Chapter 21 – First Real Lead

Genesis ignored the many people that were either stopped to stare or were rushing to get out of the way of his glare. None of them mattered at the moment. Though, had it been a few months ago, he might have been horrified at his own actions.

He had just left the helipad and showed the traces of his journey. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his coat was dusty. Those were far from the only signs that all was not well with him. There were circles under his eyes and a slight droop to his shoulders that had most people cringing when they saw him. Especially those that knew him.

He did not pause before he got to Sephiroth's office. Nor did he knock before he burst in and slammed the door behind himself. Sephiroth barely had time to stand before the Commander tossed a packet on the desk with enough force that it slid across and almost fell. Only the General's quick reactions managed to catch it. He somehow managed to keep his face straight as he spoke again. "Does this mean the Turks did not capture them?"

Genesis growled as he flung himself in one of the chairs. It was several seconds before he roughly ran his hand down his face and answered. "No, they caught them."

Sephiroth sat heavily as well. Judging by his friend's reaction, he knew he would not like what was still to be said. This had not been the first or even second time that two helicopters were spotted. The last several times had even been accompanied by reports of two men that matched the descriptions of both Fuhito and Shears. However, this had been the first time they had been spotted by Turks.

The field personnel were instructed to retain the suspects and anything else that was with them. Genesis had left as soon as he had heard the news. It had been hard enough getting him to stay in Midgar up to that point, so Sephiroth had let him go with no comment. Though it had also been because he expected the group to return with good news.

Sephiroth was pulled from his thoughts when Genesis finally explained. "The two men that were apprehended fit the descriptions of Fuhito and Shears, but only at a distance. It was easy to tell they were not when I got there, especially as I have met the latter. However, that was not the worst news."

Sephiroth frowned over at his friend but didn't interrupt. He could tell this was already difficult for the man. "After interrogating the two, we found that they were not even associated with Avalanche. They had been paid by some woman to fly the helos back and forth across the continent. They were given no reason, but had been happy to comply as the pay was good."

Sephiroth cursed under his breath. No wonder Genesis looked like he had just been drug through a gauntlet of hellish trials. He may as well have been. He stood and stepped to the window and stood there, staring at the changing landscape of the city for a moment. Not even the sight of the reactor that was under construction was enough to calm his whirling mind. That had been their first real lead, and to know it had been a ruse this whole time was a debilitating blow.

It was several minutes later before Sephiroth could find the words he wanted to say. He knew they could not continue like they had been forever, and it killed him to even think about it, but something had to give. He finally turned and gave Genesis a sympathetic look as he spoke. "You know, none of us want to think about the worst possibilities, but perhaps it is time we did. It has been nearly two months now, and we have not found any viable leads. Not only that, but there has been no other activity from Avalanche around the world. It is possible they still have her somewhere, but we also need to consider that they are lying low because she has already been-"

Genesis jumped to his feet with a sharp negating gesture that cut Sephiroth off. He had to take several deep breaths before he could speak without yelling. Though his words conveyed his anger well enough. "If you even finish that sentence, you will be missing teeth."

Sephiroth sighed but didn't try to reprimand his friend. Clarissa's absence had taken a toll on many of them, but none more so than Genesis. It was difficult to watch his friend spiral into the desperation and despair that currently clutched him. Instead of pressing the issue while the recent failure was so fresh on their minds, he shook it off and retook his seat.

He skimmed through the folder to give Genesis time to calm and sit back down. Once they were both seated, Sephiroth looked up again. His voice was calm and even as he continued as if nothing had just happened. "Kadaj and Yazoo are both with Angeal in the training room. Loz has decided to spend the day with Shalua. You know we will need to tell them soon, as it will be impossible to hide from them."

