Chapter 12 : A Promise
That's my promise to you - Cloud
"So, what's going on?" Zack yelled as he struggled to keep his balance, the entire room was shaking violently.
Aeris was sat down against the oversized window that over looked the water, as she turn round to face it she realized that the water was slowly getting further away. She quickly spun her head back round feeling dizzy from the sight and instead looked over at Cloud.
"We're taking off." He shouted as he tried to make his way over to the window where Aeris was sat.
"What??"
"This place, it's taking off into the air. This base must contain the satellite that Tysall keeps talking about."
A sudden burst of speed forced everyone to the floor, Cloud guessed they had just broken through the atmosphere since the same happened back on the Shin-Ra rocket.
"Not again, not again, not again..." Underneath one of the tables Yuffie was clinging to one of its legs with her eyes closed and constantly repeating her self as if she was trying to wake from a dream.
Zack remembered Tysall saying something about it but it still didn't make much sense. "How do you know? What is this satellite?"
Cloud finally reached the window in time to see the first parts of black space grow around the frame, now he could easily see the two main continents from this height. He fell to the floor as the room tilted and soon felt Aeris hand take his as she tried to pull him to her.
"In my dreams, visions, whatever they were Jenova used some sort of beam to attack the planet. This satellite must be where the beam comes from."
Aeris took a sharp deep breath. "We can't let that happen!" As soon as she said it she realized how obvious that was.
"We won't." Cloud finally settled with his back to the window. Slowly the shaking began to soften.
"It's stopped." Yuffie poked her head out from underneath her table.
Aeris turned to the window once again, a perfect view of the entire planet could be seen. If under any other conditions she would have loved to sit and stare at it but right now the only thing she could concentrate was Cloud's prediction of the satellite. Beside her Cloud was also staring outside, it was the second time he had seen this view and once again he couldn't enjoy it.
For the next few minutes everyone fell silent, they suddenly found the time to stop and actually think about what was happening. Aeris glanced around the room to see everyone staring out the window at the peaceful planet, she turn back and felt her eyes fill with water. It took some effort to make sure that tears didn't follow as she tried to hold back, it was the first time she had actually thought about this since coming back with Cloud, she was even sure why it entered her mind even now.
Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Zack... everyone, they are all fighters, each one was capable of defending themselves in a battle. 'But me? I'm... a flower girl. That's all. This life isn't for me, I can't keep this up anymore.' She looked at the few scars already inflicted on her body since returning, even after such a short time she had already faced death again.
"Hey!"
Aeris stiffened up and stared ahead at Clouds face, he had a worried look.
"You ok? You drifting off?"
She felt the blood rush to her cheeks as Cloud watched her, she hoped that her attempt to hold the tears back had succeeded. "Ahh no, I mean I'm..."
Cloud's worried look grew even further. "What's wrong."
Aeris stared at him for a few second before giving in. "Cloud, I can't do this."
"Do what?"
"Cloud I... I'm a flower girl. Look at me, I'm just a flower girl from the slums of Midgar, I'm not a great warrior like you. I can't keep doing this I mean, I've already died once and now..."
"Aeris..." Cloud sighed.
"I know its sounds selfish but this just isn't right, I don't want to be chased by Soldier's or monsters anymore, I don't want Jenova to keep coming up with plans on how to get rid of me. I just want a normal life where I wake up and don't have to worry about who's going to try and kill me today. I, I just want to go home, is that too much to ask?"
Everybody stayed silent for a while, the only sound was the occasional sniffs coming from Aeris.
Zack crossed his arms and leaned against one of the tables, even for him this was the first time he had actually seen Aeris cry like this. No matter what happened in her life she would always put on a smile and carry on.
Yuffie still sat under one of the tables, she too had never seen Aeris like this, she had always been the optimistic one, the one that said everything's will be ok. But now that it was Aeris who was having doubts who could she turn too?
Cloud glanced back and forth from Aeris and the window, he understood what she was talking about but at the same time he new there was nothing he could do about it. That was a feeling he hated most, when he new that he couldn't help. 'Wait, this time maybe I can.' A thought passed through his mind, something he had thought about quite a few times but he never actually thought it would happen. 'Maybe, I have wanted to tell her a while now, maybe 'this' is the right time.'
Cloud stood up and took Aeris's hand pulling her over to one side of the room so the others wouldn't here. "Aeris.."
"Cloud I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said all that it's not fair to you. If anyone deserves a normal life it's you and everyone else... after all Avalanche saved the world didn't they?" She wiped her eyes but more tears replaced the ones wiped away. "Lets just decide where we're going to go next."
"Wait." Before she could turn to walk away Cloud put his hands on her shoulders to stop her, he had a mixed expression on his face one that Aeris could quite figure out. "I know how you feel and your right, but right now at this moment I can't change anything..."
"Look Cloud its ok, I'm ok. It's not your fault, I'll take care of it."
"No."
He sighed slightly trying to get the words out. Aeris watch his expression, becoming more curious by the second at what he had to say.
"...Look, the other night at the Gold Saucer, when you told me you .. ah... when you said you l-lo.."
"...I love you." Aeris finished his sentence with out hesitation.
She saw a slight smile form on his lips and he nodded.
Across the room Yuffie leaned over to Zack puzzled. "What's he doing?"
Zack shrugged tried to concentrate his hearing. "I don't know, looks like... I don't know."
"Aww man what are they saying??" Yuffie edged closer a little but she still couldn't hear what Cloud was now saying since now his voice was lowered to a whisper.
"I don't know, looks like it's having an effect though." Zack watched as the look on Aeris face changed, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped as Cloud pulled away a little from their hug.
"Y-you, your serious? You really mean that?" She gasped as Cloud stood in front of her still lightly holding her waist.
"That's my promise to you."
Zack and Yuffie watched as Aeris jumped at Cloud and hugged him as tight as she possibly could.
"You know I hate it when I miss something important."
"What do you think he said?" Said Yuffie as she scratched her head.
"I have no idea, but whatever it was it seems to have been the right thing."
______________________
"This can't be happening." Reeve repeated for the sixth time.
"I'm afraid it is happening." Said Vincent.
They both stood at the front of the bridge on board the Highwind and stared out of the window. Outside where the huge ocean base had once been now stood all of the monstrous Weapon creatures. After the base took off the Highwind began to rise and after Cid confirmed he had nothing do with it they noticed that one of the Weapons had risen up right underneath the ship.
Outside Cid and Barret were busy fixing the ship, the creature they stood upon didn't seem to take notice of its new headgear.
"This is jus too much." Barret looked around at the other three monsters. "How do we end up like this?"
"The %"&£ should I know?" Cid's voice came out of the small hole in the side of the ship. "As long as this thing doesn't decide to nod its head we're fine."
A few sparks shot out of the hole along with a few colorful words by Cid and soon the soft hum of machinery started up.
"You fixed it?"
"I think so." Cid climbed down from the hole and wiped his hand clean of oil on his clothes. "It should be enough to get us to Junon at least, I can repair it properly there."
"Then let's get out'er here." Barret glanced around at the creatures. "This things are giving me the chills."
The Weapon's stood around in a circle where the base had once stood, each one held out its hands and in the center a small glow began to form. Back inside the Highwind Reeve continued to watch the events outside unfold when Rude and Red walked onto the bridge.
"Did you see them?"
"..." Rude shook his head.
