Yay

Yay! School is over. That means more chapters, more illustrations, and more gifts for people…man I'm gonna be busy anyways! I think it may rain today. I hope so I haven't heard the sound of thunder in so long! Went rock climbing yesterday. I'm a lobster now. My hands are torn up and I'm still alive, which is good since we didn't have any harnesses or anything. Eeeeeeiiii…it wasn't too bad though, just hard to do! Tangent…sorry. Okay let's get this new chapter posted, shall we?

-Annubis

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, Squaresoft does.

Chapter 12

"Ugh…" Zack held onto the rebar on either side, trying to pull himself off. Blood dripped from his stomach, covering his hands. It poured down the rebar, mixing with the rain on the ground. Zack felt himself falling down the pole; its spiraling texture rubbed and punctured him further. Zack was losing consciousness.

"Where'd he go?" One Soldier called out.

"He's over here!" One called next to Zack. The cool metal of the soldier's gun pressed against his temple.

'This is it…I'm done for…' Zack closed his eyes as he heard the hammer click back. A second later, a loud 'BANG' shot out, ringing in his ears.

All was quiet, but only for an instant. A sudden rain of bullets sounded throughout the junkyard of rubble. Zack slowly opened one eye.

'I'm…still alive?' He tilted his head slowly. His body sank lower onto the rebar impaling his torso. All he could see was red. Loud gunfire flew past him; he could feel them fly by his head.

"Who is that!?" One Soldier cried out.

"Who!? You mean what!" Another shouted.

"I…I don't think he's human!" A third shouted. Their voices were full of fear. Zack tried to get a look at his surroundings; everything was blurry. He saw a red figure dashing and dodging the gunfire.

'…Vince…nt?' Zack tried to remain conscious.

"Shoot him! Shoot him! Come on! You're in SOLDIER! Why can't you hit him!" The voice of the commander shouted out. He pulled out his rifle and shot once at the red, cloaked man. Vincent pulled his left arm up, shielding his face. The bullet ricocheted off the metallic surface. His crimson eyes squinted. Zack's view blurred and faded out. He heard a low growling noise and then the gunfire seized.

"What!? Wh-what is he doing!?" The soldiers panicked. The growling grew louder. Bullets began ringing out once again, a moment later a hot searing heat blew across the area. Zack could hear the flames roar and crackle around him. The soldiers stopped shooting one by one and began screaming out in pain. It was all over very quickly. There was no sound but the soft crackle of a dieing flame and the patter of rain on the metal debris. Slow footsteps approached Zack. A soft hand felt his neck.

"This will hurt, but I need to get you off of this." Vincent's cool voice was monotone. His hands wrapped around Zack's waist. He pulled and quickly lifted Zack off of the rebar. Zack gurgled as more blood spurted from his wounds.

'Severe blood loss…' Vincent thought to himself as he placed the cold body on the ground.

"You tried didn't you…If this is the result, I don't think I want to try." Vincent removed his cape and began wrapping it around Zack's frame. "You know…I just got all of Cloud's blood washed out. Now I have to worry about yours." Vincent tightened the cape. Zack turned his head towards him.

"I…tried…and lost. Tell her…I came…for…her…" Zack's eyes rolled back.

"No…you're going to tell her that yourself." Vincent lifted Zack from the mud. "There's no leaving now…" The red clad man charged and sprinted towards Aeris' house with demonic speed.

The dishes clattered as they fell into the porcelain sink. Tifa scraped the scraps off of the plates into the trash.

"I'm getting worried…" Aeris looked out the window.

"Vincent never showed up either." Tifa set the final dish into the sink.

"Maybe he's with Zack." Cid suggested. "Damn knuckleheads are probably training. A lot of water creatures come out when it is raining…" Cid shrugged his shoulders.

"I hope they're training…" Yuffie glanced out the window too. She noticed the area above Aeris' garden was no longer full of sunlight but by darkness. She shuddered. "No more sun." Yuffie glanced at Aeris.

