At last, I have finally finished. I hope it was worth the long wait. Thank you to everyone who reviewed over the course of this story, each one was helpful in its own way. There won't be any more after this chapter, I was going to include an epilogue but decided the ending was enough. So, without anything else coming to mind I hope you enjoy the last chapter.
Chapter 17: Already Set in Time
Cloud waved the sword around in front of him. The blade left thin, black, streaks of light in air as it passed by.
Aeris stayed perfectly still as she prayed, whatever was about to happen it looked like she wasn't going to stop it. To the side Cid laid barely conscious, next to him Zack propped himself up against the wall trying to gather enough energy just to stand.
Cloud let his eyes wander, across the water most of the Avalanche group were laid along the floor, still feeling the effects of the lightning. He smiled turning back to Aeris.
"So, is this it?" He kneeled down. "After all this time I'm a little disappointed."
Aeris continued to be silent. She had a small smile on her lips just like before.
"You wait for something for so long and when it finally happens..." He grinned, shaking his head before standing back up. "Well... I guess it doesn't matter."
Zack fell back to the floor, the last of his energy had been used up. Cloud gave him a brief look before turning back to the girl. "I keep feeling something is going to happen, so many times have I been here and by some luck you have survived. But I know this time is different."
"I didn't think you would be so cowardly."
The blond looked over at Zack once again. "Cowardly? I have given you plenty of time to protect her, you just failed."
Zack opened his mouth to speak but couldn't find any words to use.
The light inside Aeris reached its peak. To those watching it looked like her very soul was been shown to all to see.
"Times up..." Cloud lifted his arm and aimed the blade at her chest. He took one last moment before thrusting the dark blade through her body.
Zack felt his breath leave him as the sword ran her through. The darkness pierced the light that grew from within Aeris' body.
Cloud grinned pushing the blade further in until his hand was pressed against her chest. The darkness began to merge with the light, taking over completely until there was nothing left. Within moments the light that had shone from inside her body had turned to a shadow of darkness.
Cloud reached in to Aeris' taking hold of her spirit as it tried to flee. His own body began to merge with the darkness, it spread through his arm and into his chest.
Finally in one huge burst of dark light the two were swallowed, leaving nothing behind. Zack crawled a fast as he could to the scene but by the time he had reached it, it was too late. The darkness vanished and with it the two it engulfed.
He looked over to see most of the others staring with the same face he had. "What the hell happened?" Someone asked.
Zack looked back to the spot and exhaled slowly, his voice filled with the tears that were impossible to hold back. "We failed, that's what."
'Darkness... cold darkness.... I should be use to it by now, but I'm not.' Cloud slowly lifted his head. The surroundings felt familiar but then again completely unknown.
'I know this place.' Dizzy he tried to stand up. His knees felt soft and his balance was gone.
'It makes sense now.' Taking a step forward to stop from falling over Cloud then turned round, confirming his feelings.
'You knew it all along.' In front of him stood the figure he'd only seen in dreams, her full real form was magnificent but also terrifying.
Jenova stood a fair distance away with her back turned away from him.
'This is what it was all about.' Cloud took another step but fell to the ground. As he landed he noticed the figure that was laid down in front of him.
'I don't see why you should forgive me. I was always too weak, I always failed.' He crawled over to her and saw her chest rising gently into the air before lowering again. The wound given only moments earlier had disappeared.
Aeris wrinkled her forehead as she tried to awake, the virus was still struggling to prevail but in the end it was losing.
Cloud looked up once more. He scowled as Jenova turned round to meet his gaze, she smiled back at him and began to walk forwards.
"Such possibilities for a place like this. And all wasted on creatures like you."
"This was it all along. Everything that has happened was just so you could come here."
Jenova walked closer, she stopped a few meters in front of him and Aeris. "A perfect plan no? You were so confident about yourself you never even gave it a second thought." She waved her hand and the darkness changed to that of the space station. "Our fight here? What do you think really happened?"
Cloud watched as another Cloud fought Tysall. As the lights went out he could see himself shouting into the air, and then so easily Jenova was able to reach him. Her body collapsed and passed straight into the other Cloud.
"You were inside me all the time."
She nodded, waving her hand once more so the world turned back to darkness. "I waited. A truly hideous experience, waiting inside you pathetic body, fighting the urge not to rip you apart from the inside. Of course plans and sacrifices had to be made. Without the full power of that materia, the station was useless to me, but it was enough to make you believe you had won."
Aeris opened her eyes and blinked a few times.
Jenova looked down at her. "And of course you, the thorn that was continuously sticking in my side. I finally found a use for you."
Cloud knelt down next to her. Aeris looked around curiously until she figured out where she actually was. "No." She turned and saw Jenova smiling down at her. "No, you shouldn't be here!" She shouted while shaking her head as if to deny the creature presence.
"But why?" She smiled taking another step towards the two. "It was you who brought me here in the first place."
Aeris quickly jumped up and stood next to Cloud. "You're lying."
"Oh? Did the thought ever enter your mind to why you were infected with a disease from thousands of years ago?" Jenova cross her arms, she was enjoying the moment as the two realized what happened. "You were never meant to die. That's why the cure was so easy to locate, I couldn't risk you not finding it."
"The cure worked." Cloud spoke. "But that's what you wanted. The connection. It was just like opening a door."
"Finally using you head huh? To bad it's too late." She turned back to Aeris. "Once our friend here connected with this place, killing her would instantly send her spirit along, and anything that was attached."
"Y-you bitch." Aeris shouted.
"My, such language for a child." She smiled and turned round, walking away.
Aeris turned to Cloud and took hold of his arm. "What do we do?" Her eyes were full of panic and fear.
Cloud stared at Jenova for a moment longer before turning to Aeris. "I, I don't know."
She hadn't expected those two to be brought along, hopefully they would have been destroyed in the crossover but not such luck. 'Not that it matters.'
Cloud seemed to be loosing his mind once again and the Cetra was of little help to him now. Even if she could bring him round there wouldn't be anything they could do. 'Not after this.'
Jenova smiled and held out her arms, she began to split open the space that made this plain possible. The air cracked as it split, streaks of light spread out showing the pain she was causing to the land.
She turned her head hearing the Cetra speaking to her, asking what she was hoping to accomplish. "Don't you see it already?"
Aeris looked at the space in front of her. The floor ripped open, leading into to an unknown void. "You cannot destroy this place, even you do not have that power."