Red sat down and copied Rude's action. "There was no sign of Reno or Tifa in the water, I'm guessing that they either somehow managed to get on board that base while it was still here or if they didn't its most likely they were caught in the thrusters range when it took off into the sky."
"Then let's pray they made it on board." Reeve sighed.
___________________________
Tysall stood in front of the oversized monitor in the command center, he watched as the satellite was detached from the primary base, only a few cables now connected it. He smiled to himself pleased that things were now moving smoothly after a few 'hiccups', Cloud and the Ancient were on board and all he had to do was wait until they reached him.
The command center was a large circular room filled mostly with computer equipment. The monitor took up a 1/5th of the circular wall and the rest was covered in various electrical panels and equipment. In center of the room was four terminals one for weapons control, one for life support, one for surveillance and one for the satellite. They were all fixed together in a circle so from above the room looked like a giant doughnut.
"What are you going to do with us?"
He turned his attention to the female voice and scowled at her. "With you? Nothing, your useless to me."
"So you're just going to kill us?" The male next to her returned Tysall scowl.
"Oh Reno, if you had only done your job you wouldn't be in this predicament and this would all be over but to answer your question, no." Tysall walked over to him, his hand linked behind his back. "Any moment now I'm sure Cloud will come running thought that door thinking he is at the end of this and in some stupid attempt he will try to kill me which will result in his unfortunate death upon failing."
"I'm sure you'd be heartbroken by that."
"Yes I would," Tysall stepped over in front of the brunette. "He has a more important role in this than death, and upon seeing you here I'm sure he will think twice before endangering his friends life's."
"Sir!" One of the Soldiers shouted to Tysall. "Cloud and his party have just passed through corridor 12b."
"Good, lock down all doors except those that lead to the command center, also pull back and troops who block their path."
"Yes sir."
"What are you planning?" Reno asked.
Tysall smiled and walked back towards the monitor. "Put simply, I'm going to kill you entire species."
Reno swallowed hard and glanced at Tifa. "Wonderful, I'm sorry I asked." _________________________
"Do you know which way were suppose to be going?" Yuffie asked.
"Not really."
Cloud opened another door and headed through, this one leading him into yet another corridor.
"So how do you know we're going the right way?"
"I don't."
"Oh."
Zack grinned and shook his head. "Don't you think it would be wise for someone to scout ahead and check out the area first instead of all of us wandering around."
Cloud shrugged not thinking of anything better. "Not a bad idea, any volunteers."
After looking at each other everyone turned to him and smiled.
Cloud pouted and sighed, he turn round and continued along through the next door. "It's always me, let the spiky one do the hard work."
Zack casually leaned against the wall next to Aeris. "So... you seem better now." He said casually.
"Yeah." Yuffie agreed. "What was it that Cloudy told you?"
Aeris smiled and glanced at them both. "Ahh so that's why you sent him off, well I'm sorry but you'll just have to wait."
"But, but... you have to tell us." Yuffie pleaded.
"Yeah come on, one minute your completely upset and then the next your as happy as ever. It must have been something really important." Zack crossed him arms and gave her one of Vincent's stares. "You have to tell us."
Aeris crossed her arms too and shook her head. "Sorry, nope."
"Come on give us a hint at least."
"(Sigh) A hint..." Aeris put her hands behind her back and leaned against the wall. "Well... it's something you wouldn't expect Cloud to say with out having someone to give him a push first. A real big push."
Both Zack and Yuffie stared wide-eyed. "That's it?"
"Yep."
A few minutes later Cloud appeared through the same door he left through and as soon as he closed it he was pounced upon by Yuffie and pinned down.
"All right spill it, what's the promise?"
"Hm?"
Zack kneeled down next to them. "Yeah come man Aeris wont tell us unless you will so what's the deal?"
Cloud tilted his head to look past Yuffie and saw Aeris standing behind, she put her finger in front of her lips and smiled. He returned his look to Yuffie and smiled himself. "Sorry, I can't say."
"Grrr, dam you why not."
"Because."
"That's not a good reason!"
"It is if you try."
Yuffie stared at him and pouted. "Hmph, I'm going to find out sooner or later you can count on it."
She released him and stood up still pouting. "So did you find anything?"
"Yeah," Cloud stood up and kept his eye on her just incase she was going to jump him again. "All the doors ahead are locked except one in every corridor, so I believe we're been lead some where."
"Where?"
"To Jenova I think, so far she's wanted us to follow her to this base, she left Zack behind and now she wants us to carry on straight ahead."
"Straight into a trap more like." Zack corrected.
"True, but its not like we have a choice. We're here to stop her."
"So we're going to head straight into a trap knowing it's a trap." Yuffie didn't sound convinced. "Is it just me or dose that sound a bit dumb."
"Well we have the advantage of knowing its a trap first so be prepared."
"Oh good." Yuffie said still unconvinced. 'I would rather have the advantage of a small army like she does.'
___________________
"Are we ready to go now?"
Cid kicked the control panel and the little bulbs lit up in different colors. "There, all you got to do is show it some love."
Reeve nodded nervously and glanced at Vincent who seemed to have the same thought going through his mind.
"Now lets get out of here before this thing realizes it's got an airship for head gear." Cid pulled back on one of the levers and the ship began to rise into the air at a steady pace.
Barret watch outside as the Weapon's continued on the work they started half an hour ago. The small glow that floated above the water had now grown into a large ball of energy, it cracked as streaks of lightning constantly shot off of it.
He turned to Red. "What do you think that's for?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but if we stick around longer I'm worried we might find out."
"Good point. Cid can we speed things up here?"
"Do you want to drive?" Cid spun the wheel and the Highwind turned away from the monsters and began to head for Junon at a stead speed. Everyone silently hoped that Reno and Tifa were ok, not to mention Cloud and the others who hadn't called in yet.
"Have you had any word from Cloud?" Red asked Vincent.
"No." He took out the Phs. "I do not receive any signal from him at all, I think it's out of range."
"Out of range?" Cid scoffed. "But he's suppose to be at Gongaga, that should be within range."
"Perhaps he left there."
Reeve looked up at the sky and scratched his head. "You don't think they were on board that structure that attacked us."
Barret laughed and stared up at the sky too. "That wouldn't surprise me knowing what Spikes like, he always manages to get into most trouble possible."
__________________________
"This is as far as I went." Cloud stopped in front of the large steel double doors.
Zack leaned up against it and press her ear on to the metal. "Any idea what's on the other side?"
He shook his head "Not really."
"So what are we going to do?" Aeris asked.
Cloud taped on Zack's should and motioned him to move, next he push his back against the door and pushed gently until it opened slightly. Inside he saw a few Soldier's working at various control panels along with a large monitor which he could partly see.
"You see anything?" Zack whispered.
"This is it, the command center." He slowly let the door slide back into place and then stepped away.
Zack drew his sword and readied himself. "So what's the plan? Do we just attack?"
"I could only see part of the room and I could only count five Soldiers, there could be more including Jenova."
"Well, what else can we do?"
"Good point." Cloud drew his sword too and stared at the door. "Ok, if this is how we're doing this lets get it right."
"I can cast a large spell to catch them off guard, that should at least stun them." Aeris said as she pulled out the small green orb out of her pocket.
"Good, me and Zack will then run in and quickly take out the near by guards, Aeris you keep hitting them with magic and Yuffie you watch our backs and make sure they don't bring in reinforcements." Cloud looked round as everybody nodded.
