Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.
26 – Exploding Mystery
Angeal stood on the edge of desolate wasteland and sighed. Several days ago the Turks had flown him, two Thirds, and the Science Department's buggy to Junon. From there the SOLDIERs had taken an ocean vessel to Costa del Sol where they rested for a day then headed southwest.
Unfortunately the group's mission intel was scant, confusing, and contradictory. Few in Costa del Sol had been aware of a problem to their southwest and since then they had run across few travelers. What they had learned is that no one feared their unseen target because it had never attacked anything but monsters. Nothing domestic had been injured, not even game animals. Though Director Deusericus stated people were terrified, most seemed to consider the beast a protector of travelers and felt safer than before.
Making matters worse, they had no idea what they were even looking for. Some said the beast was over five feet tall, black, fast, had horns, a vicious growl, and four limbs. Others stated it was less than four feet tall, snarled, and was the color of the dessert sand. The creature's victims, big and little monsters of all shapes and sizes, hadn't helped much either. Some were cleanly killed and others torn apart. At this point they could be looking for any monster on Gaia.
Angeal sighed and focused on the dessert in front of him. Barely visible to his Mako enhanced vision was the Golden Saucer. Though he'd heard stories from others he'd never been to the amusement park. Perhaps once the mission was over he would ask Director Deusericus for a day's leave and take the two Thirds before returning to Midgar. While it would be nice to go with Genesis his friend had never shown any desire to go.
"We didn't find anything, Sir," one of his companions said.
Angeal turned as both Thirds pulled to a stop a few feet away. "Me either. Guess we'll have to travel into the dessert itself." Both Thirds suddenly looked nervous and he chuckled. "Don't worry, the buggy shouldn't have any trouble and we've got plenty of food and water on board."
"But Sir, people say the dessert is haunted. Travelers get lost in it all the time!"
"True, but most travelers aren't carrying the provisions we are nor do they have an air conditioned vehicle with a compass."
The Thirds nodded nervously and followed Angeal back to the buggy. Given his recent experience with Reno in this very vehicle he'd refused to let anyone else drive, so he slipped behind the wheel as the Thirds entered from the opposite side. He started the buggy and waited for everyone to strap in before easing onto the sand. Truth was he had no idea whether the sand would be solid enough to support the weight of the car. When it was completely on the sand and not sinking, he mentally sighed in relief.
The group stopped every half hour and exited the vehicle to scan for anything suspicious. So far they'd found nothing of interest and had progressed at a steady pace. The Thirds had relaxed and were chatting quietly while Angeal drove. Everyone's eyes remained glued to the windows, just in case.
"Time for a stop," Angeal called, putting the vehicle into neutral and hopping out. A few minutes later a look of confusion formed on his face. "You hear that?" he asked, turning to look at the Thirds across the roof.
"Sir?" one replied.
"I didn't hear anything, Sir."
"You didn't?" replied Angeal, turning around again.
"No," one Third answered, looking at the other in confusion.
"This place is haunted," muttered the second Third.
"Mayb-," the SSC started to chuckled but stopped abruptly. There, at the very edge of his hearing was something. It sounded like a voice but he wasn't positive.
"Are you ok, Sir?" asked one of the Thirds.
"Maybe you should drink some water," said the other.
"Neither of you hear anything?" Angeal asked, turning once more. Both shook their heads and he wondered if he really was having an audio hallucination. "Get back in the vehicle," he ordered.
Once everyone was in Angeal adjusted his course slightly and started moving, heading toward where he thought the voice had come from. Sure it might be nothing but he had to look into it. For all he knew some poor traveler had gotten lost out here. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't at least check.
Fifteen minutes later the SSC stopped for a quick check. Almost as soon as the door was open he heard the voice, and it was a voice.
"HHHeeyyyy! Can you hear me?"
"Holy shit!" one of the Thirds exclaimed.
"Someone's out here!" said the other.
Angeal held up his hand for silence and surveyed the area. He didn't hear the voice again and couldn't tell exactly where it had come from. "Where are you?" he yelled, holding his hands close to his mouth like a bullhorn.
"Southwest!"
The SSC heard the two Thirds get back into the vehicle as he scanned the area closely. He thought he saw something move but with the heat waves rolling off the sand, he couldn't be sure. "Stay where you are!" he yelled before ducking back into the vehicle and setting out once more.
"There Sir!" one of the Thirds yelled minutes later.
Angeal nodded, though he'd already seen the shape jumping up and down on a rock. The figure appeared to be alone; though for all he knew it was a trap. He closed the distance slowly and told the Thirds to stay sharp. If it was a trap they could be dead already as they were well within the range of certain weapons. Dead or not, he got fairly close to the rock and stopped again. "Stay in the car," he said, opening his door.
"Sir, you can't go alone!" one of the Thirds replied.
"I can and will. One of you get behind the wheel. If it's a trap get out of here, head back to Costa del Sol, and radio Shinra," he said, slamming the door shut before any more protests could be made.
