That night, Zack, Tifa, and Genesis made their camp a ways from the others. Whatever terrors visited them, they didn't want to broadcast it to everyone. Zack stood beside their fire, poking it listlessly with a stick as he tried to come to terms with his memories. Tifa sat between Genesis' knees, letting his heartbeat and soothing song settle her. It was a subtly uplifting song, and two lines in, Zack was humming along with him.

Eyes falling shut, Tifa relaxed against her lover, twining her fingers with his. Shifting, she rested her head on his chest and breathed in the comforting smell of Magic. Here, with Genesis surrounding her, she could pretend for a moment that everything was fine. She could believe in ethereal words like 'home' and 'forever'. Surprisingly, she felt as if a festering wound had been lanced. She'd met her demons head on and come out better for it. They might still haunt her dreams on occasion, but never again would she allow them to define her. She was strong and had proven her strength to herself today.

When the last note of the song faded, she sighed and raised her eyes to Zack. He was studying them with a curious look on his face before a remnant of his old smile peeked out. Dropping beside the two, he let her take his hand.

"Man, I have a feeling tonight is going to suck," he grumbled.

Unfortunately, he was right. All three of them spent an exhaustive, terror filled night fighting monsters from the past. Tifa was able to wake herself before the nightmares ever became too bad, but Zack's were as bad as they'd been the first night out of the Manor. The way Genesis would jerk and clutch at her frantically let her know that his dreams were new.

"Tell me," he whispered to her in the wee hours of the morning when Zack had finally collapsed into unconsciousness.

Confused, she rubbed her eyes and mumbled a question. Hesitantly, Genesis tipped her face up to meet her gaze with his own pained one.

"Tell me what they did to you, Tifa."

Swallowing heavily, she looked away and wrapped her arms around herself. "We've talked about it before," she reminded him quietly.

"Yes, but I suspect you shielded me from the true horror of it. What that video showed…" he trailed off, closing his eyes and fighting to control his emotions.

Tifa felt the hair on her arms raise with the Magic he was exuding. Glancing to him, she sucked in a deep breath and crawled into his lap. Immediately, he held her close and his Magic washed over her like a caress.

"You don't want to know, Genesis."

He exhaled harshly and rested his head in the crook of her neck. "No. No, I don't, but I need to know, my heart."

A jerky nod was his answer. "One time, then. Please don't ask again."

So, he stayed silent while Tifa explained in detail what had happened and been done to her. Oh, he knew the general story, but he'd never asked for the specifics. He was glad he hadn't before now. He doubted he'd been able to hold onto his sometimes questionable sanity.

When she was done, she huddled back into him, exhausted.

"After this is over," he whispered to her, "I'll make sure the rest of your life is nothing but happiness, Tifa."

A choked laugh escaped her. "You can't promise that, Gen," she chided. "Besides, what I went through made me appreciate what I have so much more. And, you make me happy-without any bells or whistles."

He smiled against her neck. "I told you, you have but to ask it of me and it shall be done."

"I know. Thank you, Gen," she whispered, turning to embrace him.

The next day, a bleary-eyed Zack tossed the buggy's keys at Barret before climbing into the back. Tifa and Genesis followed quietly. Barret grunted and didn't comment as the rest of the group piled into the buggy as well. Pointing the vehicle toward the Forbidden City, they took off. Zack hugged Tifa and rested his forehead on her temple.

"Wake me when we stop," he muttered, pressing a kiss to her head and settling back in the seat.

Mumbling her assent, Tifa blinked sleepily at Genesis as he stored his armor behind the seat. The Mage had dark circles under his eyes as he glanced to her and Zack with concern.

"You should rest, my heart," he told her softly. "I will feel it if the buggy stops."

Gratefully, she dropped her head to his thigh and stretched her legs out across Zack's. The other brunette yawned and let his hands fall to rest on her legs. Genesis rubbed the back of her neck and scalp gently, making her eyes feel heavy. With a contented noise, she succumbed to sleep.

Feeling another's gaze, Genesis raised his eyes to find Aerith's attention focused on them. She darted looks at the three, but offered him a tentative smile. He tipped his head to her before leaning back and searching for his own rest.

They made good time over the course of the week it took them to get to the Forgotten City. The nightmares faded slowly, though the echo they left was sometimes just as bad. Zack in particular was often found awake in the night, staring with unseeing eyes at the fire or holding onto Tifa with an intensity that was nearly alarming.

When she asked, he would shake his head and avoid the subject. Tifa grew more worried as the days passed and Zack seemed to swing between clinging to her and unable to even look at her. He was making an effort, but she wished he would talk to her about it.

