The Awakening/Archive3

&lt;&lt; I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X &gt;&gt;

Three weeks later...

“I still don’t know how you managed...” A light smile crossed crimson coated lips as she followed alongside Angeal, checking her materia one final time before stopping. Hands were placed on her hips as she just shook her head. “You convinced Faremis to turn Sephiroth back over to Soldier for training.” Violet almost wanted to laugh now. It’s bad enough she got blamed for the destruction and data loss three weeks ago at the infirmary – but she really had no part played in that, it was all Arianah’s doings. “Let me guess, you were told to keep me and Sephiroth separated but you’re not gonna do it huh?” She asked with a smug now taking off after Angeal who wouldn’t stop to talk. “Hey now wait up!” She called, catching up.

 A light shake of the head was given as she just glanced to the pint-sized Turk, spotting the training ground door up ahead. “It didn’t take as much convincing as I expected; in fact, I think Faremis had it planned all along because he requested copies of all combat data collected.” Arms crossed for a second as he kept walking, listening to Violet as she spoke before he shook his head once more. “Naw, he didn’t say anything about keeping you two separated, he just said put Sephiroth against ShinRa’s best and you, my dear...” He finally reached the large door and stopped, turning to her. “Are one of the best in my book.”

“Pretty sneaky Angeal...” A light smile was given as she looked up to him, stopping at the door as well. Hues glanced around for a moment as she just shook her head. “I haven’t been to this place in about eleven years.” A light sigh was given as she peered through the large Plexiglas door. '''“It’s kind of amazing how they rebuilt the ShinRa building exactly the same as it was before. It seems like it was never destroyed to begin with.”''' And that was kind of frustrating the more she thought about it. Everything outside had changed drastically – but once you entered the ShinRa building, it was like stepping through a portal into the past. Another sigh was heard as she just shook it off looking to Angeal once more. “So let’s get this show on the road, anything I need to know?”

 A nod was given to her as he listened and silently agreed. The building hadn’t changed much at all which was good, but bad at the same time. Too many good and bad memories were created there and sometimes it was just too unbearable to think about it all. A light shrug was given to that as he stepped over to the locking mechanism and tapped a few keys. '''“Nope, nothing out of the ordinary. I want a good, clean fight.”''' A light pause was given as he thought for a moment. “No holds barred and Violet.” Head tilted slightly as he watched her for a second. “Don’t take Sephiroth lightly...” He said with a nod as the large doors parted, revealing that simulation room which had taken the form of the inside of a Mako reactor; the Corel reactor to be exact.

She listened to Angeal as just shook her head. “I’ll take that into consideration, but I’m no pushover myself.” Was said in a rather smug tone as she strode past the open doors, into what appeared to be the Corel reactor. A frustrated look crossed pale features as she heard the doors behind her snap shut. “Great way to tap into someone’s memories Angeal – problem is, you’re tapping in to the wrong ones.” She thought remembering that this was the place she contracted Mako poisoning. Wrist blades glistened in the dim light as she slowly took a few steps forward, now looking for Sephiroth who was supposed to already be there. She slowly made her way to the back of the loading area, taking a seat on a mine car that was tipped up on its side. “Come out come out where ever you are...” She said low, her voice echoing through the open area as hues glanced around.

''A light smirk crossed pale lips as he watched the familiar one enter and take as seat not too far from where he stood. Catlike hues pulsed as a few silver tresses grazed his pale cheek. “I’m a lot closer than you think Violet...” That smirk only tightened as he stepped out of the shadows no more than a few feet from where she sat. “It’s been a while.” He said low as the six foot Masamune he held in his left hand reflected some of the dim light that shown through the roof panels. “I’m kind of disappointed though.” A pause was given as he eyed the girl for a moment. “You didn’t come visit me when Faremis had me locked away in the infirmary.” A chuckle was heard as he just shook his head. “Not that I would have remembered you anyway.” A brow rose as that as he took a few steps towards her. “So familiar yet so distant, I can’t place you anywhere and its kind or obscure if you think about it.” A light pause was given as he turned away from her and mad his way to the center of the room. '''“How could a creature as ravishing as you be part of my past? You out of everyone hold the most mystery – you’re there and then you’re not.”''' He then turned to her as a sigh passed pale lips. “But now is not the time to ponder such things; I’ll figure you out later, believe me I will...” Hues pulsed once more as that dark look crossed pale features.''

