Chapter 40

The following morning dawned bright. The fog was already burning away as if it was part of a bad dream, and the sun was shining brightly off the roofs of the village in the distance. Alex wasn't sure if the drastic change in the weather made her feel better or not. Or it could be the conclusion she had come to before she finally managed to get to sleep the night before. She was already second-guessing herself but resolved to at least bring it up.

Everyone gathered in the foyer while they ate a quick breakfast. Once they were done, all eyes turned to Alex as Angeal asked, "So what now? The labs are somewhere in this house, right? Where can we find them?"

Alex sighed as she shrugged. "I don't know exactly. All I know is that there is a hidden entrance in one of the rooms upstairs. I don't know what it looks like or how to get in, but I'm sure we can find it. There is a basement below where everything is kept."

Genesis sneered as he said, "Well, I suppose that means we will be knocking on walls then?"

Alex ignored the snark in his voice and said, "Actually, before we try to find the labs, there was one other thing I wanted to bring up."

She then turned to Bugenhagen and said, "Something occurred to me last night, and I wanted to see if you agreed."

When he nodded, she continued, "It is about Jenova. We have had absolutely no luck trying to mitigate the damage her cells could cause, and it makes me wonder if part of it is because of her influence."

The elder put his hand on his chin as he considered her words. However, it was Sephiroth that said, "What do you mean? Did you not say that her remains are estimated to be over 2000 years old? How could she influence anything?"

Alex gritted her teeth. It was a valid question, but not one easily answered. She could tell them that she had visions of something horrible happening to them all, and it was somehow due to the alien's influence, but that would require her to share more than what was feasible. Instead, she opted to go with what could be proven with science. That was her forté anyway.

"I am unsure if I mentioned Hojo's Reunion Theory, but the premise is that all of her cells, no matter where they are, will eventually try to find their way back to the largest specimen that is nearby. He tried this with smaller samples and noted there was a reaction. There is no explanation yet for why, but since we do share her cells, there is the possibility of any or all of us being affected in some way.

"Given that information, it may be plausible that whatever is causing that reaction could also be interfering with our tests. The only real way to find out is to eliminate the possibility. That is something that needed to be done anyway to prevent future repeats of what was done to us."

Bugenhagen nodded as he said, "Ho, ho, I believe you may have a point. I had not considered it, but I do agree that eliminating the source might be our best course of action before we begin."

Angeal was frowning as he added, "While I do not have a problem with heading to the reactor, I still wonder if that is best. If what you say is true, then would we all be more affected the closer we got?"

Alex shrugged with a grimace. "It is a possibility. However, the remains will need to be destroyed eventually anyway. If there is even the possibility that doing so first could aid us, then isn't it worth a try? I mean, we are closer now than ever, and none of us have shown any adverse reactions. It is a gamble, but one that I am willing to take."

There was silence for several seconds after Alex was finished speaking. Finally, Angeal nodded as he said, "I agree that it could be for the best. However, if I remember correctly, the reactor will not be easy to reach. We will need a local guide."

Sephiroth immediately agreed. "If we are to do this, then we must move quickly. We must leave by midday at the latest if we expect to arrive before dark."

Alex stood and looked at them all as she said, "Let me go find a guide. I think it might be best if the rest of you kept out of sight as much as possible. There is no point in testing our luck."

None of the Soldiers looked happy with her suggestion, but Bugenhagen floated near her as he said, "Allow me to accompany you. I think having another with you would set your brother's mind at ease."

Alex smiled over at the look her brother was giving her. He sighed and shook his head as he said, "I would rather one of us go, but I agree that this makes sense. However, if you aren't back in two hours, we will come looking."

Alex put a hand on his arm as she said, "Hopefully, it won't be that long. I'd rather get this over with." Once that was decided, Alex and Bugenhagen headed out.

The walk back toward the town was spent in companionable silence. Something that Alex was grateful for as she tried to figure out where to go first. She knew the village had a mayor but no clue where he might be. That meant she should probably start with a shop first. Unfortunately, most of them were not easily identifiable. At least they had an inn.

The moment the two of them walked in, the little bit of chatter that had been going on ceased. Alex ignored the wary and curious looks from the patrons of the little café as she headed toward the desk. The woman behind it gave her a faked smile as she said, "I am afraid we do not have any rooms cleaned and ready for occupation this early in the morning. Was there something else I might be able to help with?"