"Your right." Jenova turned round fully to see the hole that grew larger in the black ground. "Which is why I decided to get some help."
The ground continued to split open until the space between the three was large enough to fit a building in to it. Inside the void Aeris could hear the screams coming from the plain it linked with, she realized the 'help' Jenova was calling.
"This is your world." She whispered.
"You can feel it can't you?"
Aeris felt the pain that came from the other world. It was overwhelming, a force that equaled their own existence. She looked at Cloud who was just staring at the rip in space, she couldn't tell if he was actually taking notice or if he was just gone altogether.
Slowly the air around them heated, matching the plain that was trying to merge with their own. The atmosphere grew heavy, making each movement slightly hard to make. The endless black sky above them filled with small flickers of red that descended down.
Holding out her hand Aeris tried to catch one as it fell. She felt a burn as the small flame landed in her palm, burning her skin. Again turning to Cloud, he didn't seem to take notice of the small flames as they touched his skin.
Aeris looked back to Jenova who was stood at the opposite side of the hole. The air all around was filled with the tiny flares.
"Still in the dark? Can't you feel it yet?" She smiled at the girl as she tried to understand everything that was happening. "Look before you, your race was capable of creating the creatures Weapon, and so is mine."
Deep in the abyss Aeris could hear something coming, it grew closer and closer to their position. Before she could think of the possibilities of what it could be, it had already arrived.
The first arm came up, gripping on to the edge of the opening. This was followed by the other, both looked like they were made of flesh that was twisted, as if the body had gone insane while growing. The colour and tone of the skin was a gritty dark red, it seemed to fit in perfectly with its insane flesh.
Aeris couldn't help but take a step back, she felt her stomach twist as the creature pulled its self up from the gaping hole.
Cloud slowly looked up until his gaze met the creatures face. If he was scared at all his face didn't show it, he just wore a blank, emotionless expression.
The Weapon climbed out of the abyss but took no interest in the two, it turned its body and began to walk over to an open area before standing still in silence. Aeris was expecting it to attack but instead it held out its arms and began some type of spell.
Jenova watched the creature begin its task, she couldn't help but grin. "This is the beginning of a new time, this is when our kind will replace yours. This 'Promised Land' now belongs to us, and you are no longer needed. Once my friend here is finished, this rift will remain open permanently."
"You think you can win this with out a fight?" Aeris unhooked her staff.
"Oh please," Jenova scoffed. "What do you expect to do with that?"
Aeris looked down at her weapon, she gripped it tightly before putting it back. "Cloud." She stepped up to him, grabbing his shoulders. "Cloud!"
Cloud slowly looked down to her, he was still speechless. He wanted to go back, to before he'd let this happen, to before he'd failed again.
"Cloud come on, we don't have time for this."
"I'm, I'm sorry." He fell to his knees silently. "I was so stupid, to fall for it every step of the way."
"Stop it Cloud, I need your help." Aeris looked behind her at the Weapon. Along its arms a stream on energy was flowing, it poured to its open palms and began to charge up the spell.
"I can't." Cloud whispered.
Aeris turned back to him, he was staring down at the floor. 'Sorry Cloud but this is for your own good.' She bit her lip not wanting to do it, but inside Aeris knew she had no choice.
She grabbed hold of Cloud's shirt with one hand and brought the other swiftly across his cheek.
Cloud looked up quickly, the shock and sting hit him immediately but lingered on. He stared at Aeris for a while before she took his shirt in both hands.
"Wake up! What's happened has happened Cloud, but right now I need you."
The blond tried to avoid her look.
"Are you going to help me?"
Cloud looked up at her face. He could see how angry she looked but in her eyes he could tell she was just worried. This was something he was sick of, he was tired of her having to worry about him. One way or another he wanted to change that now.
Cloud stood up and rubbed his cheek as it still stung. "Do you have a plan?"
"Sort of," Aeris smiled at him, she didn't want to hurt him but it was for his own good. "First we need to...." The Ancient stopped talking as a familiar figure came in to view.
Long sliver hair ran down the back of his pitch-black coat. Along his side the deadly masamune stretched out, it remained silently and still as if waiting for its time to take another life.
Sephiroth stepped next to Jenova, he grinned while staying silent.
"And here is the final link." Jenova ran her hand down Sephiroth's arm. "I believe you have some, unfinished business."
Aeris broke her stare and turned to Cloud. His face had quickly turned from shock to his coldest look, even Vincent wouldn't be able to compete with him right now.
"What's wrong? You look surprised." The creature smiled cruelly at Aeris. "Did you think my son had turned soft? That he was no longer under the evil and wicked spell of Jenova?" She laughed. "Don't be so childish."
Sephiroth stepped forward. "Mother and I have had this planned for a long time."
Cloud smirked and crossed his arms. "Always the mommy's boy huh?"
Sephiroth looked coldly at the blond but said nothing.
"Well, I must say it's been fun these past few years but now I can finally move on to a new life. A new life that will begin with the ending of yours." Jenova stretched her arm our to the side, the same black sword from before reached out and took its shape.
"So, you were talking about ideas." Cloud leaned over and whispered to Aeris.
The Ancient nodded and turned away from Jenova. "Well when you say plan..."
The blond rubbed the back of his head while rolling his eyes. "Let me guess, I take mommy's boy and she thing, you take rock for brains over there."
"That's about it." She smiled.
"Figures." He forced a smiled back. "Then I'll see you at the finishing line."
Aeris nodded, she knew that the task ahead was nearly impossible but that didn't mean she'd lost hope, not yet. Cloud turned to leave when he paused for a moment, his eyes still watched her standing there.
"What's wrong?"
He stared for just a moment before taking hold of her sides and pulling her body close. Aeris widened her eyes as she felt his lips press softly against hers, a few moments passed before the shock left and she began to return the kiss. Although inside she knew this wasn't the time for this Aeris couldn't stop, her heart lifted in her chest, she could feel every beat that it took.
Unwillingly Cloud released her from his grip and moved back from her lips. He felt Aeris warm breath on his own as she sighed gently, a brief moment of sadness crossed her face as she had to return to everything outside their moment.
Cloud stepped back and drew his sword from his back, holding it to one side. "Make sure that's not our last."
Aeris smiled and nodded while taking her staff from her side. She glanced up at the monstrous creature that was already nearing the end of its task. "It better not be our last."
Cloud grinned before he turned away and began to walk towards the other two, he stopped for a moment and looked back at Aeris, reaching into his pocket he took out a small orb.
