Oh boy! Busy, busy! My computer is extremely slow right now. I hope it doesn't take forever to type this new chapter. Why is it you go through all the trouble of writing it out in correct format, Ya know indentations and spacing, but once you post it on the site, it messes it all up and makes everything aligned right to the edge of the page!? So weird, ya think with all the rules and stuff they would have it be in the right format. Anyways, let's move onto the next chapter shall we? Thanks to all of you who have read and will continue reading my story. And also a thanks to all of those who review! –Annubis

I should put a warning on here. This chapter may be more suitable for mature audiences. Doesn't go into a lot of details, but has a mature subject.

Disclaimer: I do not own final fantasy VII, Squaresoft does.

Chapter 19

Tifa was the first departed from the Highwind. She hurried to the hole in the center of the small town. She paid no attention to the rubble and destruction all around.

"Cloud!?" She called out for him. She looked into the hole, the green ooze was still. She lifted her head, looking around. Across from her on the other side of the gaping hole was a body. It lay in the grass.

"Cloud!" She stood up quickly and made her way around the gap. The entire town was silent, dead. She was the only sound.

The entire group had made their way around the town, making sure all the civilians were okay. Aeris had tried to follow Tifa but was held back when Zack snatched her tiny wrist. He shook his head at her 'no'.

"Why?" She looked at him and then back towards where Tifa had gone. She was out of sight. "I can help…maybe I can use my powers…if he's hurt." She said.

"Aeris…" Zack sighed and let her go. He felt defeated. She turned around without hesitation and headed for the hole. Besides Yuffie and Vincent, Zack was all alone. The other two were asleep while Zack kept watch. He walked towards the piloting panel. He stared at the buttons.

'This is not what I expected. I expected her to be happy, squealing with delight.' Zack lifted his head and made his way to the giant window at the front of the ship. Staring at his reflection, he thought about Aeris.

"She doesn't want me anymore…I am old news. It's like I never existed in the past. Does she not remember all the time we shared with each other?" He asked quietly. He leaned against the pane and thought about the last time he saw her before he went on his fatal mission and disappeared.

'She cried then…she cared. She had begged me not to go, and I did. It was going to be my last mission, but I didn't think it would end the way it did.' Zack fiddled with his sunglasses, flipping the ear pieces up and down. A dark reflection appeared from behind him.

"It's hard chasing after something…someone unattainable, who acts as though you are invisible." The reflection said.

"Hey, Vincent. Shouldn't you be resting, you had a rough day." Zack turned to him.

"I've rested enough for one lifetime. She'll see you soon enough." Vincent leaned his back against the glass.

"You know…I keep thinking that, but every time he is around, she always goes to him. And when he is not here all she thinks about, talks about is him. She needs him." Zack hit the back of his head against the window.

"And it used to be the opposite right? She needed you, couldn't be away from you. But…while you were gone she attached herself to another for that protected feeling she once had with you." Vincent said coldly.

"Protection…" Zack scoffed. "The boy can't even take care of himself." Zack rubbed his face.

"…True…" Vincent nodded his head. "But there's something in him that sparks inside those ladies' hearts."

"Tifa…she's also chasing something unattainable." Zack glanced at Vincent, the caped man looked disappointed.

"Yes. She too has difficulties getting the one she truly loves." Vincent looked out the window, the darkness made his face paler. "I was foolish. I should never try to find a replacement for Lucrecia." Vincent's face saddened.

"Lucrecia?" Zack questioned. "Let me guess, Hojo had something to do with it." Zack said sarcastically.

"He had everything to do with it!" Vincent snarled. The expression startled Zack.

"I'm sorry." Zack laid a hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't give up though. If you love…another then you should give it a try. What could you loose?"

"Another love…" Vincent lowered his head and turned to leave the room. "Some advice I provided. It all turned against me.

"Don't run away." Zack said reassuringly.

"I'm afraid it's too late. I've been running away for years. It's too late to turn back. Besides, look where it got you." He looked back at Zack. The blue eyed ex-soldier shuffled uncomfortably. Vincent frowned. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that. You're still young, give it some time. She'll get over her phase. Well…I'm off to bed." Vincent turned and walked out of the room, down the stairs. Zack turned his attention back through the window.

'I hope he's right."

"Cloud, are you okay?" Tifa lifted his head and placed it gently in her lap. She petted his hair. "Please, speak to me." She whispered with sadness in her voice.

"…Ti…fa?" Cloud managed to mutter. The sound brought tears to Tifa's eyes. It seemed ages since he called her name.

"Yeah…it's me." She sniffled. Her eyes gleamed in the moonlight. He reached up to her and she grabbed his hand. "Don't move too much. I don't want you to go into another coma. Save your strength."

"Tifa…you came back for me?" Cloud's eyes were like a child's.

"Yeah." She laughed quietly. "You'd do the same thing for me, right?"

"Of course…I promised you, didn't I?" Cloud smiled weakly. He was back to his old self again.

"You did. And that promise goes for me too. Let me help you Cloud." Tifa sat up.

Aeris made her way to the hole. Her smile faded quickly when she saw how close Tifa and Cloud were.

'Oh, poor Tifa.' Aeris covered her mouth. "What…have I done? I've hurt everyone close to me. I've caused so much pain." Aeris whispered. She walked slowly around the hole, giving Tifa some time.

Tifa slowly lifted Cloud from the ground. "I promise, after this you can rest as long as you want." Tifa smiled. She stumbled slightly, trying to support Cloud's weight.