"No…it feels all wrong." Aeris shook her head. She slid slowly to the floor. The lights flickered. The sound of thunder echoed under the plate. A loud roaring of rainwater panged overhead. Everything was amplified because of the city above the sector.

"Are you sensing something?" Red padded over to her and sat down. She ran a hand through his mane. All the lights flickered once again. The whole house darkened. All electricity went out. Everyone looked around. Tifa began looking through the drawers for candles and matches.

"Damn that's some storm!" Cid looked out the window. The garden began filling up with water.

"I dunno…I feel like there's something missing…" Aeris' eyes shot wide open as the front door to the house opened up. A wet Vincent stomped into the living room. His hands were carrying a soaked Zack.

'Soaked…with blood!' Aeris jumped up and ran out of the kitchen. Everyone stared in wonder.

"Oh my god!" Tifa followed Aeris.

"He was ambushed…Shinra." Vincent muttered. He continued walking and placed the wet body onto the couch. "We need some medicine…" He turned and headed for the bathroom.

"What happened!? Is he okay!?" Aeris stared at Zack. His body was limp. There was no movement.

"He won't be if you all just stand there…" Vincent continued towards the other room. With that said, the whole house turned into chaos. Everyone ran in all directions trying to find some way to help. Aeris, however, stayed by Zack's side. She noticed that his chest wasn't moving.

'He's not breathing…' Aeris' eyes darted from side to side, trying to think of a way to help. She did what her instincts told her to do. She pulled her hands to her face and clasped them together and immediately began praying.

"Where!?"

"Over there!"

"Watch it!"

"No! Not that!" The whole house was put into confusion.

'What are they doing?' Vincent thought to himself. He approached the couch, carrying a bundle of towels and some bandages. He watched everyone around him. Tifa was grabbing all the cure materia and potions she could find. Barret was filling a water basin and trying to carry it without spilling anything. Yuffie was running around in circles for no apparent reason while Red XIII's trying to stay out of everyone's way and not get stepped on. Cid was lighting candles and stopped to yell at Yuffie for being in the way.

"What the hell are you doing!? You're just getting in the way!" Cid threw a box of matches at her. She yelped and ran into the corner of the room. Cloud shook his head at the sight as he entered the room with blankets. He stopped and stared at the body on the couch.

"Where's that damn cat!?" Barret looked around the room.

"He's never here, especially during dinner." Tifa informed Barret. She glanced at Zack and screamed. "He's not breathing!" The whole house was sent in a panic once again.

"Yeah…they brought him in. Stupid soldiers can't do anything right." Cait Sith smacked himself in the head. He was talking on the PHS. "Apparently they were about to flat out kill him…yes, I know. But Hojo also said that he'd prefer him to be alive!" Cait Sith stretched. He turned and looked through the back window. He was in the backyard.

'Stupid…Look at them run around.' Cait Sith was nudged by a beak.

"Wark!!" A sad cry came from Zack's chocobo. Cait Sith shooed it away. It hung its head low and walked to the side of the house. It shook slightly as the thunder roared.

"Yes…yes…they're at the house. I will…alright…" Cait Sith flipped the phone shut. His ears bent back as he heard Tifa scream.

The yelling became a loud roar. Aeris remained on her knees next to the couch. Her eyes were closed. She bent her eyebrows inward, trying to concentrate.

"Quiet…" Vincent said, never removing his sight from Aeris. Everyone stopped instantly and stared in wonder as Aeris relaxed. Her mouth moved, but no words were spoken. A soft green light flowed around her like an aura. The streams of light were carried from her body and into Zack's.

"Aeris…" Tifa pulled a hand over her mouth. She remembered the time they were all in the cave and she was attacked by the flying monster. Aeris had used her Ancient powers to heal her.

'Come on…give me strength…' Aeris prayed even harder. Yuffie watched the spectacle, holding her breath.

