A/N1: I forgot to add this last chapter, but the soundtrack was 'The Devil Within' by Digital Daggers. It works for the first part of this chapter too. You'll understand :)

Chapter 40

The next morning Kris woke to a dark world. She sighed as she made her way out of bed and got ready for the day. She wondered briefly if her internal clock would ever be back to normal. Although, her thoughts about herself quickly fled when she felt a faint cramp in her abdomen. She rubbed her belly as she thought of everything that had happened. She had no idea what to expect out of pregnancy, but the pain had her worried. Especially after all the stress and running the day before.

Thankfully, it passed quickly and did not come back. However, her thoughts of what had caused it had her immediately heading down to the basement. She was just thankful that no one else seemed to be between the room she used and the stairs.

She hesitated at the top when she remembered the other things that could be down there, but then she remembered that at least one other person had to be in the lab, as they were taking turns staying with Angeal. At least she had a light this time, even if it wouldn't do her much good against a monster.

She pushed those thoughts aside as she descended into the dark. She was heartened by the fact that the stench was not as bad as it had been the day before. Not that it was good by any means. The rambling in her head about the smell took her all the way to the room at the end of the cave.

She pushed the door slowly until it was halfway open. She then chastised herself for the action and strode the rest of the way in confidently. She stopped in the middle of the room with a frown when she didn't see anyone other than Angeal. Her heart ached at the sight of him slumped against the inside of the tank. She sent up a quick prayer that they would be able to let him out soon.

Someone must have heard the heartfelt wish because Angeal sat up before she even made it to the tank. He blinked owlishly before he looked around. His confused gaze snagged on Kris as he pushed himself up with a groan. His voice was hoarse. "What happened? Where am I?"

Kris nearly felt her knees give out with relief. She immediately moved to the control panel that would open the tank as she tried to answer. "I'm glad you're back! Give me a-"

She was cut off when a hand came down over hers. She nearly screamed in shock but managed to hold it in when she saw it was Vincent. She wasn't given a chance to ask what he was doing before he spoke. "Wait. Look closer."

Her brows furrowed, and she nearly chastised him, but something in his tone caused her to look back toward the man in the tank. She had not gotten a good look at his eyes before, but she gasped when she saw that his pupils were still slit. At the sound, Angeal smirked at her. It quickly morphed into a snarl. "I almost had you, didn't I? It's too bad you weren't alone."

Kris felt tears pooling in her eyes. The little bit of hope she had that Angeal was back to himself was shattered, and she could not stop the overwhelming despair. It was only a moment before it changed into rage. She closed the distance and slammed her palm on the glass. "Get out of his head, you bitch!"

Angeal chuckled darkly. "That is like screaming at the wind. Your lies have no more effect on me. I understand what Jenova wants now, and I will help her achieve it. This prison will not hold me for much longer, and when I'm loose, this world will know her glory once more."

Kris slammed her hand against the glass again in frustration, but she didn't get to do more. Vincent took her by the shoulders and gently turned her around. She allowed him to take her into the other room where at least she couldn't see her friend's face with that evil smirk.

He guided her to sit in one of the chairs before he turned to face her. For once, she was grateful for his even tone. It helped her to calm. "Do not despair. He is secure for now, and you said it yourself; they are working to destroy the alien. It is only a matter of time."

For just a moment, Kris felt herself relax at his reminder. However, that changed almost immediately. Her wide-eyed gaze shot up to his as something occurred to her. "Wait! They said they would be back by morning in the worst-case scenario. There should be no way the bitch would even be alive to control Angeal unless something went wrong. We have to go check on them!"

She gritted her teeth when he sighed down at her. His voice almost sounded exasperated. "You have already told me that you are here to keep you and your child safe. Why put yourself in danger now?"

Kris was too exasperated to care about holding her temper in. "Why? What kind of world would my child be born into if Jenova succeeds? What happens if she has to live without her father?"

She almost missed a grimace from the gunman at her broken words. She had already started crying by that point. Before he could respond, they were interrupted by a drawling voice. "What's all the screamin' about, yo?"

Kris stood as Reno walked into the back room with them. She pointed toward the other room. "Angeal is still under Jenova's control. We have to go see what happened? What if there was something else up there waiting for them? There is no telling what that alien is capable of if she feels threatened."

Reno joined Vincent in frowning at her outburst. "You need to stay here. I got orders from the Boss Man to follow."

Kris practically growled at him. "I don't care if the orders are from Rufus or not. I can't stand here and do nothing. I refuse to at least not try!"

Vicent held up a hand. "I will take you, but you must stay back. If there is trouble, then you cannot be involved."

Reno raised a brow at the gunman. "Who says we'll let ya? Veld would kill me if I show up with Kris."

Vincent's expression fell into a mask again. "Veld is with Sephiroth and the others?"

Reno tilted his head at the tone the gunman used, but it was Kris that answered. "Yes. I thought I told you last night that he was here. I know seeing your partner won't be easy, but this is too important."

Vincent shook his head as he turned. "I have already agreed. I thought you were in a hurry."