"Tifa…" Cloud stood, he faced her, his mako eyes shown like a cat's.

"Y-yes?" Tifa stuttered.

"...Thanks…for everything." Cloud stumbled, his knees weak. Tifa grabbed him quickly and placed one arm around her shoulder.

"Hang in there." She whispered.

"Need any help?" Aeris walked to Tifa and Cloud. Tifa nodded. Cloud turned his head upward and looked at Aeris.

"…?" He did not recognize her at first. "…Aeris." He smiled. She grabbed his other arm, balancing his weight.

"Yup, that's me." She said quietly. "I'm glad you're safe and you've come back."

"Of course…I came back." He said winded. "We got to go back to the Golden Saucer. Wouldn't miss it for the world." He smiled. Aeris' mouth gaped open.

'No…don't say that. Tifa's here.' Aeris looked at her friend. Tifa's face was pale. She stared at Cloud a moment and then smiled weakly at Aeris.

"Heh, we all had a good time there, didn't we?" Tifa played along, pretending not to know the real reason as to why Cloud enjoyed the amusement park so much. The girls remained silent the rest of the trip to the Highwind.

'It's alright. What's the big deal? I should be happy for them. I mean, Aeris already saved my life twice. What kind of friend would I be to get jealous?' Tifa thought to herself.

They entered the plane. Zack darted for the three immediately.

"You found him!?" He grabbed Cloud. "Here, lemme get him." Zack lifted Cloud.

"He crawled out of the hole." Aeris said strangely.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. He just needs some rest." Tifa added.

"Alright. I'll find him a bunk." Zack hurried down the stairs to the small rooms for resting.

"Tifa…" Aeris turned to her friend. She wrung her hands.

"What is it?" Tifa smiled.

"I'm sorry." Aeris turned away.

"For…what?" Tifa asked.

"Uh…Cloud. I shouldn't have been so blind to your feelings for him. I'm sorry if I troubled you in any way. I should have paid more attention." Aeris said apologetically.

"My feelings? But what about you two? Cloud and you get along so well. I've never seen him happier. It's good for him…and I believe you'd be able to take care of him better than I. I mean, you already saved my life twice!" Tifa was interrupted as the door to the Highwind flew open.

"Well? Did you find him?" Barret asked impatiently.

"Yes! He's in his room, getting rest." Tifa said quickly.

"Alright! Let's get outta here! We all need some rest so let's find an inn…preferably not a destroyed one." Cid said as he went to the control panel. The engine began running loudly.

"I'm glad he's safe." Red XIII said. He then turned to Cid. "Where are we going?"

"Well…" Tifa thought long and hard. "Nibelheim is the only place I can think of that can fit all of us."

"Nibelheim it is, then." Cid chewed on a piece of gum. He spit it out, pulled out another pink ball from his pocket and threw it into his mouth. "They sell cigarettes there? Cause this vending machine gum tastes like shit!"

Elena pulled up to her apartment complex. She was exhausted.

"Whew! What a day!" She sighed and leaned back in the leather seat. She turned her head, looking at Reno. He was snoring in the passenger seat. Tseng was dozing in the back. Elena slapped Reno on the shoulder.

"We're here! Let's get Tseng inside." She got out of the car while Reno jumped with fright from the rude awakening.

"Hrmph!" He whined and followed her actions.

"Hey, Tseng. We're at my place. You think you can make it up the stairs? Reno and I'll help you." Elena shook him gently.

"Why couldn't you have been that nice to me when you woke me up?" Reno scoffed.

"Oh, shut up you! Help me out!" She pulled Tseng's body from the backseat. Reno stood by the other back door of the car, staring at her. "Over here!" She strained. Reno scuttled to her side and helped her carry Tseng out of the car. They slid his arms around their shoulders, practically dragging him. Tseng did manage to eventually stand and slowly walked with them. Luckily, the medicine was wearing off. Elena had hoped he would be back to normal by tomorrow. The three made their way up the small flight of stairs through the main entrance and to the elevator.

"This one doesn't require a code, does it?" Reno raised an eyebrow.

"No! It's just a press of a button." Elena smiled.

"You had to live on the top floor?" Reno rolled his eyes.

"Of course! It has an amazing view!" Elena said bubbly.

"How much does that cost mommy and daddy?" Reno said sarcastically. Elena glared at him.

"I pay for it myself…" Elena growled. "Asshole." She said under her breath. The elevator slowed to the twenty fifth floor. Reno and Elena drug Tseng to her apartment. On the entire floor there were two rooms, Elena's and another across from her.

'Damn…her place is massive.' Reno sighed. Elena juggled for her keys while she tried to balance Tseng's weight. She shoved the key in, turned the knob and kicked the door open. She flipped on the light switch. Reno gaped at the sight. There were wooden floors, modern light fixtures and artwork, and enormous windows covering the living room wall. The view was amazing. Reno could see the entire city below and even part of the mountains. There was a hall leading to two bedrooms, an office, and a master bath. The kitchen hung by the living room on the left before the hallway, full of state of the art equipment. And to the right of the complex was a bar full of drinks and snacks. The apartment had to cost thousands in rent.

"How can you afford this!?" Reno almost dropped Tseng.

"Easy, I don't waste half my paycheck on pizza and beer." She smiled. "I have a guestroom." Elena began.

"Oh! Thanks babe!" Reno smiled. "That's real nice of you!"

