Author's Notes: Have you noticed that our regularly scheduled programming is decidedly irregular?

Anyway! Chapter Thirteen, in all its glory, has now arrived! It promises to reveal everything. But then, so did every other chapter. ;)

Just one more chapter after this! You can all last that much longer, right?

Thanks again to LuckyLadybug for help! Hope you all enjoy. :)

Chapter Thirteen

The Ghosts in the Trees

"They can't just have vanished, Tseng! Friends and family haven't seen them, they are nowhere to be found in ShinRa … And Zack …"

"We're doing the best we can, Sephiroth. We have everyone combing the city …"

Sephiroth shook his head, sighing. "It won't do any good." He wearily rubbed his forehead, tossing a handful of documents onto the table. "It all comes down to what happened a month ago. The soldiers go missing … Zack vanishes, replaced by two imposters … the killings begin … Something is significant about that time period."

"… The return from Mideel … "

Slowly, Sephiroth nodded. "That has to be it. Zack claimed to have landed in Midgar with the others … No, it was the imposter who claimed that, yet one of them also put in leave for all the soldiers, which the same imposter couldn't remember … Lies." Another sigh. "So many lies …"

"We know, at least, that none of them have been seen in ShinRa since they returned."

"… Did anyone see them return?"

Tseng shook his head. "It was past midnight. A standard drop-off – no one was up to see them in; the debriefing was scheduled for the morrow."

Sephiroth put his fingers together and rested his lips against them. He shut his eyes, thinking. "We know, with certainty, that the next time any of them were seen was the following day. And it was only Zack – the imposter."

Tseng nodded.

"What of the pilot who returned them?"

"It was a local pilot. From Mideel; he departed as soon as his job was complete."

Sephiroth opened his eyes and raised his head. "Find him."

The flight to Mideel had been long, almost agonizing in the amount of time it took. Though Sephiroth had secured a helicopter for a direct flight, it was still a good seven hours to reach the southern island. He was left with plenty of time to think.

After the death of the second imposter, a sweep of the building had revealed nothing – that monster had been the last one, providing no creature had been able to escape the building. Sephiroth had contacted Tseng, and together they re-examined the evidence of the past few days to determine what might have happened to Zack.

There was nothing to suggest that Zack had ever been among them since his return from Mideel a month ago, indeed, that he had ever returned at all. With their newfound perspective, they were able to conclude that any interaction anyone had had with Zack since then had been due solely to one of the two creatures. There was strong evidence to suggest that it had been, almost exclusively, the second creature that Sephiroth had killed, while the first had committed most of the murders. Hojo hypothesized that the second creature had been the more advanced of the two in mimicking human appearance and behavior, the first one less so.

Sephiroth couldn't care less about Hojo's opinions, so long as they helped him find Zack.

There had been no sign of any of the soldiers sent with Zack since his return, either. Family, friends … no one had heard from any of them since some time before the mission. He had to conclude that it had been one of the imposters, clever enough to use Zack's status, who had ordered leave for all of them, in order to divert suspicion. And that meant that, unless something had occurred during the return flight, neither the soldiers nor Zack had left Mideel in the first place.

If something had occurred during the flight itself, then there was a lot of land between Midgar and Mideel, and the soldiers could be anywhere. Sephiroth prayed this was not the case.

To narrow things down, Tseng had finally been able to identify the local pilot who had supposedly flown them back. According to him, only Zack had returned from the forest. He had been expecting four other passengers, but Zack had mentioned nothing about them, and also carried nothing, other than what he wore and the sword strapped to his back, which the pilot had found a little odd. In inquiring about it, the pilot had simply been ordered to fly to Midgar. Shrugging, the man reported that he'd done as he was told, assuming that whatever had happened was ShinRa business.

So, Zack and the others had never returned from the forest. Worrisome, yes, but thank Gaia they'd identified where to look, and they weren't scattered all over the main continent.

About four hours after Sephiroth had killed the last imposter, the creatures had … transformed, reverting, Sephiroth supposed, to their original forms and proving that they had not been some kind of mutated human copy. Instead, they were revealed to be some kind of strange, furry creature, rather small, with large ears and a long tail. They were reminiscent of small, climbing animals that Sephiroth had seen before, but were not something he was familiar with. That they apparently possessed the ability to not only transform, but to become something as large as a person, and to mimic the person's behavior and personality, were very troubling, indeed. Sephiroth wondered whether these had been the monsters that Zack and his team had been sent out to find.

