Thanks to all those who reviewed the last chapter

Thanks to all those who reviewed the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. I had a lot of fun writing that chapter and I'm excited for this one. I hope you all continue enjoying the new chapters and look forward to those that will follow! Thanks for reading! –Annubis

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

Chapter 32

The headlights of the buggy flashed across the ruins of Midgar. Tifa stared in awe at the disaster. Know matter how much she prepared herself for the sight; she still was shocked to see the destruction of her second home. She frowned as the car slowed towards the ruined inn blocks away from what used to be Shinra Co.

"Welcome home." Cloud sighed as he shut the car off. He smiled at her as he undid the seatbelt and pulled the keys from the ignition.

"Home." She looked away from him and got out of the car. The rain had stopped for the night, which made her happy.

"What a mess." Cloud shook his head.

"Cloud." Tifa turned to him. "Are there a lot of…" She stared at her boots.

"What?" He tilted his head.

"Were there… a lot of…" She tried to find the right words. "Deaths?"

"…" Cloud was silent at first. He began walking towards the inn. "Many." He said finally. The words crushed Tifa's heart.

"And the children? Are there any alone?" She boldly asked.

"Many…" Cloud answered again.

"Oh, Cloud!" Tifa covered her mouth. "What will they do!?"

"I wanted to talk to you about that." Cloud stood by her side; he stared at the ruined tower of Shinra. The building was dark and empty. The broken windows and cracked exterior was frightening to look at. They were in a ghost city. "Those children are all alone, like we were. They'll need a home. We can't let them live in the streets."

"I agree, but what can we do to help?" Tifa folded her arms and leaned against the hood of the car.

"Reeve and I had an idea." The blonde looked back at the woman. "He found a little girl right after the disaster. She was alone and scared, so he took her in. He spoke to me about it."

"Reeve has a little girl now?" Tifa smiled. The man really did have a big heart, just like Cait Sith.

"He can't watch her forever; he has many plans and preparations to go through to help the city." Cloud walked back to her and sat on the hood next to her. "I was thinking…" He got silent.

"What is it Cloud? If it'll help the children, then we gotta do it." Her pearl earrings swung as she talked.

"An orphanage. I think we should run an orphanage." Cloud stated.

"An orphanage…" Tifa smiled. "That is a wonderful idea!" She jumped from the hood of the car. "We should do it! We can do it!" She said with enthusiasm.

"…I knew you'd like the idea." Cloud smirked. He stood up and walked away from her. "It'll be a lot of work, but I'll work hard to get the money to keep it running. We have to."

"What would you do?" Tifa rubbed her arms; the air was chilly in the silent town.

"I'm not sure. I'll think of something though." Cloud squatted and picked up a few pieces of glass.

"Seventh Heaven! I can run the bar again! We'll find a building large enough to house all the children and a building for the bar! I can get some money from that." Tifa stared at the man's back.

"That's a good idea." Cloud stood up and threw the shards into a nearby dumpster. He turned to her. "So it's a plan?"

"Definitely." Tifa grinned.

Cloud took a few steps towards the woman and looked back at the dark inn. His eyes darted back and forth, as if in deep thought. Tifa noticed this and sighed. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Cloud, everything will be alright. I promise." She smiled.

"…Promise." He scoffed. "Since when did you believe in promises?" He glanced at her.

"Since today." She smiled and headed for the door of the inn. "Is this where we'll rest?"

"…Yeah." Cloud reflected on what she had just said to him. "Tifa…" He interrupted the cold silence of the restful city.

"What is it?" She didn't look back.

"I…" He began; the silence was painful to Tifa.

'Why doesn't he open up to me?' She bit her lip, trying to keep her composure.

"I'm going inside to make sure the rooms are ready." Cloud changed the subject as he entered the inn, leaving Tifa outside. She shivered as he walked by her, his arm brushing hers.

"A, alright." She said quietly. "I'm going to just stay out here a little longer." Her dark hair flowed as she turned away from him again and stared upwards at the tall, ruined skyscrapers. She heard silence and then the small bell on the door jingle as Cloud entered the building.

'What does he want to say? What is he doing? Does he know what he wants?' Tifa rubbed her eyes. It was really late. She glanced at the giant clock a couple of blocks away on the top of the train station. Her lip curled upwards. 'Or…really early…' Her thoughts were interrupted by a foreign sound.

"Wark!" A loud noise called out into the night.

"What was that?" Tifa turned towards the direction of the sound. Through the dark ruins came the image of a golden chocobo. "Oh! Cloud!!" She called out and ran in the chocobo's direction.

Tifa's boots scuffed on the debris lining the streets. Thick dust kicked up behind her. Her heart was pounding at the sight of the rider on the golden bird. The person was leaning forward against the chocobo's neck; her arm dangled lifelessly, her golden bracelets clanged together softly.

"Aeris!" Tifa ran to the exhausted bird. It warked sadly as the woman's body fell sideways into Tifa's arms. "Aeris! Are you alright!? What happened!?" Tifa shook the woman.

