Disclaimer: You know the drill

Chap. 23

"Cloud."

The others looked in astonishment as Sephiroth faced Cloud. With both of them now bearing a single wing, they both looked like strange mirror images of each other.

"So it's true. He really is Sephiroth's brother."

Sephiroth overheard them and looked back at Cloud. My…brother? Impossible. Still, the nagging feeling stayed within his head as he looked at the person before him, with the same raven-black wing. Sephiroth shook the though away and reached down to his sword again. Cloud raised his own weapon and called out.

"Guys. Go on ahead. I'll deal with him."

Lucrecia looked at him, "Cloud. I haven't…"

"Don't worry. I won't kill him. But this has to be settled now."

Lucrecia was about to protest again when Vincent touched her shoulder.

"No. Not now. We have to stop Weapon." He looked into her eyes, "You'll have your chance."

Lucrecia looked back at him and then at Sephiroth. Closing her eyes, she nodded.

"All right, let's go."

Everyone ran toward the tunnel, minus Cloud and Red XIII, who was still unconscious and being carried by Barret. Zack was also being helped by Cid. Tifa took one last look at Cloud.

Be careful, Cloud.

Tifa then disappeared down the tunnel, leaving Cloud alone with Sephiroth. The two of them said nothing as they readied themselves. Sephiroth raised the Murasame next to his head and spoke in a shadowy voice.

"I'll show you to the Promised Land!"

Meanwhile, Barret, Tifa and the others reached the other end of tunnel. There, was the ball of light that was the core. But unlike last time, the core was glowing more brightly and intensely and it pulsated chaotically.

"Alright. So all we have to do is stop that, right?" Cid asked

"Right." Barret answered.

"I don't suppose you know how."

"Uhhh, well…I never really thought about it."

Cait Sith spoke up, "Why don't we use our materia?"

Lucrecia shook her head, "No, none of our materia is strong enough."

"What about Red? He's powerful with materia."

"How? He's been knocked cold."

"Fools!"

Everyone looked up to see Hojo descend before them. His appearance had altered and he looked more grotesque now.

"Did you really think that this would be left unprotected?"

Vincent came forward, "Hojo, are you so mad that you would willingly destroy this world? Is your science really worth the lives of innocent people?"

Hojo gave a distorted laugh, "Of course. I will learn more than what this puny race had to offer. Jenova has already shown me more than I ever could have known. I must find out what more can be learned. Human sentiment merely gets in the way."

Lucrecia came up as well, "Hojo, please stop this!"

Hojo waved his hand and swarms of Fire began to surround her. But before they could ignite, Vincent dashed forward and moved her out of the way. The Fire2 magic exploded around him.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!"

"Vincent!"

Lucrecia stood up and moved over to Vincent's charred body. Vincent's eyes winced in pain.

"That is what I mean. All it does is get in the way."

"How could you do that?"

"To prove a point. I could care less about what happens to this insignificant planet. As long as I remain, that will be enough."

You're not the Hojo I remember. The Hojo I married would not have done what you are doing now."

"Spare me the theatrics."

Hojo levitated in the air and spread his arms. Tentacles shot out all over the place.

"Now you all will perish."

Cid looked up at the creature, "Oh great. Now things are really getting out of hand."

"Yeah. And we're short three people." Cait Sith added.

Aeris came forward, "Don't worry. I'll stay back and heal these two. But it will take some time."

"Alright. That means we'll have to hold out until then."

Barret, Tifa, Cait Sith, and Yuffie came before Hojo while Aeris stayed behind to heal Red XIII and Vincent along with Lucrecia.

"Let's do it!"