"Hrrmm…" A soft moan came from Zack's lips. "Wha…" He tried opening his eyes but failed.

"Shh, be quiet. Everything will be fine now…you just rest, okay?" Aeris placed a hand on Zack's forehead. Aeris stood up and walked out of the room. Everyone stared in amazement. Tifa looked at Cloud. He was staring, expressionless as the blankets slowly slid from his hands. She reached over and grabbed them before they hit the ground.

"Here…" She unfolded the blanket. "You had us all worried." She leaned forward and tucked the soft cloth around Zack's legs.

"Damn…you're lucky, boy." Cid walked to the front door. "I'm going out for a smoke." He opened the door.

"I'll join ya…" Barret trudged after him. Cid nodded in response.

"Yuffie. Can you help clean him up?" Vincent mumbled to her as he began untying his cape from Zack's body.

"Oh!? Yeah!" She ran to Tifa's side and began opening the bottles of medicine on the table next to them. Vincent turned and faced Cloud.

"It's best to leave her alone for now…" The long haired man placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder and then looked back towards the two girls.

"Damn, Shinra…" Cloud headed up the stairs to his room.

"Do you need any help?" Red XIII walked slowly towards the girls.

"What can you do?" Yuffie lifted her head, looking down at the creature.

"You can help keep him warm…" Tifa smiled gently and patted Red on the head. She then pointed to his tail.

"I can do that!" He held his tail up. "I will also provide you with light." The animal showed his teeth. He hated not being able to help. He jumped onto the couch and lay on Zack's legs. His fiery tail lit up the couch. Red could hear the raspy breathing coming from Zack as he slept underneath his red, furry body. Tifa slowly pulled off Zack's shirt to gain better access to his wounds.

"Vincent…there's plenty of food left over. Why don't you get some and have a rest?" Tifa's tired, brown eyes still showed kindness. She stood up and grabbed his cape. "Don't worry I'll clean this." Vincent looked down at her; his red eyes reflected the little light inside the room. Tifa shuddered a little under his stare. He then nodded and turned to enter the kitchen. She went back to Yuffie's side and continued cleaning Zack's wounds.

"Oi, oi! What happened here!?" Cait Sith entered the living room.

"It's all my fault! All my fault!" Aeris sobbed. Large tears slid down her face and soaked the pink pillow under her head. She gasped for air, trying to catch her breath. The sound of the rain still poured onto the upper plate. The thunder's loud vibrations shook the windows gently.

'Stupid! I'm so stupid! What are you going to do!? You just hurt the one you loved most.' Aeris shook as her sobs overcame her again. She replayed her past. The times she and Zack walked through the streets of the city. When she and Zack went on dates, going to the movies and then out to dinner. His soft smile broke through her thoughts. The way he walked, the way he laughed, the way he pouted; it all stung her like a knife. His dark hair and how it was always a mess gave him a childlike nature. She remembered how he could become serious in a flash, when it was needed.

"I…I'm Sorry!!" She gasped in between words and buried her head further into the pillow.

Cloud sat on the seat by the window. He reflected on his past. He remembered the days he trained for SOLDIER.

'Impaled…like me. How ironic.' Cloud scoffed under his breath. 'What a turn of events. I never would have thought…' Cloud hung his head.

"Why are you here? What happened? I knew about you. You and I were so close. You were the only friend I ever had." Cloud thought about the days he and Zack would play cards. Zack was one of those guys who could make friends with anyone in a second. He had a carefree, but tough, attitude. Cloud admired him. "I began to admire him more than the Great Sephiroth…" Cloud frowned.

'They were so close. He told me about Aeris. Why did I forget everything? He was her first love…' Cloud took in a deep breath.

"You never forget your first love…" He leaned and banged his head on the window. His golden hair pressed against the glass. "What am I supposed to do?" He sighed.

Vincent stabbed the last meatball on his plate. It crumbled into pieces. He pushed it around in the last drops of sauce.