"Hrm?" Her green orbs fluttered. Her clothes were icy cold and drenched. Her long hair was a mess and clung to her face and arms. "Tifa?" She said after a long silence.

"Yeah. Aeris, where's Zack?" Tifa carefully helped the woman off the chocobo, which immediately collapsed to the ground with a groan.

"I'm sorry…" Aeris whispered to the bird. It cooed quietly and closed its eyes. Aeris turned her attention back to Tifa. Her eyes immediately were full of pain and new tears fell freely. "Tifa! He, He…I…" Aeris clung onto the woman.

"What happened!?" Tifa had never seen Aeris like this. This woman hated crying in front of people, she always wanted to maintain her gentle, happy composure.

"Cloud…I need to speak with Cloud." Aeris hung her head. "Tifa…Zack…there's something wrong." Tifa nodded her head, panic was sinking in.

'Is he hurt, did something happen between the two of them? Maybe it was Sephiroth, maybe he's missing, maybe he's…dead…' Tifa shoved the thoughts from her head. She placed the woman on the ground and screamed.

"Cloud! Cloud!" She ran towards the inn. Her hair flowed behind her. She could see the front door to the inn fly open. In a flash the blonde haired man was leaping from the small group of stairs and rushing towards Tifa.

"What!? What happened?" Cloud crashed into her.

"It's Aeris!" Tifa gasped for air. "There's something terribly wrong, Cloud!" Tifa looked at the man with frightened eyes.

"What happened?" His blue orbs widened.

"I, I'm not sure, she wouldn't say. She said she needed to speak with you, I've never seen her like this!" Tifa shook. She was scared, dreading whatever information Aeris had.

"Where is she?" Cloud placed his hands on the woman's shoulders. Tifa turned her head quickly and pointed in the opposite direction. Cloud looked down at her. "Tifa…" His voice was calm.

"Yeah?" She bit her lip.

"The rooms are ready, why don't you get some rest? I'll make sure she is alright and I'll let you know as soon as possible. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, you'll need to sleep." His words were soft.

"Okay…" Tifa felt her heart sink. She wasn't sure what was going on but for some reason she didn't want to leave his side. She didn't want him to leave her because of Aeris.

'Stop being selfish! Your friend is in trouble! You have to trust Cloud.' Tifa mentally hit herself.

"Tifa. Everything will be alright." Cloud smiled at her. It was a small smile, but genuine. "Now go. I'll find out what is going on."

"Alright." Tifa took a deep slow breath and climbed the small stairs to the entrance of the inn. "Don't stay up too late." She shook a finger at him.

"Okay, mom." Cloud smirked and ran off towards Aeris and the golden chocobo.

'I hope everything is alright…' Tifa stared at the ground as she made her way into the building. Her mind drifted back to her and Cloud's conversation. They were going to run an orphanage together. It wasn't exactly the family life she had hoped for, but it was only the beginning. She smiled at the thought of Cloud handling a group of small children by himself. 'I wonder what he'd be like as a father?' She giggled to herself.

Aeris sat in the cold dust. She was curled into a ball, her head rested on her knees. Her long, tangled hair swelled around her. Her clothes were heavy, her jacket slid from her shoulders.

"Aeris?" Cloud's hand rested on her back. She shivered at his touch. In a flash the woman had her arms wrapped around his waist.

"Cloud!" She broke down. Her tears streamed down her face.

"A, Aeris!?" Cloud sat next to her, the woman's small frame clung onto him. "What's going on?" He asked in a soothing voice.

"It's Zack." She sobbed. "He…left me…"

"Left you?" Cloud felt his heart stop.

"We…had a fight." Aeris continued. Cloud sighed, glad that it wasn't anything too serious.

"What was the fight about?" He asked her as he ran a hand through her hair.

"You." She cried.

"…" Cloud felt a shiver down his spine. "Me?" He looked down at her.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Cloud!" Aeris shivered. "Look what I've done!"

"It's not your fault." Cloud frowned.

"Yes it is! I hurt him, over and over again, I'm an idiot!" Aeris tugged on his shirt.

"Aeris…Where is he?" Cloud felt like there was something more to this than just a fight.

"…I dunno." She shook her head.

"What do you mean!?" Cloud pulled her chin; her worried eyes stared at him. He had never seen her like this before.

"Well…we fought outside of Kalm. He handed me the reigns of the chocobo…" The woman stared at the sleeping bird next to her. "And told me to leave." She sobbed again.

"Told you to leave?" Cloud felt things were getting worse.

"He said to go to you, told me to figure out what I want." Aeris shook. "Then he turned around and left. He went into Kalm. I was angry, so I left…and I came here."

"So he's in Kalm." Cloud sighed.

"No. I don't think he is. I have a very bad feeling that he's not there anymore." Aeris shook her head.

"There's something you're not telling me." Cloud stared at her.

"…" Aeris crushed her face against his chest. "I can't…" her muffled voice vibrated.

"Tell me." Cloud pulled her away.

