A/N: I know this is a short chapter, but it ends in a good spot. If I added the next scene I might have had to cut it in half and I didn't want to do that. Plus it's been a while and I wanted to go ahead and get this out. I've been having some issues with this story. I know where I'm going, but I keep getting lost on the way. We are really close to the end though, so hopefully that will clear up soon and we'll be in good shape. Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Chapter 25

It was evening the next day before the last of the supplies were loaded onto the Shera. Sephiroth knew they would be leaving soon but took a few moments and made her way to the lake at the center of the city. She had faced countless battles before, but never had it been one for the life of all humanity, nor had it been because she chose to and not because she was ordered. She found that she was questioning herself and her motives more than she ever had before. She knew there was no way they could hand Cloud over, so the coming battle was most likely unavoidable, but that didn't mean that she was not still torn. The ones they would be killing were not truly evil, only at odds with the survival of humanity. It was the fact that their continued stay on Gaia could be better for the planet overall that had her questioning everything.

These thoughts had her in turmoil, even if most would not have noticed. Genesis had though, and had followed her, but he gave her space to think. He was sure she already knew he was close by but didn't bother her. After nearly half an hour she finally looked over and smiled. "You aren't bothering me. If you want to join me, you can. I just have a lot to think about."

Genesis smiled back and went to sit beside her at the water's edge. "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess. You were given a rare gift and the fate of the planet rides on your shoulders. I understand how you may question yourself, but you should follow your heart. The fact that you are worried about everyone and everything but yourself should tell you that your heart is on the right track. Do not doubt yourself."

She shook her head at him. "Only you would know that I still carry doubt." She looked back out over the water before she continued. "I know what needs to be done to save humanity, but is that really what's best for the planet?"

Her face was drawn when she looked back. He gave her shoulder a squeeze before he responded. "You don't need me to answer that for you. Your decision is already made. Know that we all follow your lead." Genesis would have been bitter at that thought in the past, even the recent past, but he had come to realize that the trust he had for her far outweighed any doubt he might once have held. He wasn't sure when it had happened, but he no longer viewed her as a rival. He also didn't need to hear her tell him they were equals. He knew she thought so without asking. The only thing he questioned was why it had taken him so long to see that her actions had always told him that. She never gave anyone else her all in spars and no one except maybe Angeal knew her as well.

She didn't speak right away, and they both decided to soak up the peaceful silence while they could. Sephiroth let the feel of the surrounding area calm her worries, along with the confidence of knowing her friends would be with her. As foreign as that thought might once have been, thinking of moving forward without them was no longer an option. Finally, she stood and held out her hand to help Genesis to his feet. He laughed lightly at the sight but accepted it. Neither of them said anything else as they headed to the last airship to load up with the rest.

Once everyone was on board, they left the ruined city behind them. It was an odd feeling as the place had come to feel like the closest thing to a home that several of them had ever had. Despite being worried about the outcome of their coming trials, Sephiroth found herself wondering if she could actually make her home there once peace was achieved. The fact that she was thinking beyond their battle made her shake her head at herself every time she caught her mind wandering. It seemed that Vincent had been correct. Hope did seem to infect her thinking once she let it in.

Once they were airborne, Cid took his time. They still had to wait for the other ships to get into place so once they reached a certain point, they fell into a waiting pattern. The six people that were going to be the first point of contact and defense spent all their waking hours together, trying to hash out as many possible outcomes as they could think of. Even Weiss was more subdued then he had been previously. It surprised everyone except Sephiroth when he became belligerent again because someone had suggested having the members of Avalanche and the Turks on the ground and ready to fight at the same time as the six of them.

Sephiroth had no problem nixing the idea as she already thought they should only be deployed if needed. The enemies they were facing were far beyond any they had faced before and nearly completely unknown. It was harder for her to conceal a smirk at his scowl for the rest of the meeting though. She gave an internal shake of her head at the thought that Aerith must have known much more than she let on when she made that request. It also eased her fear that he had plans to use Reno. If Weiss was actually capable of caring at all, those two had managed to find out how. As strange as it was, the proof was undeniable.

It was nearly evening the day after they took off that they received word that the others were in position. Everyone except for the crew that handled the flight turned in early to at least try to prepare for the following day. Sephiroth was not able to find sleep as she still had many things she could not dismiss. Genesis had been correct in the fact that she had made her decision and would follow through with it, but that didn't make her think of the alternatives any less. She tried to be as silent as possible to not keep the other three Firsts awake, but after she turned for the fifth time a whisper broke the silence. "I know Gen has already told you that we're behind you 100% so you shouldn't worry so much. I have faith that you're doing what's right. Don't forget, we have all followed you before and know what you are capable of. This time we aren't doing it blindly and because of orders. We all want to be here. If we can believe in you, then you should believe in yourself."

She smiled into the darkness and turned to face the youngest First. "When did you grow into more than a puppy?"

Zack grinned at her use of his nickname. "I had several great teachers. It had to happen someday."

Sephiroth laughed at his quip and then paused before speaking. "I don't think I ever told you before, but I was glad that I got to know you. I'm doubly glad that you and Angeal are back and will be with us tomorrow. This task has become less of a burden than I thought it would be."

Zack's smile softened as he looked to his commanding officer. She had never been one to express herself much and he wasn't sure if it was the changes, or just the fact that she had lost so much and was finally coming to understand what it took to hold onto happiness when and where you found it. Either way, he was glad for it. "I'm glad I got to know you too, Seph. For now, though, we need to get to sleep or tomorrow is going to be hell."