"Not for you!" She stuck her tongue out at Reno. "…for Tseng. You get to sleep on the couch." She said quickly and led the two men down the hall and to the room on the left.

"What!? After everything I've done for you, you put me on the sofa!?" Reno was appalled.

"That's right." Elena said bluntly. They entered the room and gently lay Tseng on the mattress.

"Thank you…both for everything you've done." Tseng murmured.

"Aw…it was nothing." Reno waved a hand.

"It's our job after all." Elena added. "Now, you get some rest and I'll check up on you in the morning." Elena glanced at her watch. "Luckily, I don't work in the morning."

"Psh! I do and I got to sleep on the couch!" Reno said grumpily.

"You know, you could go home to your mess." Elena shoved Reno out the bedroom door and closed it quietly.

"Agh! But that's clear on the other side of the city!" Reno whined again.

"Then don't complain!" Elena shook a finger at him.

" Fine." Reno said angrily. He slid off his jacket and threw it on the leather chair next to the matching sofa. "Now I gotta wear the same clothes to work tomorrow." Reno complained.

"It's never stopped you before." Elena called from the kitchen. She was filling some glasses with water.

"I know, but I wore this outfit to work yesterday too." Reno slid off his shoes. "I change my socks and underwear everyday though." Reno smiled proud of himself.

"Ew…you're so gross." Elena rolled her eyes and handed Reno a glass. "I'd let you borrow one of my suits, but I don't think it'd fit." She smirked.

"Thanks for the offer, but I wouldn't wanna wear one of your smelly suits." Reno laughed.

"Smelly!?" Elena put her hands on her hips.

"Yeah from all the perfume you wear!" Reno plugged his nose. "Who you tryin' to impress anyways!?"

"Whatever…" Elena shook her head. Reno shook the glass and stared at it.

"Got any scotch?" He asked.

"No." She said quickly and grabbed the other two glasses of water. She clicked off the living room light, leaving Reno with a small lamp. She made her way down the hall to Tseng's room. Reno watched as she entered the guest room. He heard some whispering and saw the light go out. A second later Elena came back out to the hall, sipping her water. She closed the door gently and made her way to her bedroom across the way. She glared at Reno.

"Stay…out!" She ordered and then entered her bedroom.

'I'm so glad I don't work tomorrow. I'd hate to have to put up with Reno's smell.' She giggled and slid off her suit.

The Highwind descended outside of Nibelheim. Cid made sure he pushed the craft as fast as it would go. He was tired too and did not want to sleep at the wheel. He grabbed the intercom microphone and spoke in a tired voice.

"All right everyone we have just landed outside Nibelheim. Time to depart." His voice was calm and cool. In fact it did not even sound like Cid, but a real pilot.

"Hey…at least he didn't yell and curse at us." Yuffie yawned.

"Hurry it up, Damn it!" Cid finalized the order and laughed to himself. Everyone groggily hurried off the plane and into the town. Zack walked to Cloud's room and knocked on the door.

"Hey, you awake?" Zack slid the door open and glanced in the room. Cloud was sitting up in the bed; his clothes and hair were a mess. He brought his mako eyes to Zack.

"…Hi, Zack." He said shyly.

"Hey buddy." Zack smiled and walked in. This was the Cloud he once knew. "You feeling okay?" Zack asked again.

"Um…yeah. Just worn out…and a lil' nauseous." Cloud made a sick face.

"Well, I'll help you. We're outside Nibelheim. They decided it was the best choice since the inn was big enough to fit all of us comfortably." Zack lifted Cloud from the bed, allowing the boy to lean against him. "Is that alright with you?"

"Yeah." Cloud said quietly. "I'll be alright." He nodded.

"Okay, we're off!" Zack grinned and led Cloud out of the Highwind and into the streets of Nibelheim. Zack stared in disbelief at the town. It still shocked him to see the replications.

"Shinra…I can't believe I worked for them." Zack shook his head.

"Bastards…" Cloud mumbled. This made Zack laugh. He stopped when he saw Tifa outside the inn.

"Hey, Tifa!" Zack smiled at her.

"Hello. There's not quite enough room…" She grinned.

"Oh…well how many can stay?" Zack asked disappointed.

"All but one." She brushed her hair behind an ear.

"I'll just stay in the Highwind." Zack suggested.

"No! no…it's alright." Tifa shook her hands at him. "I talked to the inn keeper about my old house. He said the man that currently lives there is on vacation and won't be back until next weekend." She held her hands behind her back. She continued.

"So…I was thinking I could just stay there!" She tilted her head and giggled.

"You wanna stay at your old house?" Zack looked towards Tifa's old home. "But…isn't it locked?"

"Maybe, but I'll manage to get in. How do you think I snuck in after curfew?" She giggled mischievously.

"Huh…you're crazy!" Zack laughed. Tifa looked at Cloud. She smiled at first and then laughed.

"You must make a nice pillow." She pointed. Cloud was asleep, leaning against Zack. A strand of drool began to drip down his arm.

"Gah! Don't drool!" Zack yelled. Cloud flinched a little but never woke up. "I think I should get him to bed. You be careful, Tifa." Zack patted her on the shoulder and entered the inn.

"I will. Don't worry about me!" Tifa waved and headed down the path to her house. She tried the front door, but it was locked. She went around the back and was a little disappointed to find that it was left unlocked.

"Darn. I was kinda looking forward to climbing the drain pipes." She popped the door open and walked into the dead house.