Alex had a feeling the place wouldn't have rooms even if they came back later but let it slide. The villagers likely didn't see people often unless it was someone crazy enough to tackle the mountains or Shinra. Instead, she smiled back as she said, "Actually, I was hoping for a little direction. We are looking for a guide that would be able to lead us to the reactor."

The woman's smile faltered, but she managed to get it back when she said, "I'm afraid I can't help with that, but the mayor might be able to. His house is on the north side of the square—the one right in the middle with the six chimneys."

Alex thanked the woman and turned to leave. As soon as they were outside, Bugenhagen said, "It seems this may not be a simple task. Perhaps it would have been better to have the general come."

Alex sighed and shook her head. "He might intimidate them, but we don't need that. It's bad enough that we have to fight the image these people have of Shinra. No need to make it worse."

The elder looked contemplative as he said, "Yes, the shadow of that corporation is quite long."

By that time, they had arrived at the indicated house. Alex didn't hesitate to knock. However, she was surprised when the door was almost instantly flung open, and a girl with wide eyes looked up at them. She couldn't have been more than twelve, but her grin spread as she said, "Wow! You are so tall! I bet Master Zangan would love to meet you!"

Alex wasn't sure how to respond to the girl's enthusiasm. Thankfully, she wasn't alone. Bugenhagen chuckled as he said, "While I agree that Alexandra is quite tall, we were hoping to speak to the mayor. Might he be in?"

The girl stepped back and ducked her head to try and hide the pink in her cheeks as she said, "Please come in. I can let my father know you are here."

Both adults ignored the girl's growing blush as she led them into a tiny but well-appointed living room. She bade them both to have a seat while she went to fetch her father. However, she stopped before heading up the stairs and turned back with a smile. "I apologize for being rude. My name is Tifa, by the way."

Bugenhagen chuckled when the girl didn't give them a chance to respond before she disappeared up the stairs. Thankfully, it was not long before she was following an older man back down. He stopped a short distance away with Tifa still behind him as he said, "Hello, my name is Brian. I'm the mayor of this village. My daughter said you wished to speak with me?"

Alex stood to shake his outstretched hand as she said, "Yes. We are looking for a guide up to the reactor, and we were told you might be able to point us in the right direction."

At Alex's question, Brian dropped her hand and took a step back. He was frowning as he said, "So you are with Shinra. I thought as much when you all came in and went straight to that old mansion without stopping anywhere else."

Alex was suddenly at a loss for words. She had not expected the villagers to dig into their stay. Plus, given his reaction, she wasn't sure what response would be the wisest. If they distrusted Shinra, it couldn't hurt to tell them part of the truth, but that left them open to being exposed. The more people that knew they were in Nibelheim, the bigger the possibility that the news would travel.

She shared a glance with Bugenhagen, but the elder raised a brow. He expected her to answer. She sighed as she looked back at the mayor and said, "You are right, but also wrong. We did work for Shinra, but we are here now for our own reasons."

The mayor rubbed his chin for several seconds before he finally said, "Reasons that you don't want getting back to Midgar if that reaction is anything to go by."

Alex's eyes widened, but she couldn't find the words to answer. Thankfully, she didn't need to. Though, the mayor's following comments didn't help ease her mind. "I won't ask more. The less I know, the less trouble it will cause me. But I don't want problems in my village."

Thankfully, Bugenhagen interjected. "Trouble is the last thing any of us want. Once we find our way to the reactor, we will not need to bother you or your village again. You will not even know we are there."

It was several moments before the mayor let out a frustrated noise. He was shaking his head, but he said, "Fine. I'll agree to lead you. But if there is any sign of trouble, I will ask that you leave. We don't have much, but what we have is precious to us. I don't want to see it disappear."

Alex stepped forward and put her hand out again as she said, "Bringing trouble to this village is the last thing we want either. You have my word that you won't have to worry about trying to oust us if anything comes up. I'll make sure we lead any danger away from here."

When he didn't immediately take her hand, she dropped it as she sighed and looked down. Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she said, "I come from a small town too. I've been working since I was old enough to find odd jobs just so my mother wouldn't have to kill herself making ends meet. My brother was the same way. I know what it's like to treasure the little things that might not mean much to anyone but you. If you can't take my word, then at least believe that I understand what you are asking and why. I couldn't stand it if anything happened here because of us. I know Angeal feels the same."

