The Awakening/Archive2

*<< I - **II** - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X >>*

> **“This definitely isn't Midgar...”** Vincent said to himself as he made his way down what appeared to be a fiberglass road. He had always wondered what a technology jump would be like, seeing as he'd probably experience one, the way things were going. However, this world was just messed up now. So was this city. He had no idea where he was going. He saw a large building labeled 'Airstation' about a mile back, but that didn't help. He strolled past two locals, happening to overhear them.
>
>
> **“Hey, Bob, I gotta get going. Janie wants me to meet her at the new item shop.”**
>
> **“There's a new item shop?”**
>
> **“Yeah, it's just down that skyway, past 7th Heaven.”**
>
>
> *7th Heaven? Hmm...* Vincent thought with a sneaking suspicion. He headed down the 'skyway' that the local had mentioned. He guessed Tifa really meant it when she said she wanted out of Midgar, but why this place? Then, he saw it. A building that looked similar to the others, but the sign on the front said “Tifa's 7th Heaven” in large decorative print. *I haven't seen her or the others for a while. Will they have changed?,* he wondered a moment before heading in.
>
>
> Tifa was just about done with the dishes as the bell over the door chimed, meaning only one thing; she had a customer. **“I’ll be with you in a moment.”** She yelled over the running water as the last couple of glasses were dropped into the sink. A light sigh passed lips as she just continued washing and stacking glasses in the dish drainer.
>
>
> *“Just another customer...”* Marlene thought as she flipped to the next page of the fashion magazine she was reading. These things just seemed to come out of nowhere sometimes but they were rather interesting to say the least. *“People in Esthar dress kind of funny.”* A giggle was given to that thought as she flipped through a few more pages, finding a dress she thought was adorable. The dress was in a futuristic baby doll style with puffy sleeves and buttons along the shoulders, nothing she hadn’t seen before but the fabric was a unique iridescent pink like none she had seen before. *“I wonder if Tifa…”* She thought, now shaking her head. *“Maybe if I help out more and save up…”* A nod was given to that thought as she carefully tore out the page, folded it up and stowed it in her dress pocket before turning back to the magazine.
>
>
> Poor Abel, he was bored to tears at this point; but he had it coming he supposed. Once you got Yuffie on the subject of materia, she never shut up, it seemed. So, he listened to all she had to say before shaking his head lightly. **“Yes, I see. So what happens if you link two blue materias together? Do you blow up or something?”** Was asked with a smirk as head tilted to one side. He knew it would do nothing, but he was just looking to get a rise out of her. Catlike hues slowly looked to the various materia scattered along the table top as a stark brow slowly rose. He saw blue, green and yellow but that was it. **“Hum, and you don’t have any purple or red now do you?”** The kid was smart, too smart for his age so it seemed but it was because he was a good listener and always paid attention when his Mother or anyone else with higher knowledge spoke and he wished he could say the same for his bone-headed brother.
>
>
> Kane on the other hand was having a ball mixing up Yuffie’s materia. **“Hehehehe so many colors now…”** He said low, slowly sliding the plastic containers out of order. **“Pretty sneeeeaky...”** He said low, looking up to Abel who looked bored out of his mind. Another giggle was heard as he pulled one more plastic box out, revealing something he had never seen before; a red materia. **“Ohhhhhh shiny! Never seen a red materia beeefore!”** A goofy grin crossed lips as he leaned over the halfway pulled out box, reaching for the materia – and that was a bad idea. The box teetered underneath him and then slid off into the floor, scattering materia everywhere. **“Eeeeek!”** He squeaked, grabbing on to the closest thing he could which was two more boxes of materia; and those hit the floor with a crash. **“Almost got it…!”** He said knocking the last box to the floor as he grabbed the red shiny orb. **“Hehe! I got it!”** He called to Abel who was now looking at him in shock. **“Wha? Wha’d I do?”** And then he looked around to all the materia scattered about. **“Oopsies…”** An embarrassed expression crossed pale features as he looked up to Yuffie, Abel and the familiar man that had just walked through the door. **“Papa Vincent! Haaaaaaalp!”** He squeaked, crawling across the floor with his newly pilfered materia, seeking shelter under Vincent’s cloak. **“Yuffies gonna eat me!”**
>
>
> Able just sighed, looked to Yuffie and then followed his brother to what seemed to be their favorite hiding place; Vincent’s cloak of all places. **“It was Kane’s idea Papa…”** He said low, peering at Yuffie from behind Vincent’s leg.
