Chapter 2

The setting sun dipped behind the range of Mount Nibel, warm sun beams cascaded across the small village of Nibelheim. The tall water well, which gathered up rainwater, stood in the center of the village. It squeaked and groaned as the pulleys lowered a bucket of water to a local villager. She wiped her brow, taking a sip from the bucket. The cobbled road led from the main highway, circling the water well, leading into the mountains where it became a dirt road. The air held an old familiar smell to the teenager, who was leaning out of the window.

Ruby eyes gazed at the village with a loopy smile. Tifa took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar smell of Nibelheim, her home for over thirteen and half years. Leaning lazily on the window seal, she took in the sight of her town. Tifa sighed, returning to her chore of sweeping the bar.

Mr. Lockhart built the bar onto the house not long after Mrs. Lockhart died, naming it "7th Heaven". The teenager had a hand in naming the bar, a fact she that made her proud. She walked to each table, putting the chairs on the table tops. Looking to the left, the teen saw the clock resting on the wall. 6:53? Business sure has been slow today. Shrugging, Tifa swung the broom back and forth against the floor. Silver locks fell into her eyes, and she blew it in frustration, before yanking it behind her ear. She swept the dirt to the middle of the floor, nearly finished her chore of the moment. Walking to the counter, she dipped behind it to retrieve a dustpan. Her eyes landed on her father's double barrel shotgun. Shaking her head, Tifa rose to her feet, coming face to face with Zack.

"Eeep!" She squealed with wide eyes, holding her chest, "Zack! You jerk! You almost gave me a heart attack,"

Zack smiled, chuckling nervously at her. He absently scratched his head, "I scared you, huh? My bad,"

"It's alright,"

"I thought you were a super ninja chick now. How you let me sneak up on you?" He asked with a smug smile on his face.

"I'm in training, jerk! Now, hold this dustpan while I sweep," handing him the dustpan. He followed her to the pile of dirt, squatting while she swept it into the pan. His eyes scanned over her toned legs and he gulped. Standing up quickly, Zack empty the trash in the garbage can, handing the dustpan back to Tifa, who put it away.

Zack took down two of the chairs before taking a seat watching her move around the small bar with intense interest. His blue eyes stalking her every movement. Tifa was filling out nicely and the boys of the village were definitely taking notice. Licking his lips, he watched her breast bounce while she wiped the bar with a dishrag.

Tifa frowned at Zack's silence, looking up from her chore, she found him staring at her.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head at Zack, who laughed nervously looking away with bright blush on his cheeks,

"Nothing," he lied leaning back in the chair, tilting it on two legs. Tifa shrugged, returning her attention to her chores. His eyes wander back to her, watching her intently. Lately he felt strange around her, and he was sure that she noticed. Maybe Cloud was right about her. She is pretty. Zack thought, lowering the chair to the ground.

Tifa threw the dishrag into the sink, walking over to the table to sit, "What's your problem? You've been acting weird,"

Zack's eyes were wide as he tried to mumble a response, "Um . . ."

She giggled, "Is it because you're getting shipped off tomorrow? Are you scared of leaving me behind?"

Zack nodded his head, relief washing over him at the supplied answer, "Yeah, it's gonna be strange not seeing you every day,"

"Well don't worry," she said, waving her hand at him, "Cloud and I had this same talk two years ago, and every time he comes home for awhile. I'm going to be fine without you guys,"

"Speaking of Cloud . . . has he sent you any letters lately?"

Tifa nodded, looking out the window over Zack's shoulder. A loopy smile hung on her lips. The sun was nearly set, and the gold glow was fading, exploding into dark purple and orange hues. Zack narrowed his eyes at her when jealousy rose in his throat.

She locked eyes with him, "Yeah, I get one every week. Cloud said he got promoted again, he's a lieutenant now, first level SOLDIER 2nd class or something?" Tifa replied with a slight frown. Zack nodded his head, brushing his feelings to the side. He had a proud grin on his face.

"Yep. He told me that no one has ever blazed up the levels like that before, except the Generals: Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth of course. Cloud's a natural. I have my work cut out for me for sure,"

"You'll do fine. He told me he was meeting you at the base tomorrow in Junon. Are you excited?" She turned her eyes to him with a bright smile on her face. He chuckled at her, finding Tifa gorgeous.

"Yeah, but I'm more nervous than excited. I didn't realize that I would turn fifteen so fast,"

"Well I'm going to miss you," she gave his hand a pat, getting up from the table. "You want a soda?" she asked, walking behind the bar.