"Ok, lead the way Cloud." Zack stood next to one side of the double doors and Cloud to the other.
They both nodded to each other and in a split second they pushed the door open and ran inside only to stop straight in their tracks a few steps in.
Tysall stood a few meters into the room, a grin was spread across his face as next to him Tifa and Reno were forced onto their knees and held at gunpoint.
"Well it's about time you arrived."
"What the hell?" Cloud whispered.
"We've been waiting for you to arrive, Tifa here was getting worried isn't that right?" He turned to Tifa who just glared back at him.
Aeris and Yuffie slowly crept in behind Zack and Cloud. They counted nine Soldiers in the room plus Jenova, if a fight was to break out it would be very difficult to win.
"So, this is a bit tense isn't it?" Tysall leaned back against one of the consoles. "Are you going to attack or be wise and lower your weapons?"
Clouds glanced from Tifa and Reno to Aeris and Yuffie then back to Zack. He nodded slightly and the lowered he his weapon.
"Alright, so what's your plan? Kill us?"
"Haha, no not that simple, if I wanted you dead I would have given that order from the moment you boarded this vessel. I have other plans for you but first there seems to be a little problem I need to deal with."
One of the Soldiers walked up to him and handed over a few sheets of paper. "Sir the creatures we're last spotted at the same position we left from, they appear to be charging some sort of attack."
"Really, prepare to fire the satellite at these coordinates, destroy the dam things."
"Yes sir." He saluted. "The weapon will be ready to fire in six minutes."
Tysall turned his attention back to Cloud and the others. "You managed to stop my initial plans with out even realizing it, the pure materia that was growing in the chamber back in Junon was suppose to be left alone for another 3 weeks and this not been a problem since no one else except me was able to touch it."
"Until I brought back Aeris." Cloud grinned.
"Correct. This causing my new weapon to only be 37% as powerful as it should have been." He sighed. "No where near as powerful enough to produce the results I needed."
"You mean destroying the planet and its Lifestream?"
"Correct again. But at this point that doesn't matter, even now you are doing exactly as I planned and with out even realizing you Cloud Strife are going to help me wipe out every last Lifestream base creature in existence."
"Really? I how did you come to that conclusion?"
Tysall smiled shaking his head. "I'm afraid that's all I can say for now, but rest assured you will be the first to know."
"Oh good, I hate been left out."
Tysall walked over to another man who entered the room, Cloud recognized him as the same they met back in the Gongaga laboratory. After they whispered for a few minutes Tysall turned away and headed over to Cloud's direction again.
Yuffie crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue. "That your boyfriend?"
"Silence child." Tysall ignored her and walked straight by towards Aeris only to blocked by Cloud.
"Don't think your going any closer."
"Hmm, or what? For once use your head, if I wanted any of you dead I would simply have you shot."
Cloud glanced around the room and for some reason he only just noticed that every Soldier in the room that was not busy had their weapons aimed at him and the others.
Tysall just smiled and walked past Cloud, he knew that there was nothing he could do but then again Tysall's logic made sense.
"So Cetra, I'm curious do you still hold the scar I gave you even with your new body?"
Aeris just gritted her teeth and held back the temptation to return the 'favor' Jenova had once given her. "Yes, perhaps you would like me to give you a matching one?"
"Heh heh, maybe another time." He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "Just remember this girl, I've always been ahead two moves, so don't think you can ever win."
While talking Aeris felt a sharp pain in her arm but strangely it left as quick as it came, she look down to see but there was nothing there. 'Huh? What was that?'
Tysall backed up still grinning. "Well, as fun as this has been I'm afraid its time to come to an end."
Cloud's hand automatically began to reach for his sword when the room began to flash in a red light and on the monitor screen the word 'Emergency' began to flash on and off.
"What's going on?"
"Sir." One of the Soldiers ran up to Tysall. "We're picking up something coming from the planet."
"Well..." Tysall shouted impatiently. "Show me."
The monitor flashed and changed from the emergency screen to a camera view of the planet, it zoomed in to an area near the center of the ocean.
Tifa and Reno instantly recognized the area as the place the base had once been located. But instead where it stood the Weapon creatures were now stood in a circle each with its arms stretched out towards the center.
"What is that?" Tysall asked no one in particular as he pointed to the center of the circle where now a sphere of energy was growing larger and larger.
Before anyone could answer the ball flashed and began to rise into the sky.
"It appears to be a large materia spell, one more powerful than ever recorded." Said the same Soldier. "It was completed much earlier than expected."
'These creatures can cast magic?' He stared at the screen for a moment. "Where's it heading?" He asked already knowing the answer.
"If it keeps its current course... us sir."
Tysall knew instantly that there was nothing he could do, the station had been launched to early and the ability to move the station while in space hadn't been completed yet. "Fine, come and get me." He whispered before turning towards the Soldier in command of the satellite. "Is it ready yet?"
"The weapon will be ready in ten seconds."
"Then target those creatures and fire."
"Yes sir." He saluted and turned to the consol. "Target is locked and confirmed, firing now."
Cloud watched as if he was in a trance as the monitor flicked once again to a view of the space station and then again to what he guessed was the satellite. The thing that stood out the most were the large cables that connected it to the station, they began to glow an incredible bright green. This glow soon spread through the entire machine.
The screen flicked again back to the view of the Weapon's, Zack watched unsure what to do. He looked over towards Tysall who now had a large grin spread across his face.
A large tremor shook the station hard enough to bring everyone to their knees. In this time Cloud notice a familiar glow coming from one of the panels in the room, he slowly made his way over to Aeris to avoid been noticed and taped her shoulder.
"Over there." He pointed to the panel with the glow. "You see it?"
Aeris followed Cloud's finger and saw it. "Yeah, I can feel it, it's the materia from before. It must be powering that thing from here."
"We have to get it somehow."
Another tremor hit and the two returned their attention to the monitor. A thin beam of light hit the center of the circle created by the Weapon's, slowly it began to grow until it was about a hundred meters in diameter, then the cause of the second tremor hit and the beam increased in size and power ten fold. The creatures were engulfed in green light and disappeared from sight.
Everyone watching had to shield their eyes from the brightness of the beam, the pure power it was incredible. Aeris briefly remembered Tysall saying the beam was only at 37% full power and for the first time she was able to understand the description that Cloud gave from his visions, it must have been terrifying to see it at 100%."
After a few seconds the beam died down, once gone the monitor flicked again to view the ocean area. Everyone stared in amazement at the sight now, where the creatures had been was now a gigantic circular waterfall, the blast not only destroyed the Weapons with ease but also manage to take an huge sized chunk out of the planet. The water from around poured into the hole trying to fill it up but even now they could see at the center of the creator the glow from underneath the water, the blast had managed to reach all the way down to the Lifestream.
"Fuck me." Reno stared open mouthed.
"They're gone," Tifa stated. "We couldn't even put a scratch on them and that thing just, turned them to dust."
Tysall sighed. "37%, just think of the beauty of 100%."
"Your sick." Aeris snapped.
With out giving Tysall chance to speak one of the Soldiers called him over.
"What is it?"
"Sir, the energy sphere the creatures fired earlier, its still heading towards us."
"Still? Why didn't it get destroyed in the blast?"
"I-I don't know sir."
He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "Dammit! How long until it hits?"