>
>
> **“Two blues? No, you don't blow up! ...It just doesn't work.”** Yuffie laughed, then slumped a bit. She kinda wished it did, as Final Attack-Quadra Summon-Knights Of The Round would just rock. The ninja then crossed her arms at Abel's question, **“I do, but not many reds. Summons are hard to come by these days.”** She finished by nodding all sage-like. Then... **“What the—AHH!”** At the sound of the crash, Yuffie hit the deck. Being struck by a few stray materia. After the ruckus had settled, she stood up. **“Oohhhhhh! You were in on this, weren't you?”** She asked, sounding not angry, but annoyed. She started towards Vincent and the kids, stepping over materia. **“I bet you were in on this, too, Vincent!”** The young ninja jabbed Vincent in the chest a few times as she said this, then turned away. **“...Vincent!”** She quickly turned back and quickly clung to him before going to pick up some of the scattered materia. **“Long time no see, man! Wanna buy some materia?”** She asked, looking up at him and grinning.
>
>
> Tifa had just turned off the water when she heard the crash which instinctively sent her flying out the door, holding on to the frame to keep her balance. **“What is going on out here?!?”** She said in a rather stern tone as brows knitted together. She first looked to the scattered materia then to Yuffie, and finally to the twins who were hiding behind Vincent. And then she started laughing. **“Yuffie, might wanna find a safer place to set up shop.”** A light sigh was given as she turned back to the small kitchen – and then did a double take. **“Oh my god, Vincent!”** She whirled back around and hopped over the bar heading to where he stood at the door. **“It’s great to see you again! Where have you been?”** She asked, tilting her head to one side. **“Everyone’s been worried.”** A nod was given to that as she reached out to give him a big hug.
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
> The loud crash startled her, which sent the magazine she held flying up into the air. Hazel hues peered out across the room as she eyed the mess, then the twins. **“Kane, Abel!”** And then she just wanted to laugh despite the good fright she had just received. **“Be careful, you both could have gotten hurt!”** She said with a nod, looking to Tifa as she bolted from the back room. **“Materia is dangerous stuff!”** A light sigh was given as she hopped down off the stool and headed out from behind the bar, stopping dead in her tracks. **“Oh wow! Hey Vincent!”** She called waving as she followed Tifa. **“Hey, did you ever get a phone?”** Was said as brows knitted together and arms crossed.
>
>
> **“Good gracious me! What happened down here?”** Cait Sith asked, slightly alarmed, standing next to Shelke at the bottom of the stairs. Cait looked to Shelke, but she wasn't concerned with the mess. She was staring straight at Vincent. **“Vincent Valentine.”** She sad in her near-monotone, like always. **“What”** Cait looked in Vincent's direction, **“Oh, hiya Vincent! How goes things?”**
>
>
> Materia all over the floor was not what Vincent expected to see. Neither were Violet's twins. He looked down at them. **“What are you two doing here?”** He then looked back to see Yuffie heading towards him. She hadn't changed. **“I see business is going well for you.”** He said, barely hiding a smirk. That got a little yellow orb tossed at him, but it just plunked harmlessly off his shoe and rolled away. Then he saw Tifa and that girl...Marlene approaching him. **“Worried...about me?”** He chuckled a bit before heading towards the bar. He turned, leaning on the bar between stools. **“Yes, I did get a phone,”** He answered Marlene, **“But Reeve won't stop texting me...”** He sighed at that, but looked over at the sound of another familiar voice. It was Shelke, however, that caught his eye. She was here, too? He looked to Tifa again. **“...Are you running a daycare? I thought this was a bar...”**
>
>
> A light sigh passed pink lips as she looked to Yuffie for a moment. **“Get this mess cleaned up before someone gets hurt.”** She said, now turning to Kane and Abel who were still clinging to Vincent. **“And you two help her, it’s only fair.”** A stern nod was given as she watches the two toddle over to the mess and begin to pick up. Arms slowly crossed as she stepped back behind the bar, picking up Marlene’s magazine along the way. **“Yes, worried about you… You and Cloud! Ya both disappear for long periods of time and then show up out of nowhere – but I think you have Cloud beat when it comes to the visiting status. He took off when Violet showed up about a week and a half ago, couldn’t imagine why.”** A light shrug was given as Tifa fetched a wine glass from the cabinet. **“Anyhow, yeah so Violet showed up and left the twins here; more official ShinRa business she said and left it at that. She usually gives details on when she’ll be back, but yeah I have no idea what’s going on and Cait Sith is of no help when it comes to information.”** The glass was sat on the bar in front of Vincent and filled half way with red wine, the usual of course. Tifa knew what type of poison her friends took which was kind of amusing. Cid was partial to a ‘cold one’ as he called it, Barrett was into the hard stuff like whiskey, Yuffie was partial to Sake, Zacky liked hurricanes which were fitting to his loud personality, Cloud on the other hand took whatever the house special was and Nanaki just didn’t drink at all. Everyone had their preference and Tifa, being the bar mistress extreme would always have drink ready before they ordered.