Instead of loosening, the man's expression hardened as he said, "You never did tell me your name."

It didn't take much for Alex to realize her mistake. She wanted to kick herself, but what was done was done. She just hoped her companions would not be forced to take drastic measures to get out of the town before Shinra could be alerted. She looked up and sighed as she said, "I am Alexandra Hewley."

The mayor rubbed his hand down his face roughly before he pinned her with a frown and said, "So it was the missing Soldiers with you last night? I thought I might have been seeing things in the fog."

Alex was quick to respond. "Yes, but I give my word that we have no intention of—" She suddenly cut off, and her eyes widened before she continued, "Wait, did you say missing Soldiers?"

Brian didn't answer right away. He seemed to be watching both his guests with an intent expression. He finally sighed as he said, "News of all three of the Firsts practically disappeared several months ago. Since then, rumors have been all over the place—from them defecting to Wutai, to others saying they were KIA, and Shinra didn't want to admit it. There were plenty between too. I guess the idea that they defected isn't as far-fetched as I thought."

Alex was at a loss for words. So much had been going on in their immediate lives that she had not really considered what was going on in their wake. Well, at least not beyond the fact that they were likely being tracked.

Bugenhagen put a hand on her arm in a comforting gesture as he looked at the mayor and said, "I understand why you are wary. We have all had reason to be, where Shinra is concerned. However, I am one of the elders from Cosmo Canyon and will vouch that this group was not the cause of any trouble when they stayed there.

It was several seconds before the mayor responded. He shook his head as he looked at Bugenhagen. "I imagine that if I asked why you came with them, I wouldn't get a straight answer, would I?"

Bugenhagen chuckled as he said, "Ho, ho, well, that is one answer that isn't mine to give."

Brian looked like he had swallowed a lemon, but he still said, "Fine. I suppose if you wanted to cause trouble, I wouldn't have been the first person you sought out. I still don't want you in the village, but I guess the quicker I guide you up to that reactor, the faster you can leave."

Alex was about to thank the man, but Tifa jumped out from behind him with widened eyes, "But, Dad!"

The man looked down at his frowning daughter with a stern look. "Don't even think to ask. I know you are capable, but now isn't the time."

Tifa folded her arms across her chest and glowered. "But—"

Her father immediately cut her off. "I said no, don't ask again."

Tifa huffed and glared at everyone in the room before she ran up the steps. Alex almost wanted to smile at the action. She understood it well enough. Still, she held it in as the man turned back to them with a frown. "I suppose you want to go as soon as possible? If so, I can meet you at the trailhead in an hour."

Alex nodded. "Yes, sir. And thank you."

He waved off her thanks. "I'm not doing this for you. I just want you to do what you have to do and get gone."

Alex didn't know how to tell the man that there was no telling how long it would take for them to finish but kept it to herself. Maybe with time, he would see they weren't trouble. For now, she nodded and said, "We will see you in an hour."

None of the rest of the group had been happy to hear how things went down, but at least they were able to get what they went for. In the end, Bugenhagen and Nanaki had opted to stay at the mansion to see if they could find the entrance Alex had told them about. It was unanimously agreed to be the best course of action, especially as the elder was not up to a long hike.

The rest of the team went to the trailhead just past the mansion to wait. They were all wary, but none of them said anything when the mayor arrived. He looked at them all with a furrow between his brow, but all he said was, "It will take several hours to get there. I don't plan to stick around and wait since I would hope you could find your own way back. Even so, it'll be after dark when I get home, and I don't want to make it any later than it has to be. Let's get this over with."

Genesis looked like he had something to say, but both Alex and Angeal gave him quelling looks. He huffed and crossed his arms but still fell into step behind the man leading them.

The hike was not as strenuous as Alex had expected, but only because there were so many switchbacks. The incline was easier to handle, but they were probably walking three times the distance they needed. No wonder it was going to take them so long. Not that any of them complained.

They had been walking for almost two hours when Alex noticed Sephiroth grimacing. He had lagged behind the others, which was what caught her attention. She stopped until he caught up to her and then whispered, "Are you all right? You look like something is bothering you."

