The Awakening/Archive

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> 'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass,
> don't know how much time has passed
> all I know is that it feels like forever when no one ever
> tells you that forever feels like home,
> sitting all alone inside your head.
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> How do you feel? That is the question but I forget...
> You don’t expect and easy answer.
> When something like a soul becomes initialized and folded
> up like paper dolls and little notes you cant expect a bit of hope;
> and while your outside looking in describing what you see...
> Remember what your staring at is me...
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> *Sephiroth... It’s been a year since that day; the day I used Holy to separate you from Jenova and bring you back, the REAL you. I come here every day to visit you, but Doctor Faremis would always tell me that today wasn’t the day, come back in a week or two; but guess what? I was back the next day. He said that you went comatose because the rapid separation of the Jenova cells was too much for you to handle and I couldn’t help that. The separation had to be done then or I would have lost you for good. He also went on to say I could have killed you due to the fact you were injected before you were born and the cells had became a part of you, but I know you better, you’re strong Sephie, and I know you’ll make it through; you just have to because I’m not going to loose you again…* Hands pressed against cold glass as hues peered into the green tinted tube. A sigh passed dark lips as she just gazed upon the sleeping figure; he seemed almost lifeless at times, but she knew he was still there. *“Sephie, please wake up…”* She thought to herself as blues fell shut for a moment, head bowing to rest against the glass. Doctor Faremis told her a number of things that could happen once Sephiroth came out of cryogen but they were all theories and she didn’t buy it. Faremis could hypothesize all he wanted, hell he was a scientist, it seems like that’s all they did but Violet knew better; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… Or at least that’s what Reno swore by most of the time. Another sigh passed lips as she just shook her head. So maybe the good Doctor was just trying to give her some comfort but Violet wasn’t one to accept it. She didn’t want anyone’s comfort or their pity; that’s just how she was. She kind of knew where Vincent was coming from at times, but she didn’t shut everyone out like he did – and still does. *“Vincent... You’re never around when I need you. Heh, seems we only meet in life or death situations…”* A light smile crossed her lips at that thought. *“What is wrong with that picture?”* Fingers arched slightly as she just shook her thoughts off, letting hues open for a moment as she peered up at Sephiroth again. There were times where she just wanted to break the glass that separated them; but then what? He would still be comatose and Faremis would have a holy rolling hell fit because Violet broke something in his laboratory; and that made her smile again. Sure, she didn’t purposely upset the good doctor; it was just funny as hell when she did. *“Sephie, the world has changed so much and it would amuse you… The Turks are pretty much the same, always getting into and stirring up trouble. Rufus is the new President and kind of a blunder head, Doctor Faremis and his little robot girl piss everyone off and Reeve is just… Reeve. Same ole ShinRa with a few new quirks, and then there’s me. But we’ll get into that later.”* If only he could hear her thoughts, but it wasn’t that easy. Violet could only talk to the planet – people that have returned and so fourth. And that was it. If one was living and breathing, it was hopeless unless they possessed some kind of psychic power. *“All I can do is listen to the voices…”* Hands slid down the glass this time, curling just a bit as she felt a presence and then something spoke to her… *“Before you tell yourself it’s just a different scene, remember it’s just different from what you've seen…”* And that brought a smile to her face. Even though Aeris was gone, she still spoke to Violet and helped her when she could; but despite everything, there was no help that could be given at this moment. *“It’s all you Violet, and whatever may come I know you can handle it because you’re strong.”* A light nod was given as hues slid shut. Aeris was right, but Violet was scared. It was almost time and she almost didn’t want this to happen; but at the same time, she did.**“Come on Violet, it’s now or never… Are you sure you want to stay?”** Was said low as a gloved hand came to rest upon her shoulder. **“You’ve been asking ‘when’ for over a year now, well now’s the time. Are you ready?”** His hand slowly moved from her shoulder, down her arm as he pulled her away from the cryogen tube. **“And remember what I told you; don’t expect things to be the same as they were eight years ago.”** Tone was firm yet stoic as he let go, turning away. **“There are a number of things that can go wrong, but my guess is that he’s going to have amnesia for a while.”** A light not was given as he stepped toward the back of the room with his group of eager scientists. **“Come now, everything is going to be ok.”** A warm smile was issued to the girl as arms slowly crossed. Elliot tried to offer Violet comfort, but she never seemed to accept it or took it the wrong way entirely; and that was the drawback of being a psychiatrist and caring for the well-being of others.
