Hojo waited until SOLDIER's end of the core group was gathered together before he would address anything, not of a mind to go over it more than once. "Before anyone panics, he's no worse off than before. What you witnessed was a combination of side effects to the realization of what is known as the 'Reunion Theory' - which is, I suppose, no longer entirely theoretical. Sit down and let me talk, you may ask questions after."
Sephiroth gave Hojo a flat look that carried his 'no' across without need to say so. He had too much energy to sit, pacing the side of the room until everyone else had settled.
At this point, Hojo knew when to pick his battles with Sephiroth, and this wasn't worth the effort since he was being silent. "The Reunion Theory is based off the observation that Jenova cells gravitate to their source, or at least the greatest source nearby. On tests done with creatures, the effect remained the same, which suggested the parasitic effect of the cells influencing the mind of said creatures. Of course, that has to be taken with the consideration that the creatures used for the experiments did not have a particularly strong will of their own, if at all. The more autonomous the specimen, the less likely it was that it would be overrun. The reason for that, as I have said from the beginning, is the lack of brain activity from Jenova - no willpower of its own to contest that of whatever its cells were injected into, even in cases that there were signs of influence."
"And you thought I could influence Angeal with sheer willpower?" Sephiroth asked, stopping to give the Professor the full weight of his stare.
"More specifically, I reasoned that there was a possibility that he would be able to sense Genesis. The two of them are rather bonded, after all, and if nothing else is in his favor, if it is possible to survive on sheer willpower Genesis may in fact have an advantage." Hojo didn't falter under the same stare that had intimidated so many others, too familiar and too strong willed himself to give in to something so simple. "Between the bond and how he has continued to react in consistently positive ways to your orders, as well as the fact that you do have Jenova cells of a far higher concentration, it was a solidly grounded hypothesis. Which, I will add, you proved yourself."
Unfortunately, the results had indeed proven the Professor's point. But there were still questions unanswered. "He didn't know he had that information. He couldn't have, he would have said so immediately if he did."
"In this much, I do agree; had he been aware he possessed the information, Angeal would likely have given it over as freely as everything prior," Hojo said. "But it wasn't information he consciously possessed. It wasn't until he was sufficiently agitated that the connection finally came into his reach. Only then was he able to answer you."
"I could feel it." Aerith was settled in the safe circle of Zack's arms, mutual comfort provided by the contact after watching the process play out. "That presence, it just grew. But I don't think Angeal was doing that at all, or it wouldn't have hurt him that way."
Hojo glanced at her, making an impatient gesture. "Continue. That's not enough of an explanation for discussion."
"You said he's not worse," she said, taking one of Zack's hands in hers while the other held her staff. "But his energy is. That wrongness is spreading, a taint on his energy like a bruise under the skin. And it's not working with him, it's trying to take over."
"Jenova," Zack muttered, hugging Aerith a little tighter for a moment.
"That's what everything comes back to, the Jenova cells." Sephiroth frowned, thinking back. "I felt something as well. His emotions. Pain…"
"His pain, or just pain?" Zack asked. "Were you hurting too?"
"I don't know who started it," Sephiroth admitted, trying to focus on the facts and not how unsettling the speculations could be. "There was pain, however. Here, above and behind the eye."
"Not the general location you have headaches, historically," Hojo said. "Describe the sensation."
"Sharp pain, briefly," Sephiroth said, gloved fingertips tracing over his left brow and around the eye beneath it. "There's a lingering ache, I suppose."
"You suppose or there is?" Hojo asked. "Speak clearly, there is an important difference."
"There is a dull ache, though it is now over a larger area than the initial sensation." Sephiroth didn't wait to be prompted further, indicating the area with a careful ghosting touch of fingertips. "It seems to be fading now."
Hojo made a thoughtful sound, frowning. "I see. Keep me appraised of any changes, including if or when it finally stops. If there is nothing else, I would like you to continue with your explanation, Ms. Faremis. His 'energy' you said?"