"Yeah, thanks. Do you think Shinra will put that Mako reactor at Mt. Nibel?"

Tifa shrugged, handing him a glass. Taking a sip from her own, she sat across from Zack, "I don't really care, but they can't if the townspeople have already voted against them,"

"But it will really help our village,"

"What's wrong with the way it is?"

"Nothing, I guess," Zack took a swallow from his glass, looking over at the clock. "Hey, I have to leave to finish packing." He stood up looking at Tifa, who smiled at him sadly. "I want you to meet me at the Brook . . . tonight . . . at nine. Will you?"

She frowned at his abrupt request, "Yeah, I guess?" Tifa looked at the hope in his eyes and smiled, "Alright, then. I'll see you at nine."

"Great! See you then," he walked out of the bar, leaving a confused Tifa behind.

An emerald eyes man typed on the keypad before entering the Restricted Area of the Laboratory. He strolled into the room as a man on a mission, his silver hair swaying in the wind of his creation. His powerful steps resounded in the hollow laboratory, echoing against the stone walls.

The massive laboratory was sectioned into four departments: weapon, medical, military, and restricted. The Restricted area of the Shinra Laboratory housed large computers lining the walls. The computers' lights blinked in rapid successions, while others blinked in a much slower speed, indicating that information was being processed.

Tables of all shapes and sizes were placed about the room, organized in different groups. Glass beakers and test tubes sat on some of the tables, containing strange colored liquids. In the center of one of walls, a large monitor was divided into several windows, detailing the number of experiments taking place. On the second level of the laboratory were the offices of the more important Shinra Scientists, who were granted access to the Restricted Lab area.

The silver haired man removed his leather coat, gloves, sword holster, and body armor, unhooking the straps that were anchored to his chest. Placing the items on a nearby chair, he took a seat on one of the four large sterile metal tables. The cool metal chilled the palms of his hands, when he eased back on the table. His arms came to rest across his bare chiseled chest. Blinking his strange glowing eyes in boredom, he sighed impatiently.

"Calm yourself, Sephiroth," a tall slender man in a white lab coat approached, shuffling down the flight of stairs. Glasses rested on the tip of his nose, and a near permanent grimace was plastered on his face. His long black hair was in a pony tail hanging down his back.

Sephiroth rolled his eyes, swinging his foot in agitation, "Hurry this up! I have things to accomplish,"

"What? My creation doesn't have time for his father?" Again Sephiroth rolled his eyes, a deep sigh left his chest. The Professor clicked his tongue, "Children these days," he began, shaking his head, "so disrespectful."

"Professor Hojo can we get on with this?" Hojo looked down his nose at his son, his black beady eyes watching him carefully.

"How have you been? Any strange feelings or rage been affecting you? Any pain?"

Sephiroth looked at him strangely, shaking his head no, "I'm in good health," he lied. Hojo grunted, turning his attention to the chart in hand. Sephiroth peeked at the chart, attempting to gather what Hojo was writing, but the scientist diverted his attention, "Son . . . you would tell me if anything was wrong, would you? I created you. I need to know when something's wrong, so I can fix it. You are my masterpiece, and I need to know everything,"

Sephiroth prepared to reply, when a frowning Genesis strolled into the laboratory. Genesis fiery red hair bounced with his proud steps. His glowing azure eyes favored Sephiroth, before giving him a mock salute. Sephiroth blinked slowly and the tiniest of smiles tugged at his lips.

"Hello Professor Hojo," Genesis said with a roll of his eyes, removing his gloves, jacket, and sword holster. He removed his body armor and black sleeveless turtle neck, tossing them with the rest of his items, before hopping on the table behind Sephiroth. He flexed his sore arm, the muscles rippling in his bare chest.

"Genesis," the doctor sneered, peering at the young man over his glasses. Genesis chuckled at Hojo's lack of civility.

"As always Professor Hojo, I am amused by your polite disposition," he winked at Sephiroth, who snorted, "Fancy meeting you here," Genesis said, wondering what would have him here in this dreadful place.

"I know," he said dryly. "Can I go now?" Sephiroth asked Hojo, irritation was evident in his voice.

"In a minute! I need to take some samples from you," Hojo scuttled away, to retrieve what he needed, leaving Genesis and Sephiroth alone for the moment.

"What brings you here?" Sephiroth asked, peering over his shoulder at his friend.