Kris tried to follow, but she was stopped by Reno's hand on her arm. "I have questions, especially about the vampire ex-Turk, but I guess that can wait. If you're set on this, then let's get Zack and the helo. I can't land it up there, but I can get you close. The last thing you need is to try and walk up a mountain. I'm not stupid enough to let ya try."

Kris paused. He had a point, and she knew deep down that something happened. She wasn't sure what she could do, but she couldn't stay and do nothing. She gave him a nod and was thankful that Vincent had heard as well. He gave her a nod. "I will agree. That is a better option." Kris was glad that it hadn't taken more to convince both of them, but the sickening feeling she had was growing by the minute. They didn't have time to waste.

Rude and Zack were already on the way down the stairs. Neither of them were sure what to think of the nearly frantic way Kris was trying to get up. Still, they decided it would be better to finish the discussion when there was no chance of them falling off the side of the rickety stairs.

When they got into the destroyed room, Zack stopped Kris before she could head out. "Now, what has you in such a rush?"

She grabbed his hand and squeezed his fingers. "Jenova still has control of Angeal. I can't explain it well, but I know something has happened. We have to go help them."

Zack frowned at her insistence, but Reno spoke up before he could try to talk her out of it. "Don't bother, man. We've already tried. It's best that we just go and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid."

Zack's frown turned into a glare as he turned to Reno. "I think going up to the place where we know something dangerous was placed qualifies as stupid."

Kris jumped in before things could escalate. "Look, I am aware it could be dangerous, but I also know that if we don't do something, it won't be good. Please, don't try to stop me. I need to go."

Zack shook his head. "No. Do I have to lock you in a room?"

Kris glared at him. "Try it, and I'll climb out the window. This isn't optional."

Vincent interrupted with a sigh. "If you are worried, then protect her. From everything I have heard, then it is likely that she is correct. There is no room for error in this."

Zack growled but then sighed. "Fine. We are all going."

Kris gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Good, I had hoped you would."

Zack didn't lose his frown, but he still nodded. After that was decided, Reno turned to Rude. "I hate to ask, but-"

Rude cut him off. "I will stay and make sure Commander Hewley doesn't escape."

Kris and Zack both looked uncomfortable at the reminder, but they gave him grateful looks nonetheless. It was only a short time afterward that the rest of the group was on board the helicopter. Every second that ticked by was one more to make Kris feel like things were going horribly wrong. Finally, Zack chastised her and forced her to try and focus on anything else. Not that it did much good.

It was an hour later that they finally managed to get high enough to see the man-made valley the reactor was nestled in. What they found had Kris immediately on her feet. They couldn't see many details, but that was because there were multiple globes of darkness surrounding the building. It wasn't until they were hovering directly over the entrance of the valley that they saw a group of four people fighting several monstrosities.

Kris felt her heart skip a beat as she realized what must have happened. Jenova was still alive because the men never made it inside the reactor. She wanted to scream when they got low enough to see at least Veld and Tseng were flagging. Even Sephiroth and Genesis were not at their fighting peak. They must have been at it all night long.

When Zack and Vincent looked like they were about to jump down, she grabbed her brother's arm. "Take me with you!"

Both men gave her a glare. Zack's voice was hard when he answered. "No! And don't ask again. It's too dangerous down there. Plus, the jump could hurt both of you. Just stay here for now. At least until we help them fight off those monsters. Then we can see if Reno can let you down easy."

Kris growled, but he ignored her. She realized that there was no way she was getting down yet, but there was one other thing that needed to be dealt with. She yelled before they jumped. "Fine, but beware of the shadows. Only Vincent has a chance of defeating them. Anyone else will be erased."

They both stared at her for a moment, but they gave her a nod. That was something, at least. She watched from the doorway as they immediately went to join the others. There were questions asked, as the additional fighting power was a blessing to the tired men.

Thankfully, the addition of the others made the rest of the battle pass quickly. When the last monster fell to a simultaneous blow from both Genesis and Zack, Kris immediately turned to the front and yelled. "Let me down!"

She couldn't hear him grumble, but she did see his mouth moving and had no doubt that he was cursing her stubbornness. Still, it had already been agreed upon, so he lowered to the point that she could easily climb down the ladder. Well, as easy as it would be for any pregnant woman. It was much more harrowing than she expected it to be. Especially as she had grown used to the idea of having a child. Each day was one more that had her falling in love without trying.

All those thoughts were erased when she was plucked from the ladder before she ever made it to the ground. She instantly found herself being cradled by a scowling Genesis. "What are you doing! Why are you here?"

He then turned to Zack and the strange man that had arrived with him. He barely noted the odd look Veld was giving the man as he was immediately yelling. "Why did you allow her to come with you!"

Kris grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. "Because I told them that if we didn't come, then I was going to sneak out. I had a feeling something had happened, and I'm glad I came. Those shadows are deadly to anyone other than Vincent. I'm not sure why the Tsviets are here, but you have no idea what you are facing."

Genesis did not look convinced, and his voice showed it. "We are facing Hojo and some of the things that madman created. I do not know why he is here, but we have already fought several waves of those things."

