(no subject)

[frozenlightning.livejournal.com]

Who: Genesis, Lightning, Rufus Shin-Ra and Reno
What: Convincing Lightning
Where: Bevelle
When: A little after her wounds healed
Rating: None.

The city of Bevelle was grating on her and Lightning was tired of the way people stared at her for having a weapon that was automatic. She sighed, sitting on the sill of the window, leaning half out of it. Her mind was playing through many scenarios it really shouldn't have been. She should've been focused on Cocoon. On finding a way back... but things were so different now. The Heartless were not her biggest interest right now... in truth, the main thing on her mind was Genesis. With another sigh, Lightning kicked the leg that was dangling out of the window. This damned hotel room was beginning to pick on her last nerve. Spending so much time in this city was getting boring and she was ready to get moving again. Her body was healed, all blood regenerated, and all wounds healed. Nothing was stopping her from walking out. Besides Genesis, of course.

 

Genesis had just returned from buying a few potions with the gil he had left over. As he did, the innkeeper called him over. "Oy! Genesis! Someone was asking about you earlier. Didn't catch his name, but..." Genesis nodded. Someone asking for him? Who here would even know his name, other than Lightning? Rosso didn't know he was here, as far as he knew...

He went upstairs, and entered the room, placing the potions on the counter. "You okay, Lightning?" he asked, as he took a seat in one of the chairs.

 

She glanced over, swinging her leg still but using the other to keep herself from falling out. "Honestly, I'm bored." She half-smiled before looking back out with a sigh. There was a man outside that seemed to stand out from the others but she paid very little attention to him. With a slight shift, she crossed her arms over her chest. "This city has lost my interest. I want to see things of other worlds. All I've seen here is Heartless and heretics."

 

Genesis nodded. "Fine by me... I think there's an airship headed for Ivalice. It will use up the last of our gil, but I'm sure there's plenty to make in Dalmasca." He approached Lightning, then... holding out his hand. "I'm ready to leave if you are."

 

"You won't need to spend that last gil.  In fact, I could give you a little more aswell as something to do."  Rufus said this simply, head held high and ice blue eyes staring down the man and woman.  "Hello, Genesis.  Good to see you're doing alright...And this would be Lightning, would it not?"  He chuckled, looking them both over then around at the city they were in. "How about we go to Midgar.  See if ShinRa is able to keep you amused."  He kept his gaze on the Ex-SOLIDER this time, he was his target, he was the person he wanted back in the new ShinRa.

 

Lightning stood; dismissing the hand she'd been offered for fear that she wouldn't let it go. As the man at the door spoke, her eyes narrowed. "Who are you? How do you know my name?" She was never frightened of people but she was painfully aware of moments that should have damn good explanations. She crossed her arms again, eyeing the blonde. She didn't need to be told his name to know he must be important. His attire just explained his high status, even if she didn't truly like that he knew her name.

 

Genesis' first instinct was to draw his sword, but clearly, this man didn't mean harm. Who was he? He thought for a moment, and then... of course. The last time he had seen this man, he was a kid. Now he was all grown up, and leading Shin-Ra. "Been a while, Rufus. Last time I saw you, you were twelve." Genesis' wing twitched... how did he know Lightning's name. "How did you know where to find us?"

 

Reno's cigarette was done with and soon enough he headed up behind Rufus, resting his hand on his boss' shoulder as he arrived. "Thanks for the smoke break, boss." He muttered before tilting his head at the two in the room. "G." He crossed his arms, smirking but saying nothing else. He was here to protect Rufus and that was damn well what he would do.

 

Rufus rolled his eyes and swatted the hand off his shoulder, rolling them moments later and shifting on his feet.  He knees hurt; knees, ankles, hips.  "Last time you saw me I was powerless.  I've gone from the top of the world to the ground in moments, but I intend to rise again."  He flashed a smile, looking to the woman.  "I want you to come back to ShinRa, Genesis. It's not the same way you left it."

 

Lightning's hands tensed into fists at the smile. "I am leaving. Enjoy Midgar, Genesis." She snatched up her weapon and rammed it in place, storming towards the door in a manner that befitted her electrical name. Something was off and she wasn't certain what but that smile was too charming. Too practised. Lightning was done with Bevelle. Done with teams and partnerships. She'd go back to Pulse. She would fight Cocoon alone if she had to.

 

Genesis cringed at Lightning's reaction. He tried to catch Lightning as she left, but as she did... he felt he had to do something. Now. "I'm sorry, Rufus, but I'm not going anywhere without Lightning." Of course, he wanted to. Shin-Ra was his best option, and he had nowhere else to go... and it appeared as if Rufus was willing to forgive his past transgressions. But, he felt he had to beat around the bush to get Lightning to come with him. "It doesn't matter if Midgar is fixed and has such luxurious penthouses... I'm not leaving Lightning here. She's too important to me."

It pained him to say that... but it was true. In the short amount of time, he really grew to care for her... almost, as if... no. Genesis couldn't love anyone. He wasn't even human.

 

With a laugh, Reno watched Lightning go. "Woah-ho-ho... somebody has a temper problem." He crossed his arm, watching her walk. "Better hurry, Genesis. She's half way to the door already." A chuckle came out as he leaned against the door, staggering as it swung open a little more, knocking him off balance.

 

Rufus rolled his eyes at the Turk, following G out the door and staring at the woman.  "The invite was for you aswell, Lightning. You're in a fight with Cocoon right?  We can help.  You've been fighting Heartless.  We can help with that aswell.  You wont be completely under control, you fights will just have the name of ShinRa in the back."  He chuckled, using the wall to help with the pain in his legs.  "I need strength, and you have it."

 

"And why would I want to work as another damned soldier under the name of another government? I've got no reason to follow you." She then swiftly continued down the stairs and towards the door that would lead her outside. Damnit. She stopped at the door. With a tight fist, she thumped it, not wanting to just leave Genesis this way.

 

"I'm sorry. If she's not going, I'm not going," he said, running down the stairs after her. He caught up to her, looking at her, a bit of disappointment in his eyes. "Lightning... I'm not going if you don't want to. I can't leave you here... I just can't."

 

"I'm afraid you've misunderstood, Lightning.  ShinRa is not a government; ShinRa is an electrical company, funding the WRO and attempting to clean the mess it has made in the past."  He said simply, moving down the stairs like it didn't hurt in the least.

 

She lifted her gaze to Genesis, startled by his eyes. She disliked that she'd caused such disappointment in those blue orbs. With a sigh, she looked to Rufus. "I make no promises to work as you want me to. If I disagree with your decision, I'll fight my damn hardest against it." She murmured; her eyes sharp. At that, she pulled the door open and gestured for Rufus and the loudmouth redhead to lead the way.

 

Genesis said nothing. He simply smiled. "... Thank you, Lightning," he said, and followed Rufus.