"Did you get plenty to eat?" Tifa stood in the doorway. She was staring at the dark man.

"Hm…" He nodded as he took his last bite.

"The last few days have been awful." Tifa rubbed her arms.

"You should rest…" Vincent placed his dishes in the sink. The clank of the ceramics hitting each other sounded loudly through the house. "You haven't gotten much sleep lately." He stared at her and leaned against the fridge.

"Yeah…I've been playing mom." She pulled a bang out of her face. For the first time Vincent noticed the dark rings around her eyes. He frowned. Soft footsteps sounded and came into the kitchen.

"Oh, Tifa! What are you doing!?" Aeris stopped in the doorway. She tugged on Tifa's arm. "You get some rest. I'll give you some clothes to change into so you can have a shower. Wash up and get some sleep!" She pushed her out of the kitchen.

"I guess…" Tifa rubbed her eyes.

"I'll wash your clothes too." Aeris grinned at the other woman. Tifa nodded. She couldn't remember the last time she had a full night's rest or a real shower. "Thank you, Tifa. I'll play mom from now on." Aeris laughed. Tifa turned and headed towards the bathroom. Aeris sighed and glanced at Vincent.

"Vincent…" She said with relief. He looked at her quizzically. "I can't thank you enough…for what you did." She leaned the side of her head against the door frame.

"Don't thank me…" Vincent shook his head. "You need to talk to him. Thank him… He was going to die…" His eyes lowered to the floor.

"I know…" Aeris took in a shuddered breath.

"You're lucky you have those powers. He knew he was done for." Vincent stood straight and walked towards Aeris. "He came for you." He said quickly.

"What?" Aeris pushed herself away from the doorframe.

"He came for you. You're the reason he fights…" Vincent took a step into the dark living room. "You're the reason he lives." The man walked to the edge of the couch and stared at the wounded body.

"What should I do?" Aeris took a few steps towards him. The candles glowed, making a serene peaceful atmosphere. It seemed unfitting to her.

"Talk with him. Then see what happens. You can't rush things." He turned his head back and looked at Aeris. His dark hair flowed over his shoulder. "You're a smart girl. I'm sure everything will get figured out."

"Thank you, Vincent. For everything." The Ancient walked next to Zack's side.

"Just don't let it ruin your concentration." Vincent continued down the hall. "Get some rest." Everything fell silent. The only sound was from the door Vincent shut. Aeris looked beneath her. Yuffie lay sprawled out across the hard wood floor. Aeris kneeled and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Yuffie…" Aeris whispered.

"Mwahh??" Yuffie lifted her head and wiped the drool off of her face.

"Get to bed. Everything's fine now." Aeris smiled as Yuffie slowly picked herself up off of the floor. She yawned and headed up the stairs.

"Night…" Yuffie mumbled. Aeris sat down on the chair next to the sofa. She stared at Zack. The sound of the shower upstairs made her jump slightly. The running water sounded like the rain.

"You shouldn't stay up too late." A low voice mumbled beside her.

"Oh, did I wake you?" Aeris turned her head to see Red XIII on Zack's lap. His eyes were still shut.

"No… it's fine." He opened his good eye. "You're in quite a predicament aren't you?"

"Yes…yes I am…" Aeris rolled herself into a ball and lay on the small cushion. She rested her head on the arm of the chair.

"Did you love him?" Red lifted his head. He looked at her curiously.

"Yes…and…I still do." Aeris groaned.

"But…what about Cloud?" The child in Red was coming out.

"I…love him too…" Aeris gave him a look of uneasiness. "So…complicated."

"It must be hard. I'm not good with that sort of stuff. Never experienced…" Red's eyes seemed to be full of sadness. Aeris thought of when Red XIII told her that he was the only one left of his race. "But I think it'll all be okay." Red XIII jumped onto the wood floor. He spread his legs out and stretched. A loud growl sounded when he yawned.