Upon hearing his voice, she jumped to her feet, looking up to him as he approached. She just listened, not saying a word as he spoke. His words were grim, but she tried her damndest not to let him get to her. “I would have come to visit.” She finally said. “But Faremis-” A light pause was given as she watched him move around like a shadowy specter. “Said it might not be the best thing for you.” A light nod was given to that as she took a few steps in the direction he was headed. “Well, I’m glad you think so highly of me Sephiroth for I am not worthy of your humbleness...” Words were laced with deadly sarcasm as arms slowly crossed. “So, when you do take the time to figure me out let me know because I haven’t gotten that far yet.” Brows knitted together as she fought off the urge to just flat out attack.

 After the doors had closed, he made his way up a flight of nearby stairs to the observation platform. Blues glanced down to the training area for a moment as he watched Sephiroth and Violet – they appeared to be doing nothing more than talking. A light shake of the head was given as he moved further down the dimly lit catwalk, now spying a familiar figure cloaked in the shadows. “Reeve.” Was said as an amused expression crossed gruff features. '''“Came to watch the fight hum? Didn’t think you of all people was concerned about Sephiroth.”''' A pause was given as he leaned on the railing next to Reeve. “Or are you here because of Violet?” That would kind of explain things, but it was all fuzzy to Angeal. He wasn’t exactly sure of the connections between Reeve and Violet, but he knew they were there. “Ok, ok, I give up!” He finally said after a moment of thought. “Just why are you here?” Head tilted to one side as he finally turned his attention back to the training area.

<font Face="Palatino Linotype"> “Angeal.” Reeve said, stepping into the light. “It's nice to see you again.” He turned and leaned on the railing, looking down at the battlefield. He had recognized it instantly as the Corel Reactor. Every time he saw one of the old reactors, he always remembered an explosion or some similar incident. Fun times for ShinRa. He shook his head, returning to the conversation. '''“Sephiroth. Generally, he seems like one who...looks down upon concern.”''' As for Violet...he remained quiet. Of course, he was concerned, but who wouldn't be? She was like the little sister in the big ShinRa family. He figured Angeal felt that way, too. '''“Me? I'm here to make sure nothing goes wrong.” He looked over at Angeal with a sly smile, “Isn't that why you're here?”'''

<font face=Tahoma> “Always a pleasure.” He said giving a nod in return as he listened with a sigh. “Sephiroth is just-” He tried to find some kind of word to describe a long time friend but there just wasn’t any. “Sephiroth.” And he just left it at that, watching as Violet hopped down off the over turned mine cart. He then looked to Reeve once more, as a dark brow slowly rose. '''“Uh yeah -- yeah that’s right. I’m here to make sure nothing goes wrong...”''' He trailed off, tilting his head slightly. But what was Reeve possibly gonna do? He just didn’t seem like the fighting type – after all, he did have those cat things running around doing the fighting for him. Angeal looked around for a moment, first checking behind Reeve and then to the other side of him but he saw no animatronic cat. Both brows rose this time as he just shook his head, looking back down to the grounds below.

<font Face="Palatino Linotype"> Reeve chuckled a bit. That really was the only way to describe some people. While he wasn't exactly informed when it came to Soldier, he knew a few people like that. He looked back down at the battlefield, but noticed Angeal looking for something. While he had no weapons or Cait Sith with him, Reeve did have some of his own preventative measures. After all, he was Head of Urban Development.