"Oh yeah," He threw it at her. "I don't know if it will help but I know I can't use it."
Aeris caught the materia and recognized it as the one from crystal formation back a Junon. She put the sphere in her pocket and looked up at Cloud. "Anything's worth trying now."
Cloud nodded and turned back towards his two targets. Although he wasn't scared he knew inside that it would be impossible to beat the two, surviving this would be a miracle its self.
"So? This is it?" Jenova said with a smile. "Your just going to throw your life away like this?"
"If that's what I want to do."
"Hmph, how noble." She scowled at him. "But I'm afraid that won't get you anything more than a dogs death."
"Like I said." Cloud stood in his stance. "My choice."
Jenova turned to Sephiroth and nodded, the sliver haired fighter took a step back and crossed his arms. "We'll make this one on one for now."
"Whatever."
"Your still not scared? You should be." The female creature began to circle around Cloud like a vulture. "You know what happens when you die here? Your entire existence is taken away, your spirit will no longer exist. The name Cloud Strife, will have no meaning what so ever."
Cloud gritted his teeth. "Are you going to talk me to death?"
"Just a lesson, I want you to know what's happening to you before the end comes."
"Great." Cloud decided not to wait any longer and charged towards Jenova, their blades clashed together as they met.
Aeris cast the spell once again. The thunderous bolt ripped through the air and smashed into the creature, but once again it remained unharmed.
The Ancient put her hands on her knees and began pant, eight spells in a row and for nothing. The monster had taken no notice of her and continued on with its task as if she wasn't even there.
"Thi-this is impossible." Aeris turned her head away and caught a glimpse of Cloud. He and the infectious creature were deep in battle, each struck fatal blows to the other but each time the attacks were parried.
Stood away Sephiroth was waiting calmly with his arms crossed, he watched the two fight with a wicked smile across his face. 'Enough.' Aeris' mind brought her back to her own problem.
In her staff were four materia fire, bolt, ice and Ultima. The elemental attacks were doing nothing so now she decided it was time to bring out the big guns. Gathering her strength Aeris held out the weapon and cast the spell with the last of her energy, the green light shot towards the creature.
A blinding flash emerged but then quickly died down. Aeris rubbed her eyes feeling a slight burn from the flash, the results of the spell had been somewhat successful. The Weapon had stopped what it was doing before and now concentrated its gaze upon her. A small scratch could be seen across its face form where the spell had hit but apart from that the only thing it seemed to do was anger the creature.
"Wonderful, that's just wonderful." Aeris took a step back as the Weapon took a huge step towards her, she fell back onto the floor as its foot came thundering down on the ground.
Cloud lifted the sword up in time to block another slash from his opponent. So far the two had been evenly matched, each managing to block the others attacks.
"What's wrong?" Jenova spun round and hit Cloud's weapon causing him to be knocked back. "Are you tired already?"
"Hmph." Cloud stood firm and raised his sword into the air, the blade flashed for a moment before he slashed at the air. A flash of light left the blade and headed for Jenova.
Taking the threat seriously she dodged to the side totally missing the attack, but as soon as the light passed her it split into two and one part managed to aim directly at her. Jenova staggered forward as the beam hit her back, a fresh wound opened up and instantly began to bleed.
Cloud grinned at his successful attack, as he predicted Jenova was too cocky to make sure the beam did nothing after it passed.
"Don't act so smug." The alien straightened up and copied Cloud initial stance. Her dark blade flashed before she swung it through the air, a black flash of light left the blade and headed for the blond.
Cloud jumped into the air, avoiding the beam as it passed underneath. As he predicted the blade would now split into as chase him once again, but after landing back down he turned to see the beam had just stopped a few meters away.
"What the?"
The blond half turned in time to catch a glimpse of Jenova running at him, she thrust her fist deep into his back and sent for flying forwards. The beam the had stopped had waited for him to come, Cloud fell forwards hitting the black light at full speed. A large rip opened on his chest, it felt like he was been cut by a sword that had been resting in fire.
He brought his hand up on his chest and pressed down, the warm, thick feeling of fresh blood filled his fingertips. After the initial pain it didn't feel too bad, he was able to push it away to the back of his mind with enough concentration.
While standing up Cloud was able to catch a quick look at Aeris. She seemed to be having as much luck as he was.
Aeris ran as fast as her legs would go, the monstrous Weapon followed closely behind. She reached down her staff and touched the Ultima materia again, the orb glowed brightly signaling it was ready to be cast again.
The Ancient skidded to a halt and spun round, casting the spell instantly into the creatures face. Once again Weapon was hit was a flash of green energy, it succeeded in blinding the monster, at least for now.
As the green mist slowly clear from its face Aeris kneeled down and tried to catch her breath. At this rate the fight wouldn't last much longer, the creature hadn't even touched her yet and she was already drained.
Usually if tired all you would have to do in the Promised Land would be imagine your were at full strength and it would come true. But as Aeris guessed, this creature seemed to be screwing around with the way everything worked here.
'So what do I do?' She helplessly looked up as Weapon's sight returned. The impact of its monstrous step made Aeris fall back onto the ground, out of her pocket rolled out the materia Cloud had given her. She jumped after it and caught the sphere in her hands. 'If I could cast this thing there wouldn't be a problem.'
Weapon stopped walking and looked ahead at the tiny Ancient. She had gotten about a hundred meters ahead of it. The grotesque face of the monster began to stretch apart, the flesh tore into pieces reveling the bone and muscle beneath. In the center of the gaping hole a bone formation formed into a circular hole, inside a dark red light began to build up.
Aeris felt her stomach turn as this happened. She didn't know if it was from the disgusting sight or the fact that it would probably mean her end that was making her feel this way.
After a few seconds the light reach its peak and fired down towards the ground. When it hit, the light shattered the black surface like glass. Aeris watched as it began to move up towards her, the ground beneath shattered into pieces and fell into nothingness.
As hard as she tried to run the light was moving faster than her legs could go, within seconds Aeris was trying not to fall into the abyss just behind her feet. Finding running wasn't doing the trick she leapt to the side, missing the beam as it passed by inches.
'Come of Aeris, this thing must have a weak point.'
Weapon stopped the beam and its face closed back in, the flesh didn't quite fit back together making it look even more abnormal. It raised its foot into the air and began to chase after her again. As it did Aeris noticed how long it actually took the monster to move, the sheer amount of bone and armor attached to it made the creature extremely slow to maneuver.