"Eleven minutes sir." The Soldier began to show his nervousness. "Should I start procedure for evacuation?"
Tysall sighed heavily and looked over to Cloud. "Whatever. We're done here anyway."
The Soldier nodded and pressed and number of buttons on the consol, soon after an automated voice started on the speakers giving repeated advice to reach an escape pod.
Tysall nodded to the other Soldiers in the room and they began to leave. "Well Strife, guess we will have to finish this some other time."
He began to leave along with the other troops only to have Cloud's sword stop right in front of him.
"No, everyone get out now, I take care of this."
Tifa noticing Cloud's tone stood up, she nodded at Reno and they headed towards the door. "Cloud just don't take too long." Yuffie stayed to watch Cloud for a few seconds more before following Tifa outside.
Aeris ran over to the panel Cloud had pointed out earlier and tried to pry it open with her staff, after a few moments Zack patted her on the shoulder and motioned for her to step to the side while he cut through the metal lock with his sword, the panel fell off crashing to the floor and Aeris reached in obtaining her prize. 'It's still full of power? Even after powering a blast like that.'
"What's wrong?" Zack taped her on the shoulder once again.
"Huh? Oh nothing." She looked round to see Cloud still holding his sword out in front of Tysall. "Cloud come on! You heard that thing is going to hit us in under eleven minutes!"
"Actually its more like nine now." Tysall grinned.
"I told you, get to an escape pod now. I'll follow shortly." He voice was even more solid.
Aeris convinced her self she was going to stay but Zack soon grabbed onto her arm and began to pull her towards the door. "Come on girl you heard him, if you stay you'll just distract him."
"But, but.."
"Hey Cloud, don't cut it too close." Zack shouted before dragging Aeris fully out the door.
After everyone had left Cloud raised his sword onto his shoulder. A few moments pass while the two stared at each other coldly.
"So Strife, what's the plan? Defeat me, run out at the last second and escape in the last remaining pod?" Tysall laughed and shook his head. "Your too obvious."
Cloud showed no sigh that he cared for what Tysall had to say.
"Come on, what's it going to be? A duel to the end? I think you know how that will turn out." He circled Cloud like a hawk. "You're so sure of confident aren't you, perhaps the only thing I admire about you, you persistence that you believe you will always be victorious."
"I'm not letting you carry on, I won't let you destroy another life."
"Is that so? Another life? Don't you mean her life?"
Tysall smiled seeing he caused a reaction on Clouds face.
"That's it isn't it. Your true self, you don't really care about the planet do you? All the time you were hunting Sephiroth, you couldn't careless about the planet. You just wanted revenge." He laughed again. "Me, me, me that's all you think about."
A few of the consoles began to spark as the energy sphere drifted closer, the pure power of it sending the electrics insane. The lights began to flicker and a few of the bulbs began to burst sending shattered glass in each direction.
"Hmm, not long now. Are we staying for the show?"
Cloud stepped back and readied his sword. "Enough. I've had enough of you."
Tysall smiled and shook his head. "Yes, and I must say I've had enough of you too." He positioned himself in a fighting stance and grinned.
The two stared each other down waiting for the other to make a move. The lights began to flicker rapidly until they all burst sending the room into total darkness, even the screen that up until now had been displaying static shattered onto the floor.
Cloud felt movement in front of him and he swung his sword with lightning speed only to hit nothing, a breeze of air hit his face and he spun round to the other side. 'Where are you?'
He slowly began to walk forwards hoping to sense his opponent's movements.
"Too late Cloud."
He spun round towards the voice only to be hit by a tremendous force in the back. The blow knocked him off of his feet, and an incredible surge of pain ran up through his back.
"Where the hell are you?" Cloud spat as he jumped back up. "Come out and fight!"
Silence.
"Jenova!"
Only the faint hum of the still working machinery replied.
"Fuck!" He realized that Jenova must have run off hoping he would stay searching and inevitably be destroyed by the sphere.
After a few more seconds Cloud decided he would have to retreat before it was too late. He ran out of the room and headed down the corridor, along the route was a constant red optic cable that lit the way through each door. He hoped that this was a way to find the escape pods.
'I can't believe I let her get away. Cowardly creature.'
He carried on following the cable until it lead him to what he guessed was the outer layer of the station. Along the walls were a load of empty spaces where the escape pods use to be, he ran along hoping that there would be at least one left.
"Cloud!"
"Huh? Aeris? What the hell are you still doing here?"
"This is the last one." She pointed to the pod to her right. "I had to make sure you'd be on it."
"And if I didn't come?" He said slightly annoyed that she had ignored what he had told her to do at put herself in danger for no reason.
"Well, that's why I crossed my fingers."
Cloud couldn't help letting the smile escape on to his lips. "Fine, lets just get out of here while we still can."
He ran up to her noticing Stevens laying unconscious on the floor. It looked like he was trying to reach the same pod.
"That was Zack." Aeris answered his question before he even asked. "He said he would stay to make sure nobody else took the pod."
"Zack did? So then why are you here?"
She smiled twirling his staff in her fingers. "I had a very good argument. And like hell I would leave you."
Still annoyed Cloud couldn't help another smile knowing she waited.
They entered the pod and closed the door, once sealed it automatically locked and began to detach its self from the station. A set of thrusters pushed it away and soon the two was able to see the entire station as they descended back towards the planet.
"What happened to Jenova?"
Cloud reluctantly shook his head. "She escaped. Wait a second... didn't you say this was the last pod?"
"Yes the Soldiers took most of them, Tifa and Reno took one then Yuffie and Zack took the other. This was the last one we could find, the rest were still incomplete."
"So that means that Jenova has no way off of the station." He looked out of the window and saw the sphere as it came into contact with the base. 'I hope you're on there.' Even as he thought it Cloud felt something wrong, as if he heard Jenova saying she did.
"It looks that way." Aeris smiled. "Its as much as she deserves."
Cloud smiled and continued to watch as the sphere forced its way through the solid metal, something on board ignited causing the station to explode into millions of fiery fragments.
"It seems unreal."
"Hm?" He turned towards her. "What do you mean."
"That its over."
Cloud thought about it for a moment. 'She's right, no Sephiroth, no Shin- ra, no Hojo, no Jenova... nothing' He felt his chest relax, it felt as if he had been holding his breath for the past seven years and now finally he could breath out.
"Your right," He stood up and swapped seats to sit next to her. As soon as he did Aeris rested her head on to Cloud's shoulder, he smiled and took hold of her hand squeezing it gently. "It's strange, you expect something to happen for so long and when it does, it just feels strange."
Aeris squeezed his hand back. "I know, so strange..." She barely managed to say the words before falling asleep.
Cloud closed his eyes after staring out the window for a few moments longer, it was going to be a long ride back, so he might as well enjoy it.
___________________________________
Wow I'm finished, well the chapter not the story. I never thought I would ever reach the end of this one but at last chapter 12 is done. I know its been ages since I last updated this and there's no one reason but the main been this is the second version of this chapter since I just really didn't like the original. Thanks to those who keep reviewing, I am determined to finish this story and I would take a guess at there been another 3-4 chapters to come. So far I am still thinking over the ending, I have two so far the happy ending and the sad ending and for some reason I keep switching between them. Oh well enough of this, until chapter 13. Oh and to Nevea Valentine if you want more Aeris/Cloud fics take a look at my favourite fics, most of those of cloris.