'It all looks the same. How did Shinra pull this off?' Tifa made her way around the house and up the wooden stairs. She counted.

"One…two…three…four…five." She heard a loud 'squeak' sound. She stopped. "The fifth stair…it still creaks!" She laughed; amazed at the amount of detail Shinra had gone through. She felt tears sting her eyes.

"Too bad they couldn't bring papa back." She turned to her left at the top of the stairs and into her bedroom. All of her stuffed animals sat on her shelves. Her favorite doll sat on the bed on her pillow.

"Mom…she made this for me." Tifa hugged the doll, even though it was a replica. She fell back onto the mattress. She had ignored the emotions the first time she had seen the restored town, but this time it hurt a lot more.

Aeris slid on the soft bathrobe. It had felt good to take a shower. She had taken everyone's clothes to be washed in the Laundromat in the basement and they all were wandering in robes. Aeris combed her hair in front of the mirror on the small dresser in her room. She could hear the soft thud of rain pelting the window. A low roar of thunder sounded. The room was dimly lit from the small lamp beside the bed. There was a knock on her door. She hurried to the door, her bare feet smacking against the wooden floor. She opened it slowly to find Zack on the other side. His hair was wet, and he too was wearing a white, fluffy robe.

"Thanks for washing my uniform." He said sheepishly.

"Yeah…it's not like I was doing you a favor." She then plugged her nose. "I was doing everyone else a favor by washing your clothes!" She giggled.

"What!? Why, you!" Zack charged at the small woman. He led her to the far corner of the room next to the window. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled, causing Aeris to yelp with excitement. She lowered herself to the floor and cowered against the wall. He snatched her wrist and tugged her upwards, towards him. He grinned at her, an evil look in his eye.

"Now…what to do with you?" He picked her up and carried her around the room. He cradled her in his arms like a child as she kicked her feet.

"Eeei! Put me down, you brute!" She giggled and hit him across the chest.

"You want to be put down?" Zack questioned, looking at the bed. A corner of his mouth rose.

"Uh huh." Aeris nodded and looked around the room nervously.

"On the bed!?" He ran to the bed and threw her onto the mattress. She screamed as she bounced multiple times. Zack leapt over her, straddling her. He brought his face in close to hers. "Now what?" He asked.

"You…are so bad!" She poked him on the nose, treating him like a puppy. He grinned. Aeris face was a bright pink. She knew what he wore under that robe.

'…nothing! He's completely…' She giggled.

"You make me that way." He said seductively.

"Oh goodness!" Aeris turned red. She crawled out from under him. He scooted closer, pecking her on the lips. "Not…now." Aeris whispered, giggling like she did the first time she met the dark-haired man.

"Ooohhh why not?" He whined.

"Zaaaack." She drug out his name.

"Oh, alright!" He sat up and folded his arms, not looking at her.

"Remember what mom always said." Aeris shook a finger at him.

"Cover the stump before you hump?" Zack smiled.

"No!!" Aeris laughed. "Besides, your father said that! I mean…you know. There's gotta be commitment…" She said finally.

'She's so confusing. One minute she's melting over Cloud and the next she's talking to me about commitment!' Zack scratched his head.

"I know…" He thought about what she said. He then got serious and held onto Aeris' hand. He stared at the golden bracelets that he had given her so long ago. He was shocked she still wore them. "Aeris…do you remember the day before I left for Nibelheim?"

"How could I forget? I always thought it was the last time I'd ever see you again." Something seemed to click in Aeris' head.

'Oh, what a mess I've gotten into. I hurt Zack. The first man I ever loved.' She bit her lower lip.

"Well…" Zack cleared his throat. His face was getting hot. "That day I told you it'd be my last mission…and when I came back I'd be with you forever." Zack looked away.

"What? What is it that you've been trying to tell me this entire time!? You're harder to interpret than the planet!" Aeris bounced on the bed.

"Aeris." He turned to her and looked her straight in the eye. "That day I had a ring in my pocket. That day, I was going to ask you to marry me. I decided against it 'cause I wanted it to be a happy moment. I wanted to take you away from Midgar, out to see the world, and when the moment was right I was going to ask you." He spoke quickly. Aeris gasped, holding a hand over her mouth.

"I, I…had no idea! I thought that maybe you died, but then I heard nothing of your death and I just figured that you found someone else." She covered her face.

"What!? I'm not that much of an asshole! I would…" He pulled her hands into his. "I would never do a thing like that." Zack stared at her in awe.

"Well…you never know! Sometimes you find a great guy and he turns out nothing like you thought he was." Aeris sniffled.

"You thought…I was a great guy?" Zack questioned.

"Of course! I said I loved you!" Aeris laughed lightly.

"Yeah… but I didn't know I was great!" Zack smiled. "Am I still?" He asked quickly. Aeris stared at him and looked him up and down. She reviewed him; he had a child's expression and was wet, wearing a fuzzy bathrobe. His features were very good looking and mature, but he still had a young appearance through facial expressions. Aeris giggled and hugged him.

"Of course! Of course you are!" She had not felt so relived in a long time. Suddenly, there was a quick knock. Aeris pulled away quickly to see Cloud in the doorway. They had left the door open. Cloud was in a robe as well.

'Oh shit…' Zack thought.

"Hey…jes' checkin' up to see how things were going." Cloud said. He scratched an eyebrow.

"Uh…fine!" Aeris nodded. Zack stood up. Aeris stared at the dark-haired man.

'What's he doing?' Aeris gulped.