"A mako stabilizer. You?"

"I'm not really sure. Hojo said he noticed a spike in my testosterone levels, I'm sure it is nothing," he dismissively replied. Genesis turned to Sephiroth, who looked quite bored. "Genesis, do you remember when you . . . never mind."

"Do I remember what?"

"Um . . . the headaches you use to get." Genesis frowned, turning around to face the other side of the table.

"I do. Are you getting them now?" Sephiroth was about to answer when another Scientist entered the room.

"Is he getting what now?" The Scientist asked, looking from each man for an answer that would never come. Genesis frowned at him, looking back over at his friend.

"Hello Sephiroth," The scientist smiled at him.

"Professor Hollander," Sephiroth said politely with a nod of his head. Hollander smiled back at him before turning to Genesis.

"Son,"

"Hello, father," Genesis drawled, rolling his eyes at the man. Professor Hollander was tall man with a medium build, and he had sandy brown hair that stopped at his neck. His happy honey brown eyes favored Sephiroth.

"How are you young man?"

"My son is fine, thank you," Hojo came to his son's rescue. "He's perfect."

Sephiroth frowned, looking over his shoulder at Genesis, who was shaking his head. Here it comes, Genesis thought.

"Sure he might be . . . but my sons are the true perfect ones," Hollander purposely goaded Hojo.

"Might be?!" Hojo's beady eyes glared daggers into Hollander. "They are not Sephiroth, the silver General!" Hojo proclaimed sticking out his chest. "My son is perfection that's why I only needed one!"

Sephiroth grabbed his head when white hot pain shot through his skull. Sephiroth . . . I know you can hear me, child. You will hear me! He shook his head, trying to force the voice from his mind. Standing to his feet, Sephiroth leaned against the metallic table.

"What are you saying?!" Hollander exclaimed, coming around the table to confront Hojo. The doctors stood in a stare down.

"I guess what I'm saying is . . ."

"Careful, I'm sitting right here," Genesis warned, reaching for his sword. Hojo sneered, turning his attention to his rival. Genesis looked to trade a joke with Sephiroth but found the man holding his head obviously in pain. "Sephiroth?"

"Your sons don't have a tenth of my son's strength!"

"I beg to differ with you . . . you research thief!"

"I how dare you!" Hojo's eyes flashed dangerously. "You scientific dilettante!"

"ENOUGH!" Sephiroth growled, slamming his fist into the metal table that broke in two. Each of the halves went opposite directions. Hollander and Hojo were saved by Genesis, who pushed them out of the way. He turned to the wreckage, watching Sephiroth's broad shoulders heave up and down. Genesis got into a battle stance against his friend, hoping that they would not have to come to blows. The silver haired man turned to the group with a smirk on his face. "Now, that's better. The noise was giving me a headache," Sephiroth grabbed his clothes, putting them back on. "All three of us are as close to perfection as we can be that is why we have become Generals in our early twenties, am I right Genesis?"

"Of course you are," Genesis watched his friend carefully.

"I thought so," he mumbled, buckling his coat, "If you gentlemen would excuse me, I have a training session to lead." leaving the room with his long silver hair trailing behind him. His leather trench coat billowed around him.

Seventeen-year old Rufus sat slumped in a leather chair across from his father, in the President's office. He fiddled with his white tie, ignoring his father's rage filled rant. Looking over his father's shoulder, he noticed the construction of the plate, out window lined wall in front of him. Rufus saw the workers with blow torches and hard hats, working tirelessly through the day. President Shinra's azure blue eyes burned into his son while he continued his yelling assault. Noticing his son's bored expression, President Shinra's fury burned hotter.

"Rufus! You cannot lock your bodyguards in a weapon's closet, steal a Shinra helicopter, and then crash it! All while having a Shinra employee along for the ride! Scarlet could have been seriously injured and do you know who would have to compensate her? Do you know? Me!"

Rufus flipped his platinum blonde hair from his eyes. Looking over at spherical model of Midgar to his right, the young Vice President yawned.

"Are you even listening to me?!" President growled, glaring at his son.

Rufus rolled his azure eyes to his father, looking at him hard, "No, not really. Can I leave now or would you like to yell some more?" His smooth polished voice held a cold edge that burned his father.

"You sniveling little!"

"Now, now father, my therapist said that words, such as the ones you are using, are bad for my self-esteem. You do remember her don't you?" Rufus sat up in the chair, leaning forward.

