Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live

by Wayang.Silver

A trio's mission: Save Gaia, people who died in the games, & take a chance at a second life. Easy part: They have foreknowledge. Hard part: Bad time twists & making sure Goddess Minerva doesn't label them as a another Jenova. FFVII timeline/Self-Insert

12. The Falling Plate Race PART II

Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live

Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.

Author' s Note: Thanks to xxOMGgalxx, tsukiyomi83, pinpon02, and dragoon109 for reviewing! Thanks to The Three Kings and kingdomlily for the favs! And thanks to Incendie de Glace, TheAbsolutistsCreed, and kingdomlily for the alert! I always say my thanks!

I missed a couple of weeks as I went on vacation. A rather good long one. Everyone enjoyed their holiday season so far? I know I did. xD Kudos to everyone who's read, reviewed and alerted this fic! We're on 3350 hits now! =D

As of now, I've made a C2 that's dedicated to Earthlings falling into Gaia. You can check it out from my profile, or if you have a fic/know a good fic don't hesitate to PM me. ;)

For my long vacation absence, we have a 16k word chapter this weekend! ( I have no idea why separation lines add like 1000 words or something Dx )

MONSTER chapter Part II!

To the fic!

Enjoy~!

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~ Chapter 11: The Falling Plate Race (PART II) ~

---

Aerith's House, Sector 6, Midgar, December 0007

I woke that morning early at 5:30 AM looking very like a raccoon in Aerith's mirror. The baggy circles under my eyes showed that I haven't slept very well. Not with the nightmare vision of the past that belonged to the 'other' me.

I grunted with recoil as a pulse of power went through me, my vision went colorless for a second – but thankfully faded.

Stupid power overload.

It wasn't as bad as my chronic insomnia habits, but I still felt tired after what happened last night. After the dream, all I had was restless sleep. Turning and tossing, I spent the whole night trying to get the images out of my head. No luck in forgetting them, but those memories would have to wait. If I wanted to discuss them, the safer choice was to tell them to Rika and Ryan first. It made me wonder if they had that dream before... or maybe I was the first one to get it, with them following.

Who knows what Cosmos was planning in giving me those memories at a time like this.

I sighed heavily as I sat on the bed and let my eyes wonder to the floor, only to find Zack and Cloud still asleep. Cloud was quiet as usual in a fetal position, and Zack snored loudly with his limbs spread out with a smile on his face like he was dreaming something good. Funny how they got into a position where they were close to each other with Cloud snuggling into Zack. Smirking, I snapped a picture of them both with my PHS. Rika would have a field day if I showed it to Tifa and Aerith later.

I tiptoed silently over to Flux to find that he was nearly fully charged. There wasn't much to do in the room, so, I headed downstairs.

As expected, the kitchen was empty. Maybe Elmyra got up at six or she was off elsewhere.

I chose to wash my face in the bathroom quickly before I opened the door to the backyard. It was small, but that made it easy to spot the materia that was just 'there' for me to take. Picking up the purple Cover materia, I then sat on the floor leaning on the small pillar, flowers surrounded me. Inspecting the materia, I had thoughts I should give it to Cloud later on. Using Cover materia was a good way to learn Limit Breaks quickly.

On the topic of Limit Breaks, my mind shifted to the Puppy. He wasn't originally part of the FFVII crew. However, if Zack had Chain Slash as a Limit Break, then I was sure he had more Limit Breaks he hasn't use yet.

Unlike the other characters, his were special. He had the ability to copy the Limit breaks of other people, which was pretty darn amazing. For example, how Cloud's 'Meteor Rain' Limit Break was copied by him in Crisis Core, but his was named to 'Meteor Shots'.

I wasn't sure if he could use them at all... but I think Zack still has Sephiroth's 'Octaslash', Genesis' 'Apocalypse', and even Angeal's 'Rush Assault'. The only reason he hasn't used them yet was because he probably has emotional issues on the big three. Tseng's was a probably something different, because I don't think he could summon a helicopter attack since the original was 'Air Strike'. Perhaps a Turk style physical attack some sort? Two other unique ones I remember him having was Aerith's 'Healing Wind' but was named 'Healing Wave', and Cissnei's 'Lucky Stars'.

Considering that Zack still had this ability to 'copy' Limit Breaks, that meant he had a chance to copy everyone who was going to be in the team for later. I was thrilled at the thought of that.

"Hellooooo!"

My attention snapped to Aerith who was already there standing next to me. I sheepishly scratched the back of my head. "Sorry, I... just have a lot to think."

I didn't realize she sneaked up on me. Damn, I must have been so lost in thought I ignored my surroundings completely.

"May I sit down?" Aerith asked as she was slightly kneeling down.

Her green eyes sparkled curiously. This was the first time I met her without Zack around. Was she here to talk to me if I was different? Probably. I didn't really mind the company, and I could get closer to her as a friend.

I gestured a space beside me with a shrug, "Sure thing."

The clothes she was wearing I noted, was that from Crisis Core. The white dress that had flower decorations on them. Only now she wore a blue denim jacket over her shoulders. Well – it's not I expect the characters to have a one type of clothing wardrobe. This was a reality, not a game.

"How do you like the flowers here?"

I blinked at the question, not really expecting she'd ask about them.

"It's amazing they bloom at all really," I replied truthfully after I gave it some thought. "I can't imagine how they could grow with little sunlight here. Most flowers wouldn't last, but these ones – it shows their strong will to live."

She giggled at me as though it were funny. "You're the only person who has ever said that flowers are alive and have feelings like humans do! Honestly, I think you're a bit odd."

"I guess I am weird." I sulked. Aerith probably wasn't going anywhere soon when she was seeking for answers. I might as well ask her. "Why do you think I'm unusual?"

"Well -" She started with a speculative expression on her face, "The flowers like you, like they're saying hi to an old friend. But the Planet thinks you're dangerous." At my grimace, Aerith then looked at me kindly. "I don't think you want to hurt anyone. It's just... you seem to be afraid of yourself."

I think I got whip-lashed at Aerith's blunt observation. I flinched. Out of the characters of FFVII she was those type of people who could read the hearts of other people. I didn't think she would have guessed me so easily. She was right, because honestly I was scared shit about my own powers.

There wasn't really a point in lying to her for now, I still could hold off some information.

I frowned as my eyes were on the floor. "You got that right." I looked at my hand and gripped it. "I've been under the weather lately. Sometimes I feel like – I might screw something up... loose control," I rambled.

"Then let it go, silly!"

Stupefied, I leaned my head to the side baffled at her sudden declaration.

The flower girl gave me a mysterious smile. "Maybe there are some things you can't control, Issac. Try your best, but life can take care of the rest when you're at your limit. It'll flow."

I wasn't convinced at her advice. If she was talking about the Lifestream, then I probably wouldn't have any support from the Planet. I was an alien to Minerva anyway, and didn't have a place in her circle of life on the Gaia. The flowers thinking I might be an old friend might be thanks to Cosmos. Smaller life forms tended to be more in tune to Creation Energy than the Lifestream itself. Lifestream was basically the same thing, only different in form. Like its name, Lifestream was life on this planet. Mako Reactors suck the energy dry, so there was little life left from it.

Oppositely, Creation Energy was energy of the universe itself. You can't destroy it completely, because it'll be re-created and transformed to other energies. That destroyed part of the Lifestream becomes what Creation Energy is; the problem now, was that the Planet wasn't able to process pure Creation Energy to make it into energy like in the Lifestream. It was like using a engine that was specifically gasoline fueled, but you can't just give it another fuel like bio-fuel to make it work.

Nonetheless, I was thankful for her words and support. At least she didn't believe the Planet blindly and had her own opinion about me. And I was glad for that.

I stood up from my spot and helped her up. "Thanks for the advice, Aerith. It helped to make the load a little lighter." I gave a small smile at her.

"Good! Come on, you can help me and mother get breakfast ready!" The flower girl said happily. She grabbed my arm and dragged me inside very enthusiastically that I ended up tripping the first few steps. "Zack and Cloud are going to eat a lot. You might know their favorite foods or something!"

---

Breakfast was an memorable event for Zack.

Not that he wasn't familiar with the setting, but it brought memories of eating with his parents back at home. How long had he been absent from Gongaga? Zack really couldn't imagine how worried his parents were. The last time he wanted to visit home, he got a warning from Cissnei that ShinRa was expecting him in his hometown. Even if the occupants of the house were different, the feeling of family was still there.

Elmyra hovered over the three of them to make sure the boys were all compensated for in food. Issac who was feeling better that morning, helped Cloud do the dishes. Aerith was helping her mom with what was left of the household chores. Zack had volunteered with some grunt work, moving a couple of old furniture and crates that Elmyra was already thinking of taking it out to throw away. Flux who was fully recharged flew around the house inspecting things. The droid stayed out of the way, as he was booting up his systems back to the way he was before. The moment lasted so fast that in no time, all of them were ready to depart for Sector 7. The group said their goodbyes to Elmyra.

The former SOLDIER ended feeling glad he got to meeting Aerith's mom done and over with it. He wouldn't mind to visit again in the future if he had the chance.

Again, this time Aerith lead the way to Sector 7 but she pulled Issac along with her meeting up with a friend of her mom's, Mrs. Brooks. Zack didn't feel jealous at all as by the look on his flower girl's face, the item creator needed a good cheer up. Issac wasn't exactly feeling well, not after what the raven head and his buddy saw last night and there were clear signs he had bags under his eyes this morning. The item creator didn't explain, but it was obvious he didn't get enough rest.

"Gil for your thoughts?" the blonde asked in a murmur. Cloud walked beside him, his mouth partially hidden in his slightly zipped up turtleneck. His eyes were also on Aerith who now dragged the hazel haired item creator to a vendor to see accessories.

Cloud was quiet most of the times, but Zack liked his silent company. He was that calming wind that would soothe you when you needed the silent peace. And maybe because Zack himself was naturally a person who enjoyed to talk a lot.

"I'm just worried for Issac." Zack huffed. "I didn't think what he did when we fought Airbuster would affect him this badly."

Cloud eyed at his friend calculatingly. "Are you worried about the promise we made to Rika?"

An uncomfortable short silence. "That too."

"He'll be fine as long as one of us watch him." Cloud said softly, noticing his friend's deep in thought attitude. "If any thing goes wrong, we'll be there to save him. Right?"

The raven head shrugged. "I think so."