"I had the same idea. I'll let you two talk." Zack smiled and walked around Cloud. "I'll see you in the morning." He said to Aeris.

"O,okay." She looked at Zack as he made his way out of the room, leaving her alone with Cloud. He rubbed the back of his neck.

"You feeling better?" Aeris asked to break the silence.

"Yeah, the shower helped." He said quietly. "Well…I see you're okay so I'll be off." Cloud turned to leave.

"No! You don't have to." Aeris stood up, tightening the ties on her robe.

"I don't wanna be a bother." Cloud shrugged his shoulders.

"You couldn't bother me." Aeris shuffled her feet. The silence was dreadful. Thunder sounded loudly, the storm was now closer. The rain turned into a downpour.

"Well…thanks for helping me out earlier." Cloud muttered.

"Yeah. No problem. We were worried about you." Aeris said quickly.

"…" Cloud did not reply. The thunder boomed again.

"You must be tired." Aeris suggested.

"Yeah, I think I'll head off to bed." Cloud rubbed his eyes and then began to walk out the door.

"Cloud?" Aeris took a step forward.

"Hmm?" He looked at her quickly.

"I really am glad you're safe. I couldn't stop thinking about you and what I'd do if we never found you." Aeris wrung her hands nervously. This made him smile. He nodded at her and turned again.

"See you at breakfast?" He asked.

"Yeah! Sure thing." Aeris nodded quickly.

"Night." He said as he shut the door behind him.

'Well…that was a little awkward. What was Zack thinking?' Aeris rubbed one of her shoulders. The storm was getting quite loud. She walked to her dresser and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

'Mom…what should I do?' She thought. She ran a hand through her hair.

"Ah!" She yelped and looked around the room, opening all the drawers. "What did I do with it!? Darn it!" She stopped.

"I left it in my coat pocket!" Aeris remembered her materia her mother had given her. When she had gotten undressed for the shower, she placed the tiny orb into her coat pocket to keep it safe.

'So much for that. It's in the laundry now.' Aeris scolded herself. She knew the orb would not be hurt in any way, but she was rarely so far away from it.

'It's alright. It's only in the basement. I can get it in the morning.' Aeris sighed and trotted over to her bed. She clicked the lamp switch and all the light was terminated. As soon as the thunder roared again, the room lit up. She crawled under the covers, wishing she had some pajamas and not just a robe. She debated taking it off and sleeping in the nude when thunder roared again. The vibrations shook the entire building. Her door clicked open, squeaking as it flew open a little bit. Aeris flinched in surprise. She had never heard a storm like this before. The hallway was dark. Aeris looked over at the clock on her stand. There were no glowing numbers. The power was out. She quickly pulled the covers off and made her way to the door. She yawned as she closed it tightly.

"That was weird." She said to herself. She turned around to head back towards the bed but stopped in fear. There was a tall, dark figure standing in front of her window. Thunder sounded and lightning flashed, exposing the intruder's identity. The light showed a hint of silver hair and a dark cloak.

"Oh!" Aeris gasped, covering her mouth. She turned to leave the room but ran into the man instead. She ran into his chest. Aeris frantically looked behind her at the window; he had teleported himself to block her way out. He stepped forward, his silver hair shown in the dark.

"Sephiroth!" She backed away; knocking over the chair by the small dresser she tripped and collapsed to the floor. Sephiroth took long slow strides over to her, his boots thudding lightly against the floor.

"How did you get in here?" Aeris stared in disbelief at the man.

"Easy…I simply walked in." He smiled.

"N, no one saw you?" Aeris stumbled to find words.

"A simple sleep spell took care of everything." He stood over her and grabbed her arm. He pulled her up to him with one arm while he straightened the chair and placed it to the side of the dresser with his other. He grabbed her, pulling her body against his. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her hair in her face.

"What do you want?" Aeris asked quietly.

"You know what I want." He said suspiciously as he brought his face close to hers. She pulled back, away from him. "Hmph." He frowned.

"Actually I can think of many things you would want." Aeris was backed against the wall.

"Hmmm…and I probably want everything you can think of." He strode towards her. "You, for one. I want you."

"Me? Why?" Aeris scooted along the side of the wall. He side stepped, keeping in front of her.

"You're one of the last remaining Cetra. I want you to join me on my journey to the Promised Land. I think I've given you enough time to think it over." He held a hand out to her. She stared at the gloved fingers.

"No." She looked up at his glowing eyes. This answer angered him.

"Where's that gem of yours? The pretty green one that shines brightly when you pray." Sephiroth pinned her against the wall.

"…I lost it, why?" Aeris lied.

"You lost it? No, I don't think so. You see, I've been watching you for the past few days and you've always had it in your hair. You're never far from it." Sephiroth turned away from her and began opening the drawers of the dresser.

"What purpose does it serve you?" Aeris tip toed behind the man.

"It is what's preventing meteor from crashing into the planet." He said dryly. He turned around, wrapping an arm around Aeris' waist. "Nice try." He smirked. Aeris' heart was pounding.

"Please…stop this." Aeris leaned forward, trying to get out of his arms.

"And let traitors run this planet? Ruin it, killing the last of the Ancient race?" His voice sent chills up her spine.

"They aren't bad people." Aeris hissed.

"…Look what they do to you." Sephiroth pulled her robe open, exposing Aeris. She screamed and ducked under his arms. "You have many scars from that professor." Sephiroth seemed amused.

