Alright, I got my water, my superman macaroni, and my music

Alright, I got my water, my superman macaroni, and my music. I'm ready to go! Thanks to everyone who's been keeping up with the story and also to those who have reviewed. Last chapter was left on an interesting note. I hope you all will be satisfied with this next chapter. I'm sure it'll be interesting as well. At least, I hope. : ) Thanks for reading! -Annubis

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

Chapter 33

'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.

'He's crazy, absolutely crazy…' Cloud's face held no other emotion besides shock. He was not expecting any of this at all. 'What is he thinking?' The blonde haired man leaned forward, pressing against the barrier. He stared at the blood on the ground.

Her screams were gone, her tears had stopped; Aeris was silent. Zack smirked at the group's gasp, the looks of horror and shock, and the absolute silence that filled the crater. He stared at the droplets of blood as they ran down the blade, pouring from the wound like red wine. He couldn't contain his chuckles, it was to wonderful, the feeling he had.

"No way…NO WAY!" Cloud shouted. His sight ran from Zack's hands, blood dripping from the blade towards his gloved fingers, and scanned the length of the blade. His sight stopped at the vision of cold steel wedged in between pale flesh.

"…You…Bastard…" Sephiroth muttered as he stumbled slightly. Zack smiled at the silver haired man. His blue gaze turned towards the woman on the cold floor. She was staring in disbelief, totally silent. Zack gave her a smile. He brought his attention back to Sephiroth, frowning. The man had kept Zack's blade from cutting as deep as he hoped. Sephiroth had drawn his sword, making contact with Zack's, but it didn't save him.

"Damn…wasn't fast enough." Zack grinned.

"H, how?" Sephiroth held onto his stomach where the blood poured from.

"I knew what you were trying to do…" Zack raised his eyebrows. "I felt you. I'm not a puppet; you can't control me that easily."

"I don't…understand." Sephiroth glared at the wound.

"Jenova cannot control me. In fact, I control her within my body. Her cells actually conformed to mine." Zack explained what he learned from Hojo. "I control her!" Zack pulled the sword out of Sephiroth's body. More fluid splattered onto the stone surface below. Sephiroth stumbled backwards, leaning against a rock pillar.

"M, mother?" Sephiroth stared at the blood on his hands.

"Her cells are manipulated by me." Zack stepped forward, cornering the injured man.

"Im, impossible!" He staggered, trying to raise himself. His silver strands fell over his face. Zack looked back at Aeris once again.

The group behind the barrier now had looks of relief on their faces. Tifa had fallen to the ground, he couldn't see her face. Cloud was staring into Zack's eyes. A smile crossed his face.

'You son of a bitch…' Cloud stifled a chuckle of relief.

Aeris was lying on the ground, she was breathing hard. She stared at the ex-SOLDIER in front of her. His brilliant eyes had an apologetic look. She understood, but when this was all over she was going to make his life a living hell. Her green eyes scanned the man. He had specks of blood on his clothing and arms. He held his sword casually. Her eyes fell into the background. Sephiroth was moving, and he was moving fast.

"ZACK!" She screamed. The soldier turned quickly, aware of what was happening. He brought his sword up quickly. Metal clashed together.

"You're too slow…" Sephiroth hissed as he continued throwing attacks in Zack's direction. His jade eyes were glowing with hate. His sword was met evenly each time with Zack's.

Zack retreated backwards. His boots scuffed on the ground with each step as he tried his best to keep Sephiroth's sword away. He was loosing balance quickly as the evil man advanced. Aeris could see Zack's struggle. She stood up quickly and leaned against the rock pillar. Sephiroth darted forward, his sword going for Zack's head. The dark haired man leaned to the left, the blade grazing his cheek. His blue eyes showed a look of shock. A trickle of crimson dipped from his cheek.

"Congratulations! I don't think I've ever been angrier!" Sephiroth snarled as he swung his sword towards Zack's with all his might. Zack gasped as he brought his sword down, he began to panic. Everything was too fast, too hard.

'Damn it! I should have followed up!' Zack glanced back at Aeris. She was caught in the middle of the battle. She would get hurt if she stayed in sight.

"Aeris!" Zack hollered. "Get out of here!" He stared at his opponent.

"Where…?" She looked back at her friends.