The President turned away from his son, his face was bright red.

"Wow, father how could you forget. I know I will never forget her. I can't seem to get the horrid image of her leaned over her desk, squealing obscenities to the heavens, while you pound her from behind!"

"Silence!" The President yelled, slamming his fist to the desk. Rufus chuckled at his father, shifting his gaze to clock. Usually takes a little longer to get a rise out of this pompous windbag. Rufus thought.

"You will obey me, Rufus Shinra, or I will make you suffer!"

"More than now?"

"Son . . . I haven't begun to show you what suffering is," The President's voice was low and threatening. Rufus glared at the President through his curtain of hair. "You will not bring anymore bad publicity to me or I will send your ass to darkest corner of the earth, do you understand me?"

"Yes," Rufus said through clenched teeth. The President smiled triumphantly at his son.

"Good. Now, from here on out you will stay away from Scarlet,"

"I will leave your little whore alone. Besides, she wasn't that good anyway," The President was about to comment when his intercom chimed.

"Mr. President?"

"What?!"

"Sorry to bother you sir, but Genesis is here to speak with you," The President caught his son's eye and Rufus shrugged.

"Send him in," The double doors were flung open, with a dramatic flair, as Genesis walked through them. His bright hair bounced with each proud step. Genesis glared at Rufus, who smirked at him.

"Well if it isn't Sephiroth's sidekick. What's the matter? Not getting enough of the spotlight?"

"Why that's no way to talk to a grown up, Junior,"

"Everyone knows you're a failure, especially after Gongaga,"

"My, aren't we sour this evening. You're upset that Daddy grounded you for crashing his helicopter? Aw, it's okay." Genesis's face held fake sincerity while, Rufus merely grinned back.

"Genesis, why are you in my office?" The President said, squeezing the bridge of his nose.

"Although I love swapping insults with you, Mr. Vice President, I have some serious news," He turned his cerulean eyes to the President. "Sir, I believe that it's in our best interest to delay the invasion of Nibelheim or give the assignment to me. Sephiroth is not well at the moment, and I fear what happened in Gongaga will be a mere flare in comparison to the explosion that will hit Nibelheim," The President nodded his head, taking in what his Crimson General said.

"I am aware of Sephiroth's state," Rufus turned to his father with wide eyes, before settling into his mask of indifference.

"If you know . . ."

"The invasion will proceed as planned, and Sephiroth will lead it. Tomorrow we will invade Nibelheim and all of that Mako will be property of Shinra. Hojo has assured me that he will have Sephiroth under control before deployment,"

"Sir, with all due respect, my father said the same thing about me before I nearly destroyed Gongaga. He hears her. Just like I did,"

"We covered up Gongaga fine. You're still a hero to the people. Besides, Hojo is creating a failsafe in case something goes wrong,"

"You're making a mistake. Innocent people will get hurt!" Genesis barred down on the desk.

"I appreciate your concern, Genesis . . ." The president paused for a moment, "but everything is under control,"

"Their blood will be on your hands." Genesis stormed out of the room, his long coat sashaying behind him.

Sephiroth made his way to the training room. His emerald eyes focused his destination, when hot pain seared through his mind again. Moaning loudly, he leaned against the wall.

I am here with you . . . I have always been with you. You are a god . . . why do you not rule them? They are your puppets. They are yours to command . . . you and I can rule this world together.

Sephiroth crouched on the ground, holding his head, "No . . . no!" He moaned against the voice.

Yes! We can rule the world!

"No!"

"Sephiroth?" the silver haired man turned to find Angeal peering down at him, concern etched in his face, "Who are you talking to?"

"Angeal?" Sephiroth asked.

The Raven General nodded his head.

"Um . . . I was talking to no one," he replied, swallowing hard.

Angeal raised an eyebrow, "You sure?"

"Hmm, yeah,"

"Alright then, let's get you on your feet," Angeal said, pulling Sephiroth from the ground, but the silver haired man fell back into him, "Hey. Take it slow," leaning him against the wall.

"I'm fine. Let's get to work,"

"No, you need to take it easy,"

"I'm fine, Angeal I just got a little light headed,"

Angeal grabbed Sephiroth's hand, checking his wrist for a pulse and it was through the roof.

"When your pulse matches mine then we'll train them," Angeal watched Sephiroth carefully. It was rare to see the man this way. "How many SOLDIERs got the go ahead for the mission to Nibelheim?"