"You hate him because he is the cause of you monstrosity!" Aeris shoved the man. He took one foot back for balance. He looked at her in surprise. She tied her robe. "You're the only monster in this world. You're nothing but a failed experiment, being controlled…pathetic." She spat and then backed away.

"You say such harsh words." He growled. "You will die…either by the hands of a human…or me!" He darted forward, wrapping his hands around her small neck. Aeris shrieked. He tightened his grip and lifted her from the ground, her feet kicking through the air.

"…no…please…" Aeris closed her eyes. Sephiroth spun around, flinging her body against the opposite wall. She crumbled to the floor and curled into a ball, covering her head.

"Not so brave now, are we?" Sephiroth lifted Aeris again. There were tears in her eyes.

"You're not helping yourself by doing things like that. Now there's no way I'd join you…and I'll never give you the materia!" Aeris thanked herself for not going into the basement to retrieve the orb. Sephiroth remained silent. He stared at her. She had a point.

"…Sorry…" He said. This shocked the girl.

"Sorry?" She asked. "What the hell is wrong with you!?" He flinched at her words. There was something different about him.

'His eyes…they don't seem so cold.' Aeris was breathing heavily.

"I…I am…" He let go of Aeris quickly, holding the sides of his head. He stumbled to the floor. "…Sephiroth…I work for Shinra…" He mumbled.

"Jenova…" Aeris whispered. She finally realized something. Sephiroth looked at her, fear in his eyes.

"Jenova?" He questioned.

'Mother?' He scanned his brain. 'Where did she go?' He stood up. He turned to Aeris and grabbed a hold of her shoulders.

"What have I done!?" He asked in a panic. Aeris felt tears in her eyes. His green eyes were so frightened and lost. Aeris lifted a hand to his face.

'This poor man. He has no idea there's a battle inside of him.' She shook her head. Sephiroth screamed.

"What are you doing to me!?" He backed away from her, hands on his head again. A loud screeching noise sounded within his skull. He shuddered a moment and then turned slowly to Aeris. "What did you do?" He asked her, his eyes cold.

"Me?" She started.

"Are you manipulating me!?" He shoved her against the wall.

"No! I, I have no idea what's going on!" She groaned as his grip tightened around her shoulders. He leaned in close.

"No…mother. Not that." He whispered. "No…not yet! Let me have my fun!" He looked to the side. Aeris shook. He then rolled his gaze back to meet Aeris' shining green eyes. He had an evil grin across his face. Sephiroth was gone, taken by selfish desires. He took Aeris' robe and untied it again. She moved quickly but he grabbed both of her wrists in one hand.

"What are you doing?" Aeris asked, afraid of the answer.

"My offer still stands." He smiled as he opened the robe further and ran a hand over her naked body.

"Please…stop!" She yelled. He only shook his head 'no'.

"What keeps you from me? Is it those two boys?" Sephiroth scoffed. "Are they the pathetic ones you care so much about?" He leaned in, moving his body against hers. Aeris made a squeak in her throat.

"Please…" She pleaded.

"What is it that makes them so great!? Is it their weakness… their vulnerability!?" He was very upset. "It seems you're in a tight place." He pressed against her even more. She moved her head to the side.

"Leave…" She whispered.

"Far from it." He hissed into her ear and pressed his cheek against hers. "Can you not choose? Who do you want?" Sephiroth looked Aeris up and down. She turned her attention to the glowing yellow in one of his metal bangles.

"I…I…" She looked up at him. Sephiroth was no longer holding her, but it was now Cloud. "You're trying to confuse me." She said weakly.

"What are you talking about?" Cloud asked her. His blonde bangs hung over his face.

"Sephiroth…please stop this." Aeris mumbled. She felt tired and her head was foggy.

"Sephiroth!? Why…why did you call me that?" Cloud took a few steps back, hurt.

"You're not Cloud!" Aeris screeched. She ran to the front of her bed.

"Aeris, are you alright?" Cloud approached her. His eyes gleamed in the light, they seemed a little different. "Please calm down, everything's okay." He walked up to her and hugged her tightly. Aeris felt butterflies in her stomach.

"Cloud?" She asked. Everything was surreal. He smiled at her and kissed her roughly. Aeris gave in.

'No…this isn't right.' Aeris thought through the kiss. 'Was he in here? Yes…he came in.' Aeris continued her kiss. She moved her hands down to Cloud's waist.

"Hmm…feisty." Cloud chuckled. This startled Aeris.

'No! This isn't Cloud! This is…' Aeris pulled back. Cloud frowned.

"Get out! Get out!!" Aeris stomped her feet. Cloud's image faded away. The transforming figure lurched towards her.

"You…You!" The man grabbed her. It appeared to be Cloud with silver hair and green eyes. "You…have tried my patience long enough!" He finally appeared back to normal.

"Sephiroth! You've tried my patience! Now, get the hell out!" Aeris screamed. Sephiroth held a hand in the air, preparing to hit the girl. She covered her face, turning away. Nothing happened. She heard some footsteps. A moment later thunder rolled, vibrating the building. Aeris heard the door click open again. Everything was silent. She uncovered her face slowly and looked at the door. Everything was still dark and quiet, but Sephiroth was no longer in the room.

'He's gone. That bastard really left.' Aeris ran to the door and closed it tightly and locked it. She turned her back to the door and stared at the room. 'He's not in here…' She never had been so scared in her entire life. Not even when she was placed on the operating table in Hojo's lab. She did not think she could sleep after everything.