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> She quickly fell back into reality when she felt the warmth of another; but it was just Faremis and his scientific banter. **“Yeah, I remember everything you said and yes I want to stay.”** Was said low as she stepped back when he released her. Hues fell upon the group of researchers, slowly moving to the doctor as a light sigh passed lips. **“Yeah, that’s what I was told eight years ago when they said Sephiroth vanished without a trace.”** She slowly stepped over to where the man stood, eyes not leaving his. **“They said he was dead but I knew better…”** Dark brows knitted together as she took her place next to the good doctor, a smirk slowly crossing her lips. **“You know and I know and most everyone else knows when I say someone isn’t dead its true… So don’t try to comfort me!”** She hissed lightly, elbowing him in the ribs. **“Take it away Doc…”**
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> He held her gaze for a moment; until she elbowed him rather hard. And ooaf was heard as he nodded in agreement. **“Yes, Violet I know, you can get off your Ancient high horse now because you’re not impressing anyone with your childish behavior.”** He spat in return. Sure, she could dish it out but Elliot didn’t play her little games. He could throw it right back at her and have it stick. But alas, he did know the pain of loosing the one you hold dearest to your heart and everyone had their own way of grievance. He bottled his up inside, but Violet on the other hand let it out like dragon from the fiery depths of hell and he couldn’t condemn her for it. **“Anyhow, since everyone is assigned and knows of their task then shall we?”** A chorus of “Yes Doctor” was heard as he turned to Arianah and gave a light nod. **“Arianah, begin the defrosting process.”** Lanky frame then turned back to Violet and then the tube, features holding a look of interest and concern.
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> **“Yes Doctor Faermis.”** A simple nod was given as she made her way to the control room, the rustling of dark purple taffeta was the only sound heard as grey hues looked to the controls for a moment. **“Commencing defrosting process phases alpha and beta.”** Was said over the intercom in a monotone voice as tiny hands began to press buttons almost randomly; but they were the correct ones of course. A panel in the floor quickly opened as a loud hiss was heard. The hydraulic valves opened, releasing a bit of steam as the tube slowly moved from its resting place a top the monitoring pedestal to the receiving platform that emerged from the floor and locked it in to place.
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> A low growl passed Violet’s lips; and she was about to snap back when she heard the hissing and then saw the tube moving. Tiny frame jumped and grabbed on to the closest researcher, which happened to be Faermis. **“Ok, ok I appreciate you trying to help me and all but you try too hard sometimes…”** And she just left it at that as an aggravated look crossed pale features. She was right though, he was very much the opposite of his uncle. Gast just knew it all, Elliot on the other hand admits he doesn’t know it all but is hell bent on trying to solve everyone’s problems and it got annoying after a while.
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> His expression never changed as he just watched the tube move to its resting place. **“Going smoothly, just as I expected…”** He said low as he felt Violet cling to him. A light smirk crossed his lips as he took her hand and gave it a light squeeze. **“Trying too hard is better than not trying at all, no?”** He said as an amused expression crossed features. **“And if there was no one to try, we wouldn’t be here now would we?”** A pause was given as he nodded to Arianah as a signal to proceed. **“All the war mongers would have destroyed humanity a long time ago; you know how it is my dear Azure, you’re living proof of those who ‘try too hard’.”** A smile was given to her as he turned his attention back to the tube.
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> **“Commencing defrosting process phases gamma and delta.”** That monotone voice was heard once more as the tube hissed again and lights around the base began to blink. Air bubbles began to rise in the tube as the green translucent fluid slowly turned to a clear blue. **“Heating process has begun and will end in exactly five point zero minutes.”** Was said as she just watched the timer, readying herself for the final phase.
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> **“Yeah, yeah just keep talking…”** Was said low as she squeezed his hand back. **“Because you know I’m listening.”** And it was true, she listened to everything Faermis had to say; not because she had to, but because he did know what he was talking about as bad as it irked her. He was pretty much Gast Faremis, Lucrecia Crescent, Grimorie Valentine, Hojo and Hollander rolled into one. Faremis has studied all their research to no end; and he was still finding new things and hidden files in the ShinRa database. But on a lighter note, he was a humanitarian; after all, he turned his own daughter into a cyborg just so she wouldn’t suffer the same fate as his wife. It was all kind of creepy, but behind the stoic man there was a heart which set her mind at ease and meant one less threat she had to protect her babies from. She was sick of psycho doctors like Hollander and Hojo; in fact, the whole world was. **“So yeah, don’t let me loose him ok?”** She said low as her head came to rest upon his shoulder.
