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Part 10

By the time everyone had gotten their maps out and their route somewhat plotted – barring monsters, detours, and unexpected catastrophes, Vincent could hear Cloud's stomach rumbling loudly. Apparently, he was not the only one who could hear it.

"I forgot all about the Solider metabolism," Rufus said, looking up over a particularly tricky map which showed air current and pressure over Cosmos Canyon. "Tseng…"

The Turk stood up smoothly and walked to the door, probably to inform the secretary to order food for them. Vincent assumed he also wanted to check up on a few things away from prying eyes; otherwise Tseng could very well have used the phone to call up for food from within the conference room.

"Excuse me," Vincent said getting to his feet, holding onto the back of his chair slightly longer than necessary, just in case the sudden dizziness returned. He knew just how observant everyone present was, friends and uneasy allies alike and he did not want anyone to see any weakness in him. From a corner of his eye, Vincent saw Cloud start to get up as well and laid a hand on the blond's shoulder, pressing him back into the chair firmly.

Cloud looked up at him and for a moment Vincent stopped, looking straight down into the luminous blue eyes full of concern and puzzlement. He shook his head a little and Cloud nodded, sitting back but Vincent knew he would probably have to answer a few questions later. He also knew no one at the table could have missed the interaction unless they were all deaf, dumb and mentally retarded. He missed being around normal people once in a while.

Vincent caught up with Tseng just outside the doorway, about to speak to the secretary who was eyeing the Turk with a mixture of awe and fear.

"What is it?" Tseng asked even as he signalled Vincent to follow him out of the secretary's hearing range.

"When Reno came to visit me he showed me a photo of a guy with wings," Vincent stated without missing a beat. "We might run across this person in our world tour and I do not like surprises."

"You want me to tell the group about it?" Tseng stated.

"I do not want to reveal my source and the circumstances under which I learnt of it." Vincent replied. "I'd rather Strife does not hear of your little blackmailing attempt." He was surprised at how quickly he slipped into Turk-mode, referring to Cloud as if he was just a passing acquaintance. Vincent decided not to examine why he thought of Cloud as something more – it was a dilemma he preferred to brood on in his own time.

Tseng inclined his head in agreement. "I suppose it'd better if you went in knowing what the odds are," he said somewhat reluctantly. "Very well, I'll bring it up now."

Vincent walked back in and sat down in his place ignoring Cloud who was giving him odd looks. "I will fill you in later," Vincent replied to the unspoken question as he settled back into the chair, then waited for the Head of the Turks to come and update everyone the rest of the information.

He was not disappointed when Tseng entered the conference room after couple of minutes outside, and then opened the discussion of a sighting of an unknown winged man with all the subtlety his station was due. Half way through the description Reno gave up all pretence of keeping watch at the door and slunk into the room, leaning fully against the doorframe.

Vincent watched Rufus look up in annoyance though Reno ignored that for a confirmation from Tseng. Realistically, the room was full of people with super human reflexes, hearing and strength. If someone made it past the door into the room, they were all capable of protecting themselves in an instant. Still, having Turks outside the conference door was a matter of protocol and really, Vincent would never have dared to do something so blatantly offensive to his boss in his day.

"Put up a wanted poster," Red suddenly said and everyone looked at him in surprise.

"What?" asked Rufus looking slightly stunned by the suggestion.

"I suppose you have a list of possibilities as to who this person is?" Red said dryly. "Unless Shinra is in the habit of losing their prized science experiments – which I assume happens all too often." He shrugged. "Still, you can at least eliminate a few by circulating photos of known people who can possible sprout wings to the locals."

"How long does it take to grow wings?" Cloud asked aloud, probably thinking of himself as well as other things. "Do you think the remnants could have grown wings by now?"

"We do not think it to be a remnant," Rufus admitted somewhat reluctantly. "At least, our scientists who analysed the data do not think so. We have a missing First."

"As in a first class SOLIDER," Tifa asked though she seemed to be more amused than anything else.

"Mad, bent on talking over the world?" Yuffie quipped dryly.

