A/N: Sorry all for taking so long. Let's just say life attacks you sometimes. I won't state any excuses since it was my fault. But good news is my writer's block is gone. Bad news is I will only be updating once a month now due to college work. If I get chapter written sooner, I will post it, but I won't hold my breath for it to be sooner. Thank you for all who review, watch, fave, and read my story. I appreciate all of your support. So the story continues onwards. Oh, as a side note, I didn't Beta as well as usual, so there may be errors.

Chapter 9: Preparations

The cafeteria was set up the same way as in Shinra Tower, only smaller. As they gathered food, many Soldiers said hello to Sephiroth and asked Vincent if he was feeling better. Both of them only nodded in response. It seemed the attack at the base gave the Turk even more merit and attention. Sephiroth spotted Zack who was eating with Cloud. He sat down across from them.

The boy smiled enthusiasticly, "Hey Seph, you finally decided to ea-" That was when he noticed the pale man who sat down next to the general. "Vince! You're up. I thought you were in critical condition."

The swordsman didn't comment, while the other stated firmly, "It would take a lot to put me in critical condition."

Zack didn't look too sure about that and didn't seem to know how to respond, luckily Cloud spoke up, "That's good. We were worried since we heard Sephiroth had carried you to the infirmary."

Vincent frowned slightly as the general stated, "I did."

Purple eyes widen in surprise, "Really? Were you over reacting?"

"No," the swordsman stated at the same time as the gunman said, "Yes."

They glanced at each other before either could say a word, they heard a familiar voice asked, "What are you doing up? Shouldn't you be resting?"

Vincent turned to see Nicolas with a tray of food in hand. I shouldn't have bothered getting up today if I knew everyone would be pestering me. "I'm fine," he stated with irritation leaking into his voice.

The medic trained Soldier muttered as he left, "If you call a sword thr-"

Sephiroth trying to cool the flames of anger interrupted, "I inspected the wounds. His arm is healed and his abdomen has improved significantly."

Nicolas glanced over at Vincent in slight disbelief before he remarked, "If you say so."

He left with the food in hand. Vincent sighed, while Zack looked concerned. He asked, "You sure your okay?"

"Yes," he replied without hesitation, "I'll be back up to full speed within two days."

The boy just nodded with an occasional glance over to Sephiroth. Cloud decided the subject had to be change and asked quietly, "So when do we leave?"

The general took a quick glanced at the clock, "In about an hour and we'll set sail tonight."

The blonde Soldier just nodded as Zack continued a conservation. The subject matter change in a direction the Turk wasn't expecting at all as the boy continued to babble, "I got a letter from Aeris before this mission."

The blonde asked, "The girl that was visiting Midgar?"

"Yep," he replied with a big grin. It was easy to see that he liked her, maybe even love her. The name Aeris seemed familiar to the Turk. After a moment he realize Aeris was the Cetra daughter of Gast. It might be another girl name Aeris, but he highly doubt it. It wasn't exactly a common name. The boy continued, "It seems she like to get in touch with me again in person. I haven't finish writing her, but I will. ...Hey Cloud, did you ever write to Tifa?"

The young Soldier fidget as he hesitantly said, "...No. But I'll write her when I become a second class Soldier."

"You should let her know you're doing well," Zack informed him.

"But I haven't accomplished anything else since my last letter," he stated firmly.

Zack let out a frustrated sigh when Vincent asserted, "You should write her anyways, otherwise she'll be worried about you."

The black hair Solider was surprised the Turk joined in. Sephiroth seemed to be as well though it was barely noticeable on his face. The gunman heard the demon grumbled. You better not get back to your Lucrecia depression. It won't help anything. He minutely winced at the demon's painful comment. The Second grinned mischievously as he said, "Yeah, you wouldn't want her to worry unless you're trying to get her to visit you."

Cloud seemed panic now as he exclaimed quietly, "You don't think she would come here do you?"

"By what you told me," Zack continued with his grin, "Tifa would come here in a hurry."

The blonde seemed to think about this obviously not liking his options. He decided reluctantly, "Okay, I'll write her."

"Better write her while were on the ship. We won't have much time for such things in the days to come," the Turk informed him. Cloud nodded before he left. Zack followed him.

