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FOR THOSE THAT LOVED THIS WORLD

SIX

"Well, well," drawled Sephiroth, "we just keep running into each other. Don't we, Cloud. This time I see you brought the puppet with you."

Cloud didn't answer, he was waiting while Kadaj edged his way past Sephiroth. They planned on attacking him at the same time and hopefully have greater odds of defeating him. Cloud had done it twice before but he was unsure how far Kadaj's resolve would go: to the end?

"I told you I would not remain a memory," continued Sephiroth, slowing drawing his sword. "I am stronger than I was before and I will get stronger," he said with a glance at Kadaj. "Will you be able to defeat me then?"

"You do not understand what makes people truly strong," said Cloud.

"Oh, you are going to lecture me about love for others and having something to protect," said Sephiroth, slightly amused. "That's might work for you but if you have nothing to protect and love yourself, there is nothing to hold you back. No pressure to protect and no guilt when you fail."

"I won't fail. Anyone," said Cloud.

Cloud could see Kadaj creeping up behind Sephiroth, ready to strike. Cloud passed his sword to his right hand, his stronger hand. Focusing his energy he leapt forward, sword raised. Kadaj moved as well but with a low attack. Surprising both of them Sephiroth stepped back and grabbed Kadaj by the throat and spun him round to meet Cloud's sword. The steel slid easily into Kadaj, a look of surprised crossed his face replaced by sadness and a trace of peace.

"To end it," he choked reminding Cloud of what they were doing.

Cloud took the final step forward, driving the sword through Kadaj and into Sephiroth. Sephiroth gasped and staggered to the side, a slight smiled pulled at his mouth.

"You haven't won," he said as he started to pull Kadaj into him.

Cloud tried to move his arm but something stopped it. Looking down he saw the tip of Kadaj's sword sticking out just under his right armpit. He looked down to his opposite hip, Sephiroth's hand was firmly around Kadaj's, driving his sword through Cloud.

Cloud reached onto one of his pockets and brought out a dark sphere, he smiled.

"But I have," he said.

Sephiroth studied the sphere, understanding dawned.

"Why?" he asked.

"To be forgiven," smiled Cloud and the world disappeared in a brilliant flash of light.