<font face=Tahoma> “Let’s just hope they don’t destroy the building...” He mumbled at Reeve’s silence. Sure, there were no weapons or cats around, but he then remembered just who helped design the building. A shake of the head was given as he just watched Violet and Sephiroth converse. Sure, no one there was in any big hurry but it was strange; they were here to fight yet they just talked – unless they were heckling each other which meant things were gonna get ugly. Angeal was ready though; he wasn’t gonna put anything past these two because they were just too sneaky for their own good.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''Catlike hues just watched Violet as she drew near, but not a word was said. He looked her over for a moment taking in every last detail from the sparkling in her eyes that reminded him of the starts at night to her tiny frame and long dark tresses that grazed her shoulders. Did Angeal really expect him to fight her? “I... I can’t do this.” He said low, turning towards the large door in the back of the room. “It’s not that you aren’t a worthy opponent Cheri, I just don’t want to hurt you.” A nod was given as he stopped long enough to slide the long sword back into the sheath concealed beneath his coat before he continued on.''

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">She didn’t believe this at all, he was turning down a battle – this just wasn’t the Sephiroth she knew long ago. “Do what?” She asked, now following him. “You don’t want to hurt me?” A pause was given as dark brows knitted together. '''“Sephiroth, you won’t hurt me. You never intentionally did.”''' She stopped for a moment remembering the day he left for Nibelheim. ''“Yeah, you did hurt me that day Sephiroth but you had no control over everything that happened after that. You said you would be back in a few days but... You didn’t return...”'' She thought to herself, now stopping as she felt the rage building inside. But it wasn’t towards him – everything was Jenova’s fault and he still spoke of her as if they were still one again but tests confirmed there was no sign of Jenova left in his body. “It’s just not fair Sephie; you still speak of her after everything that’s happened...!” Blades were quickly slung forward and then crossed as hues fell shut. “I’m so sick of hearing Mother this and Mother that...” A low growl was heard as blades burst into blue flames and hues shot open. “Damnit, Jenova isn’t your Mother; she’s an alien from space that does nothing but cause pain, misery and destruction.” Slim frame charged towards him, leaping off the ground as blades began to spin wildly.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''He was almost to the door when he heard her speak in protest. He couldn’t quite piece together the things she was saying about him never intentionally hurting her – and it wasn’t because he didn’t care, he just couldn’t remember their relationship status. “Yes, I don’t think I would have any reason to hurt you – you seem like a nice girl.” He said stopping for a moment, but then she continued and he listened until she spoke of Mother. Stark brows knitted together as he instinctively pulled his sword from beneath his coat and turned to block her attack. Catlike hues pulsed as he slowly looked up, meeting her gaze through the blue flames. “I tried so hard Violet – I tried to remember you, but everything is still a blur and it seems you have no patience.” Teeth ground together as another memory tried to force its way into his mind. “You can’t go now, I have something important to tell you and it can’t wait...” The voice was massively distorted and he couldn’t make out the words at all; and the face he saw was just another blur which flat out made him angry again. “And I tried to be nice to you as well…” A pause was given as he put more force into the six foot blade. “But I just can’t have you talking about Mother like that, Holy One.” That dark look crossed pale features once more as he pushed her away with ease; but she just landed on her feet and charged again. Blade was raised once more to block her as a light chuckle was heard. “Oh come now, is that the best you can do?” He asked with a smug pushing her away again before he stepped back taking a moment to collect himself.''

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">“You have all this power yet it seems you don’t know how to use it.” Was said in a sarcastic fashion as a mysterious breeze filled the room, making his coat rustle lightly. Silver tresses grazed his cheek as arms slowly folded across his chest and that heavy frame began to rise. “So allow me to demonstrate the use of true power.” Words flowed in a cryptic fashion as hues fell shut and his head bowed slightly. “For when you possess powers such as mine, it would be a waste not to use them to their full potential don’t you think?” And with this a flash of white light was seen before a single black wing appeared extending from the left side of his back. Catlike hues then opened and pulsed as arms uncrossed. “You can no longer escape your destiny, Cheri; it is now time for you to perish just like the others...” Was hissed as he swung the blade, silver tresses flaring out as green hues gazed down upon her.