Angeal cautiously approached the rock, hand on the hilt of his sword. The closer he got the less worried he was. The only thing in sight was the rock and its lone figure. There was absolutely nothing for someone, or something, to hide behind, unless they were in the sand, which was unlikely. They'd probably have a heat stroke.
"You're a SOLDIER?" the figure, a male, called out excitedly.
"Yes," Angeal cautiously replied. "You are…?"
"No way!" replied the male, suddenly bounding down the rock. "Don't slice me up! How'd you get here so fast?"
Angeal had his sword in hand the second the male came off the rock. Looking closer he wavered, though ultimately decided to keep the weapon out. It wasn't a man; it was a boy. His hair was the color of the sand, as where his clothes. "Where are your parents?"
"Dead for all I know," the boy replied, looking momentarily forlorn. "Shinra doesn't know yet, do they?"
"Know what?"
"Gongaga… the reactor exploded."
"What? When?" Angeal replied, finally sheathing his sword.
"Over a week ago. My parents told me to run so I did. I was gonna go to Costa del Sol or Coral for help but every time I tried to cross the dessert I couldn't; too hot and nothing to carry water in that isn't contaminated. I was gonna try again when I saw your car… thing… what is that anyway?"
Angeal watched the youth get closer and eye the buggy, waiting for a reply. When none came he said, "You've been out here, alone, for more than a week? With a monster on the lose?" The youth circled the buggy with a lopsided smile before replying.
"This things cool! Eh, monster? What monster? I ain't seen anything unusual."
"How far did you go into the dessert?" Angeal asked, mind reeling.
"I dunno. Do I look like I have a compass or a map? Shesh. Look can we talk about this later? We really need to get to Gongaga," the boy replied, starting to bounce from foot to foot.
"What's your name?"
"Zack. Zack Fair," the kid replied, shaking his head violently like a dog shrugging off water.
Angeal raised an eyebrow and watched Zack's hair go from blond to black. Either he'd coated it with sand on purpose or it had gotten covered on its own. "Alright Zack Fair, I'm SOLDIER Second Class Angeal Hewley. Get in the vehicle and we'll head for Gongaga."
"You aren't gonna kill me are you?" said Zack, eyes going wide a second before he burst out laughing. "Just messing with you. Second Class huh? That's awesome. I want to join SOLDIER."
"Maybe when you're older," Angeal chuckled, making the vehicle and opening the door.
"I'm 13, be 14 next month." At Angeal's 'I don't believe you' look he added, "Ask my parents! Well, if they're still alive anyway. If not ask the villagers!"
"I'm sure your parents are fine," Angeal replied. "Both of you sit in back," he said to the Thirds. "We're going to Gongaga."
"Gongaga, Sir? Where's that?"
"No clue. That's why Zack here needs to ride shotgun."
"Cool, more SOLDIERs," Zack said, watching the two get into the next row of seats. When the front was free, he scurried across the driver's side and into the passenger's seat. "Cool car too, seriously. Does it go as fast as it looks? Do you have any water?"
"Yes it's fast," Angeal nodded, shutting the door and fighting not to smirk at Zack's rushed sentences. "There's water and food in the back."
"Food? Really? I'm starving!"
Angeal chuckled and watched as one of the Thirds dug around for food and water. "So which way?"
"Eh, see that big ass cloud over there?" Zack said, pointing.
"Yes."
"It's smoke, head toward it."
Angeal nodded. "One of you call Director Deusericus then give me the phone," he said, turning the buggy and heading for Gongaga.
Tseng looked at the neatly stacked files on the coffee table and pinched the bridge of his nose. Over the past few hours he'd read each file, searching for the best guards for Rufus. His eyes had become tired but he'd managed to complete the job, separating the documents into two piles, one much smaller than the other. He stood, stretched, and walked around the short table. "Wake up."
"Awe, let him sleep," Rufus called, entering from the hallway. "He was on duty all night."
"It is his job."
"Glad I'm the boss," chuckled the VP, heading into the kitchen. "I could order you to let him sleep."
"He is awake, just refusing to move."
"Comfy," Reno muttered, voice muffled by a pillow. Tseng's gaze on his back finally made him get to a sitting position and stretch. His pocket beeped so he pulled out his PHS; low battery flashed on the screen. "Needs a charge yo."
"You can use my charger," Rufus called, head stuck in the fridge.
"Alright," replied the redhead, checking the time. "Gaia it's only 10:00," he groaned.
"What time did you get to sleep?" the blond asked.
"07:30 maybe?" Reno said, taking the soda Rufus held out to him.
"That is not a healthy breakfast," Tseng scowled. Reno grinned, popped the tab, and took a long drink, staring at him the entire time. Rufus laughed quietly and the Wutain sighed. "There are not enough Turks to station here on a permanent basis. I am going to have to pull some individuals from infantry."
"That a good idea?" Reno inquired.
"There is no alternative," replied the Wutain, giving Rufus an apologetic look.