Sephiroth said, "Let's go and check on the preparations." Vincent nodded as he followed. Having overslept, he wanted to move. He didn't like the idea of being stiff and vulnerable like when he first came out of the coffin. They went outside where Angeal still was over watching things. The general asked, "Are they ready to move out." F

Angeal turned as he answered, "As soon we get all the Soldiers loaded... You know many of them are nervous about taking over Shinra Tower." His dark blue eyes darted from the general to Vincent. "You're up already. I assume you feel better?"

The Turk nodded as he informed the First, "The two days of sailing will be more than enough to get me back to full strength."

Angeal just accepted the response. After all he knew through Sephiroth what Hojo could do. Wounds healing in impossible speed was definitely one of them. The general interrupted his thoughts as he ordered, "Get them ready to go."

The First nodded and began to give orders through his phone. Sephiroth motioned with his hand for Vincent to follow him. They went over to where the jeeps were being loaded and many Soldiers getting in. The general took the driver's seat while Vincent positioned himself in the seat behind him. Within a few minutes, Angeal sat beside Sephiroth while Zack and Cloud join the Turk in the back. Once all was loaded the vehicles began to drive through the forest on the dirt road. He remembered from one of the maps it would lead to the boats; they didn't take the path before for it was an obvious way to the base. The boys began to converse while Vincent slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Hours went by uneventful. The Turk didn't awaken until the engine was turned off. Sephrioth turned to see him blink into consciousness. Angeal was already giving orders for Soldiers to load the equipment and some of the jeeps aboard. Zack and Cloud were already running errands for the First. The general asked him, "Did you want to rest some more?"

Vincent only stated, "I'll be in the room. I assume it's the same one as before?" The silver head nodded before turning to assist Angeal in directing Soldiers. The Turk walked aboard the boat traversing the hallways and avoiding the others work. When he was within the room, he skimmed the bookshelf. He pulled out a book called 'Materia Types and Components'. He laid down on the bed and began to read. It wasn't long before he fell asleep.

The helicopter landed and Genesis jumped out. There was a Soldier waiting for him with a salute he informed, "Genesis sir, you are requested to see Lazard immediately."

The First smirked at the word 'requested', but went straight there anyways. He entered Lazard's office shutting the door firmly behind him. The man was looking out the window. His blonde hair that was normal tidy was barely combed. He turned to face the Soldier as he stated, "The terrorism in Wutari runs deep. The president wishes for all of Wutari to be subdued."

Lazard was always easy to read. He was obviously not pleased with the idea, but he asked rhetorically, "And you don't wish to do so?"

"No, but we're not being given a choice," the head of Soldiers replied promptly and kept his voice even.

"Sephiroth thinks otherwise," the First informed him lightly with a smirk settling on his lips.

Blue eyes met Genesis's lighter ones as he asked, "What do you mean?"

"The president set this up themselves," the auburn Soldier stated, "Since the evidence was plan to see the General plans to dethrone you father and put your brother in his place."

Lazard frowned at the confidential information of his identity was known by him. He carefully said, "So Sephiroth is coming here while you round up allies here."

"More or less," the First shrugged before he demand, "So are you in or not?"

"I'm in," he confirmed already heading to his computer, "I will make three list: allies, enemies, and neutrals." As he began to type a question occurred to him, "When will they be here?"

"In two days," Genesis replied easily.

The typing stop as Lazard looked up at the Soldier and stated, "that is very little time."

"Then I suggest we keep bust," he suggest with that smirk widening as the First goes towards the door.

"What will you do?" Lazard still hadn't resumed typing.

"I'll be doing everything else," he drawled before he left the head to his work. Genesis moved swiftly down to the seventh floor. It was early for lunch, but there were still many eating in the cafeteria. His blue eyes finally spotted who he was looking for. The First stood behind the redhead as he was relaying a story, "So then I told the guy. He could bring as many of his little friends he wants. I would beat their asses the same way I beat his."

Rude was trying to informed Reno with his eyes, but the redhead thought it was his typical eye roll. The other Turks stayed silent as the Soldier asked, "Really now, would you even if one of his friends was me?"

The redhead paled as he turned to face Genesis with a guilty smile. He scratched his head as he stated, "Yo Gen, way to ruin my story." The Soldier didn't say anything. Reno continued, "Soo you're back from vacation already."

"That's right," he distractedly said. His light blue eyes obviously searching for a good place to talk.