"Cloud…" Aeris didn't meet his gaze. "I have dreams about him, dreams about him leaving, things going bad and meteor crashing into the planet. I have dreams about you too! That's what we fought about. I wouldn't tell him what my dreams were about and he took it the wrong way." Aeris shook her head.

"What are your dreams about me?" Cloud rubbed her arms, trying to keep her warm.

"Everything is bad. Everyone is dieing, everyone is hurt and it's my entire fault. I don't know what to do. Seeing him upset like that scared me." Aeris lowered her head.

"That's not going to happen, Aeris." Cloud pulled her close to him. His heart was telling him to comfort her but his brain was telling him not to.

'What are my feelings? What should I do? What should I tell her?' Cloud argued with himself.

"He said for you to make up your mind? Find out what it was you wanted." Cloud stood up, taking the miserable woman in his arms. "What do you want, Aeris?"

"I want…" She stared at the blonde's bright blue eyes. She squealed as new tears came pouring from her green eyes. "Zaaaaacckkk…." She hugged Cloud.

"I figured you'd say that." Cloud took a deep breath. His heart was crushed, but at the same time he felt relief.

"I…I love you too Cloud! It's just…it's so complicated. I don't know what to do." Aeris covered her face. She felt awful. "I'm terrible. I never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"Go to him." Cloud placed a hand on her shoulder.

"What?" She looked at him.

"You should talk with him, about why you love him." Cloud smiled at her. He still felt a sting in his chest.

"But…what about you?"

"Aeris, You'll always have a place here…" He rubbed his chest. Aeris smiled a little. "But I understand what it is you're saying. Zack was gone, you…"

"I fell in love again. I thought I'd never do that again." Aeris' teeth chattered.

"And my feelings for you are not Zack's feelings, just so you know. They are mine and I will do whatever it takes to keep you happy."

"I'm an awful person." Aeris shook her head.

"No, you're a wonderful person. You just love too much." Cloud patted her head.

"Zack said that too." Aeris frowned. "Since when was caring a bad thing?"

"It isn't. It just works you too hard, that's all." Cloud pulled Aeris' against him. Her head rested under his chin.

"Why did this happen?" Aeris stuttered.

"Don't worry about it." Cloud held onto her. He was letting her go and it was now almost killing him. He knew she was Zack's first; he couldn't take that away from the man he owed his life to.

"I saw you in him, but then I wanted to meet the real you. I wanted to find out who you really were, and after everything that had happened, I still loved you." She looked up at him.

"Aeris…" Cloud stared at her pink lips. He wanted to hold her against him, kiss her like the night at the Gold Saucer. He wanted to make her pain go away, but knew it would only make things worse. "You should be with Zack. He loves you more than anything. He always spoke of you, bragged about you while he was in SOLDIER. He'd make the guy jealous telling the stories about the two of you. You were the greatest thing that ever happened to him."

"Really?" Aeris' eyes widened.

"Yeah. I'm not lying." Cloud brushed a hair from her eyes. "I remember him always being on his phone, talking away for hours!"

"Oh!" Aeris giggled, new tears showed in her eyes. "I would call him constantly, I bugged the heck outta him I'm sure."

"Nope, never did. Whenever he was through with the phone he wore a grin the rest of the day." Cloud smiled at her. "He would always sigh and say 'That was my girl!' and stare at the ceiling." The blonde reflected on the past memories.

"I called him whenever he was on a mission. Whenever he was home, I took every minute of his time. I couldn't be away from him." Aeris giggled. "He was so interesting. He always had stories and jokes, he could make anyone relax."

"That's one of the greatest traits he has." Cloud looked upwards at the sky. "He never had an enemy. No one ever fought with him because of it…also because he was first-class." Cloud shrugged. Aeris giggled again.

"He loves everything about life, every little thing." Aeris felt her heart swell. "He would go out of his way to make me happy."

"He did that for everyone. He would sacrifice himself for anyone." Cloud looked at the pebbles on the ground. "He did it for me…"

"Cloud…" Aeris looked up into his eyes.

"You should be with him, Aeris. He deserves you." Cloud smirked. "You love him; I can see it in your eyes when you talk about him."

"I do." Aeris nodded. The silence over took them. Their eyes spoke to each other. Aeris felt like she was leaving forever. They looked into each other, no words were needed. Cloud smirked and lowered his head. The two kissed each other softly. It was all they needed at the moment. It was long and full of passion. Cloud held onto her tightly, never wanting to let go. She was the only one that could make him feel that way. The kiss was broken after a minute. He sighed and looked at the woman with saddened eyes.

"You should get some sleep." Cloud whispered into her ear. "We have a long day ahead of us."

"Okay." Aeris nodded.

"I'll take the bird to the Highwind." Cloud grabbed the chocobo's reigns. The bird squawked grumpily and slowly stood on its two feet. It shook, drying its feathers and stared at the blonde haired man.

"Good night, Cloud." Aeris grinned and made her towards the inn. She felt a nagging in the back of her brain. She needed to know where Zack was.