Genesis cursed as he stood and started pacing. Sephiroth was right, of course, but that didn't make it a pleasant prospect. If anyone understood and felt the same as he, then it would be those boys. Still, putting it off would only cause problems. He finally turned to Sephiroth with a grimace. "I will go get Yazoo and Kadaj. Will you call Shalua and see if she can bring Loz here? The sooner we get this over with, the better." Sephiroth gave him a nod as he picked up the phone. Genesis didn't wait to see what was said. He was already on his way to retrieve the others.

It was not long before all three Firsts and the three boys were back in Sephiroth's office. He didn't bother sitting down as he looked over at the boys. Kadaj spoke before he could get started. "You still haven't found Sister."

All three of the men frowned, but Sephiroth nodded as he answered. "That is correct. The last lead was false, and we are currently looking for another alternative."

The boys looked at each other uncomfortably, and Loz almost started crying. It was several moments before Kadaj spoke again. "We have not been able to feel her since the first night she was gone."

Genesis's eyes widened, and he took a step forward. It took all he had not to grab the boy. "What do you mean? You could feel her before? Why are you only just now mentioning this?"

Sephiroth moved to stand between them. He gave Genesis a quelling look before he spoke. "I've known they could since they arrived, as it happened to me as well when Kadaj probed my memories. We have not mentioned it because we feel it has to do with distance and nothing more. There was no need to worry you further."

Genesis turned and paced a few steps away. He then stood there and clenched his fists several times before he turned back around. His voice was tightly controlled when he responded. "I am livid that you felt I would not want this information, but as you have said, it does us no good."

He then took a deep breath before he looked down at Kadaj. "Why do you think it is relevant now?"

The boy gave him a flat look. "Even if we do not know where to look, we can rule out the possibility of her being anywhere near Midgar. We have never tested this ability, but we have discussed it and think that if she were anywhere within fifty miles, we would still be able to find her. That is something."

Genesis closed his eyes as he tried to keep a hold on his temper. It wasn't their fault. Finally, he looked back down at them. "Then, you have reason to believe she is still alive?"

Kadaj looked away, uncomfortably, and Loz did start crying. It was Yazoo that answered. "We cannot say for sure, but we think we would notice if she weren't."

Genesis gave them all a nod as he turned toward the door. He paused before he walked out and could barely be heard when he spoke. "I will be in my office if you need me."

Sephiroth called out before he could leave. "Wait, you just got back. Why don't you take a little time to rest? The work can wait."

Genesis turned with a glare. Waiting and doing nothing was not going to help him. Still, a knock interrupted them all before he could express those sentiments. They all turned to see who it was when Sephiroth called out for them to enter. None of them moved as a familiar face was brought in by a Soldier.

Sephiroth's voice was barely a whisper but was heard clearly in the silence. "Shears."

The Second saluted before he spoke. "Sir, this man claims to be with Avalanche. He does match the description of one of the wanted fugitives, but he came in willingly. He has asked to speak to you."

Angeal moved to grab Genesis by the arm as he finally unfroze. Sephiroth barely spared them both a glance as he nodded to the Soldier. "Thank you. You may leave him with us."

There were several tense, silent moments after the Solder saluted and left. The silence was finally broken when Genesis jerked his arm out of Angeal's grasp and stalked forward. His voice was barely controlled when he spoke. "Where is Clarissa?"

Shears took a deep breath as he finally spoke. "That is why I came here. North of the ice fields on the Northern Continent, there are hundreds of miles of caves that are all interconnected. Fuhito has set up a mobile base within them. He is constantly moving, but I can show you the most used locations, and you can find her by the process of elimination."

The three boys gasped at that news, and Kadaj looked like he was about to speak. Sephiroth silenced them with a shake of his head. He knew what they were thinking, but it was something the enemy likely didn't yet, and he wanted to keep it that way. He immediately turned back to see Genesis had grabbed Shears and had him on his toes while he practically growled in the man's face.

His voice had become even colder than it had been when he spoke. "Why should we believe you? What have you done with her?"

Sephiroth and Angeal both moved to extricate the prisoner from their friend's grasp. Not that they weren't also angry, but they knew this wasn't the way to handle things. Not yet.