"Doesn't bother me," the VP shrugged, sitting on the couch next to Reno. "I've spent my entire life with someone looking over my shoulder. Besides, military grunts are always fun to order around."
"You will not command these ones; I will. All have applied to the Department of Administrative Research when their tour is finished."
"A test run then," said Reno.
"Of sorts, yes," Tseng replied, turning to Rufus.
Rufus sighed, having heard the 'they won't answer to you', 'I don't care if you don't like it', 'they'll be my spies,' and 'better treat them well' in the Wutain's words.
"Sucks all the fun outta everything don't he?" Reno sniggered, earning a glare from Tseng.
"I will return soon," said the Wutain, ignoring the redhead's comment. "Until then, no one enters or exits. If you need anything phone me. Clear?"
"You got it Boss," Reno replied, taking another drink of soda while Rufus nodded.
Tseng grabbed the files off the table, situating them to ensure they stayed separated. He'd rather stay with Rufus and pursue other activities but he had a job to do. Reno was capable of performing the interviews, however the simple fact was that he'd feel better if he spoke to the soon-to-be guards himself.
"Your spare uniform is in the guest bedroom," Rufus said as Tseng left. "Help yourself to the bathroom."
"Probably should," Reno replied, standing. "You heard Tseng; no leaving."
"I got it. Pizza ok for lunch? There's a great place in Junon that delivers."
"Sounds good," called the redhead over his shoulder, already heading to the spare bedroom. He grabbed his uniform and wandered into the bathroom. The damned thing was huge, probably the size of his bedroom! Why that surprised him he didn't know. He'd gone over most of the rooms after they'd arrived and knew the apartment itself was large. The living room was probably twice the size of his. The two bedrooms were the size of his living room and the office was the size of his guest room. The kitchen, having an open floor plan with the living room and dining room, had twice the cabinet and counter space that he was used to. While the place was nice, Reno thought it would be lonely living there all alone.
The redhead flipped a switch, assuming it controlled the lights but he quickly discovered he'd been wrong. One entire wall was apparently made of glass and the switch controlled automated blinds. Sunlight flooded into the room and he looked around. The floor was a medium grey tile and designed to look like natural stone. There was a large whirlpool tub with steps the same color as the floor leading up to it. A walk in shower eight feet long and four feet wide resided on one wall. Through the large glass door he could see black tile along its walls.
Opposite the shower was a large shiny black counter with two steel sinks sunk into it. A huge mirror took up the majority of the wall in front of the sinks and there were glass shelves mounted to either side of it containing towels. The toilet was steel and like everything else, was spotless.
Reno walked to the tub and noticed it was steel as well, large enough to hold six people easily. The view from the tub was stunning, a full-blown panoramic of the ocean and what was probably a private beach. There were no other buildings or houses in sight. As great as a nice long soak sounded he didn't want to leave Rufus alone for that long. Reno figured there were guards posted but he'd still look bad if the kid snuck out.
With a sigh, the Turk walked to the shelves, grabbed a towel, and headed to the shower. He turned on the spray and while he waited for the water to heat pulled his PHS out and called Genesis: no answer. He's in class dumbass, he thought with a sigh. With that he undressed, showered quickly, brushed his teeth, and rejoined Rufus in the living room. The VP was sitting on a cream-colored lounge reading.
"That was fast," Rufus said, shutting his book. "Afraid I'd run off?"
"Yep," Reno grinned, sitting on a chair facing the blond.
Rufus chuckled. "I won't. Not till you and Tseng are gone anyway."
"Appreciate that."
After a pause the VP said, "So, what's he like?"
"Who?"
"Genesis, duh."
"You met him."
"Reno all I remember is him offering to help, frightening me, and then taking off."
"Frightened? You were terrified yo," chuckled the redhead. Rufus gave him an 'I was not' look and he laughed. "You fucking hid behind me like a scared little bitch!"
Immediately Rufus got pissed but it didn't last and started laughing with Reno. "I did, didn't I? Gods that seems like so long ago."
"Don't it?" Reno chuckled, wiggling to get comfortable.
"How's his imbalance?"
"I think he's doin' alright. Seph's been workin' with him and he's learned to control it. I haven't seen him blow anything ta hell or catch somethin' on fire anyway."
"Good to hear." After a pause Rufus added, "Oh come on, share. You know all about Tseng. Hell you've slept with him!"
"What, we gal pals now yo?" Rufus glared at him and he chuckled. "What do ya wanna know?"
"I don't know," the VP shrugged. "What attracted you to him?"
"Lots of things. His attitude, his looks, the way he moves," Reno shrugged.
"I always pictured you with someone more laid back."
"He can be when he wants ta be. I think he just gets stressed, tense, and anxious easily."
"Where's he from?"
"No idea."
"What?" Rufus exclaimed, surprised.