'Ok, it's worth a shot.' She stopped running and spun round heading straight on a collision course with Weapon. Before the creature could realize what happened Aeris had disappeared from sight, it stared through the endless black plains ahead but could not find one trace of the Ancient.
Half dead from all the running Aeris collapsed just behind Weapon, realizing it wouldn't be able to see behind its self she figured this was the best place to hide until she came up with a plan. 'And now for the hard part, what plan?'
Cloud dodged Jenova's slash and stepped to the side. He thrust his fist straight under her jaw and followed up with a roundhouse kick.
The impact sent Jenova back on to the floor, she skidded to a halt and cursed him. "Still believe you can win?"
Cloud grinned and jumped high into the air, he brought his sword down over his head and slammed it into the ground where Jenova had just been. The alien cursed him once again as she barely dodged the attack.
Sephiroth during this hadn't interfered at all, he just stood in the same place watching, even if the fighters came right up next to him he didn't budge.
Even though the fight didn't seem to be favoring either opponent Cloud felt that he was beginning to take the upper hand. Each time Jenova tried to attack he was able to counter it easily, eventually she would make a fatal mistake, he could feel it.
Slashing furiously Jenova managed to force the blond back, she took advantage of the brief pause as he jumped back and raised her hand towards him. The powerful green light grew as she cast the Ultima spell, the blast shot out hitting Cloud. Even though he managed to block the blast with his sword, the force of the impact threw him back into the air.
After hitting the ground he reached into his pocket and realized he didn't have any decent materia of his own, it looked like it was down to his sword skills. 'Fine by me.'
Cloud shot forwards and struck her blade, forcing her back as he followed up with a continuous set of attacks. Each time the blades clashed together they sent streaks of sparks through the air.
Jenova seemed to be struggling to keep up with the speed of Cloud's attacks, each time she just barely managed to block his sword from cutting into her. Feeling it was time to stop playing she cast a fire spell and held it in her hand, once Cloud slashed with his sword Jenova stepped up to him and pressed the ball against his chest and let it go.
A sudden blast sent Cloud flying back, the front of his clothes were singed from the flames. The landing was just as painful but he took little notice of it and jumped to his feet. In front Jenova had her back to him, the dark blade she wielded in her hand had gone.
Cloud coughed feeling a spot of blood reach his lips as he did. Wipeing his mouth he grinned. "W-what's wrong? You giving up already?"
Jenova turned round and smiled calmly at him. "No Cloud. This is the part when I stop playing." She held her arm out and this time a dark replica of Cloud's buster sword appeared.
"Stop playin.." Before Cloud could finish the word Jenova had shot towards him and slammed the side of the sword against his chest. The force instantly broke a few ribs, along with sending him flying through the air.
Aeris held the materia in her palm and took a deep breath. She concentrated hard, feeling the energy that was held inside the tiny orb.
In front of her Weapon had given up its search for her and had started again with its previous task. This gave her enough time to try and cast the unknown materia, although so far she didn't seem to be getting anywhere.
Aeris closed her eyes, concentrating even harder. Her body tensed up as she tried to find away to cast the magic.
Soon enough her concentration began to show its effects, her feet lifted up off of the ground and the materia drifted out of her hands, floating at the end of her fingertips. A soothing light began to glow around it and along to her fingers.
Feeling some amount of energy flowing through her fingers Aeris couldn't help but smile, she felt that this time perhaps it would work. But as the energy built up and the green orb shone its brightest the whole thing fell to pieces.
The materia fell to the floor soon followed by the flower girl. Aeris landed on her feet but collapsed to the ground feeling that all of her strength had gone. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her breath was fast and sharp.
'It's just too much... I, I just don't have that much energy.'
From Weapon's arms came a surge of energy, this all flowed into the void it had first appeared from.
'It's nearly finished, I have to find a way to destroy it now." Aeris panicked realizing her time was growing short. 'Ok, try again in a second. First just concentrate on gathering your strength.'
Putting her hands together the Ancient began a small prayer, calming her soul and restoring her strength. As she concentrated more on gathering this energy she suddenly felt a huge surge of power run through her body, it filled her all the way to the very tips of her fingers.
"What the?" Aeris stopped what she was doing and looked down at her body. It felt completely full of energy, as if she'd just taken a whole case of elixirs. "How did this..?"
Before she finished the sentence Aeris noticed the green orb in her pocket glowing. Taking out the materia it shined brightly in her hand, just touching it made her whole arm feel rich with power. 'Oh? So that's how this works.' A small smile curved her lips as she looked up at the monster in front.
Cloud hit the floor once again. His whole body felt like it was on fire.
Jenova laughed and stabbed her sword into the ground. She walked up to Cloud and kicked him up into the air, then followed up by spinning around and hitting him again with her other foot.
The blond landed a good ten meters away from his last position. Since Jenova had stopped pulling her punches he had realized how out matched he really was. In the past five minutes she must have broken a few ribs, cracked his arm and now his shoulder had dislocated.
"Are you ready to give up?" The alien walked casually towards him.
Cloud grabbed hold of his arm and in one fast push he managed to push the bone back into his shoulder socket. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth while trying to hold back the pain.
"Just say when Cloud, and then all of this can be over."
Ignoring her the ex-mercenary managed to stand up once again, though inside he could hear a voice asking him why bother. His sword had landed further away, and even worse it was behind where Jenova now stood.
'That's not helpful.' He plotted a course around her to get to the weapon.
Cloud sprinted off and took a straight path towards Jenova, he then shifted course to the side hoping this would throw her off enough for him to reach the sword. But during this the alien calmly watched and shot towards the ex- merc as he passed her. Within seconds Cloud had been caught and was been lifted into the air by the throat.
"Pathetic, though I must admire your persistence."
Cloud ignored her and thrust his foot as hard as he could straight into her face. This however had little effect. Jenova scowled at him and threw Cloud higher into the air, she then followed up by spinning her body and producing the small dark blade from before. As he fell back Cloud felt a sharp pain hit his shoulder, he slowly looked down and found himself impaled on Jenova's weapon.
"How does that feel?"
Cloud closed his eyes and grit his teeth as she began to twist the blade, ripping his flesh apart. The pain was growing to far for him to take, inside his mind was screaming for it to end.
