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Darkened Skies	By : Cynthia Category: Final Fantasy VII > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 949 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters are the property of Square Enix. I do not profit from this fanfiction, it’s for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
"Darkened Skies"
Chapter thirteen: Changes
A Final Fantasy 7 AU fanfiction
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Author's note: Just a reminder that some time skipping will be necessary for the plot of this story.
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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can’t get enough of this world and the characters.
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            "So you see, Reeve, our avenues are finite," finished Lazard. "Do you think you could help us?"
            Reeve looked between the SOLDIER director and Sephiroth, undecided. He really didn't want to get mixed up in a conflict, but in truth, it was too little, too late. He'd been aware that certain departments were in a different "click" for some time, and Lazard was much more on the level with him than the president, the VP or any of the other execs.
            Reeve sat back in his office chair. He was probably one of the few in the company who could say with confidence that his office wasn't bugged. "You want me to hack into the system? Can you be a little more specific about what I should be monitoring?"
            Lazard hesitated, his blond brows drawing together over the lenses of his glasses. Seeing his inner conflict, Sephiroth obliged. "Hojo, specifically. We believe he's involved in something covert. We also believe the president could be involved."
            "Maybe even the other departments," added Lazard after a moment's thought, before Reeve could answer him. "But Hojo is more dangerous than the rest of them, and he's also the most clever."
            Reeve grimaced. "No argument there. He's madder than a clock-maker, but he's slick."
He leaned back in his chair again and he absently scratched his chin. He thought about the things Hojo had done to Vincent and it was easy to imagine him being involved in some nefarious government plot. The president was just greedy enough to let it make him stupid, and Hojo had an insidious tongue. He glanced over at the fortune telling machine he'd bought at the flea market out of curiosity. The cat and mog combo would make an interesting conversation piece at parties, but he'd started to consider other possibilities for them. His ideas could wait; they were far-fetched anyway. The situation with Hojo and the president demanded immediate attention and Reeve had been feeling stirrings of dread lately, himself.
"All right, Deusericus. I'm curious myself to find out what they might be up to. If a conspiracy is going to segregate this company further, I'd rather know about it beforehand and check out my options."
Lazard nodded. "Wisely put."
~*******************************~

            Later that evening, Reeve visited Vincent in the dilapidated house in the slums where the gunman was staying. He explained the meeting he'd had earlier that day with Lazard and Sephiroth. He sipped his tea and watched his friend expectantly, having come to value Vincent's opinion.
            "Aren't you worried about giving me this information?" Vincent finally said in his low, resonant voice.
            Reeve smirked. "Why, are you planning to run off and warn Hojo?"
            Vincent looked down at the golden claw resting in his lap. "Hmph. Of all the things I'd like to do to him, warning that his secrets are in danger of being exposed isn't one of them. Still, you took a risk." Vincent's ruby gaze lifted from his hand and pierced Reeve. "I know what the Turk department is capable of, Reeve. I used to be one of them. If they've been trailing you and the general and seeing you come here, it's going to raise questions."
            "Nobody's been trailing me," insisted Reeve. "I haven't been followed."
            Vincent didn't look convinced. "Can you say that for certain?"
            Reeve shrugged. "Nothing in life is certain, but if someone's been spying on me and Sephiroth without either of us detecting it, there's no point worrying about it now. I've got an excuse if any questions come up. My mother used to live in this part of town and plenty of family friends still do."
            Vincent nodded, lowering his eyes in contemplation. "I had forgotten you rose through the ShinRa ranks from poverty."
            "I'm thankful for that," answered Reeve truthfully. "It's given me a broader perspective of the world. Most of those suits have no idea how profoundly ShinRa politics affect the working class population, and even if they do, they don't care." Reeve sighed and gazed into his teacup. "To them, they're all just ants. They don't see the symbiosis in their own relationship with them. Without the 'little guys', the rich have nothing."
            "True," agreed Vincent, "but they have you to look out for them."
            Reeve gave him a brief smile, and he sat a bit straighter. "Yes, they do. You know Vincent, you don't need to hang around here. I have a perfectly fine apartment on the upper plate and you're more than welcome to stay there with me. I have a spare bedroom."
            "I would be tempted to take your offer," answered the gunman as he got off the couch and walked over to the window, "if I intended to stay in Midgar."
            Reeve frowned up at him. "Planning on going somewhere?"
            Vincent nodded and glanced back over his shoulder at him, letting the ratty curtain fall back into place. "I'm returning to Nibelheim, tomorrow. I've taught Sephiroth all I can and he has his situation under control, now. You have everything handled on your end. I'm no longer needed."
            Reeve got up and crossed the room to him. "You don't have to go back into your coffin, Vincent. There's a whole world out here, a whole life you could be living. Stop hiding from it."
            "I'm not hiding."
            "Bullshit." Reeve sighed and combed his fingers through his dark hair. "Vincent, it's not good for you, hibernating like that. Can't you at least try to live a little?"