Aerith frowned, trying to put what she knew into words. "The Lifestream flows through every living thing. There's a similar current inside each person and creature, flowing through us on a personal level that mirrors how it flows through the Planet. That's the energy I'm feeling, that I was talking about. It's different for everyone. The process SOLDIERs go through changes them, makes for a more powerful presence with the mako, and then Angeal and Sephiroth have the Jenova cells, as well as Genesis."
"And something is wrong with their energy," Hojo said, frown deepening. "You said the SOLDIER process makes for a powerful presence, yet you have mentioned presences as a plural within Angeal. Does anyone else share that distinction?"
"Sephiroth and Genesis," she said immediately, pausing a moment to think. "And that young woman with AVALANCHE. Not the same way, but there's definitely another presence with her as well."
"I got the distinct impression from Veld's visit that you might know a thing or two about that, Professor," Sephiroth said.
"I will tell you exactly what I told Veld - if I had anything to do with her current state, I certainly don't remember," Hojo said. "She wasn't a part of the Jenova Project, that I can assure you."
"Alright, but there might be some benefit to finding out what's going on there, right?" Zack asked, thumb rubbing the back of Aerith's hand gently. "What way did you mean, Aer? How was she different?"
"It was more than just a presence, there was a voice too… whatever was with her was in pain, and causing her pain." Aerith frowned, closing her eyes. "It was an old voice, but I couldn't understand it. Just that it was hurting, and shouldn't have been with her. The Planet didn't like it, but there wasn't the same violent reaction like when I first met Sephiroth. I don't know what it was, but it wasn't recognized as Other, or a threat the same way Jenova's presence is."
"I have a feeling I'm not going to like this answer, but I have to ask; what else have you combined with humans, Hojo?" Sephiroth asked. "And if the list is too long, try to narrow it down to whenever she would have been in your lab."
"I think I liked it better when you kept your sass inside your head," Hojo said, giving him a flat look for his wording. "There were a variety of materia-based tests done on the bodies recovered from Kalm, questionable survivors and the dead or dying. The President didn't want any survivors, the only exception being Veld because he was far too useful to write off if he could be saved. Which I did. It was interesting to design a prosthetic that was combat ready but also able to be used in daily interaction."
"Why would you design something just for combat if it was somebody's hand?" Zack asked. "I mean, isn't it a given people need to be able to have 'daily interactions'?"
"Veld's entire arm was replaced from the shoulder down, which was a very different scenario," Hojo said. "The first design I tested wasn't a true prosthetic anyway, just a brace for a weakened limb, and that was only from the elbow joint down. It was merely a prototype; I had no intention of it seeing day-to-day usage. Veld's situation was unique."
"Alright, fine, whatever. What kind of materia tests did you do?" Zack asked. "We have a department for messing with materia, seeing what can be done with it - I've helped them out before. But I get the feeling you weren't doing the same sort of thing."
"Our 'materia department' is dedicated to the manufacturing of materia. If you've ever paid much attention to it, you'll notice that there is a distinct difference in natural and manufactured materia," Hojo said. "Natural materia comes from the Lifestream, whereas manufactured is made from mako; there is a distinct variation in quality between the two, but by manufacturing materia ShinRa is able to mass produce it and distribute it amongst the ranks. For the purposes of the company, it's good enough."
"Yeah, I'd noticed. You can buy a Fire materia, but even when you get it stronger with more use, it's never able to be used for anything beyond a Fire spell," Zack said. "I get natural when I can. Spend enough time with a natural Fire materia and you can get it up to a full blown Firaga with just the one orb. Spawns a new one eventually, too, which is great."
"Genesis had written a few academic papers on magic and materia use," Sephiroth said, ignoring Hojo's irritated look. "To the same effect of what you've observed. Some materia can't be replicated in a lab, either. Summons are a commonly used example."
"Summons…" Zack frowned a moment, thinking. "Could that be it, Aerith? I mean, I don't really know exactly what they are, but maybe to the Planet they have a voice?"
Aerith considered it. "I don't know. I've never used Summon materia, though I've heard of it. Maybe?"
"Did you ever use Summon materia in your tests, Hojo?" Sephiroth asked.
