Author's Note: This chapter brought to you by Procrastination!

You know, I once said to myself, Kazaam, I said, I am never ever going to write for the Turks. Not only do I not really care for them all that much (Reno is rather annoying, Rude is rather boring), but I have no interest in writing anything about such minor characters (completely ignoring the fact that Zack was once the most minor character of them all). Although, I did come to like Tseng after Crisis Core, I still simply didn't care enough - besides, it was enough for me to have finally gotten Zack's and Sephiroth's voices; there was no way I was going to be able to find the proper voices for the Turks. ... And now, here I am, months later, with Reno having made a cameo appearance in an earlier chapter, and Tseng now having had a large role in several chapters out of necessity. Including this one. XD What does that say? Well, maybe I have more voices in my head than I thought I did. Either that, or necessity really is the mother of invention. You decide.

Many thanks again to LuckyLadybug who helped me sort out a large problem I had with this chapter! And this will, most definitely, no kidding, really and truly, be the last chapter before Thanksgiving. So there. :P

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chapter Seven

Lies

"What is it this time, Tseng?" Sephiroth asked, wearily. He glanced out the window of Tseng's office. The sun had risen above the horizon a few hours ago, setting the edge of Midgar's massive steel plate to gleaming. He had yet to sleep. In a way, he envied Zack, now likely passed out, exhausted, in his quarters.

Tseng hit a button, electrically darkening the windows for privacy. Sephiroth closed the door and took up his place in the proffered chair, casting his gaze upon the row of monitors on the Turk's desk.

"Do you remember what Zack told us about the moments before Dr. Greg Davidson was killed?"

"Before he was killed? Yes, he was simply talking to the man. The power went out, and Davidson was attacked."

Tseng nodded. "Watch this." He keyed the film and it began to play.

The image revealed the hidden camera to have been located in one of the far corners of Zack's cell, above the cot; it displayed a view of the majority of the cell, including a portion of the bed, as well as most of the line of bars and part of the hallway. As Sephiroth watched, the doctor stepped into view outside the cell, which prompted Zack to leave his position on the bed and near the bars.

Zack seemed to be in a relatively good mood, considering the situation, and Sephiroth knew from experience that Greg Davidson was a good man with a sense of humor. They chatted soundlessly for a few moments, while Sephiroth assumed the security guard was securing the codes necessary to power down the bars and let the doctor through.

In the middle of the conversation, however, Zack paused and cocked his head, almost as if listening to something. After a moment, the doctor noticed and appeared to inquire about it, but he was completely ignored. Zack's gaze drifted to the ceiling, and he seemed to track something moving across it. The doctor too, glanced upward, but apparently not seeing anything, frowned and tried to speak to Zack again.

Again, he was ignored. Finally, Zack turned in the direction of the camera, still following something. His eyes landed on the hidden device, and continued to stare at it for several long minutes.

Sephiroth frowned, unconsciously leaning forward. Zack's expression was strangely blank. And now that he was looking directly at the camera, his eyes …

The image blanked out. Sephiroth blinked in surprise. "The video … that's it?"

"That's when the power went out," Tseng confirmed. "Or rather, the lines to the surveillance system were cut shortly before the power died."

Sephiroth frowned. "Aren't the cameras connected to the same system?"

"They're powered separately. … Few people know of this." Tseng allowed the implications of the statement to hang in the air.

"Hmm." The General turned back to the screen. "Go back a few frames."

The image rewound, freezing on Zack's face. It was difficult to tell with the black and white image, but Zack's eyes appeared strangely dark. Black, almost, from this angle. Sephiroth suppressed a shudder. It was as if there was no life behind them.

He didn't know what to make of it. Did it hold any significance at all, or was it simply a trick of the camera? Avoiding the issue for the moment, he commented, "… It seems Zack heard something, before it attacked."

"Yes. And he behaved rather strangely, wouldn't you say?"

"… I suppose," he hedged. Indeed, it had been very strange, considering he hadn't even acknowledged the doctor, but what did that prove?