Around mid-day they arrived at the Sleeping Forest. With wondering eyes, they began the journey through to the City.

Genesis was studying the magnificently glowing trees when Aerith approached him hesitantly. He stood and remained silent while she tried to figure out what she wanted to say.

"You and Tifa, you're together, aren't you?" she asked with a blush. "She's with you both."

A red brow rose over too blue eyes. "Why are you asking?"

She shuffled her feet and shrugged. "I should have realized. It's so obvious; I can't believe I didn't see it sooner." Raising her eyes, she met his unrevealing gaze. "Are you okay?"

Surprise registered a brief moment on his face. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you saw that video, too. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you to s-see Tifa like that. I don't know what I'd do if it'd been Cloud on that screen."

Genesis' face hardened while his eyes blazed with a barely leashed fury. A second later, it was hidden, but Aerith was suddenly very glad she'd made up with him. This man was more powerful than they realized.

"I thank you for your concern, Miss Gainsborough, but I'll be fine so long as she is."

The Cetra gave a small smile and nodded, knowing that was all she would get out of him. She fell into step beside him as they followed the group out of the forest and through the city.

"You can call me 'Aerith', you know," she chuckled. "I also wanted to thank you for the gifts you had made for me. That was extremely generous of you."

A smile touched the corners of his eyes. "You're most welcome, Aerith. It is my wish that we all survive this."

Her reply was cut off when they entered the city proper. Despite long being abandoned, the coral buildings were beautiful. It was a shame to see what was once such a place of joy reduced to hollow shells. Several Boundfats and Trickplays had apparently made their home here, but were quickly dispatched. Genesis burned the bodies before following the others onward.

Finally, they descended a level and came to the Water Altar at the heart of the Forgotten City. It was breathtaking and so peaceful the entire group felt their hearts lighten.

"Oh," Aerith breathed, coming to a stop beside Cloud. "I can hear the Planet so clearly here."

Slowly, reverently, she ascended to the top of the Altar. As she knelt, the world brightened in divine exultation, lifting her prayers to the Lifestream.

Profoundly touched to witness such an event, her friends watched in silent awe. Bowing his head, Genesis whispered his own plea for aid and protection. Surely here, in this most holy place, Minerva would hear his heart. He prayed fervently that he'd pleased her.

Abruptly, her presence filled the area-unseen but wholly felt.

"My first song," she whispered to him, "what more do you wish?"

He was separated from the group in a field of white wheat. "Above all, your glory. But, I also wish for your forgiveness," he added, knowing that what he'd told Zack was true. He hadn't felt worthy to ask until that moment, and felt foolish at the hubris of ever earning her forgiveness.

"Twice you have prostrated yourself before me," and he could tell nothing from her tone. "Has your heart healed?"

Touching his chest, he thought back over the near-year since he'd seen her. Closing his eyes, he tipped his head and smiled. He was proud of what he'd done in that span. For the first time in his life, he belonged and had something to protect. He was fighting for more than himself and had proved to his doubt that he could be a hero.

"Yes, it has," he answered truthfully.

"I forgave you the moment your heart yearned for it." Her smile permutated her words. "You have reclaimed that which you lost."

Genesis felt peace settle into his soul. "Our quest is not complete. Guide my hand, Goddess. Lend us the wisdom to defeat this threat."

Tinkling laughter met this request. "Oh, my dear one, I already have."

And he was back with his friends. He heard Tifa gasp as he regained his bearings. One look at her face showed that her attention was on something behind him. Glancing back, he was met with two snow-white wings that shimmered in the light.

"Gen," she whispered, "what happened?"

His face was joyfully lit as he flexed the appendages and then willed them away. "The Goddess favors us."

The conversation died when he abruptly leapt over the Altar, bringing Sacred Intent up to clash forcibly with Masamune. Sephiroth had appeared in the air and been descending to plunge the blade through the kneeling Cetra.

"Sephiroth!" Zack snarled, racing with Tifa and the others to surround the still-praying girl.

The General's face was hate-filled, but collected as he glared at Genesis. "You cannot prevent the inevitable. I was made to rule this world!"

The Mage blasted him point-blank in the face with Tri-Fire, sending him careening back a few steps.

"This is a holy place, Sephiroth! Cease this desecration," Genesis commanded.

It was too late; the peace was already shattered and the Planet's voices rose up in fear. Gasping, Aerith woke from her trance with a jerk, seeing Genesis block another attack by Sephiroth.

"You are the desecration, you by-product of science. On your knees!"