Suddenly it stopped. A flash of black and a soft swish through the air that ended with a slickly ripping sound. Cloud was dropped onto the floor, he fell to his knees, instantly feeling relived as the blade left his shoulder.
Her body was shaking, this strange new feeling was horrifying. Jenova hesitated before lowering her eyes, she took a sharp deep breath as she saw the long thin blade that was stretching out from within her chest.
Aeris placed the materia in between both her palms and began the prayer. As she figured this materia worked the opposite way all the others did.
Any other materia when cast would drain some of the person's energy to cast the spell. This one however doesn't cast a spell, it aids the person using the materia and replenishes their energy when they are trying to gather their strength. Trying to actually cast the materia just causes it to drain the casters energy and store it inside its self. This is how it was used to power an orbital weapon, Jenova managed to use technology to draw the materia's power out.
'So all I have to do is concentrate on resting and this will empty all of its stored energy into my body until I'm full again, but...' She looked up at Weapon. 'I'm going to need more than one hundred percent to fight this thing.'
Not wasting anymore time Aeris continued on with her prayer, concentrating as hard as she could on unlocking the power from the materia. In her hands the green orb began to glow brightly again, even enclosed in her palms the green light began to shine through.
Within seconds Aeris was able to feel the energy of the materia flowing into her body once again, though this time she kept on concentrating. The power from the orb continued to flow into her body, her spirit absorbed it all and thirsted for more.
As she continued Weapon stopped its task once again, sensing a new power. It searched around in front trying to find the mass of energy that was building, slowly it turned its hulking form around and felt the source coming from below.
Aeris felt the tremors from its monstrous steps, she tried even harder knowing the creature had found her and with her becoming an actual threat she guessed it wouldn't be playing around anymore.
Weapon looked down to the ground and found its prey, the small Cetra who was gathering energy right below. Her body was beginning to glow from the overwhelming amount of power now flowing through her veins.
The monster lifted its hugely black, clawed foot and moved it over where Aeris was continuing praying. The Ancient made no attempt to run and instead pushed harder as if she was trying to squeeze every last drop of energy the materia has.
Weapon took no interest in the Cetra's goals. You wouldn't know from its deformed face but the monster was actually smiling as it smashed its foot to the ground.
What the creature couldn't understand was that its foot never reached the floor. Moving it away it could see Aeris staring back up at it. Her expression had lost all innocence of a happy flower girl and instead showed her darker side.
Aeris grinned as the monster couldn't understand what had happened. She raised one hand up and opened the palm of her hand, the simplest motion left white streaks in the air. She tapped the fire materia on her wrist bangle and the orb began to shine. Before Weapon could try to crush her again Aeris cast the fire spell, an unstoppable fireball launched from her palm and hit the monsters chest.
Staggering back Weapon tried to clear the smoke blocking its face as it rose from its burnt flesh. Looking down at its chest the monster didn't seem to be put off by the large hole that had appeared in its chest. The spell had forced its way through the Weapons chest entirely.
Aeris continued her grin as she saw the results of her magic. She had drained every last drop from the new materia, its entire store of energy now flowed through out her body.
Jenova fell to her knees as the blade was swiftly pulled back from her chest. A thin trickle of blood poured from the open wound.
"W-why is this?" She tried to speak finding her voice had gone soft and filled with gasps for air. She shook her head while staring down, trying to denying the presence of this.
Cloud had the same look of shock on his own face. Of all things to happen he didn't expect this, but then again he doubted Jenova did either.
She fell forwards to the floor but managed to hold her self up with her arms. "How, how could you?"
Sephiroth sheathed the masamune and walked by her, he looked on to Cloud and grinned. "Dear mother, did you really think you were in control all the time?"
"You," Jenova gritted her teeth. "You traitorous bastard!" She leapt forwards at the dark warrior but instantly found her self-run through by the masamune once again. This time the blade cut straight through her shoulder, as her legs gave way and she was suspended in the air like a puppet.
"Now now, there's no need for such language." He grinned and twisted the sword around in her flesh. "Did you really think that all this time I was blindly following your orders? Did you really think I was so stupid to allow you to take my rightful place as God over this place?"
"Ungrateful child." Jenova pulled back and freed herself from the blade. "I was going to wait for this, but I guess killing you now won't hurt." She leapt forwards and struck the dark warrior, their blades clashed and sparked as they met.
Cloud stepped back letting the two fight. He didn't understand why Sephiroth had struck her at that point, but whatever the reason was, it saved his life.
Weapon sent another blast of lightning down towards Aeris, however once more the massive burst of energy shattered as it hit her body. The monster let out a screeching cry as failed again.
Aeris flicked the strands of hair away from her face and smiled, tapping the bolt materia on her wrist. "Here, let me show you how that is done." She raised her hand a swept it along the air.
A devastating wave of lightning tore through the air, the blast struck Weapon in the shoulder. At first the damage didn't seem as severe as expected, but as the moments passed the bone began to stick out of the mounds of twisted flesh began to crumble. They split and splinted, breaking apart. Weapon screamed out while staggering back, its right arm split from its body and fell to the floor.
Aeris stepped back as the arm smashed into the ground. The power flowing through her body was altering her way of thinking, she was actually enjoying this. 'This energy is full of hate, it was made for fighting.' She reached along her arm and touched the Ultima materia. 'Then I'll just have to use it all in one go, before it corrupts me.'
Weapon looked down at the Ancient, its face once again began to split open and reveal its core. The red light began to charge up, making the features of its face glow in a blood like manner.
Not deterred by this at all Aeris raised her hand once again. Just the thought of casting the spell sent streaks of light up her arm and to her fingertips. Weapon had almost finished charging its primary attack but it was too late.
Aeris clicked her fingers and the green light appeared, it soon grew in to a tremendous sphere of energy. The sphere grew larger, sending sparks in every direction. She held her arms out and tried to control the growing mass of pure energy, as the power left her own body and poured into the sphere it became more difficult to control.
Weapon saw the growing spell and tried to push it away with its remaining arm, but as soon as it touched the sphere with its hand it began to burn away. In one huge swipe intended to deflect the Ultima spell Weapon lost it's second arm, the flesh and bone incinerated upon touching the sphere.
The glow that surrounded Aeris' body began to fade away as the last of the materia's energy drained into the sphere. Aeris felt herself growing more and more tired, her arms began to feel like she was trying to hold up huge metal weights.