Reno grinned as he asserted, "Oh yeah, I was borrowin' your book. Ya probably want it back." He strolled leisurely towards the door giving the Soldier a wink, "Come on, I left it in my room."

Genesis was confused until the wink. It was a clever way to go somewhere private without being obvious about it. "Lead on, " he replied. He followed the Turk down a floor to the man's room. Once inside, Reno informed him, "All Turks are on our side."

"Really now, all of them?," he said incredulously.

"Or been sent on a 'mission' where they were somehow killed or went missing," the redhead stated with a hand motion across the throat to emphasize his point.

"Anything else?" asked the First impatiently.

"Ah...well, Renault informed me the doctors and scientist who spend most their time in the upper labs are on our side as well as most of the secretaries and some security personnel. We figure the all mercenaries are against us."

"...I see," Genesis replied as he browsed through what few books the Turk had. He took one off the shelf called, 'Edgar Allen Poe'. Reno frowned and asked, "What are ya doing? That's Rude's book ya know."

"It's the only one that looks like something I may own," the First informed the other leaving with it in hand. He smiled to himself as he continued onwards with the list of tasks in mind.

Sephiroth had the ships sailing in no time. The approximation of arrival was the day after tomorrow early morning, which was good since that was when their were few awake and watch begin to if not already are tired. He decided to train down in the engine room. He did practice movements with his Masamune until he heard his phone ring. He took his time sheathing his sword. By the time he answered the phone it rang 4 times. "Hello," he said into the phone curious who called him since it listed some number instead of a name.

"Yo Seph, ya took long enough to answer," replied the voice on the line.

The general chuckled, "Well Reno, I thought you were going to call Vincent."

"I did and the guy didn't pick it off. He probably turned it off by mistake. He is horrendous with phones...yet he seems to do fine with computers."

"You're babbling," he informed the Turk, "Could you get to the point?"

"Well you're no fun. ...Fine I'll get to the point. I called to update ya on the situation. All the remaining Turks are on our side. Most of the office staff are, as well as the doctors and scientists of the upper labs. Lazard is compiling a list of Soldiers that are. If ya want I can send a list."

"That won't be necessary," the general stated, "I will leave the task to your boss about how to handle things there."

"Right. Right," said Reno, "Well say hi to the other for me." Sephiroth made an noncommittal noise, as the Turk growled in frustration, "Fine don't, geez I didn't think it was a big request. Anyway I'll call ya tomorrow. Bye."

Sephiroth hanged up the phone heading towards his room. He guessed that Vincent had fallen asleep, but he wanted to be sure. He opened the door and swiftly checked the place to find the Turk on the bed laying on his side with a book in his right hand. His red cloak was on the nearby chair, his gunner belt was there as well. He didn't really examine the black leather shirt before. It was designed for flexibility and had two silts in the back for Chaos's wings. It was long sleeve on the right side. The left was a sleeve that stopped barely pasted the shoulder leaving a small space between its end and the gauntlet's beginning. The general tried to remove the book, which caused crimson eyes to open. They blinked several times before Vincent sat up.

"I didn't mean to wake you up," Sephiroth stated. The Turk just nodded despite Chaos quiet growl. "Reno called not to long ago," the swordsman informed, "and gave updates of who's on our side so far. He'll call again tomorrow."

Vincent stated in a flat tone, "I thought he was going to call me."

"He claimed he did." Vincent went over to the table removing the phone from the belt. Flipping it open said 'One missed call from Reno'. He frowned minutely as he hit the red button to remove it from the screen. Sephiroth chuckled, "He thought you turned it off."

The Turk looked at him with an expression of puzzlement. "It could be turned off?"

The next few minutes became a lesson on how to turn the phone on and off, how to recharge it, switch between sound, vibration, and silent mode, and a few other small features. Once the lessons were done Vincent sighed, "I think I like these better when they were corded."

Sephiroth smiled amused by the entire phone experience, "But they are much more convenient like this."

The gunman shrugged as they both heard a knock on the door. The swordsman went to the door to find Zack, while the Turk put on his cloak and belt. "Hey I thought I would let ya know it's grub time." He noticed Vincent and commented, "Hey you were both easy to find for once."

