When Tifa and Barret arrive at the train station and board the train, they find Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie waiting for them.

"Yo!" Barret says. "This ain't no private car! So split up!"

At his order, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge run off into other cars of the train.

"Hoodlums again." a man wearing a suit mutters. "Don't I have all the luck?"

"Did you say something?" Barret asks, going up to the man. "I asked 'you say something?"

As he says this, most of the other passengers exit the train car.

"Yo, look at that!" Barret says. "It got empty all of a sudden."

"It...it's empty because of guys like you." the man says, and then gets scared. "Yipes! You...you've seen the news, right? AVALANCHE has promised more bombings. Only devoted Shinra employees like me would go to work on a day like today."

"You work for Shinra?" Barret asks in a menacing voice.

"I'm not going to give in to violence." the man says. "And I'm not giving you my seat either!"

"Barret!" Tifa exclaims.

"You lucky piece of..." Barret says, walking away.

"You have to control your temper more." Tifa says. "We're trying not be noticed."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Barret apologizes as the train gets under way and the two takes their seats.

"Good morning." the conductor announces. "Welcome to Midgar lines. Arrival time at Sector 4 Station will be 11:45."

The two ride the train in silence until Jessie walks over to them.

"Guys, we have a problem." Jessie says in a quiet voice. "Seems like Shinra has upgraded their security. They've installed a new security checkpoint at the top plate. It's an ID scan system that's checking all the trains. The fake IDs we have won't work."

"What the...?" Barret says. "What's that mean?"

"That means, that once we pass the next security checkpoint, Shinra will have us." Jessie says.

"When are we scheduled to reach the next checkpoint?" Tifa asks.

"In less than two minutes." Jessie says. "I checked, there's an access tunnel to the Sector 5 reactor coming up, just before the checkpoint. We can jump off just before we reach the ID checkpoint."

Suddenly the emergency lights go off.

"That's odd, the security checkpoint was supposed to be further down." Jessie says.

"Type A security alert! Type A security alert!" the conductor announces over the loudspeaker. "Unidentified passengers confirmed. A search of all cars will be conducted."

"We're in trouble." Jessie says. "Quickly to the front of the train."

With that the trio rushes to the front, as the train doors lock behind them.

"All right." Barret asks. "We made it."

"We're not clear yet, they'll be starting a search soon." Jessie says. "We have to jump off."

"Scary...huh?" Wedge asks.

"OK, let's do it." Biggs says and jumps off.

"I'm scared." Wedge says.

"There's no time to be scared." Jessie says. "I'll jump with you, and then grabs his hand. 1...2...3."

And with that the two jump, followed by Tifa and Barret.

"Good, so far everything's going as planned." Barret says.

"That was according to plan?" Tifa asks incredibly. "What plan was that?"

"Never mind, we're here ain't we?" Barret says. "Now come on. The reactor's just down this tunnel. The others already went on ahead and are waiting for us."

With that the Tifa and Barret make their way to the entrance of the reactor, which is guarded by light beam security sensors.

"Damn, looks like this way is a no go." Barret says.

"Look there's an access tunnel." Tifa says, pointing to a shaft.

With that the two enter the tunnel and continue to proceed to the reactor entrance. The two encounter a couple of automated robotic drones, but they are easily dispatched.

Eventually they meet up with Wedge.

"Everything's ready, sir." Wedge says at the base of the ladder. "Biggs has managed to hack the entrance to the door and Jessie is up ahead with the bomb."

"Good work, Wedge." Barret says. "Now head back to HQ and we'll meet up."

"Right." Wedge says and heads off.

The two then climb up the ladder to find Jessie waiting for them.

"Here's the bomb, Barret." Jessie says. "It will cause enough damage to the reactor that will take them months to fix."

"Good work, Jessie." Barret says.

"Yeah." Jessie says dejectedly.

"What's wrong?" Tifa asks.

"It's my fault we were almost caught." Jessie says. "I made the fake IDs."

"Hey don't worry about it." Barret says. "We couldn't expect those IDs to work forever. The next ones you make will just have to be better."

"Right." Jessie says, cheering up. "I'll get to work on it right away. Biggs is waiting up ahead."

Barret and Tifa continue ahead until they meet up with Biggs.

"We can enter the reactor by going down this tube." Biggs says. "But we can't come back up. To get out, we have to access the security doors. It's a special door that is currently locked. You need to put three keys into three slots to open it. The keys are inside the building, as it was meant to keep people out, not in, but all three need to be turned at once."

"So looks like you're coming with us." Tifa says. "Let's go."