"So, what's going on?" Zack yelled as he struggled to keep his balance, the entire room was shaking violently.
Aeris was sat down against the oversized window that over looked the water, as she turn round to face it she realized that the water was slowly getting further away. She quickly spun her head back round feeling dizzy from the sight and instead looked over at Cloud.
"We're taking off." He shouted as he tried to make his way over to the window where Aeris was sat.
"What??"
"This place, it's taking off into the air. This base must contain the satellite that Tysall keeps talking about."
A sudden burst of speed forced everyone to the floor, Cloud guessed they had just broken through the atmosphere since the same happened back on the Shin-Ra rocket.
"Not again, not again, not again..." Underneath one of the tables Yuffie was clinging to one of its legs with her eyes closed and constantly repeating her self as if she was trying to wake from a dream.
Zack remembered Tysall saying something about it but it still didn't make much sense. "How do you know? What is this satellite?"
Cloud finally reached the window in time to see the first parts of black space grow around the frame, now he could easily see the two main continents from this height. He fell to the floor as the room tilted and soon felt Aeris hand take his as she tried to pull him to her.
"In my dreams, visions, whatever they were Jenova used some sort of beam to attack the planet. This satellite must be where the beam comes from."
Aeris took a sharp deep breath. "We can't let that happen!" As soon as she said it she realized how obvious that was.
"We won't." Cloud finally settled with his back to the window. Slowly the shaking began to soften.
"It's stopped." Yuffie poked her head out from underneath her table.
Aeris turned to the window once again, a perfect view of the entire planet could be seen. If under any other conditions she would have loved to sit and stare at it but right now the only thing she could concentrate was Cloud's prediction of the satellite. Beside her Cloud was also staring outside, it was the second time he had seen this view and once again he couldn't enjoy it.
For the next few minutes everyone fell silent, they suddenly found the time to stop and actually think about what was happening. Aeris glanced around the room to see everyone staring out the window at the peaceful planet, she turn back and felt her eyes fill with water. It took some effort to make sure that tears didn't follow as she tried to hold back, it was the first time she had actually thought about this since coming back with Cloud, she was even sure why it entered her mind even now.
Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Zack... everyone, they are all fighters, each one was capable of defending themselves in a battle. 'But me? I'm... a flower girl. That's all. This life isn't for me, I can't keep this up anymore.' She looked at the few scars already inflicted on her body since returning, even after such a short time she had already faced death again.
"Hey!"
Aeris stiffened up and stared ahead at Clouds face, he had a worried look.
"You ok? You drifting off?"
She felt the blood rush to her cheeks as Cloud watched her, she hoped that her attempt to hold the tears back had succeeded. "Ahh no, I mean I'm..."
Cloud's worried look grew even further. "What's wrong."
Aeris stared at him for a few second before giving in. "Cloud, I can't do this."
"Do what?"
"Cloud I... I'm a flower girl. Look at me, I'm just a flower girl from the slums of Midgar, I'm not a great warrior like you. I can't keep doing this I mean, I've already died once and now..."
"Aeris..." Cloud sighed.
"I know its sounds selfish but this just isn't right, I don't want to be chased by Soldier's or monsters anymore, I don't want Jenova to keep coming up with plans on how to get rid of me. I just want a normal life where I wake up and don't have to worry about who's going to try and kill me today. I, I just want to go home, is that too much to ask?"
Everybody stayed silent for a while, the only sound was the occasional sniffs coming from Aeris.
Zack crossed his arms and leaned against one of the tables, even for him this was the first time he had actually seen Aeris cry like this. No matter what happened in her life she would always put on a smile and carry on.
Yuffie still sat under one of the tables, she too had never seen Aeris like this, she had always been the optimistic one, the one that said everything's will be ok. But now that it was Aeris who was having doubts who could she turn too?
Cloud glanced back and forth from Aeris and the window, he understood what she was talking about but at the same time he new there was nothing he could do about it. That was a feeling he hated most, when he new that he couldn't help. 'Wait, this time maybe I can.' A thought passed through his mind, something he had thought about quite a few times but he never actually thought it would happen. 'Maybe, I have wanted to tell her a while now, maybe 'this' is the right time.'
Cloud stood up and took Aeris's hand pulling her over to one side of the room so the others wouldn't here. "Aeris.."
"Cloud I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said all that it's not fair to you. If anyone deserves a normal life it's you and everyone else... after all Avalanche saved the world didn't they?" She wiped her eyes but more tears replaced the ones wiped away. "Lets just decide where we're going to go next."
"Wait." Before she could turn to walk away Cloud put his hands on her shoulders to stop her, he had a mixed expression on his face one that Aeris could quite figure out. "I know how you feel and your right, but right now at this moment I can't change anything..."
"Look Cloud its ok, I'm ok. It's not your fault, I'll take care of it."
"No."
He sighed slightly trying to get the words out. Aeris watch his expression, becoming more curious by the second at what he had to say.
"...Look, the other night at the Gold Saucer, when you told me you .. ah... when you said you l-lo.."
"...I love you." Aeris finished his sentence with out hesitation.
She saw a slight smile form on his lips and he nodded.
Across the room Yuffie leaned over to Zack puzzled. "What's he doing?"
Zack shrugged tried to concentrate his hearing. "I don't know, looks like... I don't know."
"Aww man what are they saying??" Yuffie edged closer a little but she still couldn't hear what Cloud was now saying since now his voice was lowered to a whisper.
"I don't know, looks like it's having an effect though." Zack watched as the look on Aeris face changed, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped as Cloud pulled away a little from their hug.
"Y-you, your serious? You really mean that?" She gasped as Cloud stood in front of her still lightly holding her waist.
"That's my promise to you."
Zack and Yuffie watched as Aeris jumped at Cloud and hugged him as tight as she possibly could.
"You know I hate it when I miss something important."
"What do you think he said?" Said Yuffie as she scratched her head.
"I have no idea, but whatever it was it seems to have been the right thing."
______________________
"This can't be happening." Reeve repeated for the sixth time.
"I'm afraid it is happening." Said Vincent.
They both stood at the front of the bridge on board the Highwind and stared out of the window. Outside where the huge ocean base had once been now stood all of the monstrous Weapon creatures. After the base took off the Highwind began to rise and after Cid confirmed he had nothing do with it they noticed that one of the Weapons had risen up right underneath the ship.
Outside Cid and Barret were busy fixing the ship, the creature they stood upon didn't seem to take notice of its new headgear.
"This is jus too much." Barret looked around at the other three monsters. "How do we end up like this?"
"The %"&£ should I know?" Cid's voice came out of the small hole in the side of the ship. "As long as this thing doesn't decide to nod its head we're fine."
A few sparks shot out of the hole along with a few colorful words by Cid and soon the soft hum of machinery started up.
"You fixed it?"
"I think so." Cid climbed down from the hole and wiped his hand clean of oil on his clothes. "It should be enough to get us to Junon at least, I can repair it properly there."
"Then let's get out'er here." Barret glanced around at the creatures. "This things are giving me the chills."
The Weapon's stood around in a circle where the base had once stood, each one held out its hands and in the center a small glow began to form. Back inside the Highwind Reeve continued to watch the events outside unfold when Rude and Red walked onto the bridge.
"Did you see them?"
"..." Rude shook his head.