"We'll find him first thing in the morning." Cloud said to her as he led the chocobo through the darkness. Aeris left no reply but continued towards the inn. Her form disappeared in the darkness of the dead city. The wind howled, pushing pieces of trash and debris across the ground.

Zack stumbled slightly on the loose rocks beneath his feet. He looked upwards at the giant airship in front of him. The Highwind was silent. His dark hair swayed in the morning breeze. He made his way slowly up the ladder into the main cabin. Carefully, he slid the door open and squeezed through as quietly as possible. He stopped abruptly from a loud sound coming from the corner of the room. Zack turned his head. His lip curled upwards. The noise came from a snoring Cid. Zack made his way through the cabin, not disturbing the pilot. He only had one thing to get before he was on his way.

'Must be quiet…' Zack reminded himself as he stepped down the metal grated stairs to the lower level of the Highwind.

The ex-SOLDIER turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs and followed the hall to the weapon room. His footsteps echoed in the hollow corridor. The door neared, his goal almost achieved. His gloved hand squeezed the handle as he pulled the latch downwards. The high-pitched squeak was agonizing to him.

'Let's see what we've got here…' Zack scanned the room, looking for a more suitable weapon.

He stopped at the center wall directly in front of him. A familiar sword winked at him in the light. Zack stumbled to it; his mouth gawked at the blade. He reached up for the weapon and slid it carefully, as if it'd disintegrate, from the rack and replaced the empty space with his long, thin sword. He ran his hand over the blade and smiled, new memories cluttered his brain. The gloved fingers made a soft sound as they glided over the metallic surface.

"Took care of it for you…" A low voice intruded Zack's thoughts. He felt his blood run cold.

Zack spun around quickly, blade still in hand. He had not realized someone had entered the room. He frowned at his inability to sense the intruder. 'Not a good sign…' Zack met the blue eyed gaze of the man in the room.

"I thought it was long gone…" Zack replied. "Of course, I should have known that you would have kept it…"

"It came in handy…" The blue eyed intruder leaned against the door, closing it.

"I'm sure it did." Zack answered a little edge to his voice. "How are things, Cloud?"

"Aeris came to me last night." Cloud glared at the dark haired man.

"Oh?" Zack answered with interest. He felt his heart skip a beat.

"She was not herself. She was very upset." Cloud spoke slowly.

"Hmm…" Zack stared at the blade. He felt very uncomfortable. He wanted to avoid confrontation.

"We talked for a while." Cloud's gaze never faltered. "She talked about you. How much she loved you. She smiled when she talked about you. I can tell she loves you a lot, Zack."

"Is that so?" He asked, almost sounding disinterested.

"What is you're problem?" Cloud pushed away from the metal door. "She loves you! She wants to be with you! She never wanted to leave you…" Cloud stared at the floor.

"And how does that make you feel?" Zack grinned.

"How the # do you think it makes me feel?" Cloud glared at the other warrior.

"Sorry…" Zack shook his head. He didn't want to act like this.

"She was scared…of how upset you got." Cloud's words hurt the dark haired man.

'I scared her…' Zack swallowed a lump in his throat.

"She's asleep right now. You should get some rest as well." Cloud faced the door. "But I also think you should go and talk with her…"

"…I will." Zack whispered. A nervous laugh came from his raspy throat. He looked up at the ceiling. Cloud curiously looked over his shoulder.

"You remember that time?" Zack started. Cloud faced the man. "In the locker room…that guy got glued to the toilet seat?" He laughed again.

"…" Cloud felt a shiver run down his spine. This was not the way Zack usually behaved. He saw how Zack's eyes glowed and shimmered in the light.

"The poor guy! It took hours to get him removed safely. In fact, they had to completely remove the seat from the toilet and take him, with it still stuck to him, to the emergency room." Zack chuckled quietly. "He couldn't sit for a week!"

"Zack…" Cloud started.

"And that time…we were practicing late at night…" Zack waved a hand in front of his face. "And we were impersonating the generals! And you slipped and fell and knocked over the lamp! Sephiroth came rushing into the room in his pajamas!" Zack chuckled again.

The stories continued in fragments about women, silly stories of food fights in the camp and other of drunken games of poker and dares. Zack's gaze was distant and never focused. Cloud noticed his hand shaking. He looked hysterical.

"Those were the days. Things were perfect then." He turned towards Cloud. "I had my girl, great paying job, Shinra was strong, so much potential, Nibelheim…" He paused. His face went cold and serious. "…wasn't destroyed…You're families weren't destroyed….Sephiroth wasn't a psychopath!" He clenched his fists.

"Zack…what's wrong?" Cloud took a step back. Zack's eyes were glowing fiercely. It was frightening.

"Everything…all of this. It isn't right. This isn't the way it's supposed to be!" Zack approached Cloud.

"Everything will be alright, Zack." Cloud said quietly as he back away from the man. Zack turned away from him and stared at the sword in his hand.

"Cloud…" Zack faced him again. He placed his free hand on Cloud's shoulder. "Tell her I love her, alright?"

"What are you up to?" Cloud held his breath.

