Disclaimer : I don't own anything.

Note : Muahahahaha! The last chapter was NOT the end of Vegnagun! The only way to find out, is to read on. (Grins evilly)

JuseaPeterson - Sorry… It's not the end of him juuuust yet. LOL. I think you'll like this chapter.

And the part about Blake… when he gets injured, and Tori's feelings on it, was not in the script. I made it up to try and add a little more feeling into the chapter, and make it a bit longer.

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"What now?" Cassie asked quietly, watching the machina warily for any sign of life.

Dustin looked all over the machina and frowned with a hand on his chin. "Maybe…. We're finished?" he asked skeptically.

From his seat atop Vegnagun, T.J. spun around to face them, Zhane's ghost showing clearly. Giving a purely evil smirk, he chuckled quietly. "Finished indeed!" he spat before turning back around and beginning to play a different tune on the organ.

"T.J.!" Carlos called from a little ways behind us.

"All of Spira is finished!" he cackled in the eerie double voice of Zhane and T.J.

Shuddering violently, Vegnagun's mouth opened, and a giant canon shot forth. It was easily big enough to destroy all of Spira with one blast, and we jumped aside, to avoid being knocked off the platform into the endless abyss below.

"He's got a plan B, too!" Dustin whined as he stood back up.

"He's panicking!" Cam's voice cried in the otherwise silent air. "Tori, end it now!"

(Blake's POV)

Watching Tori, I silently wondered if she'd even heard his voice for a moment. She stood there, silently regarding the massive machina. But then, her face hardened into a fierce determination and she nodded before taking a step forward.

To be honest, I was kind of worried. I knew what was coming. After the battle, Tori was going to try and act like Karone. She'd have to tell him Karone's feelings as if they were her own.

She'd have to say 'I love you' to him.

I felt jealousy rear it's ugly head, but deep down inside, I knew she loved me, not him. I knew it was crazy to be jealous over something like this. She didn't love him, she was just trying to save him. Save him, Karone, and all of Spira.

"All right!" she called in a voice that rang of bravery I didn't feel. "This is it, everybody! Stay focused!"

She ran over to a rung on the side of the canon and lifted herself up onto the top of it, the rest of us following. Running along the top of the massive weapon, we made a B-line to Vegnagun's head. As we reached it, the path below us smoothed out, and two massive tentacles grew from it's mouth, swinging almost hypnotically back and forth, as if warning us to stay away.

There was also another core. It was protected by seemingly nothing, but I think we all knew better. Those machina tentacles were it's guardians, and I doubted they'd be easy to beat.

Watching the others, I didn't have a clue where to even begin.

That is… Until I saw Tori change into her Summoner.

With a determined nod, I closed my eyes and focused on an Aeon. I knew Tori would chose Bahamut. That seemed to be her personal favorite. But I needed to chose the strongest of the ones left.

Sensing their presences, I felt Anima and decided on it. Out of all of them, besides Yojimbo, it was the strongest.

Come to me, Anima! I called mentally, feeling it's presence grow stronger and more solid.

As I opened my eyes, I saw the Aeon appear as it usually did and ordered it to attack. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, there was a flash of several dark balls of energy that hit the head at the same time, and I turned to find Bahamut standing next to Tori.

I got a little worried, seeing the pain in Tori's eyes, but I figured it was from having to keep fighting this thing, and what we all knew would be coming next.

Cassie had changed into her black mage, and had shot a wateraga at the core, as Dustin followed suit, casting a Thundaga on one of the tentacles. They took turns rapidly casting spells at the tentacles and head for a while as Tori and I used our Aeons.

Then it was Vegnagun's turn, and I stared in shock as one of the tentacles floated in the air menacingly. It suddenly straightened out, and shot forward, impaling Anima through the chest, like a dagger.

With a pained scream, Anima hunched over as the tentacle withdrew, and soon faded away into pyreflies. Standing there mutely for a second, I wondered how a hit like that was powerful enough to kill an Aeon with one hit. But then again, Vegnagun was similar to Sin, and was very powerful.