"Yeah I know. I was gonna look up his file but never got around to it. 'Sides now I'd feel like I'm spyin' and I know he ain't a security threat so what's the point? Heh, kinda nice ta get to know someone the old fashioned way." Rufus raised an eyebrow, pulled his laptop out of nowhere, and started typing. "Ruf…"
"I don't have to tell you anything," Rufus said, sticking his tongue out. "I have a right to know if he's good enough for my best friend."
"You need ta get out more if I'm yer best friend."
Rufus chuckled, then his face scrunched in confusion. "Huh, that's weird."
"What?"
"Most of his file is blacked out."
"Seriously? Why?"
"It doesn't list a reason," replied the blond sarcastically.
"Give me that," Reno snapped, unable to beat down his curiosity. He jumped up, grabbed the laptop from Rufus, and sat on the floor with his back against the VP's lounger.
Rufus watched as the redhead logged out of his account and expertly hacked into his father's. That done, he did a bunch of things the VP didn't understand before arriving back at the personnel files.
"Piece a cake," Reno said, typing furiously. In the SOLDIER records, he scrolled down to 'R' and brought up Genesis's file. "Shit, it really is redacted. I thought maybe yer account had somethin' to do with it."
"Why would it? I have the same access as father."
"So they've told you," Reno snorted. "How would you really know?"
"Point."
"Anyway, I used yer dad's account but still hacked into record storage."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning this is the main fuckin' file. It's blacked to everyone," Reno replied, confused. "It doesn't even say where he's from or when he was born yo."
"Was Sephiroth's like that?"
"No. Look," Reno said, bringing up the silver's file.
Rufus leaned over the redhead and hit the down arrow as he read. Nothing was marked out; there simply wasn't a lot there. "These are the private files I assume?"
"Yep," Reno nodded. He started to hand the laptop back to Rufus but stopped. On a whim he scrolled to 'H'. "Fuck me," he said a second later. "Look, Hewley's file is the same as Gen's."
"Check another SOLDIERs file. Maybe they're all like that."
"Seph's wasn't," Reno replied, but went to another file anyway.
"You said Sephiroth's file was a fake."
"Still. Here, STC Sebastian's file. It's fine." Completely perplexed the Turk exited the SOLDIER files and accessed the main database, scrolling to 'S'. "Yer file's fine."
"Hey! Don't read that!" Rufus exclaimed, grabbing for the laptop.
Reno chuckled and leaned out of the VP's reach. "Hell I've read it before Rufus."
"Seriously? What the hell for?"
"Because I could."
"Dick," Rufus muttered.
"Oh what, like you ain't read mine."
"Couldn't."
Reno froze and turned to look at Rufus. "You couldn't access my file?"
"Nope."
"The hell is goin' on at Shinra?" Reno mumbled, navigating to the DoAR files. He found his file and opened it with ease. Once again he started to hand the laptop to Rufus but stopped, staring at the screen.
"What's wrong?" Rufus asked.
"Someone changed it."
"Why would they do that?"
"I don't know," replied Reno absentmindedly, skimming through the file. "I hacked into my file awhile back to see what was on it. Hellfire, this is as vague as Sephiroth's!"
"It wasn't before?"
"No," Reno said, then a thought occurred to him. "Remember when Cissnei said she tried accessing my file but it was sealed?"
"Yeah but you outrank her so that makes sense. Can she hack into the system?"
"Yeah, she ain't as good as me but she can."
"So someone sealed the file, altered it, and unsealed it?"
"Maybe," Reno shrugged, typing furiously again. "I figured Veld had sealed it before he left given our history." There was a pause then the redhead muttered, "Son of a bitch."
"What?" inquired the VP, leaning over the Turk again.
"No other Turk file has been altered and the document history on my file, Gen's, Angeal's, and Sephiroth's has been erased."
"Meaning?"
"There's no way to trace who submitted, altered, or even opened the files."
Rufus leaned back in thought, "Who would do that?"
"No idea," Reno replied, finally relinquishing the laptop. "Yer dad?"
"Probably not, he's an idiot."
"Heidegger's out, he's dumber than yer dad. Scarlett?"
"Now there's a possibility, though I wouldn't see why she'd alter anything."
Suddenly a grumbling could be heard and Reno started laughing. "Better order that pizza yo."
"Yeah," Rufus chuckled. "Don't want you eating me."
"Nah, I'd grab one of the guards outside. Tseng'd be pissed if I ate his boyfriend." Rufus turned cherry red and he laughed.
The VP went into the kitchen, found the restaurant's menu, and took it to Reno. As the redhead reached for it he said, "If you pursue this watch your back ok?"
"I will," Reno replied, gaze locking with the VPs.
Rufus nodded and let go of the menu. He returned to his lounge as the redhead scanned the establishment's offerings. Though he'd never admit it, he was extremely worried about Reno. Whenever strange occurrences happened within the company, someone usually ended up dying. He knew Reno probably wouldn't let it go and he was terrified the redhead would land in the middle of something he couldn't get out of, at least not alive. If that happened, he'd destroy the fucking company himself. Wouldn't bring him back. No, but I'd feel a hell of a lot better. Here's to hoping I don't have to worry about it. Oh and Gods? Look out for him just in case.
