Chapter summary: Cloud is healed, but there remain so many questions about all of Hojo's experiments - and lies. Are the SOLDIERs men or monsters? And there is information Sephiroth must deal with if his own healing is to be accomplished. Will Cloud have the strength to fight that battle as well?

Chapter 8: Recovery

Absolute chaos ruled in the Seventh Heaven Bar as Zack literally dived to catch Aerith when she wilted and collapsed. "Aerith," he choked out as he cradled her close. Her normal complexion of soft rose was waxy pale and she trembled in his arms. But she still smiled at him when he pressed his cheek to hers, and ran a hand over his unruly hair.

Sephiroth had gone to one knee, head hanging and chest heaving. One hand was fisted tightly over his heart as he struggled to catch his breath. Somehow he gasped out, "Angeal, please, Cure."

All at once there was movement from all over the room.

Forcing himself to focus, Angeal hastily equipped an All materia and hit all three at once. As the green light cascaded over them, those holding Cloud to the table removed cramped and aching hands from his limbs. Genesis barely dodged in time to avoid being run over by Tifa. Reeve quickly stepped forward amid the confusion to carefully remove the knife penetrating Cloud's hand and give the last bowl of poison to one of his assistants.

Even as the director of the WRO moved away Angeal hit Cloud with another Cure to heal that damage before he awakened.

Cloud's eyes were closed when Tifa reached him. He looked relaxed but pale, and seemed very young and vulnerable. Framing his face with her hands, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss on him even as one hand drifted down to settle over his heart. Its beat was strong and slow and steady, assuring her Aerith had finally driven all the poison out of his system. But she was alarmed when he didn't stir. There was no response to her touch.

Looking up, she whispered, "Seph?"

Kunsel was helping Sephiroth to his feet, where he swayed unsteadily. The center of his chest, where Aerith had rested her hand as she drew strength from him, was badly inflamed and deeply bruised. It was obvious the straps crossing over the spot were chaffing painfully since he clutched them away from his skin. "He sleeps, Tifa, deeply and without dreams. Gods, her power," he wheezed out then, staggering even with Kunsel's aid.

But when the SOLDIER would have steered him into a chair, Sephiroth resisted and approached the table.

When Seph reached the prone figure, he leaned over and just rested his cheek against Cloud's forehead. A tear traced its way down his face as he whispered, "So strong. You are so strong and brave, my son." The exhaustion that gripped him was evident in the way he fought to straighten up. "I thought he was screaming in agony as the poison advanced through his system, but he was actually fighting it. It should have killed him instantly." A shudder passed through the body of the General. "But he was battling it even as we were." He looked down at the woman cradled in Zack's arms with something approaching awe. "I... didn't know how involved she was in healing Cloud after they removed him from Hojo's lab. That she helped Kisaragi, yes, but I wasn't aware of the extent of her aid. You know Cloud carries part of her life force inside him, correct?"

At Sephiroth's question, Tifa nodded. She had given the General room to touch Cloud, knowing he needed it after the agony of the healing. But the minute Seph released him, Tifa again rested her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest, immersing herself in his unique scent of thunder and lightning. Just to feel how easily he breathed now was such a relief.

Finally accepting his legs simply weren't going to support him any longer, Sephiroth sank into the chair Kunsel dragged over. "It gives him a very limited amount of her abilities. Otherwise he wouldn't have survived. He was able to fight the spread of the poison just long enough for Aerith to reach him."

Vincent stood near Kunsel, arms crossed over his chest as those unblinking crimson eyes studied them. "So those screams were basically battle cries as he fought to keep it from spreading." After another look at Sephiroth, he removed an elixir from his pocket and thumbed off the top. "Don't argue," he warned when Seph tried to wave it away. "You're naturally pale to begin with; right now you look nearly transparent." Vincent smiled grimly when the General turned to look at Aerith and told him firmly, "Zack has already coaxed one down her. Now drink."

Chuckling softly at Vincent's paternal attitude, Sephiroth downed the contents of the bottle with a grimace, for the taste of the liquid had never appealed to him for some reason. But he couldn't deny the boost it gave him, or the fact his chest didn't hurt quite as bad.

And that reminded him to check on something...

Rising somewhat easier than before, he walked back to Cloud. Gently nudging Tifa away, he pulled Cloud's shirt partway up to reveal the lower half of his torso and she leaped to her feet in shock. Hojo had left dozens of scars across Cloud's chest and abdomen during his experiments. She had seen them herself the morning after his arrival back in Edge, as had Barret, Marlene and Denzel.