"We've gotta break this down!" Cloud shouted as he swung his sword against the barrier. "He's weaker now; we should be able to get rid of it!"

"I'll cut you to pieces first and then I'll get the Cetra…" Sephiroth threatened.

"You don't lay a hand on her!" Zack growled as he pushed against their meeting blades. Sephiroth stepped backwards. Zack advanced, swinging his sword down at the wounded man.

'It should be easier than this. I can't be distracted.' Zack tried to calm himself as his blade met once again to the other mans.

"Aeris! Over here! Get over here!" Cloud motioned for the woman to near the barrier. She trotted quickly towards the blonde man.

"Zack…" She watched with fear. "Cloud we have to help him!" She ran a hand over her materia, trying to find the right spell.

"She'll be mine." Sephiroth smiled.

"She'll never be yours!" Zack kicked at the man. The battle was hard to see. The two men were attacking each other at such an intense speed that they were nothing but blurs.

"I can't tell what's going on!" Yuffie threw her shuriken at the invisible wall in front of the group.

Sephiroth swung hard again ramming his blade purposefully into Zack's. Zack's arms went sideways, he half turned.

'Shit!' His mind went blank as Sephiroth crushed his face with an elbow. He lost his balance, falling backwards. Sephiroth side stepped, his blade running for Zack's side. The dark haired man turned quickly and parried. The block was sloppy and didn't connect completely. He stumbled once again as Sephiroth kicked, his boot connecting with his chest.

Aeris fumbled for the spell, trying to dispel the barrier. It took many tries but she was finally able to deteriorate it. Her head turned quickly at the sound of Zack's distressed scream.

"ZACK!" She yelled and rushed towards the two fighting men. It was too late. Sephiroth had kicked Zack over the ledge of the walkway.

Zack reached forward snatching at the metal bangles around Sephiroth's wrist. Together, the two men fell down towards the Lifestream several hundred feet below. The woman skidded across the loose dirt. She fell to her knees, looking over the ledge at the green ooze below. Her features lit up.

"Aeris! Be careful!" Cloud shouted as he pushed against the diminishing barrier. The group succeeded in getting rid of the barrier but it was too late. The battle had moved to a new location.

"Zack…" Aeris whispered. New tears of worry filled her eyes.

"Okay! We have to get to the lower level!" Cloud ordered the group. "There are two paths. We should split up, one half take the right route the other half take the left!" Cloud darted around the corner, choosing his path. The others scrambled quickly, trying to decide which route to take. Aeris dug her nails into the dirt. She looked down at the many levels. She saw Cloud run past her sight below. He was rushing. She stood up. It was too far down, it would be too late. There would be enemies and creatures that would get in the way. She didn't have time to waste on them. She decided to follow Cloud. He would be able to hold them off.

'I'll run, and not stop.' Aeris ran as fast as she could down the winding path. Nothing was going to stop her for a second.

"Ow…" Zack mumbled as he sat up slowly. He took a look at his new surroundings. A low growl rumbled below him. Zack turned his attention to the green flood of light a few levels below. He had fallen a great distance. He leaned on his hand trying to pick himself up.

"Ah!" He grabbed his shoulder. He looked over at the dislocated joint and frowned. This was going to be painful. He took a quick, deep breath as he pushed on his arm and pulled on his shoulder. The loud crack echoed in the empty corridor of rock. Zack leaned forward, crying out in pain as the joint snapped back into place. His entire body hurt and he felt like he got hit by a truck. He wondered if there was any other part of his body that was broken or out of place. He straightened his back, feeling his vertebrae snap. He sighed as he stood up.

'Where is he?' His blue eyes traced over the rocky surfaces of the pathways. He squint his eyes as he looked down into the Lifestream. 'Maybe he fell in…' Zack scoffed. That was unlikely. He bent forward, reaching for the heavy sword on the ground. He grimaced in pain as he did so. Zack felt like an old man.

"Where are you?" the dark haired man asked in a normal voice. He turned around and faced the rock wall behind him, there was a dark tunnel. "May as well look for the bastard." He trudged into the darkness.

His boots echoed loudly. He didn't like how every movement's sound was amplified by the craters tunnels and caves. If Sephiroth hadn't known where he was before, he knew now. Zack yawned, he felt real tired. He didn't get much sleep through the night since he left on foot to get to the Highwind before everyone else was awake.

