Title: Hysterical Tinge

Pairings: Undecided for now, but probably going to ZackxAngeal, CloudxSephiroth. Genesis needs some love too, even if we are not on speaking terms right at the moment.

Warnings: Descriptions of kidnapping, assault, rape...you get the picture. Remarkably, Zack's actually not too hurt in this one. Physically anyways...

Note: What is this? Misery is starting ANOTHER fic?...I promise this one isn't going to be a long and drawn out affair. I know where this is going, I just need to write it out. Oh, by the way, I also hate this title. Any suggestions to what it should be changed to?

Angeal did not feel terror often.

Unease maybe, especially when Zack was called away for a training exercise that would see him in action alone. He wanted to say something, but seeing the excitement on Zack's face, he just smiled and nodded. He definitely felt pride as he watched his student walk away with air of confidence. And later, when he came into Sephiroth's office to find him with Genesis, holding a bottle of really good scotch, he felt gratitude for the distraction they provided.

Two weeks went by, with little to no event. Zack e-mailed him, as instructed, each day. He had friends among the other 2nd and 3rd class soldiers, and his training wasn't exactly difficult. Angeal himself kept busy filling out paperwork, an activity he usually hated. The tedious work filled up his hours though. In the evenings, he was dragged out of his office by either Genesis or Sephiroth to go sparring. Afterwards, they stayed up late in the night talking and reminiscing about the past. Conversation was careful not to revolve around Zack unless Angeal expressly spoke about him. By then, Angeal was so tired he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. His days fell into this comfortable routine. He mistakenly became content, complacent. Then, he was called into Sephiroth's office.

"Angeal, something's happened. It's Zack."

There had been an attack on the encampment. There were no deaths, but quite a few injuries. Witnesses say they culprit was Wutai rebels. Angeal nodded, trying to keep his breathing normal. Sephiroth regarded him with an almost sympathetic look. Angeal knew at the exact moment the news was going to be bad.

"Zack's friends say he fought hard. But a group of fighters cornered him. He was knocked out..." Angeal stared hard at his friend. "Angeal, Zack's been kidnapped." There was a moment of silence. For a second, all Angeal could hear was the sound of his blood rushing in his ears. Without saying a word, he went and stood by the window. He clenched his fists hard, nails digging into his palms, forming bloody crescents. Sephiroth shuffled his papers, unsure of what to say. He didn't know how to offer comfort. "We'll get him back." Angeal nodded, not really listening. It had been a while since he felt terror this bad. It robbed him of his ability to speak. Sephiroth gave him a few moments to gather his thoughts then said, "I have to ask you to sit out on this one." Angeal spun around, anger making his eyes glow.

"You what?" He asked, calmly, his voice like steel. If Sephiroth was any other man, he would be running faaaaar away right now.

"The direct order came from president Shinra. You are to remove yourself from any and all rescue operat..." He didn't get to finish his sentence.

BAM! A sword appeared to inches from his head.

"You want to run that by me again?" The general sighed, gently pulling the sword embedded into the wall out.

"I tried to fight them on this." Guilt flared up, Angeal had forgotten who he was dealing with. "But they felt your emotional involvement would cloud your judgement."

"OF COURSE IT'S GOING TO!" The man swung around, trying to reign in his temper. He didn't want to say something he would regret. Sephiroth sighed again.

"Go home, Angeal. Try to get some rest. There is nothing you can do right now." Angeal nodded curtly, and stiffly walked to the door. He knew a dismissal when he heard one. On the way to his apartment, he was aware of someone following him. He growled low in his throat. It was insulting to have your own employer have someone follow you around.

The next two days were torture. Angeal was, obviously, going after Zack. But every time he went to make preparations, he met obstacles. Turks were following him at every turn, people were reluctant to hand him supplies, and to top it all off, Genesis and Sephiroth seemed to be trying to stop him as well. Finally, he had everything in order. Cat quiet, Angeal snuck into the hallway. He carefully removed the ventilation shaft cover by his door. Manoeuvring his way through the twisting, metal maze, he arrived at the helicopter launch pad. Angeal dropped down, landing on his feet gracefully. He walked towards the helicopter, which shone in the dim light. Only to stop. Sephiroth and Genesis were already there, the latter grinning at him.

"What? You think we were going to let you go by yourself?" The auburn haired SOLDIER said, sounding vaguely amused." The raven haired SOLDIER nodded, turning to Sephiroth. The general shook his head.

"He's right. Beside, you'll probably won't face repercussions if I go with you." The burly SOLDIER shook his head, and Sephiroth sighed. He held up a folder. "Do you even know where you're going?" Angeal sighed, then smiled at his two friends. Quietly, the three crept forward. Leaning against the helicopter was a red haired man. Angeal rolled his eyes slightly when he saw who it was. Reno. He was debating how to sneak around the Turk when Reno called out.

"Look, I know you're out there, yo. Dammit, I've been waiting here for like two days. What took you so long?" Genesis tilted his head, an unspoken question in his eyes. Reno jangled the keys in his hands. "I want to see Zack saved as much as you do." Sephiroth came into the Turk's line of vision. Reno tossed him the keys. Just as he was about to leave, the red haired Turk turned to look at them. "Try not to bang my baby up to bad." With that, he left, humming a song. Angeal, Sephiroth, and Genesis exchanged looks. Genesis sheepishly sheathed his sword, turning away from a scrutinizing look shot at him by Angeal.

"Let's get this done, shall we?"

Oh Dear... Reviews would be nice please and thankyou