The blonde was quiet at first, but he then eventually spoke, "You still have that dream of being a hero, right? You may not think you're a hero Zack, but you've saved people. You saved me... and I think Genesis believes you've saved him in his own way."

Cloud pat him on the back, gave him a small rare wide smile and headed over to Aerith and Issac who were walking in front of them.

Zack was astounded at Cloud's confession. He honestly didn't feel heroic right now or deserved the praise.

Not after failing to save so many.

His record of leaving people to die or killing them for that matter wasn't clean. He couldn't even save Angeal back then and convince his mentor wasn't a monster. Nibelhiem burned to the ground with Sephiroth going insane, Zack failed to connect the stoic General to let him know he was human. And Kunsel... he ended up long gone in one of ShinRa's hidden labs no thanks wondering where his 'black spiky friend' disappeared off to. Zack even wondered why a Goddess of all things called him a 'hero'.

Was that dream really just turning into a past naive wish?

The former First shook his head, he'd always promised himself he wouldn't let that pride and honor go. Sure, there were numerous times those ideals he held were at the brink of destruction... but he always pulled through somehow. He wouldn't give up now. Not by a long shot.

He had a new family to watch over. Zack wasn't going fail saving them if they needed his help. He also made a promise to them he'd try to survive no matter what happened.

But even sometimes, he couldn't erase that little traitorous fear, stuck like blood sucking tick that siphoned his courage on the back of his mind. The way Issac's Symbology powers were acting, was like a reminder what happened to Genesis when he fought Sephiroth and Angeal in the simulation room. Something so trivial was the cause of the largest events.

Zack was hoping that sort of incident won't repeat itself.

He didn't realize how wrong he was.

---

Playground, Sector 6, Midgar, December 0007

Walking to the next Sector was quiet. I wasn't expecting much of it, but I was sure nervous on what was to come.

Zack and Cloud I noticed, were keeping a sharper eye on me than usual. Was it because of what happened yesterday night and what had happened when we fought Airbuster? That was probably the case. I just didn't like the extra attention, it kinda made me feel like I was a walking hospital patient that was supposed to be in bed. All I could do was tell them how I was doing (quite fine, thanks) so they didn't worry.

The Sector 6 playground was pretty much the same like in the games. Whether how it was portrayed in Crisis Core and in FFVII. The notable huge dome cat slide with the sand pit, the other dome cat cubby-hole/cubby-house, and swings. It looked like a fun place to hang around and play in if you were a kid. But even in the early hours of that morning, there were no street kids around. Weird, I wondered why it was empty.

The reason why we were stopping here, was because we were all taking a break. Well – at least Aerith was. Out of all of us, she wasn't the most physically fit. Especially when she was among a group of fighters. So we were taking it easy on the way back for her.

Zack, Cloud and Aerith were in an animated conversation about whether Tifa was Cloud's girlfriend or not. The Puppy was saying it was a definite, while Cloud was denying it as his face was in a shade of pink claiming she was 'just a friend'. Too bad for Cloud, Aerith made the connection anyway, and she lightly teased the blonde along with her boyfriend. This was probably the first time I noticed how Aerith really got along well with Zack. They were both the kind of people where they just spread happiness around them so easily.

No doubt about it, I found myself smiling at their antics. It was just far too contagious.

I chose to stay silent through the scene, preferring to observe the three like this. It made me happy that my efforts were worth it till now.

A game fan's dream come true.

I mean, I was standing here looking with my own two eyes on what could have been an alternate fate... that 'what if' Zack didn't die but had his freedom, Cloud was more fortunate to have his own personality even if his memories were partially missing, and Aerith was finally reunited with someone she missed for so long. Just being there to make a change and seeing the more happier results of how fate can turn out.

However, it scared me that how easily I can lose it all in the time to come, if I wasn't careful. There was still Cloud and Aerith to watch out for. Now that Zack was alive, how would Cloud react in Sephiroth's 'puppet' scheme on him? Same with the flower girl, she had the worst coming to her... I have to stop Sephiroth from killing her later. That didn't count the fact how Zack was going to react to all of these future events. He was now a wild card in those events.

Flux hovered beside me, giving a questioning glance at my reminiscence mood. I only pat his head with a smile. I didn't want my droid to fret over me.

Then my PHS buzzed in my pocket, catching the attention of everyone. I opened it to find the worst type of message I'd ever want to receive.

~ Inbox: New Message (1) ~

Subject: Where are You? We're in SERIOUS Trouble

From: Rika S.

Issac,

Are you alright? Please tell me you made it out okay. I heard from Tifa you fell when the reactor blew up. Are Cloud and Zack fine too? The moment you get this message please show it to them as well.

We're in serious trouble. Someone (a spy/ suspended Turk in civilian clothes) caught our activities and found out about where our base is. ShinRa is planning to take the WHOLE Sector 7 down on us!

Tifa's gone after Don Corneo (Head gangster on Wall Street, owner of Honeybee Inn. Has a Mansion in Sector 6) who I think fed the info forward to the Turks. Biggs, Jesse, and I are evacuating the people in the Slums. Barret and Wedge are fending off ShinRa from the Support Pillar.

We could REALLY use some help here!

Please hurry,

Rika

~ End of Message ~

My hand shook holding the PHS in my hand.

Shit had totally hit the fan.

I think all the color on my face was drained dry, as Zack, Cloud, and Aerith demanded information what I had just read.

When Zack asked me who it was from, lo and behold... Tifa was right in sight. From the distance, all of us saw a woman in a short and sexy blue dress standing on top of a cart with a chocobo pulling it. On the hot or not scale, she could give a run for Don's money. I'd give a score 9.5 out of 10. I didn't comment on it loudly, fearing Cloud might want to punch me. From the Sector 7 gates, the cart wheeled fast towards the entrance to Wall Market.

"Tifa!" Cloud cried out noticing his childhood friend.

Aerith pointed to where she disappeared, "Was that Tifa? The person we've been talking about?"

"Yeah, it was." Zack not really believing why Tifa was in hurry. He gripped Cloud in place before he could run off after her. "Cloud! Wait a sec!"

"I think I know where she's going," I said showing them the message. When they read it, all of them gaped at it.

"They want to blow up the WHOLE SECTOR?" Zack yelled first.

Cloud paled, somewhat torn between going after Tifa or back to Sector 7. "What are we going to do now? We can't leave Tifa back there!"

"I'm heading back to Sector 7 with Flux," I stated where I was going. "Barret can fight OK, I'm worried about Wedge. He isn't a heavy fighter or what you can count as a military fighter. They need as much fighting power they can get."

Rika wasn't in a position to fight at the pillar, she and Shelke were planning to head over to ShinRa HQ where Ryan and Genesis were waiting. The guys needed Shelke's abilities to override the safety plate emergency program on. She probably used the same excuse to get away from the others and evacuate some people on her way there. Shelke would probably follow her but out of sight.

Zack sighed raking his black spikes in frustration. "I can't believe ShinRa would stoop this low! We gotta go back... but Tifa..."

"We'll split up." Aerith said determinedly. "I'll come with Cloud and get Tifa. I think I know a way into Don Corneo's place."

Zack shook his head, "He's known as a lecherous pervert! What if you - "

Before he could say anything else, he got smacked with Aerith's staff.

"Ow! Aerith, what was that for!"

"Zack, I can take care of myself. Besides, I'll have Cloud with me. Issac's right, they'll need you there, and I thought you didn't want to break promises."

I didn't understand what Aerith was talking about, but Zack had a serious face on him and nodded in a silent agreement to Cloud and his girlfriend. It made me wonder what the silent conversation was about. On second thought, I didn't quite believe she was able to whack Zack with a staff. Or maybe Zack was just too occupied with Don and Sector 7 going down.

The black spiky hero gave both of them a good long look before complying. "Okay, just get Tifa out of there and if you can, hurry back to Sector 7."

"Cloud," I called him over. I put the Cover materia in his hand. "I found this. You can protect Aerith and Tifa easier. It's also a good materia to master your Limit breaks."

A thankful nod. "Thanks, I think it'll help. I'll head over with Tifa once we find her. And, Issac?"

"Hmm?"

"You be careful," the blonde said, before jogged with Aerith out of our sight.

I was stunned Cloud said to me directly he was worried for me. Zack though, pushed me out of my stupor.

He shook me gently, "Issac, we got a Sector to save. Let's mosey!"

"Right away."

Both of us ran with Flux leading us.

Zack and I knew the clock was ticking to the impending doom on the Sector, if we didn't stop it.

---

ShinRa Headquarters, Lv.49, SOLDIER Floor, December 0007

Swiping a key card, a 2nd Class SOLDIER let a technician in with a crate into the room. The purple clad SOLDIER took a couple of steps into the room more than necessary before he wandered off and back to the door to seal the door. The door hissed with a satisfied click at the lock. The warrior snorted before taking the helmet off.

"I've always hated these helmets," the auburn haired ex-Commander said before putting it on a chair that was in the room.

Shimmering into existence, two girls were in the room with him and the 'technician'. Another two scout droids shimmered into existence but stood guard at the door.

The smaller auburn haired girl looked around the room with interest. "To think they actually don't use this room as frequently as before. I thought ShinRa would use its resources better."

Ryan in his technician clothes shrugged. He was glad the girls came in the nick of time before he suffered from hearing more Shakespeare. "After Genesis left, perhaps it left a bad mark or something. Not to mention the regulations state even 1st Class can only hold a number of specific materia that's provided by the company."

"They fear another mass desertion that might end up taking their resources." Rika commented. She then looked awkwardly at the poet who was clad in 2nd Class suit. "No offense, Genesis... but purple really looks weird on you."

Genesis waved it off with a sigh. "None taken, I'd be more happy to change from this horrid uniform. But for now I'd rather take this opportunity of ShinRa getting careless of not even taking account of managing the Materia Unit room." He walked around the place punching in codes with familiarity to some of the terminals to find out they haven't changed. "Ah, jackpot."

The compartment in the middle of the room folded out and turned into the main terminal in the room.

Ryan nodded, "That sure saves time. Shelke, it's all yours."

Shelke nodded as she got her gear out from her bag. " I'll get in and it may take a while searching for the one to trigger it active. I might need to loop some security cameras and manipulate them. I'm trusting you three to watch my body while I'm sending my conscious inside the main network." The former Tsviet hooked up her VR goggles and sat down.

While the auburn haired girl was busy, Ryan asked his twin, "So, can you give us a summary to catch up with what happened in Sector 7?"

