Chapter 38

The next morning was nearly as eventful as the night before. The entire team had been up early, as none of them wanted to miss a home-cooked breakfast. Both Sephiroth and Reno had never had Kris' omelettes, so there were a lot of compliments going around. Kris was shocked by how nice Reno was to her mother, but she wasn't going to complain. It was a pleasant change to see him acting like a regular person.

Once breakfast was finished, there were lots of tearful goodbyes. Well, Kris and Sarah were the only ones crying, but it was still plain to see no one wanted to leave yet. It shocked the siblings when their parents somehow managed to extricate a promise to visit from every single member of their team. They were both grinning when even Sephiroth gave in with a smile.

Everyone was in a much better mood as they made their way back to the rendezvous point. They even managed to hold onto their renewed hope once they were in the helicopter and heading across the continent. It wasn't until they passed near a giant crater filled with water that Kris began to worry once more. She thought briefly about mentioning something to Sephiroth about what might lie down there but changed her mind. Now wasn't the time.

Everyone else was focused on what was to come, and none of them could afford distractions yet. She could tell him before they left Nibelheim. Perhaps they could even stop after everything was dealt with. Part of her reasoning stemmed from the fact that despite how much better she felt after seeing her parents, she still had doubts that only grew the closer they got to the mountains.

At least she did her best to keep it hidden. Not that Zack and Genesis didn't notice. However, they both agreed that bringing it up would not help. Instead, they both worked to keep her distracted. She knew what they were up to, and appreciated it all the same.

It was a few days after they left Gongaga that they finally landed just outside the village of Nibelheim. Snow covered most of the surfaces, so it wasn't shocking that there weren't many people out. Nor was it particularly shocking when most of the ones that were, scattered at the sight of Shinra uniforms. Only a few curious children remained, though they were trying to be subtle in their curiosity.

Rufus ignored all of it as he headed toward the mansion that was still listed as Shinra property. Since it was late afternoon already, everyone agreed to use the evening to lay out their best course of action. It was not surprising to find the building locked, but that didn't stop them. Reno had the lock undone in record time, and it was not long before their group was gathered in what appeared to be a sitting room.

Once they were all settled, Rufus strode to the far side of the room. His face was impassive when he turned to face everyone. "There are many things we need to discover while we are here. Despite that, there is one thing I believe needs to be tackled first. First thing in the morning, we need to take a team to the reactor. If the remains of the being known as Jenova are indeed there, then we can take countermeasures."

Several voices piped up at his proclamation. He allowed it to continue for a moment before he held up one hand. Kris had to admire the way he commanded attention when that was all it took to get most of the grumbling to stop. Once it was quiet again, he turned to the Soldiers. "I am not stating that I doubt your experiences. As a matter of fact, of that thing is in the reactor, then I will agree it would be best destroyed. I cannot afford to hesitate on the chance that everything you claim is true. The first step must still be to verify the validity of what we have been told."

It was several moments later that Sephiroth gave him a nod. Genesis was still glaring, but the General spoke up before he could say whatever was in his mind. "I will agree. That is a solid plan, and I do not see how that does not coincide with what is needed. However, I will suggest that Angeal stay here with Kris."

Rufus gave him a curious look, but it was Angeal that spoke. "As much as I hate to say it, that would probably be for the best. There is no telling what could happen if I got too close. Until that thing is destroyed, I'll keep my distance."

Rufus only deliberated for a moment before he responded. "Very well. I will have Reno and Rude stay here as well."

Before anything was decided, Zack jumped up. "Uh, would it be okay if I stayed too?"

All three of the Firsts joined the Vice-President in sending him curious looks. Though it did not take long for Genesis to give him a nod. "I understand. If I cannot be here to ensure nothing happens, then you would be the next-best solution. I would not object."

Angeal chuckled at the fact that Zack's mouth was hanging open. He just clapped the boy on the shoulder as he added his own thoughts. "I know you want to keep your sister safe. I am sure Genesis and Sephiroth can handle whatever they find up there."

Sephiroth gave him a slight nod as well before he turned back to Rufus. "If that is decided, we need to find a guide. The rest of the team should focus on resting. The morning will come early."

Veld stood with a slight frown. "I'll see what I can find. It shouldn't take long."

Rufus gave him a nod in acknowledgment before he turned to the rest. "Any other thoughts?"

There were several nos while the rest of the team stood to find places to sleep. Kris was not the only one frowning as they all walked out. She was less than thrilled with the idea of being left behind, but she knew there was not much she could do about it. It had been made abundantly clear before they even arrived that the entire group was not willing to put her or her baby in any kind of danger. Especially since they did not know what to expect.

