Chapter 26

"High Father, Bugenhagen, have you missed me since my departure," Fuhito asked, tilting his head at the Elder.

Bugenhagen narrowed his eyes at the man, "You have been such a disappointment, Fuhito,"

"I sincerely hate you feel that way, High Father," Fuhito responded, meeting Bugenhagen's gaze, "I am only doing what you taught me, and that is to protect the planet,"

"How is attacking your birth home protecting the planet?" Bugenhagen spat, glaring at the younger man, "Look at what you are doing! You forsake all of my teachings,"

"No, the planet is riddled with disease by disgusting humans that cause her nothing but harm! I am simply providing her with a cure,"

"Do you really believe that?" he pointed to the wings sticking out Fuhito's back. "Look at how you have allowed yourself to be manipulated by that creature! Look at your skin," he pointed to Fuhito's bare chest, that was gray and covered with black veins, "she's destroying you from the inside out and you do not see it. This is not what I taught you! You have so much hatred in your heart, since death of your parents during the war with Gi Tribe,"

"This is precisely why I must do this," Fuhito shrugged, placing his arms against his chest. Bugenhagen shook his head in confusion, "High Father, in order for the planet to be cured, everyone must die,"

The children whimpered, hiding behind or clinging to Bugenhagen. The elder turned to them, issuing words of comfort. Their cries of fright and sadness pricked Fuhito. He grabbed his head and a groan fell from his lips.

"Ugh!" he exclaimed, "keep them quiet!"

"Fuhito, you were a good man once, don't let Jenova turn you into something evil,"

Do not listen to him, my love. He attempts to poison your mind against me. He is a plague to the planet. We are fighting to save her and the only way to achieve that is to follow the plan.

Is what he saying true?

Lies! He speaks only lies!

"She is talking to you right now, isn't she? Fight her son, she will destroy you and turn your soul black. It is not too late to do what is right,"

He fears what you are to become! He wants you to remain weak. Do not listen!

"SILENCE," Fuhito screamed, clinging to his head. He burst into a fit of laughter, clutching his sides. Locking eyes with Bugenhagen, "Your attempts to deceive me have failed. You fear my power and you always have. Like a Master over a pupil, you fear me surpassing you,"

"I have only tried to protect and teach you, Fuhito. You know what is true, son,"

"It will not work, High Father. I am on to you and you will not deceive me," Fuhito combed his hair back with his fingers, "Where is the Zircoinade shard?"

Bugenhagen shook his head, looking at the younger man sadly, "I do not know,"

Fuhito snorted, "Really?" he disappeared, reappearing in front of Bugenhagen and snatched the weeping boy from his arms.

"Fuhito,"

"Where is it?!" he yelled, fitting the small child's head between his hands.

"Don't do this! Fuhito it is not too late,"

"I won't ask you again, High Father," he growled, kneeling beside the child, "what is your name, boy?" The whimpering child, wailed in fright and Fuhito looked at old man, scrambling to retrieve the boy. "What is your name?"

"Derek," the boy sniffled.

"Where is the shard, High Father,"

"Fuhito, I don't know where it is!"

"Derek," the demented Scientist began, "High Father Bugenhagen just murdered you," Fuhito whispered in Derek's ear, before snapping his neck. The child fell to his side, his dead eyes looking Bugenhagen.

"Ahh, no," Bugenhagen moaned, tears welling in his eyes, "I can't believe you,"

Fuhito grabbed a screaming girl, situating his hands on either side of her head, "Where is the shard, High Father?"

"I don't know! I swear I don't know, please!"

"What is your name little girl," Fuhito calmly asked. The girl screamed, tugging at his hands on her head.

"Fuhito, I swear on my life, Shinra confiscated the shard after you and Felicia left with the rest of AVALANCHE. Hojo wanted it! I swear to you I speak the truth,"

"You expect me to believe that?" Fuhito chuckled, preparing to twist the girl's head around, when Sebastian entered the room.

"My lord, we cannot locate the shard. It is not in Cosmo Canyon,"

Fuhito locked eyes with Bugenhagen, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir, it is not here,"

"Hmm, then we leave for Midgar at once," he chuckled, "I guess you dodged a bullet, High Father,"

Lazard stepped onto the 65th floor, The Urban Development floor, glancing over his shoulder, before walking down the hallway. A security guard saluted him and he gave the dedicated Shinra worker a nod in passing. He looked at his watch and black digital numbers blinked back.