"Ya picky?"
"No."
"Then get a big ass pie with everything yo. And breadsticks with garlic sauce."
"Alright," Rufus nodded, punching the number in his PHS. The VP started to hit the 'send' button and it rang. "Rufus Shinra."
"Vice President Shinra, it's Deusericus Lazard."
"I'm here too Rufus," came his father's voice.
"What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"There is a situation you should be aware of," Lazard replied, relating what he'd learned about the reactor in Gongaga.
"Ifrit's Hellfire," Rufus said when Lazard was through. "As soon as Tseng returns I'll send him and Reno there to investigate."
"Where'd the Wutain go?" his father asked, sounding scornful.
"To obtain neutral guards for me," Rufus spit.
"Should have known," the elder replied in amusement. "That's acceptable. I'm sending people as well, but your Turks are closer. Please keep us informed."
"Of course father," Rufus replied, unable to completely hide his amusement. For the first time his father had to rely on him. He'd better get used to it too. "I will contact you as soon as I know more," he said before snapping the phone closed. Reno was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Mission?" Rufus nodded. "Pizza?" the redhead added hopefully.
"I wouldn't dream of depriving you of your lunch," Rufus chuckled.
"Thank Gods," Reno replied. "You were startin' to look pretty tasty, Tseng's wrath be damned."
Rufus chuckled and once again typed in the restaurant's number. "I'll order then I'll fill you in." Reno nodded and he hit 'send', pleased that at the moment, he felt in control.
After a solid day of traveling, Angeal's party pulled to a stop on the outskirts of Gongaga Village. Zack, the boy from Gongaga, had chatted almost nonstop the entire time. The black haired youth stated he had been away from the village for at least two weeks, only returning to the perimeter to deliver food he'd managed to capture, kill, or gather. The villagers he'd encountered assured him his parents were alive and that on their orders he was not to step one foot inside. Sadly the kid really had no way of knowing if they were living or not. The villagers could be trying to protect him by saying they were alive and that he was to stay away.
Part of Angeal's suspicions had been confirmed as Zack likely had something to do with the dead monsters in the region. By his own admission the boy said he'd killed them whenever he'd had to or to eat by using anything at his disposal. The youth had also stated he'd traveled into the dessert itself on a number occasions. His appearance might throw off travelers at a distance since he stated he was typically covered in mud or sand to hide better and keep the sun from burning him up. Add to that radiating heat waves and travelers could be easily confused. The last bit of information was that the youth said he'd often yelled or growled at monsters in an attempt to frighten them off, which could explain some of the noises travelers reported hearing. The SSC doubted the kid sounded like a monster, but there were several things in the dessert, which could distort sound, like wind.
While Angeal had no doubt Zack was the source for some of the recent monster deaths, sightings, and noises, he didn't think he was the only cause. Some of the monsters and sightings had been reported on the far side of the dessert toward Coral. All of Zack's attempts to cross the dessert had failed, meaning there was no way he'd gotten far enough north to be the originator of any stories or deaths there.
"Park over there," Zack said, pointing a finger out the window. He had the door open and was halfway out of the vehicle before it had completely stopped.
"Hey be careful!" called Angeal as Zack hopped out. He quickly shifted the gear stick to 'park', yanked the key out, and popped open his door. "Don't go too far!" Zack slowed and Angeal chuckled, turning to the two Thirds. "You know the drill. Stay here and if anything appears suspicious get somewhere safe."
"Sir!" the STC's replied in unison as the inky SOLDIER started jogging after Zack.
"I thought SOLDIERs were supposed to be fast!" Zack called as the SSC approached. Angeal grinned and shook his head, pulling to a stop next to him. "It's this way," he said, stepping onto a footpath.
Angeal diligently followed the youth, one eye on the back of the boy's head and one eye scanning the surrounding area. The trees and shrubs on either side of the trail were dense but cleared away from the path itself. Regardless, his line of sight was broken since it was impossible to see into the growth. Finally the tiny foot trail opened into a more clearly defined path and he was able to rely on his eyes more than his ears.
"Sorry, forgot to warn you about the heat and humidity," Zack said, falling into step beside Angeal.
"No problem. I can barely feel the difference."
"Really?"
Angeal nodded. "The Mako SOLDIERs are given makes temperature changes less noticeable."
"That's awesome. Yet another reason to join SOLDIER!"
"It's not as glamorous as it sounds and is dangerous. Because we can't feel the temperature extremes we're actually more susceptible to succumbing to the effects; like heat stroke or hypothermia."
"Oh," Zack replied, sounding disappointed.
"It's not so bad. Just have to use your head to compensate. Drink plenty of water in the heat and stay moving in the cold."
"Heh, so you're normal!"
"More or less, we just can't ignore the advice like others."
The path before them abruptly ended at a T-junction and Angeal realized the new path was a circle that ringed the village and reactor. One direction led to Gongaga and the other led to the reactor. Zack waved a hand indicating which direction they were heading and Angeal turned.