"There's more. Watch." Skipping back to a time much earlier in the day, Tseng presented a scene shortly after the books and Zack's requested take-out were delivered. They watched as the food was eaten, and as Zack grabbed a book from the top of the stack, replaced it with the empty carton, and examined it for a moment. Then he flipped it open to a random page and flopped onto his stomach on the bed to read.

Sephiroth continued to watch for several minutes, growing irritated when nothing strange appeared to happen. "Tseng, what is the point of this? Unless I'm missing something, nothing is happening."

"Exactly. Look."

Unsure of Tseng's point, he returned to the screen. Again, the result was the same. Zack had not even stood to stretch his legs. Sephiroth shook his head. "You might as well have paused it, Tseng. I fail to see what is so interesting."

"But that's the point. I haven't paused it."

"… I don't-"

"Watch what happens when I skip forward."

Curbing the urge to sigh in exasperation, Sephiroth kept his eyes trained on the screen. The time stamp leapt forward several minutes, then several hours. Still, there was no change. Sephiroth frowned. In fact, Zack didn't even move to turn the page. He remained motionless until Doctor Davidson arrived on the screen, clearly not sleeping, either.

Incredulous, Sephiroth spoke. "… You mean to tell me that he's been reading the same page for hours?"

Tseng nodded. "Or appearing to read the page."

"… Is there something wrong with the camera?"

"No. I've verified that they haven't been tampered with."

Sephiroth sat back in the chair, brow furrowed. "… What does this mean?"

"I wish I knew. You know Zack better than I, but this behavior seems quite … abnormal."

"Indeed." But what did it indicate? Zack had remained staring at the same page in the same book for hours, when he should have been practically bouncing around the cell in an attempt to burn off energy, or sprawling on the bed, asleep … He had somehow appeared to locate the hidden camera, follow something to it, even, shortly before it went out …

"I feel like this should be telling us something. But I do not know what that would be." Sephiroth found himself quite bothered by this turn of events. "It couldn't possibly indicate that Zack had something to do with the killing, could it? Simply staring at the camera could not make it go out. Nor could he have deactivated the power from his cell." Even as he proposed the idea, he felt foolish.

"I wouldn't think so. If anything, it does seem that perhaps he was listening to something crawl around in the ceiling. I will have someone check it out."

Slowly, Sephiroth nodded. "… And as for the rest of his behavior?"

Tseng shook his head. "As for that, I can't even speculate. That is something only Zack would know."

If that, Sephiroth mused, wryly. He suspected that Zack would claim he could not remember. Drained, Sephiroth rubbed his forehead. Even if Zack was not the killer, there was still something wrong with him. He debated heading down now to wake his friend and attempt to get some answers.

Tseng's face softened just slightly as he regarded his long-time ally. To most, they were rivals, as Turks and SOLDIERs did not often get along, preferring not to cross paths at all, and often bickering when they did. SOLDIERs viewed Turks as having a lack of morals and honor; Turks viewed SOLDIERs as brutes with no finesse or intelligence. There was an ongoing competition between the two groups to see who was better, each trying to one-up the other.

Each leader knew of this, of course, and allowed it so long as it did not interfere with work. After all, competition was a good way to push people to be their best. But Sephiroth and Tseng possessed a deeper understanding of the other than that. There was a great respect between them, both professionally and personally. And so, though forced to keep their distance – Sephiroth, after all, was quite aware of who the Turk directly served – they were secret allies, often collaborating behind closed doors.

"You should get some sleep," Tseng recommended. "Zack will not be going anywhere, and you will be of no use to him if you are not alert."

Sephiroth grunted. "I thought you had the preliminary report for me?"

"I do." Tseng shifted though some papers on the desk and removed one to place in front of Sephiroth. "There are no revelations; he was killed the same as the others – massive trauma, coupled with long wounds made by something sharp. The killer seems to be … greedy, almost uncontrolled, in his actions." A note of distaste slipped into his voice. "Even a wild animal does not kill this way."

"Hmph. I wonder if one of Hojo's creations could very well be responsible. Would you say it is acting intelligently?"

"If not intelligently, then certainly cleverly. It succeeded in breaking into the First Class detention block, after all."