"Do so while we search for Materia," Genesis added while he was on another computer in the room. "I think there are some rare ones here. Seems like the last time people accessed this room was about 4 to 5 years ago."

"That would be the time Sephiroth went insane, right?" Rika asked as she wondered. "No wonder fusion Materia are rare these days."

Checking the database that was there, Genesis carefully scanned down the inventory list. "Most of the normal Materia here have been taken by the company. The rest are just left behind... but there aren't many. Some of them aren't even labeled at all."

"Which means?" the elder twin inquired.

"We use the traditional way of knowing Materia, by touch Ryan." Genesis gave the logical answer. He then opened up the compartments that housed some left over Materia. "You were saying about the Sector 7 evacuation, Rika?"

Rika sat onto another wheeled chair that was in the room, near enough to search the Materia holds to make herself comfortable. "Shelke and I got into the communication outpost quite easily thanks to the chaos and blared the alarm. People were starting to evacuate when we headed over here. We got in through the transport channels because they were distributing boxes. Issac and the others are most likely in for more trouble though."

"Why?" Ryan questioned.

"Because the Turks were moving into the Sector with some deliveries." Rika responded wearily. She knew all too well that it never happened in the original timeline. "They were carrying some metal boxes with holes. Shelke and I didn't get a good look or any information what was inside them. But – I'm worried where they're from."

Genesis who was checking on one green Materia frowned at the information. He turned to the Alteration Symbologist. "They wouldn't have large red bar codes on them would they?"

"Yes."

"Damn – Hojo's experiments," the auburn ex-SOLDIER stated grimly.

Ryan didn't like the sound of that. "What! Are you sure?"

"I'm certain of that." Genesis said seriously. "Even in the past, that sorry excuse of a man probably had a hobby letting the critters free. If ShinRa's intent on letting the Sector down, then there's a time and opportunity to test and easily get rid of experiments. Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul."

"Damn it, Issac's in the middle of it!" Ryan cursed. Was there a way return with the others?

Rika shook her head knowing her twin's thoughts. "It's too late to go back! We came here to stop things from this side. We're going to have to trust the others they can make it out okay."

"But – We – "

Genesis actually made an effort and in a flash, the Creation Symbologist was in a headlock. "At ease, Ryan. The way you're panicking will not solve anything. Calm down," he snarled. Genesis wondered just when he became the level headed one. Usually, he was the one who caused the conflicts.

Ryan stopped struggling from Genesis' strong grip. "What are you proposing we should do?"

"Help me sort out the Materia in the room. We take what would be beneficial and leave the others behind while Shelke tries to override the system discreetly." The ex-Commander said calmly. "We're successful in getting into ShinRa, but we have yet to get out of here. The task may be a bit daunting if we wish to avoid catching attention."

"...Fine." Ryan was reluctant about it. He hated leaving his best friend to get the worst of it – but he wasn't going to leave this advantage left to chance.

The younger twin was already on one side of the room opening a compartment that surprised her. There was a red Materia inside. A Summon materia? She wasn't sure there were supposed to be any outside the places they would get them in the locations like in the game. The girl touched it, but it hummed in a unfamiliar echo to her.

"Genesis?"

"Yes?"

"There's a summon materia here. I don't think I recognize it." Rika said pointing at her compartment.

Genesis walked over in quick strides before he picked up the red materia. He blinked in recognition and smiled widely in triumphant. In turn, the materia pulsed with a friendly vibe. "Good to have an old friend back. I didn't think Bahatmut Fury would be here at all... That means ShinRa took some of Fair's materia when he was captured."

"And just stuck them in here?" Ryan said incredulously not believing the company took stupid to the level and beyond. Not to mention that Bahatmut Fury was one of the strongest Summons in Crisis Core.

Genesis snorted as he stored away his returned summon companion into his pocket. "Seems like the President really is at the point of retirement. Don't forget that the budgets SOLDIER had have been allocated to the Weapons department. SOLDIER now has lower standard issued equipment than ever before. I doubt there's really a whole set of good materia lying around, but that doesn't mean we can't find any more unique ones. Keep checking, we may find other useful ones."

While the twins were busy opening more materia compartments, Genesis scratched his chin figuring out plans of getting out. He would use the summon to escape if things turned out for the worst. He didn't have to play it clean – he knew that ShinRa would most likely to play it dirty. However, the plans to destroy an entire Sector was probably the worst heard so far. He didn't really wish for the people who were never involved to become victims.

Genesis hoped the Puppy would somehow stop the fall of the plate from the other side.

He wondered how Zack would fulfill his role as a hero.

---

Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007

You know, when you're a Final Fantasy gamer and somehow you're stuck in the reality of the game and that you're there... you'd expect things to happen the way it should in the game, right?

Wrong.

Not when you already screwed up the timeline – and that itsy-bitsy flutter from the wings of a innocent butterfly... has grown into a massive natural hazard Hurricane Katrina.

Two words could describe what Zack and I saw when we got into the Sector.

Utmost chaos.

The evacuations were still going on, but with the fear, uncertainty, and some monsters running around into the mix... it was more of everyone to themselves. Dog eat dog world. This wasn't any civilized place you'd find on Earth. Midgar, especially the Slums, was a place of the oppressed people. They didn't have that sort of freedom that Earth would value so hard for. There wasn't such a thing as pride. Whoever was the strongest would survive, the weaker could just roll over and die.

People who had been smarter to evacuate were probably the good hearted ones. They all brought what they could or even just the clothing on their bodies and followed the organized long lines that lead out into the wastes or other Sectors that hugged Sector 7.

Now, all I could see people taking the opportunity to steal things in stores that were left behind. Some bashed into buildings with sticks and stones, getting food. Others with fired torches, burning buildings of places they hated for being condemned as the poor. Even resorting to killing another person to get some transport to survive themselves. Who knows what else was happening deep in the buildings left behind. Beatings? Rape? More murder?

At the harshness of the reality, it made me feel disturbed.

Were these the people I was going to save?

Did they even deserve to be saved?

I couldn't even believe I was having second thoughts of saving people who I knew were going to die. All this time, I thought I'd steel my resolve in saving them because what I saw in the game was unfair. It was horrible for ShinRa to do so. However, now seeing these people who couldn't care about anyone else wasn't doing good for my mind.

A pulse.

Black and white.

Colors showed up again as I shook my head violently and focused on keeping my legs moving forward. I didn't want to give into power that was threatening to pour out of me.

Running along with Zack, we did what we could to defeat any monsters off the evacuating civilians. Once defeated, the body quickly evaporated into the Lifestream. One thing highly bothered me though. The black spots of shadows that were left, traveled over towards to where the Support Pillar was located as if they were a swarm of insects. They reminded me eerily of the worst type of things you could expect in a demon slaying game like Devil May Cry or something like a bad zombie infestation in any Resident Evil game.

They couldn't be Jenova cells could they?

I couldn't count how many minutes had past, but soon the base of Support Pillar was seen. There, Wedge all by himself was fighting for his life. Blood was leaking down his face. On the left arm on his bicep was a large gash and his body was bruised everywhere. As he shot out the bullets I saw him recoiling from the impact of the gun shots. He was in big trouble.

Flux who saw what I had, made a bubble shield around himself and zoomed through the monsters in my way, effectively getting their attention on him. He was too fast to be caught, he zoomed around them over and over so I could head on to save Wedge.

I ran up to the infantryman that was going to ambush him, and with my Gemini Sabers slashed him down in two strikes. For good measure I blasted the guy with a Thunder spell as he fell to the ground.

"Issac!" He said in astonishment at my appearance. "You're alive!" Wedge then collapsed on the ground.

"Wedge!" I panicked, and quickly checked his vitals. My face was in relief when I felt a steady pulse.

Thank goodness he was still alive. I thought he was dead.

Zack swooped in just a second later with a swipe the Buster Sword, wiping out 4 soldiers that were surrounding us. "Don't worry, I'll hold these guys off. Just focus on Wedge."

"Roger!" I replied quickly opening up a Phoenix Down and giving it to Wedge through his opened mouth. I massaged his throat so he gulped it down.

Wedge blinked and soon he was awake. "W-Wha?"

"You were kinda half dead." I deadpanned, but my voice clearly turned hollow sounding how worried I was on how he was doing. "Can you stand?"

He nodded and stood up with my help. "Thanks."

Around us the soldiers were stopping their attacks. There was something fishy about it.

Zack took the opportunity to ask Wedge more questions, but he kept his fighting stance in position. "Wedge, where's Barret?"

Wedge pointed up the pillar. "He chased down the Turk who I think has the bomb. I think the dude was bald and wore sun glasses."

Hold it – did he just mention Rude was the one with the bomb?

My eyes widen at the thought. Then it was when I realized that Reno was injured when Genesis and Ryan attacked the outpost. It can't be... that totally changed everything?

"BANG-!"

At the truck that just crashed into the building a couple of feet in front of us, the infantrymen retreated back. Zack was looking very nervously at them. He was probably confused like I was – why hell were all the troops moving back?! Our questions were answered when there was a figure on top of the truck.

Slim MIB suit, not really all that tall, young, blonde, was the rookie of the Turks, Elena.

No fucking way.

She wasn't supposed to come out until we're at the Mythril Mines!

"A Turk?" Zack exclaimed angrily.

She took out a button switch and pressed it. The large truck she was on, the compartment opened up to the ugliest thing I ever saw. It was a mushed up monster that I could spot out of a Kalm Fang, wings from a Deenglow, the body was part of Vice, and the sickening part was the mouth or should I say head from a Whole-Eater. The thing was drooling black muck saliva that hissed as it met the floor.

The other monsters that came out of the truck following it looked no better.

Maybe the part where most of them had the mouth of Whole-Eaters nearly on most parts of their bodies wasn't making things look good heading our way.

When the monsters were free, Elena took her cue and jumped around a few buildings until she was out of our reach. She left us to the mercy of the monsters.

"Hey! Get back here!" Zack shouted at the blonde Turk.

I turned to Wedge, "Can you still fight?"

His body shook, he hardly had the energy to fight. Wedge didn't seem to agree with what his body was going through, "I think I can fight."

"Not if you're suicidal." I took a potion in my bag and threw it over him. His body healed, but that didn't add up to the way he was still swaying in his steps. "Potions don't heal stamina... You should go. You've done enough here."

"I can still fight!" Wedge snapped at me stubbornly.

I shook my head. "And what, die and leave Jesse alone?"