>
>
> The bottle was returned to the shelf as she turned back to Vincent, resting her elbows on the bar. **“And Shelke just kinda showed up one day.”** A nod was given to that as she watched Cait Sith hop up on the bar and begin to dance around. **“Classified information, I told you already lass!”** He hopped around and just shook his head. **“Can’t tell ya anymore than that!”** Brows knitted together as Tifa rose, grabbing a towel. **“Get...! Get down!”** She said swatting at the cat. **“You’re setting a bad example for the little ones!”** The cat hopped down on to a stool as Tifa wiped down the bar top. **“Honestly!”** A light shake of the head was given as she looked back to Vincent. **“So call it a daycare if you like, but I call it a zoo.”**
>
>
> Marlene just giggled as the twins scurried past her. She followed Vincent to the bar and hopped up on the stool next to him. **“Reeve won’t stop texting you huh?”** Was said with a smirk as she began to rummage through his pockets. First she pulled out some kind of pocket knife thing and then a box of bullets. **“No, that’s not it...”** She said dropping the stuff onto the bar. Next she pulled out a potion and what appeared to be his wallet – oh so tempting but no, she knew better so she just dropped it on the bar with the rest of the junk she had pulled out. A light sigh was given as she continued to dig finding gum wrappers, lint and various other things no use to her so they wound up with everything else. **“Geez, do you carry your whole house in your pockets?”** She mumbled finally finding his phone. **“AHHA! So this is what you do if Reeve is bugging you.”** A nod was given as she opened Vincent’s phone and pressed the off button. **“Problem solved!”** Was said as she took his hand and placed the phone in it before hopping off the stool to go help the boys clean up.
>
>
> Tifa just looked to Marlene and Vincent and giggled. **“Remind you of someone?”** She said, turning back to the counter. **“I’ve learnt that kids do funny things sometimes but they mean well.”** A nod was given to that as she began to put away glasses and pitchers. **“So what have you been up to lately that’s keeping you away from all of us? You even have Cid worried – but I think it’s more Shera than anything.”** Another giggle was heard as she knelt down to get to the bottom shelf. **“But it has been a while since I’ve spoken with Cid and Barrett because they’re off helping rebuild Midgar, maybe you should go see them…”** A pause was given as she glanced over her shoulder. **“And if you see Cloud, tell him to get his spiky ass home!”** Brows just knitted together as she went back to her work.
>
>
> Vincent nodded, taking a seat at the bar. Cloud was pretty quiet, especially recently. That wasn't much of a problem where Vincent was concerned. He knew the man could take care of himself most days. And Violet. Just...Violet. He understood her keeping the kids out of ShinRa, but...*she* was still there. He chuckled a bit at the Cait Sith comment. **“He gets that from Reeve...”** He looked at the wine as Tifa poured it, waiting a moment before picking it up. **“Thank you.”** He then watched the cat as he gave his usual thing about not talking. Reeve was clever, but this cat was just tight-lipped. Taking a sip of his wine, he looked at Marlene and nodded. **“He always has a reason for me to go back to Midgar.”** His eyes widened when Marlene started digging through his stuff, but there wasn't much he could do now. **“...I don't have a house.”** He watched her dig the phone out and mess with it. When she turned it off and handed it to him, he raised an eyebrow. **“Doesn't that negate the purpose of the phone?”** Too late, though. Marlene had already left. He turned back to Tifa, taking another sip of wine before pocketing all his junk again. **“I was...off on one of Reeve's crazy missions. Don't you remember? After that, well...I left Midgar. Reeve's been wanting me to come back ever since.”** Vincent shook his head, **“I'm not going back.”**
>
>
> **“Oi! Believe it or not, lad, he misses ya. All of ya.”** Cait Sith spoke up. The cat could see into Reeve's mind, just as Reeve could his. **“He's just a wee bit too busy to leave Midgar right now. He's been in contact with the lads up there buildin', o' course, but he'd like to come around here once in a while. Maybe once everything's settled down and Midgar's properly reconstructed...”**
>
>
> Shelke hopped up on the stool that Marlene had been on before. **“So...You haven't done anything since Deepground?”** She hoped he'd go into a little more detail about that, but this was Vincent. As expected, he just shook his head and sipped his wine. Shelke sighed and propped her head on her hands and her elbows on the bar. **“...I'm glad you're all right.”** She sensed him move a bit next to her. Then, the door opened.