The fine white lines no longer marred his skin. Only a few of the deeper ones still existed. Awed by the power of her friend, Tifa ran a hand over Cloud's right side where the first scar she had seen had once been. Whatever restraint within her that kept the tears at bay snapped and she collapsed sobbing into an unfamiliar pair of arms. Tifa didn't care whose coat she was soaking with her tears as she held on for dear life and poured out her grief.

It was some minutes before she realized it was Genesis who held her. "Shh, Tifa," he said gently. The arrogance that sometimes crept into his manner was absent as he stroked her hair. "You'll make yourself sick if you don't pull it back. Zack," he called quietly as he rose and carried Tifa over to where Aerith lay on the padded bench.

The jagged crack in the window above her was a grim reminder of what had happened earlier.

Tenderly encouraging her, Zack got Aerith to sit up as Genesis placed Tifa beside her. Then both men quickly retreated as the two friends curled around each other to share their tears of relief that the worst of the ordeal was over.

Turning, Genesis surveyed the shambles of the once orderly room. Chairs and tables were scattered willy-nilly while small potion bottles, armor and weapons littered the floor. Bottles and plates were overturned or askew in the glass-fronted cabinets behind the bar. Most of the occupants wore expressions of fatigue mixed with gratitude, but the horror of the situation lurked just beneath. All had believed Cloud's poisoning curable as they labored to save him. To hear otherwise was a shock not easily thrown off.

Raising his hands, he stared at them as if in disbelief. Genesis wasn't aware of Angeal's approach until his voice asked softly, "Genesis?"

"Hmm?" Something in Angeal's expression made him smile. "Sorry. Woolgathering, I suppose." Genesis glanced behind him as Reeve and one of the WRO doctors leaned over Cloud. Dr. Burke had his stethoscope pressed to Cloud's chest and he looked pleased at whatever he heard. Turning back to Angeal, he confided, "I so envy Cloud Strife at this moment. Holding Tifa was like... Gods, Angeal, it was like I somehow managed to hold sunlight. She's so warm, so alive, so vibrant."

Unable to resist, Angeal poked him and said firmly, "Taken."

His chuckle was rueful, "I know that, old friend. But that can't stop me from dreaming for a while, can it?" Genesis twisted his head slightly to look at the tear-stains on his coat. "Would that I could find someone..." his words trailed off as a voice speaking urgently broke his concentration. Both he and Angeal looked towards the corner.

Standing beside Sephiroth was probably the most magnificent woman either had ever been privileged to see. She had to be at least six feet tall, with gorgeous curves and a tumbling cascade of flame red curls falling all the way to her hips. But her expression was panicked as she struggled to support the General as he swayed dangerously. "A little help here?" she pleaded.

Several leaped to her aid even as a faint whisper broke the tension-filled silence. "Seph."

None of them had a chance to stop Sephiroth as he surged across the room. Reaching the table on which Cloud lay, Sephiroth took his hand and asked quietly, "Yes, Cloud?"

Blinking unfocused eyes at him, Cloud muttered, "Go."

A little puzzled, Seph echoed cautiously, "Go?" A shudder passed through him, making him stagger.

Cloud's voice was a bit stronger as he insisted, "Seph, please go with her."

"Strife, you're not making any sense," that came out as a growl and made the younger man smile.

"Her name is Jaycynda, and she's here to take care of you." Chuckling weakly as Tifa claimed his other hand, Cloud told him, "She's been helping me to watch over you all this time."

That at least made Sephiroth blink in surprise. "Really?"

"She's the Head Nurse at the WRO."

Sephiroth might have commented, but his eyes rolled back into his head and he slumped forward. Fortunately, Reeve was there to help Jaycynda catch him.

"Stretcher on the way," Reeve offered quietly.

"Thank the Goddess," she whispered, her fingers clamped around Sephiroth's wrist. Her expression was very serious as she turned to the Director, "He's right on the verge of collapse, Reeve. Mentally, physically, emotionally; he's walked a tightrope for a long time and is about to lose his balance. This incident has pushed him to the outer limits of his strength. He'll have no choice now but to rest and recoup in a stable, controlled environment. But he's steady enough, safe enough, to make that decision on his own. You've made sure that he's ready for that, haven't you, Strife?"

Cloud had managed to get down from the table and was sitting cuddled with Tifa on a bench near them. Despite the healing, there was still pain in his eyes as he turned to them. "Yes, I have." He hesitated until Tifa made a soft sound. "Reeve, send all your help but Jaycynda out, will you? This is private."

His request was quickly obeyed.

