Chapter 87
When the ferry that held the remaining four people finally arrived in Junon, they had an entourage waiting for them. A medical transport vehicle was there with the doors open. Zack and Reno were also there. The rest of the group was still waiting at the hotel for news while they completed the last of the plans that needed to be implemented before they left the port town.
Genesis was on edge during the trip from the docks to the hospital. His stubbornness and meticulous attention to detail seemed to have worked so far. Kris had still not woken, but she had not shown any signs of distress since that first day. That didn't mean his mind was at ease. It took every ounce of his training to keep from blowing up everything in sight out of sheer frustration and worry.
His attitude was not improved when they arrived at the hospital. The staff had taken Kris in immediately, but they refused to let any of the others come back. That didn't stop Genesis from trying. He was only halted because Zack and Angeal stood in the way. He nearly punched them both but managed to keep from it. Part of it was his newfound understanding with the Puppy, but the rest was the thought of what Kris would say if she found out about it later. He had no desire to fight with her as soon as she woke. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't planning to let her know exactly how reckless she had been, but it could wait. At least for a short while.
Sarah had already been waiting there, as she felt she would have been in the way on the trip from the docks. She stood silently to the side and watched as her future son-in-law started pacing immediately. She went to him and put a hand on his arm when he passed close to her. Genesis stopped with wide eyes that quickly changed to a deep frown. The Fair matriarch understood the expression well enough. She didn't have a smile to give him, but she squeezed his arm in understanding before she went to her son. The two of them sat together while they waited for news.
It was two harrowing hours later before the doctor finally came out to speak to them all. He headed straight for Genesis, but that didn't keep the others from crowding around as well.
The man that approached them was the same one that had seen Kris the last time they were in Junon. His frown was pronounced as he spoke. "First, I'll let you know that the baby is fine. More so than expected, even. I assume the unexpected amount of growth since the last time you were here has a lot to do with Miss Fair being able to keep her food down."
He paused at that point to let the news sink in, though he wasn't shocked that none of the gathered people looked any less tense. Not yet. He swallowed a sigh before he gave them the rest of the news. "I was briefed on the fact that Miss Fair had been exposed to mako. I will say that we did find more than acceptable levels in her blood, so her coma does seem to be related. However, I have never seen quite that reaction to exposure before."
Genesis took a step closer and glared at the man. "What do you mean? What is wrong with her?"
The doctor took a few steps back and held up both hands. "Other than the mako in her system, I can find nothing wrong with her—that, and her eyes." He paused once more and looked around at all the men before he lowered his voice and continued. "Are you certain there was nothing else you noticed? Anything to help me better diagnose her."
Zack sent a furtive look to the others, but the rest managed to curb the urge. It was not something they could share. It wasn't like there was a precedence for being possessed by a deity. It was doubtful that the doctor had the knowledge to deal with that. Genesis finally shook his head. "No, that is all the information we have for you. What is your diagnosis?"
The doctor ran his hand down his face with a sigh. He wasn't stupid enough to not know they were hiding something, but there was little he could do about it. He then shook his head. "I would say that she should be kept for observation. However, we don't have long-term facilities here. Soldiers and infantrymen are sent back into the field as soon as they can move."
Genesis cursed under his breath and gave the man a heated look. "I will not risk her life if it is unnecessary."
The doctor shook his head at the man's unreasonable attitude. That didn't mean he said anything. It wasn't like it was out of character for the famed Crimson Commander. He somehow managed to keep his tone even. "She would be further at risk if you stayed here. I can provide you with equipment for the trip, so you will not have to stop as often. The medicine I have already started her on will ensure that she has the best possible chance. The baby is in better shape than the mother, so keep that in mind."
Genesis didn't speak for several moments. Finally, he looked over at Zachary and Sarah before he turned back to the doctor. "Show me what I will need to know. Soldier and Mrs. Fair will attend as well since we will be leaving in the morning." The doctor swallowed another sigh as he motioned for them to come into the back. The two Soldiers gave Angeal and Reno a nod before they followed the physician into the patient rooms.
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Nearly two weeks later, three helicopters could be seen in the airspace over Midgar. Sephiroth had caught up to the rest since they had only been delayed by a day. Vincent was with him as well. He had given the Tsviets as the reason, but both men knew they still had a lot to talk about. Even if it would have to wait.
None of them missed the press of bodies that surrounded the Shinra building. Well, almost none of them. Genesis was still too focused on his fiancé and child to care one bit about what was going on in the outside world. Though the rest of the team wore frowns at the sight, none of them were shocked by it.
They had already received several messages along the way that unrest was brewing. Nearly violent protests broke out after the assassination of President Shinra, but relatively few of them had anything to do with his death. It was a mix of several things. Some of them were worried about an invasion from Wutai, while others were sure it was something else. Things were made even more volatile as lies started to be uncovered. None of the deepest secrets made it to the public, but enough of them did that there was a general outcry for change.
That was made even worse when it was confirmed that Genesis was still alive. There had been mild dissent when they had heard the news more than a month ago that the Crimson Commander had been spotted in Junon, but to have it confirmed only blew it out of proportion. Both his fan clubs united in a common goal. They wanted the truth.
All three helicopters managed to land on the upper landing deck, but barely. Not that any of them cared. As soon as the rotors were still, a couple of people in scrubs rolled a gurney out to meet them. Most of the team bypassed them and headed in. Both Rufus and Sephiroth had things that could not wait to be handled. The General was leading the two Tsviet males with Vincent behind them all.
The new President only waited long enough for them to disappear inside before he followed. His first act in his new role would be to deal with the people outside. Though, he had to admit it might be a challenge. With the agreement to handle things differently, he couldn't have them all gassed, beaten, and imprisoned. It would take finesse. He smirked as he realized he was going to enjoy the challenge.
By the time the others had all entered, the two nurses had managed to transfer Kris to the gurney and were headed back inside. Reno was the only Turk that had not gone with the rest. He leaned over the side rail and looked down as they passed. He then chuckled before he turned back to Genesis. "Hey, Commander Cranky, it looks like you were missed. Go figure."
Genesis barely spared a glare for the Turk. "There are far more important things for me to worry about than some distraught fans that want a peek now that I am back."
Both Reno and Zack stopped for a second and stared at the retreating red-head. They shared a look before the Turk burst into laughter. "Who knew that even the Master Playboy himself would get bitten by the love bug, yo."
Zack was still too worried about his sister to be as exuberant as he used to be, but that didn't keep him from gently shoving his friend as he grinned. "You might want to watch how you talk about my future brother-in-law. You never know, it might come for you next."
Reno's expression turned horrified for a split second, but it was soon erased as he threw an arm around Zack's shoulders. "Nah, I can see you fallin' first. Me, I'm a confirmed bachelor for life."
The teasing helped Zack loosen up a little more. Things were still not great, but at least they had made it to Midgar, and both Kris and the baby were fine so far. The hope he had been trying to keep in check blossomed as he realized that now, it was just a matter of time. His eyes flashed as he followed Reno inside. He knew that if anyone was strong enough to pull out of this, it would be his sister. He held onto that faith as he followed his mother and future brother-in-law inside and down to the infirmary.