He looked like he was having second thoughts. But he asked me, "Why didn't you accept Jesse? She likes you."

"I don't have 'feelings' for her. I like her as the annoying and loving sister who bothers me so she can learn more on what she liked." I said honestly. I shrugged, "She had a crush on you before I arrived, you know. That's what I heard from Rika."

Wedge's face was floored.

In his hands I gave him seven smoke bombs. "Take these and go. You can do more by evacuating more people than stay here. It should be enough to buy you some time to get out if you encounter monsters. Live to fight another day."

"What about you two?"

Zack crouched in a defensive stance. "We'll be fine. It'll take more than a couple of these guys to take us down. Get going, Wedge. Don't disappoint your soon-to-be-girlfriend," he told him, telling from firsthand experience. "I'm only lucky Aerith was understanding."

"I was wrong about you guys." Wedge confessed. "Thanks for everything. Don't die so easily out there. I hope we can meet up again." He stood with a acknowledging bow, and left with a smoke bomb to some of the monsters as he escaped.

"Well – that covers it." I said with a sigh. Those monsters were coming at us cautiously. "Looks like we got the baddies who want us for lunch." I joined beside Zack to fight out the monsters from a very bad case of fusion experiments like the villain Wesker makes in the Resident Evil games.

Zack growled. "Hojo's been up to no good. Looks like they've gotten worse."

At the same time, we both launched our attacks in a battle cry.

---

Sector 6, Midgar, December 0007

"Woo-hoo, I've made up my mind! My choice for tonight is... I choose this healthy looking girl~!"

Aerith and Tifa gasped when Don Corneo was pointing to none other than the blond ex-infantryman.

"Wa, wait a sec! I mean, uh, please wait a moment!" the blond sputtered.

The plump man wasn't wanting to take no for an answer. "Woo-hoo! I love chickies who play hard-to-get! Yeowza!" The then turned to his underling, "You can have the other ones!"

His underling happily complied and took Aerith and Tifa to the other room.

Cloud inwardly scowled.

I can't believe I agreed to Aerith's plans in the first place.

Worst, a GUY fell for his disguise when he cross-dressed of all things!

If Issac and Zack were here, the blond just knew he'd never hear the end of it. Well – he looked on the brighter side of things – that Aerith would be fine with Tifa. Cloud was worried if Aerith was chosen he'd have problems protecting her. If Tifa was chosen, he knew that his childhood friend can kick the guy's ass no problem. Cloud had come here to escort the girls... not getting chosen by Don himself.

The conversation was relatively short. One that Cloud would probably remember for the rest of his life (nearly getting sexually assaulted by a guy). However, Don was pretty much a coward that hid behind his money and numerous underlings. When Cloud relieved his real intentions and the girls barged into the room, there wasn't going to be a good fight from the pervert. The blond had to be proud of both girls they were very capable of threatening Don if he didn't reveal who was behind it... his.. err... testicles were not going to ever see the light of day.

"WAAAAAH-! IT WAS HEIDEGGER OF SHINRA! HEIDEGGER, THE HEAD OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAINTENANCE!" The frightened plump man screamed in desperation. " Shinra's trying to crush a small rebel group called AVALANCHE, and want to infiltrate their hideout. So they chose to literally crush them with the pillar!"

"It's just what like Issac got through his PHS message," Aerith confirmed.

"Message?" Tifa asked.

Cloud agreed. "We better go, I think we're done here. We better get to Sector 7, ShinRa's planning to bring it down."

"Just a second!" Don called at them.

The blond wasn't in a mood to listen to Don. "Shut up!"

"No wait, it'll only take a second. How do you think scum like me feels when they babble on about the truth?" Don asked hovering to a spot that he was going to reach for something.

"They're sure they'll win?" Cloud asked sceptically.

Don took his chance to press a button. "Woo-hoo! Right!"

"Click – KZZZZzzt!"

Aerith, Tifa, and Cloud blinked at the floor below them.

"Were we supposed to drop down?" Tifa asked disbelievingly.

Aerith had a thoughtful look when she saw line of what was supposed to be a trapdoor. "I think so."

Cloud took that chance to push lightly the girls away from the trapdoor.

Don gaped and had actually went over, jumping up and down on the trapdoor. "Why won't you work?" he exclaimed furiously at the floor beneath him.

Feeling that it was time for a decent payback, Cloud smirked as he cracked his fingers. "Let me help you with that." With what strength he had, he punched the floor extra hard.

"WHAM!"

Whatever blocked the trap broke, and the floor opened.

"GYAAAAAH~!"

The pervert fell into his own trap.

Tifa beamed at him. "Great job, Cloud! It's about time the pervert had it coming to him."

"Thankfully we didn't fall down." Aerith noted, " I heard rumors that girls he didn't like would be disposed into the sewers. I suppose that's how he throws them away."

"He won't be able to anymore." Cloud said with amusement. He pressed the button Don did, sealing up the trap. "I'm getting out of theses clothes, and we better hurry back. Zack, Barret, and Issac could use our help."

---

Bottom of the Support Pillar, Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007

Just how many monsters did Hojo store in his lab?

Maybe that's where all those nasty monsters that haunted Midgar went. It made sense that there was a lack of monsters around Midgar since we first stepped into the city. Hojo's been busy collecting specimens, and I didn't exactly believe those roboguards were making any sort of a real difference. Even in the beginning of Crisis Core they ended up doing more trouble than good.

I hacked what I thought was the head of the 12th monster I slaughtered. The head rolled off to the ground with a sickening crunch. It's body fell down pouring yellow yucky gunk of monster blood. Good thing I stepped away from it before the blood spill out. The black spots that got out of it traveled to another monster that was larger, further making it stronger.

Man, that was so not good.

Not when I was getting tired at fighting.

I risked a glance at Zack. The black spiky haired hero was very much looking as frustrated as I was. The moment we defeated a monster, the black spots of what remained would travel to another one that was alive... making the left monster more powerful. So far, I think Zack already took down 25 at least, maybe more (I wasn't counting). His adversary looked far more powerful than mine. Things got worse when the monster I was supposed to be fighting just bounded into the air and joined in with Zack's.

It screeched at the other monster like they were having an agreement.

The thing was more intelligent than the average monster.

For safety, I joined in with Zack to back him up.

"Since when did monsters got so smart?" Zack joked with dread, as I joined him by his side.

I was ready to go into gun mode for my sabers. "When Hojo makes successful experiments?"

The smaller one rushed at us. At this point I wasn't above to fight dirty, Barret was still on top of the pillar fighting by himself. Cloud and the girls were nowhere in sight. Call me cheap, but I grabbed a piyo-piyo bomb with a paralyze bomb and made it eat bullets. When I stopped shooting, Zack took the initiative to hack the thing down.

The larger monster just stood there as it ordered its smaller monsters at us.

"Shiva! Just how many more are there?" Zack yelled out. "Issac, how are you holding up?"

"Good for now." I said slightly panting. Call me a liar, but being depressed at a situation like this wasn't exactly wise.

Elena was just standing there where she stood. Pressing button after button as more boxes came in with trucks.

"Go for group attacks. Whatever items you got for group offensive, get 'em out. We're in for a long fight." Zack commanded.

"Ready when you are." I gave him the signal.

I don't remember what really happened in all those next minutes as we fought. They passed by with the blur of time. I threw what offensive items I had, along with ethers and potions when we both were in a pinch. I'd cut through a monster and blast another with a spell. No matter how many we cut down or threw a spell at them, the one would replace the one before it, was stronger and smarter. I was starting to fumble in my fighting stance. My stamina was now plummeting to the rock bottom.

A claw swiped at me leaving a gash on my thigh, but I rolled back with a wince and forcefully stood up again. My adrenaline was the only thing keeping my reflexes up. I heaved in air with quick gasps – my body was hyperventilating. I didn't even get a chance to cast any Cure spells, being far too busy avoiding from getting sliced into ribbons. What was worse, all my potions were out. What was left were three ethers and three Mixed Syrup. Mixed Syrup was equal to an X-potion. They were meant for extreme casualties along with the remaining three Phoenix Downs I had left in my pack.

Another wave of experimented monsters made our way to us but was stopped by a certain blond along with the girls. Cloud shot out a beam from his sword that ran through the monsters that we were fighting. I was more happy to notice that he already learned his Blade Beam limit. Handing over the Cover Materia was worth it. The fact he was here far early than expected, was proof that Rika's plan had worked out.

"You're late!" Zack shouted, but he sighed in a happy relief they were here. Even the monsters backed off at the sudden intrusion.

Aerith washed a wave of Cura on us with Cloud's Materia. I never felt so fresh in my life... my wound on my thigh healed, but it was still a little sore. Tifa also helped by tossing Zack and I some energizers. It was no way going to make up all of our stamina, but it was like a good cup of coffee in the morning with a bit of new energy kicking in.

"Where's Barret?" Tifa asked while her eyes surveyed around the area.

Zack pointed to the top. "Up there. We've been defending the pillar from these things. He could use some backup up there. The bomb trigger should be up there too." He heaved a breath. "I can't let the bottom unprotected..."

"I'll head up then." Cloud volunteered determinedly.

Tifa also volunteered. "I'll go up and help Barret too!" She then paused. "What about Marlene?"

I winced. Crap. I forgot about her!

"She's still back at 7th Heaven! We need to get her out of the Sector!" I said anxiously.

Zack paled, but quickly he gave a pleading look to Aerith. "Aerith, there's a bar in this area called '7th Heaven', could you head over there? There's a small girl there named Marlene. She's Barret's daughter."

"Don't worry, I'll get her to safety." Aerith agreed that she was entrusted with that task. A few steps back she gave a trustful gaze at all of us that we somehow would make it out alive. The longest lingering on Zack, before she turned and ran.

"Issac," Zack called to me. "Are you going to join Cloud and Tifa?"

I shook my head weakly, "Those stairs don't look friendly. I'm already low on stamina, and going to be useless if I climb them – and then fight at the top."

I looked longingly at the support pillars. Knowing that Rika and Ryan were in HQ trying to get the emergency systems on. Besides that, if I went up... I'd leave Zack alone. I was totally risking my life on this. If the plate came down, I was a total goner along with Zack. I prayed that they would make it somehow.

Zack decided to go with my decision. He turned to the others, "Cloud, you've got SOLDIER stamina. Use it. And Tifa – take care of yourself up there."

The duo gave a curt nod and ran up the stairs to where Barret was.