'Smart move, Zack. Don't get any sleep and try fighting the most psychotic, strongest man on the face of the planet.' He rubbed his forehead and face, trying to stay focused. He looked down at his hand, it was stained red. 'Great. No wonder I'm so tired…' He cursed himself for being so clumsy. If he had fallen asleep or unconscious things would have been a lot worse.

"So slow…" A calm voice echoed throughout the tunnel.

"Sephiroth?" Zack was alerted, sword held tightly.

"Why don't you find me?" His chuckles surrounded the man.

"Why don't you just come out and fight me?" Zack clenched his teeth.

"Looks like you could use the rest." Sephiroth chuckled once more.

"Damn you…" Zack shook his head. The man was just toying with him. Zack wandered the tunnel a few more minutes before he came back out into the light. He closed his eyes, adjusting to the blast of light.

"GRAH!" A scream sounded above the man. Zack fell hard onto the ground as something heavy landed on top of him.

"Get off!" Zack snarled as he kicked and rolled, flipping the intruder across the pathway. Zack rolled to his feet. He glared at the long haired enemy. "Sephiroth!" Zack hissed as he pulled up his sword. The enemy was in his face in a flash, the battle had commenced.

"Zack!" A voice called from above.

Aeris hurried down the path. Earlier she had caught up with Cloud pretty quick. He and his group were ambushed by a pack of strange creatures. They began their battle, trying to dispose of them and clear a path through. Aeris didn't fight however, but kept running past the monsters and her friends. She sprinted downhill on the path; she was in the lead and would be at the bottom in no time. Aeris looked over the ledge. There was still no sign of either two men.

"Scree!" A high pitched screech sounded from in front of her. Aeris skidded to a halt. A winged creature flapped down in front of her, its large talons clicked on the rocky floor. It looked at her sideways, its pupil enlarged. A moment later many more came into sight.

"Damn it." Aeris grabbed her weapon. She wrung her hands over the metallic rod. Cloud and the others were too far behind to help her and these monsters were not about to let her pass. "Ok. You wanna fight? Let's fight!" She was out of breath from the run. Aeris ran her hand over a bright red materia on her staff. She needed to use her magic if she was going to dispose of the creatures quickly. She mumbled a strange spell, talking to the orb, summoning the mythical creature inside.

'Bahamut would be a nice choice, but maybe it would cause too much damage.' Aeris debated.

'Gotta go with Odin…' She nodded her head. She called out for the magical warrior. Moments later she heard the clip clop of horse hooves on the hard ground. Aeris smiled as she saw the mounted knight ride out of the darkness from one of the tunnels. His six-legged horse whinnied as it trotted next to her. The dark armor over the man's face hid all features but his red eyes. Aeris smiled at him as he held up his lance as if asking her where the target was.

"Get them." Aeris said quickly and pointed at the clawing winged creatures blocking her path. Odin nodded slowly; an electrical surge of power ran through his body. He squeezed the lance tightly as the horse took off down the path at the winged creatures ahead. A crackle of power echoed throughout the crater as Odin quickly impaled and cut through the beasts. His power blasted through the pointed tip, disintegrating them instantly. Aeris watched in amazement at his power. Odin was quite a fearful warrior. The horse trotted in circles in victory. Odin turned his gaze back towards Aeris. His glowing eyes winked at her as he nodded once again.

"Thank you." She whispered. Odin pulled on the horse's reigns. In a flash they had disappeared into the darkness once again.

Aeris rushed down the path. She needed to find Zack. 'Zack please be okay. Please don't be dead. Please…' She felt she was going crazy. Everything was happening too fast. He may have had good intentions, but things just got a little more complicated. Aeris stopped dead in her tracks. She heard a yell from down below. She scuttled and leaned over the ledge. Two men were at battle below, one in blue and the other in black.

"Zack!" She yelled down at him.

Zack glanced upwards. To his fear the woman he loved was too close. She would be down on the lower level before too long.

"Aeris! Stay away!" Zack hollered. His mouth was covered by a gloved hand. Sephiroth pulled on his face, wrapping his other arm around Zack's neck. He choked and reached for Sephiroth's arms. The silver haired man tugged on Zack, lifting him and sending him flying backwards. Zack's body collided with a rock pillar, crashing through it. He flew into another behind it and landed hard on the ground. His lungs felt crushed. The sound of his sword clanging onto the ground on the lower level rang out. Zack coughed as he picked himself up from the ground.