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> A light shake of the head was given as hues locked on the tube. **“I know you are and you know I will missy, I just wish you would talk back more often because I’d like to know about what the planet says to you.”** Hell knows how many times he tried to get that girl to talk to him; he even held numerous amounts of counseling sessions with her, but all he ever got was Sephiroth this and Sephiroth that… Nothing that would be useful to his research on the Ancients. Of course, he always knew he could get information out of her children but that would be cruel and he really didn’t want to get on Violet’s bad side. And messing with her babies would be the way to go unfortunately. A light sigh was given as he looked to her once more. **“I told you I can’t make promises Violet, but I will try my damnedest ok?”** A frustrated look crossed pale features as he looked back to Arianah and then to the tube. **“Yes, I managed to save my daughter by the skin of my teeth therefore I don’t make promises, you just have to be strong and accept everything that happens from here on out.”** His tone was stern, yet held sympathy as hues fell shut for a moment and then opened as the tube shut off and began to gurgle.
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> A light sigh passed dark lips as she just watched seeming almost helpless. **“I’ll talk to you when I get good and damn ready.”** She said low as her free hand retrieved the two holy materias from her breast pocket. **“Holy, don’t fail me now…”** Was said as she squeezed them tightly. **“Elliot, I accepted it all a long time ago…”** She squeezed his hand tighter as hues fell shut. **“All I can do is pray.”** And she did just that, falling into silent prayer, blocking out the tube, the monotone voice and everything else in the room.
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> **“Commencing defrosting process final phase epsilon.”** Was said as a tiny hand reached up to hit the large red button. Hues fell shut as a siren sounded a few times before the cryogen tube began to slowly drain. **“All personnel please report to your stations, repeat all personnel please report to your stations.”** And with this, researchers began to scramble towards the draining tube.
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> Hues just watched the chaos as the fluid completely drained from the tube. **“Keep praying sweetness…”** Was said low as he released Violet’s hand and stepped over to the tube. *“Pray for us all…”* He thought as he looked to the left and then right. **“Ready?”** Was asked as he looked to the other researchers, expression stoic as usual. Some nodded, others spoke… They were ready for this and Elliot hoped like hell Violet got rid of all his Jenova cells because if she hadn’t, they were all in for it. A light nod was given as he looked to Arianah. **“Release the lock…”** And the tube opened with a loud hiss, revealing a fully awakened Sephiroth.
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> *Deep sleep and bitter cold was all Sephiroth had known for the longest time now. Vivid yet distorted dreams had filled his mind since that day; a day he couldn’t quite remember. The pain, the agony and torment faded just as fast as it was brought upon him but somewhere in the back of his mind, a familiar voice lingered, telling him it was for his own good – funny thing is, he couldn’t put a face with the voice. Unaware of his surroundings and his location, he slept peacefully dreaming of the one who made his life hold meaning; but at the same time he just couldn’t make out a face. It was all confusing blurs and mangled voices from the past. His memory was clouded, his thoughts in disarray and his mind was a blank. All he wanted to do was stay frozen in time, but alas, it just wasn’t meant to be.*
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> *Fingers twitched a bit as he felt the coldness fade into discomforting warmth that almost felt as if it was burning the very life back into him. And then fingers twitched again as that warmth began to dissipate as his liquid tomb drained. Now infamous question was where was he? All he could remember was dark clouds and fog; there were people there too, but as to who they were well, he just didn’t know. And then came the frozen hell, but that was now gone and he was being forced to stand on his own two feet – something he hadn’t done in what seemed like ages. Arms now twitched as he heard faint voices; he could barely make them out but it seemed as if he was in some kind of medical facility. Everything seemed so familiar, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it; or maybe he just wasn’t meant to understand yet.*
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> *A hiss was heard as his heated tomb rapidly became cold again which caused hues to dart open and squint just a bit. The florescent light was bright and almost burned his sensitive eyes in a sense but he just blinked a few times as vision slowly began to focus. “Where am I?” He thought looking at the people in white coats scrambling around. And then he opened his mouth as to speak, but the words would not come. A look of frustration crossed pale features as he tried to step out of the glass tube, but in turn he toppled forward into the awaiting arms of a few of the white coated onlookers. Heavy frame was quickly wrapped in a blanket and eased to the floor as he just looked around, shivering like a helpless child.*
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> The outcome wasn’t as he expected at all. Instead of charging out of the tube, Sephiroth just toppled out. **“Arianah, what’s his mental status?”** Words were spoken sharp as he looked to the girl who was now accompanying the other researchers.