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">Violet landed on her feet both times Sephiroth pushed her away, but she wasn’t finished with him yet and his taunting was making her rage build even more. She readied herself for another attack when he began to speak; and then she just couldn’t believe it. “This isn’t possible; you no longer carry the cells...” She said low, watching his transformation. “But wait, Faremis said some of the Jenova-like traits couldn’t be removed from your genetic makeup.” A dark brow rose as she looked up to him, a tear slowly running down her cheek. “I took her out of you, I saved you but yet some of her still lingers.” A low growl passed her lips as she raised her blades to block the incoming attack. “Damn you, snap out of it...” She hissed, pushing him away but he just came back for another attack. “I really don’t want to hurt you Sephie-” Was said as she blocked and pushed him away once more. “But you’re kind of leaving me no choice...!”

<font Face="Palatino Linotype"> Reeve gritted his teeth. This isn't good, He thought, remembering the fight with him in the crater. He wasn't as powerful as he was then, it seemed, but it had taken all of them fighting together to take him out. Reeve side-stepped towards the end of the catwalk, still keeping an eye on the battle. If this kept up, he and Angeal would have to intervene.

<font face=Tahoma> Angeal leaned against the railing, watching with great interest. He hadn’t experienced Sephiroth’s ‘angel form’ first hand, but he’d heard stories. Blues darted to Reeve for a moment and then back to the fight as he gave a nod, a gloved hand now coming to rest on the handle of his buster sword. “Just give them a little longer, Violet might be on to something.” He said low and stoic as a dark brow slowly quirked.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">'“Humph, you hurt me? I highly doubt that.”''' Was said with a smirk as he swung his blade once more, but she blocked it – and then again and again as he tired to two more attacks. A frustrated grunt was heard as stark brows knitted. “When are you going to learn that Faremis doesn’t know it all?” This time he put more force behind his attack, knocking her into the air as he swung the blade again – but as before, it was just blocked. “You are the one that sealed Mother with your Holy power – eliminate you and she will be free, that is the objective.” He said low, hurling her into a nearby metallic wall.''

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">She blocked attack after attack when he finally threw her into a wall. Tiny frame hit with a loud thud, leaving a deep indention as she fell to the ground. Her back ached now, but she couldn’t stop now because Sephiroth was closing in for another attack. “You’re wrong my darling...” Was said as she blocked his blade, this time blue and red sparks shot from the metal as it clashed. He was putting more force behind his attacks as was she and if this kept up, only one would come out alive and that’s not what she wanted at all. “If you kill me then Jenova will be sealed forever – you need me Sephiroth-” She forcefully knocked him into the air and hurled several orbs of holy magic at him. “You need me more than you know and you’re willing to accept.” A fist was made as the orbs quickly pulled into one, taking shape around Sephiroth’s form... But things weren’t going to work out as she had hoped...

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''Catlike hues pulsed as he dodged the first wave of holy magic, swatting a few away with his sword as they tried to form around him. “Tch, well, if I need you so badly I can just cut off your pretty little head and use that to free Mother – after all, the power is in your blood as it is mine.” The orbs were quickly swatted away before they could completely take shape, hitting various segments of the metallic wall with an explosive crash. “You magic is no good against me; without Mother’s cells I am immune, though the light show your putting on is rather amusing.” More taunting on his part as frame was slowly lowered to the ground. “Tell me what you cherish most, Cheri.” Was said as a nod was given and his sword was raised into an upright position. “Give me the pleasure of taking it away.” And then without a word, he quickly charged towards her.''

<font Face="Palatino Linotype"> As Violet hit the wall, Reeve felt a force on his left shoulder, just strong enough to feel. He stopped a moment. “It's starting.” He said under his breath before rushing the rest of the way to a control panel at the end of the catwalk. He intended to stop this before it got out of hand, or they'd all be dead. He quickly put in some commands, then looked over the side. A few sparks of electricity crackled through the air just after the fighters. '''“Damn! They're going too fast!”''' Reeve growled, turning back to the control panel. As he went to try again, though, he felt a series of painful pinpricks shoot up his arm. He reached for the arm, flinching, then looked back to Angeal. “Try to slow them down a bit!”

