"Well, that was a lovely little conversation, wouldn't you agree?" Cyrus asked his lieutenants after the helicopter carrying Reeve Tuesti disappeared over the horizon.

"Strange, he didn't once mention the Shinra Documents," Nimuria commented. "Is it possible he doesn't know about them?"

"Unlikely. Either he believes we don't know about the secrets of Shinra Manor, he doesn't care that we have them, or he's waiting to see what we do with them. And from what I've learned about Reeve, he's taking a wait-and-see approach with our Collective. Either way, it makes little difference. Atlas, how goes our efforts in cataloging the Shinra Documents?"

"Our comrades are making excellent progress. Most of the information detailing the Jenova Project has been transferred into computer files for ease of use. We still have not gone through the more obscure documents…"

"No need to worry about it," Cyrus interrupted. "Finish up with the Jenova documents and have the originals shipped to Fort Condor. And make sure Reeve knows we were the ones to send them."

Atlas was taken aback by that order. "Sir?"

Cyrus smiled and removed his glasses. As he was cleaning them, he explained, "Don't worry, my friend. In Reeve's mind, the Jenova Project represents the greatest threat to him and his precious organization. He has little to no idea what other secrets are stored in Shinra Manor, and this gesture will keep him from asking too many questions long enough for our plans to fall into place."

After wiping off the last smudge, Cyrus placed his glasses back on his nose. He continued, "In the meantime…Nimuria, are our comrades in position?"

"Yes, master. All three of your officers are in position outside their designated target areas. They're ready to commence their operations on your order."

"Good. Tell them to verify the targets before commencing with the operation. Once they've verified, give them the go-ahead. I'm very interested to see what we can learn…"

"Of course. I will relay your orders to the others. If you will excuse me."

Cyrus nodded as Nimuria bowed and headed off to their makeshift communications center. Atlas looked at Cyrus and asked, "Master, are you sure about this? Testing them in this manner? What is it you hope to accomplish?"

"Call it indulging my curiosity. I want to see what they are capable of. You hear the stories, but they don't tell you everything. Knowledge is power, Atlas. Never forget that."

Atlas nodded slowly in agreement. "Yes. I understand. If you will allow it, permit me to oversee the cataloguing of the Shinra Documents."

"Please do."

As Atlas walked off towards Shinra Manor, Cyrus wandered over to the well in the center of town. He cupped his hands and took a drink from the well. It was cold and refreshing, without the slightest taint of Mako. As he stood in the center of Nibelheim and took in the breath-taking view of the Nibel Mountains, his thoughts wandered back to his conversation with Reeve Tuesti. Under his breath, he let out a bit of laugh.

"That fool…he has no clue what awaits him…"

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"So, that's how it is."

Vincent finished telling his story to the guardian of Cosmo Canyon. Though his true name was Nanaki, he'd always be known to the former members of AVALANCHE as Red XIII, or Red for short.

"Yeah. Nibelheim has new residents, and I hate to impose…"

Red shook his head, his crimson mane flowing in sync. "Think nothing of it, Vincent. As guardian of Cosmo Canyon, it is my pleasure to welcome you as an ally and a friend. Though I am curious as to why anyone would choose to live in that town, considering all the horrors that Shinra and Sephiroth wrought there."

Vincent gave a bit of grunt as Red immediately realized what it was he said. After all, Vincent thought of himself as one of those horrors. "Oh! Forgive me, Vincent. That was inconsiderate of me…"

"…It's nothing. So, I take it you hadn't heard about this before today."

"No. Word travels slow to this village, and with all the new students of Planet Life coming in daily, it's difficult to keep up with current events."

"I see," Vincent replied as his thoughts drifted for a few seconds. Red broke Vincent's concentration by asking, "So, what do you think? What is this group after?"

"Hard to say. It could be they're just looking for a home…or maybe something else."

"Well, I'm sure we'll get answers soon enough. Between Cloud and the WRO, I feel sorry for that group if they cause any trouble. In the meantime, let me show you…"

Red was immediately cut off by the sound of the village's bell. "What's going on?" Vincent asked.

"Nanaki!" one of Cosmo Canyon's elders shouted. "Yuno spotted a pack of desert sahagins approaching the village! They'll be at the gates in two minutes!"

"Sahagins?" Red asked, clearly confused. "They don't usually travel in large groups, and they rarely attack settlements. Why now…?"

"Hmph."

Red's train of thought was broken by Vincent's grunt and the sound of him loading his Cerberus handgun. "I'm going. You coming?"

Almost instantly, Red realized what Vincent was getting at. Cosmo Canyon was in danger, and it was his duty to protect this sacred place. "Yes. By my father's honor, I will not let one of those beasts set one foot inside this village."

Vincent made a sound which Red interpreted as agreement. Both of them ran down towards Cosmo Canyon's exit, waiting for the sahagins to approach. As they waited, Red couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched…and studied.

"It's nothing," Red thought as the first sahagin appeared over the cliff. Vincent fired and hit the sahagin directly between its beady little eyes. The battle was met, and whatever thoughts and concerns Red had were erased. He was Nanaki, son of Seto, and nothing else mattered. He rushed towards the pack of sahagins as the sound of Cerberus firing echoed through the canyon.

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Author's Notes: So that's three chapters...hmm.

Well, just a forewarning, I won't be uploading everyday. I'll try to get as many chapters up as soon as possible. So please be patient!

As always, reviews are welcome. Whether I rock or suck, I'd like to know.

Thanks for reading,

"The Exile" Cyrus Truth