Hojo frowned, tapping his fingers lightly at his desk. "Perhaps. I'll have the records pulled. In the mean time, our focus should remain on Angeal and Genesis. Assuming the Reunion Theory has now been proven, Angeal is now your best chance for tracking down Genesis, as he will be instinctively seeking him out. There should now be a call that would get stronger as they get nearer to each other, regardless of whether or not Genesis is consciously drawing him. Unfortunately, he's in no condition to go running across the Planet to track him down."
"I suppose there's no way to pack enough equipment to move him and still allow you to treat him, is there?" Sephiroth asked.
"Neither helicopters nor troop transports would be able to manage enough to keep him stable long, no," Hojo said.
"Alright, maybe this is something you guys already considered, but what about that ship advertised downstairs? In the exhibit room?" Zack sighed at the lack of recognition. "There's this model of an airship, the Highwind. If it's real, and able to be used, could we get the equipment on there? I mean, if you have the space is it even possible?"
Hojo snorted, shaking his head. "I have met Captain Cid Highwind, and I assure you he will not allow you to requisition his airship. If by some miracle you could persuade him to let it be used, he would still refuse to let anyone else pilot it, and I don't foresee him being willing to be distracted from his current task of designing a viable space faring vessel. He's completely fixated on getting his rocket into space, to the point they're now calling Rakheim Rocket Town because he has the vast majority of the population working on it in some way."
"Okay but forget all the persuasion bits, if he said yes, is it even possible? Could you get some setup rigged that we could move Angeal and keep him being treated like he needs while tracking Genesis down?" Zack asked.
"I would have to see what space he has available, and it would take a considerable amount of time and effort to move enough equipment to make a passable laboratory to do everything currently needed, let alone prepare for any additional issues that might crop up," Hojo said.
"But is it even possible?" Zack pressed.
"From what I have seen of the sheer size of the vessel, it is theoretically possible, yes," Hojo said.
"Awesome, I'll look into that," Zack said. "Or get someone to, I don't know. There's got to be some way to talk him into it. If he's as serious about space travel as you say, the guy understands chasing your dreams, and doing what you think is important no matter what other people might say."
"There's still the matter of getting clearance for Angeal to leave Headquarters, on top of the fact that the President is expecting us to kill Genesis," Sephiroth said. "I'll speak with Lazard, see if there's something that could be done."
"We're already lying to say we actually plan to do that, I don't see a problem not letting the President know who all is going," Zack said. "The Turks are on our side, who's going to tell? Sounds like he's been fine with the idea of the Professor experimenting on bodies, living or dead, so it's not a stretch to bring him either."
"The worst part about that is the fact that you're absolutely right," Kunsel said. "I'll ask Reno what he thinks when we get together later to compare notes."
"Well, best of luck to you all, but I wouldn't hold your breath," Hojo said. He turned away when the computer chirped, looking over the readings. "Well well, it looks like Angeal is coming around. It's time to get a better idea of what's happened."
"I'll go with you." Sephiroth glanced at Zack. "We'll leave the speaker on."
Zack nodded. "Alright. We'll be here."
Angeal woke to the slow, steady beep of a heart monitor. It wasn't the first time, but it was the first time in quite a while and he spent a moment trying to remember what had happened. His mind was foggy, pain refusing to be shaken off and leaving him struggling to think, so he took inventory of how he was feeling instead.
His head hurt, a steady throb on top of the tight feeling of a tension headache coming on. Behind closed lids, his eyes burned like he'd had them open too long, and his mouth was dry. There was the sticky discomfort of sweat cooled on his skin, leaving a slight chill despite his normally higher body temperature. His body felt heavy, overworked to exhaustion in ways he hadn't had the strength for, like he'd been running until he could barely breathe - something he hadn't done in years, hadn't really been able to do with his enhancements.
"Angeal?"
Sephiroth's voice caused memory to tickle at the back of his mind, and Angeal frowned as he tried to pin it down. What happened?
"It's clear you're awake, you might as well open your eyes and let me see how you are," Hojo said, looking distinctly unimpressed when Angeal obliged, struggling to focus. "What are you feeling?"
"Hurts," he rasped, coughing as his dry throat protested.
