Reeve stood amongst the wreckage of the WRO's once impressive airship fleet as the hangar doors opened to allow the Shera to dock. Once the airship was secured, Reeve led its crew to WRO Headquarters' main atrium, where all of the WRO's forces along with Cloud and his friends were assembled. Reeve motioned for Cid, Yuffie, and the Turks to stand next to Cloud as he headed for the platform set up in the middle of the crowd. He took a few seconds to quiet the troops before giving his speech.

"Listen up…we know what Cyrus Thresher and the Repentant are planning thanks to the efforts of Captain Highwind and Commander Kisaragi. We also know that Cyrus is returning to Nibelheim to use the abandoned Mako reactor to call forth the power of the Clear Materia. There's no telling how much time we have before it's too late, but I for one refuse to stand back and let this madman have his way without a fight!"

The WRO troopers cheered at this as Reeve continued, "Without our airship fleet, we'll be launching an amphibious attack on Nibelheim from the closest beach. The bulk of our forces will engage the Repentant head-on, and will be assisted by Rufus Shinra and the Turks. I ask that both groups work in concert and help one another complete the mission.

"While our forces engage the majority of the Repentant Army, AVALANCHE under the command of Cloud Strife will parachute behind enemy lines from the Shera. While we keep the Repentant occupied, Cloud and the others will find and neutralize Cyrus Thresher and the Repentant leadership before they have a chance to use the Clear Materia. If we push both the boats and the Shera their limits, we will be able to reach Nibelheim in three days…"

Reeve sighed as he finished his speech, "I don't know if we'll be able to make it in time, but all life on the Planet deserved the right to live regardless of what Cyrus and the Repentant say. We will atone for our mistakes in caring for the Planet, and we will do it without losing our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. All life, all humanity can do better…and we deserve the chance to prove it. My friends, the fate of humanity rests in your hands…and I have faith in you and humanity. Dismissed."

"YES, SIR!" the WRO troopers shouted in response as every one present filed out and headed to their assigned vessels. At the same time, Reeve, Cloud and the rest of AVALANCHE followed Cid to the Shera as Cid's crew finished refueling and arming the airship. As Cloud followed his friends onboard, Reeve grabbed his shoulder and stopped him.

"Cloud?" Reeve asked. "What do you think? Is this going to work?"

"Hmph," Cloud replied. "We can only hope we get there in time. If we do, I'll stop Cyrus. I promise you that."

Reeve looked into Cloud's Mako-enhanced eyes and saw the same fierce determination he saw four years ago when he masqueraded as Cait Sith. Reeve nodded as a sign of approval. "All right. Then let's not waste any time. The Repentant won't wait for us, after all."

Cloud let out a grunt as he and Reeve boarded the Shera just in time for liftoff. As the airship ascended into the boundless sky, Cloud looked out towards the sea, where the WRO fleet had assembled and launched towards the Western Continent and Nibelheim. He took a deep breath and let whatever worries and concerns he had out when he exhaled. Cloud knew that worrying about arriving too late wouldn't make the Shera or the WRO's boats move any faster, after all.

Instead, Cloud would sharpen his swords and make sure Tifa and the rest of his friends were ready for combat. If…no, WHEN they made it to Nibelheim, they would be ready to fight the Repentant and stop Cyrus.

"The fate of humanity rests in your hands…and I have faith in you and humanity."

Cloud clenched the grip of First Tsurugi tightly. He would not let Reeve, his friends, or humanity down. Not now, not ever again…

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The stolen Shinra helicopter, now emblazoned with the emblem of the Repentant, landed on the outskirts of Nibelheim two days after refueling in Costa del Sol. The Repentant leader Cyrus Thresher stepped out to be greeted by his five lieutenants bending their right knee in respect.

"Master!" Atlas spoke up. "When the boat returned without you, we were concerned for your well-being. Were you delayed?"

Cyrus rested his cane on his left shoulder as he replied, "Unfortunately, yes. The Turks were not kind enough to keep enough fuel in their helicopter. A misjudgment on my part, and I do apologize for worrying you."

"We need no such courtesy, master," Nimuria said as she and the other Repentant officers stood up. "All that matters is that you are safe…and that you were successful in your quest."

"That I was, my dear…that I was."

Cyrus smiled as he produced the Clear Materia from his coat pocket. All of his lieutenants looked upon the powerful stone with awe and wonder. "My friends, my comrades…the Clear Materia, in all its glory. The cornerstone of our penance now rests in the hands of the truly sorrowful. Now, I must consult with my manuscripts and learn the Prayer of Life needed to reach the Planet and grant me the strength to use this gift of the Lifestream."

Cyrus's lieutenants looked at one another with looks of concern. "Is something wrong?" Cyrus asked.

Rei, her ear still bandaged from when she was punished, was first to speak up. "Forgive us, sir…but our spies indicate that the assault on Fort Condor was only partially successful. Our comrades managed to decimate their airship fleet, but were unable to inflict similar casualties to the WRO soldiers themselves. It seems that Cloud Strife and his companions were present at the battle and led the WRO to victory.

"We lost a significant amount of soldiers in the assault, as well as five of our Custom Sweepers. On top of that, it seems that the WRO is heading for Nibelheim by sea. They'll be here in two to four days."

Rei, timid as ever, half-expected Cyrus to end her life right there and then. However, to her and the rest of the lieutenants' surprise, Cyrus instead let loose a loud laugh. He peered at the Clear Materia as he said:

"So, the traitors aim to crush us all? How amusing! Very well…if it's war they want, then the Repentant will unleash Hades upon them!

"Atlas, ready the troops for battle. Saion, Rei, Alanye, prepare our defenses…mechs, turrets, whatever we have! I will not let Reeve or his flunkies stop us from completing the task we set out to do. Let this upcoming battle stand as a testament to our will…a statement of our purpose and our desire for the Planet's forgiveness!"

"Yes, sir!" the Repentant lieutenants acknowledged as all but Nimuria ran off to complete their master's bidding. Nimuria locked eyes with Cyrus as she asked, "And what of me, master? What would you have me do?"

"Nothing save stay by my side for the trials to come," Cyrus said plainly as he pocketed the Clear Materia and rested his right hand on Nimuria's shoulder. "I need your strength for what I must do. Will you stand with me, my angel of death?"

Nimuria gently grabbed Cyrus's hand and placed it over her heart. "I live my life for you, master Cyrus. I live to see you complete your noble work, and will die to stop those who would do you harm. My life and my soul…they are yours to do with what you please."

Cyrus nodded approvingly. "Thank you, Nimuria. The will of the Planet shall be done."

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Author's Notes:

Kairi-loves-Sushi...my biggest fan. Truth only knows how much I appreciate your feedback. I promise to make sure this story continues to kick ass!

The battle looms in the distance. The fate of the Planet and all life will be decided...Pretty intense stuff, isn't it?

Keep on rockin' in the free world...and give me a review while you're rockin' out!

Until next time,

"The Exile" Cyrus Truth