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> **“Little to no mental activity Doctor Faremis.”** Was said lightly as she looked to Sephiroth and then back to the Doctor. **“He has the mentality of a child ranging ages two to four.”** A light nod was given as she turned back to her work, keeping a close watch on the patient’s mental status.
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> A nod was given as he stepped over to Sephiroth and kneeled next to him. **“Well hello there, I’m glad to see you’re awake.”** Was said in a low tone as he kept his usual stoic expression. **“I’m Doctor Elliot Faremis, do you have any idea as to where you are?”** He asked as his head tilted to one side.
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> *Sephiroth first looked to the strange girl that spoke and then to the man that introduced himself as Faremis. He gazed at the man for a moment and then shook his head lightly to answer the question. “F…f…Faremis… Where have I heard that name?” He thought, head tilting to one side as he studied the man for a moment.*
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> Violet couldn’t believe her eyes… And he ears. Sephiroth was alive, but he wasn’t there, he just wasn’t there. Brows knitted together as she took a few steps towards the group, kneeling next to Faremis. Hues studied the shivering man for a moment before she looked to the doctor and then back to Sephiroth. *“What’s wrong with him?”* She thought as a hand slowly came to rest on his cold cheek, immediately grabbing his attention. A warm smile was given as she gazed into his lifeless eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the tears. *“Sehpie, what happened to you?”* She thought as she just held his gaze.
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> **“Yes, I see…”** He said low, looking to Violet as she approached and knelt beside him. A dark brow rose as he watched her and then shook his head lightly. **“Do you know who this woman is? Surly you remember her?”** He asked, now interested in what was going on.
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> *“Is it… Her?” He thought to himself. The gentle touch, the warm smile and those unusual eyes; he knew this woman from somewhere, but couldn’t place her face and it seemed like he just didn’t know her at all. Stark brows knitted with frustration once more as he just shook his head, pushing her hand away. Sephiroth was getting aggravated at this point; the people, the questions, why couldn’t they just let him be…?*
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> A look of shock crossed pale features as he look to Violet, who just stood and walked away. **“Amnesia, just as I expected…”** A light pause was given as he looked to one of the researchers. **“Go prepare a room in the infirmary please.”** The researcher made tracks without haste as a sigh just passed the doctor’s lips. **“Ok, one more question… Can you tell me your name?”** But of course, Elliot didn’t have time to wait around for an answer; it seemed Violet had become a little emotional and was on the other side of the room crying and yelling at one of the researchers.
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> A heavy sigh passed lips as he rose and headed over to where the tiny Turk stood. **“Violet, calm down.”** But as usual, she wouldn’t listen which made him just a tad bit angry. He grabbed the girl by her upper arms and slammed her against the wall, now getting her attention. **“I thought you said you were prepared for this?”** A growl of frustration passed lips as he looked her dead in the eye. **“I told you there was a high probability he would have amnesia for quite some time did I not?”**
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> One minute she was spazzing out at a researcher who had tried to console her and then the next thing she knew, her head was spinning and she was pinned against the wall by Faremis; the man she thought didn’t have a violent bone in his body. **“Dammit Faremis, leave me alone, you don’t understand.”** Was hissed as she squirmed just a bit. Sure, she was prepared but the outcome hit her like a ton of bricks and it tore a gash in her soul.
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> ***“My…”** Was said low as he watched Faremis leave to go deal with that strange woman. Catlike hues then looked to the one they called Arianah for a moment. **“My nnnnnn…”** He continued, now catching her attention. Hands began to twitch as eyes rolled back into his head for a moment. **“My nnname…”***
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> Grey hues widened as she looked to the patient, now checking his mental status which was now rising at a rapid rate. Slim frame slowly stood as she stepped over to him, looking towards the Doctor. **“Doctor Faremis…!”** She yelled, looking back to Sephiroth who was still talking gibberish and attempting to stand.
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> He heard Arianah call for him, but ignored it; instead he focused on trying to get Violet under control before she could do anymore damage to herself. **“I most certainly do understand…”** He pressed the woman harder against the wall as dark brows knitted in frustration. **“I lost my wife when meteor fell and I had to turn my daughter into a cyborg in order to save her…”** A heavy sigh passed lips once more as he just let her go. **“I understand your pain Violet, if no one else on this earth does, I do. The world is a cruel place, it relentlessly takes from us day after day so we must depend on each other or else we loose what little sanity we have left…”**
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> *Heavy frame slowly stood as catlike hues glanced around, hands still shaking wildly as he tried to regain his speech and motor skills. **“My name is…”** Was repeated over and over as he took a few staggering steps towards the Doctor.*
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> A heavy sigh was given as she looked to her father once more. **“Doctor Faremis! Patient’s mental capacity is rapidly approaching one hundred percent; your presence is requested now!”** She shouted, finally getting his attention.