Unfortunately, because I was standing there, not paying attention to what was happening, I didn't see what came next.

I didn't see the second tentacle.

I didn't notice as it, too, sharpened like the other, or as it shot towards me.

"BLAKE!!"

Blinking in surprise, I jumped a bit and spun my head to Tori, who was looking at something behind me in horror. Turning my head slowly, I only managed to catch a brief glimpse of the machina tentacle as it shot towards me.

I don't know if I was lucky, or what, but when I'd jumped, I'd jumped a bit to the left, and the tentacle that was originally aiming for my heart, hit me in the shoulder instead. Still, it was incredibly painful and I screamed in pain as I felt myself being thrown back by the force.

But then, the tentacle seemed to slip out of my body. I was too numb to move or counter attack. I couldn't even breath. I felt the warm wetness running down my chest from the wound, but couldn't make a sound.

That's when I realized why the tentacle had slipped from my body.

I'd been knocked over the edge of the canon. Over the edge, where there was no platform to land on. I could only watch silently as tears streamed down Tori's face, before the canon blocked her out of my view and I finally felt nothing.

Blackness overcame me, but quickly fled as I noticed a dim light shining around my body.

It's not over yet. It's not your time. An unfamiliar voice said softly into my ear.

I still couldn't move, but I knew there was nothing there. There was nothing anywhere around me, only an endless, black void.

You can't die!

Who are you?

My body was turning cold and it was hard to breath. No, it was painful. I could feel my heart skipping beats and slowing. Then, I felt a warm sensation on my chest, and looked down to see a pale, slim hand over the wound.

Strangely enough, the hand seemed to glow, and the blood refused to stick to it.

A warmth spread through me and I closed my eyes a moment, relishing how the pain seemed to dissipate. When I opened them again, I saw a familiar blonde woman leaning over me. But… She was see through. A ghost, I guess, or perhaps, an unsent?

She giggled and shook her head. You are doing so much to help me. I will do whatever I can to help you, too. she said softly with a warm smile. Sighing sadly, she looked up and I followed her gaze to see a faint light and what looked like the underside of the platform we were all on. Had I really fallen so far? I didn't even notice. Zhane has changed so much, but it's not his fault. He needs to understand, and only she can do it.

Nodding to myself, I felt very tired all of a sudden and couldn't keep my eyes open. Letting them close, I watched as she slowly faded from view and the light that surrounded my body, grew brighter.

Rest. You will see her again.

The feeling of falling had changed to one of floating, and I finally let myself drift off, mentally thanking Karone for her help.

(Tori's POV)

When Blake was hit, and knocked off the canon, I lost it. I was torn between jumping after him, and making Vegnagun pay. As much as I wanted to jump after him, I hesitated, only because I knew so many lives depended on me stopping this thing.

So, here it was. The needs of the many outweighing the needs of one.

I've given up so much. Was it really too much to ask that Blake and I can be happy?

He's not gone.

Not even hearing the words, I took a single step towards the edge of the canon, where Blake had fallen. Screw the needs of the many! The only thing I care about is Blake! I thought as tears flowed down my cheeks. He can't be gone! No…

But then, my body froze, refusing to let me jump, and I felt another presence.

He is not gone! You have to keep fighting!

"Karone?"

It sure sounded like her. But… Why was she contacting me now?

Shaking my head, my gaze turned uncertainly, back to Vegnagun, and I watched as a glowing figure ordered Bahamut to attack the giant machina.

I can't hold my power for long. Please, they need you!

Frowning, I slowly walked back over to Bahamut and glared at the machina. Though Zhane was controlling it, I knew I didn't blame him. As angry as I was, as absolutely, royally pissed as I was, my anger was directed at that giant piece-of-shit machina.

