she be capable of after possessing Kairi's near immortal body? Her 1st Class mako enhanced power? As cruel as the thought was, he had a awful hunch that there was a lot more riding on whether or not Jenova was stopped than just Kairi's life."Son... my son..."He whirled, shocked, to see black liquid seeping out of Hojo's severed head, his neck and mouth and eyes. "Myyy sooon... laptop... password is... your mother's name.""Jenova?""L-U-C-R-E-C-I-A C-R-E-S-C-E-N-T," rasped out Hojo, "I... I prepared you... made you so strong for... for this... you are my greatest crea..."Sephiroth stalked forward and crushed Hojo's head underfoot in a splatter of blood and black ichor. He scuffed his boot on the floor to get it off before briefly locating Hojo's laptop, hiding it in his jacket, and then incinerating the entire room with several Fira3 casts. Best to make sure the deed was probably done."So much for carefully planned," muttered Sephiroth, before stalking quickly down the hallway, into the elevator, reaching the ground floor, then disappearing into the early morning crowds.Later, in an abandoned house in Sector 6, the laptop plugged in, he shakily enters his true mother's name as the password, and watches as the screen goes to desktop. His eyes scan over over the folders and file names, stopping on one in particular: The Jenova Project.His eyes narrowed. He'd trust Kairi and Genesis to deal with his so called 'Mother'. It was long past time he had gotten answers...
Come to me my daughter, it is time for our Reunion.
Kairi bolts upright in her bed, eyes briefly glowing green instead of pinkish, before she shakes her head. "Alright kids, up and at em! It's time to go!"Tifa and Cloud groan, but get up and start getting ready for the day. Kairi is out of the shower and downstairs in the inn eating, foot taping with impatience. Vincent is downstairs before either of the own. His footsteps are oddly cautious, he regards her with a solemn look, gold flecks in his red eyes that she finds odd, but brushes aside in her desire to get moving."Is this truly what you wish?" posed Vincent quietly.Kairi blinked at him. "Pardon?"He simply stares at her.She scowls. "I don't have time for vague-Turk bullshit, whatever you're yammering about either say it or shut up, sit down, and eat."Vincent sighs, but sits down.Her children arrive minutes later, they eat, and within half an hour, they leave Vincent behind and start up Mount Nibel, heading for the Reactor...Reno of the Turks sighed, muttering to himself as he flicked through his messages on his PHS. It wasn't often he had Ancient Duty, but it was always so boring. Well, unless he went in and messed with the poor girl, but he only did that on occasion since both Veld and Tseng gave him hell for it. Honestly, it was just a little ribbing. She wasn't as delicate as the others seemed to think she was, that tongue of her's gave as good as she got.His eyes flicked down from his perch on the rafters of the church (he liked to choose different spots to be creative), watching Aerith taking a cat nap on a bench in her church. Girl seemed all tuckered out and stressed earlier, staring at her flowers with a solemn look, whispering in quiet soothing tones. He knew all the hub bub about her being able to com-un-icate with the big blue ball they were all on, he didn't really care that much, or envy her. It was more than apparent when she was talkin to it, always went home with a huge headache, sometimes she even got it so bad she called out for them and asked if they had anything for her head.He had been on duty all night-into-morning, switching off briefly with Rude to eat, before coming back. Aerith had been tense for hours, he had seen the lights on the house flickering on and off all night, even asleep now she looked troubled, it was enough that he had cautiously sent a text to Tseng as the go-to contact on all-things-Ancient. There wasn't much they could do about it, but they had noted more than once that her abilities made her rather receptive to shit-hits-the-fan events. Tsunami hit Junon awhile back, she had been moody that day, had even asked them if something bad happened. The height of the Wutai War had sent her into mood swings as well, brief, not exactly violent, but bad enough that they didn't want to be near her. There was a tight lid clamped on all questions regarding how she reacted when that super summon was active, and he knew better to press. This though... he didn't know, there was that feeling in his gut. The one that made him bring out his most friendly smile and most 'pleasant' of jokes as he was slowly inching his hand for his rod or a...Aerith bolted upright, clutched her head, and screamed.Reno would never admit it, but he almost fell off his perch at that. Ain't never heard her scream like that before. He maneuvered himself to start walking, making for the entrance to the top levels of the church as the girl continued to scream and cry. He had his PHS out and was texting as he went, ignoring the break-your-spine-or-at-least-your-leg drop. Couldn't be worse than texting while driving, and he did that just fine.
'Yo Tseng, target's screaming, nasty fit, never seen anything like it'
Satisfied, he jumped down and started running down the winding and broken stairs, jumping over broken sections and pitfalls, until he reached the ground level and ran to the front. Aerith screams had lessened in intensity, but she was shaking good. Like an addict needing their fix, just without the whole drug thing. He jogged over and knelt down, about to put a hand on her shoulder when his phone jingled.He fished it out, glanced down, and then his eyes went wide to see just who was calling. Guess Tseng had went to the top..."Yo, bossman," said Reno, wincing as Aerith let out another scream next to him."Reno, whats wrong with her?" came Veld's voice."Dunno, she was takin a nice cat nap then she just bolted up and started howling," said Reno."Put me on speaker," demanded Veld."You're live bossman," said Reno."Aerith? Aerith! Calmn down and speak to me," called out Veld.Aerith shuddered, shivering, glancing blankly at Reno and then the phone, eyes so wide he wasn't sure there was a pupil there."Speak to me," said Veld, a calming tone Reno was sure he never gave any of his Turks, almost made him jealous, "Whats wrong?""J...J...J...," stammered Aerith, eyes going in and out of focus."One, two, three, take a breath Aerith," instructed Veld, "Just like last time, one, two, three."Reno raised an eyebrow. Last time? Boss man had to coach her through a fit before?He grinned. "Daww bossman, didn't know you were a softie.""Reno," came out Veld's warning tone.Aerith took a shuddered breath, eyes coming into focus. "V-veld...?""I'm hear, what's it saying?" asked Veld."It's not the Planet I heard," whispered Aerith fearfully, "It's Jenova."Reno went still. He hated that word, he really did, shit always went bad whenever he heard it."What do you mean?" asked Veld cautiously."Jenova called for her daughter," whispered Aerith, "I heard it, I felt it, so did the planet. It's terrified of the Calamity's return.""Aerith, Jenova's braindead," said Veld in disbelief, "I've seen the readings myself.""Veld, you don't understand," said Aerith, voice shaking and cracking, "I've learned enough from what the Planet's shared with me. It was never about the mind, nor the body she inhabits. Its about her cells. Jenova isn't dead, she's just been bidding her time. And she's ready. She called for Kairi, and if she answers, if Jenova gets her, we're ALL dead."Reno frowned, unsettled. "What do you mean 'gets Kairi'?""I... I've always felt Jenova inside of Kairi, all the times we spent together, and while Kairi might be blind to what Jenova intends, I'm not," said Aerith, appearing to steel herself, "Jenova is going to turn Kairi into her active host, it's going to rip her mind and soul apart then wear her body as it's skin. It's going to start all over again, Jenova's going to start consuming everything again, and this time, there's not going to be anyone who knows how to seal Jenova away, because I sure don't."There was deathly silence for a moment before Veld spoke, "Even if that happens, we have SOLDIER to fight her."Aerith laughed, and it wasn't a good kind. "You mean the SOLDIER that is seeded with Jenova's cells? That SOLDIER? How exactly do you think shes going to wipe us all out if not with them? Ignoring that you have nothing that can actually handle Kairi except maybe Sephiroth if he resists Jenova's call, but considering the years he spent in Hojo's lab, I'm doubtful he'd side with the planet if it came down to it."Reno let a nervous bob run down his throat. "Well, that puts things in a new light.""We can have people out and after Kairi...," began Veld."Veld, it's happening now," said Aerith, "Kairi is so close to Jenova, you don't have time. It's... it's all on her, whether she accepts it, whether she resists it, and if she does, whether or not she wins. The Planet is waking up it's WEAPONS, but even then, there's only one entity close enough to get there in time to maybe make a difference, and the planet is just as terrified of waking HIM up, because its still likely we're all going to die anyway if he enacts his purpose..."Kairi walks as if possessed, stopping and waiting for nothing. Any monsters that get in her way are cut down without hesitation."Oughta leave some for us Kairi," said Cloud, huffing."We're not here to play games," she snapped back, "We have to get to the reactor, have to get to her...""...to who?" asked Tifa.Kairi stops for a moment, dizzy, head throbbing. She reaches up to massage her forehead before shaking it and moving on. The snow does little to bar her path, blazing a trail that her children follow behind in. She hasn't bothered waiting for the troopers to get up, she didn't need them. They'd only get in the way, they weren't connected to Mother, they weren't needed...The buzz in Kairi's mind is steadily growing, and its so hard to think...They come across a bridge that's so old and ragged that Kairi doesn't even bother with it. She grabs both Cloud and Tifa's shoulders and flies them all over it."Well... can't say I see the flight appeal," said Tifa after Kairi dropped them."Oh I don't know, thought you'd like being dangled over a hundred foot drop," said Cloud dryly, "Maybe you know how I feel now. Feet on the ground is always the best."Tifa huffs and swats at him.Kairi ignores her children's play, her heart is thumping so loudly..."Hey Kairi? You always get so quiet in the web on missions?" asked Tifa.Kairi gives her a brief blank look, confused, she's not done anything differently to her presence? Or does she mean since she's not chatting up a storm like her children are? "Focusing on the task at hand is never a bad thing."Tifa shrugged, both her and Cloud falling into step as they round the next bend...And there it is.The reactor.
Mother.
Kairi near runs for the stairs leading to the door.
WHAM
The sound of a heavy impact, followed by two bodies crumpling to the ground sounds behind her. She stops and whirls. Both Cloud and Tifa are on the ground unconscious, and standing behind them is..."So, I guess your summon woke up Valantine," said Kairi flatly, eyeing over the man's changed state.The man's eyes are pure gold. His hair replaces by jagged blood read and black spikes. Two large demonic wings extend behind him. The leather of his clothing replaced by muscular red and black carapace, except for one spot where his right breast would be, that has a glowing orb in it. His gauntlet had turned bone white, as had his boots. His gun had oddly changed as well, elongated, with a red and black aura glowing about it."Stray from this course little Calamity," came the Summon's dual-voice, "And I will spare you."Kairi raised an eyebrow. "Your sister didn't bother, was all for just trying to kill me."A sharp, predator smile shows far to many jagged teeth. "Zirconiade had only a short time to acclimate with her host. I have had decades to adapt traits from mine. While we would not normally co-exist so... peacefully, both Valentine and I are in agreement: You cannot enter the reactor."She narrows her eyes. "Why?""You know why," answered the Summon, "The original Calamity must remain sealed."Kairi snarled. "So, you wish to keep me from freeing Mother?""I wish to save you, child," said the Summon softly, "I disagree with the Planet's handling of this situation. It should not have come to this point. Blunt, brutal honesty should have been given a long time ago, not mere warnings or sudden attempts to destroy you. You should have been pried free before you became what you are.""Save me from what?" demanded Kairi."From your so-called Mother," answered the Summon, "It wishes nothing good of you child, it will consume you.""Listen not to this beast," snarled Mother in her mind, "Allow my power to flow into you child. While you have grown strong with the final SOLDIER enhancements, you will still need me for this. You are not yet experienced enough or at the true peak of your abilities to best this creature."Kairi stared at the summon for a long moment before scoffing, "I've been waiting since I was first turned into her daughter for this moment. She will be free, we will be reunited, and I will get the answers I seek.""The only answers that abomination will give you is its gaping maw as it devours you and delivers you into eternal suffering," snapped the Summon."Look, summon...""Chaos," it interrupts, "I am Omega's Squire. I exist so that at the appointed time, I may return all life to the Lifestream. The higher powers fears my premature arrival, but they forgets, I am not a mindless beast incapable of reason. I will do what I must to stop you, and then I will return to my slumber."A chill goes down her spine.He exists to exterminate all life?Kairi tenses. "Chaos, I don't particularly want to fight you. Especially since I don't want to deal with Verdot's reaction if you force me to kill you and your host. So I'll give you the chance to back down. I defeated Zirconiade, I will defeat you as well."He regards her for a moment. "Perhaps, but this time you will have to do so without your children, if you are capable of the deed."She frowns. "What?""Or have you not noticed how your Mother has isolated you?" mocked Chaos, cocking his gun then aiming it at her, giving her little time to think.The resulting shot is anything but a physical bullet. A ball of red and black energy shoots out that Kairi barely dodges. She stretches her wing, draws her sword, and charges. He takes off to the sky, shooting as he goes. Kairi surges after him, dodging left and right or deflecting with her blade, gritting her teeth. He's faster than she is..."Child," snaps Jenova, "LET. ME. IN."Kairi reaches down their connection and pulls Mother to her. Unlike last time, all she gets back is raw power rather than a merging. Its still invigorating as it is vile, she does not like how Mother's power feels. She will use it though if it means taking Chaos down. She flaps her wing and shoots at Chaos far faster than before. The summon is apparently not actually afraid of a melee, it blocks her blade with his gun, batting away before raking her stomach open with its claw. Kairi hisses and kicks it away, casting a quick cure before igniting herself and her blade with Light, letting its power fuel her."So be it, Calamity of Light," snarled Chaos, "I had hoped for another path, but if this is your choice, then you reap the decision."Black and red energy cackles around Chaos, and then Kairi hardly has time to think as the summon effortlessly weaves through the air, switching back and forth between ranged and melee with shots of its gun and swipes of its claw all the while impassively staring at her. Kairi grits her teeth, her blade singing back and forth to intersect it's 'bullets' and deflect his claw. Then a bullet slips through and carves a path through her arm. She hisses and flings herself away, and oddly, the summon doesn't follow, merely cocking its gun and waiting.Kairi frowns and looks down at her arm, at the black and red wound the energy bullet left. It doesn't burn like the wounds Zirconiade inflicted, but in a way, its worse. The cells touched by Chaos's power are not damaged, but utterly dead. Her own cells can't connect and rejuvenate them, she can instead feel her body working to quickly reject and push out the dead tissue and spread new cells in their place. She can't let what would normally be a fatal wound hit, because she has the feeling if he blows her brains out she's not recovering from that in time to stop him from just destroying her body. Same if he takes off her head.She takes in a breath and lets it out. "If you're expecting me to back down from that and its implications, you are sorely mistaken."Chaos's lips curl into a sneer. "So be it."It waves its claw, a sphere of black and red energy gathering in it, then shoots the collected energy towards Kairi. Before she can dodge, he shoots the sphere and explodes it, the energy slamming into Kairi and sending her sprawling through the air. Bullets rain after her as Chaos surges for her. Kairi snarls and waves her own hand, releasing a burst of light that obliterates the bullets and sends Chaos hissing away. It holds up its own arm, regarding the oddly bleached carapace with a wary look.So, her energy has its own effect on him, interesting."You are a creation of life," mutters Chaos, "My opposite in so many ways. You exist to make life, I exist to end it."He thrusts a hand forward, and a torrent of energy surges at Kairi. She roars and thrusts her own hand out, pumping light out of her body into a stream that collides with Chaos's energy in a brutal explosion that sends the both of them rocketing away from another crying out in pain. Kairi flies down low to the ground, skimming along the snow before shooting up towards Chaos's falling form, wing beating rapidly. Chaos backflips, readies his gun, and shoots at her. She swerves to the side, corrects herself, and gives a battle cry, swinging a brutal two-handed blow at the summon.Chaos catches the sword in its bone-gauntlet, cringing as light blazes along the blade. It turns its gun towards her, and Kairi frees a hand to grab his wrist, forcing the gun away. He snarls at her, and she bares her teeth in turn, faces inches from one another as they struggle and flip through the air trying to overpower one another. He draws his legs in close to his chest, then lashes out and boots her away, aiming his gun and shooting at her as she tumbles. She snarls and swings her glowing sword, releasing a wave of light energy from it that destroys the bullets and screams through the air for Chaos.The summon dodges, and then is forced to dodge again as Kairi keeps swinging her blade and releasing energy waves from it."ENOUGH!" roars Chaos, aiming a glowing hand at her.Kairi screams as chaotic energy explodes around her. It feels like a giant hand has gripped her, trying to squeeze the life out of her. She takes ragged, agonized breath, before she grits her teeth. Light glows around her, combating the energy trying to destroy her. An orange glow surges to life, and she roars out a Limit Break. "LIGHT NOVA."It explodes right on Chaos, stopping his attack, and sending him screeching. But whats more, the glowing orb in his chest is flaring brightly, he clutches a hand to it, seething in pain. Kairi narrows her eyes. That... that orb... is that a materia? Its not red like a summon materia... but something else. She's not sure what, but capitalizing on a weak spot is something all SOLDIERs have trained into her. She beats her wing, closing the distance, and goes for a wide cleaving attack. Just like she thought, Chaos again captures her blade in his bone-gauntlet, but that's what she wanted. She lashes out and plants her boot as hard as she can into his glowing materia.Chaos roars in agony, tumbling away, curling into a ball, arms protectively around his chest. He hits the snow hard, shivering in pain. She flies down, raises her sword, and spears it right through his back, driving hilt deep. He snarls and boots backwards, his foot connecting with her knee and knocking her to the ground. He stands, reaches behind himself, clawing the sword and prying it free. She throws herself at him, slamming into him, her sword and his gun tumbling into the snow. She raises a fist and slams it down on his materia again. He screeches and backhands her with his gauntlet, a spray of blood as he rips into her face.She raises her fist again, making it shine brightly with light as she focuses her energy into it, and brings it down again for his chest. He lashes out and grabs her wrist, his own hand glowing with chaotic energy, the resulting burst of energy making them both cringe, but they don't stop, not this time. She pushes against him, forcing her hand closer and closer...Then she screams as he drives his bone-gauntlet into her gut, ripping into her flesh, and starts digging in. She grits her teeth and forces her hand closer until she finally touches the materia, grips it, then rips it clean from his body. Chaos withdraws his gauntlet and roars before throwing her away. She rolls on the ground, finds her sword, and grabs it, pocketing the materia...Then she realizes she might have made a mistake.Without the materia, Chaos begins to morph, rather than looking like Vincent, his entire form turns into a kind of imposing muscular black demon one might see referenced in stories or TV, but this is no mere story-tale character, its presence darkness considerably, and Kairi feels shivers roll down her spine."Foolish Calamity," rumbles Chaos, and there is no duality anymore, "The Protomateria is made to contain and control my power. Valentine has given me uncontested reign to release myself. You will find that removing it from me was a grave mistake."He swings a claw, and the mountainside explodes in an eruption of black and red energy. Kairi screams as she's thrown into the air. She grits her teeth and rights herself in time to see Chaos surging forward, his wings pump back and forth in powerful strokes, and he is upon her in moments. She swings her blade, slicing into him and leaving a wicked white line across his chest, but her barrels into her regardless, taking powerful swipes that tear into her, leaving agonizing red lines across her body. She makes to skewer him, but he grabs her wrist, twists it, and wrenches her sword away, discarding it. She roars and drives a glowing fist into his chin, sending him staggering away, snarling with fury."CHILD!" roars Jenova, "Use your powers as my daughter! You CANNOT win without it!"Chaos lashes out and drives a claw into her left shoulder, reaching down and grabbing her elbow with his other claw, and then with a bellow, rips her arm clean off. Kairi screams and lashes out with her feet, slamming into his chest and sending him away. He discards her arm through the air and resumes rushing for her.Kairi seethes, willing the wound closed and ordering her cells to begin to regenerate. She eyes her arm on the ground below Chaos and orders 'Grow'. She refocuses as the demon rushes for her, and instead of fighting, she goes for evasion. She flies away, deflects blows with her light infused arms and legs, and just plain dodges as much as she is able to. Then she gets distracted as a second sight enters her, and for a moment its like she's looking out of two spots at once. The beast catches her in that moment, two hand slamming her down and to the ground.Kairi takes a moment to focus herself, both bodies as she realizes the damn arm actually grew succeeded in growing into one, clothes made out of colored skin. Chaos surges for her, landing before raising a claw that goes for her neck. She lashes out with her still intact arm and grabs his wrist, planting her foot into the snow and upon the ground beneath. She shakes with effort as it begins to overpower her...Then her other body find her sword, rushes forward, and skewers Chaos from behind. The summon roars, looking backwards, eyes going wide with disbelief. Kairi's main body finishes regenerating the lost arm, and thrusts both hands forward, blasting the beast with a barrage of light. The other body rips her sword free as the beast is sent flying. Kairi's bodies regard one another awkwardly before they both nod and flap their wings, taking off. Its... disorienting, but oddly instinctual, to coordinate and control them both. Her main body focuses on using her powers of light, sending blasts of energy or casting cure on her other body, which uses her blade, enchanted with light, to combat Chaos head on.The demon seethes with frustration. "Inch by inch you rid yourself of your humanity, how long will it be, Calamity of Light, before you lose yourself entirely in what you are becoming?"It roars, energy exploding around it, before it all condenses in his claw that he drives into Kairi's other body, exploding it into bloody bits.Kairi grimaces and eyes the body parts thoughtfully before grinning. 'Grow'.This time Chaos isn't blind to what she's doing, snarling and blasting her body parts with his power, disintegrating them into ash. Unfortunately for him, he made quite the mess and left bits of her everywhere. Arms and legs and partially formed bodies rush at him, turning into tentacles that grip him and begin to drag him to the ground. Kairi rushes for him, pausing briefly to pick up her sword, then carves into his chest as her coalition of cells keeps him pinned. She rips her sword free, draws the protomateria from her pocket, and drives it into the wound she made.Chaos screeches and releases a nova of energy, banishing Kairi and exploding her unconnected cells away. Kairi grits her teeth and wills her cells to condense, some flying to return and sink into her, some condensing to form a second body again. She watches as Chaos begins to morph, returning to the Vincent-demon hybrid form that groans, duality returning to his voice."Really shouldn't have told me what the materia was and did," mocked Kairi through both bodies, "You were stronger with it gone."Chaos huffs, snapping his wrist to the side, his gun materializing back in his hand. It eyes both of her bodies warily, shifting its footing, flings flexed and waiting. Kairi smiles widely, a slight almost crazed look to her face, before she raises her sword and slices clean off another arm of hers and orders 'Grow'. She finds she's starting to like the spread awareness, the sense of being more than just what she is, more than just one body. Its... addictivly alluring.Chaos snarls as a third Kairi slowly stands up, coming to life. "Even if I perish here, Calamity of Light, it is YOU who will lose in the long run. If not to your foul Mother, then to yourself. You will become everything you once stood against, and will have little blame to give but to yourself."Kairi hums as she regrows her arm, enjoying the ridiculous advantage her 1st Class Enhancement gives her already insane regeneration powers. "I know who I am and what I stand for, Chaos. I champion myself and my beliefs, my children, my friends and family."He regards her with pity. "So you say, but in what state do they have to be in? Themselves? Enslaved to your will? Or worse, consumed as a part of you?"Kairi rushes at him with three bodies, all glowing with light. Bone splinters out of her spare bodies' hands, transforming into bone versions of her sword. They come at him in impossible ways to dodge. He takes hits, firing his gun and swinging his bone-gauntlet, taking as much damage as he dishes out, but he doesn't have her regeneration. He can't make new bodies out of flesh that is lost. Blood starts to generously soak him, his body slowing as wounds mount up...Then he starts glowing with a Limit Break.Kairi barely has time to think 'Oh fuck', before he surges into the sky and screams, "EXTINGUISH!"Her spare bodies blacken and die, disintegrating into dust that she cannot reuse, and Kairi screams in pain at the backlash of losing so much that is her dying all at once. Then the limit break hits her, blanketing her in darkness that rips into her flesh, trying to smother her life. She screams in suffering, reaching as deep into herself as she does, and pulls out all the power she can. Light explodes from her and banishes the attack, but leaves her exhausted. Chaos slowly levitates to the ground, and they both huff and puff, tired and drained.Kairi steels herself, readying for one final onslaught, her own pain turning into a whine of a limit break, and not Light Nova this time.Chaos regards her with a tired, sad look. "Foolish child. In the end, you will be your own downfall.""LIGHT-ZANTETSUKEN!" she scream, blurring through the air.Chaos tries to dodge, but only succeeds in stopping himself from being completely bisected. Her blade still cleaves through part of his body. Chaos staggers, gasping for breath, clutching at his side, then falls to a knee. Slowly, his body morphs again, the demonic features fading away until its just Vincent, who pitches forward and collapses into the snow unconscious. Kairi regards the body for a moment, before she scowls and casts a simple low grade cure. And again, only so much as to close the wound. She didn't want to kill Vincent, and once she was with Mother, that summon wouldn't be enough to do anything if it tried again. With a tired huff, she turns and stalks away.She takes off into the sky, heading back to the reactor. She lands and inspects her children, kneeling down and feeling for pulses just to be sure, casting cure and esuna when she confirms their life and gets them up and moving."Ugh... what hit me?" slurred Cloud."Dunno, thought I heard something then I was out before I could make a sound," said Tifa, rubbing the back of her head, wincing, then staring wide eyed at Kairi, "Are you okay?! You're covered in blood!"Kairi looks down at herself for a moment before wearily moving to sit on the reactor steps. Sitting down with a heavy thud as she releases Mother's power back to her. "Nasty monster hit you from behind. Took a bit out of me to take it down.""Uh..," said Tifa, fumbling for her pockets, "I took a bunch of supplies from the truck before we left, here, I got potions and ethers."Kairi greedily chugs everything down, sighing in relief as she does. She feels Mother tugging impatiently at her presence, but she can wait a bit. Kairi needs a break to give herself a time to recover her energy. If Shinra left any nasty surprises inside the reactor, she needs to have a bit of her strength back. Her children, bless them, give her space and stand guard as she moves to the side of the reactor instead of its steps, and slides down to sit on her butt for a quick cat nap.Once she's up...It will be time to meet Mother at long last...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi wakes in a second, the pulse of -Jenova- so loud in her mind she can't hear her children talking right infront of her. She takjes a deep breath and shakes it off, rising to her feet, stretching briefly before addressing them. "How long?""Hour?" said Tifa making a so-so motion with her hand.Kairi nods. With her regeneration, and as a 1st Class, might as well have been a good night sleep. "Alright, lets head inside, and there are some things you need to know.""Like what?" asked Cloud.Tifa whacks his shoulder. "Probably reactor saftey stuff."Kairi huffs a laugh. "No, nothing so mundane. The truth of the matter is... you know the whole 'Mom' thing everyone addresses me as?""Yeah," said Cloud, shrugging a bit, "Weird, but a mountain town has weirder stuff."Tifa crossed her harms and huffed. "Home wasn't that bad, Cloud."He gives her a cheeky grin."Well, it goes like this," said Kairi, starting up the reactor steps, "Those who bear my cells, that become SOLDIER through me, because they are in a way, at least somewhat could genetically be considered my children in a roundabout way. With that my cells alter their bodies enough to take in the SOLDIER serum. They have a bit of me in them."Tifa frowns a little. "So... its kind of literal? A second mom?""In a sense, though I will never force anyone to call me that if it makes them uncomfortable," said Kairi, "Now where I'm going with this is that someone did that for me as well, their cells were put inside me and used to change me. My own Mother."Her face hardens. "And she's trapped in here."Both Cloud and Tifa's eyes go wide, a solid O shape for their mouths. "Uh...""Surely you've already started to hear about what Shinra is really like?" she posed, opening the door and stepping inside."I mean... that's just rumors, right? They don't actually abduct people for SOLDIER, do they?" said Tifa, hesitating."Shinra does much worse than that," snarled Kairi, "My Mother's cells are used for the normal SOLDIERs. She is trapped within her own body forced to make children that she cannot touch nor hold. Shinra never cared enough to help her, using her only as a vector of power to infuse SOLDIER."There is an uncomfortable silence. "I don't... I don't understand."Kairi sighs. "I know, lets just get her out of here and I'll explain more."They moved along the pipe entrance (seriously, who designed this reactor? Not safe in the slightest!), climb down a set of chains, and walk one by one down a large barely railed piping before they enter the reactor proper. The first thing that hits her is how red everything is in here. Then, there are the... what are those? They're almost like... metal pods? She walks up to one, peeks in, then yelps and falls backwards on her backside."What the fuck?!" she exclaims.Tifa and Cloud hurry forward, taking peaks in different ones before backing away, both looking queasy. Cloud stutters out. "I...w...j...ust... are... are those people?!""Gods... its... they look more like monsters than people," said Tifa shakily, "W-what is this?""Oh yes, more poor fools that Hojo got his hands on," said Mother, her voice growing hungry, "Come to me daughter, come to me and we will make them all pay.""They will pay," echoed Kairi angrily, "How dare Shinra allow this. How dare they. So many sins... so many crimes..."She snarls and picks herself up, takes a deep breath, and begins her ascension.Kairi walked up the steps to the door labeled J-E-N-O-V-A, Cloud and Tifa at her heels, her heart pounding in her chest. Her rage faded away into a state of blissful euphoria the closer she got. At long last she was going to see Mother, at long last she'd set her free, and at long last they would be together. She briefly glanced at the panel next to it, frowning, before simply kicking the door in, her enhanced strength beating steel and ripping it off it's hinges. For a split second, she thought she saw her, but it was only a mechanical contraption in the form of an angel.
"Come to me my child."
So close... so loud in her mind...Kairi closed the distance, kicking the broken door off the ledge of the room as she walked. She reached up, grasped the mechanical angel, and ripped it away, tossing it aside, and at last, laid her eyes on Mother.Mother hung in a tank of liquid, naked as the day anyone was born. Humanoid in appearance and form, with more than a few differences. She had some kind of helmet on her head, connected with various wires, perhaps to measure brainwaves. Her long silver hair floated both above her head, and hung down lightly covering her breasts. Her skin, an odd blue, but nothing Kairi particularly found important. She had redish tentacles coming out of various parts of her body into all sorts of different shapes. Kairi somewhat wondered what they were all for, but paid it no real heed. Mother had told her a long time ago she wasn't human, so Kairi wasn't very surprised by the differences. The weirdest thing to her was an eyeball for a nipple, Kairi... really had no explanation for that."Mother," whispered Kairi.And then Jenova's eyes opened, revealing deep glowing red. How strange, Kairi would have sworn they'd be green.
"Green marks those who bear me within them, but I am the lifeblood for all who would be named mine."
"So that's... grandma?" said Tifa, uncertain, "She's... well..."Kairi frowned a little bit, glaring at Tifa. "Show some respect!"
"It's fine my dear child."
Both Tifa and Cloud gasped, the latter exclaiming, "W-what was that?"
"Why, your grandmother my dear grandchildren. Come closer, so that I may look upon my descendants."
Kairi fidgeted a little. "Lets get you out of there first Mother."A dark chuckle echoed in her mind. "There's no rush my child, we are moments away from our Reunion, allow me to savor this triumph at long last."Kairi sighed and waved her children forward. "Go say hi."Tifa and Cloud hesitatingly walked past Kairi, uncertainty echoing around them, and just a touch of fear. She wasn't sure why, but didn't care. She stared at Mother's form, taking in the sight of her. Then, of the tank she was in, a slight frown coming across Kairi's face."Was your body truly that badly damaged that you couldn't free yourself Mother?" asked Kairi, "There's no way that tank could hold you."Mother smiled, her lips sharp as Tifa and Cloud drew closer. "I've told you, this body is nigh useless, my connection and control of it hampered by my struggles with the Cetra so long ago. Without one of my children nearby, it is difficult to exert any control. If not for you my dear daughter, I'd most likely still be sleeping unless one of my children discovered me."Kairi tilted her head in thought, nodding. "How do we fix that and heal you?"Tifa and Cloud closed the distance, each resting a hand on Mother's container.
"Like this my dear."
Twin tentacles burst out of her body, out of the tank of glass, and speared through Tifa and Cloud's heads.Kairi sucked in a breathed, eyes going wide, shock ripping through her mind as she felt her children die. And she was not the only one. There was a humongous backlash down the link connecting Kairi to all her children, shock and dismay and confusion and anger ripping through her family, the rest of her children in agony over the death of their brother and sister. She could feel Genesis, oddly closer than the rest, gasping out in shock and pain.In an instant, the haze in her mind, the delight and euphoria at finding Mother, died. She feels a slimy coat blocking wrapped around her in that feels like Mother, and tears it away in fury. Grounded and horrified in reality, she watched as her children's corpses twitched and moved under Mother's control, shattering the container of glass fully, letting the liquid flow out, and threw themselves onto Mother. Skin expanded and twisted to wrap around their bodies, pulling them into Mother, absorbing them. In the back of Kairi's mind, she could feel Mother's presence expand in strength, flaring with activity, alive."Why," whispered Kairi, stun mixing with fury, "Why Mother?"Moth... Jenova, took a few careful steps out of the tank, some of her tentacles reabsorbing into her body, leaving a few floating behind her. Jenova did not answer immediately, her skin continuing to twist and churn disgustingly as she distributed the cells she had stolen from Tifa and Cloud.
"Because my child, I needed their power for what must come next."
Kairi snarled. "And what is that, mother? You KILLED my children!""Killed?" echoed Jenova's voice in her head, "They were not killed dear child, they were made one with me. Reunited, as we shall be."Jenova held out a pale blue hand. "Come to me my child, become one, answer Reunion's call."She felt the pulse in her mind, the desire, but this time, she ruthlessly crushed it. "After you murdered my children? HOW DARE YOU!"Jenova sneered, her mouth opening, and speaking aloud for the first time in a darkly broken raspy voice, "You can become one, living within me forever, and we shall use your body as a vessel, or I will rip out your mind and soul and feed on them, wearing your skin as a husk as I assume the mantle of children you reign over."Tears streamed down Kairi's face as something broke in her. "All these years... it was all a lie... you never cared... you USED me!""Oh but I do care my child," rasped out Jenova, "My prized child and her near immortal body. With you as my prime host, none shall ever challenge me again. I will consume everything unto myself. You will OBEY!"Kairi shook with uncontrollable fury, feeling pain like a whiplash in her mind, feeling Jenova's dominating presence in her heard, demanding she step forward. Kairi fell to a knee, clutching her head in agony. She raised her head and glared at Jenova as she stalked forward, kneeling down and caressing Kairi's face with false affection."You're a monster," whispered Kairi."I am who I am," said Jenova, her voice taking on a more solid purr, "And you will kneel before me, begging for my deliverance, for Reunion. Beg me my daughter, BEG!"Kairi screamed as Jenova's grip tightened on her face, sharp needles pierced into her mind, clawing at her consciousness and control. She fought and snarled in her mind, reaching for and trying to shove Jenova's presence away. It was overwhelming, vile, all consuming.
Mother! You're in pain!