To support the idea that the creatures had originated in Mideel, the reports of the DNA analysis on the fur and tissue sample had finally come in. They were insufficient to provide a positive identification of the creatures – either they were something unknown, or a mutation – but there were several elements seen in common with monsters from the Mideel area. Hojo had been excited about this, of course, being given the chance to study a new life form, but Sephiroth was less enthusiastic. If the soldiers had run into one of these creatures, which they surely had, what had become of them?

The General gazed out the window of the helicopter. They had left the mainland some time ago; only ocean, bright and endless in the sunlight, raced beneath them. His concerns had left him unable to sleep very much on the flight, and he was impatient to reach their destination. Unsure what had befallen his friend, he worried. Twice before, fate had been kind enough to ensure he had not found Zack dead. Would it be so a third time?

It had been a month. A whole month, that Zack had been missing. Gaia … anything could have happened in so long a time.

As he mused, the conversation of the other SOLDIERs in the cabin picked up. He'd brought five of them – a First and four Seconds – as backup, not knowing what he would find, but not wanting to be caught unawares, given the abilities and the strength of the creatures he had fought. It still surprised him how such a small animal could be so strong, so fast, and so bloodthirsty.

The voice of their pilot came over the intercom. "We are approaching the Mideel island. We'll be landing in roughly thirty minutes. Please secure your seatbelts, weapons, and materia, and prepare for landing."

The helicopter banked to the left, bringing into view the jut of land in the distance that the other SOLDIERs must have seen. It was rapidly growing larger.

Soon, the ocean was abandoned, and they soared over a pale beach that quickly gave way to lush, green jungle. Tall, rocky outcroppings spilled waterfalls into dense foliage below. Ahead of them, hidden by hills and greenery, the village waited. They were almost there.

Finally.

Sephiroth carefully picked his way through the thick undergrowth, taking care not to let the sword strapped to his back snag on anything. It was dim here, though bright sunlight still found its way to the forest floor, streaming down in blinding rays that dappled odd patches of light and dark across the ground. Colorful bunches of the occasional flower, in yellows, reds, blues, and oranges, broke up the depths of the green, beckoning the unwary traveler. Sephiroth remained cautious of cunningly disguised monsters and kept his distance. They were not particularly dangerous to him, but their poisonous attacks were an annoyance he did not wish to deal with.

It was strangely quiet here, the sounds of the SOLDIERs' footsteps muffled beneath the canopy, though insects droned ceaselessly in the background. There were few animal noises. The silence, the low sound of the insects, and the heavy, humid atmosphere all seemed to conspire to dull the senses, as if a thick, warm blanket had been draped over everything. This, combined with a faintly sweet scent that permeated the air and brought about an aura of peacefulness, recalled memories of lazy, summer afternoons, and beckoned sleep.

Sephiroth remained as alert as ever. The other SOLDIERs, spread out around him, who were also making their way through the brush, were alert, too, though there was more than one muttered comment on the quality of the atmosphere.

Scanning his team, he brought sharp eyes to rest upon their guide, a tall, dark-skinned fellow, by the name of N'kim. N'kim had personally come out of the jungle to meet them when they arrived, which Sephiroth understood was a rarity – the natives disliked leaving their remote village, except for the few that went to Mideel on a regular basis to trade. Warriors, like N'kim, were not among them.

In surprisingly good Common, N'kim had beckoned them to follow, barely giving time for them to unload their gear and secure the helicopter. He'd been impatient and sharp with them, giving the impression that he was somehow angry. They should have come sooner.

Sephiroth agreed. He watched this strange man, wondering at his behavior.

The native, insisting on taking them into the jungle, made only a brief stop at a stilted house to collect one other man – a Dr. Matthew Walker, if Sephiroth recalled correctly from the original mission briefing. The man had made a lucky grab for his wide-brimmed hat before N'kim had him by the elbow, out the door, and down the stairs. He'd initially been startled at the group of SOLDIERs that greeted him, but recovered quickly, expression turning grim, and matched strides with N'kim. They headed down the worn trail into the forest.

They hadn't even asked the SOLDIERs why they were here.