"Well..." Tseng looked uncomfortable, as if unwilling to confirm anything.

"Aren't they all," Cloud said sounding almost pensive. "Who is he?"

"Has to be Genesis Rhapsodos, the only person whose body was not recovered," Tseng replied. "We realised the description also applies to Sephiroth but analysis of the photo shows the wing structure to be different from his."

"Nice to know," Cid replied dryly. "Not everyone returns from the dead. So, as Red here was saying what did this guy look like?"

"From what I know, he was a demon dressed in red, covered in blood and read a lot of secret mumbo-jumbo," Yuffie quipped in. When everyone looked at her in surprise she shrugged. "We of Wutai have long memories of those who invade our homes," she stated, trying to sound mystic but to Vincent she simply sounded constipated.

"He was not a demon dressed in red," Tseng sounded affronted.

"I think you just described Vincent," Reno mumbled, just low enough that only those with enhanced hearing could hear.

"We have some old archival holos of him," Rufus said reaching for the computer screen. "I think he was before most of your time but really he was hard to forget." Cloud snorted at that and crossed in hands across his chest as if to prove it was possible to forget anything, making Cid twitch in response. "Ah," said Rufus in satisfaction. "Here," and called up a 3D-holo which fizzled once before coming into focus.

Everyone as one focused on the four man group which represented ShinRa's glorious past. Sephiroth stood to a side, looking like he always did, tall and deadly though his lips were turned up in a small smile and his posture looked more relaxed. Next to him stood a dark haired, square faced man, looking down in amusement at a younger version of Zack who was sitting at his feet, almost leaning against his leg, looking up at his mentor, oblivious to the photo being taken. The red head of the group was the only one who was purposefully posing for the photo, head tilted back, body slightly turned to catch the light.

"The Firsts," Rufus said softly. "They were the best of the best we had…" He thought for a moment. "And Zack."

"Why didn't anyone tell me," Cloud said softly.

"Tell you what?" Tifa asked suddenly, sounding worried.

"When I claimed to be a First class SOLIDER, you must have know that ShinRa did not churn out firsts by the batch like they did chocobos and there must have been some record of me," he said sounding pissed off. "You must have known the moment you ran into me," he added accusingly to Rufus as if it was all his fault.

"I might have not known you," Rufus replied diplomatically. "But any doubt I had was gone when I saw you swing your sword and anyway…" he nodded towards the holo. "… I recognized that sword you had."

Cloud looked at the holo almost unwillingly and then looked down at the table. "He was Angeal Hewley wasn't he," he said softly. "I couldn't remember Zack let along the person who originally …"

"I really don't know what the hype about these Firsts are, really," Reno said obnoxiously making everyone jump.

"Reno," said Tseng warningly.

"I mean, really," Reno continued with a shrug of his shoulder. "Look at Sephiroth, I guess what they say about him is true, that he was so busy getting laid he didn't have time to put his shirt on."

Yuffie for some reason seemed to find that hilarious but everyone froze as if unsure to laugh or yell.

"They say he wore his coat to hide his bare legs when he didn't have time to put on his pants," Reno continued. "And Angeal's pet peeve was dressing Zack in his clothes that had shrunk in the washer and …"

"Actually that is the standard uniform for …" Rufus started to say coldly.

"And this Genesis guy, doesn't he know he should not wear red. He's a red head for crying out and no fashion sense at all…"

"I suppose you have a better suggestion," Reeve said looking distinctly amused.

"Why blue of course," Reno said sounding smug, then looked at everyone smirking. "Well, I think the food's here. Let me instruct Jenny to bring it in."

Vincent tucked his chin in his mantel, smiling slightly; he did not always like Reno but he constantly gave the Turk points for creativity. At least now no one was in any danger of being distracted from the mission by excessive brooding.

"You know," Cid remarked off handedly. "This Genesis guy reminds me of the guy who sat next to me when I went to watch Loveless once. [1] Fell asleep during the show and he poked me awake when I started snoring …"

"Oh, yeah, food," Yuffie shirked standing up and even Nanaki sat up, tail moving in circles and everyone relaxed imperceptibly.