Red sat down and copied Rude's action. "There was no sign of Reno or Tifa in the water, I'm guessing that they either somehow managed to get on board that base while it was still here or if they didn't its most likely they were caught in the thrusters range when it took off into the sky."
"Then let's pray they made it on board." Reeve sighed.
___________________________
Tysall stood in front of the oversized monitor in the command center, he watched as the satellite was detached from the primary base, only a few cables now connected it. He smiled to himself pleased that things were now moving smoothly after a few 'hiccups', Cloud and the Ancient were on board and all he had to do was wait until they reached him.
The command center was a large circular room filled mostly with computer equipment. The monitor took up a 1/5th of the circular wall and the rest was covered in various electrical panels and equipment. In center of the room was four terminals one for weapons control, one for life support, one for surveillance and one for the satellite. They were all fixed together in a circle so from above the room looked like a giant doughnut.
"What are you going to do with us?"
He turned his attention to the female voice and scowled at her. "With you? Nothing, your useless to me."
"So you're just going to kill us?" The male next to her returned Tysall scowl.
"Oh Reno, if you had only done your job you wouldn't be in this predicament and this would all be over but to answer your question, no." Tysall walked over to him, his hand linked behind his back. "Any moment now I'm sure Cloud will come running thought that door thinking he is at the end of this and in some stupid attempt he will try to kill me which will result in his unfortunate death upon failing."
"I'm sure you'd be heartbroken by that."
"Yes I would," Tysall stepped over in front of the brunette. "He has a more important role in this than death, and upon seeing you here I'm sure he will think twice before endangering his friends life's."
"Sir!" One of the Soldiers shouted to Tysall. "Cloud and his party have just passed through corridor 12b."
"Good, lock down all doors except those that lead to the command center, also pull back and troops who block their path."
"Yes sir."
"What are you planning?" Reno asked.
Tysall smiled and walked back towards the monitor. "Put simply, I'm going to kill you entire species."
Reno swallowed hard and glanced at Tifa. "Wonderful, I'm sorry I asked." _________________________
"Do you know which way were suppose to be going?" Yuffie asked.
"Not really."
Cloud opened another door and headed through, this one leading him into yet another corridor.
"So how do you know we're going the right way?"
"I don't."
"Oh."
Zack grinned and shook his head. "Don't you think it would be wise for someone to scout ahead and check out the area first instead of all of us wandering around."
Cloud shrugged not thinking of anything better. "Not a bad idea, any volunteers."
After looking at each other everyone turned to him and smiled.
Cloud pouted and sighed, he turn round and continued along through the next door. "It's always me, let the spiky one do the hard work."
Zack casually leaned against the wall next to Aeris. "So... you seem better now." He said casually.
"Yeah." Yuffie agreed. "What was it that Cloudy told you?"
Aeris smiled and glanced at them both. "Ahh so that's why you sent him off, well I'm sorry but you'll just have to wait."
"But, but... you have to tell us." Yuffie pleaded.
"Yeah come on, one minute your completely upset and then the next your as happy as ever. It must have been something really important." Zack crossed him arms and gave her one of Vincent's stares. "You have to tell us."
Aeris crossed her arms too and shook her head. "Sorry, nope."
"Come on give us a hint at least."
"(Sigh) A hint..." Aeris put her hands behind her back and leaned against the wall. "Well... it's something you wouldn't expect Cloud to say with out having someone to give him a push first. A real big push."
Both Zack and Yuffie stared wide-eyed. "That's it?"
"Yep."
A few minutes later Cloud appeared through the same door he left through and as soon as he closed it he was pounced upon by Yuffie and pinned down.
"All right spill it, what's the promise?"
"Hm?"
Zack kneeled down next to them. "Yeah come man Aeris wont tell us unless you will so what's the deal?"
Cloud tilted his head to look past Yuffie and saw Aeris standing behind, she put her finger in front of her lips and smiled. He returned his look to Yuffie and smiled himself. "Sorry, I can't say."
"Grrr, dam you why not."
"Because."
"That's not a good reason!"
"It is if you try."
Yuffie stared at him and pouted. "Hmph, I'm going to find out sooner or later you can count on it."
She released him and stood up still pouting. "So did you find anything?"
"Yeah," Cloud stood up and kept his eye on her just incase she was going to jump him again. "All the doors ahead are locked except one in every corridor, so I believe we're been lead some where."
"Where?"
"To Jenova I think, so far she's wanted us to follow her to this base, she left Zack behind and now she wants us to carry on straight ahead."
"Straight into a trap more like." Zack corrected.
"True, but its not like we have a choice. We're here to stop her."
"So we're going to head straight into a trap knowing it's a trap." Yuffie didn't sound convinced. "Is it just me or dose that sound a bit dumb."
"Well we have the advantage of knowing its a trap first so be prepared."
"Oh good." Yuffie said still unconvinced. 'I would rather have the advantage of a small army like she does.'
___________________
"Are we ready to go now?"
Cid kicked the control panel and the little bulbs lit up in different colors. "There, all you got to do is show it some love."
Reeve nodded nervously and glanced at Vincent who seemed to have the same thought going through his mind.
"Now lets get out of here before this thing realizes it's got an airship for head gear." Cid pulled back on one of the levers and the ship began to rise into the air at a steady pace.
Barret watch outside as the Weapon's continued on the work they started half an hour ago. The small glow that floated above the water had now grown into a large ball of energy, it cracked as streaks of lightning constantly shot off of it.
He turned to Red. "What do you think that's for?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but if we stick around longer I'm worried we might find out."
"Good point. Cid can we speed things up here?"
"Do you want to drive?" Cid spun the wheel and the Highwind turned away from the monsters and began to head for Junon at a stead speed. Everyone silently hoped that Reno and Tifa were ok, not to mention Cloud and the others who hadn't called in yet.
"Have you had any word from Cloud?" Red asked Vincent.
"No." He took out the Phs. "I do not receive any signal from him at all, I think it's out of range."
"Out of range?" Cid scoffed. "But he's suppose to be at Gongaga, that should be within range."
"Perhaps he left there."
Reeve looked up at the sky and scratched his head. "You don't think they were on board that structure that attacked us."
Barret laughed and stared up at the sky too. "That wouldn't surprise me knowing what Spikes like, he always manages to get into most trouble possible."
__________________________
"This is as far as I went." Cloud stopped in front of the large steel double doors.
Zack leaned up against it and press her ear on to the metal. "Any idea what's on the other side?"
He shook his head "Not really."
"So what are we going to do?" Aeris asked.
Cloud taped on Zack's should and motioned him to move, next he push his back against the door and pushed gently until it opened slightly. Inside he saw a few Soldier's working at various control panels along with a large monitor which he could partly see.
"You see anything?" Zack whispered.
"This is it, the command center." He slowly let the door slide back into place and then stepped away.
Zack drew his sword and readied himself. "So what's the plan? Do we just attack?"
"I could only see part of the room and I could only count five Soldiers, there could be more including Jenova."
"Well, what else can we do?"
"Good point." Cloud drew his sword too and stared at the door. "Ok, if this is how we're doing this lets get it right."
"I can cast a large spell to catch them off guard, that should at least stun them." Aeris said as she pulled out the small green orb out of her pocket.
"Good, me and Zack will then run in and quickly take out the near by guards, Aeris you keep hitting them with magic and Yuffie you watch our backs and make sure they don't bring in reinforcements." Cloud looked round as everybody nodded.