"Not many. Only a handful of 3rd and 2nd class SOLDIERs are going with me," Sephiroth said, his breathing returning to normal. "Mostly infantry men are going. The President didn't want to send too many SOLDIERs, saying it would cost too much. He's certain that Nibelheim shouldn't be that difficult to overtake,"

"Did you have any request, because I want to take that Cloud Strife kid with me on that Junon Mission. He's a real natural with a sword," Angeal said, removing his hand from Sephiroth.

"He is, but I was going to take him with me,"

"Isn't he from Nibelheim?"

Sephiroth nodded his head with a shrug, "Yes, he is, but he knew what he signed up for when he entered SOLDIER. It is unfortunate, but that's the way it is,"

"That's so cold-blooded, Seph,"

Sephiroth shrugged again standing tall, "I am not without sympathy for the kid, but we have a job to do. Come on let's train these SOLDIERs,"

Angeal shook his head, following Sephiroth into the gym.

Tifa walked to the brook, and the wind pulled at her clothes and hair. Her silver locks whipped about her face. Pulling her jacket around herself tighter, the cool air nipped at her skin. The three quarter moon loomed above her, illuminating her path. As she neared the brook, Tifa saw Zack standing with his hands in his pockets, pacing back and forth. He stopped when he felt her presence, turning to view her. A small smile tugged on his lips when she neared him. Smiling back, Tifa closed the gap between them, coming to stand beside him.

"You're late,"

"I had an indecisive customer. I'm here now,"

"Yeah," he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. A calm silence hung between them. The flowing water bubbled over the rocks, creating a calm atmosphere. Zack turned to her, "What are you going to do now that Cloud is gone and I'm leaving tomorrow?" She shrugged, with a small frown on her face.

"Focus on becoming the world's greatest Martial Artist, I guess," the shared a comfortable laugh. Tifa shrugged, "Who knows I might move to Midgar after I graduate. I just don't know, Zack,"

"What if I stayed here, with you?"

"And do what? Huh? You have dreamed about being in SOLDIER for far too long. I can't let you give that up for me. You and Cloud will always be my best friends, no matter what,"

"Friends?"

"Yeah,"

Zack gazed at her, his eyes gleaming in the night, "What if I wanted to be more than friends?"

"Yeah, right Zack!" she gave him a playful shove, "Ha, ha! Very funny," he was quiet, watching her laugh. Grabbing her by her waist, he kissed her on her lips. When he pulled away, he gauged her expression hope against hope that she would understand.

"I didn't tell a joke, Teef,"

She looked at him, with fear in her eyes.

"I love you Tifa and if you say you want me to stay, I will."

Tifa's mouth hung open, searching his eyes and realized he was serious, "Zack, I care about you deeply," she paused, pulling out of his embrace, "but I can't allow you to give up your dream for me. Especially when I don't know see you the way you want me too. I'm sorry,"

Tears welled up in Zack's eyes, but he smiled at her as he brushed his hand against her cheek.

"That's too bad," He kissed her forehead before, walking back to their village. Tifa watched, as one of her best friends' figures disappeared from her sight. Sighing miserably, she looked at her reflection in the water.

"Why did you do that Zack? Why?" She asked the air around her, but it gave no response. Confusion filled her mind. She screamed out a frustrated cry, sighing tiredly and heavily when she finished, but she felt no better.

Rufus walked the hallways of Shinra, making his way to the Director of SOLDIER's office. Flipping his hair from his eyes, Rufus knocked on the large door, glaring at it until a deep voice called to him.

"Come in,"

Rufus strolled inside of the office, taking in the appearance of Lazard Deusericus. Lazard's platinum blonde hair rested on his shoulders, his azure eyes sat behind an expensive pair of designer glasses, and he wore a neat tailor made suit. Lazard looked at Rufus as he took a seat in front of him.

"We need to talk,"

Lazard rose from his leather chair, walking over to the bookshelf, pulling out a book. A beep sounded in the room as Lazard walked back to his chair.

"What's on your mind little brother," Lazard said, stacking his papers neatly on the corner of his desk. He tucked some falling strands of hair behind his ear as his attention returned to his younger brother.

"Dear old Dad is moving forward with the invasion of Nibelheim, and Sephiroth is still leading the assault,"

"What?!" Lazard glared, rolling his eyes as he leaned back in the chair. "This is homicide! Innocent people will be killed. Did he not read the report I gave him," Lazard asked Rufus, who shrugged. "Sephiroth has been mentally destabilizing for weeks and no one has taken notice, or they tried to conceal it,

"Humph," Rufus snorted, locking eyes with his brother.