They followed the boy to the cafeteria which was as noisy as usual. Cloud had join them on his own accord for once. The subject of conversations within the group and the rest of the cafeteria stayed away from the upcoming battle. Vincent honestly didn't feel like focusing on the conservation. You better not be thinking about her. I'm not. He thought irritable. Since the Turk was mainly focusing on his meal, he finished first. "I'm going to retire," he informed them flatly. He left hearing the okays and Zack's, "Rest up."

He returned to the room tossing his cloak onto the chair and belt onto table. He picked up the book and continued where he left off. Within a half an hour, Sephiroth came in quietly only to realize the Turk was up. "I thought you would be asleep," the swordsman commented.

"I did have a nap not too long ago," Vincent stated without his eyes leaving the pages of the book. The general shrugged as he put his sword against the wall and sat on the bed working on reports. The gunman read many chapters trying to keep his thoughts away from Lucrecia. It would have been easy if Chaos didn't bring it up. He for the most part managed well. His eyes began to lose focus. That was when he decided to retire for the night. Vincent did his regular routine of changing in bathroom as Sephiroth just stripped down. Once they were both settled on the bed. The Turk murmured, "Goodnight," before letting his eyes closed. The general stared at the pale man truly astonished. It was the first time Vincent initiated the goodnight. A smile was plain to see as the swordsman let himself sleep.

Sephiroth awaken his usual time. He glanced over at the still sleeping Turk. He didn't seem plagued with nightmares for once his lip seemed to curve up subtly in a tiny smile. The general fingered the ink black hair before getting dress. He had a lot on his mind including Vincent and relationships, but he shoved it into the corner of his mind. He needed to concentrate on how to conquer Shinra Tower with as few causalties as possible. He wandered out letting his mind stroll.

Genesis had awaken early with a purpose in mind. He knew exactly where Rufus would be. Tseng would be as well. In his hand he had the list Lazard finished compiling late last night. The man wasn't going to be in the meeting for many reasons the top was probably being his brother. Rufus didn't know about having a brother. He was probably afraid the First would let the information slip out. It would be amusing to do so, but now wasn't the time for such antics. He reached the door to Rufus's quarters. It was left slightly ajar, so the Soldier just walked in closing the door quietly behind him. Rufus was sitting by a round wooden table. The boy glanced up as he asked, "Is it really necessary to meet here? What is so important hmm?"

Genesis chuckled incredulously as he stated, "You haven't' told him yet."

Tseng frowned, "I figured now would be a better time."

Shinra's son frowned darkly, "tell me what?"

The First smiled as he recited, "That the goddess descends from the sky, wings of light and dark spread afar. She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."

This caused Rufus to glower even more as he hissed, "Quoting Loveless doesn't answer my question."

Genesis just smiled completely amused by this leaving Tseng to explain, "We are removing your father from power. He has falsified attacks in order to get what he wants. We would like you to take his place as president."

The blonde slowly absorbed the information as he asked, "Who's we?"

The First answered this time, "We was begun by Sephiroth who was joined by Angeal, the Turk Vincent, which spread onto us and well more than half of the employees here."

Rufus blinked as he began to click the pieces into place, "You're serious about this?"

"Absolutely," the head Turk answered immediately.

You could see the gears turning in the new president's brain. "You know he won't step down. He would have to be eliminated."

"That was the idea," stated the Turk.

"I see, so what's the plan?" asked Rufus.

"We shall see now won't we," Genesis replied cryptically. He looked over at Tseng who pulled out a phone and dialed a number

Vincent awaken to a ringing sound. It slowly pulled him from his memories of Lucrecia. At first he thought it was an alarm of some kind, but it was too quite. It finally occurred to the Turk it was the phoned. He went over pulling the phone out and hitting the green button to answer. "Hello," he said flatly through the phone.

"Hello Vincent," Tseng said, "Could you get Sephiroth and Angela to meet someplace secure and then turn the phone to speaker mode?"

The gunman nodded, but then remembered it couldn't be seen, "It will take a few minutes."

"That's fine," the other replied.

Vincent set the phone down on the table. Swiftly pulled his cloak and belt on before heading down the hall. He was about to head to the engine room when he realize the general's scent was fresher towards the deck. He headed up the stairs and spotted the silver hair Soldier watching the sea silently. "Tseng is on the phone," the Turk informed him, "We are to have a meeting."