"Ah!" She screamed as there was a knock at her door.

"Aeris!? Aeris!? Are you alright!?" Zack's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Zack!?" Aeris turned towards the door. She did not dare open it.

"Aeris, let me in! Are you okay!?" He sounded scared.

"Um…yeah. Why?" Aeris fiddled with her hands, her heart pounding.

"I heard you scream. It sounded like you were talking to someone. Are you sure you're alright?" Zack asked again. The door opened a crack. Aeris looked through to find Zack in the hall. He rushed over to the door and pushed it open, hugging her.

"Zack?" Aeris asked quietly.

"I thought something happened. I woke up and all the electricity was out. I felt strange and heard you scream. I thought that maybe…something weird was going on." Zack took a deep breath.

"I'm okay." Aeris felt tears sting her eyes. "Oh, Zack!" She leaped onto him, hugging him tightly. She felt him kiss her hair.

"Everything's alright…everything's going to be alright." He held her tightly and then lifted her, taking her to her bed. Aeris looked up at him, he kissed her quickly. Zack laid the small woman on the mattress and crawled over her. Their passion was heated and became more intense by the minute. She wrapped her legs around him as he brought himself closer to her. Aeris slid her hands down her chest and to his pants, undoing the buttons. She had trouble with them at first. He looked down at her hands.

'Damn buttons…buttons…' Aeris thought. She felt her heart beating faster. 'Buttons!? He…Zack's clothes are in the basement…and his…' Aeris looked up at Zack's face. His green eyes looked down at her.

"Ah!!" Aeris screamed as loud as she could as the door to her bedroom flew shut. Zack pinned her to the bed.

"Why do you scream at me?" Zack chuckled. He leaned in close. "You really know how to ruin a moment, don't you?" Sephiroth's voice called from Zack's throat.

"No! You're not Zack!" Aeris struggled to be freed.

"Oh? Am I not?" Zack brought his lips against hers and spoke. "Who do you want me to be? I can be anyone you desire." He whispered.

"No…" Aeris turned her head from side to side. She began to cry.

"Oh, don't cry. Everything will be fine…I promise." Sephiroth's voice chuckled.

"Zack…" Aeris shook. "Zack…help." She sobbed.

"So you do want me." Zack leaned down.

"No, Sephiroth!" Aeris put a hand to his face. Zack quickly transformed into Sephiroth.

"Make up your mind!" He chuckled. Sephiroth pinned Aeris down with his knees. He pulled off his gloves and laid them on the pillow next to Aeris' head. He then reached down and began undoing the straps to his cloak. Aeris looked at his bangle. The confuse materia was no longer glowing. His other metal bangle, however, was.

"Now…what?" Aeris looked at the other yellow glow.

"Manipulate…" Sephiroth chuckled.

"No!" Aeris squirmed from under him. Sephiroth lay on top of her, keeping her still.

"Now, wait." He said to her. "You like the gentle, kind man. That's what keeps you from me, isn't it? You don't think I'm a gentle person!" He ran an icy hand down her neck and over the rest of her torso.

"S-Sephiroth." Aeris sniffled.

"Shhh…I can be gentle." He whispered. Sephiroth brought his lips to hers, kissing her softly on the lips. "How was that?" He asked, amused.

"Please…I beg you. Leave me alone. You don't need me. Why would you need me?" Aeris whispered.

"You know…I didn't think about it until I saw you naked." He examined her. "We can re-create the Ancient race."

"Oh…my…" Aeris felt as though she were going to faint.

"But…then I would have to put up with you, nagging and complaining." Sephiroth chuckled. "Maybe I'll just have some fun and see how you are." He smiled at her.

"You're sick." Aeris hissed.

"A test drive…" Sephiroth chuckled again. He sat up and undid his jacket. He noticed the bangles on his arms.

'Can't take off the bangles…' He frowned. He undid the rest of his clothing, throwing it to the floor. Aeris watched his process. She squirmed. He sat on the edge of the bed. She knew that she could try to run but he would catch her instantly. There was no escape. Sephiroth, with his cloak still one laid on top of the girl, the glowing from the orb shown brightly.

"Don't you dare do it." Aeris clenched her teeth. Her robe was removed and thrown to the floor. The silver haired man kissed her and whispered in her ear.

"Who do you want?" He asked. Aeris felt her head fog over.

"Cloud…" Aeris said mindlessly.

"Is that who you want?" Sephiroth ran a cold hand down her stomach.

"…Zack…" Aeris began to cry again. "Zack…please…" Aeris wanted to die.

"Who do you really want?" Sephiroth positioned himself. He waited for her answer.

"…Zz…Ss…" Aeris felt like she was unconscious.

"Yes??" Sephiroth brought his face to hers. "I can be gentle." The yellow glow lit up the entire room. Sephiroth was strong; all of his materia was to the max level.

"…Se…" Aeris' eyes glossed over.

"Who do you really want?" Sephiroth whispered in her ear.

"S, S, Sephiroth…" Aeris had fallen under his spell.

"That's my girl." Sephiroth smiled, he was glad he would get to have his way with the Ancient. The thunder roared in the distance and the rain pelted the glass on the window pane.

Tifa slept in the dark bedroom. The storm had been keeping her up. It was so loud and frightening.

'Something isn't right.' Tifa felt a chill down her spine. A moment later the house shook and a noise sounded from downstairs. Tifa stood up quickly; she felt the hairs on her neck stand up. All was silent she heard nothing.