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> Grey hues darted from Violet to Sephiroth as he just froze for a moment, before taking a few steps towards the man. **“Yes, your name, what is your name?”** He asked as that stoic expression crossed features once more. He stopped next to Arianah, now ready to take action at any sign of hostility. Nothing harsh of course, just a sleeping dart but if needed, he knew Arianah was ready upon his command.
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> Violet followed, now stopping next to Faremis. *“Yes, it’s all coming back… I knew you could do it Sephie.”* That smile returned to her lips as she just watched, looking to the Doctor every now and then and then back to Sephiroth. **“Nevermore…”** She said low as her head tilted to one side.
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> ***“My name is Sephiroth.”** Was said in his usual tone as he stepped closer to the Doctor, a light smirk crossing pale lips as he now stood face to face with the man. **“Faremis as in Gast Faremis? I see it now; you must be a relative of his, the resemblance is striking.”** A nod was given to that as he thought for a moment. **“And this place, ShinRa’s scientific department. How could I forget such a grim place?”** Catlike hues pulsed for a moment as they moved to the woman with unusual eyes. **“Doctor Faremis, how is Mother doing? I haven’t spoken to her since the Holy one separated us…”** Stark brows knitted together as he lightly caressed Violet’s cheek. **“Not to fear though, for once I am reunited with Mother we will destroy you and take what’s rightfully ours.”** A dark look crossed features as he forced the woman to her knees, looking down upon her. **“Your days are numbered…”** Was said low as he attempted to push her away, but couldn’t. And he felt it just as he did that day… The power of Holy.*
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> Hues gazed into his even as she was forced to her knees, but she showed no sign of fear whatsoever. He didn’t remember who she was, only that she was the Holy one. **“The insanity…”** She said low with a smirk. **“Your first memories are that of insanity Sephiroth.”** Hands reached up to push him away as she slowly stood, eyeing him. **“Loveless, nevermore, the destruction, the devastation all caused by Jenova… The cells are gone but the insanity remains, but it doesn’t surprise me one bit.”** Was hissed as she looked to Faremis and then to Sephiroth once more before turning towards the door. **“Even if the morrow is barren of promises…”** Was said lightly as she glanced back over her shoulder to Sephiroth. **“Nothing shall forestall my return…”** And With this she left the laboratory, not stopping nor looking back; and she didn’t plan on coming back either. For the moment, this was one hell of a closure. Yeah, he was alive but until he regained sanity, there was no need for her to be there and suffer any more than she already had.
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> Elliot just watched in amusement and then shook his head as Violet left. **“My apologies, she tends to get everyone upset and/or frustrated at times.”** He then turned to Arianah, giving her a light nod. **“Take Mister Sephiroth to his room and make sure he’s comfortable; I will be along shortly to speak with him more about his Mother and the Holy one ok?”** A light smile was then given to Sephiroth as he took his leave as well. First objective was to get it through Violet’s head that she was not to return to the science department under any circumstances until summoned. And second objective was to check up on Jenova’s status. As long as she was still sealed in the northern crater and Sephiroth was locked away in the ShinRa building they would be ok. As for the main objective, they needed to tap into Sephiroth’s sanity some how and some way before it was too late and that didn’t look to be the easiest task at hand but it just had to be done.
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> *Meanwhile at Tifa’s 7th Heaven in Esthar…*
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> A dry cloth was quickly swiped across the bar top as reddish hues glanced around the semi full bar. It was that time of day, lunch hour and Tifa was busy cleaning and getting ready to serve thirsty patrons. Of course, she didn’t see why there was a lunch rush at a bar. Usually people were busy trying to get a seat in the nearest diner, but instead they all flock to the bar. *“Must be an Esthar thing…”* She thought with a smile as a racket from upstairs was heard. **“Hey now, you guys behave up there!”** She called to the children shaking her head. Seemed she was taking care of a full house as of late; there was Marlene and Shelke who were always there helping out. Then there was Kane and Abel along with Cait Sith who were brought in by Violet a week or so ago. She said something about official ShinRa business, but it was nothing unusual. Tifa was used to it and always glad to take care of the rugrats for Violet.