"7:57," he mumbled, stopping in front of a door. Reaching into his jacket pocket for his card key, he swiped it to gain entry into the room. Monitors lined the walls, showing every possible angle of the Shinra Building and the city of Midgar. Five Monitor Technicians turned, meeting his calm gaze.

"Director Deusericus," the technician in the middle greeted, "how can we help you?"

Lazard smiled, "Yes, you can help me," he replied, walking toward the man, each technician sat at a station of the table that lined the wall. He slipped his hand into his pants pocket.

"Well what is it sir," another technician on the end asked.

"Do you by any chance still have the footage of last night's incident?" Lazard asked, leaning forward on the desk, "I wanted to improve the SOLDIERS reaction time to the prevent situations such as those, or at least respond better,"

The technician beside him looked at him strangely, "Of course! How much of it do you want? The Princess and Cetra got pretty far, sir,"

"All of it?"

"Well in order to get a detailed visual of what happened, it will take awhile . . ."

"I'll come back in," Lazard pulled his hand from under the desk to look at his watch, "is forty-five minutes too soon?"

The middle technician shook his head, "We'll have it ready by then, sir. I'll get started right away,"

"Excellent, I shall return then. Thank you," Lazard tipped his head, before walking out of the room. He looked down at his watch and pressed a sequence of buttons.

"Director Deusericus? What brings you to the Urban Development floor," a rich baritone voice called to him.

Lazard looked to his left to find Reeve walking toward him. He smiled at the man. "Director Tuesti, it is good to see you again," Lazard offered his hand to the grinning man, "I was trying to get a video of last night's events. The Princess and Cetra made quick work of most of my third class SOLDIERS, and I thought it would be wise to study what needs improvement,"

"Very wise indeed, I do not envy your job," Reeve clamped a hand on his shoulder, "I wish I could stay and chat a while longer, we never have a chance to catch up these days, but I am late for a meeting,"

"Oh, please don't allow me to hold you up. It was good seeing you again Director Tuesti,"

"It was good seeing you as well Director Deusericus," Reeve said, continuing down the hall. Lazard watched him disappear around the corner before he pressed a few more buttons on his watch and a timer was set.

Lazard walked toward the elevator as he pulled out his PHS. He anxiously tapped his foot, waiting for the doors opened that finally revealed an empty elevator car. Upon entering, he glared at the floor, sighing impatiently for someone to answer the PHS. Finally Prince Mishima's voice touched his ear.

"It's done," he looked down at his watch, before hanging up the PHS.

Prince Mishima smiled proudly, hanging up the PHS, "Everything is going according to plan," he sighed, "now I am one step closer to taking what is rightfully mine,"

General Nagano nodded, wiping his blade with a cloth, "Denka, are you sure that this is what you want to do? This course of action can not be undone,"

"Having reservations about following me General?"

"Hmm," he chuckled, "Denka I would follow you into Hell and you know that. My concern is for you. Are you sure you can trust those Shinras,"

"This plan will work Kenji. As long as you remain by my side, I will not fail," Mishima's gaze was intense and General Kenji Nagano nodded his head.

"Then you will not fail my lord,"

"Have the Knights arrived at the coordinates?"

"They will be there in the allotted time,"

Mishima sighed, looking at a picture of Tifa in his hand, "I will rescue her and persuade Shinra to help me seize control of Wutai tomorrow. There is no room for doubts. I love my brother but he is not what Wutai needs right now. After I am crowned Emperor of Wutai, I will destroy Midgar,"

"One step at a time Prince," Nagano responded, wiping the blade, "you need to get the President's help first,"

"I will receive his help, of that I am certain. I am going to make him an offer that he will not be able to refuse,"

General Kenji chuckled, "Hmm, I certainly wouldn't,"

Rufus and Tifa walked through the glass door that led to her apartment. They nodded to the guards posted on either side.

"So did you have a good time today?" Rufus asked, smiling down at her.

"Surprisingly yes, I did have a good time," she giggled, "you aren't so bad," she joked.

"I will take that as a compliment," he bowed his head, grabbing her hand.