The farther up the path they traveled, the heavier the acrid, acidic smell of Mako hung in the air. Angeal had already seen a huge mist cloud hanging in the air in the opposite direction they were traveling. Whether it be wind conditions, air conditions, or something else, the closer they got to the village, the closer the mist was to the ground. It was unpleasant and he wondered about possible side effects on the villagers.
After about 10 minutes at a brisk walk, the path opened wider and the SSC could see the village beyond. It was not a pretty sight because much of the town was in ruin. Half the buildings were burnt and the remaining structures sported damage ranging in severity. Some had roofs or entire walls missing while others were simply missing windows or doors. The more intact structures had likely already been repaired by the villagers.
The villagers themselves could be seen in every direction working on some task or another. The term 'exploded reactor' didn't do justice to what his eyes beheld; the thing had been blown to bits. Decimated reactor maybe. There were twisted, broken pieces of metal of all shapes and sizes scattered everywhere. Every now and then Angeal would even catch a glint from above from pieces of metal in the trees. Whether driven in or simply caught he couldn't tell. Almost every building in town was pocked and scarred and many still had metal lodged within their sides.
"What's the black stuff?" Angeal asked, noticing many of the villagers covered in an oily looking black substance.
"A nontoxic oil," Zack replied. "It keeps Mako from sticking to the skin and reduces the chance of Mako poisoning."
Angeal had no idea if that was truth or some backwater belief. He'd never heard of anything that could keep Mako from affecting a person. There were ways to reduce or eliminate exposure but that usually included full biohazard suits. It seemed that almost everyone that worked with the stuff suffered because of it at some point.
"There's the Mayor!" Zack exclaimed with an excited wave of his hand.
Angeal followed the motion and spotted a male who appeared to be around 40 with graying hair and tired eyes. The man was giving instructions to a small group of people and as he and Zack got closer, whispered murmurs broke out in all directions. The SSC's enhanced hearing allowed him to make out many of the muffled voices. Some were happy Shinra had finally arrived while others were wary and angry. Can't blame them.
"Zack! What are you doing here? We told you to stay away!" a woman called out before sweeping the youth into a hug. She was in her late 20's to mid-30's with black hair and kind eyes. A male of the same age joined the embrace, throwing an arm around the pair.
"Mom relax, I'll be fine," the youth replied, trying to pull away.
"You must be from Shinra," said the Mayor from in front of Angeal.
The SSC had smiled at Zack's reunion with his parents, but quickly shifted to serious mode. "SOLDIER Second Class Angeal Hewley."
"A SOLDIER? I figured they would send the Turks."
"Is Katana coming?" asked a small woman hopefully.
"Katana?" questioned Angeal.
"Yes. He grew up here but moved to Midgar and joined Shinra," replied a male.
"Joined? More like forced," said someone in the growing crowd.
"He wasn't forced, they gave him the choice," someone else snapped.
"Prison or Shinra? Not much of a choice," yet someone else added.
"Quiet!" the Mayor bellowed. Silence immediately settled over the gathering. "Sorry about that," the Mayor said to Angeal.
"It's alright. Shinra is sending Turks, I just got here first," clarified Angeal.
"Is Katana coming then?" asked a boy no older than twelve.
"They didn't tell me who they were sending, sorry," Angeal said, knowing whoever this Katana was, he had defected or was dead.
"Who they send is not important. What is important is that Shinra is finally involved. What in the name of Gaia took them so long?" the Mayor demanded.
"Honestly Sir Shinra had no idea there was anything wrong with the reactor, let alone that it had exploded," Angeal replied. A chorus of voices rose around him, filled with disbelief and anger.
"How is that possible?" the Mayor said, voice raised, hand in the air to demand silence.
"I don't know, Sir."
"You don't know?"
"Not without an investigation. The reactor should have been sending status information to Shinra HQ in Midgar daily. If a problem is detected a team is immediately dispatched."
"Obviously that didn't happen."
"According to President Shinra, Vice President Shinra, Director Scarlet, and the Science Department, the reactor is still sending information that everything is within normal operating range," Angeal stated. Once again voices murmured from every direction, this time more shocked than angry, though disbelief was still clear.
As the Mayor assailed the villagers concerns Angeal let his eyes roam about the wreckage. The sound of pickaxes and groaning metal drew his attention and he watched as a small group of villagers lifted a metal slab eight feet long and five feet wide. Likely because of its weight they didn't move the slab far before setting it down and disappearing into the house they'd pulled it from. Less than five minutes later they reappeared, awkwardly carrying something wrapped in a homemade blanket. Though his eyes didn't want to process it, his mind did. Body.
As soon as Director Deusericus learned what had happened President Shinra had been brought in on a conference call. During the conversation the execs had started calling this the Gongaga Incident. 'Incident' didn't do justice to what had happened, what was still happening, and what would be happening for years to come. It was a disaster, plain and simple.