--- --- ---- ---

Cloud caught up with Vincent as the turn of the corridor outside their rooms. Vincent's face was expressionless as always but his eyes flicked to the side quickly before he opened the door to their shared room and inclined his head in a silent invitation.

The room Rufus had assigned to them was spacious, with two large beds on either side of a low table. However, looking at it reminded Cloud of expensive hotel rooms, beautifully decorated but lacking a personal touch. His eyes strayed to the open window with the fluttering curtains and then back at Vincent who was hovering in the middle of the room looking impatient.

"What is it?' Vincent asked after cloud had closed the door and leaned against it.

"Why are you going to meet the woman?" Cloud snapped unable to form the question more politely. He had, after all been gnawing at that problem the entire day and he could not for the world of it figure of why Vincent wanted to go see her unless it was for an ulterior motive. Motives which Cloud did not really feel comfortable with. In his opinion it was all very well that Vincent was taking an interest in the opposite sex but really did it have to be another female scientist on ShinRa payroll?

"I suppose you are referring to Ms Wilde," Vincent said in his deadpanned voice. Cloud could feel frustration rise in him at that. He had never been good at reading Vincent's moods and this was no exception.

"She's a scientist and you know what we are to them," Cloud said savagely. "To them we are just experimental data."

Vincent did not reply.

"Why her?" Cloud persisted. "Vincent, stay away from Dr. Wilde at least until you can find out more about her."

"You seem overly concerned about my wellbeing," Vincent finally stated in his low monotonous tone.

"I'm concerned with everyone's wellbeing," Cloud snarled back defensively. He knew Vincent was his friend, for Vincent to say something that belittled that so much was annoying. He did not add, 'especially you' since it seemed inappropriate. "But you know what its' like to be experimented on, you know we can't trust them." Cloud knew he was stating the obvious.

"Cloud," Vincent said patiently. "I do have. .." he searched for the proper words.

"Needs," Cloud supplied. As in sexual, he thought.

"A right to know about the nature of the experiments carried out on me," Vincent finally said, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Oh," said Cloud stumped. He had been sure Vincent was interested in that woman in a romantic way and now all he felt was relief. So Vincent didn't like her in that way, which was good. He just probably had a question about his monsters that required him to overcome his aversion of ShinRa scientists and seek their... Wait, what… "What exactly is …" He almost jumped when someone knocked on the room door.

"Cloud," Tifa called from the other side. "Are you there?"

Cloud looked over his shoulder at the door then back towards the middle of the room. "What do you mean the nature of experiments?" But of course he was talking to thin air. He gave the open window, where a bright curtain snapped in the wind a scowl then opened the door. Tifa stood in the corridor, her hands on her hips, Cloud's spare travelling bag across her back, looking pissed.

"Did you really think you could avoid me by disappearing once the meeting was over?" she said as she pushed passed him into the room and looked around. "Where's Vincent?"

Cloud nodded towards the window and Tifa walked over to it and looked out. "It's a twenty story drop, with no ledge," she said after peering outside.

"He'll be fine," Cloud said, knowing very well Tifa was aware that Vincent was able to navigate a vertical wall easily.

"Good, since it's you I wanted to talk to," said Tifa as she threw his bag at him. Cloud caught it reflexively and looked up inquiringly.

"I brought you some spare clothes," Tifa gave a once over, as if taking in Cloud's mismatched borrowed clothes. "I see you need them."

"The dress just wasn't my colour," he said more to keep her occupied than anything else.

"I was thinking a bow in your hair might have sorted it out," Tifa deadpanned. "So, what happened?"

"If I really want you to know, I'll tell you," Cloud countered rudely. He knew he was being an asshole but really, he did not want to get into that.

Tifa did not even blink at his reply, having gotten used to it. "Does this have anything to do with Vincent?"

"He just bailed me out of a tight spot," Cloud said evasively.