"Damn…it…" He coughed again. Blood trickled from his lips.

"So many distractions. You human's…" Sephiroth shook his head in disgust. He sprinted towards Zack and ran his shoulder into the man's chest. Zack spiraled, falling over the ledge downwards like his sword had previously done. Zack twisted and landed on his feet. He dove and rolled, picking up his sword. He turned and lifted the metallic weapon, swinging upwards. He met with Sephiroth's Masamune. The two continued their series of swings and blocks. Zack spun around another rock pillar, Sephiroth's sword digging into its surface. Sparks flew from the blow. The pillar crushed into pieces, distracting Sephiroth momentarily. Zack rolled around the other side, bringing his boot up and into Sephiroth's chest. The black clothed man collided against the wall. Zack followed with a fist to his face. He wrapped his hands around Sephiroth's head and pulled down while lifting his knee simultaneously. After the blow he spun, twirling the enormous sword in his hand. Sephiroth gasped, the sound was golden to Zack's ears. His sword made impact just as Sephiroth tried to get out of the way. The blade sliced, cutting the man in the side.

"Gah…" Sephiroth spit as he tumbled to the ground. More blood poured out of him. His hands were held around his torso. Zack leapt upwards, ready to bring the finishing blow. "Not…this time!" Sephiroth shouted.

The Masamune was lifted upwards. Zack was caught in a bad place. He was ready to fall down onto the tip of Sephiroth's sword. He changed the direction of his blade, hitting Sephiroth's to the side just as his body fell. He succeeded in preventing the blade from impaling him but he still received a harsh cut across his ribs. It was deep and blood was flowing from the wound quickly.

"Shit…" Zack cursed and fell to the floor. The two men lay on the ground momentarily, the only sound their breaths. Sephiroth crawled onto all fours. He dragged himself across the path, heading for the dark cave. A low rumble sounded from above. Zack opened his eyes slowly; the upper level was ready to fall. He caught a glimpse of Sephiroth as he disappeared into the cave. He groaned as he picked himself up. He was not about to be killed by a pile of rubble. Zack staggered as he trotted across the path, boulders falling behind him. The cave neared, the hole of darkness was a sanctuary.

'A lil closer. A few more feet. Quicker, Zack, Quicker!' Zack felt a heavy object fall against his back. He tumbled forward, crashing into the cave as the rocks rolled outside. He turned his head slowly staring at the boulder that had crashed into him. On the ground were his famous sunglasses. They stared back at him like a lonely child. He watched as they were crushed by the final stone.

"Heh…" He chuckled quietly. "This…sucks." His voice was raspy and dry. Zack stumbled to his feet once again. He leaned against the rock wall, catching his breath. He was loosing a lot of blood fast. Head spinning, he scooted across the wall. The cold invaded his body. His blood drenched his clothing; it ran down his body, soaking his pant leg as well. Zack ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't wait for this day to be over.

"Here I come." Zack sang out loud. His voice rippled down the tunnel in Sephiroth's direction. He chuckled again. Hojo said he was stronger than Sephiroth. He could easily defeat him. He had cut him twice, but Sephiroth was able to get a hit on him as well. He took deep, labored breaths. Sephiroth was going down. Zack squeezed the hilt of his blade tightly.

"Too fast…He's too fast…" Sephiroth's head rolled to the side. He sat on the ground, rummaging through his materia. He frowned. He had lost many of the shiny orbs during the fight. "He's too strong…I don't believe it."

'I have to think of something.' Sephiroth closed his eyes. His clothing was soaked to the skin with his own blood. He had never lost so much blood in his entire life.

"He'll kill me soon, that is, if I don't die first…" Sephiroth smirked. "Death. I can't die. I'm a god!" He laughed as he picked up the only orb left in his collection. This was his only hope.

"I'm going to kill your girl!" Sephiroth laughed. "You hear me!? AERIS IS DEAD!"

"You bastard…" Zack coughed again. He felt a shiver down his spine. Aeris was getting close, way to close. He worried for her. Was Sephiroth going after her now?

"Aer…is…" Zack clenched his teeth as he pushed off the wall and hurried down the tunnel. His feet dragged a little, his bootlaces dangled, untied from the battle.