"I'm sorry…" Zack whispered.

Cloud felt a quick, heavy blow on the back of his neck. His vision blurred quickly. He felt his knees give out and his body fall forward. He met the cold ground quickly.

"But this is my mission. I can't let you interfere…" Zack's voice echoed in his mind before everything turned into darkness.

"I'm borrowing this…" Zack waved to the body on the floor. He turned away and closed the door tightly behind him. A moment later a strange sound echoed throughout the ship.

"Oh…?" Zack turned his attention to the chocobo stable. A smile crossed his face. He walked towards the golden bird in the cage and opened the gate.

"Come on, bud. We've got to hurry." Zack snatched the bird's reigns.

Aeris wandered the Highwind. It was still early but time was flying by. No one had seen Cloud all night and she was beginning to get worried. Tifa was checking out the inn while Aeris agreed to check the Highwind. Her heart froze when she noticed the chocobo stable empty.

"Oh no!" Aeris ran to the empty cage. "He didn't leave, did he?" She looked around the room and ran through the halls.

'Maybe he never made it back here last night…' Aeris didn't want to think of that option. Cid had mentioned he didn't hear anyone come in or out the entire morning.

"Cloud! CLOUD!" Aeris shouted. She checked all of the rooms and made her way down the long hall to the weapon room. She shoved the door open and felt it stop quickly. She looked on the other side and to her horror, found Cloud on the floor.

"Oh my-…" She ran to his side and lifted his head. "Cloud!" She shook him gently. "Cloud, wake up."

"Wha…?" He mumbled and grimaced in pain. Cloud brought a hand to his head and frowned.

"What happened?" Aeris held onto him.

"I dunno…" He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He had a very bad headache.

"Cloud…everyone's here…" Aeris continued. "Everyone…except Zack." The blonde froze and stared at the woman.

"Not Zack?" He questioned.

"No…" Aeris shook her head.

Cloud looked around the room frantically. His eyes froze on the middle rack. There was a long, thin sword replacing the old, heavy one. Cloud gulped.

"No…" He stood up.

"Cloud?" Aeris stood up as well.

"He was here." Cloud muttered. He made his way to the thin sword and lifted it.

"What!?" Aeris darted towards him and snatched onto the blade as well. The two looked at each other simultaneously.

"We've got to go…" Cloud pulled on her arm.

Vincent made his way through the torn apart town. His red eyes scanned the ground for nothing in particular. He felt heaviness to his heart. Never in his life did he believe he would see such destruction once again. He contemplated many things over his journey, and for the first time, he didn't know what to do with himself. He was going to fight, but why would he? What was the point? Vincent tapped his metallic finger against his chin.

"Hiya!" A scream erupted in his senses. He felt a hard tug on his arm and a young woman squeezed him.

"Yuffie…what are you doing?" Vincent looked down at the young woman.

"I'm here to help you all out! Besides, you need me!" She giggled. "And what kinda hello was that!?"

"Sorry…" Vincent smirked. "Hello, Yuffie. How have you been over this past week?" He half mocked her.

"Oh, just peachy!" She threw her hand at him. "I've been busy training and gathering…" The young woman dug through a large pouch. She pulled out a shining orb. "Materia!"

"At least there's one thing you are good at." Vincent continued walking towards the Highwind.

"You're soooo mean!" Yuffie stuck out her tongue. She instantly forgot the insult and changed the subject. "So…how's Tifa?"

"…" Vincent looked away from the young woman. "She's well I suppose."

"Oh? What the hell happened!?" Yuffie stomped her foot.

"None of your business…" Vincent growled.

"Fine, grumpy…." She rolled her eyes.

"I suppose you can say it was an unspoken mutual agreement." He looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Oh damn! You're so lame! She's with the blonde isn't she?" Yuffie folded her arms.

"Yes…" Vincent felt his heart sink a little. "It is for the better."

"Do you really think so?"

"…Yeah." Vincent nodded. "I'm too old for her anyways."

"Age has nothing to do with love, Vinnie!" Yuffie slapped his arm. "Oh well, you don't wanna share, fine then. But just to let you know, I was rootin' for ya!" The young woman giggled as she twirled the materia in her fingers.

"…Rooting for me?" Vincent paused and thought about it. He laughed. Yuffie stared at him. She never could get used to it when he laughed.

"You're a strange man, Vincent. Real strange. I don't think I'd ever get ya." Yuffie rolled her finger in circles next to her head. "So, then, why are you here?"

"Why are you so nosy?"

"Fine! I won't talk to you!" Yuffie rolled her eyes again.

"I suppose I need to protect some people." Vincent patted the gun at his side.

"Like who?" She pried.

"Just some girls." Vincent shrugged. He continued walking at a quicker speed, leaving Yuffie behind. He smirked, knowing what he reaction would be.

"Now wait a second! You player!" She chased after him. "Am I on that list?"

Zack fed Hector a handful of greens and patted him on the back. The chocobo swallowed the helping all at once and whined for more. Zack smiled and gave him another handful. The bird squawked angrily as Zack tied it to a nearby boulder.