"Indeed," Sephiroth mused, thoughtfully. "Any theories on how?"

"We're still working on that. The only solution I have so far is that it is moving either through the ductwork or the false ceilings. It could potentially be avoiding surveillance that way."

"… And we know it looks like Zack."

"… Yes …"

"So it must be a copy," Sephiroth concluded. "But why? And who is responsible for creating it? Could Hojo have …?"

"… I wouldn't put it past him," Tseng replied, hesitantly. "But … General, you must not be so quick to dismiss the obvious."

"The obvious? What-"

"That it may still be Zack."

Sephiroth rubbed his temples. "Tseng …"

The Turk's voice sharpened. "You're letting your feelings for the boy influence your judgment, Sephiroth."

"We've been over this already-"

"Yes, but it remains inconclusive."

"He could not have killed Doctor Davidson; he was in his cell at the time."

"He was in his cell up until the power went out. That is the only evidence we have. I do not yet know how the power went out, but once it was, there was nothing to prevent him from killing the doctor."

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed. "He told us what happened, Tseng."

"And you believe him?"

"I have no reason not to. He wouldn't lie to me; he did not indicate that he was missing that part of his memory."

"He could just as easily have fabricated the story to protect himself from the truth. Rather than blanking it out, he may have created a different reality so he wouldn't have to face the horror of what he had really done-"

"You're saying he is lying to me," Sephiroth growled.

"I'm saying he is lying to himself. Sephiroth, he was there for that murder. And we have footage of Zack actively murdering someone else."

Anger boiled within the General. "Why are you so quick to conclude that it is Zack responsible, and not a copy?"

"Why are you so quick to believe that it is otherwise?"

"Because I know-"

Tseng stood. "Because you know Zack? Because he is your friend? How many times do you think I've heard that in my line of work? Never once has it ever protected a person. Not once." Tseng sighed. "Friendship only goes so far, Sephiroth."

Friendship only goes so far. Oh, what Sephiroth wouldn't give to refute that. But Angeal and Genesis would have agreed with Tseng.

His fingers curled into a fist. "Very well. … I am forced to see that your logic is sound." He grit his teeth. "However … there is still the matter of what disabled the cameras and cut the power."

Tseng nodded. If Zack did not have a hand in that, as well. "I expect to have more on that later today."

"Good." Sephiroth abruptly stood. "I will be in my quarters."

"I will call you if anything arises, General."

There was a nod, and Sephiroth swept from the room without another word.

The General's quarters were spacious and quiet – even the hum of the distant air handlers was too soft to disturb the peace. The apartment was located on a corner of the ShinRa building, bestowing upon the unit a large living room and a vaulted ceiling. Large windows on neighboring walls allowed late morning sunlight to flood the area, further enhancing the appearance of size. The simple furnishings only added to the effect.

But, down the hallway on the left, the light rapidly diminished, becoming lost to the shadows of the far room whose occupant was not yet ready to acknowledge the daylight. If possible, it was even quieter here; only the soft breathing of the form on the bed disturbed the still air.

Abruptly, the sharp ringing of the cell phone cut through the silence and wrenched Sephiroth unpleasantly from his sleep. With a groan, he swung his legs off the bed and snatched the offensive device from the nightstand. Once again, it was Tseng. He flipped the cell open.

"Tseng." Sephiroth's voice was slightly rough; he cleared his throat. "… Don't you ever sleep?"

"Only when I'm ordered to." Sephiroth could detect the amusement in the other's voice. "Is this the Sephiroth so famous for being awake and alert at the drop of a pin?"

Sephiroth grunted. "You'll forgive me if I'm not in the mood after only …" he checked the time, "… four hours of sleep in the past two days."

There was a light chuckle on the other end. "I apologize for waking you, General. But we have some additional information I thought you would like to know. It's not pressing yet, however, so if you'd rather, I can call back …"

"No … I'm awake now, and I doubt I will be getting much more sleep." It was already noon. Bright bands of light snuck in through the cracks in the heavy, dark blinds over the large window, to lay with insolence upon Sephiroth's bed and pillows, as if promising to defy any further attempts he might make to go back to sleep. He rubbed a hand across his eyes in an effort to banish the sluggishness from his mind. "Go ahead and tell me."

