Thanks again to my beta MakoStorm.

Reno and Tseng spoke quietly for a moment before Reno joined the others as they followed Cid up the ramp. As the pilot lead them toward the Bridge, barking orders along the way, Callandra and Reno took the opportunity to study the ship.

"You've never been on board?" Callandra asked the Turk only to be interrupted by Cid's barking laugh.

"Ya kiddin'? I'd have sooner drowned myself than let a fuckin' Turk anywhere near my baby," Cid said.

"You don't seem to be sticking your head in the toilet right now," Reno remarked dryly.

"Yer on probation, kid," Cid retorted, "But don't ya worry. If you screw up I'll shove the Venus Gospel up yer no good ass before I throw you off the ship."

The Turk rolled his eyes. "I promise," he said, "To be on my best behavior."

Cloud, Zack, and Callandra shared amused looks as the two pilots bantered.

"You just remember that," Cid said, as the doors ahead hissed open admitting the party to the Bridge.

"Okay people," Cid yelled, "Get yer lazy asses moving. I want this ship in the air yesterday."

The pilot strode easily to the wheel, calloused hands grasping the pegs with practiced grace. Cid waited as the crew reported in from the stations pronouncing all systems ready to go.

"Good," Cid approved, "Here we go."

Callandra moved further into the room looking down through the glass beneath her feet at the rapidly retreating ground. The crew worked efficiently, responding quickly to each of Cid's commands.

"I have to say, Cid," Callie said, "I'm impressed. You've got a fine ship."

"You got good taste," Cid smiled, preening like a proud papa, "You know anything about flying?"

"I can pilot a helicopter or a small plane competently," Callie replied, "But I've never flown anything this big before."

"I'll stick with my chopper," Reno decided, "No offense, Highwind."

"You have shit fer taste," Cid scowled.

"You're the one with no taste, pops," Reno smirked, "My helicopter could fly circles around this clunky bird any day."

As Cid turned puce and barked back, Cloud covered a snicker with his hand and gestured for Zack and Callie to follow him. "Come on," he said, "I'll show you were you two can rest."

The doors hissed shut behind them cutting off the sounds of Cid and Reno's squabbling. "Reno better watch it," Cloud chuckled, "Cid really will try to shove the Venus Gospel up his ass if he goes too far."

"Reno can hold his own," Callandra reminded the swordsman.

"True," Cloud acknowledge, "Now, you can use Tifa's room. I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Neither would Yuffie, but her room is always a mess. Zack, you can rest in Vincent's room. Just don't make a mess," he warned, "Vincent is a little bit of a neat freak."

"That's kinda weird for a guy who spent thirty years in a coffin in a dusty mansion," Zack said. He thought about his words for a moment, "Or maybe it makes sense I guess."

"Here we are," Cloud said, arriving at a hallway filled with doors. "This one's mine," he gestured towards the first door. "Tifa's is the second door. And Vincent's room is the third one."

"Thank you," Callandra said, stepping away from the boys and grasping the doorknob, "I think I could use some sleep. It's been a long few days."

"Cid told me that we're going to stop in Costa del Sol," Cloud said, "That way you and Zack can pick up a few things without worrying about Koyoto's men bothering anyone. If you're not up, we'll wake you when we get there."

"Sounds good," Callandra agreed, "Night."

Zack and Cloud were left alone in the hallway but the brunette made no move to retire to his own room. The First Class realized that this was the first time that he and Cloud had had to talk privately. Zack knew there was a lot he needed to say and even more that Cloud needed to hear.

"What's wrong?" Cloud asked.

"Nothing," Zack shrugged, "Wanna go up on deck with me for a bit?"

The blonde was confused and concerned but nodded anyway. "Sure. This way."

"Where did Cid get the money for this kind of ship anyway?" Zack asked as Cloud led him through the halls.

