Author's note: I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far, I know I am. Please send in reviews for constructive criticism!

"SOLDIER doesn't mean monster." Zack said beside me. I stared in awe at the sky, watching as delicate black feathers drifted down to the world below them. I reached out to one that was close to me and caught it and examined it in disbelief. These were Genesis's feathers, which came from his wing. What?

"What just happened?" I asked in wonder. "I don't have a clue, Wind." Zack mumbled in frustration. "I was hoping that you knew. Guess we're both in the dark on this one." I turned to face him and held up the feather. "I'm not hallucinating, am I?" I asked. "What is going on Zack?" I asked desperately. He just shook his head. The wind picked up and a chopper was near, no doubt sent for us. "Here comes the chopper." Zack stated.

We got to the helipad just as the chopper landed. I was about to board when I heard a strange whistling emitted from the sky. "Tseng called in air support." Zack announced grimly. I jerked my head towards him in shock and advanced. "They're going to blow up the village? But Angeal's mom-""Is dead." He whispered. I paused for a moment trying to get my bearings. "What?"

Just like that various bombs came to my vision, and I witnessed them come in contact with the planet. One after another they exploded in a mass of fire and brimstone. I watched unable to move, hardly able to breathe as the buildings engulfed in flames, as trees fell. I turned my vision to Zack to see his reaction. He was staring at something. I followed his line of sight and froze at what I saw.

"But I never stole from that tree, not just because I had honor, but because the man's son was my friend." I watched that same tree explode in flames. The last Banora White apple from that tree was destroyed before my very eyes.

"You need to have dreams, and honor." Angeal…

"Follow your dreams. If you want to make SOLDIER, you got to have dreams."

I started crying then. I forced myself to turn away from the horrific scene and board the chopper. "Nice to see you made it out alive." The pilot greeted me but I paid him no attention. I sat down with Zack following closely behind. I looked around the chopper to see Tseng already seated way in front of us. Good, I didn't feel like talking to a Turk right now anyway.

"Ready for takeoff." The pilot called. "Stand by." The chopper lurched as we took air. Things were silent for a good while. I turned to Zack to see him deep in thought with a pained expression on his face. "Hey" I called to him quietly. He seemed to snap out of his thoughts and turned his head to me. "Hey." He offered me a weak smile. A moment of silence passed until he spoke again. "You were right."

"Huh?" I asked not following. He took a deep breath. "About Angeal, you and Sephiroth were right." A hurt look came over his face. "He's betrayed SOLDIER. He's betrayed us." I felt my chest tighten. None of this should have happened. "I feel like this is all just a bad dream." I whispered to Zack. "That I'm going to wake up, but it just keeps getting worse." I looked at him and met his eyes. "Everything seems so twisted right now, I can't even comprehend it. But it's got to get better right? I mean, I can't imagine things ever getting worse." I let out a laugh. "The rest of our lives are going to seem pretty good, huh?" I tried to lighten the mood. Zack let out a chuckle. "Yeah I guess."

"Five minutes from Midgar Sector One." The pilot announced. My heart dropped again. "What are we supposed to tell the Director?" I asked. I really didn't really feel like explaining what had transpired in Banora. Banora…

"Angeal's mother. You said that she died. How?" Zack stiffened and I saw a glint of tears in his eyes. "Angeal…he…" I gasped and couldn't resist covering my mouth. "WHAT?" I yelled bitterly. I saw Tseng turn around to glance at me. I didn't miss the empathy in his eyes. "He couldn't have, he WOULDN'T-""And that's what we thought of Genesis, but he proved us wrong." I buried my face in my hands. I would have cried if I had any tears left. "But what about all those lectures on dreams and honor? Did they come from a man that had none?" I felt Zack's arms wrap around me. "I don't know." I raised my head. I had to be strong; I had to keep it together. We fell silent for a moment. What a nightmare. "What did Genesis mean?" I asked. Zack looked at me. "What do you mean?" I shifted a little. "Before he flew away he told me to let him know when I learned how to fly. What do you think he was talking about?" Zack went into a trance like state. "No clue."

"We've arrived. Prepare for your departure." The pilot announced. I stretched my arms out, trying to ignore the burning pain in my right one. "I think this is the last place I want to be right now." Zack said grimly. "You and me both big brother." When the chopper landed I stood up and walked to Tseng. "Come; let us be officially done with this mission." He looked tired with dark circles underneath his eyes. I'm sure we all looked worse for wear. I gave my thanks to the pilot and we disembarked the chopper. My legs were shaking and I would have given anything to just be able to collapse in my bed and sleep of the pain of the day.

"I'll go talk to Lazard and give him my report of the mission." Tseng said. "You two go get some rest." I nodded and turned to Zack. "Gaia knows you need it." He mumbled under his breath before he walked away. "You heard the man. Let's go." I said

. . .

I was making my way to my dorm. I had parted with Zack a while back, giving him a hug and wishing him a good night's rest. As if that'll happen. I'm sure that neither of us would be able to get any sleep with thoughts about what had happened today swirling in our minds. Still, it was nice of Tseng to offer to go talk to Lazard and let us go rest. He wasn't too bad for a Turk.

"Ms. Fair." A nasally voice that could only belong to one person called me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "What is it Hojo?" I asked irritated. I did not need this right now. "I need a moment of your time, Ms. Fair." I turned around and almost shuddered when I saw the beady eyes watching me. "Do you?" I deadpanned as I walked over to him. He adjusted the glasses on his face. "I'm sure you are aware about Professor Hollander's disappearance?" he questioned me. So Hollander was gone too? "No I wasn't, I've been on duty." I replied. "What does it have to do with me?" Hojo looked at the clipboard he was carrying. "Well since he was the one who was helping you with your arm I thought you should know. As I am sure you gathered, I will be taking his role in helping you get back to health." He smiled at me which I returned tightly. I hate those eyes. I started to walk away. "Well I appreciate it Professor-""Wait." Hojo cut me off. I turned back. "What?" I snapped. I was tired and sore and just wanted to lie down, not have a pointless conversation with Mr. Bird-Man.

"Did you happen to see Genesis in your travels?" I froze. "Why?" I asked cautiously. "I just wanted to know if he was doing any better. If that arm of his had healed any." "How's that arm feeling, Wind?" "He's fine." I said. "I have to go now." I practically ran to my room. "A lot like mine, huh. Do you honestly think that is just a concidence?" When I got to my room I hurried to unlock the door. Once I got in I dropped my sword belt and collapsed on the bed. How nice it would be if I never woke up.