Slightly dumbfounded, the other SOLDIERs scrambled to pick up their packs when Sephiroth abruptly left to follow the two into the jungle.

The General caught up quickly. He had begun to speak, when N'kim cut him off, without preface.

"You are here because they disappeared."

"Yes."

"You are …"

"… Sephiroth. Zack's commanding officer."

There was a nod of acceptance. After that, keeping his words short and to the point, N'kim had explained that Zack had saved his life, and he was determined to return the favor. ShinRa should have come earlier, but he accepted that they were here now, and either they would aid him in finding Zack, or N'kim would leave them in the forest. Rather impressed with the man's dedication, the General had wondered about the impact Zack had made on him.

Over time, he received his answer. During the long trek to the ruins used as Zack's base of operations, he'd spoken at length with both N'kim and Dr. Walker. They were able to explain, in great detail, the events that had occurred over the week Zack and his team had spent in the jungle, giving Sephiroth much to think about. The attack of SOLDIER Third Class Stover was of particular concern. But even more troubling were the events of the last night they'd all been together – apparently, Zack and the others had gone into the forest after some creature … and never returned. N'kim and Walker had retreated to the village to wait for them. Days turned into weeks, which became a full month, and still there was no sign of the soldiers.

N'kim had made forays out to try to locate them, but, unable to convince anyone else from the village to accompany him, he had failed to find anything. There is not much that one man can do against the forest … especially when it was the forest itself that had swallowed them up.

Eventually, he had stopped going. But he never forgot. He knew that, one day, ShinRa would return. And, finally, all too late, they had.

Sephiroth considered the dark-skinned man, absently eying the painted designs on his skin. He now searched with the others for some sign of Zack's party. Surprised at the man's loyalty, Sephiroth was grateful to him for being there and for taking it upon himself to watch over Zack during his illness and recovery from the injuries inflicted by the kimara. A poison strong enough to affect a First so badly was a serious matter – without a Heal materia, Zack might have died.

If he wasn't dead already.

Sephiroth jerked his head, banishing those traitorous thoughts. Zack was not dead. He couldn't be. Sephiroth would not allow it. Zack was somewhere, holed up in some makeshift shelter, maybe lost, maybe attending to an injured comrade, maybe injured himself, anything to explain why he had not returned, as long as it wasn't death.

But the emergency radio they'd found a short while ago hadn't been the reassuring piece of evidence he had hoped for.

"Gaia, help us! It … Ba'keel … Watchers … -t a myth! … Real, they've … under our noses this whole time!

"A- … Ghosts in the Trees, they-"

The recording had been short, fractured by static, and some of the words difficult to make out due to some commotion in the background. But they'd been able to decipher the majority of it, with N'kim explaining about the Ba'keel and "Ghosts in the Trees," though what had been known about them at the last was not clear. But one other thing was.

It had been Zack's voice.

Though Sephiroth was glad to have found some additional piece of evidence showing that they were on the right track, that Zack had to have come this way, he would have almost wished for anything else besides this. For the very fact that Zack had made this recording indicated that they'd been in the middle of something … desperate. Desperate enough that Zack, knowing that the small radio had no power to transmit in this forest, recorded what he could in an attempt to leave something for others to find when they didn't make it back.

He'd known that they might not make it back.

What were you facing, Zack? I wish you could tell me …

Lost in thought, he held up the device, running a gloved thumb along the dirtied and scratched black casing. Moving without his consent, his fingers pressed the button to repeat the message.

Static cut loudly through the stillness.

"… Gaia, help us! …"

The other SOLDIERs looked up as the message played, focusing on their commander. This wasn't the first time he'd replayed it. They exchanged glances of concern.

When the message finished, Sephiroth stared at the little device. With a sudden surge of rage, he had the urge to crush the thing and hurl it into the trunk of the nearest tree. Why wouldn't it tell him more? Where was Zack? he wanted to demand of it. His fingers twitched.

Abruptly, a heavy hand came down upon his shoulder, and he started, looking up at the man who'd somehow come up behind him without his notice. It was SOLDIER First Christopher Bail.

"We'll find them, sir." The man nodded, encouragingly. "I promise."

Sephiroth's eyes darkened, hiding the turmoil behind them, as he regarded the First. How can you make that promise? he wondered. Neither of us is in a position to promise anything.