"Reeve, well, the WRO funded it," Cloud said, "Cid can do pretty much whatever he wants with her as long as he shows up when the WRO needs him."

"I always liked Reeve," Zack admitted, "I never could figure out how he made it so high in Shinra. Always seemed like he was too nice of a guy."

"As the head of Urban development, he didn't really have to be involved with too much of the darker side of Shinra," Cloud shook his head, "I think Sector Seven woke him up. He just couldn't handle that many people being killed for no good reason. Here we go."

Zack followed Cloud up a set of stairs that led to the deck. He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the wind playing in his hair. He missed Aerith and Angeal but he had also missed the simple joys of the living.

The First Class used the moment to think. How could he say what he wanted to Cloud? How could he even bring something like this up? Zack didn't expect Cloud to give him the opening he needed.

"It's good to have you back," Cloud said quietly.

"I missed you too, Spiky," Zack assured his friend.

"But you're not happy to be back," Cloud said sadly.

"That's not it . . . it's just," Zack ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, "I miss her Cloud. And I miss Angeal. It kind of puts a damper on things. But, I told you that I'm glad I got to see you again. I also missed a lot of things about being alive," Zack admitted, "Like the sun and the wind."

"I'm sorry, Zack," Cloud whispered, looking down, "All this is my fault. I couldn't save you and I couldn't save Aerith. You should have just let them have me."

"No," Zack said firmly, eyes narrowed, "How could you say that, Cloud? We're friends, right? I couldn't leave my best friend in that lab."

Cloud looked up and his eyes were bright with tears. "You could have made it without me. You would have made it to Midgar and you and Aerith would have been happy together. You told me that I was your living legacy. And I forgot you!"

"Cloud," Zack grabbed the blonde's shoulders giving him a shake, "Stop it. What happened is not your fault. You'd give your life for Tifa, right? Or the kids? Or any of your friends? You wouldn't think twice about it, would you?"

"No, but I'm . . ." Cloud began.

"If you say you're not worth it, I'll whap you a good one, Chocobo Head," Zack said sternly, "You were worth it to me. And I never regretted it. Gaia, Cloud, you went through so much and okay, maybe you did forget for a little while but I've never been disappointed in you. I'm sorry I put so much pressure on you. If I knew you'd take my words the way you did I'd never have said them. But, you were my living legacy. One of I was very proud of."

Cloud searched Zack's eyes. "You were never disappointed in me? Even when I let her die?"

"You didn't let her die," Zack corrected, "You did everything you could to save her. Aerith loves you, Cloud. She wants you to be happy. I thought you'd gotten through all this."

"So did I," Cloud admitted, "It's just . . .." He trailed off helplessly.

"I know," Zack comforted, "This is all a lot. But I need you to stop beating yourself up."

"I need you to live," Cloud retorted.

"What?" Zack was confused, "I am alive."

"I said I needed you to live, Zack," Cloud pressed, "You're here and I need to know that you're happy here. I hate it when you look back."

Now Zack looked down. "I'm working on it, Spiky. But," he looked up, "I promise that I'm not going to do anything stupid or try to get back into the Lifestream any earlier than fate wills. Is that enough for now?"

"Yeah," Cloud nodded, "It's enough. For now."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Though Callandra slipped easily into sleep, the warm blackness of rest evaded her. Instead, she found herself in a dimly lit place, the light a mere shadow against the darkness. The air around her was chilling and there was nothing for as far as she could see.

"What are you doing, Callandra?"

The girl froze, her heart leaping to her throat. She knew that voice. It was familiar and cherished. Slowly, she turned, her breath hitching in her chest. "Oh, Gaia. Sephiroth."

"It has been a long time," Sephiroth said, his tone and face neutral.

"Sephiroth!" Callandra willed her body to move and threw herself across the distance. Her arms locked around his waist, breathing in the scent that was uniquely him. She nuzzled his jacket aside so she could press her cheek to his skin. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and she sighed. "This is a dream isn't it?"

