Disclaimer: Any character, idea, plotline, etc. that's been seen before isn't mine. Anything new, however, is MINE and copying it is only authorised by asking me first. Anyway, after the obligatory message, on with the show!

Chapter 5: The Reunion

The creature raised it's hand to finish Zack off, when a piercing, whirring noise snatched it's attention. Launching itself backwards, it narrowly avoided being decapitated by the finely honed metal disc that sliced through the air. It landed about fifty feet away and turned to snarl at the newcomers.

Yuffie caught the returning Conformer, staring in shock as she did so. She had never seen anything jump that far in her life. None of the party had. But Cloud and Aeris weren't concerned with that at the moment. They were gawping at the crumpled figure with the sword.

"Cloud, is that..." whispered Aeris in disbelief. Cloud nodded slowly.

"It's Zack."

"B-but how? I-I-I thought he was-was-". Aeris was nearly in tears.

"So did I. But that's him."

"Yo! We ain't got time for this now!" snapped Barrett. "Wait 'til we've dealt with whatever that thing over there is!" They all looked at the creature at that. It stood seven feet tall, with mottled green skin and reptilian eyes. All it's fingers ended in knifelike claws. It wore an armored black body suit. Embalzoned across it's chest in red was an image of a globe in the center of a web.

"The 'thing' has a name," it hissed, "I am Quarkal. Learn it well, for soon it will be marked on your graves!" With that, it turned and ran off at an incredible pace. Geez, that guy could make a fortune at the chocobo races! thought Cait Sith surreally.

What are you on about? questioned Reeve.

Look at him! You ever seen a chocobo that could beat that pace?

You've lost it, sighed Reeve mentally.

Then what does that say about you? was the cat's reply, with the telepathic equivalent of a smirk. Reeve shook his head in annoyance and brought his attention back to reality.

Cloud had walked over to the sleeping figure and was crouched in front of him. Pale as a ghost, Aeris was standing a couple of paces behind him, her face a picture of shock. Reeve's heart gave a pang at seeing her beautiful face so twisted with worry. He wished he could comfort her. There had to be something he could do. He started to walk over to her.

Don't, came a warning thought. He turned to see Cait Sith giving him a cautionary look. This isn't the time or the place. You'll just mess her up more than she already is. Forget about it for now. Reeve scowled, but acquiesced. He knew it was sound advice.

"Zack?" Cloud said softly. There was no response. "Zack!" he said a bit more firmly, and tapped him gently on the shoulder, being careful not to aggravate his injuries. The black haired warrior opened his eyes slowly, blinked a few times and finally managed to focus on the person in front of him.

"Cloud?" he said hesitantly, not sure if he was dreaming or not. Then he broke into a pained smile. "Cloud! Long time no see, huh?"

"You could say that again, man," Cloud smiled back sympathetically, still concerned about his injuries. "Can you walk?"

"Of course I can walk," groaned Zack. He got halfway to his feet, then his legs gave way, and he landed hard on his rear. "Ouch," he said weakly. "Anyone got a restore materia on them?"

"I do," said Nanaki. A short chant later and the healing jade light enveloped Zack. Still-forming bruises on his arms faded, red welts dissipating. "Aah, that's better," smiled Zack, a real smile this time. He stood up and didn't fall. "Thanks a lot..."

"Nanaki," the canine replied.

"Nanaki. Nice to meet you. Hey Cloud, why don't you introduce me to everyo-". He halted mid-sentence, mouth hanging open.

Aeris met his look, tears brimming in her emerald eyes. The two just gazed at each other, emotion clogging their throats. No-one spoke. Jealousy welled up inside Reeve like a tidal wave, but he kept his features impassive. Cait Sith kept his thoughts to himself.

Finally, Zack spoke. "They told me you were dead." He couldn't keep the tremble from his voice.

"Th-they told me the s-same about y-you," she sobbed, barely keeping herself from weeping freely. There was another pause, then they ran and threw there arms around each other, openly crying now. They held on so tightly they could barely breathe, but didn't care. They were reunited.

The rest of the group turned away in slight embarrassment, feeling that it wasn't for them to see. Reeve bit his lip so hard it bled, but kept quiet, turning with the rest of them.

A few minutes later Aeris and Zack's tears finally subsided. They held on for another short while then let go. No more words were spoken. After a couple of seconds, they started a slow pace back into town, side by side, not touching but close. Everyone else followed at a respectful distance. Reeve's hands were balled into tight fists, and he shook slightly with anger as he walked. Cait Sith came up beside him, patting him on the back for reassurance. She's just overcome at seeing someone she thought was dead. It doesn't mean anythng yet. And if it does, you're just gonna hafta be happy for her. Are you going to grudge her happiness?

No. Reeve uncurled his fists. You're right. It's not my place to be angry.

Don't worry. I won't judge ya for it. Happens to the best of us.

You sound like you know what you're talking about.

Well, back at gold saucer I met this cute little slot machine...

Reeve laughed out loud. Cid turned to him in surprise. "What's the joke?"

"Ah, just something Cait said." Cid shrugged and turned back round. Reeve and Cait continued walking.

Only Vincent hung back for a moment. Cloud and Aeris were certainly glad to see Zack, but he felt something was off. The newcomer had made him uneasy, for some reason he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was as if he was familiar somehow...

"Hey, whatcha waiting for Vinnie?" chirped Yuffie as she appeared behind him. Vincent shook his head in irritation at himself, then smiled at his girlfriend.

"Only you. Shall we go?" Yuffie nodded happily and took his hand. They strolled off home, with Vincent still trying to shake off the feeling that he'd seen Zack before.

Author's Notes: Slightly shorter this time round. Sorry I ain't updated in a while, but I've had a slight touch of writer's block. I'm over that now, so I should be back into this. Just my luck the exams are getting close, eh? Oh well, I'm sure I'll manage. Anyway, thanks for bearing with me. Quick question; who was the anonymous reviewer who talked about his brother singing "Old Macdonald?" I just gotta hear the full story on that one! Anyway, C y'all later!

PS RADS wants her stuff back if anyone's got anything from her, i.e. playstation games, videos, etc.

Wolfy