"Where are you going?" Aeris sat up.

"…out…" He smirked at her. "What you humans would call, 'using the restroom'." He chuckled and headed for the front door. He stood, grabbing the sides of the doorknob with his large paws. The door slid open slowly. He nudged through.

"Oh…" Aeris smiled.

"Keep him warm while I'm gone." Red mumbled as the door closed behind him. Aeris sat quietly for a minute and then turned her attention towards Zack. She laid a hand on his head.

'So warm…even on the coldest nights.' She closed her eyes.

"Aeris…" A soft murmur came from Zack's lips. Aeris waited a moment and then leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. His eyes fluttered open. "I've….been waiting…for…" They closed again.

"Shh…" Aeris picked up one of his hands and planted a soft kiss on it. "You get to feeling better. Don't worry, I'll stay with you." Aeris was surprised to see a small smile cross the man's face. She smiled back. The sound of the shower shutting off broke into her senses.

"Oh, Tifa!" Aeris stood up and ran up the stairs. She rushed into her bedroom and raided the closet. She heard the bathroom door open up.

"Aeris?" A soft whisper called out. Aeris ran into the hall. Tifa had her wet head sticking out into the hall, the door hiding the rest of her body.

"Sorry! Just a second!" Aeris laughed at Tifa's face. She had wide eyes and was blushing. Aeris darted back into the room and pulled out some pajama pants and a t-shirt. She darted for the bathroom.

"I was afraid you forgot and I would have to navigate through the house naked!" Tifa laughed and grabbed the clothes. "Thank you!" She closed the door.

"Tifa…I'll have to wash the clothes in the morning…the electricity…" Aeris stopped and smiled. "How'd you shower in the dark!?" All was quiet for a minute and then the door opened again.

"It wasn't easy…trust me!" Tifa laughed. "I couldn't find anymore candles!" The two girls giggled to each other as Tifa showed Aeris her bruises from running into the bathtub.

"Well you get to sleep. I'm gonna go check up on Zack." Aeris yawned.

"Okay. You take it easy though, I don't want you getting stressed…" Tifa headed for her room.

"Alright." Aeris nodded and went down the stairs. She made her way into the living room and stopped dead in her tracks.

"Damn…couch…hurts…" Zack was sitting up and rubbing his back. His head had fallen forward, his dark bangs hanging in front of his face.

"Oh!" Aeris ran to him. Thunder echoed throughout the city. "Zack what are you doing!" She whispered loudly.

"It…hurts…" He whined.

"I think the couch is uncomfortable for him." Red XIII stared at Zack. "Do you have another bed? I'll light the way." Red walked towards the stairs, holding his tail in the air.

"No…mom's bed is full, and so are all the guestrooms and the study…and my room…" Aeris stopped and blushed.

"Let's get him up there. He can at least share it with you, right?" Red began walking up the stairs. Aeris glanced at Zack and thought for a moment. She grabbed his arms.

"Come on…we'll get you to bed…" She helped lift him up. His weight was dead and heavy on top of her. He drug his feet as they slowly made their way to her room. She frowned when she noticed the rest of his clothes were still soaked and cold.

'I'm walking? Where am I going? What's happening?' Zack felt his body being pulled up a flight of stairs. He shivered slightly. His head pounded with each step.

"I'll sleep on the couch. More room now." Zack heard a soft growl below him. A moment later he felt all heat leave him.

"Zack…you get some rest." Zack heard a soft, kind voice as he was laid on a warm mattress. He felt a tug at his remaining clothes. He smiled a little when he felt the zipper of his pants come down. He heard the woman's voice call out. "Oh, you! Even when in a near death situation, you still joke!" That comment made him smile even more. The sound of the rain and thunder seemed further away.

"Aeris…" Zack managed to get out a word. He felt himself fade out even more. "I…love you…" He whispered. All was quiet. Zack's eyes remained closed. He breathed slowly as he fell back into a deep slumber. The last thing he felt was the soft touch of her lips on his forehead and then a soft whisper.