"Ladies first." Biggs says, and Tifa enters the chute, followed by Biggs and Barret. The trio makes their way to the reactor core and set the bomb without incident.

"Set the bomb for twenty-five minutes this time." Barret says. "There's no one that's going to be here to disarm it."

"Right." Biggs says as he punches a couple of buttons. "Bomb set, let's hustle."

The trio then runs off and makes their way to the entrance. They open the door and make it to the outside catwalk with no problem.

"Piece of cake." Biggs says. "They're weren't even any robo-guards!"

"You may have spoke too soon." a man says from behind them and then throws something to Biggs.

"Jessie's bomb!" Biggs exclaims.

"Deactivated." the voice says. "Now in the name of Shinra, you're under arrest for the murder of fifteen Shinra employees, the destruction of the Sector 1 reactor, and the attempted murder of a million people."

"That's a lie." Tifa says and turns around to face their accuser and freezes in shock. "Cloud?"

"Tifa." Cloud asks, so shocked, that he drops the sword he is carrying. "You're in league with these terrorists?"

"You know this guy?" Biggs asks.

"He and I grew up together in Nibelheim." Tifa says.

"Wha...How..?" Cloud asks. "How could you be in league with people who want to kill millions of people?"

"Listen Cloud, I know this is hard for you to accept, but they didn't want to kill anyone." Tifa says. "The bomb we planted wasn't designed to cause a reactor overload, it was designed to implode the reactor just like what happened."

"Tifa, you helped set two bombs against Shinra." Cloud says, picking up his sword. "Why?"

"The Shinra are evil." Tifa says. "They've been performing horrific experiments on humans and they're responsible for the destruction of our hometown."

"What!" Cloud asks shocked. "Nibelheim's been destroyed? When?"

"Five years ago." Tifa answers.

"No, that's impossible." Cloud says. "I was there four years ago for my mother's funeral. She died in an accident in the mountains and her body was never found. It's true a lot of the people I knew had moved, but the town was standing exactly as I remembered it."

"No that's not true." Tifa says. "I've seen the town burnt to the ground. Sephiroth went insane and burnt the town to the ground."

"Tifa, that's a lie." Cloud says, trying to make sense of what he's hearing. "I believe you truly believe this, but these people have obviously brainwashed you somehow, but don't worry, I'm friends with the Vice President. I can help, protect you. But as for you two, you're under arrest."

"Well geese Tifa, it's sure nice to know you have friends in the Shinra, who believe their lies." Biggs says.

Before Cloud can respond, an automated robot comes up to the group.

"Intruders detected." the robot says. "Destroy, destroy."

"Robot, I'm Cloud Strife, SOLDIER 1st class, stand down." Cloud commands the robot.

"Intruders will be destroyed." the robot says and then fires a missile at Cloud, who quickly destroys it with his sword.

"Robot, I am Cloud Strife, SOLDIER 1st class." Cloud says again. "I have the situation in hand, stand down."

"Intruders have failed to be eliminated." the robot drones on. "Proceeding to phase 2 counter-measures."

With that the robot fires a series of laser blasts at the four, causing them to duck for cover.

"I repeat, I am Cloud Strife, SOLDIER 1st class." Cloud commands in his loudest voice. "Stand down immediately!"

"Intruders have still failed to be eliminated." the robot says again. "Proceeding to maximum termination measures."

"Uh, Cloud, I don't think it's listening to you." Tifa says.

"I can see that." Cloud says. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

"And then arrest me or put me in an institution for being brainwashed?" Tifa asks, angrily.

"Um, you two, can you talk about this after we've defeated the robot that's trying to kill us?" Biggs asks.

"OK." Cloud says. "Don't worry I'll handle this."

With that Cloud leaps into the air with his sword, which is now glowing with energy. He slices the robot in two with ease.

"Problem solved." Cloud says, turning back to the three AVALANCHE members. "Now for the rest of you."

Tifa walks over to him to say something, but before she can begin the robot explodes, knocking a section of the bridge out and knocking Tifa down.

"Tifa!" Cloud, Barret, and Biggs exclaims in unison, and before she can react, Cloud knocks Tifa out of the way just before a second explosion hits her. It knocks into him instead, sending him falling off the bridge and into the slums below.

"Cloud!" Tifa screams as Barret and Biggs look on helplessly.


Elsewhere, inside the Sector 5 church, which was now looking a lot less run down thanks to the success of her flower-selling, Aerith was tending her massive garden. What had begun as a simple patch of flowers, had now turned into a huge garden, which encompassed both the interior and exterior of the church. She was about to head out for the day to sell flowers, when she heard the door open.

