Well, I was pleasently surprised by all the reviews from the last chapter even though it was so short. Sorry, though I can't really answer anything though IVIaedhros is the first person to mention something that I might be heading for (if it goes right). But that's for the sequel. Yes, people, I said sequel (what a funny looking word). With all the stuff I'm not getting into, there's going to have to be one. It'll be awhile before I post it since I have to still figure out the frickin' plot but hopefully (fingers crossed) not too long. So, Toons, yes, I have been on the verge of something; does that help any? No? Ah well.
On with the show!
Elena held the door open and Tseng walked purposely through. Immediately he spotted three familiar figures as he crossed the spacious, carpeted room. Walking swiftly, Elena staying back to guard the door, the head Turk was surprised to see another figure, this one only recently recognizable, as the President moved to the side. His hand slid to his gun.
"Tseng." Rufus greeted. The Wutainese man glanced at his direct supervisor, noted the look in his eyes and relaxed. Marginally.
"Sirs." Tseng began. "I'm here to escort you to the roof. There is a helicopter waiting. It will take you to the rendezvous spot before you head to Junon."
The President snorted. "Getting ahead of yourself, aren't you, Tseng? There are still a few hours before we're scheduled to leave."
"Yes, sir. But the plan has changed."
"Oh?"
"Sephiroth is here, sir. It's no longer safe."
"Really." The President drawled, his gaze moving toward the third man. "Hojo?"
A pleased light shone from the scientist's eyes. "Good, I was beginning to doubt that Sephiroth would ever return." The balding man turned toward the President. "I'll deal with him, Shinra."
"Of course you will." The senior Shinra stated. "He's your experiment. I'm done handling the mess he's created." Hojo bowed his head but there was little respect in it. "What about… this?" The older man asked, cocking his head at the fourth, silent figure.
"As I was explaining, this is my newest experiment. Not as perfect as Sephiroth, it would be hard to duplicate those results, but adequate in relation to others. Passed my first expectations considering where it originated."
"Yes, yes." The President waved him to silence. "Just what are you going to do with it."
Hojo scoffed. "I thought that was obvious. I haven't tested this specimen properly. For objective results I would have to compare it to Sephiroth. And since Sephiroth has finally returned, it's the ideal time."
"Wouldn't Sephiroth just kill… it?"
"If that happens, the specimen was clearly inferior. It's loss would be unfortunate but not regrettable. But I do not think that will happen."
"Explain."
Hojo smirked. "Oh just some theories I have. Nothing that would concern you or the withdrawal to Junon."
"I have your word on that Hojo." The President turned, addressing them all. "Well then, since it seems we are no longer needed here, it is time for us to leave now."
"Your pardon, Mr. President." Rufus spoke with a small head bow. "But there are some things I need to prepare before our departure."
"Do want you need to, Rufus. Hojo?"
"I'll be staying here to observe."
"Hn, of course."
--- -- ---
They made it to level sixty eight with little difficulty. Sephiroth was impressed by Aeris' magical strength, casting strong Stops and Slows on many of the guards and employees. Because of the young woman's discomfort with taking human life, they had reached a silent agreement; Sephiroth would not kill anyone that she managed to immobilize herself. His only concern was that she didn't drain her magic too badly before they reached the end. He didn't know what condition his brother was in but if it was severe, he would need the healer's skill.
From level sixty, the highest the elevator would go without clearance, the trio was forced to take the stairs. Unfortunately, Sephiroth's key card was no longer valid, but it matter little since Masamune proved to be a very good door opener.
The atmosphere of Hojo's personal labs was drastically different from the other floors, the air tainted by harsh chemicals and a dark ominous tang. Next to him, Aeris shuddered.
"Are you alright?"
The small woman looked up at him. "This is not a very nice place."
Sephiroth returned his gaze to the nearly empty lab. "No." He remarked lowly. They had encountered two lab technicians, Sephiroth letting Aeris Stop them. He didn't want them dead yet, they might provide useful information.
Sweeping further into the dim lab, Sephiroth scanned for any signs of his lost brother. He was fairly certain Hojo was not present or the balding man would have made his presence known already. The passed through several connecting labs, some empty, some holding various specimens not all of whom were alive. Aeris paled at each one.
"How can someone do this to a living creature?" She asked at one point, hand pressed up against a glass cage where a sprawled wolf pup was staring back with dull, pain filled eyes. It's back was shaved of fur and thin, black spines were growing out of it's redden skin.
Sephiroth did not answer her.
They continued on until they reached the far back where four tube shaped tanks sat. All four were empty but one had a film of green on the inside, puddles of it gathering at the bottom. Sephiroth stepped closer for a better inspection.
A crackling like from a radio broke the pensive stillness.
"Testing, testing, one two three. Hello, Midgar!"
Sephiroth turned to regard Cait Sith, the toy slapping it's face.
"Tha' lad is a bother."
Sephiroth snorted.
"Hello? Seph? You hearing this?"
"Yes, Zack. I assume you can hear me. Where are you?"
"Cool! It worked. Is there anything you can't do, Cait Sith?"
"Answer the man, ya loon." A second Cait Sith sounded through the other, sounding tinnier than Zack.
"Yeah, yeah. Um, we're… well, on level sixty now. Passing… um was that the guard station?"
"How the 'ell should I know? Agh, will ya slow down? Some of us need a little longer than thirty seconds to catch their breath."
"Sorry pops, don't have time. You can catch it later. Nice handy work by the way, Seph. Makes it easier to get around without having to deal with loud, annoying hall monitors."
"Was there a reason for this call, Zack?"
"Just thought I'd check up and see how…" An impressed whistle sounded. "You know, Seph, ya probably could have just cut the lock off, not sliced the whole door apart."
"He did that with a fuckin' sword?!"
Sephiroth shrugged, not caring if Zack was unable to see it. "It was in the way."
Zack laughed over the line. "Well, it's not in our way now. Did ya do this to all of them?"
"Yes."
Zack laughed again, the muffled sound of quick thudding boots echoing in the background. "Well, thanks again. …Um, uh oh, looks like someone's waking up. I'll call you back in a few floors."
"Zackary."
"Yeah?"
"We're in Hojo's lab. Cloud's not here."
A heavy sigh then, "Damn."