"I love you too."

Aeris lay in the bed. Zack was pressed against her for warmth. He shook gently in his sleep, shivering under the covers.

'I really do love you. It's just…Cloud. I can't just forget about him. But I can't forget about you, either.' Aeris turned towards Zack and wrapped her arms around him. She nuzzled into the pit of his neck.

"Like old times. You know…I missed you." Aeris whispered. She closed her eyes and snuggled further into him. A small smile crossed Zack's face.

Aeris woke to the sound of yelling and clanking. She rose slightly and stared at her alarm clock. It was blinking twelve-o-clock. She rubbed her eyes and slid from the covers. She looked down at the dark haired man beside her. He was lying on his stomach with his face buried in the pillow. A little pool of drool stained the pillow. Aeris smiled.

'He'll be fine…' She turned and headed for the stairs.

"Spider! Spider! Kill it! Kill it!!" The sound of Yuffie's voice shouted throughout the house. Aeris ran down the steps to see Yuffie jumping up and down while pointing at the ceiling.

" damn brat! Just a stupid bug…" Cid grumbled. He had a boot on the tip of his spear, reaching for the ceiling. He shoved his arms in the air and jumped, missing the critter as it jumped out the way. He kept trying over and over again. "& jumping ones!!" He squinted as the bug leaped from the ceiling and onto Cid's chest. Yuffie leaped out of the way, screaming. Barret was in the corner, laughing harder than Aeris' had ever seen.

"Look out!" Yuffie pointed at Cid.

"ArrghHH!! Get the #& off of me!!" Cid ran out of the house.

"Look who's up!" Barret stomped over towards Aeris and put an arm around her.

"You're all up early." Aeris giggled. She could hear Cid cursing and swearing at the spider. The sound of the door opened. Cid ran into the house and towards Vincent. He pulled out his gun and darted back outside.

"What??" Vincent followed after him but stopped. Gunshots fired outside. A moment later, Cid re-entered.

"Heh heh…Took care of the little #&!" He handed Vincent the now unloaded gun. Vincent glared at Cid.

"Breakfast!" Tifa called out. Everyone ran into the kitchen.

"I'll get the laundry started." Aeris laughed.

"Better hurry, we gotta long day ahead of us!" Cait Sith was sitting in the corner, helping Tifa with the food.

"What do you mean?" Aeris looked at the cat. Cloud stomped into the kitchen. He was adjusting his armor.

"We have the current whereabouts on Sephiroth." He plopped into a chair and began eating. "The Great Glacier. We gotta leave today. ASAP."

"Today!! But what about…Zack?" She rubbed her hands.

"It wouldn't be a good idea to leave him here alone." Vincent stabbed a piece of sausage.

"I agree…" Red barked.

"Well…why don't you stay and take care of him?" Cait Sith smiled.

"That would be alright. We'll come back for you." Tifa nodded and smiled reassuringly.

"That's right! I doubt we'll even have to confront him at all! I mean…Shinra will be there too. I doubt your final battle takes place now!" Cait nodded his head quickly.

"Then…that settles it. You stay here and watch the boy, and we go kick some ass!" Cid chugged his tea. Aeris nodded and headed for the basement. She got the laundry going and then headed back to join everyone.

"Come eat some food!" Yuffie waved Aeris in the kitchen.

The rest of the breakfast took a turn from that subject into a friendly conversation. They all took their time and enjoyed their meal. Everyone quickly got ready for their departure.

"You sure you're gonna be alright?" Cloud stood next to Aeris. They were both alone in the kitchen. Everyone else was outside ready to leave.

"Yeah…we'll be fine. You be safe, okay. I want you…everyone to come back safely." Aeris lowered her head. Cloud tilted his head and lifted Aeris' chin.

"Hey…we'll be fine." He smiled. His blonde spikes tilted with his head.