Once Genesis was back, despite his protests, Sephiroth turned to Shears with a glare. "Do not take this as disagreement with his questions. They are all valid."

Shears swallowed and looked away uncomfortably when he spoke. "It has been several weeks since I left, but she was alive and whole when I did. The things- I couldn't stay and watch what was happening, and I couldn't get us both out. This was the next best solution."

Shears then looked up, and Sephiroth had to take a step back at the fear and disgust in the other man's eyes as he continued. "I hadn't wanted to believe it, but Fuhito is crazy."

Despite Angeal's grasp, Genesis shot forward again. He had Shears pinned against the wall and was practically yelling. "What do you mean, you couldn't watch what happened!? What has he done to her?"

Shears looked terrified at Genesis's wrath, but it didn't last long before the disgust was back. "He-"

Sephiroth stepped in and cut him off before he could continue. "We can discuss that later. For now, we need to gather the men necessary to follow up on this lead."

Genesis shot the General a scathing look, but he didn't say anything when he saw the boys were watching the whole thing with rapt attention. He growled as he dropped the man and stepped back. Angeal quickly took his place and gave them both a nod as he took Shears by the arm. "While you figure out the details, I will go have Shears put in a holding cell. At least until we are ready to leave."

Sephiroth held up a hand to keep them from leaving right away. He then pinned Shears with a frown. "This conversation will continue once we are on the way. Also, I am sure it goes without saying, but in case you need it verified. Your life is forfeit if this is all a lie."

Shears swallowed once before he nodded. "I came here expecting that response. As long as you stop Fuhito, I will accept punishment for my part in this." That response surprised the General, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he nodded once, and Angeal took the man away.

The door had barely closed behind them before Kadaj turned to Sephiroth with a frown. "There was no need to hide the truth from us. We have surely seen worse. Besides, we will be going."

Genesis made a negating gesture as he stepped closer. "No, you will not. There is no reason to put you in further danger."

Sephiroth sat with a sigh and put his face in his hands. Though it only lasted a moment as he looked over at Genesis. "As much as I do not like the idea of taking them into a potentially dangerous situation, they are correct. With them, we only need to get close to her location. Once they pinpoint her, we will no longer need to rely on any other information. We can find her ourselves."

For a few moments, Genesis looked torn. Finally, he sighed and responded. "Very well."

Before he could say more, Sephiroth spoke. "You just came in. Why don't you let us gather the men while you go to rest? We will be ready to depart in four hours."

Genesis sneered at the suggestion, but he finally relented and turned to the door. He threw a quote back over his shoulder as the door closed behind him. "There are no dreams. No honor remains."

Angeal ended up staying behind to handle things in Midgar while it was decided that the other two Firsts should bring an entire contingent of Thirds and Seconds with them. They didn't need Shears's warning that the base would be crawling with Ravens. Genesis had not been thrilled with the delay, but he also knew to leave unprepared would only be hurting his wife. He could be patient, to a point, if it was her life on the line.

Because of the size of the force they traveled with, it ended up taking them more than a week and a half to even get to the topmost section of the Northern continent. According to Shears, the tunnels were more easily accessed further north, but there were a few entrances among the snowfields. They would just be more challenging to find and limited in space, so getting everyone in could be problematic.

It was finally decided that most of the troops would continue to the other side to keep anyone from escaping that way while also hopefully coming in bulk as backup for any potential issues. Genesis and Sephiroth would follow Shears with the boys to see if they could find a way in and attack with stealth before any alarm could be raised.

They had not made it far into the blinding whiteness before Kadaj came forward and pulled on Sephiroth's hand. He looked down with concern. When he saw the look on the boy's face, he called a halt and knelt, so they were closer. Kadaj finally spoke in a whisper so quiet, the rest had to strain to hear. All but Shears. He was lost without enhanced hearing.

"We can feel her, can you?"