But, as his gaze left Bail and scanned the other SOLDIERs, noting their determined expressions, he began to believe that the First was right – perhaps he could make that promise. None of them would give up until each and every one of their lost comrades had been found, however long that would take.

As his eyes traveled over Dr. Walker and the impassive face of N'kim, he received a nod from each in turn. And he finally allowed himself to relax, just a bit.

That acidic thread of worry was still there, but SOLDIERs were family, and he knew they'd go to the ends of the earth for each other.

They would find them. They had to.

It had been yesterday when Sephiroth and his team arrived at Zack's base camp. What had taken Zack's party two days to reach with bushmen and a slight detour to the village, it took the determined group of SOLDIERs one. The two guides moved just as quickly, knowing well the forest and the route, and they arrived at the ruins by sundown.

The foliage here, more sparse than that in the rest of the jungle, allowed the sun to peek over the tops of the trees before them, a blinding jewel that cast long shadows from the scattered structures and promised an early twilight. Sephiroth took a moment to observe the area – the stillness of the air, the crumbling, vine-covered buildings, the twisted paths made of vanishing cobblestones that now led only to ruin.

He made his way up the short, deteriorating steps to the temple where Zack's team had pitched their tents. Most of the supplies were still there, now a month's worth of weathering inflicted upon them, where N'kim had left them for ShinRa to find … or for a lost traveler, in the event that someone miraculously returned from the forest.

The tents had been felled by the wind, or curious animals, and lay in heaps on the floor. Supplies, once stacked in what Sephiroth assumed was some semblance of order against a stone wall, were strewn about, old food packaging having been torn into long ago. The corner of a medical kit peaked out from beneath one edge of a worn canvas, and a string stretched between two columns, still with a stubborn pair of socks clinging to it. Leaves, twigs, and dirt had been scattered over everything by the wind.

They took the time to examine the campsite, and it wasn't long before Sephiroth discovered a small, leather-bound book, lying neatly upon a rolled-up sleeping bag and pillow inside a fallen tent.

The book displayed no markings on the outside, other than an unadorned strap to snap it shut. There was no introduction on the inside, either, but the inside cover bore, in Angeal's simple, precise print, the name Zack Fair. The opposite page began, scrawled roughly across the top, Day 1.

It was Zack's journal.

A strange feeling overcame him at that point, and Sephiroth directed the other SOLDIERs to continue searching the site, while he retreated outside, into the brighter, but fading, light, to read.

It was not a very long read. Though many of the pages had been used, they were small pages, and Zack had not been conservative in his use of space. In addition to the many misspellings and grammar mistakes, there was much scribbling and crossing out, along with the occasional bored doodle. Sephiroth was torn between amusement and concern for the contents of those pages.

I expect we'll be back by dawn.

Those were the last words Zack had written. Slowly, Sephiroth shut the book. He raised his head to gaze upon the last of the golden sunlight lingering upon the treetops. An evening breeze awoke and drifted through the shadowed clearing, stirring his hair.

He considered the words in the book. Zack had been in this very place, not really so long ago … perhaps in this very spot, near the mossy stone head against which Sephiroth was now leaning. He was so close, his own thoughts right here in Sephiroth's hands … yet somewhere, just beyond his grasp.

What had happened to Zack, in this place? Events had shaken him horribly. His slipping was evident, even through the simple pages of the journal, and his struggling efforts to keep himself, and his team, together. Sephiroth's heart ached for him.

The General was actually surprised, and rather impressed, at the amount of detail Zack included in his entries. He hadn't expected too much, Zack being Zack, but apparently the young SOLDIER had found it useful, perhaps discovering a peaceful sort of reflection at the end of the day, in recording events. Sephiroth was grateful for it, in any case. There was just enough for him to piece together some of what had occurred, from things whose significance Zack had likely overlooked, included on a whim.

Zack's "furries" … Though impossible to tell for certain without seeing them, there was a strong chance they were the creatures that had become Zack's imposters. The constant watching, the ability to imitate voices … had they been studying Zack and the others? It was an eerie, unsettling thought.