Apparently, the mood kind of plunged to negative when we both heard the monsters growling that they were happy to get their long awaited food. Us. They were moving again towards us as there weren't any threats from our leaving members. Zack and I both had our attention to the monsters, immediately putting our guards up with our weapons.

"Up for another round?" Zack jested at me.

I shook my head. "I don't want to, but if we don't fight we're monster food."

The spiky ex-SOLDIER tried to keep things optimistic. "Don't worry, Cloud, Barret, and Tifa won't let us down."

I really wanted to believe that. The thing is, in the game... they failed. The fact that this time it was Rude holding the switch didn't exactly calm me down one single bit. The bald Turk was known to have more flashier bombs than his red head buddy.

More monsters poured out, I cast a Graviga on the group with the help of my All Materia. Zack took the initiative to attack them in their weakened state. For the umpteenth time that day, more monsters came from where Elena pressed the button to the doors. Hell, I was getting aggravated. While the Puppy was busy taking the new group to himself, I decided that enough was enough.

If you can't take down the army, take out the general that's leading it.

Luckily, Elena seemed confident that the monsters will be more than enough that she now stood on nearer platform than before. I flipped my Gemini Sabers into gun mode and shot at her, aiming at her legs.

The youngest Turk flipped away avoiding my bullets easily and landed lightly on the ground. She glared angrily at me. "You're wasting your time!"

I didn't speak back, opting to take my chance and attack her instead.

God, she was fast. Even if she was still a rookie, she avoided most of the heavy blows I wanted to land on her with my sabers whichever mode I used. Good thing was, that she had a couple of holes in her defenses that I managed to get a good kick on the side made her stumble. When she fell to the floor, the button she was holding rolled over to Zack who had just finished dicing his group of fiends. The last two largest remaining experiments hadn't made a move to attack.

Zack wasted no time and stomped on it, totally destroying it. "Looks like your little monster testing game is over."

"I'm not going to fail Tseng!" Elena seethed at us. She got herself armed and ready. In one hand, a gun... in the other an army combat knife.

"He sent you here! The plate's going to fall if your friend pressed the button from up there. You'll end up dead too!" Zack wasn't impressed, but I knew from his face he was angry with the Wutaian Turk.

I shook my head as she wasn't deterred by Zack's words. "It's no use, Zack. We're going to have to do this the hard way."

Elena wasn't in the mood to talk. She emptied her clip as she ran towards the both of us. As bullets hit the ground, I ran over for cover, and eventually found a place to hide behind some crates. I switched to my Seal materia and Zack took her attention by deflecting her shot, giving me a chance to attack her when she was unaware. Only when I heard her stopping to reload another bullet clip, I cast a Sleep spell.

The blonde Turk was amazingly stubborn. Even as she looked woozy from the spell, she was still trying to shoot me. Zack then came up behind her, and lightly slammed the back of the Buster sword to her neck and she fell down unconscious.

"Thanks," I sighed in relief for the help. "That should keep her down for a while."

"Don't hope too much, Issac." Zack warned me. "Turks can take more than you can imagine. The first time I met Tseng, he was able to take a good lashing from Genesis."

I cringed remembering the mission to Banora in Crisis Core. In fact, that was true... I think after he took a Firaga spell on him, he was able to fight off a few monsters afterward. How do Turks end up okay without Mako enhancements? Creepy.

"Can't we just tie her up?" I suggested.

"THWACK!"

The former SOLDIER barely got swiped by the remaining monster's tail if he hadn't somersaulted back in the nick of time.

"Planet!" Zack gasped as he breathed out. "That was too close. And... I don't think these two are going to give us time to tie our sleeping Turk."

The other one held its beady eyes on me. "Uh... so, what's the plan?"

Zack's eyes darted from Elena, to me, and then to the monsters. "Just get them to go after us. Knowing Tseng, if we killed his closest Turks he'd come after us in our sleep. That OK with you?"

"No biggie," I answered. "I'm not a fan of gutting people when they're unconscious."

Inwardly, I didn't want to kill Elena... she had her a role too in Advent Children. But – if those monsters had their eyes on us... would she make out of this situation alive? I'd just have to believe that Turks are hard to kill like cockroaches.

"Issac," Zack called me. "We stick together this time. I have a feeling these guys are serious trouble..."

A horrible gurgling sound bubbled from their bodies. A squelching sound soon burst out of the skin of the lab experiments. Wriggling worms of four heads came out, their mouths reminding me of leeches. The putrid smell made me want to throw up.

"Ugh, I'm going to have nightmares on Whole-Eaters," I said in disgust, wrinkling my nose in vain trying not to smell the stench in the air.

Zack was ready charging up his lightning Materia, "Don't let your guard down!"

The monsters charged.

I gulped.

Come on, hurry up you guys... how hard is it to turn a darn emergency switch on?

---

ShinRa Headquarters, Elevator, December 0007

Shelke knew it wasn't going to be that simple.

So, they managed to switch on ONE darn button... in fact, there was still ANOTHER that had to be switched on. Good news, they knew where it was... the bad news, they had to do more sneaking around.

The cameras weren't a problem as the former Tsviet was able to loop them to the security feeds. Unfortunately, it was either meeting the wrong type of people in the corridors will get you screwed... and that their newer intended destination was asking for trouble.

The moment they got to their intended floor, the four scuffled along the corridors quickly following two droids into a woman's restroom that was bound to be empty. The trolley of the wooden crate Ryan had with him was pushed into the toilet too.

Rika let out a breath she had been holding the entire time. "Why do we have to find out there was another lock? Can't it be so simple?"

"Maybe ShinRa was expecting something like this," her twin commented. "Shelke's security looping feeds only last for so long without getting noticed by the Turks and normal troopers...once we get in, we stay in."

Genesis snorted under his helmet his face was hidden under, which he didn't bother to put off. "I'm now starting to think you two Symbologists lost your minds. You do realize that once we get in, if we wish to get out, that we will have to create some large commotion?"

"We'll have to wait it out," Rika pressed. "It's not like we knew the second trigger happened to be in the former Director of SOLDIER's office."

The auburn haired ex-Commander grimaced. "Wait? For how long?"

Ryan and Rika looked to each other. They were both debating whether it was wise to tell Genesis that Sephiroth was going to massacre the people in the building. Rika, as much as she liked Genesis... wasn't in the mood to receive his fiery temper at the moment. Her twin relented to take the job.

"Until a large commotion starts." Ryan said mysteriously. He was prepared to stay in the ShinRa HQ for a couple of days. "It's one of those visions we have."

"What will that be of?" Genesis asked as he crossed his arms.

The item creator shook his head, "Not here, we need to get into the office soon."

Genesis according to Shelke's prediction wasn't happy of being left in the dark. She didn't want him to get angry at Ryan and Rika. Surely they withheld information from him because it was important. The younger girl was just as curious, but she thought Genesis could at least be a little bit more patient. Then again, maybe not. He was known to have a short fused temper.

"Once we get there, there will be more than enough time to know about it," Shelke said quietly. "We still have Sector 7 to save."

The former ex-Commander sighed in his 2nd Class uniform. "Fine. Pressing matters first. Don't think I'll forget this."

The group then all huddled out and managed to get into the office of the past Director of SOLDIERs in record time. Ryan quickly locked the door to make sure no one would want to get in. Genesis scouted the area to see if anything was available to use. Shelke and Rika had made it to the main computer that the previous director used. To Rika, it was kind of sad the it used to belong to Lazard who was now dead.

"Shelke, can we get some visuals?" Ryan asked quickly as Shelke was already going through her SND state.

Shelke nodded as now the computers were responding to her thoughts. "Alright, I got some above the plate."

Screens turned on in the room, giving its occupants a view of a battle taking place on top of the Sector 7 plate. Three people against two Turks and a helicopter.

Rika realized something was wrong. "Where are Zack and Issac?"

"WHAT?!" Ryan exclaimed rubbing his eyes again checking if he was seeing correctly or not.

Genesis face palmed. 'All awaits you is a somber morrow...' Oh, Angeal. What is your Puppy up to now? The ex-Commander was now wishing he had a leash on his friend's student. But when he let his hand fall from his face, he noticed that Reno who was injured was on his way to the controls.

Just what happened to the team fighting him?

Tifa was stuck in pyramid spell, with Barret trying to get her out of it. Cloud was trying to fight through Rude to get to Reno... but he was too far away.

"Shelke! Turn the Emergency Safety System override on! NOW!" Genesis shouted hurriedly.

"Right!" Shelke gulped and focused her mind to tell the computer to turn it on.

Both twins held their breath at the moment of truth.

Reno however, had pushed the button with his free hand that doomed the plate to fall.

---

On top of the Support Pillar, Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007

"NO!" Tifa yelled all too late. "Zack and Issac are still down there!"

Cloud growled at Reno and was very much ready to skewer him if needed. He was torn at the fact that his two friends were still down there and that he would lose them. They were all he had besides Tifa.

Barret on the other hand, seethed. "You ShinRa pigs! You're goin' to kill everyone at the bottom! You're no better than us! You're worse!"

Rude was walking in circle around them which did not make Cloud feel easy. Something was off about the Turks.

"What's going on? You released the plate, why aren't you running?" the blond asked Reno warily.

Reno huffed. "Like we'd let our own die under the plate, yo. There's a Turk we sent under there to keep Fair busy with some monsters from the lab. It's not like we want to go against an ex-1st Class SOLDIER. If he can take the hint, he can run for it... if he's lucky to get away from some of surprises Rude put up." He then crackled his EMR weapon at the three. "How about another round, yo? You got another 10 minutes until it's time for it to completely fall. Not like you can stop it, yo."

Barret was about to head towards the stairs but Rude blocked it. "Out of my way, baldy! You're stoppin us helpin' people who are goin' to die under dat plate!"

Rude pressed a button, and they felt a grumble and a local earthquake at their feet. "My bombs are a work of art."

Cloud couldn't take it anymore. They were talking as if his friends who were struggling to stay alive down there were no more than trash to be disposed of. "You're going to pay!"

When Cloud charged at Rude, Tifa took on impulse to follow support him with spells and her fists. Since Barret was left with Reno, he blazed his bullets on the injured Turk.

The gunner may not have liked Zack or Issac in the beginning, but they were good people as far as he could tell.

You two idiots better get out of there. I don't think I wanna handle a sad Tifa and Rika at the same time later. I still owe you two my life.