He frowned over at her, but the expression was quickly replaced by his blank mask. Alex was unsettled since he had quit using it with her most of the time. At least he answered. "Not exactly. There is a buzzing noise that is barely audible, but it is increasing the further into the mountains we go. I only assume no one else can hear it since none of you have reacted."

Alex felt her heart clench. She reached out and grabbed his arm before she pulled them both to a halt. "No, I can't hear it, but that doesn't mean it's nothing. Do you think we should go back?"

Sephiroth looked into her eyes for several seconds before his mask fell, and that furrow was back between his eyes. "No. Given what you said earlier, I assume it is the influence you spoke of. However, it is nothing more than an annoyance. There is no pull for me to do anything I do not wish."

Alex was still uneasy, but she could tell that his mind was already made up. She had to fight not to grimace as she said, "Fine, but if there is any change at all, let us know. For all I know, we could start hearing it soon too. If that happens, we can find another way. I don't want to cause problems when there aren't any."

Sephiroth's jaw clenched, but he still nodded. Before he could respond, Angeal called out. "What's wrong? Why did you two stop?"

Alex looked back and waved. She couldn't manage a smile, but at least she wasn't frowning as she said, "It's nothing. We're coming." She ignored Genesis's glare as she fast-walked to catch up to the others.

It was well over three hours when they made it to a creaky, wooden, hanging bridge. Alex eyed the thing with mistrust, but the mayor didn't bat an eye before he stepped out onto it. However, he did turn back to them and said, "Take it one at a time. The thing was replaced a few years ago, so it should be sturdy, but it's better to be safe."

No one in the group looked to be reassured by his statement, but that didn't keep Angeal from following right after. Once her brother was across, Genesis stepped onto the bridge. He had barely made any progress before Alex heard a muffled grunt and turned to see Sephiroth had one hand on his head.

Her heart was immediately in her throat as she raced to his side. She grabbed his arm as she asked, "Sephiroth? What's wrong? Are you all right?"

He didn't answer right away. However, when he did finally look up, he was glaring. She couldn't tell if the look was aimed at her or not since he seemed to be looking over her shoulder. Her near panic was not helped when he shook off her grip and pushed past her.

Thankfully, it had not been hard enough to knock her down. Unfortunately, that didn't help much. She nearly stopped breathing when she saw the Masamune suddenly appear in his left hand. She hadn't even known she could move that fast, but she was suddenly in front of him.

She blocked the path and put her arms out to make herself as noticeable as possible. It was enough for him to focus on her, though she shivered when his eyes didn't seem to hold any recognition. Still, held his gaze as she said, "Please stop. I don't know what is going on, but I know this isn't you."

For a split second, a furrow appeared between his brows, and she thought she had gotten through. Unfortunately, it disappeared just as quickly. She barely even saw his hand move before she felt the hot slice of a blade across her middle.

Time seemed to slow as she realized he had attacked her. She couldn't believe it. Her breath locked in her throat, and she grabbed her abdomen in a vain attempt to block the blood flowing from her. She dropped to her knees in shock, but her attention was drawn when she heard the sound of metal clanging against rock.

She looked up to see Sephiroth had dropped the Masamune, and he was staring at her in horror. She barely heard him whisper, "What have I done?"

Alex could already feel the blood had nearly stopped, but it was a monumental effort for her to push herself to her feet. She took a step forward and grabbed onto his arm. She needed all her concentration to keep a tremor from her voice as she said, "You didn't do anything."

Sephiroth's eyes widened further, and he took a step back. Unfortunately, Alex refused to let go of his arm, and she stumbled when she tried to keep up. He instantly steadied her and was still holding her arm as he said, "I blacked out, but I saw blood, your blood, and—"

When he cut off, Alex tried to reassure him again, but he gently pulled her hand off his arm and stepped away. She was still unsteady, but it was less than a second before another arm was around her to help her stand.

She heard Genesis curse when he saw the blood on her abdomen, but she ignored the red-head as she kept her gaze trained on Sephiroth. She didn't hear him, but she could make it out well enough when he apologized once more. She wasn't given a chance to say anything else before he turned and jumped off the side of the trail.

A/N: Please don't hate me for the cliffhanger. This chapter was already getting long, and the next few scenes will need to stand alone (and I think it will be worth it 😍💘). Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying where this is going. I will try my best to get the next one out in a few days at most. Thanks for reading and cheers!