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> Hues glanced across the room once more as she spotted Yuffie perched behind her makeshift materia stall by the door. A sigh passed pink tinted lips as she just shook her head. That girl was just as bad as one of the kids, if not worse sometimes; but nonetheless, she was a friend and everyone that knows Tifa, knows that she loves to be in the company of her friends. **“I wonder what Cloud is doing…”** She said low as she began to restock clean beer mugs. She hadn’t heard from him in a few days, but then again she knew how he liked to disappear from time to time. **“Mister anti-social Cloud, he kills me sometimes.”** A light chuckle was given as she heard the door leading upstairs squeak open. A light smile crossed lips as she looked to see which one of the children it was; and it was Kane peering up at her through the cracked door.
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> **“Auntie Tifa, I’m hungry!”** Was said low as he looked at her with a smile. **“We was chasing Uncle Reeve’s kitty doll around but that got boring.”** He paused for a moment to push the door all the way open and creep out behind the bar where Tifa was before shoving his hands into his pockets. **“Abel, Marlene and Shelkeeee are still playing and I wanna play too but I’m just so hungry now.”**
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> A light giggle passed lips as she stepped over and took Kane’s hand. **“Of course you are, it is lunch time after all.”** She led him back over to the door and sent him back up the stairs. **“Shelke!”** She called as she watched Kane until he made it over the top step and headed back down the hall. **“Could you get lunch ready please?”** She asked before closing the door and heading back to the bar to serve a couple of customers. Yup, today was just like any other day; customers to be served and kids to take care of. But Tifa enjoyed it, she just wouldn’t have it any other way.
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> Yuffie had ducked under the stall and was sorting materia. Oh, she hated when everything got all messed up. She figured it was one or more of the kids doing it, but she wasn't mad. That what kids do – get into stuff. Now, if Reeve was doing it...she'd skin the toy cat. Either way, it gave her something to do when all the weird locals came in, not knowing what materia even was. **“Let's see...Fire here, Sense over there...done!”** Feeling accomplished, the ninja rose back to her seat. She immediately saw the very same toy cat she was thinking of earlier. **“Hey, Reeve!”**
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> **“Shh! I told ya a hundred times, I'm not Reeve! I'm a self-fun...”** He began before Yuffie cut him off, picking him up. **“...functioning android that blah blah blah and you're not Reeve. I know! But your a friend! Friends don't fret over the details!”** She said with a goofy grin. Cait Sith sighed. **“Anyways, where are the kids?”** She asked at length. **“They're getting ready ta eat. You joinin' em?”** Yuffie thought for a moment, then shook her head, putting Cait down. **“I've gotta watch the shop. What if I get a customer?”** Cait just shrugged before walking off, back up the stairs.
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> Shelke was almost done with the sandwiches by that time, plating everything and getting ready to take everything out while Marlene got everyone seated. She checked over each plate again, just to make sure. Kane's ham and cheese, Abel's peanut butter with the strawberry jelly, Marlene's grilled cheese, and her own, half made dish. It was two pieces of bread , one covered with peanut butter, one plain. The girl quickly grabbed the nearby bag of raisins and proceeded to sprinkle them on the peanut butter lightly. Re-boxing the raisins, she placed the top on her sandwich just as Marlene poked her head in the kitchen **“Everything ready, Shelke?”** Shelke turned a bit. **“I just finished.”** She replied, smiling a bit. Marlene then hopped in and grabbed her and Kane's plates while Shelke took the other two, and they both headed into the dining room.
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> Marlene slowly pushed the dinning room door open, making her way to the table. **“Lunch is served.”** She said with a smile, sitting Kane’s plate down in front of him and then hers at the seat next to him. **“Hum, something’s missing...”** She said glancing over the table. They had napkins and sandwiches but no drinks. **“Oops, forgot the drinks be right back.”** Another smile was given as she bounced back into the kitchen.
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> **“Mmmm ham and cheese.”** Kane said looking to his plate and then to Abel’s as Shelke sat it down. **“Ewww peanut butter and jelly.”** He just made a face at his brother as he picked up his sandwich and took a bite. Catlike hues peered around for a moment as he saw Cait Sith creep by, heading towards the kitchen. **“Hey wait a sec! We didn’t make Uncle Reeve’s toy kitty lunch!”** Kane hopped off the chair and grabbed the toy cat, dragging it kicking and screaming back to the chair. **“Aye! But I don’t…”** But before Cait Sith could say anything else, Kane tried to shove a bite of sandwich into his mouth missing by a long shot. **“Shhhh, I’ll share mine! Kitties love ham and cheese.”** Only his idea of sharing left poor Cait Sith with a chunk of ham and cheese stuck in his fur.