Weapon on the other hand wasn't doing any better, the monstrous creature screamed into the air feeling it's inevitable end coming. It tried to cast a rage of spell directed at the sphere but each failed to damage it. Even though the Ancient was now weak enough to damage again, it couldn't get close enough to even touch her. The sphere of glowing, sparking green power took up its entire view.
The light emitting from the spell lit up the darkness around them, the endless black setting was now illuminated from the sphere.
Aeris felt herself falling away, the last of the materia's power had gone and now it was her own strength that was pouring into the ball. 'Now or never.'
The Ancient fell to her knees, using every last bit of strength left in her body to finish casting the spell. Ultima burst into life, the floating sphere exploded into thousand upon thousands of beams that shot into the air. Once reaching their limit in the sky the green blades of light fell back towards the ground, appearing like a storm of devastating rain.
Each of the blades slashed down through Weapon's body, each running through its body like it was cutting through melted butter. Weapon again tried to deflect the Ultima spell with magic but at no avail, the red beam in it's face started up and burst into the air, but this only managed to stop a few of the seemingly never ending rain of energy.
Sephiroth grinned and raised his arm slowly as Jenova charged at him. The palm of his hand ignited and burst into flames, a barrage of intense fire, each ball having enough to incinerate a typical fighter, followed this.
Jenova continued her charge and weaved in and out of the incoming fire, she managed to reach him with only a few hitting her body.
Their blades clashed once again, neither causing any damage to the other. But during this Sephiroth hadn't lost his smile. The dark warrior slashed away at his former ally and knocked away her weapon long enough to grab her by the throat.
Cloud still watching wide-eyed found himself turning away from the fight. He didn't notice it a first but the darkness around them had faded away, instead the whole area now had a faint glow of green. He turned around and saw the source of this light, the huge sphere of energy that was hovering close to the Weapon.
The blond continued to stare as Weapon screamed out in fury as it lost it's arm to the sphere, it stomped it's feet into the ground like a crying child. Cloud swallowed hard not been able to see Aeris at this distance, even though inside he knew this was her doing it didn't help not been able to see her.
A laugh from behind caused Cloud to turn once again.
Sephiroth had Jenova by the neck and he raised her up from the ground. The alien creature shrieked furiously as she tried to free her self, slashing at his arms with her hands.
"I'm sorry it has come to this but I guess everything has to end something time." He continued the smile he'd worn throughout the fight.
Jenova's only reply was screaming at his face as she continued to slash furiously at him, only managing to reach the air in front of his face.
Sighing Sephiroth raised his other hand and held it to her face, opening his fist to reveal the palm.
"You wouldn't dare." Jenova stopped her rage and stared coldly at him, she held onto the hand that was currently lifting her off of the floor.
Sephiroth gave her a cruel smile and nodded. His palm burst into flames, the center glowing white-hot as the spell grew stronger. "Goodbye, mother."
Cloud watched as Jenova was engulfed in a stream of white fire, the heat made the air ripple and wave. Within moments he had to shield his eyes with his hands, the light became too bright to look at.
At the same point he heard an explosion from behind. Turning round Cloud watched as the huge sphere exploded into thousands of glowing spikes.
The blond had to shield his eyes once again while watching the enhanced Ultima spell. "Why do I feel a little out classed here?"
The last of the Ultima rained down on Weapon, the monster screamed in agony as its body was ripped to pieces.
Aeris lowered her arms to her sides, her breath was heavy and deep. She tried to raise her head to make sure the monster was defeated but instead her body gave way and fell to the floor.
As the spell finished Weapon staggered back, its body was riddled with open wounds and splinted bones. The legs of the creature broke and snapped, causing the monster to collapse to the ground unable to hold it's self up any longer.
The gapping wounds poured out its blood, the ripped flesh collapsed over the bones that stuck out.
Aeris felt her mind clear, although her body felt sore all over she felt good from actually been able to control her thoughts again. Tiredly she pushed her body off of the ground with her arms and looked up at the fallen creature. Her stomach twisted as she saw the mess of flesh and bone, she held her hand over her mouth not wanting to throw up.
The Ancient turned over and used her legs to push herself away from the monster, at the moment the only thing she felt could make her feel better was putting as much distance between her and Weapon.
As the last of Weapons life drained away the creature tried again to kill the Cetra. Its last attempt was to use a shower of meteors.
Aeris saw the incoming attack but felt no threat. The spell was just too weak, hardly any of the meteors actually hit the ground and instead their power faded in mid air. Finally feeling she'd won the fight the Ancient closed her eyes and smiled.
Her peace didn't last long as Aeris felt something on her shoulder, she panicked and shot up to he feet while pulling out her staff.
"Hey relax."
It took a moment for her eyes to settle on the figure, but as they did she realize it was Cloud who was standing in front of her.
"Are you ok?"
Aeris dropped the staff and ran at him, she hit his body with her own knocking him over. Cloud laughed as he hit the floor and placed his arms around her. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Did you win?" She gasped.
"I'm afraid not." Cloud sat up and looked over to where Sephiroth and Jenova had lest been. The spell Sephiroth had cast was finally dieing down.
"What's going on?" Aeris stood up and held her hand out towards Cloud.
Cloud took her hand and pulled himself up. "Sephiroth turned on Jenova. It looks like it didn't end well for her."
Sephiroth lowered his arms.
He looked down towards the ground seeing a small trace of burnt dust. He had waited for this day for a long time, planning it out while Jenova thought he was her loyal servant.
'Stupid creature.' He had known her intentions, that she would turn on him. Playing the role of the obedient son was the easiest way to keep in the game. 'Although 'son' would be a strange word to use. She really thought I wouldn't find out about Lucrecia.' He turned away from the pile of dust. 'Hmph, was a waste of space.'
Sephiroth settled his gaze of the two staring at him. He was suppressed that the Cetra was strong enough to fight and win against Weapon, but then again he had never put it past her. Something Jenova had done too often, the Cetra are not to be played around with.
Though this didn't matter. Sephiroth was not interested in linking the two plains of existence together, should the Cetra have failed he would have destroyed the monster him self. The other world wasn't able to defeat the Lifestream after all this time, why would he want them mixing in with the stronger side?
Though out of all this, one thing hadn't been a fake. The blond one, Cloud. He remembered him. Jenova had used that one a lot during the reunion, playing with his mind as she pretended to be himself.
In truth the real Sephiroth with his own thoughts clear had only once met Cloud, one of the low class escorts used for guard duty. He always tried to do better but failed. That was of course his own fatal mistake, underestimating even a simple guard ended in him been defeated. The power of Jenova had been in his hands and that single low life managed to screw it up.