"No," Sephiroth said, voice warming. "This is quite real." He trailed one hand over her hair.

"I've missed you so much," she choked, blinking against the tears.

"Have you?" Sephiroth's voice became cold, "How could you miss me and ally yourself with my enemies?"

Dread squeezing her windpipe, Callandra slowly lifted her head to meet Sephiroth's gaze. "That's not true . . ."

"Isn't it?" Sephiroth challenged, "Are you not aboard Cid Highwind's ship? Cloud is with you isn't he? I've been watching you, Callandra. You are very friendly with both Avalanche and the remnants of Shinra."

"It's not what you think," Callandra shook her head, "It's not that simple."

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised," Sephiroth dropped his arms, stepping out of her embrace, "After all, you refused to help me when I needed you."

"You wanted me to help you destroy the planet," Callandra snapped, "You wanted me to kill people who never did anything to either of us."

"What about Mother?" Sephiroth retorted, "Humans are inferior."

"First off," Callandra growled, "Jenova is not my mother. She's not yours either. And you and I are human."

"Don't insult me," Sephiroth sneered, "You've betrayed me. You watched as my enemies destroyed me. You never loved me."

Gasping, Callandra staggered back. "That's not true! I love you!" She stepped forward and took one of Sephiroth's hands in both of hers. "I just couldn't do what you asked, Sephiroth. So many people died and no amount of hatred of what was done to us could ever make the ends justify the means. Please, Sephiroth, let go of your anger. Cloud and the others . . . they're good people."

Sephiroth yanked his hand from hers, grabbing her roughly by the arms. His grip was hard enough to cause bruises. "You are the worst kind of betrayer, Callandra. You never loved me. And I no longer hold any regard for you."

The tears fell then, and Callandra stood limply, too stunned and hurt to fight back. "Sephiroth . . .please . . .I love you."

"Lies. You may as well have killed me yourself," Sephiroth growled, shaking her, "I forgave you your weakness the first time, but I cannot forgive this betrayal. You are just as much to blame as they are."

Callandra could only cry and stare up in horror at the man she loved. She felt something inside her crack, could feel one piece fall and then another. She shivered.

"Enough Sephiroth!"

Warmth and light flooded the dim void and flowers sprung up around their feet. Sephiroth scowled and turned his head. Callandra followed his gaze with her own, her heart skipping several beats.

Angeal stood, just as she remembered him, next to a girl in a pink dress with brown hair and emerald eyes. Somewhere, in her pain-numbed mind Callandra realized that the beautiful woman had to be Aerith.

"You don't want to do this, Sephiroth," Angeal said, walking forward, "Have you really lost so much of yourself? Look at what you're doing!"

Sephiroth looked back down at her and something flickered in his eyes. Abruptly, he released her arms.

"Go, Sephiroth," Aerith said, "Before you give yourself anything else to regret."

"This isn't over," Sephiroth said before stepping back and disappearing.

Callandra stared at the place where Sephiroth had stood frozen by pain and tears.

"Callandra." Angeal walked to her, gathering her gently into his arms, "I'm so sorry, sweet."

"Angeal," she gasped, returning the embrace, "I don't understand. How could . . . oh goddess, Angeal, he hates me!" The sobs came harder and she choked bitterly on them.

"Sshh," Angeal soothed, one hand rubbing circles on her back, "He didn't mean it. Sephiroth hasn't been himself for a long time. He should never have brought you here."

"I-I've missed you s-so much!" she cried, burying her head in his strong chest. The strong arms tightened around her and she mourned the touch even as she lived for it in these chaotic moments. These were the arms that had protected her as a child and held her with all the love of a devoted brother.

"I know," Angeal whispered into her hair, "I've missed you too."

"You l-left me," Callandra accused, "I w-would have helped y-you. You all left me!"

"I'm sorry," Angeal said again, sorrow weighting his voice, "I couldn't bear what I had become. No more than Sephiroth could."