            "It's not that simple," insisted Vincent softly. He turned to face Reeve full-on, and his ruby gaze was troubled. "If I stay here, I'll eventually seek him out."
            Reeve didn't need to ask who "he" was. "I understand how you feel, but—"
            "No, you don't," interrupted Vincent. "You can't. You haven't lived through what I have. You haven't lost what I've lost to him. Don't ask me to put it behind me, Reeve. It isn't possible."
            The executive deflated, having no argument against that. Of course he couldn't know what it was like for his friend. Who could truly know that, except for Vincent himself? He sighed and reached out, laying a supportive hand on Vincent's shoulder.
            "I can see I won't change your mind, but would you at least let me escort you home?"
            Vincent shrugged, the expression on his sculpted, pale face somewhat curious. "If you like. I don't mind your company."
            Reeve smirked. It was the closest thing to an admittance of fondness he was ever likely to get from the man.
~*****************************~

            The next day, Reeve and Vincent took an airship to Modeoheim. The suited executive contrasted interestingly with his pale, caped friend as they walked into town together and entered the mansion. Both men were quietly pensive, walking in companionable silence through the musty halls. It wasn't until they reached the basement and the coffin room that Reeve found his voice again.
            "Well, this is it. You're sure I can't convince you not to crawl back into that thing?" He gave a nod at the waiting coffin.
            A bare hint of a smile curved the gunman's lips, briefly. "You're the first to ever come close to changing my mind, Reeve, but no. I just want to sleep."
            Reeve sighed again and gestured. "Then your coffin awaits. I'll be sure to lock up on my way out."
            Vincent climbed into the coffin and looked at him as he lay down. "Thank you, my friend. Maybe we'll see each other again, some day."
            Reeve helped him put the lid onto the coffin, at a loss for anything to say to that. Once it was shut, he slowly lowered his forehead to the surface and he groaned quietly.
            "I'm such a coward," he whispered, his breath stirring dust.
He'd allowed a perfect opportunity to slip by, again. Maybe it was for the best. He had no reason to believe his feelings would be reciprocated, even if he were to confess them.
~*********************************~

            Reeve had to explain to Sephiroth that Vincent wasn't there anymore, by the end of the week. He realized his friend had never explained to the general that he was leaving, when he found Sephiroth preparing to leave HQ and realized what day it was.
            "He left?" The young swordsman's silvery brows hedged briefly in a subtle expression of confusion. "When?"
            "Earlier this week," answered Reeve. "He said he's taught you all he can and he had...business...to take care of."
            "You mean he had a coffin to return to," guessed Sephiroth dryly.
            Reeve shrugged. "I couldn't explain his reasoning to you. He seemed to think you have everything under control. Was he wrong about that?" He looked up at the taller man with searching brown eyes, hoping Vincent's judgment wasn't off.
            The serpentine gaze was level and opaque. "No, he wasn't wrong about that. I was prepared to continue my training with him, but I share his feelings that he's taught me all I need to know. I would have liked to offer him my gratitude, before he left."
            Reeve was mildly surprised. Gratitude from Sephiroth in any capacity was a rare thing, but he knew Vincent wouldn't have been comfortable with it. "I'm sure he knows you appreciate his help, General. The important thing is that you're in control of yourself. We all have a lot of work to do around here."
            "Especially you," agreed Sephiroth with a nod. "We need to know everything that's happening in the background of this company, as quickly as possible."
            "I know," Reeve sighed. It seemed like he was doing a lot of sighing, lately. "Just don't expect immediate results. Midgar wasn't built in a day, you know."
            "Just do your best."
            Reeve recognized an order when he heard one, tactful though it was. It was time to get started.
~*****************************~

            Days passed into weeks, and weeks passed into months. While Reeve did his best to hack into the system and spy on the President and the other departments, Sephiroth returned to active duty and eventually, Genesis and Angeal were taken off probation. Life seemed to be returning to normal for those in SOLDIER, at least on the surface. Having decided to try and move on after his break up with Cissnei, Zack started dating different girls. He didn't try to commit to any of them, as he was convinced that his career made it too complicated and he wasn't ready to try again anyhow.
Angeal subtly advised Zack to be careful with his escapades, not only for his reputation but for his physical health, as well. Genesis wasn't so subtle. He threw a box of condoms at the younger Soldier in the hallway one day, right in front of a group of passing female cadets.
"Catch, Loverboy," called the redhead.
Zack awkwardly caught the box and fumbled with it, barely avoiding getting hit in the face. He blushed furiously when he saw what it was and the girls passing him giggled. "Uh..."
"If you're going to play in the rain," suggested Genesis, "have the sense to put on a coat. I'd rather not listen to you complaining about how it burns when you pee."
Angeal came up behind Genesis, catching the tale-end of the conversation. He crossed his muscular arms over his chest and shook his head as his student took off down the hall, speechless for once.
"Classy."