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> Abel just made a face at Kane as he silently took a bite of his sandwich, watching his brother’s antics. He just shook his head and hopped out of his chair, snatching the poor cat from Kane. **“Uncle Reeve’s toy kitty doesn’t want any of your stinky ham and cheese Kane.”** Was said with a smug as he returned to his chair. **“He would rather have peanut butter and jelly, isn’t that right?”** But before the cat could get a word in edge wise, Abel shoved a bite of his sandwich into the cat’s mouth doing as his brother did, missing. So now the cat was covered in ham, cheese, peanut butter and sticky jelly. **“See, isn’t that much better?”** But all the cat could do was sigh as he squirmed away from the child and took off for the kitchen crying.
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> **“Eeeeeek!”** Was squeaked as she spun around with the drink tray trying to keep her balance. **“Was that Cait Sith???”** She asked now curious just as to what was going on and why she was almost plowed down by the toy cat. A light shrug was given as she looked to the boys and shook her head. **“I don’t even wanna know...”** She said as she heard them giggling. **“Anyhow, I got the drinks so let’s eat!”** A glass of milk was sat on the table for everyone as she put the tray aside and took a seat herself.
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> Shelke thanked Marlene quietly before reaching into her pocket. Marlene remembering the drinks reminded her that she needed her daily Mako. She usually didn't forget, but today was a bit more active than normal. She pulled out two green gel capsules and quickly downed them, followed by some of the milk. It felt weird, taking them in front of the others, but she knew nothing bad would happen... hopefully.
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> *Scrub scrub scrub...* Cait Sith was scrubbing the food out of his fur lightly. After the initial shock of being catnapped and nearly force-fed had wore off, he was fine. Getting the food out, though kind of annoying, wasn't a big deal compared to if they actually had gotten the food *in* him. Poor number 6 would have become number 7 and Reeve wouldn't be too happy. **“A note to myself...stay downstairs at lunchtime.”**
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> Lunch hour had finally ended and the crowd began to clear out of 7th Heaven which was a relief for Tifa. A light sigh passed pink tinted lips as she went from table to table, first clearing the empty pitchers and glassed then giving each one a wipe down with a dry towel as she moved along. Reddish hues darted first to Nanaki, who was curled up in the corner and then to Yuffie who was busy counting Gil. **“Ya know a little help would be nice.”** A pause was given as she stood up straight, picking up the plastic box full of dirty dishes. **“I should start charging you rent.”** A light smile crossed her lips as she headed back to the bar. Picking on Yuffie never got old, she was one of the gang after all but with Cloud gone and a full house, Tifa was having a hard time keeping things in order. **“Ugh, Cloud... Too much dilly dally and not enough work is just bad.”** A nod was given to that as she pulled her phone from her apron pocket and began dialing. **“If you don’t answer so help me...”** She mumbled as the phone rang and rang, but all she got was voicemail. **“Darn it Cloud...”** She spat in disgust as the phone was returned to her pocket. Hues fell shut for a moment as she picked up the plastic box once more and took it to the sink. **“I’ll wash them later.”** She said low, now taking a seat at the counter.
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> Lunch was over and Marlene had just finished putting away the last of the dishes when she heard two sets of footsteps toddling down the stairs towards the bar. A light smile was given as she folded the dish towel and hung it on the rack before heading towards the stairs herself. **“I guess it’s time to go check on Tifa and Yuffie.”** A nod was given as she spotted the open door below and slowly made her way down. Hazel hues looked around the empty room as she pushed the door shut; a warm smile was given to Tifa as she made her way behind the bar. **“Would you like me to take care of the dishes? I don’t mind at all.”** She said, now spying the twins running around the room and crawling underneath chairs and tables.
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> Tifa heard the door squeak open and saw the terrible twosome creep out, but it was ok the lunch crowd had come and gone so the bar would pretty much be empty until the evening rush came in. Not too long afterwords, Marlene came down and closed the door. Her smile was returned and then her head shaken at the offer to do the dishes. **“No that’s ok Marlene; I’ll get them done soon. Right now though, I’d like to take a breather.”** A nod was given to that as she watched Kane and Abel play amongst the tables. **“I wonder what official ShinRa business Violet is working on now; she didn’t specify like she usually does.”** A puzzled look crossed pale features as she just shook her head. **“Come to think of it, she didn’t even say when she’d be back for the twins.”** And the just seemed odd to Tifa because Violet didn’t leave Kane and Abel with her for very long and it had already been over a week. **“Must be something big huh?”** She said, looking to Marlene with another smile.