"Aeris!?" He called out again. He needed to find out where she was. Before, when he saw her, she was only three levels above them. She could be on top of him right now.

"AERIS!?" Zack called out again.

"Zack…?" A far off voice replied. "Zack!?" It called out again. Zack trotted out into the light of the tunnel, his hand gripped his side, his sword dragged on the ground.

"Aeris. Where are you?" He managed to get out. He saw the light at the end of the tunnel. He pulled his sword up, preparing for another ambush by Sephiroth. He entered the light and turned, looking upwards. Nothing. Zack spun in circles looking for the man. Sephiroth was nowhere in sight. He looked over the ledge. The Lifestream was only ten feet below him.

"Zack?" A voice called from across the way. He looked up and across the gap over the pool of light. "ZACK!" Aeris waved her arms in the air. Zack smiled at the sight of her. She ran across the pathway above him. He watched her run the winding circle. In a few moments she would be out of sight and running down the tunnel.

"Aeris. Wait there. I'll come to you." Zack sighed. It was too late though. She was out of sight. He couldn't see her anymore. "Aeris? Aeris!" He ran down the path, trying to get a view of her entering the tunnel. Zack froze. He felt chills run down his spine. Aeris was screaming. She was screaming a fatal scream.

"No..NO!" Zack rushed into the tunnel. Sephiroth had gotten her. He was in the tunnel still, waiting for her. "Aeris! RUN!" Zack's voice echoed throughout the tunnel. Darkness surrounded him. All pain was gone, his adrenaline was rushing. Aeris was hurt and he had no way to get to her quickly. If she was killed, he would never be able to forgive himself. Zack stumbled into the light. He leapt over the boulders from the previously fallen walkway.

"Aeris?" Zack called out. She was nowhere in sight. 'Where the hell is she?'

"Zack…" Aeris' voice sounded. Zack spun around. She was stumbling out of the cave he just ran through.

"Aeris? How? What?" Zack rubbed his head.

"You passed right by me." She giggled quietly. Zack slapped his forehead.

"Sorry! It was dark I couldn't see a thing." He ran to her. "Are you…alright?" His question was answered before he could ask. Aeris' pink dress was stained red. She toppled against the wall.

"Aeris!" Zack held onto her.

"Sephiroth…he…" Tears welled up in her eyes.

"No….it'll be okay…I'll help you…" Zack's eyes scanned her body as she fell forward into his arms. "Aeris…Aeris!" He brushed a few strands out of her face. Her hair was a mess, clumpy from splatters of blood.

"Zack…" She smiled softly.

"Yeah…?" He replied, trying to stay calm. His hands were shaking. He felt his heart breaking. There was too much blood. She wasn't going to make it.

"You're…too weak…" She whispered.

"What!?" Zack stood up straight as the woman pushed off of him. She reached behind her and lunged forward. Zack paused. He just stared at her. Her eye's flickered. Her pupils changed shape. Zack gasped as he felt the sharp pain in his gut. He felt blood wet his clothes even more. He watched as the beautiful woman giggled and pulled out a long sword from Zack's torso and repeated the gesture, this time into his chest. His eyes never left her, he was too shocked.

"Human emotions. They get in the way of everything. The strongest of opponents can easily be defeated when they are distracted by emotions…" Aeris smirked.

Zack gasped for air. He reached up, pulling at the materia in Aeris' hair. It glowed with a bright yellow. He ripped the materia from her hair. Her eyes turned upwards as a large grin crossed her face.

"C, confuse…?" Zack looked at the yellow materia in his hands; it was not green like Aeris'. He's blurring eyes met the woman's again. She faded from view, her face changed, her clothes changed. Sephiroth flooded his senses.

"You would have been stronger than me…if you hadn't let mental issues get in the way." Sephiroth smirked as Zack toppled backwards. He hit the ground hard; the yellow orb fell from his hand and rolled across the platform. All was silent for a minute. Zack just stared, breathless, and watched Sephiroth.

"Zack?" A voice called out in the distance. "NO!" It was Aeris voice. This time he knew, it was the real Aeris.