Kairi what's going on?

What the hell happened to Cloud and Tifa?

What is that vile sensation?

Hold on, I'm coming!
Her children's and Genesis's words ran down the link, and suddenly she knew how to drive it out. She glared at Jenova, forced an image of the monster down the link, distance between her and her children meaning nothing, and spat four words, "Cloud and Tifa's killer!"Like a baying of wolves for blood, so much anger and wrath funneled down the bond.
"Give me strength!"
Like a tidal wave, she drew on her children's power, grabbed Jenova's presence in her head in a choke-hold, and completely ripped her out.Kairi and Jenova both screamed in agony, Kairi staggered away, and Jenova briefly fell to the floor. It was like an open gaping wound in Kairi's mind where Jenova had once been. It hurt so badly... black edges to her vision, her ears ringing, her legs wobbling. Her head felt like it was melting, sweat running down her face along with tears. She sobbed as she shakily rose to her feet, drawing her sword, her arms wobbling.Jenova used her tentacles to push off the ground and began floating into the air, a dark edge to her voice, "You dare defy me, my daughter?""I am no daughter of yours," whispered Kairi, steel in her voice despite the pain, "I have no Mother.""You were warned my foolish and defiant daughter," rasped Jenova, "If you will not become one, then I shall hollow out your mind and soul and wear your flesh as my own."There were gasps down the link to her children, shock and horror. So connected and drawing on them as she was, she couldn't hide what was happening from them. She couldn't try even if she wanted to, the moment she let go of their strength, she had a feeling she'd collapse. Her mind was in agony, it needed to rest and recover from the damage of so violently ejecting Jenova out. But that was for later...With a howl of rage, Kairi leapt and drove her sword right through Jenova's chest.To little effect as tentacles lashed out and batted her aside. She rolled as she hit the ground, sword bared, her lips in an open snarl.Jenova waved a hand and blew Kairi across the room in a burst of energy, briefly blinding her. Kairi snarled, rushed to her feet, and went for Jenova, weapon swinging through the energy still in the air... and stopped at the last second, chocking in shock."M-mom?" whispered Tifa, "Why... why are you trying to kill me?!"Kairi took a step back. "I... how?"Then Tifa's arm twisted into a tentacle and stabbed clean through Kairi's rib-cage in a spray of blood, Tifa's face twisting and turning blue, Jenova's red eyes gleaming from her false-child's face. "Foolish daughter."She aimed a glowing hand right in Kairi's face, and her breath hitched. Then she acted, gave a cry of rage, and bent backwards, kicking her feet up to slam into Jenova's arm and chin, sending her stumbling back, tentacle ripping free of Kairi's chest. Kairi landed on her back, rolling, gasping for breath, and chain-cast Cure 3 a few times to help heal the wound quickly before stumbling away and to her feet. "You fucking bitch!"Jenova laughed. "Was I not so considerate to let you see your child one last time?"Kairi's response was to lob a blast of light at her, hitting her face and melting away half the skin on it off."Foolish daughter," murmured Jenova, her body twisting back to the naked blue woman, "If you truly wish to try and contest me, then so be it."Kairi readied herself."Bear witness child, to eons of experience and strife, knowledge of countless minds, the powers of so many heroes, villains, and the like, all drawn into me," chorused Mother, "GRAND CROSS!"Reality itself warps around Kairi, bending and twisting as the very air cracks and screams and shudders, the reactor room shaking, the lights flickering. Empty holes rip themselves open around Kairi, and a red and black miasma begins to pour through. Kairi flaps her wing and shoots herself upward, almost escaping unscathed. But the miasma touches one of her legs, and its agony. Perpetual pain and sickness shooting up her leg. She doesn't even think, she kicks her leg out, and slashes down, severing the now blistering and clearly infected leg off. She ignores the blood seeping out and keeps herself airborne, save for the very real lack of space. She can't fight here.She flies down and out of the room, evading a swipe of Jenova's tentacles. "Fleeing my daughter?"Terrain can make or break a fight, and she's not locking herself in close quarters with an adversary of unknown power and ability if she doesn't have to. Jenova isn't nearly as agile as Kairi is, choosing to blow through the door with a burst of magic and levitate after Kairi. She exits the reactor, Jenova hot on her heels, and sets down as her leg finishes regenerating. She turns as Jenova blows out the reactor entrance, levitating through the flames, tendrils spreading out and then shooting down into the ground. Kairi's eyebrows furrow until she seems the ground bulging towards her. She shoots off into the sky as tentacles shoot out of the ground, trying to grab at her."Starfall!"Kairi startles as the clouds part above and magically created meteors rain down. Not quite the comet materia, but she knows not to get hi...Then a tentacles grabs her leg.Fuck. How the hell did those things stretch this high?!Kairi crosses her arms in front of her. "Barrier!"Energy wraps around her as the first meteor slams into her. Then another and another. For all the ones that miss, enough hits to flatten her to the ground, char her skin, and leave her stunned and gasping."Foolish child, you should have submitted," mocked Jenova, "Flare Star!"Kairi groans and rises to her feet as spheres of light form and swirl around her. They burst into many lines of red energy that shoot at her, compact infront of her, then detonate in a massive explosion that throws Kairi like a rag doll. She hits the ground, uniform chard and flaking, vision blurring, breath knocked out of her, agony ripping through."Mom!""Hold on!""Genesis, hurry the fuck up!" screamed Elena."I AM!" her chosen one roars back, "Kairi! Its using extreme magic, force it into a melee! Don't let it cast!"Guess she should have stayed in the damn reactor. Then again, Jenova might not care about detonating the reactor.Kairi stops skidding along the ground and rolls, shakily rising to her feet and casting Cure3 on herself to speed up her healing. She beats her wing and charges Jenova. The cruel bitch laughs at her and aims a glowing blue hand at her. A sneer crosses her face, looking at her like she was trash to be discarded. After all that had happened... it still hurts something in her to see that disregard for her."Big Bang."Bolts of lightning rain down from the sky all around Kairi, forcing her to stop. The lightning condenses and launches itself at her, making her scream before it detonates in a massive explosion. Kairi plummets and slams into the ground, twitching in agony. She takes in deep shaky breaths, and knows fear. She's never felt so horrifically outclassed. She's not... she's not ready for this..."You are not alone Kairi," said Genesis solemnly, "You have one advantage this thing doesn't. You have me, you have your children, draw on them!"
"Use our power!"