---

Bottom of the Support Pillar, Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007

I reeled over in pain, my body skidded, and then rolled on the floor a couple of times before I stopped. Stars were clouding my vision, colors were mixed from RGB with monochrome, and I gasped in pain after receiving a elemental blow square on the chest. The paralyzing effect of the electricity was enough to stun me in place helplessly on the floor. It was by sheer luck I was able to move (even if it was very slowly) to grab a Mixed Syrup from my pack.

It felt like forever, but I was sort of glad that my Item Creator pack was given to Flux before the whole fight. At least my electronic devices were safe. I only had so few items left that I used my belt pouches. I sent him off to Elmyra's place, which I hoped he'd be able to watch out for Marlene. If the little guy was stubborn, he'd come back here to make sure I escape from under the plate. Flux did have a locating device on me.

When the Syrup went through my throat, my body felt rejuvenated. At least the worst of wounds were gone. Nonetheless, I dreaded it as I drank it down.

It was the last healing potion I had.

Worse, I only had one Phoenix Down left.

The other two Phoenix Downs were used on civilians who crossed our way when we fought the monsters by diverting them in a direction away from the Support Pillar. The other Mixed Syrups were used on Zack.

It was a good distance away from the pillar now... but what other difference did that make when you're down on items? This was a whole reality, there wasn't a place where you can save on a saving spot. And definitely no 'Continues' like you'd expect from an arcade game.

I shakily stood up from my fallen spot. Only to wince as I saw Zack being thrown through the building beside me. The rubble had went down revealing something I didn't want to see.

Inside Zack was groggily trying to wake himself up and stand, but that wasn't what that shocked me. There were five men, surrounding a girl whose clothes were ripped off roughly in a few places. She was backed to the wall, crying.

Holy Goddess, at a time like this those thugs were going to rape her!

If there was one point in my life I saw humanity at its worst, then it was probably right now. My blood boiled that I never felt so outraged in my entire life. The plate was going to FALL and they were trying to rape a girl?

When Zack also saw what they were doing, he growled. "Get out of here! The plate is going to fall! I can't believe you rats are hurting her at a time like this!"

"Whatever! We're gonna die anyway! At least we can do some fun before we do! She works for ShinRa anyway!" The bulkiest scum snapped back.

I shook my head to snap myself out. She needed help, and I wasn't going to let her be in the mercy of those thugs. I dashed and grabbed her hand quickly, and dragged her over behind us when the group had their eyes on Zack.

"Hey! Give her back!" A skinnier thug exclaimed.

He didn't get to protest again, as a large organic thorn protruded from his chest.

"URK!"

I blanched, Zack turned a nasty shade of green, and the girl behind us screamed as the thorn expanded and tentacles grew over him. We all then snapped our eyes to the source. The monsters Zack and I were fighting now had some sort of organic seed bullet bazooka on its shoulder. It's new partner thankfully did not. Not that we were happy to see it evolving.

The dude that was hit, was now a lifeless puppet... he started to strangle one of his friends.

"What are you doing bro?" his other buddy who was trying to stop him. "You're killing him!"

Another seed bullet was shot out at us, but Zack sliced it clean in half. "You civilians get out of here right now!"

Those thugs were too dense to get the message, more worried of their friend who was already dead and turned against them, along with the guy who was being strangled. I rolled my eyes and I turned to the girl who I helped out.

Checking my waist bag, I was disappointed I really ran out of items. I only had a Phoenix Down left... it wasn't going to help her. It was then when I frantically checked my pockets, I found a handkerchief. I smiled at the memory how I got it, and it would help her.

"What's your name?" I asked quickly and softly as I could.

"Judy," She answered with fear.

I handed her the handkerchief. "Alright, Judy. Take this, and I want you to run as fast as possible out of here, OK? This belongs to an old lady in Sector 5 who lives near the abandoned church called Mrs. Brooks. Tell her Issac says thanks and you need some shelter, alright? She'll somehow help you. You better get to safety." The last sentence was rushed as the monsters were targeting us again. I pushed her away in the direction of Sector 6. "Go and run!"

She squeaked out a thank you before she ran off with tears down her face.

Back to the field, the monster without the canon on his shoulder zoomed on us so fast that it all knocked us over with a wide swipe. I managed to guard with my Gemini Sabers in the nick of time, but I flew off to the floor on my back with a painful grunt as I hit the floor.

Damn, those things were no normal pushovers. It made Airbuster look like a baby bot. Then again, the both of us weren't in the best of conditions in stamina. When I saw the ceiling crumbling and metal debris falling like rain, I knew the guys on top of the Plate had failed.

Sector 7 was doomed for.

I huffed in air as I sat up in a panicking jolt, finding that Zack was unconscious beside me. He must have took the worst blow out of all of us being at the very front. I grabbed the last Phoenix Down from my pack and made sure he gulped it down. I cast the only Cure Materia I had been trying to level up for the other party members.

"Zack! Zack!" I tried shaking him awake. "Wake up, man! The Plate's gonna fall! We gotta get out of here!" As dust fell on my head I cursed. "Shit..."

The former SOLDIER was at least alive as he sat up, but he looked very worn out. "You got... any potions... left?"

"Out of items." I said as I gripped him and pulled him up weakly. Man, the dude was heavy. But I didn't want him to be left here to die. I was glad he complied and started to make a sense of things. He looked over to his left, walked over, and picked up the Buster Sword. However, he didn't see the monster that was going to lunge at him.

My MP was no where near to cast a quick spell to stop the thing, I wasn't Genesis. My Gemini Sabers were out of bullets for its gun mode, and I didn't have the best accuracy in whip mode either... at this range I'd hit Zack by mistake. I did all I could to keep him alive till now, I'd be damned he ended up dead because I couldn't save him...

With a charge, I pushed Zack out of the way.

He fell over out of the way, and I ended up meeting with three claws gutted into my stomach. My body shook in shock as pain registered through my nervous system. I never did have pain tolerance.

Salty red liquid filled my mouth.

Blood.

"ISSAC!"

---

A pathetic whimper escaped his lips. Zack winced as a mental stab in his heart as his friend had pushed him away to save him. The item creator took the blow for him.

Oh Goddess, why now?

The black spiky hero now regretted he didn't pay attention to his surroundings. A small loss of focus was now costing his friend with his life. Even back in his days as a 2nd Class, Angeal saved him because he was carelessly unfocused. So did Sephiroth... and in a way, Genesis recently did too.

With a battle roar he took up the Buster Sword to save Issac, only to be blocked by the larger of the monsters.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY! I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU KILL HIM! I'M NOT GOING TO LOSE ANOTHER FRIEND!" Zack yelled desperately in outrage, his emotions exploded like a dam bursting open.

More debris now in sizes of bowling balls came down from the Plate ceiling. He was was now hearing screams and shouts of people who haven't yet escaped from under the Plate. Zack was a resolute hopeless man on a mission. He cut and hacked at the monster, feeling more and more furious as he couldn't reach his goal. Faces of his past friends he couldn't save flashed in his mind.

It hurt.

It hurt he couldn't save them... and he was supposed to be a hero.

He didn't need more of it, he swore he'd stop the death list he had with own his hands!

Was he going to die too? After going through all that? He'd die anyway being crushed under the plate?

"...Z...Zack...l-live..."

If he wasn't a SOLDIER, he wouldn't have heard the plead Issac had said. He felt his body heat up for a Limit Break, and he gave it his all. On whim, he put his Buster Sword away and he punched like mad on his enemy. At the end of the flurry of punches, the monster got exploded by the attack and groaned to the ground. Zack was amazed at the Limit Break he executed that he didn't think he would use in a long time.

Rush Assault.

Angeal's Limit Break.

When he got to the second monster, Issac was hanging limply still stabbed in the air. Zack's heart cracked. NO! Not Issac too! Just as he was about to despair he failed to save another, he sucked a breath feeling a large thumping pulse. For a second his vision was black and white.

What in Gaia was THAT?

When he heard the pulse again, his eyes followed it to his friend.

The monster that stabbed him, was growling in question as Issac's hand stiffly gripped his claw. When it shined, the monster screeched a piercing scream of agony. It threw the item creator to the ground, but the place where its hand was, there was nothing. To Zack's eyes it was as if it just melted off into particles.

"I-Issac?" Zack hesitated at the not moving form of his friend.

Issac's body shook with a shudder, and light blazed out in rays that Zack had to cover his eyes as it was too bright. When the light receded, the raven hero's eyes were wide. As a feather flew into his hand.

Wings.

Black Wings.

Unlike Genesis, Issac's were on each side of his back and they weren't as skinny looking. All his wounds were gone, only leaving the tattered evidence on his clothes. His eyes glowed neon blue, but they were empty. This wasn't what Issac did to heal him. Zack couldn't see his spirit at all.

Had his friend ended up like Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis?

More larger debris fell down from the ceiling as explosions were now clearer for the eye to see. With his wings, Issac flew up not far too off the ground. No emotions lingered on his face. He sheathed his right Saber to his back, and with that free hand thrust it upwards. Symbols first emerged from his forehead, and soon traveled to his arm.

The symbols and the intricate glyphs Zack saw was the same like when Issac usually did when he used Symbology. Now, however, the glyphs looked more refined than ever before. Like a kid's handwriting was replaced with an adult. Then the whole area which the ex-SOLDIER assumed was as wide as the Sector it self, glowed bright blue... more glyphs appeared. Layer after layer appeared, but they were alive. As they turned and twisted in harmony, they resembled like clogs of the grandfather clock.

A click of fingers.

The Circles expanded and contracted shining brightly, annihilating any debris that fell down, turning it into nothing more than blue corpuscles that eventually was non existent to the human eyes. As no more debris fell, the large circles vanished into thin air.

When the monster Zack had make work of with his Limit Break stood up, the ex-SOLDIER took up his defensive stance. It wasn't interested in him any more. Its eyes were on Issac.

(( Destroyer. ))

Black spikes shook as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Zack gaped and he said it out loud. "The monster just talked!" But why did the monsters called Issac a destroyer? Apparently, the other monster also spoke in the same what telepathic way as its kin.

(( Threat. Destroyer must die. ))

Zack scowled. No way they were going to hurt his friend a second time! Just as Zack was about to act, the ugly things were encased into a blue sphere that caged both creatures in numerous circular glyphs.

Issac had acted again, his hand was wide open. When he gripped it into a fist, the spheres shrunk. The monsters shrieked, and when the spheres disappeared, there was nothing left behind. Then his neon eyes laid upon Zack.