She turned, smiling, thinking it was a customer, only to have her smile vanish. There standing before her, were the entire TURKS crew. Tseng, Reno, Rude, and the new blonde girl she had seen hanging around. Reno and Rude's weapons were drawn. In the blonde's hands is a pair of handcuffs. Tseng looks resolved. A jolt of fear unlike any she had ever known passes through her.

'This is it.' Aerith thinks. 'They've actually come for me this time.'

In panic she grabs a nearby staff, that she had begun training with. She had become somewhat proficient with it, and was a wiz with the materia Zack had left her but she had nowhere near the skills to defend herself against four Turks. She had gotten good enough, to handle one...maybe. But not four. But still she wasn't going without a fight.

"Really Aerith, a staff?" Tseng says. "You and I both know that you're no good at fighting, so why don't you come with us peacefully?"

"Peacefully, so I can become a lab specimen for Hojo?" Aerith asks. "I think I'll pass."

"Aerith, I give you my word that I'll try to get Hojo to treat you humanely." Tseng says.

"Humanely?" Aerith asks, with an uncharacteristic bitter laugh. "You forget I know Hojo, my mother... my biological mother that is, she knew what type of man he is. And I'd rather die then end up in one of his sick experiments designed to exploit the planet."

"Now listen here girlie, you're coming with us." Elena says.

With that Rude and Reno go to her sides and Elena walks forward with her handcuffs. Seizing the opportunity, Aerith hits Elena in the face with her staff, causing her to fall to the ground in pain. She then lets lose with a burst of fire materia at the other two, but they are prepared and block it with M-Barrier.

Tseng rushes over to Elena and casts a Curaga spell on her, to heal her wounds. Meanwhile Reno whips out his electric cane and prepares to use in on Aerith.

"I really wish you had come peacefully." Tseng says. "But if it has to be force, so be it. Reno, you have permission to use force, but use the minimum amount of voltage necessary."

Aerith grips her staff tightly as Reno approaches her, and in panic she yells out. "Help!"

Outside the church, Zack had just pulled up on a motorcycle he had borrowed from a guy he once helped out in Kalm when he heard Aerith's shout. He quickly notices the Turks' helicopter and curses.

"Looks like I got here just in time." Zack says, drawing his Buster Sword and rushing into the building. He quickly takes in the scene, seeing Aerith with a staff drawn, facing down two Turks with weapons drawn.

"Aerith!" Zack exclaims, rushing into battle and quickly taking out Reno and Rude.

"Are you OK?" Zack asks.

"Zack?" Aerith asks, in shock. "Is it really you?"

"It's really me." Zack says, taking in her beauty for the first time in over four years. "I've been gone for longer than I expected, but I'm back now and I'm not going anywhere."

"Zack, what an unexpected surprise." Tseng says. "I thought you were dead."

"Not quite." Zack says. "I was an extended guest in one of Hojo's laboratories.

"Hojo's labori..." Tseng begins to say, in shock. "You're the one he was experimenting on in Nibelheim! He told me you were killed."

"Experimenting on?" Aerith asks in horror. "That's where you've been all this time, being a lab rat for Hojo?"

"Yes." Zack says, a hard-edge in his voice she had never heard before. "And I'll be damned if I'll let you hand deliver her to that monster."

"Zack, you don't understand, what we're trying to accomplish." Tseng says.

"Oh, I understand everything perfectly." Zack says. "Aerith is the last surviving ancient and you want to use her powers to find the Promised Land and gain immortality."

"How did you know that...?" Aerith asks. "I never told you."

"Cissnei let a few things slip." Zack says. "And I managed to find some of Hojo's notes during my escape from his lab."

"You don't think less of me?" Aerith asks, nervously.

"Think less of you?" Zack asks, shocked that she would even ask such a thing. "How can you ask that of me? Why would I think any less of you because you're an Ancient. I love you."

"You love me?" Aerith asks, clearly shocked.

"Of course I do." Zack says. "It was your smile that kept me sane during those four long years of torture." He then turns to Tseng. "And if you think, I'm going to let you subject her to that same horror, you are sadly mistaken."

"Now listen here." Tseng says as he walks over to them. "Aerith is coming with..."

Before he could finish there is a loud crash from above and a body lands on Tseng, knocking him unconscious.

"Ugh." the man who lands on Tseng says.

"Cloud?" Zack asks in shock, going over to him. "Is that you?"