>
>
> **“Goood afternoon, everybody!”** Zack called excitedly as he stepped, closing the door behind him. Most of the Materia was cleaned up by then, so Zack simply strode over to the bar and stretched before taking a seat next to Cait Sith. **“What's up, cool cat?”** He asked, patting the kitty doll on the head before looking at Tifa. **“I'm ready for the evening rush!”** He grinned in a goofy way.
>
>
> **“I bet he does...”** Was said with a smile as she stood up straight, wiping the bar top down once more. **“Having a toy cat dancing on the bar isn’t all that bad, but I don’t need a couple of eight year olds doing it as well – ya know, monkey see monkey do.”** A nod was given to that as she listened in on the conversation whilst checking today’s income. A dark brow rose as she looked to Vincent once more. **“Well, maybe it’s important and you should go back.”** A pause was given as she shrugged. **“I’m just saying.”** The cash box was tucked away behind the counter as she spoke. **“I mean Violet is there and she might need you for whatever this top secret classified mumbo jumbo is – ya never know until ya go find out.”** So maybe her two cents weren’t needed when it came to Vincent and his reasons, but she was gonna needle him anyway.
>
>
> She was about to say something else on the topic when she heard the bell over the door jingle and that familiar perky voice. **“Zacky! It’s about time you showed up and at the most opportune moment – I was beginning to wonder.”** A light smile was given as she took off her apron and tucked it under the counter with the cash box. **“It’s all yours!”** She said hopping over the bar looking to the kids who has just finished cleaning the mess. **“Good job! Now, who wants to go to the shop with me?”** And naturally the twins and Marlene happily volunteered. **“Well, go up stairs and get ready...”** But before she could finish, the three were already on their way up. **“Shelke, would you like to go too?”** Was asked as she stopped at the bar. **“Oh and Yuffie, Zacky... Vincent, you guys need anything while I’m out?”** Her head tilted to one side for a moment before a light smile was given. Today had just turned out to be an interesting day after all...
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
> *Four weeks later at the ShinRa building...*
>
>
> The frantic clicking of heels echoed through the whitewashed hallway as Violet rounded the corner, running as fast as she could hoping she mad it to the infirmary before Angeal did. A set of sliding doors barely mad it open in time for her to pass as she rounded another corner, spotting the one she was looking for and not a moment too soon. **“Anggggggeal!”** She called, now sliding across the tile floor trying to stop. **“Ahhhhhh…”** And crash, Angeal caught her before she could fall. **“I’m glad I found you!”** She said, huffing and puffing. **“Doctor Faremis said you’re supposed to see Sephiroth today…”** She started, but Angeal cut her off.
>
>
> **“Whoa there lil mommy, what’s the rush?”** He asked, stopping her in her tracks. It had been a while since her saw the little girl; problem was she just wasn’t all that little anymore. **“Why don’t you slow down huh? It’s been a while; let me take a look at you.”** A light smile crossed his lips as he stood her up straight giving a nod of approval. **“Who’d of thought you of all people a mommy, how are the little one’s by the way? And when do I get to meet them hum?”** A light chuckle was given as he let her go now that she could stand just fine on her own two feet. **“So what do I owe this pleasure madam?”** He asked as head tilted to one side.