"Issac?"

Black wings hovered closer to Zack.

"H-Hey! It's me, Issac! Zack! I'm your friend! ... I-Issac?" the raven head stuttered. Mako eyes were on Issac's hand that reached to his sheathed Saber and it was taken out.

The winged item creator pointed his saber straight at Zack.

Zack wheezed out a weak breath as he held up his Buster Sword in defense. His memories of his last moments with his mentor came full force. "No... Please don't... Don't make me kill you... Not like Angeal..."

"All who are taken by Phantoms shall be destroyed and returned to the Universal Circle." Issac said in stoned voice.

The former SOLDIER had no idea what his friend was talking about, but Zack squinted his eyes as if a physical blow hit him. Did all his friends ended up turning into monsters and die by his hand? Why was destiny so cruel? He never wanted any of this!

When Issac glowed bright blue, Zack closed his eyes expecting for the worst.

A inhumane shriek.

Zack dared to open his eyes and turned behind him to the source of the sound.

The thug that was hit with a monster seed bullet tried to attack him when he was focused looking to the front, but was erased completely by Issac.

Just as swiftly the possessed thug was erased into nothingness, Issac tumbled down to the ground. The wings shimmered and dissolved into blue specks, leaving a normal battle battered item creator behind.

"What? What... h-happened?" Issac said looking around him entirely confused altogether.

Zack was shocked that his friend's expression was blank with memories. "You don't remember?"

"I think I was... dying." the item creator blankly said. "But – then – the pulse, it was too strong and – what –"

"Monster!"

Zack nearly yelped, but he realized that they weren't exactly alone. Those thugs were still around.

"You killed big bro!" One of the goons pointed to the item creator accusingly. "With your wings you flew over to us and killed him with your powers!"

"Murderer!"

"Monster!"

"Freak!"

Issac looked like he was about to break. "What did I do? Zack? Did I turn into – w-what they said?" The item creator looked down at his hands in fear.

Zack's whole being lurched as his vision of déjà vu. Memories of Sephiroth's actions, words, and reaction on that fateful day in the Nibelheim reactor...

'Am I even human?'

When the goons kept on going, Zack chose one thing he should have done back then. A aim for a punch, and...

"CRACK!"

"Argh! My nose! Bastard! Why are you protecting him?!" The one that shrieked over and over that Issac was a monster was his first target.

Zack was satisfied he hit the mark in breaking his nose. When the pathetic guy was up for a rant, the ex-SOLDIER pulled his shirt up with his fist and picked him up at eye level.

"SHUT UP!" Zack exploded making them all quiet at once. "If anyone's a monster, you freaks are. At a moment of crisis, you thugs tried to rape a girl! Rape her in the middle of a plate that's going to kill you flat! At least Issac SAVED her! DON'T tell me you feel you're better than those things we fought! Because you're NOT! You're not even WORTH saving!"

For good measure, Zack threw his captive on top of the remaining thugs that lived. His eyes gave them dangerous vibes he was a serious threat. Luckily, they all ran away before he thought of pulverizing them into the concrete floor. The sounds of wheezes caught his attention back to his friend.

With concern, Zack knelt down. "Issac? You okay buddy?"

"No. Just what did I do, Zack?" the item creator gulped.

Zack smiled at his friend. "You saved the Sector from getting hit by all the falling debris. Heck, you saved me! You got rid of those monsters!"

"But I grew wings and–"

"Issac," Zack said sternly making Issac's face snap up to him in question and slight fear. "You're not a monster. You're my friend."

Hearing Zack's word's Issac had cried into tears. "Th – Thanks... Z-Zack."

Zack gave him a shoulder hug leaving his friend to cry his heart out, but he too sniffled his nose. "Hey, I should thank you back there. You saved me, literally and non-literally. So, as long as I'm around, I'm gonna make sure you're you."

"I saved you?" The Symbologist gaped. He frantically was trying to wipe his tears away.

"You took the blow for me." Zack explained. With earnest, he then added, "You know, when Angeal turned into a monster... I didn't think I'd ever get him back. I believed that... and I lost him. I let him go, and in the end he died by my hand..."

Issac was speechless and couldn't say anything.

"And Seph... I couldn't befriend him or made him know he was still human. He went insane, burned Nibelheim, and I ended fighting him too... but lost." Zack continued. He sighed, "Even if I did somehow saved Genesis, I'm scared to get into those types of situations... I would never want face a situation where I'd have to cut down a person who I called a friend again."

The Symbologist realized what he'd done, "I nearly cut you down, did I?"

"No," the raven warrior shook his head. "You took out the guy who was already controlled by those monsters down. He was trying to attack me from behind."

When Issac didn't say anything, Zack stood up, grabbed his sword and twirled it to a stance he'd inherited from his mentor on his forehead. Quickly, the twirled it again before sheathing it on the holster on his back.

"I didn't think I'd ever use it again... but I used Angeal's Limit Break." The former 1st Class admitted. He smiled and gave out a helping hand. "Thanks for helping heal that old wound, Issac. And... I'm not letting anyone make my friends believe they're are monsters or anything that their not. You're human, that's my promise."

The item creator was unsure, but he eventually took the former 1st Class' offer.

"Deal," his friend breathed tiredly, and took Zack's hand in gratitude.

The Puppy grinned widely at the acceptance and pulled Issac up. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Issac had wiped his tears away and stood up with the help of Zack. He then noticed something he hadn't seen before. "What's that?"

Zack who had better vision gasped. "A chain pulley, I can get up there and join up with Cloud, Barret, and Tifa!" He then stopped himself. "Issac, are you coming?"

The item creator shook his head. "I think after that power explosion, I won't be able to do real magic at all. I'll head over to Sector 6 and then to 5... I'll be at Aerith's house. Flux should be around there somewhere just outside this sector."

"Can you still make it over there by yourself?" the raven asked slightly worried. They were short on time.

Issac nodded. "Most of my wounds are gone... so, I should have enough energy to get out of here."

Zack nodded at that. "Alright, but you better take care of yourself."

"Get going, Zack." Issac ushered. "Those three need your help. You can't let Barret, Tifa, and Cloud down." With a last trusting and thankful nod, the item creator ran towards the closest perimeter of Sector 7.

Steeling his resolve, the ex-1st Class headed up to the pulley. Zack cut the right chains to the weights, and he was heading upwards to his other friends who were waiting for him. No doubt, taking the chains was far faster than climbing up the stairs. Give it a minute or two, he zoomed up to the upper platform of the Support Pillar, and jumped up lightly landing in a crouch.

His eyes immediately spotted his friends who were in trouble. With 1st Class speed, he cut Barret out from being trapped in Reno's pyramid spell, and blasted Rude with a Thundaga spell making the bald Turk yelp.

Tifa was happy to see Zack had made it up, but their item creator was missing. "Where's Issac?"

"Off to the Sector beside us." Zack replied casually, letting his friends know that he was safe, but not telling the Turks where Issac ran off to.

"Glad yer back, Blacky. Thought you hit the gutter." Barret grinned at the ex-SOLDIER.

Zack sighed inwardly as he nearly did die. He didn't show it as he didn't want to give the Turks in front of him any ideas. He appreciated Barret did care for his well being even if they had a rocky start. "Cloud? How's it going here?"

Cloud breathed in relief, but his expression was also serious. "We got another 4 minutes till the plate falls. No one else but a ShinRa Executive could get the Emergency Plate Release System back to the way it was."

"We got Turks," Zack said as he let his Buster Sword out and he was prepare to fight another battle. "They should be enough."

Rude and Reno who recovered from their shock this time went for defense. This time, they probably weren't going to be so lucky with a real former 1st Class SOLDIER to be up against. It didn't help that the morale of the group was now boosted up.

Reno gave a code to Rude that they needed a backup plan.

Rude, quickly switched a button behind his suit in a signal for the team located down the outer plates for the hostage. Although, there was also another potential hostage they could get their hands on...

---

Broken Roads, Sector 6, Midgar, December 0007

I jogged over to Sector 6 with the time I had. The idea that the timeline changed was a good thing, if not, I was very sure Zack and I would have been crushed by the Sector 7 plate minutes ago. Who would have thought with Ryan and Genesis destroying a security outpost that things ended up differently?

Never mind I just went nuclear with my powers and all, the fact I also had some stamina left was a pure miracle. I was told that Ryan and Rika weren't really in a good condition to do anything once they went through their own power explosions. It was a lame guess, but I think my adrenaline was still working its way in my body. That sort of made me dreading how my body would react later once the crisis was over.

And even after all that... Zack accepted me. He still called me his friend. I didn't even remember what I did back there after I got stabbed... but I was relieved that I didn't kill anyone on purpose as a human. I was still scared why I wasn't all aware during the explosion like Rika and Ryan. Just what made me different from them?

I never got to think over it as I crashed into a flying black ball.

My scout.

"Flux! What are you doing here?!" I demanded from my droid. "I told you to go back to Aerith's place!"

:: But Aerith got caught by Turks! :: the black ball droid protested waving his hands around. :: Marlene was worried! ::

"BANG! BANG! BANG!"

The bullets missed but it was enough for me to make me pay attention on who was my attacker.

I gulped when my eyes met the boss of the Turks, Tseng.

My fight or flight reflex, turned to SCRAM.

I ran for it.

"Flux, RUN!"

Running in the destroyed area of Sector 6 was no fun at all. Cracked roads and unstable ground was making it difficult to get away. The only advantage it gave me was the fact it made it hard to shoot. I cursed along the way, as I didn't know what they want with me. They were supposed to only get Aerith and fly off!

Out of items, stamina going down yet again, the situation pointed out that I was epically screwed.

At one point, when I hid under a large debris, I called Flux over. There was a large chance I would get caught, because I had a feeling they were deliberately herding me to a certain location.

"Flux, open your compartment," I ordered. Flux did so, and I shoved my all my remaining Materia in it save for the Cure Materia I had. My scout then closed his compartment. "Take care of it. Now, you head back to Aerith's place."

:: But what about you? :: Flux complained.

"Tseng, sir! I heard voices! Over here!"

That feminine voice clearly told me the blond Turk was alive and kicking.

Good for her, screw me.

I mentally cursed at Elena for spotting me, but quickly face back to my droid. "Just get going, and don't worry about me, OK? If I get caught, I'll try to protect Aerith if I can from inside ShinRa. Tell Zack for me? Got it?"