"Call on us again!"

"Like before with the summon!"

"Teach it not to mess with our family," roars Jesse.

"We're with you!"
"Kairi, kick this thing's fucking ass!" screams Elena.Kairi takes a breath, closes her eyes and ignites the web as she's only done once before......and K-A-I-R-I exhales, opening her eyes, power pulsing through her body as she raises, all children surging within her, only Genesis remains unjoined. He, she feels, wants to personally join the battle, but still is some time away. Kairi stands up and glowers at Jenova, wing flexing, light igniting with intense power around her, bolts of white lightning coursing briefly over her body. Jenova merely sneers at her, raising a hand for another cast."Neutron Ring!"Kairi doesn't know the spell, hell, she's pretty sure nothing Jenova has cast so far is actually a materia, just pure raw power and ability she has accumulated over time. Kairi blurs as a ring of energy appears around her, surging in. She's out of the epicenter as it condenses and explodes where she had been. she surges through the air and impales her blazing sword right through the blue bitch. This time Jenova screeches in pain, hands and tentacles lashing out to throw Kairi from her, sword ripping free in a spray of black ichor, not even a hint of blood. Not human in the slightest.Instead, her wound stitches close, and worse, faces seem to stretch out of her skin briefly, etched in a state perpetual screaming. The hair on the back of Kairi's neck stands straight up. "What ARE you?""I am Calamity, I am an ending to all beginnings, a Crisis without salvation," whispers Jenova, and despite the softness, every word is like thunder through Kairi's mind, "I have existed for billions of years. I drift, from planet to planet, consuming all life unto myself. I will consume you, consume this planet, and continue on as I always have, a never ending cycle, the never ending feast."Kairi bares her teeth. "How many worlds? How many people Jenova?!"Jenova laughs. "I couldn't begin to count. Billions? Trillions? Does it matter?"Jenova's mouth peels into a far to long and wide smile. "Its time child.""Apocalypse."Unlike the Limit Break Genesis is known for, a massive circle of runic energy appears underneath Kairi. Reality once more turns asunder, the area fading from blue into a vortex of green and black. Spheres of light rise up from the circle and surge at her. It condenses around her, trapping her into a teal sphere that begins to shine with intense power. Kairi narrows her eyes, funnels her light energy, and wraps herself in its grace as the spell explodes around her."What?!" startled Jenova as the explosion fades.The shield, cracked and brittle, but still standing, slowly fades as Kairi lets it go, a bead of sweat sliding down her forehead. Kairi sets down on the ground as reality fixes itself, frowning as Jenova glowers at her, incensed. It weighs on Kairi suddenly, realizing exactly what she is up against. Jenova is... a monster doesn't even begin to describe it. She's never fought anything like this thing before. Zirconiade... perhaps had more raw power, its hard to say, but while Zirconiade was immense and dangerous, it never grated on Kairi's senses like this.Zirconiade was a force of nature, it wasn't evil, it just was.Jenova...Evil fails to describe what she feels of it.She stops Jenova here, or everyone dies.Her children.Genesis.Angeal.Sephiroth.Aerith.Zack.All the people of the world.And all the people of who knows how many more worlds that Jenova would feed on.If Jenova defeats her and takes over her corpse, she's not even sure Sephiroth could handle Jenova combined with Kairi's near immortal body. She grips her shining blade, readying herself. Jenova herself floats above the reactor, staring at her with shrewd calculation. She lowers herself to the ground, and her body begins to twist and morph into a horrific towering malformation of writhing flesh, tentacles, appendixes, and a single golden skull mask at the top covered in black ichor, blood red eyes peering out of it. All along her flesh are faces struggling beneath the skin, stretching and pushing.Kairi swallows thickly and takes a step back. "Wake up, wake up, p-please wake up..."Be a dream, be a nightmare, please... gods above PLEASE be only a nightmare. Let her wake up outside the reactor and see Cloud and Tifa still waiting for her...Ten tentacles suddenly point at her, and black beams of energy shoot out. Kairi forces herself to act, throwing herself out of the way. Pieces of Jenova flake off and twist, transforming into writhing flesh monsters that take to the sky, screaming in torment as they surge at her. Kairi swings her blade and severs clean through them. Each one bursts into black mist that rises into the sky. It takes a few minutes before she notices the sky itself is darkening. Then it starts raining. Raining black ichor that burns her as it hits.Kairi seethes in pain, wrapping herself tightly with light to try and weaken the effects. She flies through the Ichor Storm and surges down at the monstrosity that was Jenova, taking deep brutal swings of her blade, carving chunks out of the abomination that send the Tower of Flesh reeling, but hardly broken. Tentacles lash out and beat her down, slamming her into the ground before flinging her away. She springs up, and focuses her energy, her power. She doesn't need a limit break to cast it anymore, not with this kind of power at her fingertips. She waves a hand at Jenova, and a light nova erupts, blazing around the Tower of Flesh.Jenova screeches, and then a barrier of energy wraps around the Tower of Flesh, encasing the Calamity in its protective grasp. Kairi narrows her eyes, noting several of the tentacles glowing with eerie light, aimed at Jenova. She takes the hint and flies through the ichor rain, dodging beams of dark energy and slashes of razor sharp tentacles, reaching the first and carving through it."Five."Kairi glances at the flesh tower, seeing green energy start to form around it."STOP IT!" roared Genesis in her mind, "Merciful Goddess, break the shield and STOP IT! Its going to cast Ultima!"Holy fuck NO!Kairi pulls on her light and fuels herself, wing beating hard as she surges through the air, cleaving through tentacles, flying flesh monsters, batting aside beams of energy, and takes down another one of the barrier tentacles."Four."Kairi goes for the next."Three."Kills another."Two."She slays the last and guns for Jenova as the barrier falls."One.""LIGHT-ZANTETSUKEN!" screams Kairi, flashing through the air and severing the flesh tower clean in have with a blazing blade of light.She turns in relief, only to stare in horror as flesh reaches out and pulls the top half of the tower back upright, stitching back together. The golden mask falls off, and beneath it is a face of horrors, skinless, bone, oozing black ichor. It smiles a lipless monstrous smile and speaks one word:"Ultima."Kairi's world turns green as the spell releases, hits the mako reactor, blows that too, and takes off the mountainside in a sea of fire and green magic...Just as powerful as its original planetfall, the few times the Calamity was faced head on and forced into an actual battle rather than its deceiving infectious treachery. Whatever strength it had lost in its imprisonment, it had stolen back from its children and the other Calamity's children it had devoured. Its abilities and powers monstrous and unknown.Minerva watches the struggle through the Lifestream, face impassive as Calamity battles Calamity.The younger is in no way ready to defeat the older, even empowered with its children as it was. As it stood, even if its Chosen One arrived to lend aid, Minerva holds doubts they can come anywhere remotely near succeeding. Even the most powerful of the Cetra had failed to stop the Calamity, the best they had been able to do was sealing it away. As much as it grates, the Planet has a greater chance at besting the Calamity of Light over the Heaven's Dark Harbinger. The Original Calamity hasn't even called to its lesser children, nor its more powerful ones either, it cannot be allowed to take over the Calamity of Light and assume the mantle of control over that many SOLDIERs. The Planet will have no chance. But to stop it? The Planet's WEAPONs are still enroute, and even Jade will be minutes yet, Ultima trailing shortly behind it, the others not likely to arrive in time at all. But there is still a chance if she makes a choice she hopes she will not regret."Rise Squire, your battle is not yet over," murmurs Minerva, sending power through the Lifestream, connecting directly to Chaos and revitalizing him.She orders the Planet's WEAPONs to focus solely on the Heaven's Dark Harbinger, allowing an alliance of convenience with the Calamity of Light, and then focuses on her final trump card. If this fails, she will awaken Omega, take what life she can and flee the world."Beloved daughter of the Planet," calls Minerva, whispering to young Aerith through the Lifestream, "If you can hear me in the twisted city of metal, I beg of thee, clasp your mother's materia, and pray.""Pray for Holy."Kairi groans and comes to slowly. Her body aches, moving at all sends spikes of pain through her. She's honestly surprised she's not dead, if not to the explosions, then to Jenova while she was out. Then again, she doubted Jenova had thought about the reactor, that had to have hit the Calamity as badly as it hit Kairi. She shakily rises to her feet, watching as blisters slowly close and smooth over all over her flesh. She takes deep, ragged breaths, glad she had been unconscious for most of her rejuvenation, and wonders idly how much of her clothing is real, or skin stitched in its image. She pushes off the though, because more important is that she still stands. Still alive.She waits for her wing to heal, then takes to the skies. She finds the Tower of Flesh rebuilding itself, the bits of Jenova blown over the mountain crawling or flying back to the whole. Kairi doesn't wait, surging down, reigniting her light, and tearing into Jenova with a bellow of fury, cleaving off chunks of flesh and leaving blazing lines of white light all throughout the mound of flesh. She's batted away by tentacles again, red slices in her skin there for moments before they regenerate closed. She readies herself for another pass, then she notices an oddity. At the base the flesh tower, there is a pulsating large sack, giving off a vibe that make's Kairi's skin crawl.A shadow falls across the sky. "Once again the Crisis walks the Planet, you foolish child, do you have any idea what you have done?"Kairi glances up to see Vincent, once again his form half-demonized, Chaos in control, flying above her. She doesn't keep the bitterness out of her response. "I've since gotten a hunch. Excuse me for being lied to and deceived for years by her."Chaos huffs and flies down next to her, wings flapping gently to keep pace. "The Planet offers an cessation of hostilities in the face of the Crisis."Kairi nods. "Accepted, and if we live through this, I really need someone to sit me down and explain this whole 'living Planet' thing."Chaos nods back. "If there is ever an accord to be struck, then you will need to know, for now, brace thyself, the worse is yet to come."Kairi swallows and points at the tower of flesh. "THAT isn't the worst?""Far from it," snarled Chaos, "The coalition of damned and devoured souls is meant to terrifying, to drive away, to strike fear and hesitation into those who stand against it, for within the womb of writhing flesh at its base, the Calamity is returning to is true form."Kairi blanked. "What?""I was there," said Chaos softly, "For the original planetfall of the Crisis. The only reason the Calamity did not win is because it fell for the Cetra's trap and took a tainted body, laced with Cetran magic that paralyzed it. The Last of the Cetra lacks the knowledge of how to do that."Chaos flexes his wrists, gun glowing with chaotic energy. "The Planet's WEAPONs are coming. Jade and Ultima will be here before long, the others may not arrive before this is decided. Your own ally is likely to arrive either as or shortly before Jade.""What are WEAPONs?""Monsters created to defend the Planet," he informed her, "Nothing else will dare tread near the Calamity, or have you not noticed the lack of interference from beasts not created by the Crisis's taint?"Kairi nods. "Okay, monsters of the Planet, right. I'm sure it won't be hard to guess what they are when they arrive. So, me, you, Genesis, Jade, Ultima, that's good odds, right?"Chaos is silent for a long moment. "No.""No?!""Calamity of Light," sighed Chaos, "There is a danger you have yet to understand. If we do manage to destroy the Crisis, it will either shift its consciousness to the next greatest source of its taint, or it will allow itself to be thrown into the Lifestream, and if the higher powers cannot contain and destroy the Crisis, it will taint and infect all life upon the planet. There was a reason the Cetra chose to entrap the Calamity rather than kill it."Kairi swallows thickly. "How... how do we win then?""I don't know," said Chaos softly, eying her thoughtfully, "And yet... the Planet has never had a Calamity fight for it, you two the only ones to walk this world. There may be a way within your powers to see the deed done, whether it be the Light or the powers of Calamity themselves."Kairi's eyebrows furrowed. "I always called thought and called it light energy anyway, but that sounded like a capital L there.""Fair Minerva has delved her consciousness into your realm before," he said mildly, "That is what your power is called."Light.Just Light.She smiles a little. Plain as it is, it... fits. Makes her feel warm in a world that is rapidly going cold.Then she blinks. "Minerva, really? The Goddess Genesis believes in is REAL?"Chaos cocks an eyebrow. An answer in its own right.Kairi berries her face into her hands and laughs. "Genesis...""Flying," he stresses back."Minerva is real," said Kairi a exasperated laugh echoing down the web."Well of course she is," he answered matter of factually."Yeah? Well not everyone has your faith, I had a literal creature of the Planet, of the Lifestream, confirm it for me."The pure, smug, satisfaction is his only response."Apparently, we're in alliance with her," said Kairi mildly, "Don't attack the WEAPONs if you see them, they're the Planet's monsters.""I... see," he answered back, "I... OH! I assume that's one. Right then, we're five minutes out at best."Kairi nods, turns to Chaos, her face hardening. "Alright, lets put the bitch down!"Kairi ignites herself in Light as Chaos begins shooting down at the mass of tentacles flaying through the air between them and the Tower of Flesh, each bullet disintegrating any tentacle it hits. Kairi weaves through the air, spinning, swinging her sword, and guns for the flesh-womb. Then the Tower of Flesh itself acts, a massive writhing face-filled arm bursting out of it, battering Kairi aside. The breath is knocked out of her, world spinning as she tumbles away.Red and purple energy charges in the giant flesh-hand, and it swings, releasing a beam of energy that moves with the hand, aiming for Kairi. She flies under it and beats her wing rapidly, going as fast as she can to stay ahead of it as it tears into the mountainside. A huge bang sounds, a monstrous scream fills the air, and the energy beam cuts out. Kairi flies upward, turning to sight the flesh-hand half way blown off, Chaos flying high, gun smoking.The Flesh Tower seethes, a growl rippling through the air. It bends its arm low, then launches it up into the air, the hand ripping clean. It bursts into a mass, a torrent of cells and smoke. Kairi grits her teeth as dark clouds begin to form, once more Jenova creates an Ichor Storm that the reactor had blown away, and within seconds, dark searing rain falls upon them. Kairi casts barrier on herself and Chaos, helping to mitigate the constant sensation of burning needles stabbing into them."Cover me! Nothing's stopping me this time!" roars Kairi.Chaos shifts and begins raining down his own destructive torrent at the Flesh Tower, ripping through tentacles just as fast as they grow. Kairi gives a war cry and dives, blade shinning with light. She dodges and weaves, and this time, she strikes true. She lands and stabs her blade as deep into the flesh-womb as she can. The Flesh Tower screams, and energy explodes off it, flinging Kairi away as a torrent of black ichor erupts from the wound she made. The Flesh Tower leans down, arms bursting out of it to cradle the womb protectively, a sickening version of a mother protecting an unborn child. Its fleshy exterior begins to warp and harden, turning more into a shell, complimented by jagged spikes dripping black ichor out of them.Not conductive to bladework."Chaos, can you punch through that?" asked Kairi."No need," answered Chaos, pointing upward.Red light begins to peak through the Ichor Storm. "APOCOLYPSE!"Red energy sets the dark clouds on fire, burning it all away, and there flying in the sky is Genesis, who flies down and salutes. "Hero of Dawn, Healer of Worlds, I have come to annihilate this blight."The runes on his blade ignite, and he stares down at the Tower of Flesh, lips curled in disgust. "I thought the Ultima countdown was familiar. Apprentice, that THING feels like the persona.""It never was a persona," said Kairi quietly, "Just a monster using me for its own ends."Genesis frowns for a moment before nodding. "Fits with some of the things it said. We'll have to discuss this more once this is over, for now, I do believe its the Planet's turn."Turn?Like a crack of thunder, an immense monster rips through the air, shaped almost like a kite, and at least 200 meters in length. The Jade WEAPON is gigantic, colored in blacks, reds, and teaks, metallic in form. It rains down beams and bombs of energy upon the Flesh Tower that lights up the area like an entire battalion of helicopters raining death. Kairi raises a hand to shield herself from the gusts of wind threatening to blow her away from the backlash. Chaos joins in, firing bullets down on the tower, Genesis's bangle lights up and he starts casting magic. Kairi sheathes her sword and aims glowing hands downward, releasing blasts of energy.Then a horrific sensation rips through her body, hands all over her flesh, insects crawling under her skin, a pressure in her mind.All attacks cease.When the smoke clears, the Tower of Flesh is a smoldering pile of goop, but out of that goop rises the flesh womb that begins to twist and morph. The Tower of Flesh, all of the tentacles, they disintegrate into smoke and cells that rushes to the womb, embedding into it. Slowly, it shrinks and assumes a form that Kairi can only assume is Jenova's true one.At her front was the shape of a naked woman, pale flesh and breasts barred to the world, but that was it for anything human, the wrest of the body if there was one was sunk into the rest. It bore a skull like structure as a head, green eyes glowing through slits, a giant purple crystal sticking up out of it's head. It had two sharp tentacle like arms with open suction ends. Behind it's torso was a fleshy flower-petal like structure, and behind that, a writhing egg like mass colored like rotting skin, black goop bubbling and bursting at random intervals across the sack, spilling out of it her cells, her taint.If it weren't for the awful presence and pressure it gave off, Kairi would think of this a downgrade from the Tower of Flesh. Far less terrifying physically to behold.She knew better though.This was worse.This was so much worse.A loud growl filled the air, and a great shadow descended.Kairi looked up and beheld Ultima WEAPON. Dragon-like in appearance and size, enough to give Bahamut a run for its mother. Covered in heavy plates, its wings coming out of its shoulder. Bipedal, with a long tail behind it. At the center of its chest was a red glowing depression. It snarled and glared down with utter hate at Jenova.Kairi licked her lips, drew her blade, and drew a deep breath. Chaos tensed, Genesis readied his sword, Jade WEAPON began to glow, readying a bombardment, and Ultima roared with power, shaking the very air.Jenova cocked its head, regarding them one by one.Then it laughed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"I am not one to be laughed at."Kairi twitches as Genesis releases a fireball right at Jenova. The Crisis merely flicks a tentacle, and a Reflect appears, bouncing it right back at him. Genesis dodges, and then Jenova acts. She weaves a sphere of energy between her tentacles and detonated it, a distortion covering the area in a large degree.Kairi began to raise her blade, wing flexing to charge at Jenova, and then she realized how slow she was moving and cursed herself silently. She was nigh immune to most status ailments that directly affected her body. Slow was not one of them. It did not directly interact with her body, merely the space around it. To her surprise though, everyone was slowed, including Chaos, including the WEAPONs, and where they were all slowed, Jenova moved like she was hasted while in the distortion field.Jade WEAPON unleashes its bombardment as Ultima WEAPON begins charging energy within its core, Chaos shifts his gun arm slowly, trying to predict where Jenova is going to be despite the slow. She can feel Genesis's irritation as a green shine of materia casting surrounds him, a quick thought aimed to her, "Ten seconds until DeSpell, apprentice."In those ten seconds, Jenova destroys any thought of an advantage they might have had.Jenova's form surges up and around Jade's bombardment then lashes out with her tentacles. A mist begins to form around Jade, perhaps defensive in nature, but to little to late, the tentacles burrow into Jade... and bulges start pumping down them, spilling black ichor around and into the wound. Kairi is briefly confused until Genesis finishes casting DeSpell, banishing the distortion field, and then Chaos screams."SACRILEGE!"The Jade WEAPON begins to screech, twisting and distorting and mutating, its sleek metallic nature starting to turn fleshy, slimy, and disgusting, tentacles bursting out of its body and wrapping around itself. A chill rockets down Kairi's spine. The cells... oh gods her cells... it had never really hit, but what had Sephiroth once accused her of? Infecting Genesis with her cells?He was right.She had infected Genesis.Had infected all of her children.That is the truth of being a Calamity.A horrified sob escapes Kairi. "We... we're an infection..."Chaos briefly looks down at her, pity in his eyes. "You saw, but you did not see. You heard, but you did not listen. You both felt and did not think, and thought but did not feel. Only now, at what may be our end, do you understand what you truly are."Kairi swallows thickly, closing her eyes to pinch off a tear, before opening them and taking a shaky breath, fists curling tightly, face turning from horror into determined rage. "I... I refuse. I REFUSE!"Light blazing ignites around her, intense and wild, white lightning crackling around this. "I AM NOT THIS! I AM NOT YOU JENOVA! I AM ME! NO ONE ELSE! DO YOU HERE ME? I AM KAIRI! K-A-I-R-I! I MAY BE CALAMITY, BUT I AM NOT YOU!"Jenova lets a mocking response filter through the air, more mental in projection than actual words. "You are what I made you to be, foolish daughter, the perfect vessel, a weapon."Kairi blitzes upward, screaming in rage, swinging her blade of light and cleaves it right into the tainted Jade WEAPONs left wing, the light sears into it and spread, burning it. The WEAPON tries to turn, tries to attack, but its made for raining death, for a bombardment. Kairi stays above it and tears into it furious brutal blows, white lightning crackling along its body as she carves chunks out of it. Then Ultima WEAPON finishes charging its attack and releases an intense blue beam that blows a hole clean through Jade's center. The infected WEAPON releases a mournful call, and plummets to the ground, impacting hard."Genesis," snapped Kairi, "Incinerate the corpse! Leave Jenova nothing to use!"She surges up at the Calamity. Like rolling a ball, Jenova rolls its tentacles infront of her, crafting a sphere of black energy. It shoots it at her, but Kairi easily dodges it, screaming as she drives her blade hilt deep through Jenova's torso and into its cell-sack. There is a hiss of pain that becomes a hiss of laughter before Jenova grips her with its tentacles and shoves her away and through the air.Kairi readies her blade, but is forced to fly backwards as Ultima WEAPON decides it wants a piece of Jenova, huge claws raking through the air to slash into the Crisis, battering Jenova around like a rag doll. Kairi scowls and glances down to see Chaos's gun moving with the fight, waiting for the right time to shoot. She flies down to him."Send the WEAPONs away," she orders in irritation, "If Jenova infects them, they'll just be sent against us.""I am not in control of them," chided Chaos, "This moment is what they were created for, Calamity of Light. Whether they aid us in striking down the Crisis, or become consumed by its will, it is not upon either of us to decide. They were made to fight the Crisis.""Piss poor design to be susceptible to it," snapped Kairi."There are very few things that aren't," said Chaos mildly.Kairi frowns. "Are you?"Chaos shrugs in a manner that is oddly human. "If I have the strength, I can purge the infection out of me before it can take route, if I am weakened? Then I am susceptible in the same manner as you, as your champion, and as the rest. Sheer will will determine if I am to be a slave or not, to defy its dominance and fight for my right to be destroyed and born anew.""I... I'm already a Calamity?" she asks with hesitation, "I can't be...""How do you think she will puppet your body if she can't convert and control your own cells?" asked Chaos scornfully.
BOOM!
Ultima WEAPON screeches, being launched backwards by a massive sphere of red energy that detonates and sends it crashing to the ground, searing wounds over its body. Jagged claw marks liter Jenova's body generously, but black ichor spills out and covers them in rotting flesh or writhing tentacles.Kairi flexes her grip. "Okay, so the problem is, Jenova is stupidly magically powerful, but getting in close risks her taint."Chaos doesn't answer the obvious, instead taking the finally clear shot and shooting endlessly at the Calamity. Each shot tears through Jenova in a spray of ichor, earning satisfying screeches. Jenova waves a tentacle, and a barrier appears, flashing at it takes each shot. The Crisis raises its tentacles into the air... and begins gushing out ichor out of the ends that dissipates into a dark mist, rising higher into the air. Kairi grits her teeth as she sees the Calamity once again tainting the skies dark, an Ichor Storm forming in seconds, raining death and decay and taint down across the area with little acid-like droplets. Only this time, its far more intense. The clouds spread, blotting out the sky, staining the area in dreadful dark and grey hues. Its like a hurricane, winds blowing against them, buffeting them with burning rain and making it very difficult to see.Kairi grits her teeth, trusting her light to mitigate the worst, then she hears Genesis screaming in pain. She feels it, clawing at him in the web, something trying to burrow in and take him away.Kairi's eyes narrows into slits.Genesis is HERS.No one takes away what belongs to her.She swoops down through the skies, homing in right on Genesis and lands before him. He's on his knees, clawing at himself, coat drenched and stained in writhing ichor. Kairi lets lose a possessive roar, morphing her arm into her own tentacle, and stabs him with it. She hates herself for it, for the imitation of Jenova, but she pours a fresh wave of herself into him, and not only that, but wraps him in her light, burning away any taint lingering on his clothes and flesh, preventing anymore from finding there way in. She withdraws the tentacle and reforms her arm as he gasps and sways."Goddess," breaths Genesis in desperate prater, "I NEVER want that voice in my head again."She holds a hand out to him. "Its time Genesis, master and apprentice, together."Genesis huffs, taking her hand and letting her haul him up. "I only call you that out of habit you know, you've more than earned your wings. Well, wing."Kairi swats at him, then they both flex said wings, taking into the sky, both illuminated in light, the only difference her sword glows white while his glows runic-red. They find Chaos mid-fight with Jenova, both of them dodging one another's bullets and magical attacks. For a huge ball of flesh, Jenova is surprisingly quick. Kairi and Genesis take her by surprise, both of carving red and white lines with their swords through its flesh as they strafe it, flying away as it whirls and screeches, swinging its own tentacles in a counter attack. Genesis dodges, but Kairi takes the most wicked backhand of her life, seeing stars for a moment and sent flying.She grits her teeth, corrects her flight, swooping down then back up then heading for Jenova for another strafing swing. Then Jenova swings a tentacle and releases a Bolt 3, or at least something similar. Sure hurts as fucking much as one when it rolls over her body. Kairi loses her coordination for a second, and that's enough for Jenova to stab her with a tentacle, a bulge of cells rolling down it...Genesis is there and cleaves through the tentacle before the cells can reach her. Kairi rips the other half of the tentacle out of her, flings it away, and sets it ablaze with a flick of her wrist, light incinerating it. Genesis pays for his heroics though, Jenova lashes out, and her other tentacle arm slashes clean into Genesis's back, earning a scream from him and sending him plummeting down, a curse on his lips as he fumbles with his wing.Then a loud growl, heard even through the downpour, rips through the air.Kairi tenses, preparing herself to fight another infected WEAPON, only to find Ultimate WEAPON rising through the air, surrounded by a blue barrier to protect it from the Ichor Storm. It bellows a might challenge, energy pooling in its mouth, and shoots said energy from it right at Jenova. The Calamity hisses and drops with surprising speed as if gravity just realized it could grab her. The beam misses, and then Jenova launches herself forward, the ball of infection and death she is racing for Ultima. Chaos chooses that moment to intervene, moving so fast he might as well be a blur of red and black, slamming into the Calamity and forcing her off course, claw ripping into its side, forcing its gun into another spot and firing point blank. Jenova screeches, spinning through the air, tentacles reaching for Chaos, grabbing him, and flinging him away.Then she turns her attention fully onto the summon.Kairi recognizes the Big Bang spell the moment its cast. She only saw it once before, but its difficult not to recall that type of agony. Lightning forms in a cackling chorus around Chaos, surging and embedding upon him with intense shocking force before exploding in a massive sphere of fiery death. Chaos, charred and battered, is flung out of the spell and crashes down on the ground far below. Not dead, but definitely slow in picking himself up after that."Merciful goddess, seeing it in the flesh is something else, what in the world is that spell?" demands Genesis, flying back up to her, shocked."I don't think it is of this world," said Kairi sourly, "I'm not sure I want to know what she ate to get that kind of malicious spell, I swear the lightning exists only to hurts."Ultima takes advantage of Jenova's shift in focus and fires another beam of energy from its mouth, hitting the back of Jenova's cell sack and blowing it apart in a spray of energy and black ichor. Jenvoa hisses in pain and spins around, her two tentacle arms surging and stretching through the air for Ultima, hitting and embedding onto its shield. The cells that had been exploded all over the place, falling through the air, stopped. They began to swirl and rise, rushing for Ultima's shield, pressing against it and spreading, a dark taint beginning to wrap itself around the shield.Kairi swore and beat her wing, rushing for Jenova while yelling for Genesis, "Burn the cells off the WEAPON's shield!"Jenova apparently has great hearing even through the Ichor Storm, because she's already turning as Kairi comes for her. A flick of a tentacle, a wry cry, a swing of a blazing sword, only for it to flash against a barrier Jenova cast. Kairi snarls and slashes into it again and again, cracks of light spreading through."KAIRI LOOK OUT!"Kairi looks up, and has a brief moment of horror to realize all the black ichor, all the cells that had been rushing for Ultima, had changed course and were rushing for her. It had been a trap. The moment ends, and Kairi is wrapped in enough cells to coat her entire body, wing and all. Then the agony rips through her, Jenova's presence once again in her mind, but there is no falseness this time, just all consuming malice and hatred. In a split second Kairi feels Jenova reach in and cut off the Light. Then Kairi screams, feeling cells pour into her mouth, her skin, her nose, her ears. They claw at her mind, claw at her web, injecting her filth and taint.