Genesis smirked at him. "I'm only trying to protect your puppy, Angeal. You should be the one having 'the talk' with him, anyway."
"I've already spoken to him about practicing safety measures," assured Angeal. "You didn't need to publicly humiliate him, like that."
"I disagree," countered Genesis, his aqua gaze serious. "Being publicly ousted for his tomcatting may be just what Fair needs. It may be brutal, but I think an occasional reminder of what can come of dipping his wick with impunity is in order. Unless of course you'd rather wait until he gets the clap to realize that fact."
Angeal fought a grin and he patted his boyfriend on the shoulder. "You'd make a good mother, Gen."
He got the desired result; rendering Genesis speechless and gape-mouthed. Angeal checked his watch and walked away, hiding his smile as the other man stared after him.
"Up yours, Hewley," sputtered Genesis at last.
"We have a mission to do," reminded Angeal smoothly. "Are you coming, or not?"
The redhead grumbled, checked his blade and followed the bigger man. "More Wutaian rebels. You would think they'd have the wits to realize their terrorism won't change anything. Godo already signed that peace treaty and his little princess will be the child bride of a Turk, in a few years."
Angeal could have commented on the "child bride" remark and reminded him that the princess would be a legal adult when the wedding took place, but he let it slide. "Some people value freedom more than peace. These rebels obviously believe their cause is worth fighting for."
Genesis studied him thoughtfully. "You sound sympathetic."
Angeal shrugged his burly shoulders. "I admire their courage. I'm a Soldier, though. I'll follow my orders to the best of my ability, no matter how I feel about them."
Genesis nodded. "Ever the boyscout. I wonder though, if you were ordered to execute someone you thought was innocent, would you be able to go through with it?"
Angeal frowned. "I can't answer that question."
"No?" Genesis looked surprised. "You aren't going to vehemently insist that you'll follow your directive, even if you don't agree with it?"
"I could do that," agreed Angeal, "but it would be dishonest of me. You're asking me if I could commit an act of evil for the sake of following orders. I really don't know, Gen."
"Fair enough." Genesis adjusted his gloves and glanced at a cadet hurrying past them, obviously late for his training. "Men don't really know what they're capable of, until a situation arises."
"Let's hope I never have to test myself that way," muttered Angeal.
Sephiroth was alreadywaiting at the airport when they arrived, and he nodded in approval upon checking his watch. "Right on time. Let's get this over with."
Angeal and Genesis boarded the airship with him, and the big man asked for information as they took their seats inside the cabin. "What's the situation, General?"
"Approximately two dozen rebels, this time," obliged Sephiroth. "They've been coming down out of the hills, raiding small villages on the outskirts of the main city. Godo has requested SOLDIER intervention in an effort to avoid the political backlash of executing his own countrymen."
Genesis' brows furrowed. "But they're basically criminals. By dealing with them, he's protecting his people."
"Wutai is on the verge of civil unrest," answered Sephiroth. "The rebels have the sympathy of the law abiding citizens, and if Godo can't bring them in without killing them, it won't sit well."
"So he's commissioned foreigners to do it," reasoned Angeal. "It makes sense. Seeing as Wutai is technically under the jurisdiction of ShinRa, Godo can wash his hands of it and leave it to us to deal with. It doesn't matter if the citizens hate us or not."
Sephiroth nodded. "Exactly. The three of us should be able to handle this quickly. Sending in a large force of militia would cause undue alarm to the civilian population."
"That seems like a reasonable plan," approved Genesis. "Hopefully these fools will give up before we have to kill them."
"I wouldn't count on it," answered Sephiroth. The airship's engines started up and he braced himself as they began to lift off. His eyes scanned Genesis with interest. "Given your rebellious nature, I'm a little surprise you aren't more sympathetic to these people."
Genesis shrugged and he produced his crimson-bladed sword to check the blade for nicks and burrs. "I rebel when it makes sense to do so. There's rebellion and then there's sheer stupidity. What they're doing is the latter."
"You think fighting for their freedom is stupid?" Angeal asked.
Genesis snorted. "I think fighting for a lost cause is stupid. Like I said before, their acts of terrorism won't change anything. They're throwing their lives and their families away for nothing."
"You're welcome to try and convince them of that," invited Sephiroth, "but you aren't likely to succeed. This will end in bloodshed."
Genesis and Angeal both lapsed into silence, quietly agreeing with him. They would attempt to round them up for capture first, but they had orders to use deadly force if the rebels wouldn't come peacefully—and by the sounds of it, Godo hadn't had any luck so far with that.
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            While the three SOLDIER officers traveled to Wutai to take care of business there and Zack started a day of training a group of fresh recruits, a corporate meeting was taking place in the Midgar ShinRa headquarters. Rufus, Scarlet and Heidegger had traveled from Junon for the meeting, at the president's order. Hojo was there as well, representing the Science department. Reeve sat next to Lazard as the president paced the room and discussed recent spending cuts.