And as those remaining took seats, Cloud nodded to Sephiroth, "He'll wake soon, and I want him to willingly accept he needs assistance right now. What he has managed to do on his own is just amazing, but it's time he face the fact he can't pull himself completely back alone. I couldn't." He indicated the small group to his right, "Aerith, Zack, Kunsel, Godo and Yuffie - they taught me how to live with what was done to me. In truth, they taught me how to live, period. We've all tried to support Sephiroth in our own ways, but he's never had anyone really close to him before and simply doesn't know how to reach out." It was here that he eyed Angeal and Genesis. "You are his friends, and he has leaned heavily on you during his transition, but both of you have your own problems to overcome, your own truths to deal with."

Genesis swallowed hard while Angeal took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.

"We've all read the reports, Strife. Hojo tainted every one of us in ways too heinous to comprehend. Acceptance of his actions isn't easy," answered Vincent, a look of sadness on his normally expressionless face.

"He needs to know about his mother, Vincent. For all this time -and despite my best efforts- he's believed what that insane idiot put in his notes. Hojo lied time and again that Jenova was Sephiroth's mother, that he was bio-engineered with genetic material from that alien and himself. I finally discovered her name in the latest decodes. I also found out that you knew her, personally." Cloud's words might have sounded harsh, but the look he gave Vincent was understanding and compassionate.

For a moment Vincent retreated completely by lowering his face into the cowl of his cloak. The silence was finally broken by his sigh as he admitted, "There is one thing the reports cannot reveal because Hojo didn't know, or even care about her welfare once the baby was born. Lucrecia Crescent is alive, Strife. When she finally realized all that had been done to her child by that madman, she sealed herself in a crystal in a cavern near Nibelheim. I have," and he paused, pain nearly radiating from him, "visited her from time to time. If one is persistent enough, she will speak with you for a few minutes."

"You love her," Zack whispered, ashamed he had thought none could touch the former Turk.

"That began long before she became pregnant with Sephiroth. I was assigned to protect Lucrecia, and I failed her. It is a transgression I will live with for all my life - a sin never to be forgiven."

"And that is so much bull," Cloud snapped. "Do you think I can't assimilate what I read? She willingly submitted to the injections because she was also a scientist and wanted her child to have the power of the ancients. It wasn't until later they discovered Jenova was actually an invader from elsewhere in this universe. She was capable of changing her genetics to match the race she wanted to infect and wipe out. I don't blame them for misidentifying her. What I will never forgive them for is what they did once they knew the truth." Taking a deep breath, he motioned to Seph as he lay pale and still on the table. "I've been waiting for the right time to mention his mother. Now isn't perfect, but I think just hearing that he isn't the monster he thought, that he is as human as the rest of us, will be a help in his recovery."

Reeve gave a sudden warning, "He's starting to wake up." Carefully avoiding touching his chest, he helped Sephiroth to sit up.

Seph was obviously confused, the frost green eyes glassy. After giving his head a shake, he seemed a bit more aware. But it was easy to tell the pain was beginning to win.

Cloud pulled himself out of Tifa's arms to cross the room. His stride was anything but steady, evidenced by the intense focus on the furniture around him that he used to keep his balance. A nod of gratitude went to Jaycynda when she yanked a chair toward him. "Thank you."

Jaycynda nodded, then retreated to Reeve's side.

Sitting beside the General, Cloud touched one of Sephiroth's hands and found it almost icy. Considering how high the mako in a SOLDIER's body kept their temperature, the fact his skin was cold told a story in itself. "Seph, will you listen to me for a minute?" When Sephiroth wearily nodded, Cloud continued in the same quiet, soothing tone, "You've allowed me to counter so many of Hojo's arguments concerning your life. I need you to let me shatter one more." Reaching out, Cloud gently turned his head so they were looking each other directly in the eyes. "You've seen all his notes about Jenova by now, and his claims that you were bio-engineered from that monster. They aren't true, Seph. He lied to you, time and again. Your mother is human; she gave birth to you just as any other woman, through pain and blood. And you were taken from her before she could even hold you because Hojo wanted no other to influence your life but him."

When Sephiroth jerked and would have pulled away Cloud held him fast. "No, don't try to hide the hurt, Seph. For once in your life let it out, just let it go."

For one humming moment there was dead silence in the bar.

Then a howl to rival Cloud's own screams as he fought the poison in his system sounded, filling the room with its agony. On and on it went, ripping out of Sephiroth as he released all his anger, frustration and fear. The inhuman cries finally came to an end as Sephiroth fell sobbing into Cloud's arms.