"You should. You are not what I thought you were and I am glad I am getting to know the real you. Well I should get inside and check on Cloud. He's probably mad at me,"

Rufus nodded his head, bringing her knuckles to his lips, "Good night Princess,"

Tifa smiled, "Good night, Mr. Vice President," she bowed her head, before entering the apartment.

Tifa found Zack on the couch, with Aerith's sleeping head in his lap. She smiled at them and Zack waved back. He gently laid the flower girl's head on the couch cushion, before following Tifa to her room.

"What's up Teef? Nice threads, did Rufus buy that for you,"

"Yeah, I lost to him in a sparring match so I had to hang out with him for the day," Tifa snorted, "He's not so bad once you get to know him,"

"Hmm," Zack replied, crossing his arms against his chest.

Tifa sighed, "Where is Cloud? I need to talk to him. He's probably mad at me,"

"Cloud's on assignment,"

"Really? That's too bad,"

"He told me to tell you he's sorry," Zack narrowed his eyes at the small smile that tugged at Tifa's lips. She nodded her head, rummaging through her Chester drawers. "You're in love with him aren't you?"

"Huh? Cloud? I don't know, we've always been close but," she paused, locking eyes with Zack, "to be honest with you, I have not really thought about it. When we were growing up I had a crush on him, but to say that it is love . . ."

Good then there's hope for me. Zack thought but he instantly felt guilty, "So you haven't thought about it?"

Tifa tilted her head at him, "Zack?"

"Huh? What is it?"

"When our hometown was destroyed I was there. I saw my father murdered before my eyes. The Nibelheim incident is new to you, but I have lived with it for almost four years. I still get nightmares,"

"Teef,"

"Let me finish," she held up a hand, "Master Zangan, died in front of me too. I have been held against my will for nearly a month, by the company that created my father's murderer. I am being poked, prodded, and tested on a daily bases by this company," she sighed, "In my mind, I am a monster. It is hard enough trying to love what I am, and have you guys, my father and sister in Wutai, accept me, in spite of me being a freak,"

Zack reached out to hold her hand, and she sadly smiled, squeezing it back.

"When I can come to terms with some of those issues, then maybe I can think about building a life with someone,"

"Oh," he looked sad, "I understand. I just,"

"Zack, I want you to do something for me,"

"Yeah, anything,"

"Close your eyes,"

Zack snorted, "Really?"

"Are you going to do or not pea brain,"

"Hey! I'm not a pea brain. You're just bossy as always," he complained, closing his eyes.

"I'm not bossy, I'm assertive," she shook her head, "Picture yourself twenty years from now,"

"Teef, I'm a here and now kinda guy,"

"Just do it,"

"Ugh, fine," he put his arms against his chest.

"You have arrived at your house, and are now walking through the front door. A beautiful woman is waiting for you with a bright smile. Who do you see waiting on you?"

Zack's eyes snapped opened, "What the hell was that?"

"Whoever you see waiting for you is the person you need to give your all to," Tifa pinched his cheek, walking around him, "Now get out, I need to change,"

"Ugh, Tifa sometimes I want to strangle you,"

"I love you too Zack, now shoo!" she giggled at his pouting expression, but looked in the direction of the door bell. "Answer the door while I change,"

Zack nodded, closing her door behind him. Before he could open it, the door swung open, revealing two Science Lab guards.

"What do you want?" he fussed, glaring at them.

"The Princess is needed in the lab for testing,"

"She just got in, come back later," he ordered them.

"Our apologies Lt. Fair, but we have our orders,"

"It's alright Zack," Tifa placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked at her sadly, "just another day in Shinra Corp," she replied with a shrug. Zack watched as they led her away.

Genesis, Sephiroth, and Angeal stood in the SOLDIER's Simulation Room, going over different scenarios for the new recruits. Sephiroth wore a humored expression, watching Genesis flailing arms and Angeal's irate scowl.

"Angeal it is a splendid idea! Why are you being such an oaf?! My plan is brilliant! The fact that Sephiroth agrees with me means nothing to you,"

"Genesis, please, let's not start the name calling. I do not agree with you and Sephiroth," he brought his large arms against his chest, "I actually deal with the new recruits and I know their limitations. You two do not. I won't allow them to attempt something that they are just not ready for,"

"Sephiroth! Please enlighten our stubborn Raven General! He has decidedly placed his rather large foot down, and I will not hear of it,"

Sephiroth snorted, tucking his arms against his chest. Angeal glared at him then turned his eyes to Genesis,

"So that's how it is, Sephiroth? You know the newbies better than Genesis, and yet you agree with him," Angeal threw his arms up, and Genesis smiled, placing his hands on his hips.