It was true though that after that, Cloud set up to be made into a Sephiroth clone. After been wounded he was experimented on, injected with Jenova cells. But in Hojo's eyes this ended in failure. Cloud did not fully accept the Jenova cells, therefore he could not be made into a Sephiroth clone. What was not expected was that the cells did not kill him, instead he managed to over power them and use them to his own advantage, gaining the experience of a first class Soldier instantly upon recovering.
Once Cloud and Jenova met on the ship to Costa de Sol, she realized who he was. Figuring he was the perfect tool to help carry out her work. Of course she also under estimated the Cetra, once again proving that a single person can mess up everything. While she thought Cloud would inevitably break her mind control and managed to pose an actual threat, it turned out that the Cetra was the inevitable disaster.
In the end Jenova tried to merge with Sephiroth as Cloud descended in to the planets center. However this once again ended in failure, Meteor was too late in hitting and none of the Lifestream was able to be absorbed. Even after defeat the meteor never hit, once again the Cetra interfered.
After that Sephiroth was rid of Jenova's cells. His mind was clear again, his own ambitions could once again be his without the aid of a stupid creature that never learned from its own mistakes.
"Well... I do learn."
Cloud drew his weapon as the black caped man began to walk towards them. He wore a black expression on his face, his weapon sheathed along his waist.
"So what do we do?" Aeris nudged Cloud's arm.
"I don't know, if we fight we'll most likely lose. But what other choice do we have?"
Aeris reached into her pocket and took out the materia hoping it would help. But as she looked at the orb she realized it was useless, instead of giving off a soft green glow it was just empty, a clear sphere with nothing in it.
Sephiroth stood a small distance away from the two, his hand hovered over the handle of his weapon. "So, I believe this is when it all ends."
"You going to start some big speech?" Cloud raised his sword into the air.
He laughed coldly. "No, the sooner I end this, the sooner I can achieve my goal. You are just the last annoyance to finish."
"If so then why did you save me earlier? Why did you stop Jenova?"
"I have my reasons. I owe you one myself, thanks to you my plans were put back by years. I wanted to correct the mistake I made a long time ago with my own hands."
Cloud just scowled at him. "Well, here's your chance then."
Sephiroth nodded and leapt forward. Before Cloud had drawn his next breath their blades had clashed, the force knocked him back. Not stopping for an instant Sephiroth continued his attack, slashing again and again at Cloud. The blond was able to parry each attack, but at this speed of fighting he was unable to move in his own attack.
Aeris held out her staff and ran up to the dark fighter as he continued to attack Cloud. She swung the staff with all her strength at Sephiroth's back but somehow he managed to deflect it, taking a moment from attacking Cloud, Sephiroth had turned and parried her attack. Cloud saw this moment and leapt forwards, knocking his opponent staggering backwards.
Not giving him a moment to recover the two than charged into an attack.
Even when fighting against two opponents Sephiroth didn't seem to be having too much trouble. He managed to parry each of their attacks with little problem. Cloud broke off his attack and quickly tapped the bolt materia on his sword, the flash of lightning came down towards Sephiroth but the fighter leapt into the air causing it to miss completely.
On his decent he brought the masamune down on Aeris. The Ancient raised her staff into the air to block the attack, as the metal clashed she fell back on to the floor. Aeris stared wide-eyed as she lifted her staff up, which was now in two pieces.
Cloud moved in making sure Sephiroth wouldn't attack her again. He charged ahead, swinging his sword as hard as possible. Sephiroth blocked the sword from hitting, but at the same time was knocked backwards from the force put into the blow.
"Enough of this." He sheathed his weapon and ran ahead at Cloud as he was recovering from the parry. The dark fighter lifted him up by the throat and threw the blond in to the air. He then turned to Aeris as she was standing up again.
Aeris looked up and saw a black blur in front of her, suddenly it disappeared and she felt a firm pressure on her neck. Sephiroth stood behind her and pulled her tight towards him, his arm locked around Aeris' neck.
Cloud leapt to his feet but stopped instantly as he saw Sephiroth smiling at him, Aeris firmly held by his arm.
"I believe this is the end of our fight. If that's what you call it." He slowly drew his sword from his side, running it along in front of Aeris's stomach.
Lifting his own weapon Cloud swallowed hard. If he rushed ahead now it would be over by the time he took the second step. If he stayed it would be over anyway.
"No rescue attempt?" Sephiroth grinned. "Fair enough."
Cloud looked helplessly at Aeris. She smiled back at him and with her free hand motioned him to come.
'What?' The blond didn't understand what she wanted him to do. 'She can't mean attack him. Can she?' He raised his sword into an attack stance. Once he did Aeris nodded at him.
'That's what she wants, but, I can't do that.' Cloud felt like his body was going to explode, Aeris was prepared to sacrifice her self once again, but he wasn't.
"You can't do it can you Cloud?" Sephiroth grinned. "You just don't have it in you."
Aeris looked harshly at the blond. She waved him to come once again.
Cloud stared back, his face was filled with desperation.
'Come on Cloud, just do it.' Aeris felt the cold blade run along her arm. 'Just trust me please.'
Sephiroth pulled her tighter and lifted his sword up to her face.
Cloud took a deep breath, he watched as Aeris put her hands together and closed her eyes, he only just noticed the small green orb between her palms. A small flicker of light shone across her body. 'What the?' As he watched the same thing happened again, the light lasted longer this time though, it had a golden shine to it. 'I know what that is.'
Raising his blade into the air Cloud braced himself and grinned at Sephiroth, his fate was already set in time.
Sephiroth was taken back by Cloud's sudden change of expression, he was even further thrown off as the blond charged towards him.
'I guess you're always destined to make the wrong choice.' The dark warrior tightened his grip on the masamune and prepared to thrust it into his captive, he heard her whisper something but didn't understand what it meant. 'Gospel? What?' He ignored it but found that was a mistake as his arm pass right through the Cetra's body.
"What the?" Sephiroth corrected his step as Aeris left his grip. Her body was overrun by a constant stream of golden light.
Cloud charged straight on, his heart lifted as he saw Aeris pass through Sephiroth's grip. He lowed the buster sword and ran faster knowing the effects wouldn't last long.
The blade reached Aeris body and passed right through along with Cloud, he leapt forwards as Sephiroth came into view. The dark warriors face was filled with shock and disbelief as Cloud continued through and thrust the sword deep into his chest.