'Maybe it was the wind.' Tifa took quick breaths. A second later there was a loud 'squeak' from the fifth stair. This sent Tifa into a panic as loud footsteps followed. She froze, not knowing what to do. The footsteps reached the top and a man turned the corner.

"Cloud?" Tifa asked. "Oh! Gawd! What are you doing!?"

"I came to see you." Cloud walked up to Tifa and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her. Tifa gave in a moment and then stepped back.

"What's going on?" Tifa asked.

"Nothing…" Cloud reached for her again, kissing her lustily.

"Stop it!" Tifa backed away.

"What the &, Tifa!? What is your problem!? I thought you loved me!" Cloud threw a porcelain doll from the shelf. Tifa was scared. She had never seen him like this. She stared at Cloud. He walked up to her again. "Please Tifa…I'm lonely and I need you." He pulled at her robe. She had done her own laundry at home.

"No! Cloud, Leave me alone!" Tifa felt tears in her eyes.

"&! Like Vincent will be able to give you anything!" Cloud hissed. He glared at Tifa.

"What…did you say?" Tifa clenched her fists. She stared into his green eyes. She gasped when she saw them.

"You heard me, slut! He won't ever love you or care for you! You're not his type, whore! Why do you think he rejects you!?" Cloud slapped Tifa in the face. She yelped and fell onto the floor.

"…C,Cloud…" Tifa sobbed.

"Whatever, Bitch. Leave me the # alone!" Cloud turned and ran out of the house. Tifa waited for the door to be slammed and cried.

'You…you are not Cloud.'

Sephiroth walked to the Shinra Mansion. The rain on his leather coat thudded and the lightening lit up his sinister features.

'Two girl's hearts broken.' He chuckled. 'So much fun! I'll have to do this again another time. Pay that Tifa another visit…' Sephiroth was very amused with himself.

Aeris slept in late the next morning. She felt like she had not slept at all through the night. She tossed to her side and slowly opened her eyes. The sunlight flooded into the room. She blinked a few times and sat up, stretching and yawning.

"What time is it?" She looked at the alarm clock next to her bed. It was flashing twelve-o-clock. "Oh…that's right the power went out last…night…" Aeris gasped and felt goose bumps attack her body.

"Oh…my!" She leapt from the bed in a hurry and looked down at herself. She was wearing her robe tightly. She turned her attention to the chair by the dresser. It wasn't at the side of the dresser, but in the center where it should be. Aeris sighed with relief. She looked at the door to find it locked. She took a deep breath. "Locked…you can only lock it if you're in the room…and then you're stuck!" Aeris laughed with relief. She went to the dresser and looked at her reflection.

"You have the strangest dreams!" Aeris combed her hair. She still felt like something was wrong. "He was still here. Because I locked the door after he was…Cloud." Aeris shuddered.

"But he never came back, cause I locked the door and it is still locked. And the chair was here…wait…" Aeris thought about it. He had place the chair to the side of the dresser the first time he was in. She never moved it back.

'He's playing mind games again!' Aeris stopped combing her hair and screamed. The reflection in the mirror brought her view to her pillow. There were two black gloves lying on the pillow. Aeris stood and ran to the bed, picking up the gloves. The woman stared at the dark leather and stumbled to the floor, crying.

"Oh my! He did it! He really did do it!" Aeris wailed loudly. "You bastard!!" She screamed. She heard footsteps running up the stairs and down the hall. She screamed even louder.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Aeris!? What is your problem!?" She screamed into the floor.

'I hate you…I hate you!' Aeris repeated this thought in her head. It was meant for both Sephiroth and herself. There was knocking at the door.

"Aeris!? Aeris!?" Zack's voice. "Aeris, are you alright!?" He sounded the same way Sephiroth impersonated him last night. This made her cry even harder.

"What's wrong!? Is she alright?" Tifa's voice sounded. "Aeris!? AERIS!!" Tifa sounded like she was crying now.

"Aeris…please open the door." Zack called out, more calm.

"He did it!? He did it didn't he!?" Tifa cried, turning the knob.

"He did it?" Zack turned his attention to Tifa.

"Aeris, please…We need to talk!" Tifa pushed against the door, cracking it around the handle.

'He did it?' Aeris stood up quickly and opened the door. Zack pushed in and hugged Aeris. She cried desperately. Tifa had tears in her eyes too.

"I…called for you. You…weren't there…No one…could hear me." Aeris cried.

"Please…what's wrong?" Zack hugged Aeris tighter than he ever had before. Her words had hurt him even though he had no idea what was going on. All he wanted to do at that moment was protect her and keep her from this sadness. She wrapped her small hands around him, not wanting to be let go. She looked at Tifa.

"He did it…" Aeris muttered. Tifa joined the two and hugged Aeris as well. The rest of the group was stampeding up the stairs. Cloud was in the lead.

Okay! I got to end it there for tonight! This chapter is soooo long! I'm sorry, it coulda been two shorter chapters but I wanted everything in one. Anyways…wanted to have a conflict chapter. Came up with this idea. I know it's awful, but I wanted everyone to gasp! I'm kinda embarrassed but at least it wasn't all lemony. Hopefully I can continue soon for the next chapter. Thanks for the read and sorry if anything was offending at all. I didn't want to get into any… 'details'. Ahem. Anyways, thanks for reading and please review! Man ive been having trouble loading this chapter. The site was doin something weird. Oh well. Sorry about the wait! -annubis