            "This company is leaking too much money," he said, "and now that the war with Wutai is all but finished, we can afford to cut back on regular militia."
            "Sir, is it wise to sacrifice security that way?" Scarlet asked. Her gaze went to Lazard. "You could redirect some of the finances from SOLDIER back into the army."
            "I want to keep our specialized military in top shape," answered the President. "We can afford to lose some regular militia. SOLDIER is worth more to our organization."
            Scarlet narrowed her eyes and scowled as Lazard gave her a brief, satisfied smirk. "Whatever you say, Mr. President."
            "Let's get on with this meeting," said the president, dropping the matter. "If any of you have something to report, do it now. I have plans for this afternoon and I'd rather not be stuck in here all day. Deusericus, let's start with you. I'd like to know if my decision to increase funding to your department has done any good."
            Lazard stood up and gave the older man a gracious nod. "The additional funds have made a moderate difference, sir. Next week we'll have another batch of cadets ready to receive their first Mako treatments. The department is recovering nicely and three of our best operatives are heading to Wutai to disperse a group of rebels, as we speak."
            The president aimed a chubby finger at Lazard and smiled through his mustache. "That's the sort of results I like to hear! I presume the General is amongst the group dispatched to Wutai?"
            Lazard nodded. "Of course, sir. He's going with Hewley and Rhapsodos. I trust them to bring the situation under control quickly."
            Heidegger cleared his throat. "The only one in that group that isn't out of his mind is Hewley."
            "Our psychiatrists have thoroughly worked on both operatives," reminded Lazard calmly, "and they pronounced them stable. These men have always brought results in the past and I have faith that they will do so now. The President reinstated them, after all. Perhaps you should take it up with him if you think that was the wrong choice."
            Heidegger glanced at President Shinra and immediately lost his bluster. He mumbled into silence and coughed. Reeve took the opportunity to speak up next, while the room was in a moment of silence.
            "My news isn't as good as Director Lazard's, I'm afraid." He opened his briefcase and produced some printed documents from it, passing them around the table. "People have been coming up missing in Sectors five and seven. A lot of people."
            Palmer frowned at the document in his hand. "The slums?"
            Rufus picked up on his point and he shrugged elegantly, wearing a look of boredom on his handsome face. "Derelicts go missing all the time, Tuesti. I don't see why this has you so alarmed."
            Reeve clenched his jaw and visibly reigned in his temper. "Not in these numbers, Vice President. Look at the demographics I'm giving you. This is an unusual amount of disappearances in a very short time."
            "He's right," announced Lazard, his blue-gray eyes troubled behind the lenses of his glasses. "This is an excessive number of missing persons to come up within only a month's time."
            The president looked at his copy of the documents, before giving Reeve a questioning look. "And what do you want me to do about this, Mr. Tuesti?"
            "I'd like an investigation to happen," answered Reeve without hesitation. When the president looked like he might object, Reeve played another card. "We could have another serial killer in the slums, sir, and not all of these missing people are homeless. Over half of them are working class taxpayers."
            Mention of their contribution to his wealth seemed to do the trick. The president hesitated for the space of two heartbeats, before giving a nod. "I'll see about sending someone to investigate."
            Reeve gave a slight bow of respect. "Thank you, Mr. President."
            "I would like the floor for a moment, if I may," Hojo said, reminding them all of his unsavory presence.
The president nodded at him. "Go ahead, Professor."
Hojo stood up and rubbed his hands together in that conniving way of his. "Someone has been attempting to hack into the Science department's network," he said, looking around at them all, "and I'm sure the same culprit has tried to hack into other departments, too."
Reeve felt a chill go down his spine as the professor's beady black gaze settled on him, but as he'd told Zack once before, he was good at bluffing when he had to. "Then it isn't just me?" He looked around with raised brows, plastering an expression of surprise on his face. "My firewall blocked an intruder just the other day. I figured it was just some punk seeing if he could hack the system, since my department doesn't have anything tactical to offer anyone. Director, have you had any security breeches in the SOLDIER database?"
Lazard looked a bit startled. Evidently, he wasn't capable of reading minds. "No. Not that I know of. SOLDIER is secure."
Reeve silently entertained thoughts of throttling Lazard for failing to pick up on his hint, but he could still work with what he had. "What about the rest of you?"
Rufus sat forward with a frown. "Actually, Reno said something about a virus last week, but he must have caught it and cleaned it, because he hasn't mentioned it since. Scarlet?"
She nodded. "My people have reported attempted security breaches over the past month, but they handled it." She looked at Hojo. "The professor's firewall is solid. Someone would have to be pretty damned good to break through it."
"I haven't seen any evidence of hacking in the Space Program," Palmer reported—to which Scarlet rolled her eyes.
"That's because there's nothing of value in your department records to steal."
Before Palmer could object to that, Reeve spoke up again. "Interesting. It sounds like someone's systematically attacking most of the departments, or at least putting out feelers to see if they can crack the shell. Maybe they're looking for something specific."