Additionally, Stover's sudden insanity, though possibly caused by something else, could be explained, again, through the acts of one of those creatures. What if he had been a copy at the time? Perhaps an initial attempt at infiltration? Perhaps, after that initial failure, things had escalated in some way and led to the disappearance of the others. But when had the real Stover been replaced? And where had he gone? The answers were not immediately apparent from the journal, and Sephiroth hoped that it was not too late to discover them. For, if Stover had been the first to vanish, might the others, Zack included, have disappeared to wherever he'd gone?

Sephiroth wished Zack had been more clear in his last entry, more descriptive of what had happened, his plans, and where their destination had been. But, he supposed, it told him all he really needed to know.

A valley to the North.

That's where they would go.

That's where Zack had to be, because if he wasn't … then this forest was far too large, far too deep, and Zack was only a single, small spark of life lost somewhere within it.

The jungle where they now searched was thick, pristine, and untouched by human hands. The trees were tall, with large, gnarled roots like heavy locks of hair, draping to the floor and sinking into the ground. If one could see past the trees, it would be evident that this was, indeed, a valley – the lush, green hills of the highlands surrounded them, somewhere past their view.

According to N'kim, it was called The Valley of the Red Leaf, or Shii Rok'di, in native terminology. Though, to be accurate, it wasn't red leaves that they found here, but a pervasive, vine-like plant that all but covered the trunks of the trees and a good portion of the undergrowth, and which sported a tiny, but very vibrant, blood-red flower. Mildly curious, Sephiroth examined the small flower, finding that it resembled the tapered bell of a horn, flaring out at the end in a star-like shape. He remembered seeing something similar back at the ruins, though not nearly so widespread.

As decorative as they found the plant to be, however, it was also a bit of a hindrance. Tiny tendrils of the vine clung tenaciously to whatever surface it happened to adhere to, making it difficult to pass through areas where the vine had covered the undergrowth. Often times, they were forced to find a different path around – cutting through it was just too awkward and time-consuming.

But, it had been in this valley where Zack's radio had been found. So, vine or no vine, they would search every inch of it.

It had been many hours since they'd started their search that day, when a sudden, violent screech speared through the normal murmurings of the forest, and Sephiroth had Masamune out and ready to strike at whatever had made it, before he knew what he was doing.

Tense, weapon poised in one hand, he stared down the quivering silver length of the blade at the culprit. It was a small climbing creature. It had tan fur, except for its face, which was black, and drawn up in a tiny expression of fury. A tail lashed behind it, and it glared at Sephiroth with eyes resembling hard, obsidian stones.

When Sephiroth did nothing, the animal approached another few steps along the branch it was perched upon, opened its mouth to reveal sharp little teeth, and screamed again, giving the branch a shake. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes.

It looked extraordinarily similar to the creatures back at ShinRa.

That was good enough for him. Drawing the blade back, he swiped at it.

There was an indignant squeal, and the animal dodged, then whirled and ran back up the branch, gaining height. Pausing at its new vantage point, it screamed a third time, and scampered rapidly away, emitting a laughing call.

It was answered, somewhere in the distance, by another scream, and a chorus of eerie, baying laughter erupted around them. The SOLDIERs stopped, gazed searchingly into the trees. They glanced at each other, unsure what to do.

Abruptly, the noise ended, and there was a collective rustle of leaves as previously unseen creatures left their hiding places and darted away, through the undergrowth and across networks of branches.

Then there was a startled curse from a SOLDIER, but Sephiroth hadn't the time to pay it any mind as, alerted by some sixth sense, he spun and cut down an animal that was leaping for his face.

After that, chaos erupted. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw at least four of the furry critters mob one of his SOLDIERs, who was backpedaling away, reaching back to pull out his sword as they swarmed up his leg. He suddenly felt something impact his back, clawing up the leather, and he reached behind to deliver a bolt of Lightning. There was a thud behind him as the small body hit the ground; already he was slashing Masamune across two others.

The situation quickly devolved into a row. Dozens of the creatures had emerged from the jungle; the SOLDIERs were beset upon from all directions. It was a quick, frantic, and furry mess. There was a yell on one side when a beast sunk vicious jaws into the corner of someone's neck, then a squeal as another's sword caught the same creature and sent it flying. From the other side, N'kim speared animals around a SOLDIER who'd lost his footing, and gunshots from Dr. Walker announced his own efforts in taking the creatures down.