"Any last words?" Sephiroth questioned as he weakly held his sword towards the man's throat. Zack's dull eyes rose slowly to the tip of the sword. His pale hand rose slowly and snatched the blade. Blood dripped from his hand. "L, let go." Sephiroth mumbled as he tried to pull the sword from Zack's hand. Zack only stared at the point as he stood up slowly. He snatched it with his other hand and tugged on the end. Sephiroth fell forward as Zack pulled it even harder. He freed one hand and snatched his blade. He brought it down quickly on Sephiroth's back and flung Sephiroth to the lower level the Masamune flew down with him. He heard the man crash into the rocky surface. He heard breath escape his lips when he made contact. Zack smiled and toppled back to the ground, hitting hard on his rear, his knee raised. Zack leaned forward, resting against the joint. He felt his heart pounding, his body shaking. This was it. Everything was over.

Aeris jogged down the final path. She could hear footsteps behind her.

"Aeris! Wait! Wait for us!" Cloud's voice called out. Aeris toppled to the ground, trying to catch her breath.

"I saw them. They're just down one more level…I think…" Aeris pointed down at the rubble next to the tunnel. Cloud's group caught up with her, everyone was out of breath. A second later the other group appeared on the other side of the path.

"Well, damn! We did meet up." Cid staggered over to the group. "Well, where the # are they?" He hacked from lack of oxygen.

"You need to stop smoking." Yuffie poked him in the chest.

"Shit…" Cid patted his pockets, looking for his cigarettes. The group chatted a moment trying to get things straight.

"I saw them…they were fighting so I ran down here trying to catch up. The last I saw of them they were on this lower level. I hope Zack's alright." Aeris tightened her grip on her staff.

"We need to hurry. Who knows what kind of tricks Sephiroth may pull." Cloud equipped his sword. "Get ready you guys. We need to be prepared."

The group readied their weapons and armor. Aeris paced back and forth. She had a really bad feeling. This was all too similar to her dream. Zack had run off by himself…and the group was separated. She had this nagging feeling as she walked over to the ledge of the path. She froze.

"Zack?" She asked. The group paused a moment and stared at her. "NO!" She scrambled across the pathway. The image burned into her mind. Zack toppled over; Sephiroth had his sword aimed, ready for the kill. Aeris' boots scuffed on the broken pathway. She leapt over the holes, cracks, and gaps. 'He was covered in blood. He was wounded. Sephiroth! He's a monster!' Tears stung Aeris' eyes. Zack was all alone with Sephiroth. He may just be dead already. She could hear the footsteps of everyone following her.

"Cloud?" Tifa's voice called out. Aeris looked behind her just in time to see Cloud leap from the pathway to the level below. He was going to get there before her. Aeris ran faster.

Zack stared at his hands. He concentrated on his breathing. It was getting hard keeping his eyes open. He knew there was a hole in his chest, Jenova wouldn't be able to fix that so easily with all the other wounds he had. His eyes blurred a little. He could hear echoing footsteps in the background.

"Zack! ZACK!" A voice called out. It wasn't Aeris' though. It was Cloud's.

Zack turned his head upwards. He looked back at the running blonde. He looked so slow everything was going slow. He smiled weakly as the blonde fell to his knees at Zack's side.

"Zack!" Cloud grabbed a hold of his friend as he fell back.

"Shh…" Zack whispered. "So…loud…" He felt sick.

"What were you thinking!?" Cloud whispered. "Look at you." his expression was pained.

"I…I got him." Zack pointed to the level below.

"I saw." Cloud mumbled.

"He's dead, right? He fell…I cut him real good…." Zack chuckled weakly. Blood trickled from his cracked lips.

"Don't talk too much. We were worried about you." Cloud was breathing heavily. He didn't know what to do. It was too many times he had watched a friend or loved one die. He didn't want to watch Zack die, not again.

"Cloud." Zack's grey orbs stared into Cloud's eyes. "You have…to take…care of her…"

"No. you'll be okay." Cloud tightened his jaw. He didn't know whether that statement was true or not. His blonde spikes lowered over his face.

"Heh…where's Hojo…when you need him?" Zack's eyes burned.

"ZACK!" Aeris' shrill voice broke the silence between the two men. Loud noises flooded Zack's senses. He grimaced in pain and discomfort.

"Aeris is coming…." Zack gasped for a breath. "Man, I'm in for it now…"

The group neared. In a flash Aeris was flying to the man on the ground. She clung onto him, crying. Cloud let Zack go slowly. Aeris placed his head in her lap.

"Zack! Zack! You idiot! What's wrong with you!?" Aeris placed a hand over his chest.