As Tseng began to speak, Sephiroth clicked on the phone's speaker so he could hear as he went about his morning routine, setting the device on the nightstand. Not bothering to turn on the lights, as he didn't need them, he located his hairbrush and proceeded to run it through his silver locks.

"First of all, we have been unable to determine any specific connection between the individuals murdered – other than having worked at ShinRa, of course. There is nothing in their jobs to conclusively relate them, and only two of the victims knew each other personally, and only as casual acquaintances."

Sephiroth grunted in response. "I guessed as much. With Dr. Davidson being one of the victims, it seemed unlikely that we would discover anything." Idly, he wondered if the murderer – assuming it was not Zack, himself – was attempting to target Zack. But if so, why had Zack not also been attacked? The murderer had had plenty of opportunity last night – four hours worth – in order to do it, with no interruption. What had held him back? Had he believed he would not have the time to do the deed before he was discovered? Was the goal simply to frame Zack, after all? If so, it seems to be working, Sephiroth concluded grimly.

… There was also something else bothersome about the doctor being killed, something that was nagging at the back of Sephiroth's mind … but he wasn't quite able to pin down why.

The General took a few moments to echo these thoughts to Tseng. Tseng confirmed that he had had those same concerns, but also pointed out that the murderer not attacking Zack could be seen as further evidence that the culprit was indeed Zack, after all.

In pressing further, Tseng succeeded in getting Sephiroth to grudgingly agree, as much as he hated it. After all, in Sephiroth's initial inquiry into Zack's whereabouts during the previous murders, he had been unable to determine Zack's exact location. Once, Zack had left the office on the way to tackle a monster problem in the Slums, another time had occurred during a lunch break, and the third had occurred on a day when Zack had not been in the office at all, again due to monster problems. The fourth incident had occurred in the early morning – late enough for the usual morning work shift to have begun, but before the time Zack normally managed to drag himself to the office. He'd been unable to find a witness to pin down Zack's location during those times. But that in itself was not unusual – SOLDIERs were always running about on some errand or other. It didn't necessarily mean that Zack had been butchering people on the sly.

"No, you're right, it doesn't," Tseng agreed. "However, it's important not to-"

"Not to discount any of the possibilities, yes, I know." By now, Sephiroth had finished his morning warm-up, and was in the process of throwing on his iconic leather coat. "… Do you have anything else for me, Tseng? I think it's time I visit Zack again, and then I wish to examine the murder locations myself."

"Actually, I do. I have just received detailed reports of the tissue samples taken from the first three victims. If you stop by, I can show them to you."

"… This isn't something you can simply tell me over the phone?"

"I could … but you may find this interesting."

"Interesting." Sephiroth smirked. "Isn't everything you show me interesting, lately, Tseng?"

There was a grunt of amusement. "Indeed. But, I also have coffee, and not ShinRa's normal repulsive cocktail, either."

"Bribery will get you nowhere," Sephiroth stated, as he picked up the phone and headed for the door.

"No, but coffee might get you somewhere."

"I'll see you in a few minutes."

The phone snapped shut as he left the apartment.

Indeed, the coffee was a welcome distraction from the weary thoughts weighing on his mind, Sephiroth mused. Though he was normally adverse to it, as the stimulant had a powerful effect on a SOLDIER's system – usually just the pungent smell was enough for Sephiroth. The SOLDIER metabolism processed the substance quickly, leaving the effects of the caffeine strong but short … but he occasionally preferred a cup, especially now, operating on so little sleep.

He had to thank Zack for introducing him to it, actually … There had been a time when he would not touch the stuff, despite long hours spent processing reports or dealing with monsters. He had barely been able to tolerate the smell; would only gulp down the vile, black liquid as a last resort when nothing else would keep him awake. He could not fathom how Zack had been able to run through mug after mug of the stuff – maybe his sensitive SOLDIER sense of taste had simply burnt out after overexposure to the extremely bitter liquid.

