(Shrugs shoulders) Couldn't think of a better title, okay? Anyway, it's just a twist to Zack's inevitable death. Nothing really that special.

Inevitable

They were closing in on them. Zack could hear their distant shouts as he jogged up the rocky wasteland road. Because he was a SOLDIER, and top class just to add to it, he could easily jog and carry his delirious friend as well.

They were coming closer, Zack realised. He had to get rid of them if it meant both him and his friend would be granted freedom. He never did like taking lives, but there were times when such a thing was necessary. Midgar loomed in the horizon, taunting them at how close it was, yet still far off.

However, there was one thing he wished to do before fighting for their freedom. Setting Cloud down, he reached for his phone. Only the sporadic jerks of his shoulders gave the indication that he had not entered the Lifestream yet. Zack feared such a thing could happen at any moment.

Zack searched through the contacts list until he came across the one he was looking for. Gods, even the sound of her name made him think of music. He selected her name and mobile number, and waited. It switched immediately to voicemail, which Zack had expected. For some reason she always did so when she was tending the flowers. He never did question why, though.

"Hey Aerith, it's me. Sorry I haven't contacted you lately, I've been kinda..." His mind wandered over the chain of events over the past few years. He felt guilty, even though he had no control over them. "... busy... lately. Say, how are the flowers? Is that wagon I helped you build working? I hope it is, and hope the flowers are brightening up Midgar."

The shouts were getting louder; they were closing in on them with surprising speed.

"Listen, I've got a few... grunts to deal with. I'll see you in Midgar, I promise... I love you."

Stashing his phone away, he drew his trusty Buster Sword, readying himself for battle. He moved up the road a little more until he was on the cliff overlooking Midgar. The road to his inevitable death, though he did not know just yet.

"Okay guys, let's make this quick. I've got someone very special waiting in that city for me; it'd be impolite to keep her waiting any longer, wouldn't it?"

Whatever emotion or expression they wore in reply to his statement, however unlikely, remained hidden behind their masks. They raised their weapons as Zack raised his, and the inevitable final fight began.

Ya know the drill; R&R!

Tsukikage1213