Sephiroth gave him a slight nod before she turned to face the wall. She wasn't completely sure still but knowing that the others were there and only because they wanted to be, allowed her to find enough peace to sleep.

It was afternoon of the next day when they came into sight of the crater. They could see two of the other ships in the distance whenever the snow would clear, but the last was opposite them and still too far to see. They knew they were there though, as all four ships were currently in constant communication.

The six people that would be making landfall were in the belly of the ship making the last of their preparations. They had been joined by Reeve, Cloud, and Aerith. The rest of Avalanche and some of the Turks had wanted to come down too, but Reeve convinced them that there just wasn't room. They had been quietly discussing any last-minute thoughts as the six gathered up what they needed, but everything fell into silence as they all turned to watch Zack and Aerith. The two of them held each other as he quietly assured her, he had no plans to die yet. Everyone could tell her smile back to him was slightly forced, but the light she seemed to shine was not dimmed. If anything, it grew sunnier as she turned to everyone else and her smile brightened before she spoke. "I expect you all back by the end of the day. No dawdling, and no dying. No excuses either. We still have a lot to do, so don't forget that." Everyone smiled back at her casual order not to die, even Weiss, who had not lost his scowl since the others were banned from the storeroom.

Sephiroth gave her a nod before they were interrupted by Cid's voice over the intercom. "We're in position. If you jackasses are ready to go, I'll open the airlock. Just make sure you don't ruin the boards. I lost enough of them the last time one of you gods forsaken assholes needed help."

Cloud shook his head at the way the man always chose to show his care for others. It was sometimes hard to tell the difference between his concern and his contempt. He pushed the thought aside before he approached Sephiroth and held out his hand. She only raised a brow before taking it in a firm handshake. He smiled slightly at the sight before he spoke. "Good luck. I know you will do all you can to protect the others, so I won't ask that of you, but make sure you all come back. Aerith was right, we do have a lot to do still."

Zack looked like his grin was going to split his face as he ruffled Cloud's hair. "Don't worry Spikey. We got this!"

Sephiroth only gave him a nod as she turned to grab her own board. Once they were all in place Reeve sent a quick message to Cid and the small door in the floor opened. Sephiroth was the first out but she was quickly followed by the other five. She had to bite back a smile as Zack's loud whoop could be heard through the cutting wind. In another time she might have sent him a reprimanding glare, but she was beginning to understand his zest for life. He appreciated the little moments while he could so the bad ones didn't get him down as much. It was a philosophy that deserved further investigation once they were passed the coming battles.

All thoughts of the future were halted when they caught sight of the three males they had faced before. It didn't really surprise Sephiroth that they were waiting. She only wondered how much they had already figured out. When they landed the six of them didn't waste any time to make their way to the aliens. Like each time before it was Zilan that stepped forward first. His expression held a touch of anger, but mostly it was resignation and sadness. The sight of it caused Sephiroth to wonder again if there was another way. It didn't show on her face though as the alien spoke. "You are here five days early, but I see that you still do not bring the murderer with you. Is that your answer? Do you refuse to allow justice?"

She gave a curt shake of her head before she answered. "No, I refuse to allow an unjustified murder to happen. I would like to negotiate with you though. I see no reason why our races cannot coexist in peace. I do not want to fight you either."

Zilan's face contorted in rage, but he quickly got it under control enough to be able to speak clearly, if not calmly. "Justice is not murder! I want the man that killed my mate! You were told there would be no negotiations, and yet you still come begging. Have you not learned yet that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? There is a simple way to save the fate of humanity."

At that point Sephiroth's anger finally broke. Instead of the fiery rage that the alien displayed, her voice dropped into the low tones that she had been known to terrify people with. It was so cold some of her own team members took a step back and even Weiss had to repress a shudder. He had only seen her angry once and this was far worse then that time. He was glad it wasn't him she was looking at and he hoped the alien realized it too. He doubted anyone would be able to get away from her unscathed when she was that pissed. He couldn't look away though when she spoke. "When it comes to that one man, yes the needs of the one outweighs the rest. He didn't murder your mate; his hand was forced. It was not something he chose either. He was forced into a role that never should have been his. You have had to deal with the loss of your mate, but he has to deal with the loss of his mother, his home, his sanity and will. He still managed to rise above all of that and forged a path to a better future despite the odds. He does not deserve to face death again. I refuse to allow it."

All three aliens tensed at her tone, but it didn't take Zilan long to reply. "If that is your choice, so be it." He turned and headed back to the barrier but paused and turned once more. "Both my brother's mates wish to not be part of this. Will you allow them to leave?"

Sephiroth wasn't sure if it was a trap, or truth, and even though she suspected it really was the latter, she couldn't afford the price of trust if she were wrong. "Given all that we have seen, I would like to believe you are telling the truth, but it is not a compromise we can afford. Any ship that attempts to leave will be shot down."

All three males started to snarl at her words, but she ignored them and continued. "With that being said, if they wish to not fight, if they do not leave the barrier, we will not attack them. I do not want this to be harder than it has to be."

The two males next to Zilan stopped and gave her looks of confusion but didn't move until he spoke. "I hope you understand what you are unleashing." With those words he turned back and disappeared into the barrier.