Slowly, Callandra lifted her head to look up into the beloved face. "Hojo's madness does not define us," she whispered fiercely.

"I couldn't see that then," Angeal said, "I'm glad that you've proven to be wiser than we were."

Shaking her head, Callandra laid her head back against his chest and cried. She cried until Angeal feared she would break from it.

"I'm going to go tell Zack and Cloud," Aerith said softly.

Callandra looked up again, having forgotten the other woman's presence. "A-Aerith?"

"Yes," the woman smiled kindly, "Don't worry. Zack will be here soon." Aerith disappeared even as Callandra reached out a hand.

"Zack," she whispered.

"I'm glad you've found each other," Angeal said, running and hand over her hair, "I'm glad he was given this chance no matter what circumstances brought it about."

"You were right," Callandra sniffled, "I do like him. I've never known anyone like him." She murmured a protest when Angeal stepped back a bit, gripping her shoulders gently.

"I don't have much time," Angeal said, one hand wiping away the latest tear to fall from her eyes, "But I want you to know how proud I am of you."

"Proud?" Callandra asked, confused, "But all I've done is hide."

"You survived," Angeal corrected tenderly, "You survived when your whole world crashed down around you. And you did so with honor. But now. . . now I want you to live. Don't be afraid of the good that's right in front of you."

The First Class bowed his head placing a brotherly kiss on her forehead. Regretfully, Angeal released her, taking several steps back. "It's time."

"No!" Callandra cried, "Please, don't leave me again!"

"It's not forever," Angeal reassured her, though his own features were pained, "And there's a lot you need to do first. You and Zack are the only ones who can."

Callandra screamed as Angeal disappeared from sight and she felt herself fall.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Zack and Cloud had fallen into comfortable silence, standing side by side gazing out at the land beneath them. They both had much to think on.

"I'm used to Cloud being quiet but not you, Zachary."

Both men spun around at the sound of the familiar voice.

"Aerith!" Zack took a step forward.

Aerith smiled but shook her head. "I don't have a lot of time. Callandra needs you."

"What?" Cloud frowned, "She's sleeping."

"Sephiroth came to her in her dreams," Aerith explained, "It wasn't pretty. Angeal and I interrupted them but well, the damage is done. Angeal is with her until you can get to her."

"Damn it," Zack growled.

"We're on it," Cloud said.

The girl stepped forward and laid a hand on Zack's cheek. The First Class gasped with the realization that he could feel her. "Promise me something. Promise me that you'll try to be happy. Don't sell yourself short for my sake. Promise me."

Zack closed his eyes and swallowed. "I promise. You know I never could tell you no."

Satisfied, Aerith looked to Cloud. "And stop mourning, Cloud. I'm happy. Now you should be too."

Cloud nodded. "I'll try."

Lifting her hand from Zack's face, she stepped back. "Hurry."

The two men watched as she disappeared. Aerith's appearance had shocked them but there were more pressing matters. Cloud and Zack broke into a run, mako enhanced bodies carrying them swiftly through the halls. They skidded to a stop in front of the room in which Callandra slept. They could hear her cries through the wooden door.

Zack nearly knocked the door of its hinges in his haste to get the door open. Cloud was on his heels.

Callandra tossed on the bed, dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, the covers having been thrown to the floor. Tears gushed from her closed eyes. "Please, don't leave again," she cried. Then she screamed a sound of pain and loss.

The First Class strode across the room gathering the woman in his arms. "Callandra! Wake up, sweetheart." He shook her, "Wake up!"

Jade eyes snapped open, staring unseeingly at his face. Then she blinked and her eyes focused. "Oh Gaia," she choked, struggling free of Zack's arms. Once she was out of the bed, she staggered into the bathroom. A moment or two later they heard the sounds of her retching.