The suspicion in Hojo's eyes faded, evidently put to rest by Reeve's act. "Then we'll just have to tighten security more. I won't have my research stolen."
"Good plan," agreed Reeve, though inwardly he was gritting his teeth. At least the risk of finger pointing appeared to be gone, for now. This was going to set him back, though.
~***********************************~
            When the SOLDIER officers returned from Wutai three days later, they reported that they had succeeded in routing the guerilla forces and capturing some of them alive for questioning. Genesis was unfortunately injured in the skirmish, and though he'd used cure materia to close up the sword cut, he was ordered to the infirmary for a full examination.
            It was the opportunity Hojo had been waiting for. As soon as he got word that Rhapsodos was coming into the medical ward for examination, he insisted on being the one to see him. When the other doctor protested, he firmly reminded him that he'd been working with Mako enhanced patients for years, and he knew better than anyone how SOLDIER bodies worked. The other doctor backed down and Hojo contained his eagerness as he went to the examination room where Genesis waited.
            The look on Rhapsodos' face was far from welcoming as Hojo entered the examination room, leaving the door open behind him. Genesis narrowed his aqua gaze on the older man in an unfriendly manner.
            "I'd advise you to keep your hands to yourself, Professor," warned Genesis as Hojo put on a pair of latex gloves and examined his medical chart. "You might lose a finger."
            Hojo clucked his tongue. "That's no way to speak to your doctor, young man. I'm here to see to your best interests, after all. Now, where is the injury?"
            Genesis warily pulled his jacket open and lifted his shirt to present the freshly healing, thin scar on his torso. "Here. I don't know why they're making such an issue of it. The materia healed it just fine. I'd prefer a different doctor, if you don't mind."
            "There is nobody available with my expertise on SOLDIER physiology," answered Hojo. "Relax, my boy. I consider you and your fellows to be an investment. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your health. Now, hold still so I can have a look."
            Genesis obeyed, though the look in his eye said that he wouldn't mind snapping Hojo's neck. Used to being reviled by people, the professor approached the examination table and adjusted the overhead light to have a better look at the injury. He stroked his gloved fingers over the surface of the scar tissue and nodded in satisfaction.
            "Oh yes, it's healing nicely." He peered up at the operative's face and gave him an oily smile. "We can't be too careful with you, Rhapsodos. If we detect any signs that your degeneration is returning, we'll need to have you treated immediately. You wouldn't want to relive that trial again, would you?"
            "Once was enough," agreed Genesis. He tugged his shirt back down as Hojo walked away and he kept his gaze unwavering on him. "Satisfied?"
            "I'm satisfied that the wound is healing as it should be," answered Hojo, picking up his chart again, "but it seems you haven't had a vitamin shot in some time. Let's remedy that, before you go."
            "I don't need one," argued Genesis. "I'm not suffering any deficiencies."
            Hojo went to the supply cabinet, ignoring his objections. "Soldiers travel a lot," he reminded the redhead, "and its this department's duty to see to it that you're all in top shape. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you know. I'd hate to have to report that you aren't cooperating, what with you only recently being taken off probation."
            Genesis sighed. "Do your worse then, but be quick about it. I've come to loathe examination rooms."
            Hojo smirked without comment. He finished filling the syringe and he covertly added something special from his own lab coat pocket to make the mixture just right. He glanced over his shoulder at his subject, who had taken out his precious playbook and was reading it silently, apparently bored. Perhaps Rhapsodos was wary of him, but he seemed to take comfort in the open door. Hojo applauded himself for that little bit of false sense of security. What he planned to do required all the fineness he could muster.
            "Remove your jacket and present your arm, please."
            Genesis shrugged out of the red coat, letting it pool around him on the examination table. He put his book down and held his left arm out, giving Hojo a look that warned his patience had limits. Hojo was well-accustomed to administering all manner of shots, and he knew how to inject a patient before they even had time to register the sting of the needle. He sterilized his chosen spot on the Soldier's bicep and he quickly administered the shot. Genesis didn't even flinch and Hojo patted him like he was a well-behaved chocobo.
            "Good boy."
            The redhead scowled at him. "Do I look like a pet dog to you, professor?"
            The older man smirked. "That's essentially what you Soldiers are, young man; well-trained dogs."
            "If we're dogs, then you're a snake," muttered Genesis. "Spooky old bastard."
            "Sticks and stones, my boy...sticks and stones." Hojo heard a yawn come from the younger man and he resisted a smile. "How do you feel?"
            "I'm...fine." Genesis frowned and shook his head, his pupils dilating as the drug Hojo snuck to him rapidly did its work. He stared at the professor, seeming to catch on that he'd done something to him, even with the influence of the sedative dulling his senses. "What else...was in that?"
            "Just a mild sedative," answered Hojo breezily. "Nothing to be alarmed about, I promise. You need your rest to recover fully, Genesis."