Sephiroth sent a flurry of energy beams at him and turned his eyes to the yellow and brown girl standing defiantly in the circle of her friends. Breaking through the barrage, Genesis retaliated with an arch of blazing, righteous power. It struck Sephiroth full-on, ripping him open from collar to hip and sending him crashing into the wall. When he shot out of the crater, he had a wound mirroring the one he'd carved into Tifa so long ago.

"My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment to find the end of the journey-in my own salvation, and your eternal slumber," Genesis retorted, dodging Sephiroth's strike.

Sephiroth curled his lip in disgust. "LOVELESS, Act IV," he recognized. "Ever so devoted, Genesis; and where has it led you? To your-the Prisoner's-destruction at my hand."

The Mage smiled as runes began to glow on Sacred Intent. "I have died, Sephiroth and been restored. In this life, in this choice, I think I will be the Hero," and his power flared out to explode-flinging his former friend into the air with burns that even a Restore would have difficulty healing.

The Silver General howled in anger and hurled something at the base of the steps. "I tire of this!"

In a flash, he was gone, leaving the group to watch in apprehension as what he threw bubbled and morphed into Jenova-Death.

Instead of attacking Genesis, the creature launched itself at the others, casting a Red Light attack as it did so.

Nanaki growled as he caught it to the chest and was sent skidding back. Jenova-Death immediately cast Silence on the group before Genesis hit her with a torrent of Ice3. Shrieking, it turned to him with a Tropic Wind that he easily batted away. Tifa took that moment to land a flying blow to its head, propelling it into Zack's attack with the First Tsurugi. Leaping into the air, it cast Red Light at Zack, watching in fury as it broke on the Wall Genesis threw up around his friend. Barret drew its attention as he sprayed its bodies with bullets. Magic humming, Genesis took to the air to bring an angry energy blast to the creature's neck, severing its head from its shoulders.

With a wail of anguish, it collapsed into dust.

Genesis landed beside Tifa and Zack, his Magic still crackling along his skin. Zack holstered the First Tsurugi and crossed his arms over his chest. He was staring pointedly at Genesis.

"Yes?"

Pursing his lips, he made kissing noises at his friend. "My hero!"

Chuckling, Genesis pushed his face away and turned to the others. Tifa remained silent as they discussed what to do next.

"What do you think, Aerith?" Zack asked her. "What did the Planet tell you?"

"My prayers got through, but I don't know if the Planet will wake the Weapon, yet."

"So, we gotta go to that freezing crater, after all," Barret grumbled.

Aerith smiled apologetically. "Yes, I believe so."

Cloud gave her a side-ways hug. "You did what you could, Aer. Whatever happens now, we'll handle."

"Right, so we can camp in the top part of the city tonight and go on to Icicle Inn tomorrow," Zack declared, squeezing Tifa's shoulders before moving to the front of the group.

Genesis noticed her hesitate and waited beside her while the others moved to the upper level.

"Tifa?"

Biting her lip, she blushed heavily as she raised her eyes to his. His curiosity spiked at her demeanor, causing him to shift to face her fully.

"Can I see them again?" she asked.

Laughter lit his eyes as he grinned. "You have a fetish, my heart," he teased.

Embarrassed, she turned to leave, but halted when he caught her arm. Tifa couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze as she fidgeted.

"I'm playing, love."

The air stirred as the wings burst from his back. They stretched out to his side, gloriously reflecting the light emanating from this place. Astonished at the divine image he made, Tifa felt her breath stutter.

"Shiva, Gen, what happened?" she asked again. Her hand fluttered as if to touch one, but she held back at the last second.

The Mage pulled off his gloves and stepped closer to her. A deep breath would have her chest rubbing his.

"Minerva forgave me. I've reclaimed my honor and pride as SOLDIER." He tilted his head in question. "Are you afraid to touch me, now?"

"No," she admitted with another deep blush. "I'm embarrassed by how much I want to."

Satisfaction glinted in his eyes as he stood still for her decision. Tentatively, she leaned forward to stroke the white feathers. Eyes dilating with pleasure, Genesis touched her forehead with his own and rested his hands on her hips.

"You're going to have me believing they are the only reason you love me."

Giggling, she brought her hands up around his neck as his wings folded behind him.

"Well, I don't want to hurt your feelings, or anything…" she trailed off teasingly.

Arching a brow, he claimed her lips in a soft, almost playful kiss. Sighing, Tifa relaxed into him, wishing they had more time. This place seemed like another world, making Sephiroth's attack all the more vile. Genesis chose that moment to curl his tongue around hers, making her forget everything but him. He pulled away much too soon, his hands keeping her from following to reignite the kiss.

Frowning, Tifa eyed him in question, but he was silent as he dropped his hands and withdrew something from his pocket. His eyes were serious when they met hers again.