The blond didn't stop as he lifted him up off of the ground, he threw the sword into the air with Sephiroth still impaled on it.
Aeris turned round as the limit wore off. She opened her hands and revealed the Ultima materia that was glowing between them.
Sephiroth fell to the ground, the sword stuck into the floor pinning him down. A long trickle of blood began to pour from the large wound. Desperately he tried to pull the oversized weapon out of his body.
Cloud stood back as he saw the sphere of energy that was growing in the sky above his enemy. Small than the one from before but it looked powerful enough to finish the task.
Sephiroth growled as he kept on trying to lift the sword out of his chest, the blade had dug deep into the ground.
Aeris spread her arms, the sphere above shined brightly before exploding into hundreds of thin green blades of light. They shot up in to the sky awaiting her command.
The dark fighter succeeded in removing the blade from his body. He leapt to his feet and drew his weapon.
Aeris looked back down from the sky and smiled at him, casually she clicked her fingers.
"Am I supposed to be scared by that?" Sephiroth raised his hand, the palm once again ignited into flames.
"No..." Cloud stepped next to her.
"..but you should be of this." Aeris finished and pointed above him.
"What?" Sephiroth scowled at them and lifted his gaze to the sky. His eyes widened as he saw the incoming rain of light.
Cloud shielded his eyes as the light shot into the black ground. Sephiroth was covered by a continuous storm of green light that grew into one blinding beam.
Aeris felt the ground as it finally stopped shaking, she lowered her hand from her face to see the aftermath. In the space Sephiroth had occupied was now a deep creator, a thin trace of Lifestream squirmed about until its energy gave way and it faded into oblivion.
Cloud let out the breath he had been holding for the past minute. His body was still tense until he was able to confirm Sephiroth had been eliminated.
"He's gone isn't he." Aeris stepped next to Cloud and took hold of his hand.
Slowly, waiting a few moments first Cloud nodded. "Yeah, he is."
"It's about time."
The two spun round, nearly having a heart attack from hear the new voice.
"You think you could have called it any closer?" The first walked up to them smiling.
Taking a moment to realize who it was Cloud let out a deep breath. "What do you mean?"
"I always thought you'd win faster than this."
Aeris put her hands on her hips. "You knew this was going to happen?"
"Well, in a way." He smiled at them. "I knew that Jenova had been preparing something for a long time. But I was not sure what it was."
"How?" They asked at the same time.
"I already told you that, remember?"
Cloud thought back to the memory the first had shown him. The one where himself and his allies from a former life had defeated Jenova. "But, how can you tell from something that happened thousands of years ago."
Sighing the he shook his head. "Everything in time is written from the past, all you have to do is have the knowledge to understand it."
"Right, so tell us, why in this place were we the only ones who were fighting?" Aeris looked annoyed at him.
"I myself cannot interfere, I can only watch over this place. And although I hate to admit it Jenova wasn't a complete fool. She managed to block off connection to this door way." He pointed to the abyss that Weapon appeared from. "Thanks to that this whole place was cut off from the rest of the Promised Land, a mess I no doubt am going to have to clean up."
"Wonderful." Cloud didn't look too convinced.
"So now what do we do?" Aeris asked. "Do we have to stay here?"
The first rubbed his chin. "Well in coming here you both died. But then again thanks to that little mess over there nobody knows about it."
"Which means?"
"It means that as long as this rift is open, nobody will knows you are or were ever here."
Cloud smiled. "If nobody knows the rules been broken, who can say they have been broken?"
"Exactly." He clicked his fingers opening a rift. "Now hurry up and get going. This mess is going to take some cleaning up."
Aeris smiled and thanked him before taking hold of Cloud's hand. She pulled him over to the rift and looked at his face. "I hope this is the last time we have to go through one of these."
Cloud shrugged. "You never know, maybe there not dead." He paused for a second before turning to the first. "Hey, they are dead right?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, it's a shame one of our own was so corrupted but I'm afraid he no longer exists, along with Jenova."
"Good to know." He grinned and looked back at Aeris. "Well, ladies first."
Aeris pushed the soft sand away with her bare feet. The water was just a little further along the sand.
Over the sea she watched as the sun began to set, turning the blue waters into an orange glow. Behind her the city of Wutai stood a small walk away, Cloud had gone a short time ago to call for a pick up. In the mean time Aeris had been enjoying the peaceful evening.
After Yuffie two years ago had talked some sense into her father Wutai had once again become a civilization of great fighters. Most of these fighters trained outside the city, meaning the monster population had nearly been extinct, so there was little threat now of been attacked in this area. This was welcomed dearly as the last thing Aeris wanted now was a fight.
Down the beach she could see a few more people settling down on the sand, she figured they had come for the sunset.
'I wonder what's keeping Cloud.' Aeris couldn't help but smile again as she thought of him. After leaving the Promised Land they had arrived on this beach, it took them sometime to get dry from the water and the two spent awhile in each other's arms trying to keep warm. During that time, Cloud had asked her if she remembered the promise he made aboard Jenova's orbital station.
If felt strange, it was something she had wanted for a long time now but felt it would never happen. One of those things you think about but know it's not the time yet. Aeris pulled her legs closer and place her hands on her knees. She couldn't help be stare gently at the new ring on her finger. The platinum metal reflected the suns light, giving it the same orange glow as the sea.
When she asked him how long he had wait to give it her Cloud just laughed saying 'too long'.
From behind Aeris could hear someone walking in the sand, after a few moments she felt and hand touch her shoulder. Cloud smiled and sat down next to her.
"Any luck."
He nodded. "Cid said he would be here in about a half hour."
"I bet he was surprised to hear from you."
Cloud laughed softly. "He did use a fair few colorful words."
"I can guess." Aeris rested her head on Cloud's shoulder and yawned. "So what shall we do until he gets here?"
"I'm not sure, if I can stay awake that long it will be a miracle."
She smiled as Cloud shifted round and put his arms around her. "I think I'm just going to sleep the whole trip home."
"That's not a bad idea." He closed his eyes as Aeris leaned against his chest, she brushed her lips softly along his neck.
Aeris managed to stay awake long enough to see the Highwind appear over the glowing sea. Cloud had fallen asleep not long ago, she could feel each breath he took as his chest lifted. Taking one last look as the Highwind flew over the beach, she yawned softly and closed her eyes.