After the call, Director Deusericus had called him back and informed him Turks were being dispatched. That was his one bit of comfort. They would organize relief efforts, teams to rebuild the village, provide supplies, and do whatever else was necessary. Thank you Rufus. No one else at Shinra was jumping on the problem.
"Mr. Hewley," called the Mayor, finally able to calm the villagers. "Is your job here over or will you be staying with us for awhile?"
"Please, call me Angeal. I will be staying, along with two Third Class SOLDIERs, to assist with the cleanup or whatever else we can do to help."
"That's good to hear," the Mayor replied with a weak smile. "However I'm afraid we cannot provide any proper lodging. We do have some food and water that isn't tainted though."
"Lodging is not a problem Sir. There is a tent in our provisions so all we require is a patch of ground. We have food and water as well. It isn't much but we'd be more than happy to share it." The Mayor smiled warmly and nodded. "If it's alright I'll gather my men and start bringing in the supplies." Once again a nod was his answer so he turned and headed out of the village.
"Hey wait up!"
Angeal stopped and turned, finding Zack racing after him. The village was farther away than he would have thought and he realized he'd practically been running, so great was his need to help, to do something.
"Now that's the speed I expect of a SOLDIER!" Zack exclaimed, bent double, hands on his knees to catch his breath. After escaping his parents he'd flat out run to catch the SSC and the only reason he had caught him at all was his call. "Thought I could help you guys since my parents are still paranoid about me being in the village. Don't wanna slow you down though."
"You won't," Angeal smiled. "We'd be glad to have the help." Zack flashed an enthusiastic smile that reached his eyes. For the first time the SSC noticed their unique color, a vibrant violet. Purple? Who the hell has purple eyes? Zack, obviously. Angeal smiled as his inner voices snipped at each other, not caring what the outcome was because it made no difference. Zack had the most striking eyes he'd ever seen. Even more beautiful than Genesis's. Better not tell him that. The auburn would probably poke the kid's eyes out.
"Cool. Ready whenever you are!" Zack exclaimed, straightening.
Angeal nodded and the two headed out. After a few moments of silence the SOLDIER said, "So who's this Katana the villagers were talking about?"
"Ah, him. Eh, Katana grew up here and eventually became a Turk with Shinra."
"I got that much. Touchy topic?"
"For some. In short his best friend got jacked by Shinra. Katana was outraged and tried to get some of the villagers to go after Shinra with him. They refused but he ended up going anyway."
"Alone?"
"Yep. He won too. Killed everyone that had anything to do with his friends kidnapping. After that he went on the run but Shinra eventually found him and threw him in prison. I don't know how long he was there exactly but somewhere along the way the head honcho Turk recruited him. Told him he could either stay in prison or join up. Course you know his decision. Anyway, he's kinda a local hero to some and a criminal to others."
"I see."
After a pause Zack said, "He's dead isn't he?"
"Why would you think that?"
"Well if he was still with Shinra shouldn't you have known who he was?"
"The SOLDIER and Turk departments aren't on great terms."
"Oh," Zack replied. "Still, don't you know the names of the good Turks? The standouts?"
"Not until recently I didn't."
"Now you do and you still don't know him."
"Zack," Angeal began, "I can't give you details but there was an incident with the Turks that drastically reduced their numbers, Katana being among one of the reduced."
"Decoded, you just said a bunch of Turks rebelled against Shinra and Katana was one of them."
Angeal stopped walking and stared at Zack, mouth partially open. "How did you get that out of what I said?"
"I'm young, not stupid. If they were dead you would have said a bunch of them were killed or something. Since you didn't and won't give me details it must be something Shinra doesn't want the public to know, which translates to 'went against the company' and 'whereabouts unknown'." Zack stopped and turned to face the SOLDIER. "Am I right?"
"More or less."
"Heh, so what happened? I won't tell anyone."
Angeal debated for a moment before saying, "Veld, the head honcho Turk, defected and several of his subordinates went with him."
"They just left? Just like that?"
"I'm sure there's more to it but I'm not a Turk Zack," Angeal shrugged.
"I'm glad you're not a Turk," grinned Zack.
"Why's that?"
"Turks creep me out."
"Why?" Angeal chuckled.
"They just stand there all silent like. They don't talk, don't move, and somehow don't miss a damned thing. I swear a Turk could be standing inside the reactor, which was all thick metal way over there, and you could fart in the village, way over there, at home, in the bathtub, during a thunderstorm, and they'd know it!"
"That's disturbing," Angeal laughed.
"I'm not kidding! Right after the reactor was completed there were some Turks here with the science guys and some others. Almost the entire village was at the reactor listening to some speech from the Shinra guys. I was in the village and my neighbor had some cookies cooling in the window. I looked around and no one was there. No one. So I, ya know, took one. Two hours later a Turk grabbed me and told me I shouldn't steal people's cookies!"
"You shouldn't steal people's cookies."