"Finally! Sephiroth is on my side! What do you have to say now, brother?"

Sephiroth shot Genesis a glare, before turning to dark haired man, "Angeal, if we are too afraid to test them, then we will never know of what they are truly capable,"

"Precisely," Genesis began but paused, frowning as he grabbed at his head. He looked up to see Angeal and Sephiroth holding their heads as well, "Do you guys feel that too?"

"A tug and throbbing," Angeal began.

"A tug on the mind, and throbbing at the base of the neck," Sephiroth finished, looking from Genesis to Angeal. Could it be?

"What do you think it is?" Angeal asked, rubbing his neck.

"It is nothing. We are merely tired of this useless arguing," Genesis weakly supplied, and Sephiroth snorted, "Do not give me your attitude Sephiroth!" He pointed at the silver haired man.

Suddenly the doors to the Simulation Room were slung opened, and Hollander ran in looking at the men. Angeal and Genesis looked at him strangely,

"Father?" they asked simultaneously.

"Angeal, I was told that you were in a catatonic state, but you are fine?"

"Of course, I'm fine," Angeal replied, outstretching his arms, and Genesis felt jealousy burn in his chest.

Sephiroth, she needs you. The Silver General raised his head, walking over to Hollander, "Who told you Angeal was in danger?" he demanded.

Hollander was slumped on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

Sephiroth grabbed the Professor's shoulders, pulling him up to meet his intense gaze, "Who told you Professor? Please, I must know immediately,"

"Your father,"

Before Hollander could finish speaking, Sephiroth was jogging out of the room. Genesis turned to his father, who was inspecting Angeal.

"He deceived you father, to get Tifa alone," the red head rolled his eyes to the ceiling, "He knew the best way to manipulate you, would be to tell you Angeal was afflicted, and you fell for it. I hope Sephiroth can get there in time,"

"Damn Hojo!"

Lazard leaned against the wall of the elevator, riding to his floor. He groaned when it stopped, and the door slid open, revealing Tifa with two guards flanking her. The trio stepped into the elevator car, and Lazard stood to the side to allow them entry.

"Good evening Director Deusericus,"

"Please, Tifa, we have way passed formalities," he chuckled and Tifa giggled with him.

"Well good evening Lazard," she said with a tilt of her head, "I want to thank you for saving my life last night,"

Lazard waved her off, "I am grateful that I could help. How are you feeling? Have you healed entirely?" he asked, concern etching his face.

"Aerith completely healed me last night. I just need rest,"

"Excellent, I am happy to hear it," he frowned, "what do you remember about last night?"

Tifa shook her head, "It's all a blur. I really do not remember much,"

"Well, I, for one am quite relieved. You were in really bad shape,"

"Again, I thank you for all that you did,"

"My pleasure, Princess," he placed a hand on her shoulder, "so, where are you headed?"

"Humph, Hollander needs to see me in the lab. I wonder what exciting new test he has in store for me tonight? Eh, I just wanted a good night's sleep," Tifa replied, massaging her shoulder. "And where are you headed,"

"Actually I was headed to visit with the Vice President. I need to ask him a few questions," Tifa and Lazard looked as the door slid opened and the Director bowed his head at her, before stepping off elevator, "It was nice seeing you well Tifa,"

Zack watched Aerith sleeping on the couch. A smile tugged at his lips, watching the different facial expressions tugging at her face. He leaned into the cushions, staring at the wall in front of him. Zack became lost in the painting of the Costa Del Sol harbor. When things cool down, maybe I can take Aerith. She finally got a chance to see the sky, ha. Meeting Tifa was good for her. He looked at her when a moan eased out of her.

"Aer? You okay sweetie," Zack asked, shaking her shoulder. She squealed, jerking up into a seat position, and he was pushed to the other end of the sofa, "What's the deal, Aerith? What's the mat~"

"Zack, Tifa is in danger! We are all in grave danger!"

"What are you talking about,"

Aerith turned her glowing gold eyes on Zack and he gasped, "I'm serious, the Ravens are coming?"