"GET OUT!"

"GET OUT"

"GET OUT!"

On and on from the depths of Kairi's ca-joined consciousness the words rip through the web in her children's voices, one by one until it becomes a chorus that rebuffs Jenova's taint from the web. Kairi fights with all of her might, over a hundred SOLDIERs combined with their mother to force Jenova back. She reaches for her Light, reignites it, curls into a ball, then throws her limbs out to the side with a scream. Light ruptures off her in a nova, incinerating the cells covering her and forcing Jenova away with a screech.Kairi takes in ragged breaths, seething in fury. "So long as my children stand with me, you will NEVER take me Jenova!"The Calamity hisses in rage, before it cools into cold calculation, its twisted voice echoing, "Easily solved."Jenova's eyes flash behind her mask, and agony rips through Kairi's head. She has a brief moment to realize 'mental attack' and is confused as to the how of it, before her sight blurs and it feels like a limb was just ripped off, thoughts becoming jumbled. She feels some of her children becoming separate again. Then it hits her with surprise. Jenova literally knocked them out of the merging?!How the fuck?Kairi swings her sword, releasing a blazing wave of light at Jenova that forces the Crisis to stop its mental attack and dodge. Kairi keeps up the offensive, all the while she forces herself to think. Jenova is the more experienced Calamity by far, not that Kairi wants to really delve anymore into what she is than she has. She knows their capabilities in a way Kairi wont unless she lives as long as Jenova has. It hits her with fear for one simple fact:She has no idea how to defend the mental web from outside attack.They can drive the taint out yes, but how do they prevent Jenova from getting in in the first place?A massive beam of blue energy shoots out, and Jenova barely dodges Ultima's attack, but not Genesis's rain of fireballs that pepper her through the air."Calamity of Light," came Chaos's rasping voice.Kairi turns her head to see Chaos flying up wearily. "What?""I am unable to do the deed myself," said Chaos, "The rules I am bound to prevents me from doing so, thus I ask: Remove the Protomateria. I cannot fight the Calamity at my full strength with it in me."Kairi nods, reaches for the glow of his chest, wraps the materia in her hand, and yanks it out, pocketing the thing.Chaos hisses in pain and flaps his wings, putting distance between them as he begins to transform into the purely demonic looking form. Chaos flexes his mighty wings to their full length and lets out a roar. Chaotic energy rips from him in a ripple, seeping into the air and disintegrating the Ichor Storm. With a single beat, he launches himself through the air towards Jenova, ripping into her with powerful lashes of his claws, knocking her around like a screeching ragdoll. Kairi wipes sweat from her forehead and relaxes the light around her body, keeping it up all the time to ward off the Ichor Storm was a little tiring. She watches, a little frustrated, as despite all the punishment they inflict, Jenova is still going strong.She takes a moment to reach back down the web for her dislocated children, to see if she can pull them back in, and then pauses when she finds them unresponsive. She gently caresses their consciousness, baffled to find them basically comatose. She searches for damage, but instead finds magic woven upon them forcing them to slumber. Kairi scowls in irritation, Jenova was keeping them from rejoining the merging, and Kairi wasn't quite sure how to remove it. Not without taking time and focus she can't sacrifice right now.Jenova's suddenly very loud screech redraws her attention in time to see Chaos literally rip the Crisis in half. Two sides fall apart, and Chaos roars with viscous delight. Then the halves twist and warp and then there are two Jenovas flying around. Both fling their tentacles at Chaos, wrapping around his limbs, and pouring lightning down through them. Chaos roars and struggles in their grip. Kairi starts flying to help, but Genesis is there first, blasting one of the Jenova's away with a barrage of fire.Jenova casts another reflect, and Genesis's response is to run his hand along his blade, ignite the runes on it, then drive it through Jenova's reflect, and embeds it right through the mask between its eyes. Red energy spills out of the blade, streaking through Jenova's body like cracks, and then proceeds to blow that Jenova to bits. Kairi's satisfaction over seeing her Chosen One deal the blow is brief, before it warps into irritation. Blowing Jenova up is well and good, but if she's splattered instead of incinerated... well... Kairi already sees the pieces pooling together as they fall and land on the ground below and... oh, oh joy.The Tower of Flesh is backIn fact, there are multiple of them growing.Kairi watches, incredulous, as Jenova's creations replicate and grow at an absolutely absurd speed. The Towers of Flesh, four of them, one for each of them unfurl themselves and roar. Tentacles spurt out of them in explosions of ichor and chase after the combatants. Kairi snarls and cuts down or burns away with the light any that come for her...Then Jenova, the smaller form regrowing into proper size, shoots past her down the mountain. "The f... is she running?!""The town!" roars Chaos, fighting against tentacles trying to keep him constrained, "The Crisis goes to feed!"No.Nonono, she had already lost two of her children, she failed them, to lose their family and town too?!Kairi blitzes through the tentacles swarming for her, caving a blazing path and shooting after Jenova...Then a tentacle grabs her foot and throws her to the ground before pulling her back.

NO!

NO NO NO!