Sephiroth quickly stood and tried to concentrate. From what he had gathered, the boys had a stronger connection to both of them than they had to each other. Still, it wasn't long until he felt a faint brush against his mind. He frowned down at the three boys. "I do, but it is distant. Where is she?"

Kadaj pointed a little to the left of their current heading before he spoke. "She is still miles away at best, but she is in that direction." He paused and looked away with a troubled expression before he continued. "Something is wrong. We can feel her, but it's almost like she isn't there."

By that time, Shears had finally figured out what was going on. The fact that the three clones had a connection to the woman was shocking, but he understood the concept. They all shared some genetic material, and it was that fact that allowed them to all be extraordinary. Despite how much he didn't want to bring it up, he had a suspicion of why they were having issues.

He spoke up nervously. "That could be because Fuhito has kept her sedated. He thought it would be less dangerous and less likely for her to figure out an escape route if she were unconscious."

Genesis turned to him with fire at his fingertips. "You are telling me he has been keeping her drugged so she can't even think of a way to escape?"

Shears felt nausea crawl up his throat as he nodded. That was only one of many disgusting things the scientist had perpetrated. He still hadn't been forced to tell them the rest. Not with the boys present.

Thankfully Sephiroth stepped in. "We don't have time for this. The quicker we reach her, the less she will have to endure such treatment."

Genesis huffed in irritation, but he didn't argue. Instead, he glared at Shears again. "What is the closest entrance to where they are indicating?"

Shears looked around for a moment. It was difficult to find the way in all the whiteness, but they had placed markers to help. Most of them only looked like part of the landscape. Thankfully, it was only a matter of moments before he thought he spotted one in the distance. "I believe that is one over there. The tunnels twist and turn, and there are many branches, but once we are inside, it should not take long to figure how to get there."

Genesis had much better eyesight than the other man, so he was immediately able to make out what had been pointed out. It was a large boulder with a peculiar shape. Still, even if they were not sure it was what they were looking for, there was no point in standing there. Especially not now that they knew they were close.

Genesis brushed past Shears with a glare. His voice was low and heated when he spoke. "You do realize that if this is a trap, you will be the first to die."

Shears had to fight to not roll his eyes. He had heard the same threat at least once a day since he showed up at Midgar. Not that he blamed the man. Fuhito was an idiot for thinking he could take the wife of someone like Genesis Rhapsodos and walk away unscathed. He almost felt sorry for the scientist as he nodded and then followed the group the direction he had indicated.

Thankfully, the boulder was indeed the marker for an entrance. It partially covered the hole in the ground, but they were able to find it quickly enough after Genesis got impatient and heated the rock to melt the snow all the way around it. Sephiroth gave his friend a longsuffering look as they descended into the dripping tunnel, but didn't say anything. At least they were one step closer.

Once they were inside, it was less than fifteen minutes later that Shears finally recognized where they were. He only paused long enough to confirm the direction the boys could feel Clarissa. Once he knew that, he knew exactly where to take them. None of them hesitated to follow as he led them deeper into the complex and closer to the missing woman.

Nearly an hour and a half later, they finally emerged into a warehouse-sized room. All of the adults immediately had their weapons out when they came face to face with a wall of Ravens. Though they were all too shocked to move when they heard a man's voice ring out. "It is a good thing that I know how to entertain guests on such short notice. Otherwise, this might be considered rude."

When he finished speaking, the line of Ravens opened up to reveal Fuhito. The entire party from Shinra was frozen when that happened. Not because of Fuhito, but because of what was beside him. They stared on in horror and shock as the madman started to chuckle.

A/N: Oof, I know. That was practically an illegal cliffhanger. Still, I am already working on the next one, so it shouldn't be long. I don't know about you, but that was difficult to write. Seeing Genesis falling apart is painful. Especially since those he relies on aren't doing so hot themselves. On another note, I wanted to let you all know that there will (probably) be two more chapters after this. One of content and then an epilogue. This has been one emotional ride and my longest story to date. I hope you are all looking forward to the thrilling conclusion. Thanks for reading and cheers!