"Now, you behave. You've been very helpful; I'll make it up to you later." Zack patted the bird and laid the sack of greens next him. It chirped and stuffed his beak into the feed. Zack turned from the creature and moved deeper into the vast crater.

'Here I come…' Zack clenched his teeth together as he climbed down the twisting paths and moved towards the cliffs. The wind spiraled up from the deep gaps. His hand slipped and he fell downwards.

"Shit!" Zack cursed. He spun onto his backside, pushing his heels into the rocks, slowing him down momentarily. The wind tried eating him alive as he dug his fingers into the side of the steep slope. It was no use, he was going to fall. He felt a surge of adrenaline as he leapt from the side and soared towards the bottom of the crater.

'What the hell am I doing?' Zack watched as the ground neared his view quickly. Hundreds of feet flew by in seconds as he crashed into the rocks below. An eruption of dust and crushed rubble spread over the base of the crater. The sound was explosive as the earth shattering blow rippled throughout the crater's surface.

"…" Zack slowly opened his eyes. He was crouching inside a deep hole. He brought his gaze upwards, looking at the smoke and dust above. The man stood up slowly and dusted himself off, running a hand over his pants.

"Heh…damn." He chuckled and began climbing from the hole. "I can get used to this Jenova shit…" He raised himself from the hole and froze. Whispering images flashed by him in blurs.

'What the…?' He crawled slowly from the hole and stared at the cloaked figures. They were the same figures he saw back in the Nibelheim basement. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he noticed some of the creatures to be members of Hojo's army. The death ninjas and ugly beasts in armor made their way into the group of wailing clones.

"Reun…ion…" The silver haired figures stumbled around the rocky surface. "Jeeennnovaaa…" They wailed and cried out.

Zack watched with curiosity as the clones made their way to the edge of another cliff and dropped themselves.

"Hey!" Zack stood up and ran towards the figures. "What are you doing?! Stop!" He reached out.

"Seepph…iroth…" One whispered as he leapt from the edge of the cliff.

"Stop!" Zack tumbled over the edge and snagged the hood of the clone. It dangled lifelessly as Zack pulled him back to the surface.

"What the hell are you doing?" He panted.

"Sephiroth…" It looked at him with dull eyes. "ZACK!" He pointed and rolled from his arms.

"…!?" Zack stood up quickly.

"Zack! ZAAAACK!" All the others began to shout.

"#." Zack hurried away from the group as they snagged his clothing and reached for him. "Get off! GET OFF!" He screamed as the cloaked figures surrounded him and pulled on him. Zack felt panic surge his body.

The dark haired man pulled out his large blade and swung it around, slicing the many bodies around him. They fell lifelessly. He stopped and stared at them.

'What have I done? What's going on!?' His mind raced. He didn't know what to do, didn't know where to go. They twitched and spat as they lay dieing on the cold ground.

"Reunion!" They wailed as they neared him again. Zack turned and ran, getting as far away as possible.

He made his way through a series of tunnels, their surfaces full of natural pillars and stalagmites. His heavy footsteps echoed as he marched through the caves. The wind howled, chasing after him. Everything was alive here and it was swallowing him up. He was afraid, for the first time in years.

'Stop, just stop. Stop running!' Zack tried to regain his composure. He leaned against a pillar and caught his breath. He was completely lost and had no idea where to go.

"Where am I?" he rolled his eyes. He heard a roaring sound come from below him. Zack walked to the edge of the path and looked down hundreds of feet. A glowing green light flooded into view. He knew that he had to go down. That was where he was and Zack needed to see him. The green light reflected off of his face.

"Almost there…" Zack frowned. He noticed the numerous paths to reach the bottom. He didn't have the time to take them, but he did notice the ledges. He could easily jump from one to another and reach the bottom within seconds. His next destination would be directly above the Lifestream. Zack held his breath and crouched, readying for the leap.

"That's quite a drop." An eerie voice sounded from behind. Zack jumped to his feet and spun around.

"#!" He drew his sword. He glared at the tall figure next to him.

"Well, what do we have here?" The man folded his arms. His long silver hair fell over his shoulders.

"Sephiroth…we need to talk." Zack lowered his sword.

"You're all alone?" He appeared very amused. "You sure are bold."

"What makes you think that I am alone?" Zack kept his sword in his hands.

"Boy, I can sense that puppet halfway across the planet." He smirked. "And that Ancient as well." Sephiroth chuckled. His laugh bothered Zack. He tingled with hate.

"I see…" He cleared his throat.

"You…are…alone." Sephiroth grinned again. "So, what brings you here?" The man began pacing. Zack stared at Sephiroth's bare hand on the sheath of his sword. It never moved.

"I want to join you." Zack said quickly.

"…" The man chuckled. "Join me!?" His chuckles broke out into a fit of manic laughter.

"…" Zack frowned.