And then, one day in Wutai, just before he was about to bite the bullet yet again and drink it black, Zack (or Fair, as he had called the young SOLDIER at the time) had wandered into his tent. It had been cold and raining again, and the boy's bangs had been plastered to his forehead, but he was grinning like the sun, clutching two large, steaming mugs as if they were a lifeline.

He'd said that he didn't know how Seph like his coffee, so he just made it the same way he did his own – with generous heaps of sugar and plenty of cream. Indeed, the mug he cheerfully presented his glowering General with was filled with something that was light tan in color, and certainly not the black sludge Sephiroth was used to drinking.

After finally overcoming his suspicions and taking a sip, Sephiroth was pleasantly surprised to note that, not only did it not taste awful, it was actually rather good, if a bit too sweet for his tastes. In interrogating Zack about it, the boy had laughed and said that no SOLDIER in his right mind would ever drink his coffee black. That was why ShinRa kept sending crates of cream and sugar out to the Front. Surely, as General, Sephiroth would have known this essential fact about coffee long before now?

Clearly he hadn't, Sephiroth had responded, somewhat tersely. But he was unable to remain sharp with the young SOLDIER, grateful as he was for the discovery. He came to look forward to Zack's visits, and for more reasons than just the coffee.

Now, as Sephiroth fixed his drink, he found himself once again missing Zack's presence. He hoped that, between him and Tseng and the men they had working on the case, this matter would be put to rest quickly.

Tseng watched, amused, as Sephiroth emptied the remainder of the container of cream into his mug and stirred in several large spoonfuls of sugar. But he refrained from commenting, aware of the SOLDIER's quirks of taste.

Finished, Sephiroth sipped from his mug and faced the Turk. "The reports?"

Tseng laid out three papers on the table. "I wanted to get your opinion on these. I know you are familiar with the scientific terms and am interested in whatever conclusions you may draw."

Sephiroth frowned, setting his drink aside and picking up one of the reports. "You could have simply consulted one of the scientists. Didn't they detail the findings for you?"

"Yes, but I want an objective opinion."

The General raised an eyebrow. If a scientist's opinion wasn't objective enough, he didn't see how his could be, but he didn't comment, instead scanning the document.

The contents listed a more thorough breakdown of the condition of the body at the time it was found than that given in the initial report, as well as including a complete coroner's report. It went on to describe how some of the internal organs had been … mangled, for lack of a better word, and listed the results of tests identifying various substances found on the remains. Sephiroth frowned as he reached this part.

"… On several of the wounds there were found several bacterial species not normally present on the human body …" he scanned the list, "… other foreign cellular material, and … traces of the enzyme amylase …?" Incredulously, he glanced up at Tseng. "Do you know what this is?"

"I was hoping to hear your conclusions."

"It's … saliva, I believe." He spoke in disbelief, as if hesitant to trust his own deduction. "Amylase is an enzyme found in saliva, which would also explain the bacteria and foreign cellular material … indeed, it seems the scientists had arrived at the same conclusion … But that would mean …" He set the report to the side in revulsion. "Whoever killed those people was attempting to eat them."

Tseng nodded. "Or gnaw on them, at any rate – there wasn't anything missing, necessarily, but several of the organs had been destroyed in a manner that could be consistent with an animal mauling. … Albeit, a very extreme animal mauling."

"Then it would mean that, unless …" No, he would not even allow his thoughts to continue down that route. "It would have to mean that what is doing this is not human! It cannot be Zack … and not even a copy, then. Perhaps one of Hojo's creatures has broken loose after all."

"I am beginning to suspect as much myself," Tseng began, though still with reservations in his tone. "And it would explain these …" Here, he handed Sephiroth a small, clear cylindrical container. "… But it still does not explain everything."

Sephiroth took the container, examining the contents intently. It contained a handful of hairs. Each one was about two to three inches long, and they were relatively stiff, tan in color, with a band of black around the base. They were clearly not human hair.

"… These were found on all the bodies?" he asked, turning the container over in his hand.

"Yes. As were indications of the saliva."

"Have DNA samplings been done yet?"