"Shhh…" Zack groaned. "I got him, Aeris. Hojo was right…I could…defeat him…" Zack coughed.

"Zack…why?" Aeris sobbed. She grabbed onto his hand, his blood stained hers.

"I saved…everyone. Look…" Zack rolled his eyes around, looking at the group surrounding him. He felt embarrassed.

"No! You didn't save everyone! Look at you!" Aeris held onto him. "Look at you…" her voice cracked.

"I wasn't strong enough…I let my emotions…get in the way." Zack whispered. His lungs ached. "I…was weak…"

"No…You're not weak. You're human, Zack. You're not a heartless monster." Aeris ran a hand through his dark hair. He gave a small smile at her touch.

Cloud stared at Zack's wounds. He was surprised he was still alive. Tifa was on her knees. She had her mouth covered, tears ran down her cheeks. Yuffie had her face covered as well. She was turned away leaning against Vincent. His red eyes stared at Aeris and Zack. He had a saddened look on his face, his frown greater than what anyone had seen before. Cid stared off into space. He didn't want to be there. He didn't want to see this. Barret placed a hand on Tifa's shoulder. He shook his head slowly. There was a lump in his throat. He was sick of seeing death; he already lost all his friends and family from Shinra and the fall of the upper plate on sector seven. Now he was watching a friend go due to a creation of Shinra. Red XIII howled and whined quietly. He lay on the ground, resting his head on his paws. The fire on his tail was dim. Cait Sith stared down at the wounded man. He had the same look on his face as when Scarlet was murdered.

"I can help! I'll help you, Zack." Aeris grabbed the green orb from her hair. She closed her eyes and began praying.

"No." Zack held a hand up, blocking the green orb. His was getting worse by the moment.

"Why not!?" Aeris shoved his hand out of the way. She began praying again.

"You need the strength to continue…" Zack gasped for air. His blue eyes were fading by the second. "I am not positive…if he's dead."

"Zack, please!" Aeris bit her lip.

"You'll need your power to help everyone. Heal them so you can all get out of here safely. You'll need it to help people." Zack spoke slowly.

"But…I can save you. You don't have to die." Aeris shook her head, her curly hair bounced around her face.

"Yes…I do…" Zack sighed.

"…What?" Aeris' mouth gaped open.

"I…am dieing…Aeris. I can be…the sacrifice." He smirked.

"Zack! You're awful! You're awful!" Aeris laid her head on his chest. "You did this all on purpose!"

"To save you. To keep you safe…" Zack's breaths were scratchy and dry. His eyes rolled back into his head for a second. Blood pooled out around him. He had amazing strength to hold on for so long.

"We're wasting time. You can't be the sacrifice, Zack. You're not a real ancient." Aeris shook her head. "It may not work."

"Then keep your strength…so you can pray…and stop meteor…" Zack closed his eyes.

"Zack." Aeris squeaked. "I am the death of you…."

"Don't say that. It's not true. Cloud…get her out of here…" Zack stared at the rocky surface above him. "Get everyone out of here." He handed Cloud his heavy sword.

"No!" Aeris screamed and threw her body over him. "Zack, no please…I love you. I love you!" she wailed.

"Ah…music to my ears…" Zack's eyes widened. He just remembered something. He shoved his hand into his blood drenched pocket. He glanced at Cloud a moment.

"Cloud…you remember that time?" Zack smiled.

"Yeah…I remember that time. I remember all of them. I'll never forget any of them." Cloud's eyes burned. He couldn't handle this. It was too much. A tear strayed from his cheek. At the site of it, Zack frowned.

"Stop it. You'll make me cry…" He made a loud, long airy sound, symbolizing the laughter he no longer had. He pulled the object from his pocket. A small box soaked up a few droplets of blood. "Aeris…" He whispered.

"…" The woman picked herself up from the man. She was listening to his heartbeat. It was fading quickly. He was almost through. She stared at Zack's hand as he opened the box. He pulled out a small object. It glistened in the light. Aeris covered her mouth and muffled a cry. "Oh!"

"I…never got the chance to ask you. I went back to the city…got it back…for you…" Zack whispered. His eyes were focused on the ring. "It was too late last time. I blew it. I blew it big time. It's almost…too late…now…"

"Zack..." Aeris sobbed as he held the engagement ring into the air.