Flux didn't move, he was still hesitating.

"Sorry I have to do this lil' buddy. It's... an order." I said sadly. My scout droid yelped as his override order mode activated and he zoomed off.

"There he is!"

I leaped out of my hiding place, and ran as much as my feet could carry me. Dodging bullets, was not fun at all. Without Flux, the area was a natural maze. Left, right, another right, a U turn, I lost count the ways I went in favor of avoiding troopers I accidentally met in my escape or Turks intercepting me were out to get me.

When I got out of the maze, I was in a wide clearing area where more troopers were waiting and a helicopter was there waiting to be flown.

A trap.

SHIT.

I skidded to a halt, dust off the ground as I stopped my flight. I wheezed in and out like the air around me didn't exist. My eyes was on who was inside the helicopter. Aerith was tied up, but she was shocked to see me.

"BANG!"

Something like a fire ant bite hit at the back of my right shoulder and whole body felt like jelly. With no control on my limbs, I hit the ground. I heard the flower girl scream, but her voice was muffled soon after.

I didn't understand what was going on, I couldn't move and my whole body felt really hot for some reason. It was like getting into a sauna or something, only that the temperature increase made me nauseous. Worse, I was still conscious throughout the whole thing. No matter how much I grunted or wanted to move, none of my muscles reacted.

A click of black boots came over to me from what I can see through my point of vision. "Try not to struggle too much, Item Creator." Tseng hovered above me. "It's not your ordinary tranquilizer, it works more like a fever induced potion."

"What... you... want... from m-me?" I asked what I could weakly, trying to fight off the artificial fever.

I hissed as he yanked my hair roughly to his kneeling eye level. "Information. Your work was impeccable back at the communications outpost. It could be of use to us. But you are another worthy hostage to take as well. Zack surely would stop whatever he plans to prevent the plate to fall."

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach.

So much for taking care of myself. I only ended up being a burden to Zack in the end. What kind of friend was I? After he promised that he'd always believe I would be his friend?

Tseng dropped my head to the ground hard. I groaned in pain, the impact made my headache worse. All I could hear were orders being barked out, and felt I was carried on a Turk's back and then thrown into the helicopter like I was a sack of potatoes. My vision was getting worse, and darker by the moment.

The last thing I saw was Aerith crying over me. "I'm sorry."

I wanted to say it wasn't her fault, but a kick at the back of my neck shut my vision to darkness. The fever had defeated me, and I only heard the last order Tseng ushered to the pilot.

"Head up above the Sector Pillar Support. We'll pick up Reno and Rude there."

---

On top of the Support Pillar, Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007

Reno had to admit, they were in trouble.

1st Class SOLDIER level trouble.

Him and Rude were prepared to take on a group of AVALANCHE members that were by no means had professional training in fighting as a group. NOT fight them AND a former 1st Class SOLDIER. There was a reason why ShinRa sent groups of troopers with SOLDIERs after SOLDIER deserters. They weren't the kind to be taken out so easily with only two Turks for that matter.

Sure, Reno honestly would agree that he was the ultimate trickster. Bad thing was, Zack used to work along with him and Tseng on other missions in the past. Fair knew his tricks and the red head did not appreciate of being Silenced by the said ex-SOLDIER so he couldn't cast spells. For now, he could only dodge what the group tried on him, hoping that Tseng would show up ASAP.

The EMR loving Turk didn't like getting pounded like this.

As Rude tumbled back thanks to Tifa's Somersault Limit Break, but rolled over to his feet and wiped off the blood that was on his lips. The fact the bald Turk didn't mention or signal anything to him, was clear to Reno that Tseng hadn't contacted him yet.

"Give it up, Reno!" Zack exclaimed. "Just put turn the switch around! I thought you liked Sector 7! It's where you came from!"

Reno was uncertain for a split second but then shook his head. "I'm a Turk, yo. Orders are orders." He didn't like what he was doing, but he didn't want the company questioning his loyalty.

A swipe of Zack's Buster Sword cost him a few hairs cut from his head. Reno wasn't trying to fight a battle he couldn't win, he was just stalling by evading attacks. A thumping of helicopter blades were music to his ears as it was time to run for it. "It's time."

Both Turks flipped back and headed to the chopper that had laid out a ladder for them to hold on.

"Get back here!" Cloud shouted at the running black suits.

"Forget about them! I'll try 'n' get ta the controls!" Barret snapped at the blond.

Cloud retorted. "That's not a normal time bomb!"

Tifa's eyes were on the open door of the chopper. "Hey, look!"

Zack instantly recognized the Turk as Tseng as he hung from the helicopter's door. It felt odd that Tseng was avoiding eye contact with him and addressed the others instead.

"That's right. You'll have a hard time disarming that one. It'll blow the second some stupid jerk touches it."

"Please stop it! You're going to kill all those innocent people!" Tifa pleaded.

Zack's anger was growing when Tseng's face didn't seem to show he had any care. Tseng instead chuckled, "Only a ShinRa Executive can set up or disarm the Emergency Plate Release System."

"Shut yer hole!" Barret cried out in frustration. His gun arm was aimed to the helicopter's blades, ready to take it down.

"I wouldn't try that." Tseng warned. "You just might injure our special guest." At the door, a soldier showed up with a girl which three of the AVALANCHE members recognized.

"Aerith!" Zack, Cloud, and Tifa shouted in unison.

"What are you gonna do with Aerith?" Zack growled at his former co-worker.

Tseng shrugged. "I haven't decided. Our orders were to find and catch the last remaining Ancient. It's taken us a long time, but now I can finally report this to the President."

"Tifa, don't worry! She's all right!" Aerith shouted to her female friend, hopping Tifa knew what she meant.

Tseng slapped Aerith for her outburst. He ordered to get the girl inside and signaled for another.

"TSENG! Don't you hurt her!" Zack yelled, his voice now murderous. He lifted up his Buster Sword, if Barret can't get the chopper with a gun... he'd do it the manual way.

"Rushing in won't work." Tseng calmly stated. "Not if you want another harmed." A familiar item creator to their eyes, but he was shoved to the floor and a soldier's foot nailed him down, causing to the already nauseous Issac to cry out.

Zack stop dead in his tracks. I shouldn't have left him by himself...

"Issac!" Barret yelled. "What do ya want him for?!"

"You were wise to hide him back when your group attacked the communications outpost. But it seems that his talents could be of use to ShinRa." Tseng stated signaling the soldier near him to take the prisoner back inside. "Well, it should be starting right about now. Think you can escape in time?"

With that, the helicopter flew away from the scene.

"Aerith! Issac!" Zack shouted in vain.

"Zack! We need to get out of here!" the blond yelled to his friend.

An explosion that blew up parts of the the platform they were standing on, caused the group to retreat.

Tifa frantically searched for a way out. "There's got to be a way out of here!"

It was Barret who found a way to escape. "Yo, we can use this wire to get out!"

They all hopped onto the wire and made their escape. As they escaped, the plate was tumbling down... but half way, their wire jumped up and down.

"What da hell? Not NOW!" Barret said fearing for the worst.

Cloud was the first to notice something was odd. "Hey, why is the plate which our wire is leading to lowering?"

Tifa gasped at the tendrils of Mako that were holding the plates were visible and brightening than ever before. "Look! I think those Mako lines are lowering the Sector 7 plate down slowly!"

Barret was not believing what he saw. "But how? They said the plate was doomed! Only ShinRa Executives can switch it off."

The blond disagreed. "It was shut off. The plate will release itself anyway. But... I'm guessing that someone interfered with the main controls... from HQ."

Zack gasped in surprise, realizing there were two people who were missing since the night before.

Genesis and Ryan.

Thank the Planet they were in HQ! Looks like while they snooped around, they caught wind of the plate coming down. Zack would have to thank them later if he got a chance to meet them.

When the got to safer ground, the group sighed they made it out alive.

"I wonder who would hack in HQ and get the plate slowly lowered down like that?" Tifa said more to herself.

"Most likely Genesis and Ryan." Zack answered for her. "They've been absent since we bombed the reactor."

Barret scratched his gun arm out of habit. He felt a grudging respect for the two infiltrators. "I hate to admit it, but – I'm glad they did." He then remembered his daughter. "Marlene!"

Tifa on impulse remembered Aerith's words. "Aerith said she was safe!"

Cloud gave an eye to Zack, "I think we might know where she is."

"We'll head over to Sector 5, Marlene should be there." Zack nodded gravely as he walked over to the Sector exit.

Noticing Zack's brooding mood, Cloud asked, "Zack, you alright?"

"I shouldn't have left Issac alone back there," Zack said feeling like a failure. "I've known the Turks had an eye on Aerith all these years because she's the last Ancient... but they didn't have to drag Issac into this!"

"An Ancient?" Tifa said perplexed.

Zack shook his head. "I'm not sure what that means, but I going to rescue them both after we make sure Marlene's OK. Come on, we better hurry!"

As the remaining members of AVALANCHE ran towards Sector 5, Zack's mind restlessly thought back to Aerith and Issac.

Wait for me you two... I promise I'll get you both out of there.

If he was going into ShinRa HQ, he'd need to be prepared to go into a dragon's den. However, he would have to be quick too. If Aerith was the last Ancient and that Hojo had headed the project on Ancients all this time... sooner or later the bastard scientist would get his greasy hands on her. He shuddered at all the horrific experiments and torment Hojo did on him and Cloud. Zack swore he wouldn't let his girlfriend suffer the same fate.

Issac was in no better condition of being caught by the Turks... Zack could only hope he didn't get the attention of the science department yet. It wouldn't do Zack any good about keeping his promise if Hojo turned him into a real monster. No. He wouldn't let another Sephiroth incident from happening ever again. Maybe this time he should end Hojo's life. Hell, he wasn't going to take it easy with his Limit Breaks this time.

Zack prayed for his mentor's guidance.

I swear it, Angeal. I'm not going to let anyone left behind this time.

He swore on his pride and honor he'd rescue them.

---

TBC...

Next up, Will Genesis, Ryan, Shelke, and Rika stay put in the Director of SOLDIER room?

AVALANCHE to the rescue...

I'm aware that there is no Materia Unit room in Crisis Core, but I believe that SOLDIERs in their golden days had more facilities (well, game maps are made for simplicity's sake). Plus, more rooms means more explorations... especially in the next chapter...

Comments, opinions, questions, advice in reviews are welcomed! :)