"Ugh, you're missing the point Angeal!" Zack replied, exasperated. He paused and looked at the SOLDIER. "I can call you Angeal right?"
"Sure," replied the SSC.
"Ok good but the point is how the hell did the guy know that? All of the Turks were at the reactor!"
"Telescope maybe?"
"Seriously? Who the hell would whip out a telescope in the middle of an opening ceremony?"
"An ever vigilant Turk? Maybe he was checking for snipers."
"Ok, alright, that would make sense if one of the Shinra's execs was here or something, but it was just a couple science jockeys and a mean ass woman."
"Blonde? Wore a lot of red?"
"Yeah, had big boobs too."
"Zack!"
"Hey I wouldn't have noticed except she kept shoving them under people's noses and made all the guys drool. Pissed all the women off."
"Director Scarlet, Head of Weapons Development."
"High rank then huh?"
"Yes."
"Ok so maybe he was checking for snipers, but a boy nabbing a cookie ain't a sniper! Didn't need to watch me that long!"
"Must have caught his attention," Angeal shrugged.
"Whatever, it's creepy."
"Did he tell your neighbor?"
"Nah. Guess scaring the shit out of me was enough."
Angeal chuckled and the two finally hit the edge of the path. He waved for the STC's to bring the vehicle closer and soon the four of them were pulling out supplies and heading for the village. Again Zack chatted almost nonstop, which amused Angeal. The enthusiasm of youth, he thought as they headed back for a second load.
Just over an hour later, the buggy was unloaded and all the supplies were stacked in an empty hut being used as temporary storage. The Mayor had pointed the SOLDIERs to a clear, flat patch of land they could use to set up their tents, as they'd discovered they had two.
The inky SSC now found himself driving the last stake into the ground in order to secure his shelter. The Thirds seemed intent on giving him space and were sharing the second tent. Angeal had a feeling it was protocol and rank kicking in more than anything because they'd all been getting along just fine. Personally he didn't care how or where everyone slept so long as they rested. Tomorrow was probably going to be a grueling day, both mentally and physically.
Finished with the tent the SSC grabbed a tightly rolled blanket and pillow, throwing it in between the tent flaps. It landed with a soft plop and he ducked to head inside when his stomach rumbled. Only then did he realize that he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He straightened himself and started to turn when now familiar footsteps sounded behind him.
"Cool tent!" Zack exclaimed, almost dropping the glass and plate he was carrying.
Angeal turned, a smile tugging at his lips. "Just standard issue."
"Still better than any I've ever seen!" Zack replied, holding out the plate and glass. "I brought you some food. Don't worry, it's not tainted or anything!"
Angeal took the offered items before the youth dropped them, smile widening. "Thank you, but it wasn't necessary."
"Pft, go tell that to my Mom!"
The SSC looked around and found a cluster of rocks less than twelve feet from the tent's entrance. A few of them were waist high so he made his way over to sit and eat while Zack zipped away. He shook his head, placing the glass on a shorter, somewhat flat rock and examined the food he'd been given. It looked like spaghetti though it didn't smell like it.
"Hope you don't mind spicy stuff," Zack called, returning with a plate and glass of his own. He sat on a rock close to the SSC.
"No."
"Good, cause the sauce might be hot to someone not from here. The noodles are homemade with Beachplug eggs and the meat is Gagighandi." Zack laughed at the look on the SOLDIERs face. "I know, sounds sick right? It's good though."
"I hope your mom didn't go through all this trouble for me."
"Heck no! She always feeds me like this and makes a ton of food. Growing boy and all that."
"She didn't have to feed me."
Zack shrugged. "Deal. Just the way she is. My Dad's taking food to your friends."
Angeal nodded and watched as the youth tore into his food with vigor. He made a mental note to thank the boy's mother and took a bite. Zack's comments about the food being good didn't do it justice. It was great. It wasn't so spicy to dull one's taste buds or make them sweat. Rather the spices were used to bring out the flavor of every component in the dish. He'd never had Beachplug eggs or Gagighandi meat but he had to say they were tasty, at least prepared by Zack's mom.
The two ate in silence until Zack finished his meal. Once again he proceeded to chatter nonstop, which Angeal didn't mind as he'd only finished half of his food. By the time he was finished with his plate the SSC was well informed of the town's history and of all current gossip.
"I should probably get back," Zack finally finished, gathering the dirty dishes.
"Parent's not kicking you out again?"
"Guess not. Guess they figure if Shinra's here its ok or something. Parent's are weird," Zack said. The SOLDIER chuckled and stood as he started away. Less than 15 steps passed before he turned and eyed the SSC. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course."
Zack's face split with a huge grin. "Awesome!" With that the youth darted away, leaving Angeal shaking his head and smiling.
The SSC stood outside for a moment and listened to the peaceful night sounds. It reminded him of home and he fought off a small pang of homesickness before ducking into his tent. Inside he unrolled his blanket and flopped on top of it. In less than 15 minutes the insect songs lulled him to sleep, as did thoughts of Zack and a head full of gossip.