Tseng nodded. "As of yet, the scientists can only tell me that the cellular material is mammalian. They have not yet matched it to the monster database – or to Hojo's list of creations – but the numbers are still running. As you may guess, with the high percentage of Mako-induced mutation among the monster population, it may take time to narrow the results to a match with a reasonable amount of accuracy … if that is even possible."

"But the DNA is not human?"

"No. Unless …"

"Unless what?"

"… Well … As I said, mutation rates throw much into doubt."

Sephiroth grunted, considering the information. Finally, he spoke. "Regardless of what it once was, we know now that the creature doing the killing is some kind of monster." As he said the words, a sense of relief fell upon him that, again, Zack had to be innocent. A monster was something real, something concrete … something he could easily stop with his own hands. He did not know what he could have done if Zack had been at fault.

The General stood. "I will mobilize the other SOLDIERs and have them search the building. We need something that can detect the creature's movement through the walls …"

"The canine unit?" Tseng offered.

A nod. "Perhaps. Do you have enough hair from the creature to produce a detectable scent?"

"I will see if the scientists can produce something."

"Do that." Sephiroth paused as another thought occurred to him. "… I cannot believe I am suggesting this, but … can any of Scarlet's war machines be modified to track based on a specific DNA signature?"

Mildly surprised at the suggestion, and that he hadn't thought of it himself, Tseng considered. "… I … believe that should be possible. Yes …" He nodded. "I will see what I can do."

As Sephiroth acknowledged him and was about to sweep from the room, Tseng grabbed him by the arm.

"But, Sephiroth … You're overlooking one important thing." At the General's expression of inquiry, he continued. "The video of Zack snapping that worker's neck. That cannot be explained by this evidence! This creature may have mangled the body after the deed, but …" He shook his head. "It was still Zack who committed that crime."

Inwardly, Sephiroth cursed. How could he have forgotten? Tseng was right, he truly was letting his feelings cloud his judgment. Now he had to consider that there were both a monster and a copy loose within the building, as well as something abnormal with Zack's behavior …

… No. It was too extreme to believe that both a monster and a clone of Zack were responsible. The video evidence, the physical evidence … They pointed strictly to two possibilities. One was a monster. The other was Zack. Of course, a copy could still be possible, but that was spreading reality a bit too thin, especially when he considered that he knew for a certainty that it was Zack acting strangely within at least one video.

Sephiroth shut his eyes. Damn it. If anything, everything had just become more complicated. None of this was making sense! Why, Zack …

"… Sephiroth …"

The General straightened, opening his eyes. "Zack is secured within his quarters for the moment. We will tackle this monster first and worry about him later." His tone was cold and professional, the words clipped.

Tseng hesitated, then allowed his hand to drop from Sephiroth's arm. "Of course. I will see to it that things at my end are taken care of. Notify me when you have deployed your SOLDIERs."

"I will. You may wish to alert the President – it wouldn't do for him to be unduly inconvenienced by our search."

The Turk nodded, and Sephiroth left the room, already lifting his phone to send out the orders, and heading back to his quarters to retrieve Masamune.

When he finished the briefing, Sephiroth divided his SOLDIERs among the sectors of the building to begin the search. Each First would be accompanied by two Seconds, who would provide materia support – they would be sent to the sectors where the monster had struck in the past, and the sectors directly surrounding those. The Thirds would deploy to the further corners of the building, with orders to contain the monster within the area and call for backup; they were not to directly engage unless threatened, or to protect others. The infantrymen were to secure the building exits, while the canine unit would provide a roaming search. Two of the more mechanical-minded SOLDIERs Sephiroth sent to Tseng to aid with the conversion of the war machines.

With that decided, Sephiroth set out to speak with Zack. He needed some questions answered … questions that he wasn't sure Zack would have the answers to. The footage, the missing soldiers, the monster … Were they all related somehow? Or was it all just a horrible coincidence, Zack's erratic behavior coinciding with a chance monster infestation?

He checked the time – it was late afternoon. Zack should probably be up by now. And if he wasn't, he was in for a rude awakening – Sephiroth had with him a copy of the video footage. Much as he disliked the idea of showing it to his friend, there was a chance that it could jog his memory. And afterward, the General would join the search for the creature.