Kairi screams in rage, turn, aims a hand, and lets loose the strongest Light Nova of her life, detonating the Tower of Flesh at the middle, her light crawling up the rest of it and starting to burn it unto ash. Kairi scrambles to her feet, running, leaping, and flying as fast as she can...To little to late.Jenova floats in the center of town, many small tentacles having broken out of her cell sack and scouring the town, stabbing into each citizen and infecting them with cells. Kairi sees Cloud's mom, and her heart breaks to see the woman's eyes bleeding black. The infected come, Jenova sets down at the center, and they throw themselves upon the Crisis, flesh melting into ichor that is absorbed, consumed into the Calamity.Kairi sees red."JENOVA!"Kairi barrels into the false mother, screaming in rage, slashing into her in a blinding flurry.Its only in hindsight that Kairi realizes following Jenova alone was a mistake, especially after the Crisis freshly fed to gorge itself. She's not even sure which spell Jenova used, one minute Kairi is tearing into her, the next an explosion flattens Kairi to the ground. Then tentacles stab through her wrists and knees, pinning her down. Jenova floats above her, staring down, and attacks her mind once more. Kairi screams and screams and screams as Jenova rips Kairi's children out of the merger one by one, rendering them unconscious until...Until...Until K... A... I... R... I...Kairi gasps as the merging fails and she's suddenly all alone in her mind and body. Every single one of her children had been knocked out, Genesis was busy facing a Tower of Flesh. She was, for the first time since she had been infected by Jenova, alone in her own mind."It ends my daughter," speaks Jenova in a false-sympathetic tone.Then a beam of energy hits Jenova, throwing her away from Kairi with a screech, wincing as the tentacles are yanked from her limbs. Only... that beam hadn't come from the mountain...?Kairi rolls, casting a quick Cure 3 to jumpstart her regeneration, and looks to the east. "So much for the WEAPONs not arriving in time, or at least that one."Flying slowly towards the town is a gigantic emerald colored WEAPON. It had two gigantic parts, a kind of huge leg/torso merge for the bottom, then a winged top instead of arms. Like Ultima, at its center was a red core, unlike Ultima, it also had similar blue and yellow cores on its wings that started shooting beams of energy at Jenova and any infected human that hadn't been consumed. This WEAPON though... she can feel its raw power even at the distance. Its much, MUCH, stronger than Ultima is, or Jade was.Then the top part separates from the bottom, leaving the middle red core shinning intensely between them.Kairi's eyes go wide, and she books it the hell out of town, flying as fast as she can before a massive beam of energy rips out of the WEAPON and blows the town away in a flash of red. Her heart constricts in grief for a moment, at the loss of it all, two children dead, their families gone, their town destroyed, nothing left...And of course, Jenova has also flown out of the town too.Jenova regards the WEAPON, and starts laughing."How kind for the Planet to deliver me such a delightful tool to use."Jenova races for the WEAPON.Oh fuck no.If Jenova infects that thing...Kairi rushes after Jenova, only for the egg sack to open from behind, and out of the disgusting stretchy mush flies mutated monsters vaguely shapes like humans. They rush at Kairi, and she cuts into them, trying to blow through them faster. But just like the town, she is prevented from interfering in time...Except apparently this WEAPON is no joke.The top part of the WEAPON flies off the bottom as Jenova arrives and reaches its tentacles for it. Then pure death rains down from the WEAPONs wings, and Kairi can only smile as Jenova screams and is decimated, most of her incinerated by the attack. "Wow... I take back what I said. The Planet made this WEAPON right."Then the smile fades, and horror crosses Kairi's face.Jenova's body had been destroyed.The tentacles reaching for the WEAPON had been outside of the attack. They surge through the air and wrap around the WEAPON's core, dissolving into ichor that seeps into it. The WEAPON lands on the ground, staggering and roaring. Black lines begin to spread through its body, Jenova's taint growing rapidly. Kairi curses to herself and bum rushes the WEAPON. She makes a strafing attack while its still fighting the infection, slashing her blade along its wings and destroying the energy cores there that would fire lasers. Then the WEAPON counters, its gigantic wing slamming into Kairi with so much f...Kairi blinks and comes to, finding herself on her back a ways away from the WEAPON, shakily reaching a hand to her face and coming away completely bloody. "H...holy ... sh... shit..."How hard had it just hit her to black her out? With 1st Class Enhancements?! With her endurance?!Her arms are shaking with effort to rise to her feet, stuttering out, "C-c-cure 3-3-3!"Then she looks up, and wishes she really hadn't. The WEAPONs coloring now looks like puke, fleshy and rotting, tentacles writhing all over its body, and where its core had been, Jenova's form has regrown instead, both parts of the WEAPON attached to her. The Crisis had infested the WEAPON, turning it into its active body. All Kairi feels is utter dread. She doesn't have her children for strength anymore, and even if she did, that WEAPON would still have given her a run with her money."Blasphemy!" came Chaos's furious shout.Kairi feels relief when Chaos sets down next to her, Genesis shortly after, and Ultima WEAPON roaring as it surges at the other WEAPON, claws and feet smashing into it and taking it to the ground."The Crisis took Emerald WEAPON," snarled Chaos, "I had forgotten this one did not only swim, but could fly as well. This bolds ill for us.""How bad?" asked Kairi."It is arguably the strongest or second strongest of the Planet's WEAPONs," said Chaos, "If one does not count my Brother, myself, of Zirconiade at her peak.""Can... can we call your brother out somehow?" asked Kairi.Chaos shakes his head. "Omega is a failsafe, meant to carry the lifestream to a new planet, and will do so if we fail to defeat the Calamity. While he can fight if need be, it is not his proper function. His power is in his control of the Lifestream. No, we must face Emerald ourselves, and without your champion.""Pardon?!" demanded Genesis."I am aware of the WEAPONs abilities," snapped Chaos, "This one can kill you instantly, damaging you proportional to the magical power you contain within yourself, and your materia. Which I feel are your proficiency."Genesis pales. "I see. Long range support then.""No," said Chaos in considering, looking at Genesis thoughtfully, "What materia do you have on you? I feel... a gravity?""Generally not useful on powerful monsters, they tend to be immune," said Genesis dryly."That's the point," said Chaos, "Are you capable of manipulating and controlling its effects?""To a degree, why?""We need the other WEAPONs to destroy this one," said Chaos, "I suspect they will be on the coast now if we are lucky. Use Gravity to float them here faster, it can manipulate the area around them, but wont damage them.""That... is surprisingly clever," said Genesis, sizing him up."Go," orders Chaos.Genesis takes to the sky and flies off as quickly as he can."You said you were stronger than Emerald though," said Kairi cautiously."If I can work myself to a Limit Break, it is likely that I can severely damage it," said Chaos, "Were it not infected with the Crisis, it would be a fatal blow. Now? The taint would regenerate the wound over time.""You mean like when you disintegrated the other mes when we were fighting?" asked Kairi.Chaos nods. "They were simple creations, and not close to as powerful as Emerald. It wont have the same effect."Dammit.There is a monstrous scream.Kairi looks over, wincing to see Jenova blowing off one of Ultima's arms and wings in a brutal energy blast. Ultima is thrown away, crashing into Nibelheim's corpse, laying weakly on the ground."We fight," snapped Chaos, "Prepare yourself. Be opportunistic, attack only when you can escape unscathed. You are powerful, you are enduring, but you are young. That is why the Crisis struck you now. You are nowhere near your peak, Calamity of Light. Emerald wouldn't have been able to best you with all your children and the Crisis filling you as they did against Zirconiade, but now with neither? Easily, even without the Crisis's taint."In short, despite her power and regeneration, in these titanic struggles he's saying she is still too weak.It grates.She is powerful together with her children, strength in unity. Stripped from that...She swallows thickly and brushes the thoughts off. "Alright, lets do this."The first thing she notes when the lasers start flying at their approach is that Jenova regrew the energy cores on the wings. Bitch. The physical damage, as much as it burns, she can take shots. The ones that sap away at her energy though, those she learns very quickly to take extra care to stay away from. Kairi has to be very, very careful when she goes in to attack. As giant as Emerald is, it can move fairly fast. Kairi had already been knocked out briefly once by a blow, if Jenova hadn't been busy infecting the WEAPON it could have used the opportunity to do the same to Kairi. She can't take that risk a second time...But its like they do nothing.There attacks barely scratch the thing. Kairi's sword and light attacks leave scorches and blazing lines, but soon fade away and close. Chaos's claws rip out small chunks, his attacks melting away similar amounts, but Jenova regrows them. They fly around Jenova-Emerald like gnats, and are swatted at like them...Then a wing clips Kairi.She can't scream.Only pukes blood at the force of the impact.She is sent flying, crashing into the ground, vision blurry.An orange glow surrounds her.She takes in a breath, rises to her feet, and releases the Limit Break, her sword igniting and expanding in size. "LIGHT-ZANTET..."Jenova fires a beam of energy from Emerald's core and blows her away mid-limit break.Kairi can barely feel anything but pain. Her vision is blackened, probably because she doesn't have eyes anymore. She's fairly certain half of her body was melted away, judging by the lessening of cells she can detect. She lays wherever she landed, defenseless, helpless, and has never felt so in her life. Its like she's back in the labs again under Hojo's knife, but worse with much higher stakes. She hate hate hate HATES it! She can do nothing but will herself to regenerate. Considering her ability, it wont take more than a minute if that.Its one of the most terrifying minutes of her life because she has no idea whats going on around her.Is Jenova about to infect her?Did Chaos die?Has Genesis reached the WEAPONs yet?Kairi's vision returns about the same time as her ears regrow, and she hears the sound of roars and energy blasts in the distance. She looks over, heart hammering, and sees Emerald falling backwards onto the ground, shaking the very earth in impact. One of Emerald's wings had been destroyed, ash flowing through the air. Chaos has the afterglow of a limit break fading away, but instead of continuing its attack, he slowly descends to the ground, falling to a knee, the rise of his chest Kairi sees at the distance suggest exhaustion.Kairi briefly looks down at herself and scowls, willing parts of her skin to change in appearance to at least look like clothing. Waste of time and energy or not, she's not fighting naked. She rises to her feet and looks around for her sword, only to find it broken and half melted. Damn. Light attacks it is then.She glances up in time to see Emerald regaining its footing and lumbering towards Chaos, energy glowing intensely in its core...Then Ultima Weapon is there, it slams into Emerald, and a dangerous glow illuminates its body. Chaos gives a mournful howl and crosses his arms defensively in-front of him. Kairi figures out why a moment later.Ultima detonates itself.Kairi screams as energy washes over the area, crossing her own arms infront of her, trying to cast barrier, but realizes all of her materia were disintegrated by the energy beam. Damn it!She cringes, her arms half melted disgustingly and painfully by the time the explosion fades. She struggles for a moment, willing her cells to heal and reform herself proper, falling to a knee and breathing in tiredly. This fight had been going on far to long, even she's getting tired. She squints, trying to look through the dust and remaining energy, and then sights Jenova-Emerald, still more than alive, but once again knocked to the ground, heavy burn marks all over it, chunks of smoldering flesh falling off it as it once more rises to its feet.Then a new roar fills the air.Kairi turns her head to see a gigantic sapphire colored part-octopus part-fish part-something being levitated through the air towards them by Genesis at fast speeds. He lets go of the gravity and sends the WEAPON flying at Jenova. It latches onto Emerald and takes it back to the ground, energy pooling into its mouth before it shoots a beam right at Jenova's body at the center. Jenova doesn't have the chance to scream before the WEAPON blows her away and splits Emerald in two.Unfortunately, both parts still function on their own.The legs kick the new WEAPON away, the impact sending a sonic boom through the air. The top part flies over the new WEAPON, crackling with lightning and power, and rain down death upon it. Kairi's jaw drops in horror as the new WEAPON is killed almost instantly. The energy attack blows gigantic chunks out of the WEAPON, almost cutting it straight in half. It flops to the ground with a exhale of air, almost a sigh, and doesn't move."FUCK!"She can hear Genesis's exclamation even from here."Return for the next!" roared out Chaos, "We can stall for only so long!""There's only one left, its a big oaf of a WEAPON left, silvery in color, lumbering this way, I don't think it will be useful!" calls down Genesis."Just GO!" roars Chaos, sending Genesis off as the demon rises to his feet, tilting his head. "If he means Diamond, where is Ruby?"Jenova restitches the parts of Emerald back together, her body reforming at the center. The infected WEAPON turns towards them, energy glowing along its wings......and then the ground erupted beneath Jenova-Emerald, and out of it emerged pale spiky metallic tentacles that speared into Emerald. Following the tentacles were two large ruby-colored and plated arms. The Ruby WEAPON, and it can only be one, pulls itself out of the ground, slams itself into Emerald, and then turns the area green with a surprise point blank Ultima. The energy rips into Emerald, burning away chunks of its flesh. But Ruby does not let go of Emerald, it forces its face close, opens its mouth, and then shadowy energy pools in it before it releases the attack.Kairi's only heard of this in passing, from Sephiroth detailing some of his most dangerous monster encounters. Seeing Shadow Flare in person is breathtaking in how destructive it is. The entire area is bleached black and white and gray. Its like a distortion that bends the very reality around them. The result explosion is blinding, and the snapping back to color is disorienting. Half of Emerald's front was blown away by the attack. Ruby then proceeds to pick Jenova-Emerald up and toss it away like it weighs nothing.The resulting impact against the mountain still sends a minor earthquake through the area. Ruby WEAPON roars in challenge, the earth shaking with each mighty step as it approaches the downed Jenova-Emerald and lays into it with brutal crushing blows. Jenova lashes out with a horde of tentacles from Emerald's body... and the loud 'pings' sounding off as they bounce from Ruby's carapace harmlessly is satisfying... and yet...Kairi flies over to Chaos, landing next to him. "Can Ruby win?""...I don't know," admits Chaos, "Ruby and Emerald were of comparable strength upon their creation despite their different roles, Ruby more defensive with brutal counters, Emerald more offense with pure destructive force. With the Crisis's taint, Emerald would be stronger, but the element of surprise has given Ruby an incredible advantage it is using well.""Its eyes and mouth are vulnerabilities she could infect it through," mutters Kairi, "Even if Ruby kills Emerald, Jenova is likely to take over Ruby, and we're really fucked then if that thing is as durable as it looks combined with Jenova's taint.""Perhaps," muttered Chaos, "Though Ruby is likely to detonate itself if it can before it allows a Calamity's taint to take it. It has the capability, and the Crisis cannot quickly get to and infect its core to stop it."Kairi frowns thoughtfully. Really though... is it complaining to realize just how tiring, upsetting, and frustrating this is? No matter what they've done, Jenova keeps surviving and infecting these monsters. She's tempted to lay the blame on the WEAPONs, but really, even if they hadn't shown up, would she, Chaos, and Genesis really be doing that well against Jenova? She doesn't know, but still, this Calamity-infecting-bullshit ticks her off, its not like they can do the same to something she makes...Kairi freezes.Slowly, she looks down at herself.She doesn't think she'd know how to take over something of Jenova's...But...A WEAPON?Could she do that?Give it her powers?She looks up at Ruby, but dashes the idea. Its locked in combat, and Jenova wont give her the time to do it. But the remaining WEAPON that Genesis is bringing...Kairi swallows thickly and struggles with herself. She has NEVER infected someone or something against their will. Even if she got the Planet's permission to do it... was this crossing a line? She had never used herself this way knowingly. What she had done to Genesis had been instinctual, but this... infecting something with the desire to use it as a weapon... it sends shiver of apprehension down her spine. She doesn't want to be Jenova... she doesn't want to be that kind of Calamity...If there is any other kind...She watches Ruby and Emerald duel with mighty blows, devastating energy attacks, and brutal magic, struggling with herself the entire time. Emerald is slowly regenerating the wounds Ruby inflicts, and finally pushes Ruby off its offensive, 'elbowing' Ruby with its wing and sending it staggering back, following with an energy blast that sends Ruby crashing onto its back by the force of it, even if the attack does little but scorch its carapace.Nothing Emerald can do will really damage Ruby.Nothing except for that devastating attack where it detaches the top part of its body. If that hits Ruby, will it survive?Terror coarse through her when Jenova starts to do just that...Except Ruby stretches its arms up, tentacles reaching to wrap around Emerald's top half before flinging it back at the rest of Jenova-Emerald, both parts tumbling to the ground before flesh stretches to reconnect. Ruby is one tenacious monster, Kairi will give it that. It will be a wall that Jenova crashes against again and again, but...Kairi doesn't trust that wall not to crack and break."Chaos," said Kairi quietly, "Ruby will bloody Jenova, I have no doubt of that. But... I don't think it will win."Chaos nods in agreement. "I am taking the time to recuperate. Getting involved at this point will get us killed.""Even if we were both at full strength, I don't think it would do good against a Jenova infected Emerald WEAPON, or Ruby," said Kairi, "I...She licks her lips. They're going to lose this. Jenova will use Emerald to defeat Ruby, or infect Ruby if Emerald dies. When either happens they'll be down to the lumbering Diamond WEAPON they spoke of, Chaos, and Genesis against Jenova and Emerald or Ruby. If Diamond is as slow as Genesis made it out to be, it wont be able to dodge Emerald's mighty attacks, it will die swiftly. They wont win. But... all things considered...Chaos turns his head and nods to the east. She looks to see Genesis levitating a gigantic silvery behemoth of a WEAPON. She can feel his exhaustion down the web from maintaining the gravity spell for so long and carrying so much. Diamond WEAPON towers just as high if not higher than Ruby does. Its head is nestled between two giant almost cauldron like shoulders. The rest of its body is humanoid in shape, with muscular arms and legs. It honestly almost looks like it has a cape trailing behind it made out of its flesh. She sizes it up and comes to a conclusion:Diamond WEAPON looks sturdy, a walking juggernaut. If she did what Jenova did... infected it... gave it her regeneration and endurance..."Chaos," said Kairi with hesitation, "I... I want to..."She swallows thickly. "I want to infect Diamond WEAPON."Chaos whirls on her, eyes blazing. "What?!""When Jenova tried to infect Genesis, I rebuffed her out of the web, and out of his body," explained Kairi, "If I take a WEAPON, then Jenova can't take it. Its only a matter of time before she wins this current fight one way or another. We NEED an advantage."Chaos's jaw clenches, he looks like he wants to rip her throat out. "Swear on your life, no, swear on your children's lives that if that WEAPON is still alive at the end of this you will allow it to be killed."Kairi nods. "I will.""You swear that you will not use it against the Planet...""I. AM. NOT. JENOVA!" she snapped at him.Chaos regards her icily, "No, but you could be. You could become so much worse."He seethes and spits at the ground. "Go Calamity, prove yourself what you are."Kairi glares at him, but takes to the sky, flying towards Genesis and calling out, "Set it down!"Genesis doesn't need to be told twice, briefly dipping in the air as he lets go of gravity, so tired his wing beats are slow and struggling. "This is why I usually have Angeal bring takeout, far to much effort."Kairi doesn't have it in her to laugh at the joke, not now. She lands upon Diamond WEAPON's head, hesitates for a single moment, then presses her hands down. Her skin seeps out redish goop that slides down its face and into its eyes, seeping in and beginning to spread through its insides. Its too slow though, so she forces more of herself, her arms melting into more goop, more cells, more that is HER. More and more of her body goes, until she's mostly just a head and torso loosely wrapped around important internal organs resting upon the weapon.Kairi has never, ever, hated herself like she does now. She's forced herself upon the WEAPON, and she can feel its hatred of her, how much it loathes this, how much it doesn't want this. It only obeys because of a command Kairi finds in, a woman's majestic voice ordering it to still itself. It makes her want to cry though, to feel that hatred of her in her mind connected to the web, because she is not Jenova. She does not want something that hates her to be a part of her, connected to her, this is not one of her children.As much as it is a monster, it is her victim."Apprentice, what the fuck!?" exclaims Genesis, touching down upon its head, staring at her with something akin to horror."What? Dontcha ya know? Girls like diamonds," said Kairi with forced cheek.All the while, her lips wobble.Her eyes water.Tears slide down her check.Because she is a monster.She can decry it all she wants.She's just like Jenova.She has to be if she wants to win.What she doesn't do is twist and warp its body like Jenova did to the two WEAPONs she infected. Kairi doesn't even understand why or how. All she manages to do is seed herself through the WEAPONs body, filling it with all that is her. The most she can see is the diamond coloring of the WEAPON shifts red slightly, nothing else changes. Part of her, a sick part of her that is Calamity, loves what she's just done. There is an awful, awful pleasure at taking the WEAPON that wars with Kairi's conscious thoughts.She regenerates her body over the course of a few minutes, slowed only by pouring more cells into the WEAPON. When she's done, she stands, feeling the powerful, hateful, awareness in her mind.
DEFEND PLANET!

DESTROY THREATS!

TARGET CALAMITY!

TARGET CALAMITY!

TARGET SELF!
The last two single-minded thoughts are constrained though, and something in her cracks to realize that even only mildly sentient as the monster is, it wants to kill itself (and her) rather than be a part of her. It... it hurts... fuck, why does it hurt so much? She doesn't want this either, so why...?Genesis gently wraps his arms around, voice soothing, "Apprentice, I'm sorry, but now is not the time for tears. Dry your eyes, end this fight, and cry yourself silly after."Kairi takes a ragged breath, reaches up for her face, but finds her own tears have been absorbed back into her flesh. A moment of self-loathing and hatred takes her. Is she so inhuman, so monstrous, that she can't even properly cry anymore? Can't wipe away her own tears without what she is making herself known?She forces the thought away and leans back against Genesis for desperate support, clutching him in the web, pulling on his focus and discipline enforced calm to help stabilizes herself. Its a struggle to push aside the self-loathing, the frustration, the helplessness, it takes her far to long to do so and she knows Ruby is being punished for it.Finally, she pulls herself together and steps away from Genesis, face turning to the titanic struggle off in the distance. Ruby is battered and bruised, there are almost no parts of its body that aren't scorched, or don't have pieces of carapace broken off. Jenova-Emerald is in better shape, if only because Jenova's cells help regenerate the wounds it takes, even still, the infected WEAPON looks freshly battered by some spell or another, burnt chunks flaking off revealing writhing flesh and tentacles underneath. Honestly, Kairi is still confused by why Jenova takes on that kind of appearance and infection.Kairi certainly hasn't turned Diamond into that on the inside.Maybe its a fear tactic...?She shakes the thought off as unimportant and... its hard to explain. She reaches into Diamond's mind, asking for capabilities. The response isn't in words, but flashes and concepts that rush through her at blinding speeds. She blinks slowly, taking it in, before nodding and giving it a nudge, "Forward."Each step is powerful and earth shaking, she can feel Diamond assessing the battle. Its desire is to attack, energy wanting to pool into its cauldron-like shoulders, to open the barrier around its core and unleash an relentless barrage of power. It holds itself back though.
WEAPON ALLY!