>
>
> Violet finally caught her breath as Angeal let her go; and she just shook her head. **“They’re fine, I left them with Tifa in Esthar and you’ll get to meet them soon enough…”** A light pause was given as she looked up to the man, a dark brow slowly quirking. **“In fact, that’s why I’m here and I’m glad I caught you.”** Fingers slowly laced behind her back. **“Just don’t say anything to Sephiroth about them ok? He doesn’t know yet and yeah…”** She thought for a moment, remembering what Doctor Faremis said about her being there. **“In fact, don’t even mention me at all because I’m not even supposed to be here ok?”**
>
>
> Angeal gave a light nod as another chuckle was heard. **“Yes, I know. Doctor Faremis has already gone over the dos and don’ts when it comes to Sephiroth these days.”** Arms slowly crossed as he looked to the door at the end of the hallway. **“And if you’re not supposed to be here you might wanna go because I’m supposed to meet with Faremis soon.”** This whole mess kind of amused him to no end really. ShinRa’s scientific division was run by a relative of Gast, Sephiroth had amnesia and two hell spawns he didn’t know about and here sat little Violet smack dab in the middle of it all. **“So shoo, go on now – When I’m done, I’ll find you and tell ya all about it ok?”**
>
>
> An unsatisfied nod was given as arms slowly crossed. **“Oh really, did he now?”** Brows knitted together as a look of frustration crossed pale features. **“I see well, you do that and I’ll be around ok? Probably at the Turks lounge or something if I don’t get called out for some reason.”** And with that she gave Angeal a wave, casually walking away and around the corner – but she didn’t leave the infirmary, she just stayed. Slim frame pressed against the cold concrete wall as she waited for Faremis to come out of the room – and she knew he was in there…
>
>
> The whitewashed door was slowly pulled open as Elliot stepped out with clipboard in hand. Grey hues slowly skimmed over the notes as he looked up, spotting Angeal. **“Well hello, I have some good news.”** Words passed lips as he smiled lightly, stepping over to shake the man’s hand. **“Sephiroth remembers you.”** A pause was given as he looked back to his notes for a moment. **“But the details are kind of sketchy so when you see him in a moment, kind of try to bring up some good moments from the past – you know, things you guys did together that were pleasant and memorable.”**
>
>
> He shook the Doctor’s hand and listened to everything he had to say, cringing just a bit. **“Well, it’s good that he remembers me.”** A pause was given as he reached up to scratch his head, bowing slightly. **“But as for pleasant and memorable…”** A light chuckle was given. **“That’s gonna be slightly difficult, but I’ll give it a shot keeping to the dos and don’ts you gave me.”** A nod was given to that as he stepped towards the door that the doctor came out of. **“But nonetheless, it’ll be good to see him again after all these years.”** Was said as he pushed the door open and stepped into the room, letting it fall shut behind him.
>
>
> Elliot had faith in Angeal and knew if anyone could get through to Sephiroth, it was him other than Violet of course, but he saw how that went four weeks ago. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of her since then which was kind of strange. Usually she was poking around the lab, getting into some kind of mischief; it was almost like she had just vanished – either that or found the closure she needed to move on. *“But I seriously doubt that…”* He thought to himself shaking it off. **“Oh and good luck… Angeal?”** But he had already disappeared behind the door. **“Humph, people from SOLDIER don’t waste any time now do they?”** He said to himself as a light sigh was given before he made his way down the hall.
>
>
> Faremis was headed her way, which only meant one thing – she needed to find a hiding place and fast. Hues darted around for a moment as she spotted a linen closet across the hall. *“I hope like hell it isn’t locked…”* She thought, quickly twisting the knob; and success, it opened and she quickly dove in not a moment too soon. The door cracked slightly open as she watched Faremis walk past. **“Yeah, you just keep on going and don’t come back for a while.”** She said to herself, cautiously creeping out of the closet as he disappeared behind a set of sliding doors. **“Annnd good riddance!”** Was hissed as she made her way down the hall to the door that Angeal went into. Slim frame knelt as she got as close to the door as she could, attempting to ease drop.
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
> **“Sephiroth, it’s been a long time.”** Was said as blues set upon the silhouette that stood facing the window. **“Doctor Faremis said you remember me – that’s a good thing I suppose.”** Angeal reached up to scratch his head once more; he was just a loss for words at the moment. **“So yeah, how longs it been? Nine years? Time sure does fly doesn’t it?”** Ok, now he just felt stupid. A light sigh was given as he took a seat at the small table in the corner waiting for Sephiroth to say or do something because at the moment, he was just standing there staring out the window.