"You serious!?" He laughed even harder, but only for a moment before silencing himself completely. Sephiroth darted in a flash inches away from Zack's face. "You are serious…"

The silver haired man squint his eyes, staring into Zack's as if eating his soul. Zack stood his ground, staring back just as strong. Sephiroth backed away a little and smirked.

"Hmmm…Interesting." He walked around the soldier, scrutinizing him. "I wonder what it is that changed your mind?" his voice was full of sarcasm.

"What does that matter?" Zack hissed. This got a cheerful reaction from Sephiroth.

"She ran off with the puppet." He rubbed his chin. "She never could make up her mind." His words were like daggers, his emphasis pointing out the past encounter Sephiroth had with Aeris. Zack tightened his grip on the sword.

"Shut up…" He growled. Sephiroth pulled Zack by the collar, looking down into his eyes.

"The puppet and the Ancient are traitors." He let go of Zack and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But you…you know where you belong."

"I'm not part of that weak species…" Zack clenched his teeth.

"That's right! You're not…" Sephiroth spun in front of the ex-SOLDIER. "We're not!" He raised his arms into the air.

The silver haired man glanced around at the rocky walls. His green eyes were deep in thought. A menacing grin crossed his face.

"But she made herself a weak species. She doesn't deserve to go to the Promised Land." He was pushing Zack with his words. He was testing him. "She will be disposed of along with the rest of the traitors."

'Bastard…' Zack frowned. He didn't want to hurt anyone.

"Does that bother you?" Sephiroth leaned forward.

"…No." Zack answered finally. "She had a choice." This answer brought another chuckle from the sadistic man. It was followed by a long pause.

"Her hair is that of silk, her scent of Iris'." Sephiroth began. Zack's body tensed. "Her skin is smooth as stone; her eyes are that of jade. Her voice is even richer." Sephiroth paused, a wide smile on his face.

"…" Zack looked away from the man. He never felt so low in his life.

"Ah, young love!" Sephiroth chuckled. "Amazing what can come from a soldier after a few drinks, right?"

"That was a long time ago…" Zack managed to speak. Sephiroth stared him down again. Zack held his place once again.

"… She did break you." Sephiroth stared in amazement. "I never seen you so empty!" He smirked.

Sephiroth threw his arms into the air. His laughter echoed through the massive tunnels and caves of the crater. Zack felt himself getting stronger. He didn't want to leave, but something was tugging at the back of his mind. Something was not right.

"Good! That's good!" Sephiroth turned to him. "You've become an amazing soldier! And that woman created you, just like the rest of those humans created me!"

"Thanks to her…" Zack smirked. Sephiroth approached the dark haired man and placed his ungloved hand on his shoulder.

"To the women!" He raised a hand into the air. He spun around quickly, walking away, laughing. "Come! We must prepare!" He shouted over his shoulder.

Zack held his ground a moment. His fingers twitched as he shoved his hand into one of his pockets. He felt the leathery texture and smiled.

"Sephiroth!" He shouted and tugged on the item. Sephiroth spun around quickly. Zack tossed the black garment at the man. Sephiroth snatched it and stared. "You forgot these…" Zack grinned.

Sephiroth pulled on the dark gloves, those he had taken off when he had his way with Aeris. He smirked and shoved his hands into the clothing. He stared at his covered hands, and explosion of laughter erupted from him. He waved his hand for Zack to follow him and together the two men made their way around the corner towards the paths that lead to the Lifestream.

The Highwind lowered and the ladder dropped quickly. AVALANCHE rushed to the bottom. They were in a hurry, time was against them.

"We've gotta move!" Cloud shouted as he led the group through the crater.

"WARK!" A chocobo called off in the distance.

"There!" Aeris pointed towards the golden bird. She turned to Cloud, fear in her eyes. "He is here!" She sprinted towards the ledge; they had to hurry, before the unimaginable happened.

'I can't believe he left without us! What is he thinking!? Why would he do this to me!? Why would he throw his life on the line for us? It would have been so much safer with all of us there.' Aeris' brain scrambled too many thoughts. 'Is he alright? I hope he's okay!'

The group made their way through the numerous tunnels and caves. The winding paths were dangerous and empty. Something was not right, and Aeris couldn't help but reflect on the nightmares she had.

'Please, Zack. You better be alive!' Aeris tugged on her black ribbon around her neck.

Loud footsteps filled the empty corridors of the tunnels. Zack and Sephiroth awaited the intruders with drawn blades. They were perched on two large boulders, the adrenaline rushing through their veins. Zack's heart was pounding.

"Here they come…" Sephiroth's amused voice purred behind Zack. A moment later the large group of people came tumbling into view. Cloud was in the lead. Zack looked back at Sephiroth; a deeply amused grin crossed his face.

Cloud sprinted around the pillar. He skidded to a stop and peered over the edge of the cliff at the glowing Lifestream below. The green light gave the group an eerie appearance. Zack felt sick. His heart was pounding too hard. He thought he was ready for this. He saw Cloud turn his head in their direction, his reaction was priceless. His angry gaze turned to pure astonishment. His eyes widened and his body tensed.