"Wait." Sephiroth came to his side, the quiet sound of a bottle opening proceeding the offer of a water bottle. "Can you sit up?"
Angeal nodded, though he really wasn't certain, and ended up hunched over for stability. After taking a couple swallows of water, he tried again. "Thanks. Everything hurts. I'm exhausted, chilling, and my head is pounding."
"Is it a particular kind of exhaustion, or actually that generic?" Hojo asked.
Angeal sighed, running a shaking hand through his hair and making a face at the feel of sweat-damp strands trying to cling to his fingers. "Like I've pushed too far, and my body just can't take it. The kind that makes you feel like just moving is an exercise. What happened?"
"Do you remember anything?" Sephiroth asked.
"It's just out of reach. I know something did… you were here, weren't you? We were doing something…" Angeal winced, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead as the pain increased. "Damn."
"The pain increases with your efforts to recall the event?" Hojo asked, making a note. "What sort of pain is it?"
"Sharp," he managed, trying to keep his breathing even. "When I quit focusing on it, it's back to a dull burn."
"Interesting." Hojo glanced at the monitors, then back to his notes. "Walk him through remembering what occurred, Sephiroth."
"Hojo had a theory that if I came to you and was commanding enough, you would be able to tell me where to find Genesis," Sephiroth said, watching as Angeal frowned, then looked up at him with wide, panicked eyes.
"I remember that. I didn't… Sephiroth I swear to you, I don't know where that information came from! I wasn't hiding anything," Angeal said. "I don't… I wouldn't have lied to you, not after all this."
"I know. That was why I had to take the approach that I did, without explaining to you; the knowledge wasn't conscious. I do believe you would have said something if it was," Sephiroth said, watching some of the panic fade at his reassurance. "There was a theory that you and Genesis would have a connection, or at least a sense of each other. My effort was to tap into that instinct."
"And you did." Angeal sighed, rubbing his face. "How? How did that happen? Was it just the Jenova cells?"
"Hojo will explain." Sephiroth turned to the Professor, unimpressed and unmoved by his glare from being volunteered. "Professor."
"Early tests indicated that Jenova's cells would always seek to gather together, and then return to the main body. The effect continued with various creatures, though the stronger their personal willpower and autonomy was, the less effective the instinctive draw to Jenova was," Hojo said. "Needless to say, by the time it came to humans, it was assured that those with enough strength of will would be virtually unaffected. That effect is a part of what is known as the Reunion Theory. Between what you have said occurred early on to trigger your own mutation and descent into degradation, presumably the proximity to Genesis in such a state - a theory that is further backed by the drastic decline in health you suffered after his presence here - and the Reunion Theory, it was a reasonable hypothesis that you would be aware of him on a subconscious level. With the level of power he possesses even now, on top of how active his Jenova cells are, it's little wonder you were able to at least find a general location. All we needed was a catalyst, to force you to reach for the information.
"Needless to say, as Sephiroth possesses more Jenova cells than either of you and is also completely dominant over their influence, he was the perfect candidate." Hojo gestured briefly to the man in question. "And since he followed instructions, we now have an answer to work off of. Of course, the unexpected toll on your body is also a factor to be examined now, but that is likely to be a one-time occurrence as you have now established the connection."
Angeal nodded slowly. "Alright… I guess that's why I hurt so much now. But if it means we can finally track Genesis down, it's a small price to pay."
"Are you aware of him at all now?" Sephiroth asked.
Angeal frowned, closing his eyes as pain rushed him again and pressing his hand to his forehead. After a moment, he raised a hand, pointing roughly south-west as the monitors chirped a warning of his rising heart rate. "That way. I can't tell you more than that right now."
"Alright, let it go," Sephiroth said. "That's more than we had before. If I had to guess, I'd say that would be the Junon port. I'll mention it to the Turks."
Angeal nodded, breathing shallowly against the pain. "Glad to help."
Sephiroth watched him a moment, frowning at how pale he was. "You should rest now. I'll be back once I've talked to the others."
"Hn'kay," he mumbled, easing himself back on the bed. "Gonna nap then."
"Rest well." Sephiroth watched him a moment longer, then turned on his heel and left to talk with the others.