>
>
> *Catlike hues slid shut for a moment as he heard Angeal enter the room and begin speaking; but Sephiroth did or said nothing. Hues opened as he gazed out across the still incomplete side of Midgar. **“Doctor Faremis said Jenova used me to summon meteor and cause all this destruction…”** He finally said, tuning to Angeal. Gloved hands folded behind his back as he took a few steps towards the table as a few stark tresses grazed his cheek. **“I don’t understand any of this, but I’m sure Mother has her reasons for it. All in good time I suppose.”** Was said with a light nod as he took a seat across from his old friend. **“Yes Angeal, I remember you – how could I forget?”** Head tilted to one side as he studied the man for a moment. **“I have no recollection of the time that has passed since I was reunited with Mother.”***
>
>
> A dark brow rose as he listened to Sephiroth when he finally did speak; and the subject was on the don’t list. Faremis said when Sephiroth mentioned ‘Mother’ he was referring to Jenova and that’s something they were trying to overcome -- his insanity. **“I… See well, ok then um.”** He thought for a moment. **“Oh hey! Do you remember that day in the training center with Genesis? Yeah there we go!”** Was said with a chuckle. **“Genesis and Loveless.”** A nod was given to that as he tried to think of some fond memories. **“You two almost destroyed the building.”** And he just couldn’t help but laugh, on the other hand Sephiroth wasn’t laughing with him.
>
>
> ***“Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess. We seek it thus, and take to the sky, ripples form on the water’s surface -- the wandering soul knows no rest.”** A light nod was given as arms then crossed, resting on the table. **“Loveless act one, how could I forget after Genesis beat it into my head?”** A light pause was given as he leaned back thinking for a moment. **“Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return.”** He just shook his head. **“What do the Holy one and Genesis have to do with each other? And why do I have such a burning hatred for him? He was once my friend but then became my enemy – why?”** He asked as a puzzled look crossed pale features.*
>
>
> A light sigh passed his lips as he just shook his head. Another topic from the don’t list had just come up and he knew the answer but was afraid to answer them. Sephiroth came to despise Genesis because of Violet – or as he calls her the Holy one. He was in love with her from the day they first met, but she was infatuated with Genesis and his insanity and poetic nature even when he stood her up for their first and only date. Sephiroth was always there to pick up the broken fragments of her heart that Genesis left behind and she finally fell him love with Sephiroth. **“I… I don’t know.”** He said low, trying to think of another way to change the subject. **“It seemed like in the end, everyone hated Genesis for what he had become.”** A nod was given to that as he leaned back getting comfortable.
>
>
> *“Damnit Angeal, you do know so tell him! Tell him why he hates Genesis so much.”* If only the man could read her mind, but alas he could not. A light sigh passed dark lips as she leaned against the door for a moment letting hues fall shut. **“I only wish you weren’t my friend so I could hurt you in the end…”** She hissed lightly, now hearing footsteps heading in her direction. Hues flew open, but it was too late as she saw those familiar taffeta covered legs stop in front of her. *“Damnit…”* She thought, looking up to Arianah who was now gazing down at her.
>
>
> **“Miss. Violet, you know you’re not permitted to be here.”** Was said lightly as she offered the woman her hand. **“But I will not tell my Father.”** A light smile was given as she nodded lightly. Arianah had the mind and body of a robot, but the apathy and soul of a human being so that only made her half bad. **“I sympathize for you and understand your concern for Mister Sephiroth but I won’t tell you to stay away nor will I shove my sympathetic feelings down your throat like Father does.”**
>
>
> A dark brow rose as she took Arianah’s hand and pulled herself to her feet. **“Why… Thank you Arianah, I honestly didn’t expect that from you.”** A pause was given as she reached down to straighten her skirt and button down shirt. **“Come to think of it, I’ve never seen you away from Faremis – you’re always by his side taking orders.”** A light nod was given as she eyed the doll like cyborg for a moment. **“So you’re really not going to rat me out?”**
>
>
> **“I have been assigned to watch over Mister Sephiroth and make sure he does not leave infirmary hall three dash B.”** Was said as she watched Violet, confused at the actions she took to straighten her clothing. Grey hues looked down to her own attire. A deep purple taffeta gown and lab coat which were in slight disarray, but it was irrelevant to her current assignment. A light shrug was given as she shook her head. **“I will not tell Father you were here, come back as often as you like but you cannot have any contact with Mister Sephiroth or Father will know.”** A nod was given to that as she turned and headed down the hallway in the direction she first came from. **“Come with me, I have something to show you.”**
>
>
> Violet followed the cyborg down the hall until she stopped at a silver door which slid open revealing a small room with a control panel and monitors. **“What is this?”** She asked, stepping in and looking around with curiosity. **“Do you... Monitor the patients from here? Isn’t that kind of like invasion of privacy?”** She asked, taking a seat in the corner.