"Okay…I just worry. You know that." Aeris smiled. She leaned her head on Cloud's chest.

"Alright…Well I better get going." He looked down at Aeris' green eyes. They had regained all life like before. He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

"…okay." Aeris sighed as she watched him walk out the front door. He smiled and waved. The door closed slowly behind him. Aeris looked out the window and waved at everyone. They all smiled and waved back, Vincent even gave her a smirk. They all walked away from the house and down the path, leaving Midgar.

"Well…guess I'll do the dishes…" Aeris entered the kitchen and began cleaning up. "I'll have everything cleaned and ready for when they return." Aeris cleaned up the entire kitchen. She slowly put up the dishes and turned to head towards the living room.

"Oh!" She gasped.

"I'm…hungry…" Zack was leaning in the doorway. His head hung low, his body seemed frail and broken. His bandages were starting to bleed through.

"Zack…why didn't you stay upstairs!?" Aeris led him to a chair. "You're gonna hurt yourself! You're not healed!" She sat him down.

"Sorry…" He lifted his head slowly and leaned it on the back of the chair. "You're pretty…" He smiled.

"Zack…" Aeris sighed. She looked at him and smiled. "What am I gonna do with you?" She put her hands on her hips.

"Feed me…" He smiled slowly.

'Looks like the medicine is taking its toll.' Aeris giggled to herself.

"Okay…I'll find you something." Aeris dug through the kitchen in search of a gentle food for Zack. "And then we got to get you some pants to wear."

"No! No! Don't change it! Go back!" Zack laughed and tried to grab the remote from Aeris.

"No! We just got done watching one of your boring history shows. No it's my turn!" Aeris laughed and tried to pull the remote away. Her elbow nudged his side.

"Oh…ow!" Zack grabbed his stomach.

"Oh no! Zack, I'm sorry!" Aeris let go of the remote.

"Ahh! HAHAH!" Zack chortled. He picked up the remote and changed the channel on the TV.

"Oh you! Cheater!" Aeris folded her arms. She looked at his new bandages. "How are you doing? Is it really okay?" She pulled the bandage away from his body.

"Yeah…actually I feel better by the minute." Zack looked down.

"You're almost healed!!" Aeris pulled the bandage from his body. "Only a few hours ago, you were bleeding through!"

"You must have some tough magic!" Zack smiled at her.

"No…It's not me…" Aeris looked at him in disbelief. She closed her eyes. "You're getting so strong…it's gotta be…" She frowned.

"Jenova's cells…" He pulled her hand away.

"What's going to happen to you?" Aeris stared into Zack's eyes.

"Don't worry about me. I'm not gonna turn into a freak like Sephiroth. Besides, Hojo didn't finish with me. He had one more syringe!" Zack chuckled. He thought of that dreadful night when the needles poked and injected the green ooze into his body. "I got out just in time." Zack smiled. He pulled Aeris up to him.

"Zack…I worry about you. I can feel the Jenova cells within you." Aeris bit her lower lip.

"Ah…you worry too much." Zack grinned and lowered his head. He pressed his forehead against hers. The two looked at each other for a moment. His black bangs tickled her cheeks. "Aeris…There is something I wanted to tell you-." Zack was interrupted as the front door came crashing down.

"What!?" He stood up, wincing in pain as he did so.

'Damn…not healed yet.' He clenched his fists.

"Zack?" Aeris hid behind him.

"There's no escaping this time, yo." The voice of a Turk called out as SOLDIERs, First-Class ran into the house from all directions. They lifted their guns and aimed.

"Aeris…get behind me…" Zack pushed her further behind him. He glared at the red haired fiend that entered through the front door. The sound of his gun cocking rang out in the silent house.

Okay that's the end on this one! I was gonna end sooner but thought that it wouldn't have been as interesting. Hope you liked this chapter as well. Kinda fluffy… well, until next time, please review!

-Annubis