"If you say so," Tifa said letting her arms drop. "I'm heading back down under to check on the kids. How long are you going to say here?"

Cloud blinked at her quick acceptance of his lack of explanation and for a moment tried to focus on the question at hand. "I need to sort out the payment details and all," he said casually. "I'll come down to visit you as soon as this is settled."

"The kids miss you," Tifa said with a look that said, stand them up and I'll kill you. "Plus, Barrett will be coming today – I'll have to update him on the mission and you know he likes it when you drink with him."

"Will he be accompanying us?" Cloud asked knowing just how much the large man disliked Rufus and anything associated with ShinRa.

"He'll come," Tifa said with a small smile. "He won't trust anyone else to look after us."

"It'll be good," Cloud said before he could help himself. "Everyone together – just like old times."

Tifa did not look shocked or laugh away his words as he expected her to. "I don't really miss sleeping in tents but I could use a break from scrubbing the floor and serving drinks."

Cloud smiled a little. "What about the kids?"

"They'll be fine with Elmyra," Tifa said after some thought. "So, aren't you going to change into your clothes?"

Cloud looked at the bag in his grip and then at his friend. "Is it another dress?" He then opened the bag just to make sure. It was not. "Thanks," he said. "I think I'll change once you've gone."

"It's not like you have something I haven't seen," Tifa said, her eyes shinning with glee. "After all, in Mideel, I did bath you and change your …"

"Shouldn't you get going," Cloud interrupted hastily. "It'll be dark soon and you'll miss the train if that happens."

"I'm been offered transport by ShinRa," Tifa rolled her eyes. "They'll wait for me."

"Who else is going with you?"

"I'm taking Yuffie and Red to stay with us," Tifa replied. "Cid is staying here overnight since Shera is here to look at the plans for the new spaceship."

"He wasn't too pleased to find out she's been in touch with ShinRa behind his back," Cloud said dryly remembering the moment.

"You know she did it for him, he loves the space program no matter what he says."

"I know," Cloud agreed wondering what it would be like to have someone who was so devoted to you that person knew exactly was needed. Then he frowned. That was something new. "Why don't we sit down then," he said, relaxing now that Tifa was not going to bring up his incident. He knew she was clever enough to wait for the right moment. It was not as if she had forgotten it or anything, she was just holding back since she knew he did not want to talk about it. "What do you think of what Rufus' speech?"

"Do you think the rooms are bugged?" Tifa asked as she walked towards the bed.

"I won't put that past them," Cloud agreed as he walked with her. He shrugged. "Who cares, it's not like we're plotting overthrow them…"

"Or blow up their reactors," Tifa chipped in with an evil grin.

"Don't even think about it," Cloud said though he could not help his lips twitching at the thought of some Turk operative listening on their conversation in growing horror.

"Well," said Tifa as she sat on one of the beds. "I can understand why you don't want to talk about your incident in a place like this…"

"I will tell you about it someday," Cloud told her. "You know I don't have any secrets from you – just , not now."

"Will you ask Vincent to come as well when you come to the bar?" Tifa asked changing the subject.

"Sure," Cloud nodded, afraid to ask why. He wondered if Tifa was planning on grilling Vincent about the incident since she knew Cloud was not likely to speak of it.

"It's better if he stays with us rather than here," she said with a shrug. "I don't like Rufus, considering the first few times I saw him he was either trying to kill us or publicly execute us and I don't have any good memories in this building so to speak."

"I know what you mean," Cloud agreed. "Sure, I'll bring him alone – tomorrow."

"I'll feel much better when you're out of this place," Tifa said. She shook herself as if clearing her mind. "So, back to the question at hand – what do you think is happening?"

"Is there any chance of me persuading you to stay at home with the kids?" he asked.

"About as much chance as you growing any taller," Tifa snapped back and Cloud wisely shut up.

[1] This is part of the game. No, Cid does not specifically mention Genesis but does mention he went to the play and fell asleep next to a guy who wakes him up before the last act. I found that hilarious … oh, well, so I find odd things funny.