"Ok, lead the way Cloud." Zack stood next to one side of the double doors and Cloud to the other.
They both nodded to each other and in a split second they pushed the door open and ran inside only to stop straight in their tracks a few steps in.
Tysall stood a few meters into the room, a grin was spread across his face as next to him Tifa and Reno were forced onto their knees and held at gunpoint.
"Well it's about time you arrived."
"What the hell?" Cloud whispered.
"We've been waiting for you to arrive, Tifa here was getting worried isn't that right?" He turned to Tifa who just glared back at him.
Aeris and Yuffie slowly crept in behind Zack and Cloud. They counted nine Soldiers in the room plus Jenova, if a fight was to break out it would be very difficult to win.
"So, this is a bit tense isn't it?" Tysall leaned back against one of the consoles. "Are you going to attack or be wise and lower your weapons?"
Clouds glanced from Tifa and Reno to Aeris and Yuffie then back to Zack. He nodded slightly and the lowered he his weapon.
"Alright, so what's your plan? Kill us?"
"Haha, no not that simple, if I wanted you dead I would have given that order from the moment you boarded this vessel. I have other plans for you but first there seems to be a little problem I need to deal with."
One of the Soldiers walked up to him and handed over a few sheets of paper. "Sir the creatures we're last spotted at the same position we left from, they appear to be charging some sort of attack."
"Really, prepare to fire the satellite at these coordinates, destroy the dam things."
"Yes sir." He saluted. "The weapon will be ready to fire in six minutes."
Tysall turned his attention back to Cloud and the others. "You managed to stop my initial plans with out even realizing it, the pure materia that was growing in the chamber back in Junon was suppose to be left alone for another 3 weeks and this not been a problem since no one else except me was able to touch it."
"Until I brought back Aeris." Cloud grinned.
"Correct. This causing my new weapon to only be 37% as powerful as it should have been." He sighed. "No where near as powerful enough to produce the results I needed."
"You mean destroying the planet and its Lifestream?"
"Correct again. But at this point that doesn't matter, even now you are doing exactly as I planned and with out even realizing you Cloud Strife are going to help me wipe out every last Lifestream base creature in existence."
"Really? I how did you come to that conclusion?"
Tysall smiled shaking his head. "I'm afraid that's all I can say for now, but rest assured you will be the first to know."
"Oh good, I hate been left out."
Tysall walked over to another man who entered the room, Cloud recognized him as the same they met back in the Gongaga laboratory. After they whispered for a few minutes Tysall turned away and headed over to Cloud's direction again.
Yuffie crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue. "That your boyfriend?"
"Silence child." Tysall ignored her and walked straight by towards Aeris only to blocked by Cloud.
"Don't think your going any closer."
"Hmm, or what? For once use your head, if I wanted any of you dead I would simply have you shot."
Cloud glanced around the room and for some reason he only just noticed that every Soldier in the room that was not busy had their weapons aimed at him and the others.
Tysall just smiled and walked past Cloud, he knew that there was nothing he could do but then again Tysall's logic made sense.
"So Cetra, I'm curious do you still hold the scar I gave you even with your new body?"
Aeris just gritted her teeth and held back the temptation to return the 'favor' Jenova had once given her. "Yes, perhaps you would like me to give you a matching one?"
"Heh heh, maybe another time." He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "Just remember this girl, I've always been ahead two moves, so don't think you can ever win."
While talking Aeris felt a sharp pain in her arm but strangely it left as quick as it came, she look down to see but there was nothing there. 'Huh? What was that?'
Tysall backed up still grinning. "Well, as fun as this has been I'm afraid its time to come to an end."
Cloud's hand automatically began to reach for his sword when the room began to flash in a red light and on the monitor screen the word 'Emergency' began to flash on and off.
"What's going on?"
"Sir." One of the Soldiers ran up to Tysall. "We're picking up something coming from the planet."
"Well..." Tysall shouted impatiently. "Show me."
The monitor flashed and changed from the emergency screen to a camera view of the planet, it zoomed in to an area near the center of the ocean.
Tifa and Reno instantly recognized the area as the place the base had once been located. But instead where it stood the Weapon creatures were now stood in a circle each with its arms stretched out towards the center.
"What is that?" Tysall asked no one in particular as he pointed to the center of the circle where now a sphere of energy was growing larger and larger.
Before anyone could answer the ball flashed and began to rise into the sky.
"It appears to be a large materia spell, one more powerful than ever recorded." Said the same Soldier. "It was completed much earlier than expected."
'These creatures can cast magic?' He stared at the screen for a moment. "Where's it heading?" He asked already knowing the answer.
"If it keeps its current course... us sir."
Tysall knew instantly that there was nothing he could do, the station had been launched to early and the ability to move the station while in space hadn't been completed yet. "Fine, come and get me." He whispered before turning towards the Soldier in command of the satellite. "Is it ready yet?"
"The weapon will be ready in ten seconds."
"Then target those creatures and fire."
"Yes sir." He saluted and turned to the consol. "Target is locked and confirmed, firing now."
Cloud watched as if he was in a trance as the monitor flicked once again to a view of the space station and then again to what he guessed was the satellite. The thing that stood out the most were the large cables that connected it to the station, they began to glow an incredible bright green. This glow soon spread through the entire machine.
The screen flicked again back to the view of the Weapon's, Zack watched unsure what to do. He looked over towards Tysall who now had a large grin spread across his face.
A large tremor shook the station hard enough to bring everyone to their knees. In this time Cloud notice a familiar glow coming from one of the panels in the room, he slowly made his way over to Aeris to avoid been noticed and taped her shoulder.
"Over there." He pointed to the panel with the glow. "You see it?"
Aeris followed Cloud's finger and saw it. "Yeah, I can feel it, it's the materia from before. It must be powering that thing from here."
"We have to get it somehow."
Another tremor hit and the two returned their attention to the monitor. A thin beam of light hit the center of the circle created by the Weapon's, slowly it began to grow until it was about a hundred meters in diameter, then the cause of the second tremor hit and the beam increased in size and power ten fold. The creatures were engulfed in green light and disappeared from sight.
Everyone watching had to shield their eyes from the brightness of the beam, the pure power it was incredible. Aeris briefly remembered Tysall saying the beam was only at 37% full power and for the first time she was able to understand the description that Cloud gave from his visions, it must have been terrifying to see it at 100%."
After a few seconds the beam died down, once gone the monitor flicked again to view the ocean area. Everyone stared in amazement at the sight now, where the creatures had been was now a gigantic circular waterfall, the blast not only destroyed the Weapons with ease but also manage to take an huge sized chunk out of the planet. The water from around poured into the hole trying to fill it up but even now they could see at the center of the creator the glow from underneath the water, the blast had managed to reach all the way down to the Lifestream.
"Fuck me." Reno stared open mouthed.
"They're gone," Tifa stated. "We couldn't even put a scratch on them and that thing just, turned them to dust."
Tysall sighed. "37%, just think of the beauty of 100%."
"Your sick." Aeris snapped.
With out giving Tysall chance to speak one of the Soldiers called him over.
"What is it?"
"Sir, the energy sphere the creatures fired earlier, its still heading towards us."
"Still? Why didn't it get destroyed in the blast?"
"I-I don't know sir."
He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "Dammit! How long until it hits?"