"Zack?" Cloud asks, trying to refocus his eyes. "And an angel? Am I dead, have you come to guide me to the afterlife?"

"Um, no." Zack answers. "Where did you come from?"

"The Sector 5 reactor." Cloud answers. "I was trying to apprehend a terrorist group, when an out of control robot attacked me. I defeated the robot and then got knocked off the bridge while saving Tifa."

"Tifa!" Zack and Aerith exclaims.

"Tifa from Nibelheim?" Zack asks.

"You two know Tifa?" Cloud asks, surprised.

"Yeah, I met her during my last mission." Zack answers. "She was the guide to the Mako reactor. How do you know her?"

"I sold her a flower in Sector 8, the other day." Aerith answers. "And she mentioned she knew you, I tried to pressure her for more information, but considering she just blew up the Number 1 Reactor, she was in a bit of a hurry."

"Wait a minute." Zack asks. "She blew up a reactor? I knew she hated Shinra for destroying her town, but she actually destroyed a reactor! How many were killed?"

"Only the Shinra employees." Aerith answers. "The explosion was either contained by a Shinra fail-safe device or the bomb was specially designed to prevent damage to the town."

"Wait a minute, Shinra really did destroy Nibelheim?" Cloud asks. "But that's impossible. I've been there since she said it was destroyed."

"It was rebuilt and populated with Shinra employees." Zack answers. "And Sephiroth wasn't acting on orders when he destroyed it, he kind of went insane and wanted to take over the planet with a two-thousand year corpse."

"But why...why would Shinra lie to me?" Cloud asks, unable to deny what both Zack and Tifa had told him as the truth. The two of them were his closest friends.

"I'm sorry to say, Shinra is evil." Zack says, trying to handle the revelation as gently as possible. He knew from experience, learning everything you believed in was a lie is difficult at best. "They've kept me locked in a lab for four years, torturing me with painful experiments."

Zack then proceeds to tell Cloud the whole story of what he had learned.

"Uh, I hate to bring this up, but I think we should leave." Aerith says, pointing to the Turks, who are beginning to stir.

"Why are there unconscious Turks here?" Cloud asks, feeling dazed and confused at all that had happened in the last hour and trying desperately to hold on to his grip of reality.

"They're here to kidnap Aerith because Hojo wants to use her as a research subject in one of his twisted experiments." Zack answers.

"What?" Cloud asks.

"Listen, we need to go." Zack says, going to tie up the Turks. "This won't hold them for long, but it should buy us some time to get away. Cloud, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going back to Wutai." Cloud says. "I need answers to all of this, and if there all any Rufus may have some. He was sent away because his father disagreed with some of his ideas, so hopefully that means he doesn't know of any of the horrific things his father has done. And if he has..."

He doesn't elaborate on what would happen if Rufus had been playing him, he doesn't need to.

"My mother." Aerith says. "We need to get to my mother."

"Right." Zack says.

"Will the two of you be OK?" Cloud asks. "I could stay with you if you need me to."

"No we'll be fine." Zack says.

"OK, but here's my cell number." Cloud says, handing him a piece of paper. "If you need anything don't hesitate to call."

"Thanks, buddy." Zack says, grabbing his hand. "It's been good seeing you again."

"Same here." Cloud says, and then leaves through the door.

"Alone at last." Zack says.

"Ugh." Elena says.

"Not counting our unwelcome guests." Aerith says. "We really should be going."

"There's something I want to do first." Zack says, drawing closer to Aerith's lips. "If I may?"

"Go ahead." Aerith replies, breathlessly.

With that Zack takes Aerith into her arms and kisses her passionately. The two remained kissing, pouring all of their feelings for one another into that one kiss. The two kissed for several minutes, until they have to break apart gasping for air.

"Wow." Aerith says. "That was intense."

"Yeah, it was." Zack says. "It was even better than I imagined it in my dreams."

"You dreamed of it?" Aerith asks.

"Every night, in that horrible place." Zack says. "You were the only thing that kept me sane."

"Oh, how sweet." Elena says. "But if you think things were bad for you before, just wait until we get out of here."

"We really need to go." Zack says, pulling out a green materia orb. "But first we should put them to sleep."

With that Zack fires a beam of energy at the four Turks, causing Elena and the other four to fall into a deep sleep.

"There, now they should be out for about eight hours." Zack says, grabbing Aerith's hand. "Now let's go."

"Right." Aerith says, truly and completely happy for the first time in a long while. While it may be true that the Shinra was finally after her in full force, she had her love back, and for the first time in her life, a feeling that everything was going to work out OK.