>
>
> **“Yes, we monitor from here and 95.666669 percent of the time our patients are comatose; it is on a rare occasion such as this we have one that’s coherent.”** The door slowly closed as she took a seat in front of the monitor and hit a few keys on the control panel, bringing up visual and audio of the room Sephiroth and Angeal were in. **“Listen and watch, I will tell you if Father is coming so that you have ample time to efficiently leave the area.”** Was said as she sat back and stared at the screen.
>
>
> Violet looked to Arianah and then to the monitor then nodded lightly. **“I appreciate this.”** She said low, but it looked like the cyborg had gone into standby mode or something so she shrugged and began watching Sephiroth and Angeal. She had to admit, this was a lot better than pressing her ear to a cold door.
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
> *There was a long silence before he spoke once more; Sephiroth had a feeling Angeal knew something he wasn’t telling him. **“Angeal, if you know something that can help me get my memories back you should tell me whether Faremis likes it or not.”** Was said in his usual tone as catlike hues eyed his friend. **“He comes here every day and talks to me like I’m child – he avoids various topics and changes the subject often as if he thinks I can’t handle the truth.”** A light pause was given as he leaned forward. **“I’m sick of the nightmares revolving around events in the past that harbor faceless shadows and distorted voices but the only resolution seen fit is to keep me locked in this room day after day with that cyborg standing watch like a guard dog ready to strike.”** Hues slid shut for a moment as he just shook his head. **“Part of me even wants to see the Holy one again; I don’t know why either.”** Hues slowly opened as his head tilted to one side. **“Part of me wants to kill her but part of me doesn’t and I know she was in my past somewhere but I can’t place my finger on it.”** He shook his head once more as he slowly stood, walking back to the window. **“Faremis won’t even tell me her name when I ask.”** Was said low as he peered out the window once more.*
>
>
> Angeal listened and the more he heard, the more aggravated he got. **“To be honest yes, there are things you should know and things I should tell you but if I did, it would only make things worse for you in the long run.”** He slowly stood and joined his friend at the window looking out at the rapid construction going on. **“It’s not right though – Faremis shouldn’t keep you here like a caged animal and since you can’t get the point across to him, maybe I can. It’s worth a try anyhow.”** A nod was given to that as he glanced to the camera in the corner of the room behind a plant that he had spotted when he first entered brows knitted together as he turned back to the window, raising his arm to let it rest across Sephiroth’s shoulders. **“The Holy one, her name is Violet Rosetta…”** He said low, tilting his head to one side. **“And all that hate you harbor towards Genesis, she’s the reason and as to why well you’re just going to have to reach inside yourself to find out just why…”** A pause was given as he turned away. **“And that’s all I can tell you my friend because if I keep going, you won’t believe me.”** Arms then crossed. **“I can kinda see where the doctor is coming from in a weird sense, he wants you to try and remember everything yourself because if we sit here and tell you everything that happened in your past it will be meaningless.”** He finished stepping towards the door.
