A/N: The soundtrack for this chapter is 'It Has Begun' by Starset. It really has begun finally.

Chapter 36

Clarissa was heartened by the fact that no one said anything to her about leaving the building. She took it as a sign that she could get back to life as normal, as normal as life on Gaia had ever been anyway. The only difference was that Shelke went with her everywhere.

The girl had been fascinated by her spars with Genesis and loved to watch them train together. Clarissa wished she could spar with Sephiroth again as well, but the General had his hands fuller than normal.

Even with her moving back into her normal pattern, it was easy to see everyone was tense. They all knew something big was coming and none of them could wait until Veld returned. There were several times that Clarissa had to walk away from Genesis just to keep from snapping back at him. She knew he was only acting out his worry, but she didn't have to deal with it too. She had enough on her mind already. He never stayed in a bad mood for long after she walked away so things didn't get bad between them. It helped that Genesis tried to be a gentleman whenever Shelke was around, which was most of the time.

Clarissa had thought to go back and visit Aerith again a few days later, but she found out from Angeal that Zack had been visiting the slums during all his free time. She gave Angeal a bright smile at that news. He gave her a questioning look at that, but she didn't give him a chance to ask. Instead she took Shelke to one of the closest playgrounds and watched as she interacted with other children. Clarissa was glad to see she didn't have many difficulties. She sent up a thankful prayer to Minerva that they had found the girl before any permanent damage had been done.

It was only a few days later that Clarissa and Shelke were in the apartment playing a game. They had been making shadow puppets and they had both fell into laughter at the increasingly ludicrous shapes they had been making. Their laughter was interrupted by a frantic knocking. Clarissa frowned slightly at the pace but got up to answer. Her frown turned into shock when she opened the door. She didn't get much of a chance to register who it had been before the woman pushed passed her to grab Shelke in a crushing hug.

Clarissa barely noted the Turk that had brought Shalua follow her back into the apartment before she closed the door. She watched with a smile as the two sisters didn't move for several moments. Finally, Shalua sat back and brushed Shelke's hair back from her face and smiled through her happy tears. "I am so glad I finally found you!"

Shelke looked just as happy to see Shalua. She was smiling brighter than Clarissa had seen her do yet. After a few more moments Shelke was able to speak. "It was scary, but I was saved by these three big men. They come visit me every day, and Clarissa has been taking care of me. She took me to the park yesterday and I've met a lot of nice people."

Clarissa laughed at how animated Shelke was. She had never gotten to be like that unless it was just Clarissa around. She was even slightly shy around the Firsts, but Clarissa figured that was because Shelke was still slightly in awe of them. Seeing her interact with her sister had Clarissa nearly crying happy tears.

Once Shelke was done talking Shalua turned to Clarissa. "I apologize for barging passed you. I take it you are Clarissa?"

Clarissa took her hand with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I understand how you must have felt."

Shalua shook her head. "I can't thank you enough. I was told she was saved because of you. I will forever be in your debt."

Clarissa's smile widened. "Like I said, I'm just glad she was saved. Do you have plans now that you are reunited?"

Shalua frowned at the question. "I was asked to return to Shinra, but I'm not sure if that would be a good idea."

Clarissa nodded. "I understand why you might think that. If you don't have to decide quickly, why don't you take some time to think about it. From what I understand the Science Department is understaffed. You might find that your skills are not only needed but appreciated as well."

Clarissa couldn't come out and say what she really wanted to, but she hoped Shalua would at least think about her words. She was gratified when the woman gave her a thoughtful nod before turning and taking Shelke's hand. "Thank you again. We'll head out for now."

She was interrupted when Shelke quickly ran to Clarissa and gave her a tight hug. Clarissa knelt so she could return the hug. She kissed the top of the girl's head before whispering to her. "I was glad I got to meet you. I'm even more glad you were reunited with your sister. I'm sure you'll be happy."

At her words Shelke pulled back with a slight frown. "Will I not see you again?"

Clarissa glanced up at Shalua before she answered. "I will always be around for you if you want to visit."

Clarissa was glad when Shalua spoke up too. "Don't worry, we aren't going far for now. I'm sure we can come visit Clarissa anytime you want as long as she isn't busy." Shelke perked up at that.