"Aeris. I was…wondering…if you'd…wanna…" Zack took a slow breath. "Marry…me…" His words drifted into silence as his hand dropped to the ground, the clatter of the ring on the rocky surface pierced the air. It jumped across the floor and rolled over the ledge, falling down into the green fluid of the Lifestream.

"Zack?" Aeris stared at the man's pale face. His smile faded as his head rolled to the side. His last breath escaped slowly, deafening in the silence. She watched as his pale blue eyes dulled into a lifeless grey-purple. "Zack!? ZA--CK!" She cried out loudly, covering his chest with her body. Her shoulders shuddered and shook as she cried. She looked back and forth at his face, cradling him in her arms. She swayed, her mouth open from her screams and wails. The surface began to shake.

The group stood silently, besides the sobs from the women, all eyes stung from tears. Cloud stood up slowly, taking Zack's sword with him. He walked over to Aeris and placed a hand on her arm.

"Aeris, we have to go…this place is…falling apart." Cloud pulled on her softly.

"No!" She shook her head. "No!" She laid her head by Zack's ear.

"Yes, yes. I would've said yes. I do say yes. I'll make things right, I'll fix them." Aeris whispered as she ran a hand over his eyes, closing them. "We'll be happy. Everyone will be happy. Everyone will be saved…."

Aeris stood up slowly. She stared at the man's lifeless face. There was no smile. There was no laughter, no cocky grin. No boyish charm remained in his features. No anger, no pain, nothing. Zack was nothing. Aeris sniffled and turned quickly, sprinting away from the group.

"Aeris!" Cloud started after her. Vincent held a hand out, stopping him.

"Maybe she needs to be alone." He suggested.

"No…she's going to do something…" Cloud shook his head. "We have to get to her, before something bad happens."

The ground shook violently. The paths and walls were no longer supporting themselves. Zack's battle with Sephiroth had knocked all the supporting pillars loose. Everyone tumbled to the ground and fought for their footing.

"Shit!" Cloud cursed as he fell forward, watching Aeris run into the darkness of one of the tunnels. The walkway cracked and tore, breaking away in front of him. Their path was gone. They had to find another way out of the crater before it was too late. The vibrating settled a moment. Cloud got to his feet.

"We've gotta move! Come on! This path is gone! We need to find another way up." Cloud darted away from the cracking surface around him. Everyone moved out of the way, trying not to fall. Cloud leapt upwards, grabbing onto the broken walkway above. He pulled himself up and reached his hand out for the others. He stopped and stared at the tunnel Aeris had gone through. A shadow came into view, a dark shadow with long, silver hair.

"Sephiroth!" Cloud stood up. The man turned around and glared at the blonde.

'She's not getting away from me, puppet. She will be mine.' Sephiroth's voice screamed into Cloud's head. In a flash the man was gone, leaving Cloud and the others alone in the crumbling tunnels and caves.

"HURRY!" He shouted to the others as he reached down to pull them up one by one. His gaze traced a path over the forming cracks. He stopped and glanced at Zack.

The cracks formed winding trails around the man's body. The crackling sound was all that could be heard. One by one Cloud and the others lifted each other up onto the stable platforms and walkways. It wasn't a quick route but they would get out of there alive.

The crater shook on the outside. The vibrations rumbled throughout the surface. The clones moaned and cried at the destroying land. Some were crushed by falling chunks of stone while others leapt crazily over the sides of the cliffs. One stared lifelessly at Aeris as she made her way to the warking chocobo.

"Come on, we're getting out of here." Aeris untied the reigns from the boulder. Hector warked sadly as Aeris mounted the creature. "No…Zack's not joining us."

Pebbles and rocks rolled around the man's legs. The cracks grew in length and broke deeper into the rock ground. The vibrations shook his body as the ground opened up around him. The stone slab he was on crashed on to the walkway below. Thick cracks formed around him again. This time, all the stone broke away into a million pieces. Slowly, Zack's body slid from the surface, falling into the Lifestream below.

End of this chapter. I know, I know. Some of you didn't want me to do this, but I have my reasons. The story is not over yet. Oh man, when I was writing that death scene, the saddest song came on and…well it was very hard to keep from crying. I hope you all liked this chapter, even though it was depressing. Thanks for reading and please review, and please continue reading! -Annubis