The next morning the entire team was standing just outside the gates of the mansion with a man Kris was unfamiliar with. He was the person that Veld had found the prior evening. Currently, the group that was preparing to head up the mountain was standing a short distance away, speaking with two of the locals, including their guide.

It wasn't until she saw a young woman nearby that she realized who the second man probably was. Since Tifa was watching with rapt interest, the man had to be her father, the mayor. Kris wished she could go talk to the girl, but knew there was no good reason for her to do so. It would just be weird. Seeing Tifa made her wonder where Cloud might be, but again, that was something that she would just have to stay curious about since now wasn't the time.

Whatever the men were discussing must have finished up since they all disbursed. The rest of their team moved toward the trail, but Genesis stepped back toward Kris. He pulled her into a loose embrace and held her for a moment. He then stepped back and cupped her chin. "There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the Goddess. Take this time to rest. I will return before you know it. We were told it will be late tonight at best before we can get there and return, with a few hours accounted for once we are there. At worst, we will be back in the morning."

Kris gave him a nod, even though there was a weight in her stomach that was making her ill. She had a bad feeling about the whole thing but didn't try to say anything again. They did need to get this done, no matter how worried she was about them all. He then gave her a brief kiss before he turned to join the rest of the team.

Reno and Rude had already taken off to evaluate any potential dangers. Kris felt that was overkill in the tiny town, but Rufus had insisted. Kris watched until Genesis and the others disappeared behind a twist in the trail before she turned and headed back toward the mansion. Both Angeal and Zack had waited with her to make sure there were no issues, so they followed her back.

Even though it was mid-morning, Kris decided to try and make up for the sleep she hadn't been getting. Normally, there would be no way she could have slept through the day, but she was finding that normal didn't apply much anymore. Not with her body trying to grow a whole new human. She reassured Zack that she just needed rest since he was worried that it meant something bad. She was glad that Angeal reassured him as well. It eased his mind and allowed her to head up to bed.

Kris ended up being tired enough that she slept through lunch. It wasn't until early evening, when Zack came to check on her again, that she finally got up. If it weren't for her worry, she would have felt great. She still managed to give her brother a grin as he let her know Angeal would back any time with their dinner.

Kris followed Zack down to the dining room. They had been exploring and found it earlier. Both Reno and Rude were already waiting, and it wasn't long until Angeal arrived with a handful of boxes. He gave Kris a smile as he set everything down. "Glad to see you up. I hope you have a hefty appetite since I got extra. I thought you might need it since you slept through lunch."

Kris returned the grin as she helped him unpack everything. "You bet. Now that I can keep food down, the fact that I'm eating for two has really kicked in. My stomach already feels like it's trying to eat my backbone."

Reno snickered at her analogy but didn't say anything. He was already too busy getting a plate ready. Apparently, Kris wasn't the only one with a healthy appetite. The next few minutes were only interrupted by the sound of people asking for something or other to be passed over and eating.

As they were eating, Kris finally noticed how dark it was outside. She hadn't realized Zack hadn't been exaggerating when he told her she slept the day away. The lights from the town were distant and didn't do much to illuminate the area around the mansion. She wasn't sure what it was about the sight, but it caused a shiver to go down her spine.

She was pulled from her contemplation of the time by a loud groan. She looked over to see Angeal slumped over and holding his head. Immediately, a jolt of adrenaline shot through her, and she was up. Zack had started to go to his mentor to see what was wrong, but Kris screamed at him. "Don't!"

He froze and gave her a confused look, but he wasn't given a chance to ask. Angeal stood suddenly with his head down. Something in the man's stance must have clued Zack into the fact that all was not well. He took a few steps back as his gaze jumped back and forth between the table and Angeal. He was already mentally cursing himself for being on the opposite side of the table from Kris.

Even Reno and Rude were on their feet and staring at the hulking man at the end of the table. Not even the sound of breathing could be heard as they all watched to see what would happen. The pall finally broke when Angeal looked up and pinned Kris with a slit-eyed glare. The next few seconds were a blur of motion for everyone.

Angeal lunged toward Kris, but he was knocked off course when Zack jumped over the table to tackle him before his mentor could reach his sister. He didn't need an explanation to have a good idea of what was going on. The way Angeal's eyes had looked was a dead giveaway, plus it wasn't like Kris hadn't been warning them this could be a possibility for weeks.