>
>
> *He listened to everything Angeal said and shook his head in confusion. **“But…”** No, there were no buts and there were no more questions. His friend was right, if he couldn’t reach inside himself and retrieve the past it would all be compiled of things people had just told him but at the same time he wanted to hear more. **“I want to hear more of what you have to say but if I do, it won’t make any sense.”** A nod was given to that as he turned back to Angeal. **“Then I can only try.”** For the first time in a very long time, a smile crept across his lips as he then turned back to the window. **“So her name is Violet, it sounds kind of familiar.”** He said as catlike hues slid shut and pictures began to form in his mind. He was in a room full of faceless people – and as usual, he was propped against the wall with Zack Fair standing on the left and Genesis on the right, reading from Loveless as he usually did. **“Do you ever quit?”** He said aloud as hues remained closed. And in his mind, Genesis answered with a simple ‘No’. A light chuckle was heard as he watched two more faceless people enter the room. One was dressed in a suit and the other clad in skins and furs as if she had just come from somewhere cold which instantly caught his attention. **“Could it be her?”** A low growl of frustration passed pale lips as hues shot open. **“No, no, no it’s not…”** Was said as his head began to ache. **“Angeal…”** He said low, stepping over to the bed. **“Don’t be a stranger…”** He finished, taking a seat on the edge trying to overcome a dizzy spell. **“Just a migraine, it’ll pass…”** Was said low as he leaned back, now staring at the ceiling. **“Every time a memory breaks through, it’s painful.”** He said with a sigh.*
>
>
> This was all new to him, but he stayed until Sephiroth laid down. He had some idea of just what the memory was; the day he introduced his friend to Violet and that was a good place to start if he really wanted to remember her. **“Just keep at it my friend; the pain will hopefully go away in time.”** He said low as a gloved hand came to rest upon the door knob. **“And hey, don’t worry this isn’t over.”** A nod was given to that. **“I’ll be back for you ok? Just hang in there.”** A smile crossed his lips as he pulled the door open and stepped out into the cool hallway. **“Now, time to pay a visit to our good friend Faremis…”** His smile faded in to a look of frustration as arms slowly crossed. **“As soon as I find my way outta here…”**
>
>
> Violet just watched in shock as a tear flowed down her cheek. **“So he has asked about me and Faremis wouldn’t tell him.”** A pause was given as she thought for a moment, looking to Arianah. **“Is he trying to erase me from Sephiroth’s past? But he can’t do that because when Sephie starts to remember on his own then…”** A low growl passed dark lips. **“What is that sneaky doctor up to?”** She thought, not getting any response from the cyborg. **“And Faremis is gonna hear what was just said in that room isn’t he?”** But there was no response. **“He’s gonna hear and see and keep Sephiroth locked away like an animal, well not on my watch he’s not.”** Brows knitted together as she looked around at the control panel trying to find something that looked remotely close to a delete button.
>
>
> She felt Violet’s rage and then her own building inside. Arianah wasn’t sure as to what her Father was up to, but she wasn’t going to let him see the footage between Angeal and Sephiroth. The cyborg snapped out of idle mode and began hitting keys on the control panel. **“Data is irrelevant and will be erased.”** She said low, hues now locked on the monitor. **“I am not without sympathy for human kind Miss. Violet, after all I am still human in some ways but I still have the power to alter the data my Father collects.”** A light nod was given as she tapped a few more keys. **“All current data has been erased, commencing system failure in five, four, three, two, one…”** And the lights on the whole floor went out, triggering the emergency backup system. She then turned to Violet with the usual stoic expression. **“Don’t ask any questions, just run.”** And that was the last thing Arianah said before she mentally shorted out her short-term memory drive causing her to slump over the control panel.
>
>
> When the lights went down, Violet jumped to her feet and headed towards the open door as Arianah directed. Slime frame turned around just in time to see the cyborg slump over the control panel. **“Arianah?!?!?”** She squeaked but then remembered she was directed to not ask questions. **“Thank you…”** She said low, now darting down the hallway as fast as she could. Hues spotted Angeal but all she did was zoom past, almost knocking him over as she bolted through the door and down the stairs – not stopping until she was safely locked in the Turks lounge. There she just hit the sofa and took a long while to mull over everything that had just happened.
>
>
>
> He was getting ready to ask for directions when the lights went down. **“What the…?”** He was about to turn around and head back into Sephiroth’s room to check on him when he spotted Violet who had just come out of some kind of room at the end of the hallway – but she didn’t even bother to stop as she soared past, almost knocking him down. **“Well, well, well…”** He said low. **“Looks like someone found the control room for this floor.”** A dark brow quirked as a smirk crept across pale lips. **“And you deleted everything… Good girl.”** Was said with a nod as he headed for the door she made her escape through. **“Must be the stairs heh heh…”** A nod was given to that as he made his exit, heading up stairs towards the lab where he would wait for the good Doctor to show back up.
>
>

*<< I - **II** - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X >>*