Arriving on the level of Zack's apartment, Sephiroth exited the elevator and strode down the familiar path to his friend's quarters. A right turn, followed by a left, and he was brought to the hallway that ended with Zack's door. The two infantrymen he had stationed there snapped to attention as he neared.

"At ease." He regarded the two; they seemed alert. "Any unusual activity?"

"No, sir," one of them said. "It's been quiet in there all day."

He nodded. "Good. You may both take an hour break. I will take things from here."

They glanced at each other in disbelief of their good fortune. The other one said, "Thank you, sir!" and with a salute, both began to retreat down the hallway.

Sephiroth smiled to himself in amusement, sliding his card into the locking device and beginning to key in the code. But then he heard something that gave him pause.

There was a faint … pattering sound. It sounded like it was some distance above him. Frowning, he called to the infantrymen, "Wait," and held up a hand. They paused, turned around, regarding him with puzzlement. But he wasn't paying attention to them, did not even bother to ask whether they heard it – they likely could not, without the benefit of the SOLDIER hearing he possessed. He tilted his head, focusing on the sound.

It paused for a moment, started up again, then became a short swoosh, as of something sliding on metal, followed by a clatter that rapidly grew in volume. There was a loud thump, and Sephiroth quickly stepped back, regarding the ceiling tile above him. There was no doubt about it – something was up there.

Swiftly drawing Masamune, he speared it into the ceiling. Apparently, he missed; whatever it was quickly scrabbled away and pattered back down the hallway.

"Back to your posts," he barked, sending the guards scurrying, and took off after the creature. It made a right; he followed.

Suddenly, the noise stopped, and Sephiroth slid to a halt, straining his ears. It was somewhere above him … was it hiding, hoping that Sephiroth could not find it? Ever so quietly, he paced the length of the hallway, listening intently.

There was the slight shift of a ceiling tile. There it was, behind him. He turned, carefully stepping toward it, eyes glued to the tile above. Quietly, he adjusted his grip on the sword … then abruptly swung it up and around, cleaving clear through the panels.

They came down with a clatter and a cloud of dust. Something screamed in inhuman fury, then took off through the ducts before Sephiroth was able to catch a glimpse of it. It made a beeline for the far wall, even as Sephiroth followed, struck the end of the passageway with a bang, then dropped, rattling its way down, behind the wall.

Sephiroth narrowed his eyes as it made its escape to the lower levels. Quickly, he flipped out his phone, calling up the First in the sector it was headed.

The phone picked up on the first ring. "Sir?"

"Bail, it's headed your way through the west wall, descending rapidly. Alert the others; be prepared for a confrontation." The General examined the tip of his sword, which dripped a small amount of blood. "It's wounded; I cannot say to what extent. Keep me updated on its location."

"Yes, sir, right away."

Ending the call, Sephiroth strode in the direction of the elevator, even as he dialed another number. After a long moment, during which he was afraid the call would not be answered, the line picked up.

"… Seph …?" came the groggy voice of his friend.

"Zack. Are you alright?" He spoke quickly.

"Huh? Yeah, I've been asleep …" The words were slightly slurred, indicating that he was still not fully awake.

"We're tracking a creature that is likely responsible for the killings." Most of them. "It was near your apartment just a moment ago; I wanted to make sure it hadn't gotten inside."

Instantly, Zack became alert. "A creature? No, nothing's been here that I know of. Where did it go? Is it still here?"

"It's currently descending through the levels. I am going after it right now. Keep alert; if you hear or see anything strange, notify me immediately. It's traveling through the air ducts."

"Right. Be careful! I'd go with you if I could, but, you know … kinda tied up at the moment," he joked.

Sephiroth gave a slight smile. "The sentiment is appreciated, Zack. Just look after yourself. I'll keep you informed of the situation."

"Will do! Good luck, Seph."

The phone snapped shut. Sephiroth entered the elevator. He hoped Tseng was making good progress on the mecha units – they might have need of them before too long, now that the creature was on the run. He vowed that he would stop it, whatever it was, before it had a chance to kill someone else.

to be continued …