Sephiroth faced him giving a small smile. He noticed that his cloak was over the clothes he sleep in instead of leather, but didn't mention it as he headed down the stairs. Vincent followed him to the cafeteria where they found Angeal, which the Turk would of thought he would be somewhere else. The First looked up as the general approached. He had a coffee in hand and got up without a word. They all went to the swordsman's and Turk's quarters. Once inside Sephiroth sat down on a couch. Angeal took the opposite couch. Vincent grabbed the phone and sat by Sephiroth setting the phone on the table hitting speaker mode. "We're here," the gunman stated.

"Then everyone's accounted for," Tseng said.

Rufus immediately asked, "What is the plan?"

Sephiroth answered, "We'll be arriving tomorrow morning. I doubt we will be able to get in under normal pretenses, so we'll fight our way in. I expect your forces will be trying to gain complete control of the tower as well as eliminating higher ups who are against up. I would like security to be completely on our side, so alarms don't get set off."

"I already made sure people on our side have positions for surveillance as well as the upper door guards. The lower ones are mixed though," the head Turk informed.

Genesis stated, "It should make easy access to Shinra for elimination."

Vincent listened to the voice he didn't know when his thoughts wandered to the laboratories. "What about the labs?"

Tseng responded, "Upper ones are on our side. The lower are against us and not in our control in any way. We know very little about the lower labs and security there is strict."

"That will be problematic," the Turk continued, "especially if they retreat there."

The First said, " We'll just have to block it off then with Soldiers positioned there."

Sephiroth commanded, "Have them look for both people going there and leaving from there."

Rufus asked, "What do you expect to leave?"

Vincent answered immediately, "Experiments. People enhanced more then regular Soldiers."

The general added, "They most likely know we're coming."

"But," Angeal said, "I don't think they expect us to arrive so soon. Also give squad leaders headsets set for 289."

The conservation continued into details of who must be eliminated, arrangement of forces. The phone call ended after another half hour of discussion. Angeal and Sephiroth continued to talk. At that point Vincent put his cloak to the side and continue to read the Materia book. That was when Angeal noticed the casual attire for the Turk. Within ten or so minutes, there was a knock. The gunman set the book down and answered it since the Soldiers were still chatting.

He opened the door to reveal a Zack. "Hi Vincent," he said belatedly noticing the difference in attire, "I was wondering if Angela is here."

The Turk nodded as he opened the door wider for the boy to come in. "Hey ya ready for lunch?"

Angeal confirmed after a glance at Sephiroth. The gunman pulls on the cloak and follow them to the cafeteria. Lunch went by swiftly as well as dinner. After dinner there was an announcement for all three ships. Sephiroth had the mic to talk with everyone on all three ships at the same time. He was in the command room, Angeal was sitting at the table while Vincent leaned against the wall.

"I know many of you are nervous about this battle, but I want you all to know Genesis is leading the Soldiers inside Shinra Tower. We have the support of the Turks as well as many other employees. For those of you who have their doubts on the purpose of the attack let me inform you. Mr. Shinra no longer has a right to be our president. He killed his own Soldiers to try to start a conquest of Wutari. He betrayed us therefore we will have a new president, Rufus Shinra. Together we will correct Mr. Shinra's mistake."

Vincent could hear cheers throughout the ship despite the thick walls. Sephiroth knew how to give a speech to inspire his Soldiers. The general continued, "We shall strike tomorrow before dawn. Squad leaders will have orders given to them by myself or Angeal. Remember to be up promptly."

He turned off the microphone. Vincent helped relay orders with the other two. In no time, all was prepared for. All of them retired for the night. Soldiers retired early as well in order to awaken on time. Once in the quarter, Vincent removed the cloak and belt. He was about to slip under the covers to sleep when Sephiroth asked, "Have you check your bandages?"

The Turk grimaced as he shook his head. He sat up knowing that the general wanted to check that the wound was healed. He unbuttoned the shirt swiftly; he was getting the hang of using his claw for buttons without ripping them. Once the shirt was off, Sephiroth began to undo the bandages. Once it was removed, he searched the pale side for traces of the wound. Not seeing any he carefully fingered the side pressing it to be sure nothing of the wound remained. Vincent tolerated the process as the general asked, "Nothing hurts?"

"There is no wound anymore," the Turk stated firmly. Sephiroth nodded as he helped the Turk put on the shirt. "Goodnight," the gunman said as he got himself comfortable under the covers. The last thing he heard before sleep overtook him was Sephiroth's voice.

"Goodnight Vincent."