            "I didn't give...consent...to be drugged," protested Genesis. He started to get off the examination table, but he was forced to lean against it for balance. "You slimy...twisted little..."
            Hojo approached him and supported him as his legs began to give out. "Now, now, Rhapsodos. Don't work yourself into a state. I've done nothing illegal, here. You just lie back and relax. You'll be free to go as soon as you get your rest."
            Genesis tried to push him away, but the medication sapped his strength. He rolled onto the table and shut his eyes, unable to fight the effects of the powerful drug. "Get...away from me," he warned with a yawn.
            Hojo patted his arm in a macabre fatherly gesture. "In due time, Genesis. Just as soon as we've had our chat."
~**************************************~
            Sephiroth went to check on his comrade, and when the lady at reception told him he was in examination room F with Hojo, he wasted no time going in there. He ignored the woman's calls as she asked him not to go down the corridor, his thoughts only on making sure Genesis wasn't left alone with Hojo. He was a bit surprised to find the examination room door wide open, and when he stepped into the room, he found Hojo sitting at the desk reading over some paperwork. Genesis was lying asleep on the examination table, apparently sedated.
            "Ah, Sephiroth," greeted Hojo without looking up from his papers. "What brings you here, boy?"
            "What did you do to him?"
            Hojo raised his brows and glanced over his shoulder at the slumbering redhead. "Do? I examined him, as required by my job. You'll be happy to know there are no signs of his degeneration recurring."
            "What else did you do to him?" Sephiroth's glittering stare never left the older man's face.
            Hojo sighed. "I gave him a long-overdue vitamin shot, along with a sedative. Injuries heal faster with rest, you know."
            The general narrowed his eyes at him, and Hojo spread his hands as one wrongly accused. "What else would you like me to say, boy? I did what was necessary, no more and no less."
            Sephiroth looked at Genesis again, and he approached the table. While Hojo frowned on, the silver-haired operative gathered his redheaded companion into his arms and lifted him off the table.
            "What are you doing?" demanded Hojo.
            "Taking him to his quarters," answered Sephiroth in a low, dangerous voice, "and I suggest you not try to stop me."
            "I wouldn't dream of it," answered Hojo. He nodded at the book that fell out of Genesis' coat as Sephiroth picked him up. "You might not want to leave that behind, though. I understand Rhapsodos is particularly attached to that book."
            Sephiroth cursed softly, his glowing green eyes flicking to Hojo before settling on the book.
            "Allow me," offered the professor. He got off his stool and walked over to pick the book up off the floor. He set it on Genesis' slowly rising and falling chest before giving his "son" an unsavory grin. "There. You're welcome, boy."
            Sephiroth's glare didn't waver. "If I find out you've done anything to him, you won't like the consequences."
            Hojo resisted the urge to swallow. "Aren't we protective."
            "My loyalty to my fellow officers is none of your concern," answered Sephiroth smoothly. He turned then, and he began carrying Genesis out of the examination room.
            Hojo couldn't resist a parting comment. "How is your head, Sephiroth? Still managing the voice?"
            Sephiroth paused at the threshold, half-turned and gave Hojo the most chilling, unholy smile the professor had ever seen—save once, on another man's similarly sculpted face. "It's dead quiet in here now, Professor. Thank you for your concern."
            This time, Hojo couldn't resist swallowing, and when Sephiroth left the room, he started to tremble. "No matter," he whispered to himself. "I have my contingency plan in place. Everything is under control."
~***************************~

            Angeal wasn't a man that swore often, but seeing his lover unconscious in Sephiroth's arms when he opened his door was enough to bring it out in him.
            "What the hell? Gen, are you okay?"
            "He's sedated," explained Sephiroth as Angeal stepped aside to give him room. He carried the unconscious redhead in and laid him on the bed. He explained what happened to Angeal as he took Genesis' boots off to make him more comfortable.
            "Hojo slipped something to him when he gave him a 'vitamin' shot. I collected him as soon as I found out Hojo was the one examining him."
            Angeal loomed over Genesis and he stroked a lock of auburn hair away from his left eye. After all their ordeals, he shared Sephiroth's suspicions.   "What else did he do to him?"

            "I don't know," answered the general truthfully. "He claimed to have done nothing more than examine him and administer the shot, but we both know what he's capable of. If it were another doctor, I might have presumed he sedated him to shut him up, since Genesis tends to run off at the mouth. Hojo is another matter."
            Angeal shut his eyes and rubbed them with the heels of his palms. "I told him to ask for anyone except Hojo. Why doesn't he ever listen?"
            "Hojo has a way of putting forth very convincing arguments," defended Sephiroth, "and knowing Genesis, he just wanted to get in and out of there as quickly as possible. He probably didn't see any real threat, seeing as they were in the clinic and not the lab."
            Angeal relaxed a little. "Then maybe we're worrying over nothing."
