This is the disclaimer. I don't own FF7 or its characters or anything like that- so please don't sue me. 

A Past Long Forgotten, Chapter 13: Release

Sephiroth's mind began to clear as he got farther and farther from her. From that church, that house, that girl. He smirked. Never again would he fall victim to her "spell" as his mother called it.

"Sephiroth, I can sense that your thinking is once again correct. You mustn't let that girl hinder our plans. We must finish what we started, and you must forget her. She will only confuse you and hurt you, and cast her childish spell over you. She does not care for you, my son. She only wants to manipulate you and to use you."

"I realize that now, mother." He answered. "I know. I will not fail you."

Sephiroth grew nearer to the ShinRA building, where his mother told him he should reside, at least until they sorted out their affairs. With each step, he felt closer and closer to home. It was so easy to surrender to his mother, she made everything so simple. There were no confused feelings, nothing else to worry about. ……… But still, a part of his heart was unsure. He refused to admit it, but a part of him didn't want to walk out of that room and to leave her in tears.

Sandra sighed as she walked the streets of Midgar, visions of the past hour swam through her head. She pictured Aeris and Sephiroth staring at her in wonder and bewilderment, and then horror. Sephiroth leaving, Aeris crying. She didn't know if she could print this. She didn't know if she could release this. She shook her head and thought of Vincent pleading with her to let them live in peace. What should she do? This had the potential of making or breaking her career…

Vincent was trying hard to calm Aeris. Tears seemed to fall all too quickly. She clung to Vincent, burying her face in his chest and trying to figure out what to do. How could this have happened?

"You can save him Aeris, I know you can." Vincent said to her softly, a troubled look in his eyes. She nodded, and pulled herself away from him, trying to dry her tears. "You, of all people, must have hope, Aeris."

She looked up at him, and smiled through her tears. "Vincent. I'm sorry our first meeting had to be like this."

"What do you mean?"

"Now that I remember everything, I truly know who you are. And it's wonderful to see you again, Vincent."

He smiled, "We've all missed you, Aeris."

She nodded, "I've missed you too……… but I'm so happy to hear everyone is doing well. And I must say, Vincent, you look wonderful, less pale and full of life."

"That's partly due to you, Aeris. We've all been busy since you left us and we saved the world……… and I know your memory has helped us all to live life more fully and appreciate what we have. And I'm hoping that this will help you to save Sephiroth, too."

Aeris sighed, "I have to. Now that I know him……… the REAL him, not under Jenova's influence……… I don't want to live without him."

Vincent nodded, "We'll find him Aeris……… I can tell Cloud and the others-"

"No!" Aeris started.

"What?"

"No, you can't tell them. They won't understand; if they hear Sephiroth is back, they'll just want to kill him again."

"Aeris, I don't know if it's wise for you to go after him alone."

Aeris sighed. "I don't know what I should do, Vincent. But I need to get to him as soon as possible. I sensed Jenova. She couldn't reach him all this time… but now every moment I waste makes him even further under Jenova's control."

Cloud had just called Cid about getting the highwind and heading towards Midgar. The sensors they had activated in the ShinRA building were responding to something, meaning that someone was in there. He was getting his things together in he and Tifa's apartment above the new 7th Heaven.

Tifa was a big exasperated. This was the third time this month that this had happened, and she was beginning to wonder whether or not they were even worth it. The chance that someone would be using things in the abandoned building was slim to none. The chance that it was just another monster wandering around was much greater. Cloud came down the stairs shouldering his sword.

"I just want to make sure, Tif." He smiled at her, and kissed her cheek.

"Okay, okay. Well I want to come with you. I'll miss you if I don't."

He grinned, "alright. Cid should be here in a couple of hours."

She gave him a quick kiss, and went upstairs to get her battle gear ready.

Author's Notes:

Yes, all hell is breaking loose. And noticing that last section- this is going to get complicated. Should it be a happy ending? ;) As always, comments, suggestions, anything welcome.

Yes, I realize it's been 10 months, but I refuse to give up. I'm sorry this is short, but it's the way it's gotta be. Starting college has been an adventure, but I don't want to leave things unfinished- even stories that have been around for 2 years! So I'm hoping to get this finished, and I know most of my fans are long gone- but maybe updating will get me some new ones. I guess we'll wait and see. 

Merry Christmas Everyone, and Happy New Year!