I felt Bahamut's energies soar with my rage, and Karone's presence fade. Glaring at Vegnagun, I took a deep breath. "Bahamut, Mega Flare attack!" I ordered calmly.

Using his strongest attack, Bahamut managed to badly damage the head, and sparks of electricity shot around it's eyes and the core.

Cassie quickly followed up with another wateraga and Dustin finished the combination attack with a Thundaga, doing mega damage to the metal face of it.

Vegnagun gave a violent jerk, and the eyes stopped glowing as the core grew smaller and slowly imploded. We'd done it. We'd finally beat Vegnagun.

But… Looking back over the edge, I let more tears slip and closed my eyes tightly as I choked back a sob. At what cost? Out of all the things I would've give up, Blake wasn't one of them.

Changing into my Songstress dressphere, I forced my painful feelings aside and took a step forward as T.J. came down from the seat, Zhane's image clearly showing anger at having been stopped.

That's when he saw me and his eyes widened. I knew he was seeing Karone, and not me, and it was a little unnerving, having him stand there, gazing at me so lovingly, but I steeled myself and gave a small, tentative smile. "Zhane." I said softly, hoping this guise would work.

"Karone?" he asked unsurely, taking a step closer.

Swallowing the large lump that had formed in my throat, I sighed silently. I'm sorry Blake. "There's something I must tell you." Taking the words directly from the song, I blinked back my tears. "Words left unspoken for a thousand years." Pausing a moment, I gathered my strength to keep my act up. "I love you." I'm so sorry Blake. I don't love him. "And I'm grateful…" I love you! "Grateful that you stayed with me until the end."

"But I couldn't save you!" he cried desperately, the hate fading from his eyes, being replaced by sadness and longing.

"It doesn't matter." I said sincerely, feeling my heart beat painfully. "Please… Don't go on grieving alone!" Closing my eyes, I felt Karone's presence within me again. "Rest." I almost whispered, hearing her voice speaking with mine.

Taking a few steps forward, Zhane's spirit faded from T.J's body and walked forward until he was only a few feet away from me. Coming to his senses, T.J. shook his head and blinked in confusion, until Marah and Carlos ran forward and pulled him carefully away from all of us.

"We can finally fade…" He raised a hand and held it out towards me, and I involuntarily flinched back a little. "Together?"

Now I was at a loss for words and looked to the ground uncertainly.

It seemed, that was all it took to break the trance and for Zhane to see that I wasn't really Karone. His eyes hardened and a slight growl escaped his lips, making my head shoot up in surprise as he glared angrily at me. "No." he said painfully, taking two steps back.

"Wait!" I called desperately, trying to talk some sense into him.

But… He wouldn't listen. "You are not Karone!" he yelled, drawing a sword from behind his back and becoming solid as he took a defensive stand. Suddenly leaping forward, he swung at me, and since I didn't expect it, I wasn't able to dodge it. I could only watch in shock as it closed in on my neck.

Then, a sword seemed to appear in front of me, and an almost deafening ring of metal on metal was heard.

Looking to my left in shock, I cried out happily to see the familiar black hair and eyes.

"Blake!" I called out in relief.

Glaring at Zhane, Blake snarled. "You won't hurt her!" he growled as he pushed the blade back roughly and counterattacked, catching Zhane off balance and knocking him back a few feet. Running forward, he swung again, but this time, Zhane was prepared and blocked his blow.

That's when I jumped into action. Changing into my Gunner, I grabbed my guns and took aim, firing at him and causing him to jump back, swinging his blade wildly in every direction to block the shots.

Ok, this is gonna be harder than I thought. I thought dryly. He's fast!

Cassie changed into Gunner as well, and charged up a Trigger Happy and firing at him.

Quickly doing the same, I fired my shots a second after hers, timing myself so I would catch him off guard and he wouldn't be able to block.

As my shots hit him and knocked him down to one knee, Dustin ran behind him and unleashed several grenades, but Zhane jumped high into the air and landed a little ways away. Then, he ran at us, swinging wildly in his rage as he tried to kill us.