ENGAGED CALAMITY!
So Diamond slowly stalks forward instead, heading to enter into melee instead because its apparently a team player. The fight worsens as they thud closer and closer. No matter how many times Ruby batters Emerald, it comes back. No matter how many Ultima spells it devastates Emerald's body with, it begins to regenerate. No matter how many Shadow Flares it has released, Jenova simply wont die. Emerald WEAPON is in shambles, larges chunks burnt away, cracks seeping black ichor by the truckload all along its body. Yet Jenova forces the infected WEAPON onward, taking another battering blow from Ruby's mighty fists, staggering back for a moment, before stepping forward again. Emerald's torso explodes outward in a torrent of ichor and tentacles, wrapping around Ruby's raised fist and yanking it forward. Emerald falls backwards, Ruby falls forward ontop of it.Right where Jenova wants it.Kairi watches grimly as Jenova mutates Emerald's top half, rather than the giant wings, it morphs into a kind of cannon-like form, glowing intensely with power. It doesn't rain death anymore, it fires it instead, and Ruby takes a point blank shot right to its neck that blows its head clean off. Emerald stands up and positions the WEAPON's corpse, pouring ichor down into it through the severed neck. Diamond roars in fury, and stops holding back its desire. Its shoulder-cauldrons open, as does its chest cavity around its core. Energy begins forming quickly, and Kairi pours her Light into the mixture as well. The barrage they unleash together is blindingly devastating.Chunks are blown out of Emerald that are disintegrated as they fly through the air. The main beam from Diamond's chest sails through the air behind the shoulder barrage, closer and closer...It blows clean through Emerald's body, ripping it from Ruby's corpse, sending it sailing backwards where it impacts against the mountain and explodes into bits and pieces that steadily burn into ash. The damage has been done though...Ruby's corpse begins to twitch and mutate; all Kairi can mutter bitterly to herself is, "Fucking called it."Once more Jenova's taint infects a WEAPON, twisting its ruby colored carapace a sickly red-tealish color. It picks up its severed head, placing it back into position, tentacles reaching out to pull it down and reattach, its eyes turning a sickly red of Jenova. It turns towards Diamond, and stands in the middle of the energy barrage. Countless blasts explode against its carapace, but combined with Jenova's taint regenerating the damaged parts, nothing damaging lands."Stop," Kairi commands, "You're just wasting energy. Big beam or nothing, smaller attacks will do nothing to that thing."Diamond's barrage fades away, and its shoulders seal close. It gives a bellow and stalks forward in giant steps, Ruby rushes to meet it. Jenova-Ruby raises a mighty claw and brings it down hard towards Diamond. Kairi finds she doesn't have to really direct the creature, it has enough intelligence generally to fight. It raises an arm and deflects to blow, bringing back its on fist before stepping forward and punching Ruby with such force the shockwave nearly throws Kairi and Genesis off its head. Ruby is sent staggering backwards by the blow before digging its foot into the ground and righting itself.Green energy glows around Ruby's claws, and Kairi takes the initiative to grab Genesis and book it the hell out of the battleground. The roar of Ultima crashes behind them, and Kairi chances a look behind her to see Diamond standing in a sea of green like a boulder in a stream, undaunted, an aura of light surrounding it protectively. The Ultima fades, and Ruby seemingly stares at Diamond in what Kairi assumes is in disbelief. Not that she can read monster-faces.Diamond proceeds to take the imitative, steps forwards, swings upward, and slams a massive light-infused fist into Ruby's face, a flash of light rippling out on impact."I'm not a child in need of my hand held, apprentice," huffed Genesis, "I know when the time comes to withdraw."She lets go of him, and they maintain their distance a safe ways from the battle. Apparently her regenerative capabilities were not needed at all, because infused with the Light, Diamond was brute force plowing through just about everything Jenova-Ruby sent at it and raining heavy blows upon the infected WEAPON. Give already stupidly powerful monsters a boost and they take off with it, who knew?She just hopes its enough.Then Ruby hits Diamond with a Shadow Flare, and the resulting explosion when darkness met light was very, very unexpected and violent. Even at their distance, both Kairi and Genesis are clipped by the explosion, burning them and sending them spiraling away. Kairi hits the ground painfully and groans. "The hell was that!?"Genesis mutters something suspiciously like a LOVELESS quote under his breath but picks himself up and dusts himself off. "Come apprentice, did you never have a science class in your youth, hmm? Certain things can react rather... interestingly with one another. I'm assuming the energies don't play nice."Kairi nods and stands up, crossing her arms and watching with frustration. She itches to fight, but a Jenova dominated WEAPON is beyond her capabilities to fight, and she has little interest in burrowing herself into Diamond. She waits as patiently as she can for the remnants of the Shadow Flare to fade, and isn't disappointed to see that Diamond took the initiative to open its chest cavity and start charging another beam attack. Ruby was knocked to the ground by the prior explosion, tentacles and its two claws pushing against the ground to get it back on its feet...Just in time to take a massive beam right to its chest.Jenova-Ruby is sent flying through the air, over Nibelheim's corpse, and into the grasslands outside, touching down and skidding along until it comes to a rest. Diamond WEAPON turns and starts moving forward, one giant step at a time, its shoulders opening up and releasing a barrage of attacks against Ruby's downed form. Kairi takes once more to the skies, Genesis at her heels, and follows behind the WEAPON at a safe distance. Ruby pushes off the ground and faces the attack, its mouth opens, but instead of a roar, its a hiss so much akin to Jenova's. Kairi squints, and before the barrage hits, she can see that Ruby's chest carapace was cracked by the beam.Countless explosions pound on Ruby's body, but the Infected WEAPON stalks forward through them. It raises its arms into the air, then stabs them down into the ground. Kairi is a little baffled by what its doing, until tentacles shoot out of the ground at Diamond's feet and yank them out from underneath it, toppling the WEAPON over. The tentacles wrap around Diamond as it struggles, keeping it from rising. Ruby withdraws its claws, now missing the sharp parts of it, but they'll regrow soon enough. Ruby stalks forward in powerful strides, heading for the downed WEAPON.Genesis thumbs his sword. "Fancy a rescue mission?"Kairi eyed Diamond WEAPON, gliding over its thoughts, and said, "Nope.""No?""Nope, doesn't need us," she said, "I think the best thing we can do is stay the hell out of its way."When Ruby closes the distance, and raises its now regenerated claws to strike, the light surrounding Diamond intensifies. White lightning crackles around it, its core turning from a glowing red to a blinding white, and releases a nova of Light from itself that incinerates the tentacles wrapped around it and sends Ruby staggering back, screeching in surprise. Diamond rises with surprising swiftness for one so gigantic, moving to grab Ruby, pinning its flailing arms to its side and holding it in place. Diamond's chest cavity opens yet once more, its core glowing brightly.Ruby screeches.Diamond fires point blank.It blows right through Ruby's chest and out the other side, sending Ruby flying out of Diamond's grasp, carried by the attack. It lands a distance away and does not move for a long minute. Kairi knows its not dead, but she's not sure what Jenova is doing...Ruby WEAPON's carapace erupts in a spray of ichor, blasting off the protective shell, rising to its feet with incredible swiftness, slimy black wings forming and stretching out behind it, two monstrous fleshy arms erupt underneath both of its arms, six in total. All along its body, its ruby-plated exterior falls off the reveal the horrors underneath. Kairi felt the urge to vomit at the sight. Rotting flesh, writhing tentacles, pulsations that continually burst into ichor and reformed to make more cysts, gigantic faces stuck screaming outward in its flesh, and eyes, so many eyes blinking outward, the hole in its center from Diamond's attack sealing and forming into Jenova's mask, two red eyes gleaming out underneath it.It was a monster in every definition of the word.Kairi gags and flaps her wing reflexively to back away. "She was mutating it underneath the entire time.""Merciful goddess," said Genesis, face going grim."Diamond I fear, will no longer hold the advantage," came Chaos's voice, the demonic looking summon setting down next to them and watching the newly mutated Ruby WEAPON warily.Kairi swallows thickly. "Genesis, I really think we'd need her wrath more than her mercy at the moment. Chaos, is... can your Goddess do anything? Do we have anything left?"Chaos turns his head, staring to the east. "The Last Daughter of the Cetra prays, has been praying since near the beginning, but she is merely a young woman, and struggling to do something she should not have to with so little training and understanding, especially in so foul a place disconnected from the Lifestream. She is close though... so close... and I've never born witness to it myself...""To what?" asked Kairi, "What is she praying for?""Holy," said Chaos softly, "The last line of defense.""And... what will Holy do?" asked Kairi."I don't know," admits Chaos."Kairi," said Genesis, demanding her attention, "Its attacking."She turns her head in time to see Jenova-Ruby flying through the air at alarming speeds for Diamond. Diamond had opened its shoulders again, firing a barrage. Each shot does impact and damage Ruby now without its carapace, but Jenova doesn't really seem to care or be phased. It slams into Diamond, six arms reaching for the top part of Diamond's left shoulder, and proceed to rip it off.Kairi buckles to her knees at the wave of pain that rips down the web from the WEAPON. "FUCK!""Oh that's not good," muttered Genesis, "Kairi, can you, I don't know, mutate it too?"Kairi shook her head. "I don't know how, and even if I did... I don't think I could bring myself to afflict that upon the WEAPON. I've already violated it enough as it is."Chaos regards her for a long moment before he sharply turns his head to the east, a feral grin spreading across his face. He flexes his wings and rising slowly into the sky, an aura of black and red energy surrounding him. "The end begins. The Last Daughter has finished her pray, Holy is coming. I ready myself, do not interrupt. This will likely be our last chance."A shiver rolls down Kairi's spine at the intensity of the energy forming around Chaos, the -danger- she feels radiating off him makes her want to flee. The very sky around them is starting to darken from his power.Another horrific spike of pain rips a scream from Kairi again, and she turns to see Ruby had ripped the top off the other shoulder of Diamond WEAPON, and opened its mouth to pour a beam of energy down at the revealed energy cores destroying them and earning a roar from Diamond. A green glow surrounds each of Ruby's six hands, and Kairi suckers in a breath, eyes going wide, as she feels..."DOWN!" she screams, throwing herself to the ground and covering her head.Jenova-Ruby hits Diamond with six Ultima spells at once.Kairi nearly blacks out from the agony, the corrosive energy blackening the very grass around them as it washes over the area doesn't help. When the Ultima's glow fades, Ruby picks up Diamond, scorched and bleeding all over its body, the light aura gone, and throws it to the ground on its front. Jenova raises its claws, all six of them, and begin slashing into its back. Kairi digs her hands into the dirt, writhing on the ground in pain. She briefly considers cutting the connection, but no, that's not going to help. She takes as much pain as she can barely manage off of Diamond, and pours her power down the web, ordering 'regrow' to the WEAPON, focusing her energy into regeneration.Diamond struggles, trying to rise to its feet, but Ruby kicks it back down, one foot planted on its back. It reaches down for Diamond's neck, all six claws digging in and trying to rip the WEAPON's head from its place between it shoulders. Then...It stops.Jenova-Ruby lets go and steps off Diamond's back.It turns its body, its head looking in their direction, then looking up, right at Chaos.Jenova hisses, screeching in rage.The very air starts to tremble.Darkness rushes over the horizon.Chaos blazes in the sky, illuminating blood red...Jenova aims her hands, all six of them glowing green...But Diamond had taken the chance, wounds healing slowly, lumbering to its feet, and wraps its mighty arms around the Crisis, forcing its arms down and locking it in place."CRISIS!" Bellows Chaos, "Two thousand years ago you slaughtered the Cetra, fed on the divine, gluttoned yourself on the Lifestream and the souls therein, only to be stopped and sealed by the survivors at the near dawn of the end. Once more you rise from the foolishness of mortals, their ignorance whelping you children that would have handed you the Planet if not for your own hunger turning them upon you. No more Crisis. NO MORE! My duty would bid me cast this only to reap the world and return it to the Lifestream, my resolve would have me send you on that journey instead.""Quam ad mortem iter."Kairi doesn't recognize the language, but the red and black energy that swoops out steals the breath from Kairi's lungs, and for a moment, it feels like she's dying. Then it passes and Kairi watches as nothing short of death surges through the air and slams into the entrapped Jenova-Ruby. Jenova screeches so loudly Kairi's eardrums rupture, blood spilling out of them, her nose, her eyes. She buckles to her knees, clutching her head in pain, watching Ruby's body blacken from the attack. The eyeballs all along its body burst, the faces melt away, its skin decays and some of it falls off into mush. The WEAPON writhes in Diamond's grip, but is noticeably weakened, flailing sluggishly.Kairi wipes her bloody eyes on her arm, blinking back blood that returns to her. "So this is it huh, Chaos's true power."Kairi is pretty sure, even with Jenova fueling her in that fight, if Chaos had gotten the chance to charge and release this, she would have been dead no question.Genesis shakily moves over and grabs her arm, pulling her up. "And yet it hasn't succeeded in actually killing the damn thing."No, it hadn't.Then... then a brightness starts to illuminate the darkened sky off in the distance. Kairi watches as a bright light starts to appear in the distance, growing closer and closer by the second until a stream of blazing and twinkling blue and white light surges through the air right at Jenova trapped in Diamond's arms. A warmth fills Kairi's core, and she smiles softly, the energy almost feels similar to her Light, welcoming...
Home.
The energy hits the WEAPONs and wraps around them in a vortex, looking like it was trying to squeeze the life out of the Crisis. Jenova screeches and writhes, caught between Diamond and Holy. The pressure and shockwave that rips from the contact brings Kairi to her knees once more, shaking. Energy swirls around the WEAPONs in a spinning nova, wisps going to and fro along the area, and Kairi watches as a strand of Holy comes so close, she reaches out to touch it...
"One such as vile as you cannot touch what is pure, the days of your innocence are long over. The Planet stays your execution for now, but we will be watching."
Kairi cries out in pain, bewildered that Holy burns her, confused by the voice. She swears she's heard it before...Kairi struggles to rise to her feet, wrapping herself in light to give her protection from the pressure. Chaos lands next to her and growls. "My power burns away at its lifeforce, Holy purifies and burns away at the flesh, smothering the infection and yet it still thrives. The higher powers are ready to face it within the Lifestream, and yet... why will the Crisis not DIE?!"Kairi blinks and stares, squinting to try to see through the vortex. The energy it burning Jenova, she can see that, yet... Jenova is STILL struggling. Still fighting Diamond's grasp, fighting against both Chaos and Holy's power. Could Jenova really, truly, overcome this?! Fighting does not mean winning after all, yet...Kairi considers it, playing back the battle she had both been a part of and witnessed as Jenova fights against its death. Jenova had fought so brutally, so endlessly, so much corruption... infected WEAPONs, killing them, forcing Ultima to detonate itself to damage...Detonate...Kairi's eyes go wide, a gasp escaping her lips. "That's it..."Chaos turns its head. "What?""The answer," said Kairi grimly, face solemn, "You want Diamond WEAPON to die after, to be released from my cells, my... my infection, well, lets give you what you want."Chaos frowns. "Now?""Yes, now," she said softly, "Just like Ultima WEAPON."Chaos's eyes widen for a moment before he nods. "Do it."Kairi closes her eyes and reaches out. "WEAPON?"

CALAMITY.

'What are your targets?'

TARGET CALAMITY!

TARGET CALAMITY!

TARGET SELF!