Clarissa walked them to the door but paused before closing it. "Oh, by the way, does this mean that Director Veld is back as well?" Clarissa couldn't remember the name of the Turk that was with them, but the woman gave her a nod. She thanked the woman and waved goodbye to Shalua and Shelke before she closed the door and pulled out her phone. It was likely that Sephiroth already knew, but she was ready to figure out what they were going to do. All the tense waiting was getting to her too.

Sephiroth picked up the phone on the second ring. She started talking as soon as she heard his voice. "Hey, Shalua was just here to pick up Shelke. I was calling to see if you already had a meeting set up with Veld."

He took a moment before he answered. She could hear a touch of humor in his voice. "One would wonder how any secrets have been kept in this company." She rolled her eyes at his light-hearted jab but didn't get a chance to comment on it before he continued. "Veld actually reached out to me a short while ago. He asked to set up a meeting with you for later this afternoon. It looks like we will all have a lot to share."

She nodded out of habit before responding. "Good. Maybe we can actually make stuff start to happen. What time?"

"We are trying to aim for 16:00. I will let you know beforehand. You can meet me in my office."

"Thank you. I'll see you later." Once she hung up she turned to pick up the mess that she and Shelke had made while she waited for the meeting with Veld.

When it was nearly time for the meeting Clarissa headed over to Sephiroth's office. She knocked once before entering. She was unsurprised to see both Angeal and Genesis as well. She moved to take Genesis' hand as Sephiroth moved. "Let's go." They all followed him up to the Turk's offices.

They walked into Veld's office to see Lazard was already there as well. He gave them a nod before Veld spoke up. "Good, we're all here now. Lazard has already gone over most of what has happened while I was gone. I also have the details on our missing scientists from Tseng, so there is no need to go over everything. What I want to go over is where we go from here?"

At that he paused and looked directly at Clarissa. Genesis had kept her partially blocked from the Turks, but Veld ignored him. "I still don't believe you were sent by a sentient planet; however, I can admit that you have been correct so far. I don't know if that means you are someone I should have recruited or if I need to take care of you. For now, I will not start issues with our Soldiers and will continue to treat you as if you are part of this company. I have been told you think we should replace President Shinra with Reeve Tuesti. Why?"

Clarissa gritted her teeth to keep from snapping at his harsh tone. Of course, that was the first question he had to ask. "It wasn't as if I was telling anyone to go stage a coup. I merely answered when they asked who I thought would be the best replacement. I stand by my statement that Reeve would be."

She thought she saw his lip quirk up at her response, but if it did, she couldn't tell by looking now. He took a moment before responding again. "Maybe I will ask if you want to transfer after this is all over." He did grin finally when Genesis took a stiff step forward. Veld completely ignored it as he continued. "For now, explain to me why your choice is Reeve over Rufus."

She had to hide the fact that this question made her nervous. It was one thing to say it to the Soldiers, but the Turks would probably be less happy to hear about Rufus, if it even bothered them at all. Her jaw clenched once before she was able to answer. "I think Rufus is just as ruthless as his father. I don't understand why a corporation is treated like a hereditary rule anyway. Even if that is the case, there must be a better option than Rufus."

She couldn't stop her eyes from flicking to Lazard at that. It did not go unnoticed by Veld either. He turned to Lazard with a raised brow. "Care to share?"

Lazard shot her a glare, but finally sighed before speaking up. "Over the last week and a half, I have found that keeping silent only causes issues. I will state up front that it is not now, nor has it ever been my goal to try and gain power." He took a deep breath through his nose before he spoke again. "Flavus Shinra is my father. That fact changes nothing about this meeting though."

No one spoke for several moments. Finally, Veld spoke with a half-smile. "I suppose the old man brought it upon himself. It makes a strong statement when both a man's sons want him dead."

Clarissa saw Sephiroth tense at those words, but she didn't get a chance to say anything before Veld turned to her again. "Alright, let's say that we do vote to have someone other than a Shinra into the office, what then?"

She shook her head at him. "I'm the wrong person to be asking."

Veld's half smile disappeared at her words. "You seem to have an opinion on everything else, why not this?"