            "Maybe," agreed Sephiroth, looking down at the oblivious redhead. "Just watch him for any signs of odd behavior, for a few days."
            "Absolutely," agreed Angeal. Seeing that Sephiroth was preparing to leave, he followed him to the door. "Thank you for getting him out of there, all the same."
            Sephiroth nodded. "I have a meeting to attend, so I'll check in on him later."
            Angeal glanced outside before speaking in a lowered voice. "What's the status with that, anyhow?"
            Sephiroth shook his head. "Nothing solid, yet. It's proving to be more difficult than first suspected, but efforts will continue."
            Angeal nodded in understanding. Reeve was a genius with mechanics and networking, but he was going up against a mad scientist and a corporation with countless secrets. It was going to take time, and he was happy not knowing the details.
~*********************************~

            Sephiroth met up with Lazard in Reeve's office, a short while later. The head of the Urban Development department leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes as he explained his progress—or lack thereof.
            "Hojo's got these systems wrapped up tighter than a mummy, and he's going to wrap it up even tighter, now. By the way, Lazard, you were supposed to say your firewall blocked an attacker recently too."
            Lazard frowned at him. "Pardon?"
            "In the board meeting earlier," elaborated the older man. "When Hojo announced that someone's been trying to hack his network. I lied and said I caught someone doing it to mine and you should have said the same thing when I asked you. It would have alleviated any suspicion cast your way."
            "Oh." Lazard rubbed obviously tired eyes as well. "I'm sorry, I didn't get that memo. I don't think Hojo suspected me anyway. I'm not known for being particularly computer savvy."
            "But you are known for being well-off enough to hire someone who is," countered Reeve. "Nobody seems to suspect you yet, but I'd advise you to put in a bogus hacking attempt report, all the same. It's reasonable to assume any outside factions trying to hack these departments would have gone after SOLDIER files. They would probably make it a priority, in fact."
            "I see what you mean." Lazard removed his glasses and he began to clean the lenses with a soft cloth from his vest pocket. "I'll do as you suggest."
            "Sooner would be better than later," answered Reeve.
            Sephiroth changed the subject. "Have you managed to find any new information yet, Tuesti?"
            "Nothing of value," answered Reeve unhappily. "Unless you want to hear about the President's scheduled illicit affairs."
            Lazard looked away with a frown and Reeve winced, realizing he'd just put his foot into his mouth. Lazard had told him about his ties to the president just recently. "Sorry."
            The SOLDIER director sighed and shook his head. "Don't be. I have no illusions about the kind of man he is. I'm sure I'm not the only bastard child he's sired."
            Before Reeve could offer any comforting words, Sephiroth reminded them that they had more important matters to discuss. "You need to work faster, Reeve."
            Reeve spread his hands with a shrug. "Right. Work faster. The problem is, you can't squeeze blood from a turnip. I'm already giving it everything I've got, and if I push any harder, I'm going to get caught. I've got to watch what I'm doing, General. I'm putting myself at substantial risk, here."
            "I understand that," assured Sephiroth, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone, "I'm just encouraging you to explore any avenues you haven't tried yet. The sooner we find out what's going on, the sooner we can put a stop to it."
            Reeve grunted and glanced at his computer screen. He couldn't help but wonder if the recent increase in missing persons might be related to whatever secrets ShinRa was hiding. "I'll keep at it, but you might have to accept the possibility that Hojo's security is too strong for me to break down. Short of hooking myself up to the computer to communicate directly with the network, I...I..." He trailed off with a frown and he looked harder at the screen.
            "What is it?" demanded Lazard.
            "Reeve?" Sephiroth questioned when the executive didn't answer immediately.
            A slow, intrigued smile spread over Reeve's lips. "I just got a really interesting idea. I need to take some notes."
            "What kind of 'interesting idea'?" asked Lazard as the older man procured a pad of paper from his desk and started scribbling on it.
            "An idea that may help me develop a more advanced communications system," explained Reeve. "Not overnight, obviously, but if all else fails, it could be our shot at cracking this database."
            Sephiroth and Lazard shared a look, each of them wondering where this might lead.
~***********************************~

            Later that evening, Zack found himself dropping by Cissnei's apartment. He didn't want to turn into a stalker, but part of him still wanted to try and win her back. He came around the street corner, muttering to himself as he tried to work out what he would say if he gathered the courage to buzz her apartment.
            "Ciss, I think we made a mistake, giving up so soon," he said under his breath. "I know you like me as much as I like you. Don't you think it's worth giving it one more chance?"
            He nodded, thinking that sounded good. A part of him wondered if he was coming off too desperate, but he reasoned that was because he was a little desperate. He wasn't connecting with anyone the way he thought he connected with Cissnei. Maybe he just couldn't get her off his mind because she was the first girl to dump him like that, and he just couldn't stand to lose.