Zack and Cloud walked across the room, Cloud pausing in the doorway while Zack crouched behind her as she knelt over the toilet. He pulled her hair away from her face.

"Easy," he murmured. He waited until her heaving ceased and then pulled her back against his chest.

Callandra shuddered in his arms as the gasping sobs tore their way free. Cloud walked to the sink to wet a washcloth, which he handed to Zack.

"Thanks," Zack said, as he wiped the bile from Callandra lips and chin.

"He hates me," Callandra managed between sobs, "He hates me."

"Sssh," Zack hushed, gathering her up as he stood, "It's over now."

Callandra merely shook her head, her sobs increasing until she began to hyperventilate.

"Callandra, you need to calm down," Zack said desperately.

"H-he hates m-me," Callandra cried. "S-Sephiroth. Angeal. Oh goddess, he hates me. I'm all alone. He hates me." The red head began to rock in his arms her hands tearing at her hair.

Sitting on the bed with Callandra across his lap, Zack looked up at Cloud knowing he had to calm her down but at a loss on how to do so. Nothing he could say would make this better. He wished Aerith had told him more about what had happened.

Cloud reached into his belt and produced a vial. "Here," he held it out, "It's a tranquilizer."

"Callie," Zack called, taking the vial, "Ssshh. Easy, sweetheart, Cloud and I are here. You're not alone. I need you to drink this. It'll help you sleep."

"No," Callandra shook her head, "I d-don't want to s-sleep."

"Hush," Zack soothed, "I won't leave you. It'll be okay. Please, drink it."

The brunette pressed the bottle to her lips sighing in relief when she swallowed. The tranquilizer was a good one and in moments, her eyes began to droop. "Just sleep," he murmured, rocking her, "We're right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Resting her head against Zack's chest Callandra listened to the steady beat of his heart. Her breathing slowed as the tranquilizer worked its way through her system. One trembling hand reached up to wrap around his neck pulling herself closer to him. "Zack," she whispered, "He said I've betrayed him."

"You haven't done anything wrong, honey," Zack soothed. "Close your eyes." He kept rocking until her breathing evened out and deepened with sleep.

"Thank Minerva," Zack whispered.

"Whatever he said must have been terrible," Cloud said softly.

"I'll see if I can find out when she wakes up," Zack said tiredly.

"I'm guessing you're staying?" Cloud said.

"Yeah," Zack nodded.

"Try to get some sleep yourself," Cloud ordered as he turned towards the door, "Don't worry, Zack, you'll know what to say. You always do."

Once the blonde was gone, Zack eased himself down to the mattress still holding Callandra tightly against him. Carefully, he pulled the covers up over both of them. "I wish I had as much faith in me as you do, Cloudy."

Looking down at Callandra's tear-ravaged face Zack promised himself he would not fail Callandra like he had Sephiroth. He'd find the right words somehow.

Well, another chapter. This one was pretty easy to write. It came to me quickly and I finished it in a little over an hour. Let me know what you think.

TigerRaiken:I'm glad that you are enjoying this story. Also, your suggestion is a good one and I'll see if maybe I can work something in. Thanks!

How Cynamin Rolls: Yeah, I knew before I played Crisis Core that Zack dies and I stilled bawled at the end. I like Cloud a lot but I do like Zack better myself. Cloud took time to grow on me but I loved Zack right away. I'm glad you enjoyed my story. And sux is a word in my corner of the country. LOL. Slang but still a word. Hehe. Thanks so much for the review!

Shade the Bat: Cloud has too many swords. LOL. Do each of the smaller ones have a name? I've looked everywhere trying to find out and can't find anything. Glad you enjoyed the chapter.

XxXChiharu-Chan-1000-SpringsXx: Well here's your update. LOL. I'm glad you like it and I'm especially honored that's my story is your first FFVII fic. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the previous ones.

Oodball167: This one came pretty quick. I hope you like and that it doesn't seem to hastily done. Thanks for the review!