It was a jolt to Tifa to see the man she loved cradle Sephiroth in his arms, his cheek resting on the tangle of silver hair. Does he look like that when he holds me? She found herself wondering, so gentle, so tender, so protecting? She couldn't hold down the blush at the thought of what his love would be like when they finally reached that stage of their relationship. And we will, she vowed fiercely. Cloud Strife is mine.

For all his faults and horror-filled past, there was no one who had touched her so deeply.

The hastily suppressed giggle to her right had her swinging around. Aerith was looking at her with shining eyes, both hands clapped over her mouth to stop from laughing out loud and spoiling the solemn mood.

And a thought struck Tifa like a lightning bolt as Cloud's words echoed in her head. "And it seemed there was always something of you mentioned, so when I walked into Seventh Heaven with Sephiroth that day, it was hard to believe I was meeting you for the first time."

Suddenly she realized just what her so-called best friend had been up to all these years, and it infuriated her to be so manipulated. "AERITH!" Tifa hissed, leaping to her feet.

Aerith didn't even bother to pretend ignorance. "Yep," she agreed proudly as Zack rose to shield her protectively.

"You... You - set me up! You were playing matchmaker the whole time you were writing those blasted letters to Zack!" Tifa then aimed a finger at the broadly grinning Zack, "And you were playing right along, weren't you, by reading them to everyone in the mess hall?!"

"I was under direct orders, Tifa," Zack told her solemnly with his hands raised in surrender, but the smile still lurking behind the serious expression was impish. "Aerith just knew you were perfect for him, and vice versa. It wasn't easy working on the both of you from several continents away, but we gave it our best shot." He looked down at Aerith fondly, "At first I thought she was absolutely insane. Sunshine and Cloudy getting together? No way would that work. But she kept at it, and I started to see her point. You could lighten his dark moods -and Shiva knows they hit him hard sometimes- and he would give you the type of love he's despaired of ever finding."

They looked at her so earnestly, the SOLDIER and his flower-girl, clutching each other's hands tightly. Tifa didn't know whether to beat the both of them or suffocate them in hugs of gratitude. Fortunately for all involved, the gratitude won.

So even as Cloud coaxed a reluctant Sephiroth onto the stretcher with Jaycynda's help, Tifa bounced around hugging anyone she could reach. Reeve managed to take it in a fatherly spirit, and Vincent just endured it with discomfort evident on his face, but the rest grinned and enjoyed her exuberance.

From the look in his eyes, Angeal understood exactly what Genesis meant earlier about holding sunlight.

When she reached the stretcher, Tifa carefully embraced Sephiroth and even pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Take care of yourself, Seph," she pleaded, brushing her hand over his hair. "For all his strengths, your son still needs you."

"I think..." Sephiroth started while giving Jaycynda a nervous glance, but Cloud's voice quietly interrupted him.

The concern showed clearly in the too-blue eyes. "I know it's difficult to let anyone take over, even if it's to help you heal. But you can't do this on your own, Seph. Not this time. Let her try, please. I wouldn't entrust your care to her if I wasn't sure of her skill and dedication. You need plenty of rest, and a quiet place to recover without all the stress and tension that have been present for so much of your life. She'll see you get that."

Sephiroth winced, knowing that Cloud wasn't asking him to trust just the nurse. "Very well," he finally said, his tone one of grudging acceptance. But he clasped Cloud's arm firmly before leaning back so they could take him away.

As the medics carried the stretcher out, Jaycynda touched Cloud's hand and promised, "I'll do everything I can to aid his recovery. But I would like to thank you for believing I care enough to be trusted." Smiling, she followed the orderlies out, shutting the door behind her.

Reeve and his staff soon left as well, intent on readying a room in the infirmary for the General.

Before he left, he pulled Tifa to the side. "I think," he said slowly, obviously considering his words carefully, "that Cloud would be better off here, being tended by you than in the infirmary. Would you be willing? Speaking for the WRO, I would be more than happy to compensate you for whatever gil you might lose by keeping the bar closed. Cloud is SOLDIER, and physically they tend to heal quickly. But that poison is going to make him very sick for at least a week. Healing energy, Esuna and elixirs don't affect things similar to a stomach bug." Reeve eyed her and admitted frankly, "There's going to be a meltdown at some point. The man is the strongest I've ever met in my entire life, but such a close brush with death will have an effect on even his nerves. He needs..." Here Reeve blushed a bit. "Well, he'll need you. And truth be told, I'm sure all this has frightened you, and you might feel better having a hand in his care."

Tifa nodded, but wearily. The day had been one shock after the other, and she longed for peace and quiet - and Cloud. Against all odds he was still with her, and she wanted time to savor that fact. "I would be honored, Reeve."