"I had something more crafted for you, love," he told her. "It is your choice to accept or refuse it."

Confused, she nodded and watched as he opened a tiny bone box. Involuntarily, a gasp escaped her as the content was revealed. An intricately carved ring was nestled inside. A shimmering crimson, it was shaped like a wing with a small heart where the ends met. A golden rune was set into the heart.

"Genesis," she stuttered, floored by the beauty and craftsmanship of the jewelry. "This is for me?"

Her reaction seemed to please him as he smiled her smile and removed the ring from the box.

"Of course, my Tifa." He ran a finger over the rune, causing it to glow. "This is the Rune for 'Eternity'."

Swallowing thickly, she raised her eyes to his. "Gen, are you-are you proposing to me?"

His smile widened. "Would you say yes if I was?"

"I don't know," she admitted, overwhelmed at the idea that this amazing man would take her for his wife.

The Mage chuckled softly. "Fear not, my heart. This can mean whatever you wish. It pleases me to give you something beautiful as an outward expression of my feelings."

Hesitantly, Tifa lifted her hand to take the ring. Genesis intercepted her, however, and took her left hand. Instead of sliding it onto her finger, the circlet expanded to slip over her hand, settling on her wrist. He placed a kiss on it before releasing her.

"I shall not leave you, Tifa Lockhart, be you my lover or my wife. Passed my final breath, I am yours."

Tears spilled down her cheeks, because-in this most holy place-those words had sounded very much like vows. She was surprised by how much the idea appealed to her.

"I don't have anything to give you," she realized with a frown. "Wait," she brightened, removing her pearl earring. "My mother gave it to me. It's all I have left from Nibelheim."

Eyes wide, Genesis shook his head. "Tifa, I can't accept that."

Smiling, she took his hand and closed his fingers around the pearl. "It's mine to give, Genesis. And, whether you're my lover or my husband, I'll stay with you forever."

A flash of red light blazed around their hands, making Tifa jump. When Genesis opened his fingers, instead of a pearl earring, there lay a stunning pearl bracelet. Inhaling sharply, Tifa snapped her eyes to his, finding him equally as startled. Releasing a breath, he smiled and examined the item, noting the matching Rune.

"That's…unexpected," he stated.

Laughing wetly, the martial artist took the bracelet and slipped it on his left hand. Immediately, the two bracelets flared before sinking into their wrists. It was as if they had an elaborate tattoo that shimmered slightly with Magic. Tifa felt a rush of power sweep through her before it dissipated.

"Careful, love," Genesis warned. "This place is full of Magic. You'll bind yourself to me if the wrong words are spoken."

Her blue eyes met his with all the depth of her emotions. "Genesis, when this is all over, will you bring me here again?"

Face soft, he kissed her forehead and stroked her cheeks. "Yes," he promised her, knowing that the next time they stood on this Altar, it would be for an entirely different purpose.

"Come, my heart, the others are no doubt concerned with our absence."

Face lit with happiness, she held his hand as he pulled her along. The Mage cast one last look back at the Water Altar and smiled to himself. He'd warned Tifa in time to prevent her from unknowingly completing a bond between them. His Magic swirled around his wrist and the new connection. He'd let her start it, though, and once this quest was completed, he'd bring her here to bind their souls completely.

"Gen?"

"Yes, love?"

"What about Zack?" she asked, uneasy at leaving him out.

Genesis glanced to her. "Zack is not a Mage, nor is he a Monk-class fighter, Tifa. Binding Magic would not affect him as it does us."

Relieved, she nodded. "He's been pulling away since Nibelheim."

The Mage frowned. "I know. Until he accepts our help, our hands are tied. I have tried to get him to talk to me about it, but he refuses. I believe something has wounded his spirit and he's only now dealing with it."

"Yeah, that's what I think, too. It's just…you guys helped me heal and I feel helpless to return the favor. I want him to be okay, but I don't even know what's really wrong."

She bit her lip. "Is it insensitive of me to talk about my relationship with him to you?"

That made him pause and face her. "Tifa, I understand your need for him-I do-and I'm not asking for anything you aren't willing to give. He's my best friend and I want him to be happy, so I don't mind whatever you need to discuss. We are a family, are we not?"

At her nod, he smiled and kissed her fingers before banishing his wings and resuming the trek up.

AN: I am sooooo sorry for the delay. Lightning took out my computer and we've had some health problems recently. I haven't abandoned the story, I promise! Updates are going to be a bit slower until I don't have to borrow a computer, but I will finish. Coming up, we'll be dealing more with Zack's issues and the action is going to be increasing. I hope you all will like it, despite the slowness. Loves!