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> Marlene just shook her head and took a seat next to Tifa. **“I don’t know, maybe we should ask Cait Sith.”** She said with a nod, but knowing Reeve he wouldn’t cough up any information. Not that she didn’t mind having the twins around, they seemed to liven up the place a lot and it was nice to have some kids her age to play with. **“Other than that, I really don’t know what to say. Grown ups are really weird sometimes ya know?”**
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> Tifa just chuckled and gave a light nod. **“You’re right Marlene, grown ups are weird.”** It was true though and she hated to admit it, but most people she knew were a bit weird and her friends were living proof. **“And as for Cait Sith, I don’t think he’d tell us anything Violet wouldn’t want us to know because well, that’s just how he is. She left Kane and Able here because she knew they’d be safe.”** A firm nod was given to that as she slowly stood and headed for the sink. **“Well enough dilly dallying, time to get these dishes washed.”** Was said as she turned on the water and began to was various pitchers and mugs from lunch time.
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> **“Heeeey Abel c’mon lets go mess with Yuffie!”** Kane said with a giggle as he popped out from under a table sending dust flying everywhere. **“Yewwww distract her and I’ll crawl underneath the table and mess with her magic rock thingies!”** He reached up to pull his brother out of the chair he was sitting in and headed for a table close to the materia stand.
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> Abel just wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of being a distraction, but he had no choice when Kane drug him out of the chair and across the room. **“It’s called materia Kane; don’t you ever listen to Mother when she speaks?”** Was said with a sigh as he pulled away from his brother and watched him crawl under the table. **“All right, all right…”** He mumbled, slowly making his way over to Yuffie’s stand. He had to admit though; it was funny when they messed with the girl’s materia. She got all mad and blamed everyone else but the real culprits. **“Hey Yuffie!”** Was said as head tilted to one side. **“Mother has taught me a lot about materia, but can you teach me more? It’s kind of interesting.”** A nod was given to that as he looked towards the table Kane was crawling out from under and then back to Yuffie.
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> And that was his cue to begin mixing the colored rocks. Tiny frame crawled out from under the table and began messing with the materia Yuffie had stashed under the table. **“Hehehehe mix the purple with the blue and the yellow with the green and then mix them all together.”** He giggled, continuing to mix colors and make a huge mess in the process.
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> **“Well sure, Abel!”** Yuffie answered happily. She's always wanted to train an apprentice! **“You know how they're all different colors, right? Well...”** She reached over to the stall without looking, picking up a few of the orbs that were precariously perched on the 'counter'. They were yellow, green, and blue, and shone brilliantly in the light of a nearby window. **“The green one here is Magic Materia, 'Ice' to be exact. It lets us conjure chunks of ice and hurl them at monsters. The blue, that is, Support Materia, is called 'All' It lets you cast magic at a wider range than by itself.”** She brought attention to her bracelet, which appeared to have two yellow dots and two black dots on it. She pressed a button on the side, causing the bracelet to open, revealing the dots to be indentations, two containing yellow materia. **“See the two empty slots?”** The ninja pointed out a channel between the two empty indentations, **“That means they're linked. It's the only way Support Materia works, by pairing the support-”** She placed the blue materia in, followed by the green, **“-with the magic. It's that simple!”** The materia seller closed the bracelet, grinning. **“Any questions?”**
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> While everyone was downstairs, Shelke sat at the top of the stairs. She sighed, thinking about the sister she lost twice. Living here was amazing, but something was missing. Shalua must have had returned to the planet, though. Not much she could do about that. **“Why the long face, lass?”** A familiar voice broke her out of thought. Looking, she saw Cait Sith sitting next to her on the step. Looking back at her feet, she didn't respond. **“Ah, not gonna say, are ya?”** He said in a sneaky way. After a drawn-out silence, he spoke up again. **“...It's Shalua, isn't it?”** Shelke just nodded. Of course, Reeve, and in turn Cait Sith, knew Shalua better than she did. **“Did she return to the planet?”** Shelke shook her head, **“I don't know, but it's most likely.”** Cait then looked up before jumping down to the next stair. **“Then she's probably watching ya!”** Shelke perked up at this. **“Aye,”** The robotic cat continued, turning towards her, **“An' she's probably sad that you're sad. So cheer up, aye?”** With that, he turned and hopped down the stairs one by one. Shelke watched him with a bit of a smile. **“Maybe...”** She said to herself while standing up, and followed Cait.
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