"We need to take you to the doctor,"

"This is not a joke, Zack,"

"Sweetheart, I'm not kiddin' you've been saying some crazy stuff lately,"

Aerith's face fell and she tucked her arms around herself, "I'm Cetra, Zack. I speak with the planet and Gaia told me that I am her prophet. I'm the last of my kind and I would think that you could understand that considering,"

"That's not fair Aerith,"

"You aren't being fair, Zack,"

He sighed, leaning forward on his knees, "Why should I believe you? Huh? What proof do you have," he looked at her and her eyes shifted back and forth. "I didn't think so,"

"If I can prove something to you, will you believe me?"

"Sure, prove it to me,"

Aerith nodded her head and Zack scuffed, "Tifa is in the laboratory,"

"You could heard the guards when Hollander sent for her,"

"With Hojo,"

Zack shook his head, "Impossible, Rufus wouldn't let him anywhere near her,"

"You asked me for proof and I offered it to you,"

"You gotta give me something else,"

Aerith narrowed her eyes at him, "General Genesis and Angeal are in a large room on the 49th floor with Professor Hollander," she paused, rubbing at her temple and blood dripped from her nose, "Sephiroth was there but he left to stop Hojo,"

"Aer, your nose," Zack exclaimed, preparing to get her tissue, but she grabbed him,

"No, please Zack, go to the 49th floor and tell Genesis that I said the Raven's are coming and Tifa is in danger, and he will believe you,"

"Aerith!"

"Just do it Zack! I don't ask you for much just do this for me! Trust me,"

Zack sighed, "If you're wrong,"

"I'm not wrong,"

"If you are . . . then we go to the doctor, deal?"

"I'll do whatever you want just hurry,"

Zack stood to his feet, frowning at her, "I'll be back in a little while," she watched him leaving the apartment, and clasped her hand together, uttering a prayer to the planet.

Fuhito stood with his ebony wings tucked around him, watching out of the large windows of the airship. He glanced over his shoulder at Cid, who was steering the vessel.

"How much longer before we arrive, Mr. Highwind,"

Cid grumbled, before looking at the instruments, "Hyper-drive should be online in ten minutes. So about fifteen with hyper-speed,"

"Excellent," he looked out of the window once more, "plans are coming together quite nicely," Fuhito turned when Sebastian's reflection appeared behind him, "What is it?"

"We are nearly prepared,"

"This is wonderful news. Have you shared with everyone their parts?"

"Yes, master,"

Fuhito's wings stretched before wrapping around him. "Thank you, complete the final preparations. I want this to progress seamlessly,"

Sebastian bowed his head, before leaving.

I am pleased, Fuhito. We are so close.

I know, my dark goddess. After I have absorbed Zircoinade, we will focus all of our attention on preparing the perfect vessel to contain you.

You make me so happy Fuhito. I am proud of you.

It is my pleasure to serve you my goddess.

Tifa glared at the back's of the guards, in contempt, as they led her to the laboratory. What could Hollander want with me now? I just want to hang out with me friends and then go to sleep. She grumbled within her mind. Tifa rubbed her bare arms the gooseflesh prickled her chilled skin. Maybe I should have worn a jacket. She scuffed at her thought, for what? Hollander's just going to make me take it off again.

One of the guards input the code, opening the large steel door. The other guard held it opened for her, allowing the Princess to enter. She found Hojo standing in front of her, with his arms behind his back, smiling smugly at her.

Tifa narrowed her eyes, "Where is Professor Hollander?"

"The good Professor has stepped out of the office for a moment," he snickered, pushing his glasses up his nose.

He reminds me of Fuhito. Tifa thought, taking a step back.

"I thought it would be nice for us to have a little chat," a scowl tugged at his lips, before nodding his head. A group of infantry men surrounded her, poking her with electro-rods. Pain-filled screams bounced off the walls as she dropped to her knees.

"What is the meaning of this?" she hissed between grunts.

Hojo closed the distanced between them, kneeling in front of her. He tenderly stroked her cheek.

"You are a perfect specimen, and I will not be denied my experiments," he replied, sticking a syringe in her neck. "There, see you in a while, little princess,"

Tifa grabbed him by his throat, "You're going to regret this," her vision blurred, and he gasped, struggling with her iron grip. Her hand fell away and darkness consumed her.

That's that! I hope you enjoyed the latest installment! See you guys, Adios!

~Auktober