<font face=Tahoma> A dark brow rose as he looked to Reeve who seemed to be in some kind of pain. He just shook his head figuring he should act now and ask questions later. “Yeah, I’d better go do something before they kill each other.” He said as booted feet made tracks for the door. “So much for your great backup plan Reeve...” He muttered as he hit the stairs, carefully taking them two at a time.

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">Flaming blades were raised to block his attack as more sparks flew, and she just knocked him back feeling an overwhelming weakness pulse through her body. “I can’t keep this up...” She thought to herself conjuring up another orb of Holy which was sent towards Sephiroth. “I could do this all day!” She called, now following the path of the orb.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''“No you can’t.” He said in his usual cool tone before swinging his blade to send the orb back in the direction it came from; and who was now on the receiving end of the magic? Why the caster herself.''

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">Hues widened as she saw the large orb coming her way, but she didn’t have time enough to get out of the way before it hit her with force, sending both her and the magic crashing through the wall into the small store room on the other side. Bricks, steel fragments and various chunks of rubble fell on top of her as she just laid there for a moment trying to get her mind straight, despite the fact her body ached all over.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''A satisfied grunt was heard as he stepped back for a moment and waited for her to emerge, but she didn’t. A look of concern now crossed pale features which was kind of out of place at the moment. He was the victor so it seemed, but he was starting to realize now that she was hurt and he was the cause of it. “What have I done?” He thought as the single wing slowly faded away, leaving nothing but stray black feathers in it’s wake. Sephiroth did the very thing he said he wouldn’t and that didn’t sit right with him at all. “What kind of person am I?” He asked himself looking down as he noticed something stirring beneath the rubble. That familiar smirk crossed pale lips as his sword rose. “Coming back for more are you?”''

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">Slim frame quickly rose from the pile of debris, hues blazing a fiery blue as a trickle of blood ran down her chin. She shook off a bit of dust, stepping back into the room as a few chunks of plaster fell from her hair. There were tears in her clothes, bleeding cuts in exposed flesh and bruises beginning to form but this was far from over. “During that final battle, I stood between you and Cloud...” She finally said her voice light and almost angelic now; she was slowly slipping into Holy Rage and readying herself to unleash the Judgment. Skin glowed a pale blue as dark brows knitted together. “I begged him not to kill you because it was Jenova he was after, but to no avail you had to go; she used you as a shield, and I had no choice but to watch you die...” A pause was given. “It took the death of hope to let you go...” Words echoed thorough the room as if being spoken by some kind of beast as she charged towards him, blue streaks following in her wake as she went into Holy Rage.

<font face=Tahoma> Angeal reached the grounds just in time to see Violet rise broken and battered from a pile of rubble. A sigh was heard as he darted through the door before it finished opening, buster sword in one hand and standard ShinRa issue in the other. “That’s enough!” He yelled quickly jumping in between the two as metal clashed, shooting sparks. He was holding Sephiroth with the buster sword and Violet with the standard issue but had a feeling it really should have been the other way around. “You’ll both be the death of us all!” He snapped looking first to Sephiroth who was now backing off and then to Violet who just kept pushing. Brows knitted as he looked into her flaming eyes, knowing all to well what had happened. “Guh I hope Reeve can get his shocking device working because that’s the only thing that can bring her out of this…” He thought to himself trying to hold her off.

<font Face="Palatino Linotype"> Seeing Angeal making his move, Reeve regained his composure. If he was going to stop this, he needed to stay focused. He knew he'd be getting hurt – that was just part of him. He needed to ignore the pain or he was going to blow it. He quickly input the command line again, watching for Angeal. Once he saw Sephiroth reflect an orb of explosive magic, he tensed up, bracing himself and-- “Ahh!” Reeve clenched his jaw. Accompanying the inevitable crash was a wave of pain that branched up to his shoulder and to his chest. It hurt. It really hurt. He lost his balance at the impact, nearly falling on the control panel. He couldn't give up, though. It was then he heard Angeal below him. With his good arm, Reeve pulled himself up and hit the key to execute the commands before letting himself fall to the base of the catwalk. The mechanism was a bit slow, but he knew it would activate before something happened to Angeal. He hoped it would, at least.