But, really, against several high-ranked, experienced SOLDIERs armed with materia, the small creatures hadn't stood a chance. They were routed after a few minutes; the remaining animals fled into the forest. For several moments afterward, echoing calls retreated into the distance, and then the trees were still. Fires, sparked by both Lightning and Fire materia, attempted to lap their way into the canopy. The greenery was too moist, however, but Sephiroth took an Ice materia to them as a precaution.

As the steam from his actions drifted through the trees, Sephiroth took a moment to survey his team. Everyone was bitten, bruised and scratched to some degree. One of his Seconds, O'Malley, clutched a cruelly lacerated arm, pain coloring his grin. "Vicious little bastards, weren't they?" he commented. Another SOLDIER approached him to cast Cure.

Satisfied that there were no injuries too serious, and that all were receiving needed medical attention, he turned his focus to Dr. Walker and N'kim.

"Do you know why those creatures might have attacked us?"

The naturalist shook his head. "I don't. They're interesting little animals, but I can't say I know much about them. I only see them when venturing into the deep forest, and only one or two at a time. They're usually very docile."

N'kim spoke up, his deep voice contrasting with Dr. Walker's tenor. "They are the same creatures that visited our camp. We saw many of them there. But, I have never seen them act this way." Though he attempted to remain impassive, he seemed somewhat unsettled, and shifted from foot to foot.

"Hm." Sephiroth considered. "… I have seen them before. They are linked to Zack's disappearance." He scanned the trees, searching in vain for answers he didn't yet have.

N'kim raised his eyebrows in surprise. "They are? How?" When Sephiroth didn't answer, he stepped closer, gripping him by the arm. "How do you know this?" he demanded.

The General fixed him with an unreadable look. "I will know more when Zack is found, and may tell you then."

The man held his gaze for a moment, before he nodded, dropping his hand. He clearly wasn't happy about the answer, however, and stalked away to continue the search.

Sephiroth returned his attention to Dr. Walker. "If you see any more of those creatures, and they are close enough, shoot them." When the man nodded, Sephiroth turned away. They still had an incredibly large area to cover. And even then, there would be no guarantee that they'd searched all they could.

Whether it was hours later, or just felt like it due to the excruciatingly slow progress through the tangled brush, Sephiroth was unexpectedly brought up short by the unnatural clang of something metal hitting the ground, very close by.

He turned to the left, scanning the leafy floor. Initially, he saw nothing, but a further turn brought his eyes to rest upon the dulled, cast iron surface of a small cooking pot, resting against the prominent roots of a tree.

His mind ground to a halt.

… A cooking pot …?

Incredulous eyes were slowly drawn upward, past the length of the trunk, and into the network of branches that began several feet above his head. The vines were thick here, obscuring much of the bark – it was difficult to tell where the tree ended and the parasitical plant began.

But, if his eyes hadn't failed him, and his imagination was not playing him for a fool, he could almost make out what looked like, buried in the vines, the toe and tread of a combat boot …

He drew back. The trees …

They were in the trees …?

A shout further down the path stole his attention, and he looked, only to find a SOLDIER pointing frantically to something suspended among the branches high above – the distinct form of a body hung from a natural gallows.

An electric jolt raced down Sephiroth's spine.

They were in the trees!

He couldn't quite remember what he'd done in that moment, only that, with barked orders ringing in his ears, the charred scent of plant matter lingering in his nose, and a limp form laying carefully against the tree behind him, he was racing as quickly through the woods as the undergrowth would allow.

Zack. Zack was here, somewhere; Sephiroth had to find him …!

He'd almost missed him, his friend, for the clutter of vines hugging him tightly to a large tree, holding him prisoner. As it was, Sephiroth skidded to a stop and quickly retraced his steps to find Zack secured to the main trunk, a few feet above the ground. Sephiroth had to step onto the giant roots of the tree to reach him.

The vine that held him had a brick red hue, tiny, delicate flowers hanging from thin tendrils, as if drops of blood. Zack was silent, eyes closed as if asleep, head tilted slightly forward to rest against his chest. One arm had been drawn diagonally across his chest and tied tightly there; the other had been pulled against the tree at the side of his head.

"Zack …" He was so pale, so still, his skin almost … ghostlike … Sephiroth rid himself of a glove and brought a trembling hand up to the side of his friend's face. The skin was so cool to the touch …

No, he couldn't be …

Fear gripping his heart, he lost a second glove and laid one hand along Zack's neck, the other fighting with the vines across his chest to find the pulse that had to be there. It must be there …

He held his breath, leaned in close, listening.