'This…I was not expecting…' Cloud took quick breaths. He felt goose bumps on his arms and a feeling of dread overtook him. He stumbled a few steps forward, the rest of the group unsure as to what he was doing. Cloud wobbled and leaned against a nearby rock formed pillar.

"Z, Zack!" He called out. AVALANCHE turned their heads. A massive sound of gasps and shocked screams filled the area.

"Zack!" Aeris tumbled forward. Fresh tears formed in her eyes. "How could you!?" She covered her face and looked away, sobbing. Zack watched the group's reactions.

Aeris was crying. Cloud was out of it, shocked from the sight of Zack next to Sephiroth. Red XIII was gaping at the sight while Cait Sith appeared to shut down. Barret had his gun-arm pointed and ready, but his face held a strange expression. Cid's cigarette fell from his mouth. Yuffie clung onto Vincent whom just stared back, as cold as ever. Tifa was in the back. She had her mouth covered, tears slid down her cheeks as well. Zack reflected on the night he had kissed her. This was beginning to be overwhelming.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Cloud shoved off the pillar and drew his blade. Immediately Zack and Sephiroth leapt from their resting place and aimed their swords at the man. Cloud tightened his jaw and glared ferociously at the two. Zack's eyes wandered towards Aeris. Cloud followed his gaze.

"Do it." Sephiroth's voice echoed maliciously throughout the crater. He laid a hand on Zack's shoulder.

Zack nodded slowly, his eyes were empty. He felt a strange tingle in the back of his head. It was as if someone was controlling him. He pulled his sword up, aiming at the sad woman behind Cloud.

"…Z…Zack?" Aeris' voice squeaked. She felt her heart stop. She rushed behind Cloud, hiding behind him. Zack saw Cloud's hand hold onto her, protecting her. This infuriated the dark haired man. He felt his entire emotions bundle up into one, anger.

"Stop crying!" He shouted. His eyes were crazy, full of anger, a look he never had in his entire life. He approached the woman.

"What the # are you doing!?" Cloud sidestepped, blocking Zack's view of the woman. He pressed himself against the blade of Zack's sword. Cloud's eyes had the same intensity. "This isn't the Zack I know."

"Funny…I thought I never existed." Zack's eyes darted from Aeris' to Cloud's. His words jabbed Cloud, mocking him for his weakness.

"Son of a bitch…" Cloud's hand was on his sword, ready for the draw. "Look at you…you-…"

"BACK OFF!" Zack roared. The volume of his voice and manic expression sent Cloud back. In a flash Zack pounded his fist into Cloud's stomach. He lifted the blonde and threw him against the group in the background. Instantly Sephiroth held up a hand and a massive barrier separated the group from him, Zack, and Aeris. A series of shouts ruined the silence of the room. Everyone darted for the barrier, trying their best to destroy it.

"Do it." Sephiroth demanded. His eyes showed his love for this.

"Don't…do…it…" Cloud coughed.

"Zack…please…" Aeris cried as she leaned against the pillar. Her hand trembled over its surface.

"You…said something about a sacrifice?" Zack slowly brought his eyes to her, his dark bangs hung over his face. She shrunk back even more, realization hit her.

"No…Z, Zack…Please…" She sobbed, her voice crackled. Dread, fear, and pain filled her features.

"So emotional…" Sephiroth chuckled. "Do it!"

"Don't do it!" AVALANCHE shouted. Cloud darted from the ground and pressed himself against the barrier.

"Aeris!" Cloud called out to her. He pulled out his sword.

"Do it, Zack!" Sephiroth glared at the soldier.

"No!" Everyone's shouts exploded as Zack neared the trembling woman. A smile crossed his face. This was exciting.

"A lil closer…" He whispered as he neared Aeris. Her eyes were wide. She curled into a ball, not wanting to see him like this.

'This isn't happening. This isn't happening…' Aeris cried.

"Don't!" Cloud pounded on the barrier.

"I'm sorry…" He whispered to Aeris as he raised his sword. Everything was in slow motion. He looked around at everyone's face.

Tifa was on her knees, scratching at the barrier crying uncontrollably. Yuffie had her hands over head, sobbing as well. Cid and Barret were punching away at the barrier, the expressions never more angry. Vincent was gathering energy, his face in panic. He was preparing to let the devil out, Zack needed to hurry. Red and Cait Sith held the same expression as before and Cloud was calling out to Aeris, telling her to run. He saw Aeris, her face almost beautiful in her painful state. Her tears angered him though. He needed to end this. He needed to stop those tears, immediately, no matter what. Her sobs pissed him off even more, the way she said his name, the way Cloud called out to her. Sephiroth's voice echoed in his mind.

'Do it…'

Zack swung his blade. The whooshing sound was deafening. His gaze never left Aeris' face as the blade made contact with flesh. Spurts of blood flooded the scene; everyone's cries were like music. Zack smiled at the sight of the blood. He did it.

End of this chapter! Oh my god! Hope you all liked it. I loved writing this chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I'll post again next week. Tell me what you thought of this chapter. –Annubis.