Vagaries of Fate

First Real Lead

Chapter 42 

Genesis ignored the many people that were either stopped to stare or were rushing to get out of the way of his glare. None of them mattered at the moment. Though, had it been a few months ago, he might have been horrified at his own actions.

He had just left the helipad and showed the traces of his journey. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his coat was dusty. Those were far from the only signs that all was not well with him. There were circles under his eyes and a slight droop to his shoulders that had most people cringing when they saw him. Especially those that knew him.

He did not pause before he got to Sephiroth's office. Nor did he knock before he burst in and slammed the door behind himself. Sephiroth barely had time to stand before the Commander tossed a packet on the desk with enough force that it slid across and almost fell. Only the General's quick reactions managed to catch it. He somehow managed to keep his face straight as he spoke again. "Does this mean the Turks did not capture them?"

Genesis growled as he flung himself in one of the chairs. It was several seconds before he roughly ran his hand down his face and answered. "No, they caught them."

Sephiroth sat heavily as well. Judging by his friend's reaction, he knew he would not like what was still to be said. This had not been the first or even second time that two helicopters were spotted. The last several times had even been accompanied by reports of two men that matched the descriptions of both Fuhito and Shears. However, this had been the first time they had been spotted by Turks.

The field personnel were instructed to retain the suspects and anything else that was with them. Genesis had left as soon as he had heard the news. It had been hard enough getting him to stay in Midgar up to that point, so Sephiroth had let him go with no comment. Though it had also been because he expected the group to return with good news.

Sephiroth was pulled from his thoughts when Genesis finally explained. "The two men that were apprehended fit the descriptions of Fuhito and Shears, but only at a distance. It was easy to tell they were not when I got there, especially as I have met the latter. However, that was not the worst news."

Sephiroth frowned over at his friend but didn't interrupt. He could tell this was already difficult for the man. "After interrogating the two, we found that they were not even associated with Avalanche. They had been paid by some woman to fly the helos back and forth across the continent. They were given no reason, but had been happy to comply as the pay was good."

Sephiroth cursed under his breath. No wonder Genesis looked like he had just been dragged through a gauntlet of hellish trials. He may as well have been. He stood and stepped to the window and stood there, staring at the changing landscape of the city for a moment. Not even the sight of the reactor that was under construction was enough to calm his whirling mind. That had been their first real lead, and to know it had been a ruse this whole time was a debilitating blow.

It was several minutes later before Sephiroth could find the words he wanted to say. He knew they could not continue like they had been forever, and it killed him to even think about it, but something had to give. He finally turned and gave Genesis a sympathetic look as he spoke. "You know, none of us want to think about the worst possibilities, but perhaps it is time we did. It has been nearly two months now, and we have not found any viable leads. Not only that, but there has been no other activity from Avalanche around the world. It is possible they still have her somewhere, but we also need to consider that they are lying low because she has already been-"

Genesis jumped to his feet with a sharp negating gesture that cut Sephiroth off. He had to take several deep breaths before he could speak without yelling. Though his words conveyed his anger well enough. "If you even finish that sentence, you will be missing teeth."

Sephiroth sighed but didn't try to reprimand his friend. Clarissa's absence had taken a toll on many of them, but none more so than Genesis. It was difficult to watch his friend spiral into the desperation and despair that currently clutched him. Instead of pressing the issue while the recent failure was so fresh on their minds, he shook it off and retook his seat.

He skimmed through the folder to give Genesis time to calm and sit back down. Once they were both seated, Sephiroth looked up again. His voice was calm and even as he continued as if nothing had just happened. "Kadaj and Yazoo are both with Angeal in the training room. Loz has decided to spend the day with Shalua. You know we will need to tell them soon, as it will be impossible to hide from them."

Genesis cursed as he stood and started pacing. Sephiroth was right, of course, but that didn't make it a pleasant prospect. If anyone understood and felt the same as he, then it would be those boys. Still, putting it off would only cause problems. He finally turned to Sephiroth with a grimace. "I will go get Yazoo and Kadaj. Will you call Shalua and see if she can bring Loz here? The sooner we get this over with, the better." Sephiroth gave him a nod as he picked up the phone. Genesis didn't wait to see what was said. He was already on his way to retrieve the others.

It was not long before all three Firsts and the three boys were back in Sephiroth's office. He didn't bother sitting down as he looked over at the boys. Kadaj spoke before he could get started. "You still haven't found Sister."

All three of the men frowned, but Sephiroth nodded as he answered. "That is correct. The last lead was false, and we are currently looking for another alternative."

The boys looked at each other uncomfortably, and Loz almost started crying. It was several moments before Kadaj spoke again. "We have not been able to feel her since the first night she was gone."

Genesis's eyes widened, and he took a step forward. It took all he had not to grab the boy. "What do you mean? You could feel her before? Why are you only just now mentioning this?"

Sephiroth moved to stand between them. He gave Genesis a quelling look before he spoke. "I've known they could since they arrived, as it happened to me as well when Kadaj probed my memories. We have not mentioned it because we feel it has to do with distance and nothing more. There was no need to worry you further."

Genesis turned and paced a few steps away. He then stood there and clenched his fists several times before he turned back around. His voice was tightly controlled when he responded. "I am livid that you felt I would not want this information, but as you have said, it does us no good."

He then took a deep breath before he looked down at Kadaj. "Why do you think it is relevant now?"

The boy gave him a flat look. "Even if we do not know where to look, we can rule out the possibility of her being anywhere near Midgar. We have never tested this ability, but we have discussed it and think that if she were anywhere within fifty miles, we would still be able to find her. That is something."

Genesis closed his eyes as he tried to keep a hold on his temper. It wasn't their fault. Finally, he looked back down at them. "Then, you have reason to believe she is still alive?"

Kadaj looked away, uncomfortably, and Loz did start crying. It was Yazoo that answered. "We cannot say for sure, but we think we would notice if she weren't."

Genesis gave them all a nod as he turned toward the door. He paused before he walked out and could barely be heard when he spoke. "I will be in my office if you need me."

Sephiroth called out before he could leave. "Wait, you just got back. Why don't you take a little time to rest? The work can wait."

Genesis turned with a glare. Waiting and doing nothing was not going to help him. Still, a knock interrupted them all before he could express those sentiments. They all turned to see who it was when Sephiroth called out for them to enter. None of them moved as a familiar face was brought in by a Soldier.

Sephiroth's voice was barely a whisper but was heard clearly in the silence. "Shears."