Kris scrambled out of the way and watched in horror as her brother wrestled with the man that should have never been in such a position. It was only a few seconds before Angeal managed to toss Zack to the side. By that point, both the Turks were right there as well. They tried to subdue the massive Soldier, but they were both tossed aside even quicker than Zack was.

Kris felt her blood run cold as Angeal looked her way once more with eyes that weren't his. She felt a scream choking her. She couldn't manage to get it out. Despite how worried she was for Angeal, she was grateful that Zack was on him again before he could take more than a couple of steps.

He was still able to throw her brother off quickly, but that time, Reno was right behind him. Kris nearly got sick when the sound of the electromag hitting flesh rang out. He had struck Angeal across the back of the head. That blow was quickly followed by Rude smashing a chair over the downed Soldier.

After that, Angeal finally dropped. Kris' brain then went from frozen to overdrive. Rude had already moved to cuff the unconscious Soldier, but Kris knew that would not hold him for long. As soon as they all stood, she called out. "We have to go! He won't be out long."

Reno let out a sigh as he toed Angeal's prone form. "Yeah, there's no telling how long he'll be like this." He looked up and pinned Kris with a frown. "Why do ya think this happened now?"

Kris made an exasperated noise. "Later! We need to go. Now!"

The point was punctuated when the figure on the floor let out a groan. The sound made Reno jump, but he was quickly across the room. Zack had already grabbed Kris' hand and was running out the door. "Let's go!"

While she agreed with him, he was headed the wrong way. She managed to wrench her hand from his grip and ran for the stairs instead. "This way."

"Huh? Have you lost it too?" Reno's voice was exasperated, but Zack had already turned to follow his sister. Whether it was to catch her or join her was unclear.

Reno sighed as he gestured for Rude to follow, and they ran after the siblings. When they caught up, Kris was already looking through the bedrooms upstairs. She ran into the third room she checked and frantically motioned for them all to hurry up and get in. She slammed the door shut after Rude was in and turned to her brother. "Barricade that door. I need time."

Zack looked confused, but he still moved to do as she asked. Reno put his arm in front of the door before Zack could do anything. He then pinned them both with a glare. "I agree that we need to get the hell outta here. We don't have time for this, whatever the hell it is."

Kris growled, but she kept looking for something. She spoke over her shoulder in frustration. "Think. When he wakes up and gets out of those cuffs, he's going to be coming straight for us. If we ran outside, we would be putting the town in danger. I have a plan, so shut up and make sure he can't get in. At least for a little bit."

Almost as soon as she was done talking, a roar resounded from downstairs. That caused all of them to jump except Rude. When the sound of stomping footsteps followed, Reno jumped to grab Zack. "Hey! What're ya waitin' for! Grab the damn bed."

Zack rolled his eyes at his friend but was already on the way to do as Kris said. He first pushed the armoire in front of the door before he grabbed the bed. He didn't even have the chance to move it before the armoire rattled with the banging on the door. The sound caused them all to jump again and muttered curses filled the room from more than one source.

Zack recovered quickly and double-timed it to get the bed in place. He then grabbed every other piece of furniture in the room to stack in front of that. Once everything movable was in front of the door, he turned and put his back against it. All the pieces were still rattling with each blow from the man outside. Zack looked around and saw his sister crouched in front of one of the walls. He eyed her with frantic curiosity before he checked on the other two.

Reno was bouncing his electromag on his shoulder as he muttered curses under his breath, and Rude was slightly crouched with his hands part of the way up. They were both prepared for when the door gave. Though neither of them looked like they wanted it to happen. Zack swallowed thickly, and the whole thing behind him gave another lurch. He already knew it was just a matter of time before Angeal came crashing through.

All three men in the room jumped when Kris finally stood with a triumphant shout. "Yes!" Their shocked eyes were on her as she stood in front of the moving wall, and turned to face them. "Okay, let's go. Zack, you go in front and expect some nasties."

They all eyed the dusty staircase that had been revealed. All of them suddenly had so many questions for the girl, but another violent rattle of the barricade had them jumping to do as she told them.

Zack paused for a moment at the top of the stairs and gave his sister a confused look. Her only response was to put her hand on his arm. "Trust me." His resolve firmed at her words, and he gave her a nod before he turned and headed down into the darkness.

A/N: I don't know about all of you, but my heart was pumping as I wrote the last bit lol. I know things are getting wound up, and the next chapter won't be any better, but have faith for our heroes. We know things have to get better, right? Anyway, thanks for reading and cheers!