She feels the constraints still on the last two, and burrows her focus in, prying off the lock. 'Initiate target self. Destroy the Calamity."Kairi kneels down and opens the web, light blazing around her. She pours herself down the web, all of her light, all of her power, she feeds it into Diamond. Even within the light of Holy, the blinding brightness from Diamond's core is intense. Kairi smiles at it one last time and whispers..."Thank you."Diamond detonates itself.Kairi watches as Jenova-Ruby gives one last screech before it disintegrates between Chaos, Holy, and Diamond's sacrifice.Then the world turns white as the energy ruptures and washes over the horizon in all directions...When Kairi comes to later, she groans and sits upward, coughing. She blinks a few times, and finds the sky clear. Chaos's darkness is gone. Holy is gone. Both WEAPONs are gone...She rises to her feet, looking around. Genesis is still unconscious, Chaos she sees at a distance, flying towards them. She sees the protomateria in its hands, and her hand goes to her pocket... oh right, she was wearing 'skin clothes', her actual clothes had been burnt away, she had lost the protomateria somewhere in all that mess. Oops.Chaos lands and hands her the materia, briefly slicing open his chest. "Insert it."She does, and she watches as Chaos writhes and turns back into the demonic looking Vincent. Chaos straightens himself with a huff. "Its finished for now. I have scoured the area and have yet to find any of the Crisis left. The explosion purges the area.""So... she's fighting in the Lifestream then?" asked Kairi.Chaos shakes his head. "No. We suspect that the Crisis has shifted its consciousness to the next largest cluster of cells, and yet... we have a difficult time on feeling where."Kairi nods, tired, and more than bitter its not quite over yet. But... this battle is at least. When they return to Midgar, they can get the rest of SOLDIER involved, Sephiroth and Angeal involved, and they'll be ready. Kairi waves a hand, a brief sputter of light washing over Genesis and dragging him back to the waking world. He groans and sits up, massaging his shoulder...Then Kairi frowns, poking down the web. "My children are still asleep. Strange."Could Jenova maintain that after losing so many cells?She scowls and looks over the area, an uneasy feeling in her gut. she pauses her sight on a bleached crater in the ground, where Diamond had detonated. She feels... a pang of loss. For so brief a time Diamond had been a part of her web. As much as it had hated her... Kairi felt grief over its loss. Its ridiculous, it had been a monster... yet... it had been her monster. She walks forward, intent on paying her respects at the crater, like a grave...Then a slimy silver tentacle, a hidden threat, one that had been a part of Ruby WEAPON, erupts from the ground and stabs clean through Kairi in a spray of blood.Kairi coughs up blood, shocked."Kairi!" roars Genesis.The tentacle melts into ichor, swarming over her body, into her body."WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN NOW, DAUGHTER?!" screams Jenova in her mind, sounding equally insane and victoriously, "YOU. ARE. MINE!"Kairi screams and falls to her knees, clutching at her head as pressure mounts, as Jenova fights her for control of her body. Kairi grits her teeth, gasping in pain...There is a click of a gun, and Chaos has the barrel inches from her face."Don't you dare," snarled Genesis.Chaos stares down at Kairi's shaking form. "If the Crisis takes her, she would thank me for release."Kairi swallows, hugging her arms to her chest, black ichor seeping out of her eyes, a sob ripping from her lips. She closes her eyes, shaking her head back and forth, feeling Jenova's cells underneath her skin writhing and roiling, attacking and converting her own. Kairi might be alone, but she will not submit, she will never surrender. It will kill her, kill Genesis, kill her children, kill everyone... she can't let it win.She screams in effort, pushing her presence against Jenova's trying to force it out, pushing it away...Then she pushes it down, going for containment instead for the moment, with unexpected results.Her eyes roll up into her head.She collapses onto her side......and she dives.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kairi was falling.She felt ripples across her skin, like waves of the sea.She slowly opened her eyes, finding herself sinking down and down and down...Bubbles escaped her lips, and yet she could breath?She looked down, and far below was... a mural?She saw herself in her uniform, eyes closed, wing curled protectively around her, and in her hand was that key-weapon she had briefly held when defending Sora back in her home realm. Lines connected to her, stretching out to a few big circles with faces on them: Genesis, Angeal, Sephiroth, Elena, a few of the children she was closest with. The circles grew smaller, but so much more numerous, fading into clusters. It was her family, save for two they all were those who bore her cells.Her infecton.Encircling the edges of the mural are heart shapes that have vines twisted around and piercing through them. She's not sure what its supposed to mean. The backdrop of the mural, its hard to tell, but its a reddish hue, a sunset, a beach... her islands. Yet all throughout the mural are twisting black vines, taints, and not just painted, but physically burrowed into and through it.Then comes what she instinctively knows shouldn't be there. Across from her on the mural is a blue-skinned woman in olden posh looking clothes. Elegant, yet faded coloring. Golds and reds being predominant in their dullness. Black veins course through the woman's body, and stretch out from her, the origins of the vines tainting the rest of the mural. In the woman's right hand is a red and black scythe with a rusted-gold blade. Her left isn't a hand or an arm at all, a cluster of tentacles instead. Upon the woman's forehead is a cracked circlet, keeping her silvery hair somewhat pulled back and out of her slumbering face. Curling around her, just like Kairi, is a wing, black as night. Kairi knows who this is, and yet...Kairi flips herself as she comes close, touching down gently. She stares at the other end of the mural, frowning. "This doesn't look like the body Jenova had been in within the mako tank...""Because its not," comes a smooth and oddly cultured voice, familiar, and yet different.Kairi tenses, looking up to see the woman depicted on the mural descending from the skies, the only difference being her eyes are open, red irises with black staining through the whites of them. Jenova holds the scythe loosely in her right hand as she touches down, examining herself for a long moment. "I had never thought I would really see this form again. I could recreate it of course, but... I never bothered. I left behind what I had been so long ago and accepted what I had become even if I had never wanted it. Yet here I am, the past shoved in my face."Kairi frowns. "The past?""I wasn't always this," muses Jenova, "Once, I was divine, now..."The black veins under her skins twist and stretch, briefly distorting her flesh before settling. "Now, I am Calamity. A pestilence sailing through the stars consuming all in my wake."She swings her scythe to the side. "This place exists within ourselves; a manifestation of our souls and minds, and perhaps something more. This is something you brought with you of your home Realm, of this I can feel."Jenova levels her dark gaze upon Kairi, her black wing extending behind her. "Here, we exist alone. There are none of your children. There are none of those I have consumed over countless years. Just you and I, stripped down to the cores of Who. We. Are.""A fallen goddess," muses Jenova mockingly, pointing her scythe at Kairi, "And a foolish little girl that will become my vessel."A flash of light, and the Mother's Key appears in Kairi's hand, an exact replica of the mural. Kairi flexes her grip on the weapon, noting how -right- it feels in her hands. It feels like a part of her that has always been missing. "I'd pity you Jenova, but you are responsible for your own actions. Maybe you never had a choice in being infected, becoming a Calamity, but you had a choice in everything that happened after! Every life that you stole! Every soul you consumed! Those were YOUR choices!""Were they?" mused Jenova."I never had a choice in becoming this," said Kairi, briefly flexing her loose hand and stretching it in inhuman ways before settling it, "But I have made a choice. I will never be like you. I will NEVER consume like you do, I'd sooner send myself into a star to be incinerated than allow myself to become that kind of genocidal planet killing monster!""So young," muses Jenova, "So larval. You have only begun to discover what you are, my daughter. I wonder how long you would be able to hold those vows as you lose your humanity day by day, hmm?""I have my family," said Kairi softly, raising Mother's Key, "Genesis, my children, Angeal, Sephiroth, Zack, Aerith, and more. They will keep me true to who I am.""And if they fail?""Then I trust them to put an end to me."Jenova smiled mockingly. "Such faith. I suppose, one way or the other, we shall have to see."For a moment, Jenova glows white and gold, and Kairi has the sudden urge to kneel and bow her head in reverence. She grits her teeth and steels her feet instead, hands twitching on her weapon...Then Jenova's aura turns sickly black and she thrusts out her tentacle arm, each appendix surging out to lash at Kairi. She falls to a knee and swings her blade up, severing into the tentacles as they pass over her, key-weapon severing through them easily, the severed parts disintegrating into ash as light burns them to a crisp. Jenova withdraws her arm, regenerating the damage and hums."Keyblade," she muses, "Such a marvelous creation, yet something else you know little of how to use, let alone properly call."Kairi frowns. "Keyblade?""The answer lurks within the other side of your soul, your heart," said Jenova mockingly, "I am ready child, more ready than you can possibly imagine. When I take you, I will inherit the ability to use that blade, and with it, no doors will remain locked to me. Combined with my power, my knowledge, I will be able to cross over into any reality at will, all of existence will be open to me to consume. But first? Oh yes, the first thing we will do after I take this world? We will see your Sora again, daughter, and we will feed on his soul as we did the rest."Kairi snarled and surged forward, Keyblade going for Jenova's throat. The Crisis deflects the blow off her scythe's shaft and kicks her back, spinning as she does, wing going overhead as she wings the scythe around. Kairi ducks under it and swings her blade while Jenova's weapon is out of the way, clipping Jenova's side with a burst of white sparks. Jenova steps backwards, weapon twirling overhead. Kairi pauses, body held loose, waiting for her to bring it down."We're you a goddess of farming?" mocked Kairi, "That's about all that's good for, though about as outdated as YOU."Jenova sneers and brings it down, a wave of dark energy surging from the end of it that splashes over Kairi's Keyblade when she blocks the physical attack, blasting her across the mural. Jenova swings her scythe in wide arcs, and waves of energy pour out from it, surging across the mural at Kairi. She grits her teeth, pours light down her blade, and swings, each attack meeting each energy wave and obliterating them in brief bright bangs of light. She matches and drives off the attacks, sneering right back at Jenova."Where's all that overwhelming power, Jenova? All on your own without the lives you stole you're WEAK!"Jenova's tentacle arm twists and writhes, green energy pooling around it. "Ultima."Kairi yelped and thrust out a hand reflexively, willing her light into a shield as green death washes over the area, etching deep cracks into her barrier, but it holds...At least until Jenova splits it open with her scythe, blade coming down and digging clean through Kairi's shoulder, down into her torso at an angle. Kairi screams in pain, thrusting out her empty hand and blasting Jenova away with light. She falls to a knee, gasping in pain, hand going to keep the near severed chunk of her body attached. She pours her light into the wound, sealing it closed and healing herself. She stands quickly, blade swinging upward incase, but no attack was coming. Jenova slowly circled her on the outer edge of the mural, strands of silver hair swaying as she moved...Then Jenova suddenly stops, eyebrows furrowing.Kairi steps sideways, circling her a bit, but its like... she just suddenly stopped? Staring ahead vacantly?Jenova threw back her head and laughed. "What am I doing?"A ripple of unease flickered through Kairi.Jenova looks down at her scythe with distaste. "I am not an Avatar anymore, yet I see the trappings of it still linger at the core of my soul. How... pitiful. You called me weak? Perhaps I am, that I still have anything left of who I was."Kairi scowled. "And you have no desire to reclaim that?""I doubt its even possible," said Jenova, turning slightly, head tilting, eyes shifting in Kairi's direction, "But the answer either way is: No. I am who and what I am, so let me show you."Jenova flings the scythe off the edge of the mural, and watches it disappear into the darkness with satisfaction, and on the mural, it disappears as well. A sinking feeling starts to pool in Kairi's stomach."Its time," whispered Jenova, shaking uncontrollably, a wild look in her eyes, chuckling darkly, "Let the Goddess finally fall all the way into decay."She throws back her head and laughs hysterically, and the dark veins under her skin begin to throb and shift. Her normal arm explodes into a tentacle mass. Her clothing rips away, revealing flesh underneath that begins to rot before Kairi's very eyes. The Crisis's legs combine into one fleshy mass. The circlet cracks and falls off, revealing a third eye underneath it. Cysts and eyeballs and teeth begin to form all along Jenova's skin. Her form grows in size, easily three times in size. The bones within Jenova's face begin to split her face open as they push out in a spray of blood and black ichor, rearranging themselves into the mask Kairi had seen on Jenova's other forms. Her black feathering wing turns into a fleshy one, and a second one sprouts out the other side. Two more arms burst out of its body, one on each side, and rather than a writhing mass of tentacles, its a muscular mass ending in claws. In less than a minute, Jenova had destroyed almost everything humanoid about her body, twisting herself truly and utterly into a monster."Let me show you true divinity," rasped Jenova.As much as Kairi hated her, as much as she loathed Jenova, she still felt a pang of loss. "There's nothing divine about what you are, Jenova. If you had tried to turn away from it, if you had asked me for help, as much as you don't deserve it I would have tried."Jenova's twisted form swayed too and fro, slithering to the middle point of the mural. "Such a noble, forgiving child. But I am not the one who needs help, you are. So allow me to help you... become a part of ME!"Jenova thrusts the two tentacle arms down into the mural, piercing it and sending cracks all throughout the image, pumping black ichor down into it. Its like Kairi's head has split open. She screams in agony, clutching herself as she falls to a knee. She feels sickly, her skin starting to pale, almost like rotting flesh... just like...Her head snaps up, eyes going wide. "NO!"Kairi surges to her feet and rushes forward, fueling and coating herself with light. She swings her Keyblade with heavy blows, tearing into Jenova. The Crisis merely laughs as she does, swiping at her with its claw arms, driving her back briefly. Kairi grits her teeth, aims her Keyblade, and chuks it. It spins through the air and severes through one of the tentacle arms burrowed into the mural. Jenova screeches, rearing up a bit and glaring at Kairi. The Keyblade reappears in her hand, and she rushes forward, ducking one swipe, rolling under another, and leaping up as she comes to her feet, giving a war cry before she lands and brings her Keyblade down on the other tentacle arm.Jenova screeches again, slithering backwards and hissing at her. "Too late child! Too late too late too late!"The tentacle arms that had been severed slither down into the mural, and the holes fill with black ichor. Her vision swims; a tint of green to everything. Wrong wrong wrong wrong, eVeRyThInG IS WRONG!"We were already so joined," mocked Jenova, "I had already burrowed into your mind and body before you and your children ripped me out. It was easy to refill those places, and now? Now dear child? I'M IN YOUR SOUL! Weaving all that is me into all that is you. Mind, body, soul, heart, you cannot escape me! Before long, there will not be a difference between you and I! You never should have brought me down here!"Kairi snarled, aimed her Keyblade, and screamed. "LIGHT!"An explosion blew a giant chunk off its body, an arm flopping down onto the mural. Jenova screeched and lashed out, a claw slicing into Kairi and throwing her back towards the edge. She doesn't bother focusing her healing, she can't stop, she doesn't have the time. She can see the veins in her body blackening. She feels so cold. The mural is twisting, tentacles exploding out of its side and wrapping around itself. Her heart beats in desperation, her emotions and thoughts spiraling in denial. She's going to fail, everyone is going to die.The mural glows.An orange glow of a limit break resonating with it.Kairi reaches into herself, as deeply and desperately as she can.She feels something unlock.She leaps, planting herself right in front of her right infront of Jenova. She crouches, grasps her keyblade two-handed, pivits, and spins, thrusting her Keyblade into the sky and screaming at the top of her lungs, "SALVATION!"Five pillars of light exploded upwards into the heavens. One directly from Kairi, four others spinning along the ground around her, a gold and white runic circle meeting and connection before erupting in a shockwave of light that turned the skies divine and bleached the mural temporarily white. Jenova screamed in agony, its body being blows away, burning into ash. Kairi feels warmth re-enter her body, and takes a step back as the limit break fades."Holy shit," she whispers, "That..."All that is left of Jenova is a smoldering pile of goop......that begins to twist and turn and churn. Kairi grits her teeth and yells, "Why wont you die?!"Then her worst nightmare forms out of the cells.Jenova takes on Kairi's own appearance, rising out of the mass. The only difference being silvery hair, red eyes, and very pale skin. With a flash of light, a replica of the Mother's Key forms in her hand. "We exist together now, dear child."Kairi is horrified by more than just the Crisis's appearance. She can FEEL IT, she can feel the body Jenova has just made! Has the urge to move it as her own, and her own flesh involuntarily moves, likely by Jenova's prodding. Kairi's panic builds, everything is going so fast, spinning so badly out of control. Then Jenova is upon her in her moment of distraction, swinging her replica Keyblade and smacking Kairi's out of her hands. She trips Kairi to the ground and throws herself ontop, straddling her stomach, letting go of her Keyblade to pin Kairi's arms down. Jenova leans down, face so close to her own, eyes wide in delight."You reached deep for that power, my foolish child, and opened the last barrier between us that I needed to get through. Now, just the two of us exist in one soul, and I am going to devour everything that is you until all that's left is all that is me."Jenova rears her head back, opens her mouth wide, brings it down, and bites a chunk out of Kairi's shoulder, tearing her head back and forth as she does. Kairi screams, in more than just pain. She feels it, a sudden tear in her memory. A blotch in her time as a child she can no longer remember. She stares at Jenova in horror as the Crisis swallows the piece of flesh that turns into light in her mouth, licking her lips."Your soul is exquisite."She rears back for another bite, bringing her head back up. Kairi snarls and slams her own head forward, cracking her head against Jenova's chin. Jenova grunts, rearing back, losing her grip. Kairi lurches upward and forward, shoving Jenova off, reaching for her (or is it Jenova's?) Keyblade, and tearing open Jenova's chest with a deep gash from the blade. She sees it then, a glowing light that had been a part of her soul and she yearns for it. Her eyes narrow into slit, and she lunges forward, tackling Jenova down to the mural, buries her face into Jenova's cut open stomach, and snaps it back, biting in deep. She rips her head back, taking some of Jenova with her, and swallows...
Alone, isolated on a meteor for countless years.

A planet? New life to consume?

Lands and waits, patience patience patience.

Foolish, curious mortals approach.

The hunger takes her.