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''“Angeal…” Sephiroth said, backing off just a bit. His friend was right though – if they kept fighting like this they were gonna end up killing each other and everyone else in the vicinity of the building. “I am sorry...” He said low now backing off completely; but Violet was still glowing and trying to get at him. Head tilted to one side as he mulled over everything Violet had said, trying to make sense of it all and connect it with the reason she got so upset with him.''

<font face=Century Gothic><font color="Blue">“Out of my way Angeal, I’m not finished...” Her beastly growl was louder than before as Holy burned its way through her veins. “Mother this, Mother that, I can’t take it anymore” Hues burned brighter as she pushed harder on the flimsy sword, trying to get it and Angeal out of her way... And then there was a loud buzzing sound coming from the floor but it didn’t faze her until she felt the electric shock move from the tile she was standing on through her body. Hues instantly changed back to their normal color as she fell to her knees, screaming. Flesh faded to its normal paleness as blades quit glowing. The shock forced her out of Holy Rage which in turn brought on a lot of pain added to the hurt from prior hits she took. Once the shock was over and she was back to her broken, beaten self she slowly stood and looked to both Sephiroth and Angeal. “Th...th...thi...this isn’t over.” She said, stuttering from the shock. Slim staggered a bit as she struggled to regain composure, shaking the last of the shock off. “Jenova isn’t your Mother Sephiroth, I don’t care what Hojo told you your entire life, she just isn’t and I’m going to prove it to you.” Was said as she staggered past him, turning to look him in the eye once more. “I’ll prove it or die trying.” And that was it, she was done talking to him as she turned and headed out the door; the image of the Mako reactor now fading revealing a busted up training room.

<font face=Tahoma> A dark brow slowly rose as the buster sword was re sheathed across his back and the standard issue was returned to the resting place across his thigh. “I thought I asked you to go easy on her.” A concerned look crossed features as he watched Violet disappear behind the large door. He wasn’t mad at either one of them; he knew that combat was serious business sometimes. “Not a scratch on you, but she walked out of here pretty banged up.” He looked to Sephiroth for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. “I didn’t expect any less; but at least she was able to walk out of here in one piece nonetheless.” He said as arms crossed. This was all amusing to him and fascinating to say the least. Sephiroth was still strong and Violet had grown up to be just as strong – she may have taken a beating, but she feared well against the almighty Sephiroth. Of course, if he and Reeve hadn’t of stopped her when they did, the whole building would have been in shambles along with them as well. “But next time, be more careful and try not to be on the receiving end of her Holy Rage because me and Reeve might not be around to shock her out of it.”

<font face=Times New Roman><font color="33FF99">''“I think-” He began as hues glanced around to survey the damaged done to the training room. “I think this has happened before – a long time ago she and I fought in the training room and it turned out this way but I’m not completely sure, the details are still fuzzy.” A pause was given as the blade was sheathed beneath his coat. “I can’t even remember who was there and how it even happened, I just remember that someone with great power was out of control and a high voltage shock ended everything.” A heavy sigh was given as he looked to Angeal for a moment. '''“What’s wrong with her? Why does she get so-”''' He paused for a moment trying to find the right words. '''“Angry when she’s around me? No one else does this but her.”'

<font face=Tahoma> He just shook his head as he began to walk around the room, surveying the damage. “Frustration, mainly.” He said, kicking a pile of rubble as he walked. “She gets over emotional – that and she has a short fuse.” A pause was given as he stopped to look at a few lights that were malfunctioning. '''“What can I say, Violet is just Violet. She was raised by ShinRa so being in this building is like being at home to her and she just happens to be the angsty, rebellious one that does the opposite of what she’s told.”''' A chuckle was given to that as he stepped back over to where Sephiroth stood. “I guess we should go call in a maintenance crew to get this place fixed up no?” Was said as he turned for the door. “And after that, I don’t know about you but I’m going for a drink.” His chuckle turned to a light laugh as he just shrugged everything that happened off. It wasn’t the first time and definitely wouldn’t be the last.

<p style="text-align: right;">&lt;&lt; I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X &gt;&gt;