"Eleven minutes sir." The Soldier began to show his nervousness. "Should I start procedure for evacuation?"
Tysall sighed heavily and looked over to Cloud. "Whatever. We're done here anyway."
The Soldier nodded and pressed and number of buttons on the consol, soon after an automated voice started on the speakers giving repeated advice to reach an escape pod.
Tysall nodded to the other Soldiers in the room and they began to leave. "Well Strife, guess we will have to finish this some other time."
He began to leave along with the other troops only to have Cloud's sword stop right in front of him.
"No, everyone get out now, I take care of this."
Tifa noticing Cloud's tone stood up, she nodded at Reno and they headed towards the door. "Cloud just don't take too long." Yuffie stayed to watch Cloud for a few seconds more before following Tifa outside.
Aeris ran over to the panel Cloud had pointed out earlier and tried to pry it open with her staff, after a few moments Zack patted her on the shoulder and motioned for her to step to the side while he cut through the metal lock with his sword, the panel fell off crashing to the floor and Aeris reached in obtaining her prize. 'It's still full of power? Even after powering a blast like that.'
"What's wrong?" Zack taped her on the shoulder once again.
"Huh? Oh nothing." She looked round to see Cloud still holding his sword out in front of Tysall. "Cloud come on! You heard that thing is going to hit us in under eleven minutes!"
"Actually its more like nine now." Tysall grinned.
"I told you, get to an escape pod now. I'll follow shortly." He voice was even more solid.
Aeris convinced her self she was going to stay but Zack soon grabbed onto her arm and began to pull her towards the door. "Come on girl you heard him, if you stay you'll just distract him."
"But, but.."
"Hey Cloud, don't cut it too close." Zack shouted before dragging Aeris fully out the door.
After everyone had left Cloud raised his sword onto his shoulder. A few moments pass while the two stared at each other coldly.
"So Strife, what's the plan? Defeat me, run out at the last second and escape in the last remaining pod?" Tysall laughed and shook his head. "Your too obvious."
Cloud showed no sigh that he cared for what Tysall had to say.
"Come on, what's it going to be? A duel to the end? I think you know how that will turn out." He circled Cloud like a hawk. "You're so sure of confident aren't you, perhaps the only thing I admire about you, you persistence that you believe you will always be victorious."
"I'm not letting you carry on, I won't let you destroy another life."
"Is that so? Another life? Don't you mean her life?"
Tysall smiled seeing he caused a reaction on Clouds face.
"That's it isn't it. Your true self, you don't really care about the planet do you? All the time you were hunting Sephiroth, you couldn't careless about the planet. You just wanted revenge." He laughed again. "Me, me, me that's all you think about."
A few of the consoles began to spark as the energy sphere drifted closer, the pure power of it sending the electrics insane. The lights began to flicker and a few of the bulbs began to burst sending shattered glass in each direction.
"Hmm, not long now. Are we staying for the show?"
Cloud stepped back and readied his sword. "Enough. I've had enough of you."
Tysall smiled and shook his head. "Yes, and I must say I've had enough of you too." He positioned himself in a fighting stance and grinned.
The two stared each other down waiting for the other to make a move. The lights began to flicker rapidly until they all burst sending the room into total darkness, even the screen that up until now had been displaying static shattered onto the floor.
Cloud felt movement in front of him and he swung his sword with lightning speed only to hit nothing, a breeze of air hit his face and he spun round to the other side. 'Where are you?'
He slowly began to walk forwards hoping to sense his opponent's movements.
"Too late Cloud."
He spun round towards the voice only to be hit by a tremendous force in the back. The blow knocked him off of his feet, and an incredible surge of pain ran up through his back.
"Where the hell are you?" Cloud spat as he jumped back up. "Come out and fight!"
Silence.
"Jenova!"
Only the faint hum of the still working machinery replied.
"Fuck!" He realized that Jenova must have run off hoping he would stay searching and inevitably be destroyed by the sphere.
After a few more seconds Cloud decided he would have to retreat before it was too late. He ran out of the room and headed down the corridor, along the route was a constant red optic cable that lit the way through each door. He hoped that this was a way to find the escape pods.
'I can't believe I let her get away. Cowardly creature.'
He carried on following the cable until it lead him to what he guessed was the outer layer of the station. Along the walls were a load of empty spaces where the escape pods use to be, he ran along hoping that there would be at least one left.
"Cloud!"
"Huh? Aeris? What the hell are you still doing here?"
"This is the last one." She pointed to the pod to her right. "I had to make sure you'd be on it."
"And if I didn't come?" He said slightly annoyed that she had ignored what he had told her to do at put herself in danger for no reason.
"Well, that's why I crossed my fingers."
Cloud couldn't help letting the smile escape on to his lips. "Fine, lets just get out of here while we still can."
He ran up to her noticing Stevens laying unconscious on the floor. It looked like he was trying to reach the same pod.
"That was Zack." Aeris answered his question before he even asked. "He said he would stay to make sure nobody else took the pod."
"Zack did? So then why are you here?"
She smiled twirling his staff in her fingers. "I had a very good argument. And like hell I would leave you."
Still annoyed Cloud couldn't help another smile knowing she waited.
They entered the pod and closed the door, once sealed it automatically locked and began to detach its self from the station. A set of thrusters pushed it away and soon the two was able to see the entire station as they descended back towards the planet.
"What happened to Jenova?"
Cloud reluctantly shook his head. "She escaped. Wait a second... didn't you say this was the last pod?"
"Yes the Soldiers took most of them, Tifa and Reno took one then Yuffie and Zack took the other. This was the last one we could find, the rest were still incomplete."
"So that means that Jenova has no way off of the station." He looked out of the window and saw the sphere as it came into contact with the base. 'I hope you're on there.' Even as he thought it Cloud felt something wrong, as if he heard Jenova saying she did.
"It looks that way." Aeris smiled. "Its as much as she deserves."
Cloud smiled and continued to watch as the sphere forced its way through the solid metal, something on board ignited causing the station to explode into millions of fiery fragments.
"It seems unreal."
"Hm?" He turned towards her. "What do you mean."
"That its over."
Cloud thought about it for a moment. 'She's right, no Sephiroth, no Shin- ra, no Hojo, no Jenova... nothing' He felt his chest relax, it felt as if he had been holding his breath for the past seven years and now finally he could breath out.
"Your right," He stood up and swapped seats to sit next to her. As soon as he did Aeris rested her head on to Cloud's shoulder, he smiled and took hold of her hand squeezing it gently. "It's strange, you expect something to happen for so long and when it does, it just feels strange."
Aeris squeezed his hand back. "I know, so strange..." She barely managed to say the words before falling asleep.
Cloud closed his eyes after staring out the window for a few moments longer, it was going to be a long ride back, so he might as well enjoy it.
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Wow I'm finished, well the chapter not the story. I never thought I would ever reach the end of this one but at last chapter 12 is done. I know its been ages since I last updated this and there's no one reason but the main been this is the second version of this chapter since I just really didn't like the original. Thanks to those who keep reviewing, I am determined to finish this story and I would take a guess at there been another 3-4 chapters to come. So far I am still thinking over the ending, I have two so far the happy ending and the sad ending and for some reason I keep switching between them. Oh well enough of this, until chapter 13. Oh and to Nevea Valentine if you want more Aeris/Cloud fics take a look at my favourite fics, most of those of cloris.