She scowled back. Her voice was just as hard as his when she answered. "I do have opinions about this as well, but I have no power here. That is up to you all."

He paused at her sharp retort. He shook his head with a chuckle. "I see now how you can manage Genesis. I'm surprised the two of you haven't burned the building down yet." He laughed when both people glared at him even harder. "Fine, it's up to us. Why don't you share your opinions for us to consider at least?"

She had to count to ten before she answered. She realized he was being purposefully provocative and tried to keep that in mind as she spoke. "I think a lot of immoral and unsustainable policies have been going on for years. Eventually things would have been forced to end anyway, but a lot of people would be hurt in the process. There is no reason why Shinra can't continue though, if those policies are changed. I would recommend thinking about the people first. Shinra may not officially be the government, but it might as well be. If it's going to stay that way, then we need to act like it. Take care of the people and the planet. Continue providing options, but find a better way to do it, like solar power or wind energy, anything but mako."

There were several sets of eyes that turned to her. Finally, Veld spoke again. "I know for a fact you are not part of Avalanche, but you certainly speak like you are."

She shook her head angrily. "No, it doesn't take a genius to see that mako is not a sustainable source of energy. Look at the land around Midgar. And it's only been about 30 years since you started."

He shook his head at her outburst. "I wasn't asking about the direction the company should take, but rather who should be involved. I'm sure we will remember your words when those questions come up. For now, why don't we table this issue."

He turned back to Lazard at that. "We will take care of things, but you need to be ready to keep the chaos controlled while everything is worked out. I am sure there will be some that will not appreciate the path we have chosen."

Lazard gave him a nod. "We will handle anything that comes up. What is your next step?"

Veld looked around before speaking again. "I think it would be better for only those handling things to know, but I will say that you will know once it is done." He turned and looked at the rest of them. "Does anyone have anything additional to add?"

No one spoke up. Clarissa wasn't sure what to think exactly. It seemed as if the two directors had already finalized their plans, so she wasn't sure why the rest of them had been involved. She shrugged it off as things were finally moving anyway.

When the silence continued, Lazard spoke up. "If that is all, we will go prepare. Let me know if there is anything else."

Veld gave him a nod, and everyone started to leave. Before Clarissa could follow, Veld stopped her. "I need to speak with you alone."

She stopped and eyed him a bit nervously. When Genesis stopped as well, she was thankful. She wasn't sure what Veld would do after the conversation they just had. When Veld saw him, he scowled for a moment, but finally turned to take his seat. Once everyone else was gone, he indicated they should take the seats in front of his desk. He turned to Clarissa and she finally noticed there was a tenseness that he had had ever since her first meeting with him that was gone now. If she was surprised by that fact, his next words blew her away. "I wanted to thank you. I was able to finally find Felicia. We still don't know how to handle her issue, but we at least have a chance now."

He rubbed a hand down his face before looking to Genesis and then back at her. "I want to go get Vincent as well. I would like to leave tomorrow, and I am going to ask that you accompany me."

Genesis looked like he wanted to say something, but she put a hand on his arm. "If you are going then I think it would be a good idea that I go too. I don't have any other current assignments, so it shouldn't be a problem."

He gave her a nod, but Genesis had to speak as well. "I will not allow you to go anywhere with just the Turks. They have already proven that they don't trust you."

Veld gave him an appraising look. "I will say that I cannot accept where she says she comes from, but the rest is up for debate. I will at least say that I don't distrust her."

She laughed at his words. "I suppose that's something coming from a Turk."

Genesis still didn't look convinced. "I am also assuming this will not be an easy mission-"

Clarissa stopped him before he could get worked up any further. "Genesis, it shouldn't be problematic." She paused and looked to Veld. "Do you mind if we speak alone for a moment?"

At his nod she stood and walked to the other side of the room. Genesis followed with a frown, but she kept her voice low enough, so Veld wouldn't be able to hear. "Genesis, I promise this mission will not be dangerous for me. Please think of this like my commanding officer and not my lover. I don't want to be separated either, but I know you will be needed here in the coming days."

He looked like he had swallowed something bitter, but he finally moved to close her in a crushing embrace. "I swear to Minerva if you get a single scratch there will be hell to pay, and you will not be exempt."