"I had to literally twist Hojo's arm to make him check on it, and sure enough I was right. Hollander could see it because of what happened to Genesis,"

"Speaking of Genesis, I really like that guy by the way," Rufus wore a humored facial expression, shaking his head, "Well, he came to the office while father was threatening to make my life a living hell," Lazard frowned but Rufus waved him off. "Don't worry. It's the same old same old. Anyway, Genesis came by to warn father about Sephiroth's state and he basically told him that he knew and everything was under control,"

"That's what they said about Genesis,"

"I know."

"It's always the poor people that suffer. I remember growing up in the slums, how people would dictate to us how would live and what was best for us," Lazard slammed his fist on the desk, and the vein in his temple throbbed. Rufus looked at his brother not really being able to relate to his plight; therefore, decided it was best to change the subject.

"Have you talked to AVALANCHE?"

"Not yet. I'm contacting them tonight so they can warn Nibelheim of Shinra's arrival,"

"Good. If we are to succeed at removing father from power then we must make sure that we dot all our "i's" and cross all our "t's". Once we achieve our goals then we can put an end to the world's suffering,"

"Rufus, it will take us some time, years even, if we want this plan to work,"

"If my life has taught me nothing else, it has taught me patience. No matter how long it takes you will be restored to your rightful place and so will I,"

"And the Shinra brothers will rule the world," Lazard's azure eyes twinkled at the thought.

"Exactly. You and I will rule Shinra as we should!" Rufus said, adjusting his white tie. He grimaced, noticing dirt on his suit he quickly brushed it away, his lips were in a tight line. Lazard shook his head.

"Do you wear any color other than white or black?" Rufus thought on the question, his eyes falling on his brother.

"I once wore a smoke gray shirt and that was the longest evening of my life."

Sephiroth and Angeal watched the young members of SOLDIER spar with one another. A yell erupted and a flash of yellow hair was seen as a man went flying into a wall. The room became silent and still. The generals shared a look, before walking over to check on the fallen man. Angeal checked the unconscious man's pulse, finding a rapidly beating one.

"Alert the medical team," Sephiroth chuckled, turning his attention to assailant, "Good job, Cloud."

"Thanks, sir," He said shyly, looking over at his comrade, "Is he going to be okay?" Cloud asked, scratching his head with blush on his cheeks.

"After a few days in the infirmary, he should be good as new." Angeal said, putting an arm around Cloud's shoulders, leading him away. Sephiroth followed behind them.

"Sir, I wanted to ask if it was still okay that went with you to Junon? My best friend has joined SOLDIER and he starts training tomorrow, and I kind of told him that I would help him get settled in,"

Angeal looked over at Sephiroth, who shrugged back, "Well that's up to Sephiroth there. He wanted to take you with him on his mission,"

Sephiroth glared at Angeal, who wore a pleased expression, turning his attention to the young SOLDIER.

"Oh, okay then," Cloud's face was blank, but his eyes were filled with sorrow. Sephiroth exhaled slowly, looking over at Angeal, who was grinning.

"It's fine, Cloud. Go meet your friend," Sephiroth replied. Cloud's eyes lit up. "Is he going to be as good as you?"

"I think so, sir. We've always been competitive. I pretty sure he will be,"

"That's what I like to hear," Sephiroth smirked at him, his eyes returning to the group of SOLDIERs. "Alright class dismissed,"

The men exited the gym with smiles on their face, getting the chance to get out of class early. The medical staff came in with a stretcher, placing the unconscious man on it, carrying him away.

"Cloud," Angeal grabbed the departing young man's attention. He turned around his eyes wide, "Go pack, we leave at 2200 hours,"

"Yes, sir," Cloud nodded, leaving after the rest of the class.

Sephiroth smirked, shaking his head, "Did you see how hard he hit that guy?" The silver haired General chuckled. Angeal joined him in that laugh.

"I know. He's going to make SOLDIER 1st class in no time,"

"Yeah, Hojo said that he responded to Jenova's cells better than anyone he's seen in a long time. He was thinking about injecting him with a pure strand,"

Angeal frowned but before he could speak the door swung open, revealing Genesis, marching through the doors. Sephiroth frowned at the expression on his face.

"To what do we owe this pleasure, brother?"