Cassie fired another Trigger Happy, me following a split second after her, and most of our shots hit him.

Blake charged forward once we were done and attacked with amazing grace, swinging his sword at Zhane. The unsent managed to block the hit, but he wasn't expecting Blake to kick him hard, and stumbled back, clutching his stomach with a grimace.

Dustin changed into warrior and attacked Zhane from behind, and I quickly did the same, trying to combine our attacks to catch him off guard and overwhelm him. With three of us attacking from different angles, and Cassie shooting from yet another angle, Zhane was easily overpowered, and we watched as he fell to his knees, panting and glaring at the ground as his sword disappeared into a ball of pyreflies.

That's when Blake looked at me and gestured in Zhane's direction with his head. Giving a small nod, I took a couple of steps forward.

"Zhane…"

"Don't tell me you understand!" he spat angrily, still not looking up.

But I do! I do understand what it's like to lose the one you love! Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered Blake fading away and my pain for two years, constantly wondering if he'd ever come back.

Suddenly, I felt like I was being torn in two, and closed my eyes tightly as I felt something pull away from my body. When I opened them again, Karone was standing in front of me, walking slowly and hesitantly to Zhane. His figure faded back into a ghost and she stopped in front of him.

As his head shot up, his eyes widened a moment before narrowing suspiciously. Glaring at what he suspected was another trick, he lifted his hand and swung at the figure, but to his obvious surprise, she caught his hand in both of her own and held it against her chest with a warm smile.

Glistening tears formed in his eyes as he stared into her baby blue eyes longingly. "Karone?" he asked on a hoarse voice.

"Hi there." she said with a warm smile, full of love. Looking down at him, she bent down and kissed his forehead lightly, and I almost jumped to feel two arms wrap around me.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw a content smile on Blake's face and I leaned back into his embrace, relishing the fact that he was alive and with me. That Zhane and Karone had been reunited, and we were all ok.

"A thousand years, and this moment is all we get?" Zhane asked sadly. Shaking his head, he raised his other arm and placed it on Karone's hip as she let go of his hand and placed hers on his shoulders.

Shaking her own head, she chuckled slightly. "This moment's enough. I don't need anything else. Just knowing how you felt is enough. Zhane, let's end this. Let's go home." She pleaded gently.

"Can we?" he asked doubtfully. The look in his eyes… It was obvious he felt that his actions would keep him from being able to rest with her, but… No one blamed him. I felt it. No one blamed him for this.

"That was all a thousand years ago." Karone said softly. "We've come too far to look back now. Rest, Zhane. Rest with me."

Leaning against her waist, Zhane hugged her tightly, wrapping his arms around her waist as he pulled her closer to him, and Karone readily returned the hug, leaning over and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Let's go. I have a new song for you." She said with a grin as she giggled a bit. Turning to us, her grin turned into a wide smile. "Thank you." She said quietly.

Nodding to her, I felt my own smile tug at my lips and a few tears fell from my eyes.

Slowly fading away from view, I was sure everyone could see the smiles on their faces, and feel the happiness radiating from them. Knowing Vegnagun was gone, and that Zhane would no longer torture Spira, my friends and I turned and made our way out of the Farplane.

I was a bit disappointed that we were still in Spira, but something told me… I had a strange feeling, that something big was going to happen soon.

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Yay!!! Vegnagun's no more! And Zhane and Karone are happily reunited! Woo-hoo! (grins and jumps around excitedly)

So….Wonder what happens next. Hmmm… There's a bit more to the script, but the ending's going to be my work totally, and I STILL have no idea how to end it. I know it's going to tie into the Interludes, and be happy, but getting them back to earth… Hmmm…. I'll have to figure that out.

Hope you like it.

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"She left a message! She said she's going home! So farewell, but not goodbye!"

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Heh… the above quote might or might not be misleading. You'll see. (Grins)

R+R please.

Thank you.

Tenshi