The feast awaits...
Kairi slow blinks at the memories that flash before her eyes.Jenova stares at her, stunned.It only takes Kairi a moment to recognize what just happened.What she just did.That she took a chunk out of Jenova's soul just as the Crisis had done to her.She slowly licks her lips, uneasy with how hungry she suddenly feels, and how delicious those memories had tasted...But she she nods to herself.Kairi knows what she has to do.She can't drive Jenova out anymore.Jenova had infested her very soul.Its down to a contest of wills.A contest of Calamity.Consume or be consumed.Damn the vow, she can't let Jenova win.For once, Kairi sees and feels actual true fear from Jenova. Kairi surges forward, swinging her Keyblade. Jenova rolls out of the way, scrambling for her (Kairi's?) discarded Keyblade, picking it up and barely turning in time to block. They dance a desperate dance, sparks of light bursting off each clash of their Keyblades. But the damage she takes doesn't matter, it doesn't matter if Jenova carves her body, her soul into bloody bits. So long as she wins.She lets Jenova's Keyblade piece into her side and then drops her own Keyblade, hand clamping down on Jenova's arm to pin it in place, other hand reaching forward to grab Jenova's neck. She lashes out with a foot to trip her, the pair tumbling to the ground. Kairi opens her mouth, berries her face into Jenova's shoulder, and bites a chunk out of it, more memories, and more horrors, entering her as she does. Jenova screeches, writhing on the ground. Kairi takes another bite, and another, and another, face coated with blood and black ichor as she swallows down sickly flesh that makes her want to puke, swallows countless memories of genocide. So much death... so... much... death... so many souls... screaming... within Jenova... within her..."ULTIMA!"Kairi is blown off Jenova with a green explosion. She lands on the far side with a grunt, but its doesn't hurt nearly as much as she thought it did. In fact...Kairi clenches and releases her fists.As sickly and disgusting as she feels...She also feels stronger.She feels powerful.And if she gained strength... then Jenova lost it.Kairi stares at Jenova, toying with a memory not her own, knowledge not her own, a spell not her own, and slowly smiles a cruel smile. She's tired of this being used against her and those she cares and fights for, how about she use it for a change? "Five."Jenova freezes."Four."The Crisis's eyes go wide."Three."Jenova blitzes forward."Two."Jenova closes the half way mark."One."Jenova leaps, angling her Keyblade as she comes down to try and spear right through Kairi's chest.Jenova wanted to show her divinity? Perhaps Kairi should return the favor and then some. She funnels her light into her magic and mixes them together. "Divine Ultima."White light rather than green erupts out of Kairi in a powerful burst of energy, a hymn filling the air rather than ultima's normal destructive roar. Jenova barely has time to scream before the light hits her, front on disintegrating part of her body before she's blown away. The mural, the very air around them, is bleached white by this ultimate spell. Jenova flies through the air, and slams into a transparent barrier on the far side that briefly flashes, sliding down and landing with a thud, her front half gone, leaving half a scorched body behind. Kairi slowly stalks forward, eyes gleaming with predatory focus, as Jenova begins to regenerate.Kairi smirks as eyes reform and stare at her in terror. "What is it you said Jenova? That I never should have brought you down into my soul? Well, perhaps you should never have come. But you're such a greedy little glutton, aren't you?"Jenova bares her bloody reforming teeth, her voice desperate and angry. "Even if you win here, you still lose!""Is that so?""Could you possibly handle it?" whispers Jenova, "All that is ME?"Kairi's eyebrows furrow."Could you hold onto Kairi as you struggle with Jenova?" mocked the Crisis, "Your existence spans nineteen years, mine is in the billions. Can you prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by it? Hmm? Even if you consume me, how will you not become me?"Kairi regards her for a long moment. "I don't have a choice either way."Tentacles burst out of the mural, rising high into the air before swinging down for her. Kairi turns, holds out a hand, and wills them to stop inches from her. Jenova makes a choking sound. "You forget mother, we exist together now, isn't that what you said? My soul is your soul, but that goes in reverse to, your soul, your power, is mine as well. It all comes down to who is stronger than..."She freezes as she feels pressure in her mind, a brutal all out assault attack that has blood running out of her eyes. Jenova's will presses down upon her with everything she has. Kairi fights back, and for a moment she struggles, darkness creeping in. She thinks of her family. She thinks her friends, both in this realm and her home. She thinks of Jenova's countless victims that she's barely scratched the surface of, screaming voices that were never to find release. She thinks of the countless innocents, in all realms, that Jenova would devour.She shakes with effort, gritting out, "...and there is to much at stake. No matter the cost to myself, I have to end you right here, right now, and... and even if I lose some of myself..."Her gaze hardens, "It'll still be better than you."With a final roar of effort she breaks Jenova's hold, overpowers her will, and pushes back, constricting Jenova's presence. With a mental command, the tentacles now under her will surge past her and spear into Jenova's body, then back down into the mural, pinning her in place. With both her body and her will bound, Jenova begins to laugh hysterically. Kairi drops her keyblade and approaches, moving to sit and straddle Jenova's half reformed stomach with a splotch. She reaches out, grasping both of Jenova's shoulders. She leans in, places her mouth against Jenova's neck. She has one, last, fleeting desperate prayer, that she can survives this. Then, she opens her mouth, bits down, and begins to consume...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Genesis paced nervously, eyes never leaving the downed form of his apprentice. While they waited, the summon Chaos, as it had introduced itself, had explained quite a few things that he wished he had never had to know. 'Jenova', Sephiroth's so called Mother and Kairi's so called Mother persona, was an alien parasite that ate worlds, ate souls. It had turned Kairi into the same kind of creature it was when his apprentice had been infected with her. This in turn meant he and the rest of Kairi's girls were infected with her, just as normal SOLDIERs were infected with Jenova. The ramifications of that were horrifyingly crystal clear.If Jenova won, they were fucked.Chaos could keep that gun to his apprentice's head all he wanted, but they both knew it wouldn't do shit in the long run if Jenova ate Kairi's soul and took over her children along with the other half of SOLDIER. If Kairi won, then at least they could trust Kairi to be true to who she was, and hit her with a ruler if she started to slip. Because he knew his apprentice, she would never want to be like Jenova.He took in a deep breath and let it out. The worst thing about this was how closed off the web was, blocked by the Crisis. He could sense almost nothing from Kairi. He could feel Jenova's horrific taint emanate from her, could feel a struggle, but he could not tell who was winning or losing. Chaos had yet to move from his position, face impassive, if he felt anything, his face was to controlled to show.Then...The block fades...Yet he still can't tell who won.Kairi's presence is... strange. It feels like her, yet there is a feeling of Jenova's a sickly slickness to it that has him uneasy.Chaos lets a deep growl emanate from his chest. "Unexpected.""What, pray tell, is so unexpected?" demanded Genesis."The Calamity of Light consumed the Crisis," murmured Chaos, "Rather than the other way around, rather than driving it out, and rather than destroying it."Genesis slow blinked. "She... ate it?"Chaos frowned, finger flexing on the trigger. "...I should still end this threat."Genesis's sword was out instantly. "Kairi won you fool.""No," said Chaos solemnly, "She didn't."Confusing statements aside, the summon withdrew his gun and took a step away from Kairi, shaking his head. "I don't know how this will play out. There will be consequences for this. The Calamity of Light and the Crisis are gone, I don't know what is taking their place.""What are you talking about?" demanded Genesis.Kairi bolted upright before Chaos could answer, clutched her head, and screamed a horrified scream."Kairi!" cried out Genesis, rushing over and kneeling down, "Apprentice?""S...so many...," rasped Kairi, "So many so many so many."She started sobbing. "So many...""So many what?" demanded Genesis."So many souls," whispered Kairi, "So much death... so much suffering... its all in me now, its all in me..."She hugged herself, shaking her head nonestop and babbling as she cried. "Make it stop make it stop MAKE IT STOP!"Genesis... he had no idea what to do, what so say."I close my eyes, and I see worlds DIE!" screamed Kari, "In my head in my head in my head, ITS ALL IN MY HEAD!""It wont matter who won in the end if she falls to madness," snarled Chaos, moving to kneel down and grip Kairi's chin hard, "You took the Crisis into yourself. Then you have all of its powers and knowledge of how to use them, including its ability to manipulate memories, yes?""Y-y-yes," stuttered Kairi."Then wipe yourself clean," ordered Chaos, "Purge the Crisis's memories from you, and perhaps... perhaps that will give you, give us, more of a chance."Kairi shook, turning to bury her face into Genesis's stomach, clutching him and heaving great sobs. He brushes his hands through her hair and pushed as much comfort and calm he could down the web to her. "Shh apprentice, its alright, you will survive and come out stronger for this.""That may be the problem," muttered Chaos.Genesis glared at him, but Chaos merely holstered his gun and took a step back, grimacing as his features start to return to human form. The man he turned into fall to a knee, clutching his head and groaning. Genesis stared at him for a long moment, where had he seen that face before? He knows he's never met the man who bore the summon, but perhaps a photograph...Oh."Vincent Valentine?" posed Genesis, incredulous, "How...?""Hojo," grunted out Valentine, moving to sit on the ground with an exhausted grunt.Well... that answered that he supposed. Genesis sighed and stood, picking his apprentice up and cradling her close while she struggled with herself. "Come, I think its time we were on our way.""To where?" posed Vincent."Corel Inn I suppose," mused Genesis, "I'd say Cosmo Canyon, but they dislike Shinra on principle."Vincent waved him off. "I need a long moment to catch my breath, I'll catch up, go get her situated.""Going to run off are we?" asked Genesis.Vincent snorted. "Not unless I want Veld after me. Go find her somewhere comfortable to rest, anything to aid in the process and keep her calm."Genesis nods, extending his wing. "Very well. I... hopefully getting rid of Jenova's memories works, but what about... what about the souls?""I don't know," said Vincent quietly.Genesis shook his head and took to the sky. Kairi was rapidly becoming a jumbled mess in the web. "Can't can't can't...""Can't what?""Can't p-p-purge," stuttered Kairi."Why?""R-r-regeneration," she stuttered, "J-j-just comes b-b-back. Everything is s-s-so c-clear. P-p-perfect memory. I c-can remember e-every w-world, e-every soul..."Genesis frowned intensely, ideas coming to and then thrown out before one stuck. "What about repression? If you can't destroy the memories, then seal them away."Kairi took in a ragged breath. "I... I'll... I'll try."She shakes in his arm, and it constricts his heart to be able to do basically nothing. She latches onto him physically and in the web, but his presence is all he can give and it feels like its not enough. They fly for a little under an hour before he sights the town and lands outside of it, walking in at a brisk pace."Yo! SOLDIER boy!" calls out someone, "Halfta SOLDIERs in the town just collapsed awhile ago, we got em in the Inn..."Genesis waved him off, briefly sizing up the dark skinned burley man and assumed he held some level of authority in the town. "Yes yes I'm aware. I know the cause and its a work in progress. I need a room for her."The man looked down and noticed Kairi in his arms, swearing and motioning to one of the buildings. "Ya, we can get ya a room you can put her in. No charge, yell if you need anything."Genesis nods curtly and follows the man into an unseemly run down building, nothing like what he's used to (he'd honestly prefer a packed tent since he knows its clean), but it will do. He goes upstairs, to a room, and tries to set her down on the bed, but she refuses to let him go. He sights, waved the man off (said his name was Wally or something? Wallrus? Wallace? Doesn't matter), and sits on the bed, pressing his back to the wall, and clutches her to his chest as hard as she's clutching him. He thumbs a hand through her hair over and over again, whispering quietly to her, reminiscing on old memories and quoting LOVELESS.Its hours before any visible change happens, and when it does, he feels it in the web first. Most of the sickly feeling fades, though there is still a subtle undercurrent of it...Kairi giggles. "Sleep sleep sleepity sleep. Sent them to sleep. They no more hurt, they no more suffering, just sleep. Just rest."Genesis blinks. "Pardon?""Don't need their power," said Kairi, shaking her head, "Nope nope nope, don't need to feed on them, nope, no wanna nope nope nope. Not Jenova, not not not! I... I'm... not her... I'm... gnh... I... who am...""Kairi," stressed Genesis, "You are Kairi.""Y... yes...," whispered Kairi, "I'm Kairi. K-A-I-R-I... not Jenova, Kairi. Kairi... Kairi is good, Kairi loves family, Kairi... Kairi never feed on innocents like that... never never never...""Of course not apprentice, of course not," he said soothingly."Put them away," murmured Kairi, "Gotta put them all away all away... so much bad... she hurt so many... it hurts..."She shivered. "Don't wanna see more memories... hurts hurts hurts...""Shh apprentice, shh," he said, "You are a SOLDIER, no matter the difficulty, no matter the pain, you do your duty. You have to lock those memories away Kairi. I'll be with you right here the entire time."Kairi slowly pulls her head away from his chest, staring at him blankly. "You... Genesis...?""That is my name," he mused."Genesis... Chosen One, my Chosen One," she murmured, "But not like that... never like that... never like Jenova's. I don't want you to deliver me the world. I dun want it."Genesis swallows thickly at the implications at what he was supposed to be and do. "The world is overrated anyway."Kairi giggles and hugs him tightly, reburying her face in his clothes. "Overrated."He hopes this isn't a full on age regression and 'only just' a brief bit of instability.A whine escapes her lips, and she clutches him tightly for support once more. For a moment, he catches flashes of fire and screaming, of worlds exploding, the sensation of death and hunger. He hisses under his breath at how vile it all feels, but doesn't break away from Kairi in the web. He offers support, its all he can do. Night falls, and they close in on midnight before Kairi stops shaking, "Gnha...""Alright apprentice?" he poses cautiously.She pulls her chest back and blinks at him owlishly. "Genesis...?""Well I'm certainly not Angeal."She smiles a little. "Not nearly enough pecks for that.""Rude."Her smiles fades, a solemn look taking over. "Where... are we?""Corel Inn," he answers."Oh.""...are you situated?" he asks with hesitation."I... I shut away the worst of it," she said quietly, "And am trying really hard to not think of just how much more there is to go before it overwhelms my urge to not gouge my eyes out."Well... at least she wasn't talking like a toddler anymore.The shiver going down her spine is difficult not to see. "I just... I can't handle anymore right now.""Its alright," he offers, "There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess.""I'm pretty sure the Goddess actually hates my guts," she deadpans.He winces at that. "Yes well...""I don't think there is any 'well' about it," mutters Kairi bitterly, "I'm... I'm a fucking parasite Genesis. I... I..."She starts shaking again. "I didn't understand. It was just... just a notion in my head. Oh Jenova was a monster, oh she killed and consumed countless world and people... but until you've re-lived it... its just a horrible concept, now its reality... and I'm... I'm..."He reached over and brushed a tear slipping down her face away. "You are Kairi, my apprentice, a SOLDIER 1st Class, a 'mother' to over a hundred obnoxious girls who chatter to much through the web, and someone who cares. You have me, you have your girls, Angeal, Sephiroth, and plenty of the other SOLDIERs who would readily testify to what kind of person you are. Don't ever forget that.""K-A-I-R-I," sounded out Kairi in a faint whisper, eyes going distant, a small smile on her face, "Her... my memories to the front, anything not useful of Jenova's gets buried. I'm Kairi. Kairi...""Yes, we've been over that," he said dryly.She blinks, eyes coming back into focus, and stars at him for a long minute. A softness enters her face. "You've... been with me for a long time Genesis, always there for me, fighting for me, standing up for me...""Well of course, I..."He pauses when one of her hands reaches up to rest on his cheek. "Erm, apprentice?""I don't think I ever truly realized how devoted you are, how blind I've been, how I've taken you for granted," she murmured, and she leans forward, kissing him softly on the lips.He turns beat red, his heart hammering, the web building with something.She pulls back, looks at his face, and bursts into giggles. "Really Genesis? A girl kisses you and you flush like a schoolgirl?"He sputtered for a moment before clearing his throat. "Yes, well, being a full time SOLDIER leaves little time for relationships, and taking advantage of fans or visiting the Honeybee is beneath me.""Such a gentlemen," she says with a oddly endearing yet mocking undertone.He huffs, glancing downward then quickly back up, he should not be appreciating her that way. "Regardless, you, apprentice, are not a teenage girl anymore."She smiles sadly. "No, I suppose not."She reaches up and rests her hand on his check again. "Apprentice...""You flew all the way across the world to help me," she murmured, starting to lean in again."Not that I did much," he denied."None of us really did much Genesis," she said quietly, pulling back and huffing, "Jenova should have won that, would have won that, if she hadn't decided to be a greedy glutton. You realize how ridiculous of a setup it was to destroy her infected Ruby WEAPON, right?""It... was a bit of overkill," he agrees."Hardly," countered Kairi, "The chances of us coming up with something like that again aren't likely. Not that she needed another giant monster. If she had moved back to Midgar instead of going for me, took over any of the SOLDIERs with her cells, and started an active infestation... gods... Genesis you have no idea. Midgar would be an epidemic center long before we could even get back there. Even if we managed to somehow stop that... she's come back from single-cell defeats before and won. Genesis..."Kairi shakes. "Consuming her, putting an end to her active consciousness, it was the only way I could manage to stop her."He swallows. "Its... its alright apprentice. It will be alright. Just push away those memories, don't focus on them for the time being."He wants to quote LOVELESS at her again, but she'll probably not appreciate it at the moment.Her thumb brushes his check, and she looks tired. "Then help me forget for the night."Oh merciful goddess she went there. Why? "That's a terrible idea apprentice.""I disagree.""SOLDIERs aren't supposed to...""Are you of all people quoting rules and regulations at me?""I resent that.""You should.""We seem to be skipping a few steps here apprentice!""I don't care.""Apprentice I...""Just... for the night Genesis," she said quietly, "Whatever happens after, whether we continue on or it never happens again, but now, I... I just want to forget."He swallows thickly against the -need- rippling down the web. There isn't a shred of lust, just a desire for comfort, for him. "Just for the night...""Just for the night...""...and the override code for the Deepground chips is...?" prompted Sephiroth, his sword pressed up against the President's neck."Okay, okay I'll tell you just... just move the damn sword away Sephiroth!" exclaimed Rupert Shinra."You are complicate in crimes for which there are no proper measure," stated Sephiroth flatly, "The startup and daily running of the Shinra Company, the Turks and all they entail, the Jenova Project, and then, what is it they say? Take the cake? Yes, of all that, everything I've read about Deepground takes the cake. The depravity of it all, you have no room to argue nor make demands with me. You will do everything I tell you, or I will kill you slowly and painfully.""I made you Sephiroth," said Shinra, "You wouldn't be anything without me!"Sephiroth presses his sword in, a slight trickle of blood starting to trail down Shinra's neck. "There are many things I could say to that, but I've wasted enough time here. Write down the code, ALL codes for Deepground and what they do. You will be accompanying me down there, so if any of them fail, I will not hesitate to kill you. Best me truthful, hmm?"Shinra swallows and carefully reaches for a pad of paper, writing down strings of letters and numbers for a few minutes then shakily hands the paper to him. Sephiroth scans the page, the prime one he's looking for being the override code for the explosive chips. He's read Hojo's notes on the matter, and while extra precautions were being prepared to limit the most powerful of Deepground, they had yet to actually be enacted. Shutdown the chips, kill the Restrictors, and there would be nothing else in his way that he could not handle.He found the code listed, and he smiled with satisfaction. "Good, and since you've been so cooperative, you won't die in an agonizing manner."He flicks his wrist, taking the man's head clean off. "Just a quick one."He wipes his sword off on Shinra's back after the corpse collapses, reversing his grip and holding his sword behind him angled up. He pockets the pad of paper, then leans over to punch in a few keys on Shinra's screen, a command override to purge and shut down the cameras in the vicinity. He doesn't care if they know he killed the man, but he doesn't want anyone to have a clue where he's gone until he's completed his liberation. He makes his way out, stepping over Heidegger and Scarlet's corpses just outside the office as he goes. He heads for a special emergency elevator hidden near Shinra's office. He opens it, punches in the correct code, and down he goes, down and down and down to and then past the ground floor.The elevator dings, and he comes out at Mako Reactor 0. He hums to himself, noting two SOLDIERs standing near the elevator at terribly rigid attention. They bear guns instead of swords, their uniforms even more plain than a normal SOLDIERs. He corrects himself, briefly eyes the veins of mako going through the mako suit. These ones wont even be able to live without regular mako infusions, such was the level of experimentation done on them."Attention," he snaps, and they turn to him, pausing with alarm."1st Class Sephiroth, you do not have authorization to..."Sephiroth cuts him off, rattling off a command code. They pause again, reaching up to their helmet comms to confirm the code, before nodding, "Welcome to Deepground, sir, we weren't aware you would be coming."He smiles thinly before smoothly lying, "The President just brought me in and wants me to speed up the training the Tsviets."The guard nods. "Of course, sir.""I do believe Deepground has a master console room?" posed Sephiroth.The guard hesitates. "Restrictor access only.""Do I need to read off that code again, SOLDIER?""N-no sir.""Lead me there, then one of you go fetch the Restrictors and the Tsviets, I have... words to exchange with them."Twenty minutes later, through a nightmarish labyrinth of an underground city, where he's seen SOLDIERs killing eachother for 'fun' or for being 'weak', Sephiroth punches in the shutdown code for the chips, shuts down any mechanized defenses, and shuts down the Deepground synaptic dive network just to be on the safe side. He smiles briefly in satisfaction before the door behind him opens. Four figures in black cloaks and armored faces stride in first, followed by the Tsviets. Sephiroth takes a moment to look over the five strongest of Deepground, matching faces to images he had seen on Hojo's computer.The five who have been put through some of the worst of its horrors.Weiss the Immaculate.Nero the Sable.Rosso the Crimson.Argento the Noble.And the newest one, Azul the Cerulean.The first three had been born in Deepground, bred in Deepground, and he has to control the shiver of disgust and loathing for Shinra's sins. All that had been done to them, and save for the last two, Rosso was the only one of the three to even be fifteen years old yet. Just like him, they had been experimented on, just like him, they had been forced to kill so young...Not again.Never again."1st Class Sephiroth," says the Restrictor who takes point, hand on his... pistol blade? Gunblade? Odd weapon, "You are to step away from the console, I have yet to reach the President to confirm..."Sephiroth draws his blade, steps forward, and decapitates all four Restrictors in one smooth stroke before they can think to move.Weiss makes a choking sound. "The chips!""Already shut down," said Sephiroth.The Tsviets all stare at him in disbelief, before the redheaded Rosso howls in delighted laughter. "Dead dead dead, oh my oh my. Come now dear general, couldn't you have dragged it out, hmm?"He raises a single eyebrow at her.She pouts. "Tch.""So," said Azul, sizing Sephiroth, "The SOLDIER himself. You taking over the reigns then?""For the time being," said Sephiroth, "I have executed Professor Hojo, President Rupert Shinra, Head of Weapons Development Scarlet, Head of Public Safety Heidegger, and of course the Restrictors, for their crimes involved in Deepground and more. I have every intention of ending this abominable experiment and extracting each and every single one of you from this hellhole."Argento moves to lean against a wall, hands shaking. "Do you... do you truly mean this?"He gives a sharp nod."The sky at last," muses Rosso, "Oh yes, to dance under the sky, perhaps we can celebrate, hmm? I've heard surface dwellers are even more fragile then new recruits, so brittle and easy to break."Sephiroth gives her a hard look. "But that, right there, is why the dismantling of Deepground will be done in stages."She bares her teeth and opens her mouth, snarling...Then goes still when Weiss lays a hand on her shoulder. "Why?""In less than half an hour here, a short walk through the city, I've observed eight murders, several public beatings of those to weak to defend themselves being tortured and beaten...""Your point being what?" interrupts Rosso, indifferent."Rosso," said Argento quietly, "The surface doesn't work like Deepground does.""...and?""My point being, all of you are a danger to yourself and others," said Sephiroth, "You must be taught how to properly act and interact with others."Azul huffs. "Good luck with that, sir. I've been down here less than a year and I can safely say that's not likely to happen."Nero blinks at him, voice soft. "...what is wrong with how things are here? We never liked the Restrictors, but..."A pinched look crossed Sephiroth's face. "You were never taught any better, and I am sorry that all of you had to be put through this. I will need your help and cooperation in order to make this work. I will draft new rules and regulations that Deepground is to acclimate. I will go over laws that govern our society. I will answer questions and try to explain how things should be to the best of my ability. Once I am satisfied that Deepground has adjusted to a passable basic standard, hopefully no more than half a year to a year, I will go back up, clear up a few things, then bring down psychiatrists other specialists to help you further adjust. Each member of Deepground shall be aided on an individual manner, and once judged fit, you will be brought to the surface where the company will help you move into a new life. Whether you join SOLDIER proper, or wish to find life elsewhere."The three born in Deepground looked either bewildered or overwhelmed. Argento moves to quietly speak to the three Deepground bred, apparently Sephiroth's words needed to be translated into 'Deepground speak'. Azul merely moves up and says, "Wouldn't mind joining the proper thing, was what I wanted anyway. Coming down here and getting a chip slapped in me wasn't quite what I recall agreeing to, I wanted SOLDIER, not this. Though, being able to transform into a behemoth is... nifty."Sephiroth sighed. "Hojo's notes hadn't said that was done yet."Azul shrugged. "Happened last week.""My condolences."Azul waved it off. "At least you're doing something about it, honestly... this place rubs off on you. Only been down here a few months, and I can tell you... my hands ain't clean anymore. Ain't nowhere near clean. People down here... what this place does to you... I get what you're trying to do, but if you think you can fix this in a year or so tops?"He shakes his head. "Ain't happening sir. Ain't happening."Sephiroth purses his lips. "We'll see."He starts past them for the door, echoing, "We'll see."She slowly wakes to warmth.To arms wrapped around her, nestled naked under a blanket.She blinks.
Kairi.
Yes...
K-A-I-R-I.
That is who she is.Not Jenova.Never J-E-N-O-V-A.She takes a few minutes, in the arms of her Chosen One, to disconnect and bury a few more of the Crisis's memories, something she's decided to piecemeal over time as to not overwhelm herself. She stores useful abilities and knowledge away in a separate isolated area, because the 'how' of Jenova obtaining said abilities or knowledge are still generally awful. When she's burned a good fifteen minutes, she pulls away from the memories and sighs softly.She nestles backwards, pressing against her Chosen One's chest for comfort, relishing in the connection and resonation between their cells. She had been honest in her desire for his comfort for the night, but now that she thinks on it... he would not deliver her this world, she did not want it, so rather than Champion, Consort sounded much better. He had certainly proven himself worthy of it over the years, in his own unique manner, and her children should have a father, yes? Yes, that's what Kairi's... her... memories suggest. Basic family structures have mothers and fathers. Even large ones. That's...That's normal.Nothing inhuman about it.Nothing monstrous about it.She doesn't particularly care about regulations against SOLDIERs fraternizing in such a manner, she saved the world dammit, she's owed this and more. Saved it twice over even, yes, Kairi... she... had defeated Zirconiade as well as Jenova. They owe her so much. Honestly, she'd never cared for all the public relations stunts before, but a bit of cheering and praising from the masses was a lot more enticing of an idea now than it had been prior. The cheers of the populous, the love of her children...
Oh.
She still needed to undo what Jenova did to them.She reaches down the mental web, into every one of her children, and removes the magic keeping them all asleep. The chorus of them all gasping awake in the span of a few seconds sends a thrill of pleasure down her spine. The awareness quickly turns to alarm, and so many reach out for her. She can't help the greedy pleasure she feels to welcome their presences brushing up against hers. Then of course is the confusion."Mom?" poses Elena, "What happened? You feel... different.""Short answer, what I did to kill the enemy had consequences," said Kairi, "Long answer, wait till I return to Midgar and I'll explain everything."
Brr. Brr. Brr.
Kairi blinks, distracted. "Considering my PHS actually failed to survive, I think that's yours."Genesis grumbles, not answering.
Brr. Brr. Brr.
"Uh... hey mom...?" said Elena, "Something funky is going on in HQ. There are a lot of people shouting and running around, let me snag... oh, hello Commander Hewely."There is a pause. "Mom, I quote, 'Tell Genesis to pick up his fucking phone', since when does the Commander swear in public?"Kairi sighed, reaching over to the nightstand, ruffling through Genesis's tarnished jacket for the PHS, flicking it on, and saying, "You're on speaker Angeal.""Genesis, Kairi, get the fuck back to Midgar ASAP! Sephiroth killed half the damn board, President and Hojo included, then vanished without a trace," he orders.Genesis coughed and sat up, pushing the blanket off. "He did WHAT?!""Well... can't say I didn't see something like that coming," mused Kairi, "Could have waited for us at least.""That's not even hitting the reports of giant monsters seen heading west, and the reactor-grade explosion seen from Corel, please tell me Nibel's reactor didn't go.""Monsters are gone," said Kairi, "The reactor and the town got hit in the crossfire.""FUCK!" snarled Angeal, "Gods dammit, the civilian casualties in the last year have been horrific! We're SOLDIER! We are supposed to stop this!"Kairi's face fell. "I'm sorry Angeal, the things that happened in Nibelheim... everything went out of control so fast."He sighed. "Just... get back here. We need to debrief you two, then figure out where to go from here. Lazard has taken over for the moment, and I've been pushed up to SOLDIER Director in his place for the time being. I need both of you here to help quickly.""Before the days out, we'll fly," promised Kairi."Good."
Click. Beep.
"Well, he sounded short," muttered Kairi."Stressful day," said Genesis mildly, getting out of bed and going for his clothes.Kairi chimed down the web. "Does anyone in Corel have a spare uniform? Mine was... wrecked yesterday."She'd shift her skin to look like clothing again if she needed to, but she'd rather prefer actual clothing."Yeah sure," replied one of her children, "Let me get it out of my bag and I'll drop it off."Ten minutes later, Genesis and Kairi stand side by side at the outskirts of town, stretch their wings, and start flying home...
END OF BOOK ONE