She laughed at his words, even though she knew he wasn't really joking. When he finally released her she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss. "I'll be in the room shortly. Let me get this finished."

He still didn't look entirely convinced, but he finally moved to give her a kiss hot enough to make her dizzy before he released her and walked out. She watched him walk out in a daze. It was a few moments later that she was brought back to the present by Veld's laughter. She turned to see him giving her a smirk. "I'm not really sure which one of you has it worse."

She felt her face heat up, but she still managed a scowl. "This conversation wasn't about my personal life. You said you wanted to make plans to go get Vincent, right?"

He was still laughing when she sat down. He managed to get it under control before he spoke again. "You said it wouldn't be easy to get him. Is he being held prisoner?"

His question served to sober her. She shook her head. "Not exactly. He has locked himself up out of a sense of guilt over what happened to Lucrecia and Sephiroth. He is also… not the same anymore. I think part of why he has gone into hiding is because he fears himself. He will need to be convinced to leave."

Veld looked thoughtful at her words. "Should he be disturbed at all?"

She had to fight a scowl. "Absolutely. It isn't as if he isn't strong enough to handle it. Plus, he doesn't deserve to rot down there because someone else did something to him."

Veld raised a brow at her outburst. "You seem to be taking it personally. What connection do you have with him?"

She shook her head. "No more than I have with you. I just know what happened and I think he's still getting screwed. He deserves better."

He finally nodded. "Fine. Where will we need to go and how long will we be gone?"

"He is in Nibelheim. I think it should take about a week to get there and another to get back, but I don't know how long it will take to get him to agree to leave."

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I will plan on three weeks. I already have a team ready to go. We will leave at 06:00. I will also let Lazard know you will be leaving."

She stood and gave him a nod. "I'll see you in the morning then." As she walked back to the Soldier floor the only thing she could focus on was how she was thankful that Genesis had not insisted any more than he did. With all the changes that had already been made, she wouldn't put it passed Jenova to notice and take drastic measures. She realized she needed to convince them all to head to Banora soon. They would need to face Jenova and destroy her, but not until she was sure the three Firsts were protected fully from the Calamity's control.

All thoughts were driven from her mind when she opened the apartment door. None of the lights were on, but there were candles on nearly every flat surface. She didn't even know Genesis owned that many. She finally found him leaning against the wall in the hallway entrance. He was only dressed in a towel and a smirk. Her breath caught at how glorious he looked.

He finally stood and held out his hand. She took it and he pulled her in for a searing kiss. She was breathless when he finally let her go. She looked up into his wonderful eyes as his nimble fingers started undoing the buckles over her shirt. He noticed her expression and kissed her again. "We are finally alone again, and you are leaving me in the morning. I plan on making sure you can't forget who you belong to."

She briefly thought about correcting his possessive attitude, but his hot lips had already started a trail down her collar bone. He managed to divest her of the rest of her clothes while she was distracted. Once they were both in nothing but their skin, he picked her up and took her into the bathroom. He managed to get the water started without breaking their kiss.

Once they got in the shower, neither of them were really interested in cleaning up, though they did try. It ended up that hands used for cleaning each other quickly became caresses. Clarissa was so lost to the feel of Genesis against her that she barely noticed and didn't care when he lifted her and pinned her against the shower wall. When they came together she forgot everything except the feel of him.

They finally managed to finish their shower once the water started cooling. It was cold by the time they stepped out. Genesis quickly grabbed a towel and helped her dry off. She smiled at him and moved to do the same once he allowed her to move again.

Once they were dry enough to stop the goosebumps, he picked her up again. He carried her into their bedroom where there were nearly as many candles as there had been in the living room. He laid her down gently. He spent the next several hours making sure she forgot everything except his name. That, she cried out many times before they both collapsed with exhaustion.

Clarissa had already fallen asleep and Genesis was nearly there as well, but he managed to kiss the top of her head. His expression was pained but still held affection as he looked down at her. He kissed her again before he whispered. "Come back to me whole Starlight. I don't know what I would do if you didn't." She snuggled closer to him at his words. He smiled at her sleeping form before pulling her closer and finally drifting into sleep.