The beginnings and endings of life
Mind and soul, heart and body…
All come into conflict.

Genesis
Saving the Planet
by Jess Angel

1

They had done it.

They had actually done it.

Someone had saved the planet.

The members of AVALANCHE had saved the planet.


"Hooohaaa! Yuffie dove into Red XIII and the two of them began wrestling in a sort of celebration. Meanwhile, Cait Sith bounced cheerily along side the ninja and the fiery feline content to watch their merriment on the sidelines.

The rest of AVALANCHE, on the other hand, proceeded to celebrate in the more traditional sense with hugs and handshakes all around. It was a good day, indeed…

Tifa Lockheart stood next to Cid as he surveyed the damage the Highwind had taken. She placed a hand on the captain's shoulder. "How is she?"

The blond man threw an arm around her giving her a few pats, "Ah, she'll be fine. Don't worry yer pretty little head, Tif. Give her a few weeks, month at the most, and she'll be sailing the skies in no &!$?# time!"

The martial artist felt a tear slip down her face.

Cid wanted to kick himself when he noticed the drop of salty liquid falling off her cheek. "Oh, gee, Tif. I wasn't thinkin', the words just slipped-" he began to apologize for his sailor mouth tendencies.

"No, no Cid. I'm just so happy, that it's finally over. We won," her voice muffled as she gave the pilot a hug. Relief lightened his face. "Thanks for remembering though…" she added as an afterthought.

He grinned. "Course."

She stepped away from his hold, smiling up at his rough face. She would miss seeing his everyday stubble. It was just so Cid. She felt torn just thinking about the other quirks and particular features that each AVALANCHE member had. It felt like she was missing them already, and yet they were still here.

How was she going to cope with parting from the people that had become more than her friends? AVALANCHE members, old and new, were a family. Her family. It was bizarre to believe that in a few days they would be going their separate ways, off to different places to rebuild what was once thought to be lost. Of course, they would still see one another. She would make sure to visit and plan get-togethers often. But it just wouldn't be the same.

Tifa sighed. At least, she had Cloud with her. It was nice to know a friend would be by her side. Together, they would return to Midgar and help Reeve with the restoration of the fallen sectors and the rise of a better city: Neo-Midgar.

Tifa Lockheart was determined to aid the people who endured the desperation and hopelessness of that corrupted city. With the planet safe and Sephiroth gone, life could once again thrive.


Author's Note: Hello, lovely readers. This is my first multi-chapter story. It features mainly Vincent and Tifa. I highly recommend you read my one-shot "Blood Thirst"; there will be several references to it in future chapters. Many thanks to you reviewers who encouraged and inspired me to write this. Comments and constructive criticism adored.

Warnings: Death and language

Genesis means "Beginnings"

"I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew my anguish."
Psalm 31:7

Final Fantasy VII and its characters © Square-Enix, Inc.