He looked up from the pavement as he neared the building entrance and he froze when he saw that Cissnei was already outside, talking to her work associate, Elena. He ducked quickly into an alleyway, acting impulsively to avoid being seen. He peeked around the corner to see the two women smiling and talking together, and he pondered whether he was doing the right thing. He waited for them to part ways or go inside, so that he could make his approach. Elena took both of Cissnei's hands in hers and she leaned in to whisper something that made the brunet smile. Zack didn't think anything of it at first, until Cissnei pulled away and gazed at the blond with a familiar look on her face. Zack had seen that look himself many times during the course of their dating, and he cocked his head curiously.
"Why is she looking at her that way?"
He had his answer a moment later, when the two women closed the distance between them and kissed. Zack's jaw dropped.
"Oh my god."
~*********************************~
            "My girlfriend's gay."
            Angeal stared at Zack with a frown. It was getting late, but he didn't have the heart to turn him away when he looked like that. He ushered him into his quarters.
            "Keep it down, Genesis is asleep. Which girlfriend are you talking about?" There had been so many, lately.
            Zack walked in and shut the door behind him, sighing. "Cissnei."
            If anything, Angeal was even more confused. "I thought you two broke up a couple of months ago."
            "Yeah, we did." Zack went to the kitchenette and helped himself to one of the beers in the fridge. He opened the bottle, stared at it for a moment and then took a swig. "I thought I'd try one more time to get her back. I went to her apartment to try and talk to her, but I found her sucking face with that blonde Turk she works with. I...I just took off after that. I mean, how do I compete with a girl? They've got boobs and everything. I've never made a girl go gay before."
            Angeal pinched his lips to fight a smile. "Zack, you can't turn someone gay. She was gay to begin with, or at least bisexual. It sounds like she's just recently accepted it."
            "How do you know that?" pressed Zack. "Maybe she was just so fed up after dating me, she decided men aren't worth it anymore."
            "Zack," sighed Angeal, "people don't become homosexual overnight; trust me. I...Genesis and I..." he struggled with himself, thinking this might be the best time to tell him the truth about his relationship with Genesis.
            "Hey, I know there's nothing wrong with being gay," Zack went on, evidently misunderstanding what Angeal was trying to say. "I just don't much like being the one to make a girl realize it, you know? I mean, I was her last boyfriend, so something I did must have triggered it."
            "Then maybe you did her a favor," suggested Angeal. "If dating you gave her some sort of epiphany, then you've helped her find her true self. That isn't a bad thing at all."
            Zack considered it and took another swallow of beer. "Huh. I never would have thought of it that way, but you're right. I mean, it sucks for me but I want her to be happy. I like the idea of her being with a cute blonde girl better than the idea of her being with some big hairy guy."
            Angeal tactfully steered Zack back toward the door, mindful that his voice was growing louder with each second. "That's a healthy way to look at it. You'll find someone else, some day."
            "Hope so. Hey, if you want me to leave you could just say so, Ange. I know you're trying to herd me out of here."
            "I'm sorry," murmured Angeal, "I just don't want to disturb Genesis' rest. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"
            "Sure," agreed Zack. He downed the rest of the beer and put it in the garbage. "I'll deal. I just needed to tell someone I could trust to keep it quiet, you know? I don't know if she's really 'out' yet, even if she was kissing another girl in public."
            "Understood," assured Angeal. "I'll keep it to myself. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
            Zack nodded, his eyes going blank as he thought about it for a minute. "Yeah, I think I will. Actually, seeing that kind of gave me some closure. Besides, it was hot."
            Angeal smiled. Nothing kept Zack Fair down for long. He always found a bright side to look at and though he wasn't likely to get over Cissnei right away, at least he wasn't trying to dwell on it. He reached out and ruffled the younger man's spikes in a rare show of affection. "You almost sound adult about it. Go and get some sleep, Zack."
            "I'll try. I guess I'll see you tomorrow after morning rounds." With that said, he left.
            Angeal shut the door and locked it before turning around to look at Genesis. The redhead was still snoring softly, undisturbed. Angeal sighed. Zack bounced back easily, but he was surely a bit naive. He gave no indication whatsoever that he knew there was anything more than friendship between Genesis and Angeal, and the big man wondered how he would react when he found out the truth.
            "Mmnnuh....Angeal?" Genesis' voice was hoarse with sleep as he stirred in the bed. "What happened?"
            Angeal quickly joined him, climbing in beside him and pulling the covers over his body. "You're okay, Genesis. You're in our quarters."
            Genesis sighed and snuggled up to him, groggily affectionate in his stupor. "That psycho drugged me," he recollected with a yawn. "How did I get here?"
            "Sephiroth brought you." Angeal rubbed his companion's back soothingly. "Go back to sleep."
            "Mmkay," murmured Genesis, uncharacteristically docile. He was soon snoring again.
            Angeal kept rubbing his back until he too began to fall asleep, and his last thoughts were that if he found out Hojo did something to Genesis while he had him under his care, he'd make him pay for it.
~*******************************~
-To be continued
- 12
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