Kris suddenly felt clammy all over. Hojo was the last thing she expected, and the worst possible person for them to run into. He was a manipulative madman at best. Along with the Tsviets, it was a disaster waiting to happen. She had no doubt the Deepground Soldiers were the ones responsible for the globes.

Genesis must have realized that Kris was not alright, as he finally lowered his voice. "Everything will work out. I refuse to let anything happen to you."

Kris barely heard him, as she had finally noticed Vincent was already headed toward the reactor, despite shouts from Veld and Zack. She pushed away from Genesis, but he refused to let her go. She didn't bother to try again, but she did yell out to the retreating man. "Vincent, wait!"

He didn't even pause. That caused something foreign to well up within Kris. Part of it was worry, but there was more. She called out again, in a much sterner tone. "I said, stop!"

Genesis finally put her down at that point, and the two Turks plus Rufus had taken a step back. Her voice had been overlaid with another, and the command in her tone was unmistakable. Tseng had seen it before, but that didn't make it any less intimidating.

As for Vincent, he stopped in his tracks before he turned to face her with a frown. His eyes flashed golden for a moment before he spoke. "Why do you order me to stop?"

Kris took a deep breath. "Several reasons. First, you can't handle everything in there alone, and we can't pass those shadows without you. Secondly, you are the only one that can face Nero and his power. You cannot go after Hojo yet."

Vincent's jaw clenched several times before he finally took a few steps back toward the rest of the group. "Then what do you propose?"

Kris Felt a whirl of things at that moment. Fear was prevalent, but she was able to cope with determination. "I believe that you can lead us through those globes, as long as we all stay in contact with each other and you."

Genesis made a strangled sound next to her, but it was Zack that objected first. "Kris, what is wrong with you! You can't keep putting yourself in danger. You aren't in the same position you were when we fought our way to Midgar. You can't ignore the fact that you have more than yourself to worry about."

She gritted her teeth and tried not to yell. "You're right. I do have more to worry about. I am also responsible for making sure the monster in that reactor can no longer destroy this planet. I am not ignoring anything."

Genesis grabbed her arm. "You forget that this does not all depend on you. What if there are more of those monsters in there?"

They were all shocked when it was Vincent that answered. "You do not know me, but trust that I have no intention to let any harm come to that woman or her child." He paused as his gaze flicked over to Sephiroth. It was noted, but he didn't allow any questions before he continued. "She is the embodiment of the Goddess. I doubt that makes this any easier for you to hear, but she has a responsibility that is larger than any of us. This is necessary, though I will promise to do all I can to protect her along with you."

Both Genesis and Zack looked like they were ready to hit the man. Zack had already heard enough of the same since they left. The only reason he hadn't acted before was that he realized something bigger was going on. Especially after he comprehended the gunman was the person Kris had told the Turks about. It was one big convoluted mess.

Despite the fact that all the men looked pissy for one reason or another, Kris closed the distance to Vincent. "Do you agree to lead us through?"

Vincent let out a soft sigh. This was more than he had anticipated, but there was also a compulsion from his alter ego to listen to this tiny woman. She held a power under her skin that more than rivaled his own, despite what the others thought of her. He could not have denied her if he wanted to. The goddess was the manifestation of the will of the planet, and all the Weapons had been created by her hand millennia ago.

"Yes. I will ask that you walk in the middle since there is no way to know what we will encounter."

Kris gave him a nod before she turned back to the others. "Now that we have that out of the way, let's go."

None of the men looked happy to comply, but Sephiroth was the first to step forward. "If we are to do this, then allow me to take up the rear guard. Zack, Genesis, and Tseng will follow Vincent, while Rufus, Veld, and I will take up positions behind you." He then looked over at the gunman in question. "Is that acceptable?"

Vincent didn't answer right away. He seemed to be contemplating the man that had spoken to him. Finally, he turned and spoke over his shoulder. "I do not know what to expect either, so don't let go."

Genesis growled at the complete lack of response from anyone to his concerns for his fiancé and their child. Especially from her. Although, he did have to admit, at least to himself, that for such a tiny woman, she certainly had a way of steamrolling her way over whatever she felt was wrong. As he watched her brother fuss over her before she shoved him into his place in line, he had to admit that, as much as the situation frightened him, he was glad to see her closer to herself than he had seen in some time. It was a welcome sight after the horror that she had relived.

He pushed aside those thoughts to better focus on what was to come. He had a feeling that as difficult as the night had been, what they were to face would be no better. He spared one last glance at the sun rising over the lip of the valley before he took up a place directly in front of Kris. If there would be trouble, he wanted to be close at hand to handle it before it ever reached the woman he loved.

A/N2: I know this had to be hard for anyone who knows a bit about pregnant ladies. It was hard for me to write too, but we have to remember that Kris is more than just a future wife and mother. Unfortunately, this isn't easy for any of them. Also, I wanted to let you all know that we are really close to the end. We have this next encounter and then we will be wrapping things up. I don't know exactly how many chapters, but I doubt it will be more than four. Probably less. I hope you enjoy, and cheers!