At first, he heard nothing. Then …

There.

One beat. Two beats. Ever so slow, and not weak, but not strong, either.

He was alive.

Thank Gaia! And after all this time …

"Tell me you're the real Zack …" Sephiroth murmured, searching his face. But there was no doubt. He knew.

Warring with the instinctive desire to immediately tear his friend down as he had the other soldier, he hesitated, needing to know what was going on. Why was he asleep? What were the vines doing to him?

"Zack." Gently, Sephiroth shook his shoulders. "Zack." There was no response. Forehead creasing in worry, Sephiroth examined the sleeping SOLDIER.

The vines twined closely about him, delicate tendrils and flowers gently caressing his pale skin, and wrapping tightly around his shoulders as if the arms of a jealous lover. Upon closer inspection, Sephiroth discovered the remnants of what looked like white paint across Zack's bare arms. And, though it could be fanciful thinking, it appeared that the vines had shied away from the marks.

A faded white handprint over Zack's right eye seemed to produce the same effect, though it was difficult to tell – there weren't as many vines covering his face. Stark against his pale skin, three thin red lines had been drawn high across Zack's right cheek – claw marks, not yet healed. Sephiroth frowned. Other angry red injuries marred his neck and arms; his sweater and trousers had been ripped in several places.

Moving his focus to the vines hugging Zack's arm to his chest, Sephiroth plucked one of the flowers. He considered it for a moment, then brought it to his nose. It had a pleasant, lightly sweet fragrance, much like the one that permeated the entire area.

He was next aware of suddenly staggering, and N'kim was there, gripping his shoulder.

"-phiroth. Sephiroth." N'kim shook him. "What are you doing?"

The General frowned, blinking, and took a moment to regain his footing upon the roots. Slowly, he pushed himself upright, giving his head a quick shake to clear it. "I …" He glanced at the flower, still in his hand. His frown deepened. "… These flowers … appear to have a strong soporific effect." Throwing it down, he ground it beneath his boot. "They're responsible for the strange, tranquil quality of the air. They must be keeping him asleep." He indicated Zack.

Critically examining the vines binding his friend, and ignoring the concern that again welled up inside, he tried to determine the best way to free him. Again returning to Zack's arm, he carefully began to peel one of the tendrils away. At first, it came easily, and he was appalled to discover tiny thorns on the plant, which had embedded themselves into the skin. Then there was a rustling, and the plant abruptly tightened. The entire thing seemed to contract, and Zack was pulled higher up the tree.

With a shout, N'kim jumped forward and grabbed the vines. But, before his hands could make contact, the plant recoiled. Surprised, he paused. "What …?"

"… It's the paint on your hands," Sephiroth slowly realized. "It's driving the vines away."

N'kim stared in awe at his hands. Then, encouraged, reached for the vines again. But, after they recoiled further, Zack, too caught up in their tangled clutches, was hauled up with them.

No! This was not working the way it should. Alarmed, Sephiroth ordered N'kim to retreat. He grit his teeth, forcing himself to keep from physically pulling Zack away – he was certain that would just make the situation worse. After a moment of consideration, he turned to his Fire materia. At least he knew one method that worked.

Activating the stone, he aimed carefully, and focused the fiery energy upon the plant. It shriveled, shrinking away from the heat. Several snaps were heard as weakened strands broke. When the fire had charred enough of it, it finally released Zack.

Sephiroth caught him before he could hit the ground. He took a last, satisfying moment to maliciously vaporize the rest of the parasitic vine, and then Zack had all his attention.

"Zack. Can you hear me?" His voice was urgent. Adjusting his hold on his lifeless friend, he turned the pale face toward him, and brushed matted hair out of his eyes. There was no answer. "Just hold on, I've got you. You're safe now." In the distance, he recognized the shouts of the other SOLDIERs as the rest of their missing men were found and rescued. N'kim was there, laying a concerned hand upon Zack's shoulder.

Sephiroth pulled the unresponsive First into his arms and stood, laying a Poisona upon him to help drive away any toxins in his blood, as he spoke.

"Stay with me, Zack. We're going home."

to be continued …