"Sephiroth's not well." Genesis remarked, "and you have not been well for weeks now. I've been paying attention and you confirmed my suspicions in the Medical Facility,"

"Gen?" Angeal began but was interrupted by Genesis.

"I believe you should excuse yourself from the Nibelheim mission,"

"Excuse me?" Sephiroth narrowed his eyes at the oldest of the Generals.

"You're sick, and you know it,"

"Are you not looking at me?" Sephiroth's arms stretched out for display.

Genesis rolled his eyes in annoyance, "You know what I mean. You hear her," he spoke, placing a hand on his hip. Angeal's head whipped around at Sephiroth, who shook his head no, "She speaks to you."

"Genesis, don't put what happened to you on me. I'm fine."

Angeal looked from his older brother Genesis to Sephiroth.

"Please, hear me. She will destroy you, everything you care about, and everything that you are if you let her. My father came up with a way to block her, let us help you,"

Sephiroth's eyes flashed dangerously. He walked up to his friend getting right into his face, "There's nothing wrong with me, I do not hear her!" He growled at Genesis.

Angeal came between them, pulling them a part, "Look, let's just calm down," The two men just glared at each other. "We can talk this through,"

"Sephiroth, if you don't get help you will destroy everyone and everything. Trust me," Genesis pleaded with his friend that was more of a brother, "If you go on that mission, innocent people will be harmed or worse die!"

"I don't need help!" Sephiroth yelled, walking towards the door. The doors swung wildly behind him with his exit, leaving Genesis and Angeal to watch his departure.

"He will destroy everything," Genesis said, his cerulean eyes looked sad.

Tifa neared her home her but her mind was light years away. Touching her lips where Zack kissed her, sadness entered her heart. He looked so hurt. She thought, putting hand on the door knob, giving it a turn. Tifa entered the bar, finding it vacant. She put her jacket on the hook beside the door, walking over to the bar to fix herself a soda. Leaning against the bar frame, she sighed at her swirling thoughts, until she heard voices coming from the basement. Tifa frowned, walking over to the slightly ajar door. She saw a group of men sitting in rows with her father standing in front of them at a podium. His brown eyes scanner the room making contact with everyone.

"We must fight back or we will lose everything!" One of the townsmen proclaimed from his seat in front left corner. Punching his fist in the air, "Are we just going to lie down and let Shinra do whatever they want?"

"No!" the group of men answered back.

Mr. Lockhart cleared his throat and the room grew quiet, "We are waiting for contact from our AVALANCHE brethren. They will tell us when they plan to attack, and we will be ready,"

"That's right Lockhart!"

"If Shinra wants a fight," He began, looking around. "I say let's give 'em hell!" The basement erupted in applause and cheers. Tifa shook her head in dismay, not really knowing what to make of all this.

"Nidan!" Master Zangan fussed. Tifa gasped, looking over her shoulder at her martial arts master glaring at her, "This is not a place for you. Come fix me a drink,"

"But, Sifu." she whined, turning back to the group down the stairs, but he merely turned, leaving her to scramble behind him. She glanced over her shoulder one last time before leaving. Master Zangan sat on a stool bar, watching her approach the bar to fix his drink. As if on autopilot, she poured and mixed his drink, sliding it over to him. He sipped from the glass smiling at her.

Tifa chewed on her lip, "Master Zangan, what's going on?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with, just remember your training and everything will be fine,"

"But?"

"Nidan! Enough of this discussion," Tifa and Master Zangan turned as the men filed out of the basement. Narrowing her eyes at them, she watched them leave. Mr. Lockhart kissed her forehead.

"How's my sweetheart?"

"Fine, daddy,"

"Good. Now go to bed it is late. Me and Master Zangan need to talk,"

Tifa looked from each man before storming out of the room.

"Did you tell her?" Mr. Lockhart asked, looking at his friend.

"No, but she needs to know, Lockhart, we could use her strength,"

"No! My daughter will not be a part of this. She is still a child,"

"A child that will reach the age of majority in less than three years, and holds within her the power that could turn the tide,"

"I know, Zangan, but she is all that I have left in this world. If anything happens to me . . ."

"I will keep her safe as if she were my own. In a way, Tifa is already become my daughter," Master Zangan took a swallow from his glass. Mr. Lockhart sighed tiredly.

"Thank you. If anything were to happen to her,"

"I know."

So what did you think of the reboot chapter? I had fun. Adios!

~Auktober