Smiling, he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I'll take care of the paperwork if you can give me a ballpoint figure of what you normally earn in a day. Don't be stingy either - the WRO can handle it. As soon as I get back to HQ, I'll arrange for whatever medical supplies Jaycynda feels are necessary and a cot for him if you would like. I don't know what kind of living space you have upstairs so that might make it easier."

"Yes, it would. And thank you, Reeve."

"No, thank you. I'm heading out now, but call me if you need anything, even if it's just to talk, okay?" he asked, handing her a card with his contact information. Then he was gone, chiding his staff through the door.

It wasn't until the door shut that Tifa realized they'd picked up all the trash from the floor and even righted some of the bottles and plates scattered from the explosion. Anything shattered had been swept up, and the chairs were once more stacked on the tables.

All those left behind were grouped by the side window, discussing just how long Sephiroth would tolerate such surroundings - and Jaycynda's care-taking, however sincere her intentions to help with his recovery. Although the joking was good-natured, their demeanor was a bit strained by the monumental events of the afternoon. But they quickly fell into old habits as to the outcome of a battle of wills between Seph and Jaycynda - and that would be to start the betting.

"Ten gil he bolts before they even reach HQ," Kunsel was saying with a smile as Tifa walked over to them.

Zack held out a hand, "Ten they manage to somehow stop him."

Angeal simply couldn't help himself and added his own wager, "Twenty he feigns cooperation, then slips out on the redhead the second she turns her back." He grinned at the resulting laughter before saying seriously, "Do you think he'll be all right, Cloud? That information just kicked his foundation right out from under his feet. Again. Somehow he had come to terms with the fact he was bred from a monster." Darkness momentarily dimmed the midnight blue of his eyes, "A truth many of us must accept."

Try as he might, Cloud couldn't stop the weariness from sweeping over him. How many others must he battle before the madness of Hojo was finally countered? Then he felt Tifa wrap her arms around him and light returned to bathe him in a soft, gentle glow. Yes, he thought, I can keep fighting with her by my side. Taking a deep breath, he said without looking at the forlorn SOLDIERs, "None of you are monsters. Even Vincent doesn't sport a tail that I've noticed - well, outside of a limit break, at least."

As jokes went it wasn't the cleverest, but he was exhausted and it was the best he could do at the moment. That they laughed made the warmth in his chest grow. Turning to hold Tifa possessively in his arms, he growled, "Now get out. I've got some quality snuggle time coming with this beautiful woman and I want some privacy to show her exactly how much I adore her."

The blush on Tifa's face was as red as flame as she buried it against his shoulder.

"Well!" Aerith huffed, rising to her feet in seeming indignation, which fooled no one able to see the sneaky and delighted grin on her face. "You're welcome, Strife. Come on, Zack. Let's go somewhere that we're actually appreciated." She then squawked when Zack swept her up in his arms and headed for the exit.

There was a very determined gleam in his eye that had everyone dodging out of his way in a hurry.

Eyebrows raised, Genesis yanked open the door before the SOLDIER could walk right through it. "Have a good evening," he called out with a perfectly straight face as he watched Zack carry Aerith off, her somewhat shrill protests falling on deaf ears. The sight should have amused him.

But he was afraid any laughter he released might have a hysterical edge to it, so instead he quietly shut the door and joined his companions at the far side of the bar.

Snuggled up against Cloud, Tifa looked around at those left and asked, "What are you going to do now?"

Glancing at Kunsel, Vincent and Angeal, Genesis suggested solemnly, "Patrol, maybe? WRO's infantry could probably use some help to restore order. I'm sure all the ruckus and noise flushed a lot of monsters out of the ruins." He wasn't sure any would be willing to assist with the mop-up, but to his surprise they all seemed relieved to have something to focus on.

Angeal gave a grim nod, "We'll need to check the missing list before we head out. Vincent said there were several troopers unaccounted for." There were a few moments of clatter as they gathered up the armor and weapons discarded during the healing. Then, in silent procession, they headed out.

Despite his weakened condition, Cloud made it to the door to lock it quickly. Leaning on it for support, he asked Tifa, "Will Elmyra keep the kids tonight?" When she nodded he gave her a rather naughty smile at odds with his angelic looks.

It made him sensual and tempting, and she didn't resist when it drew her to him.

Reaching him, Tifa hesitated for just a second before wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing close. "Cloud... Seph isn't the only one that needs to let it out." And she could feel him trembling, could see the pain and anguish beginning to take over as his strength finally crumpled.

"I need you," he whispered as the tears started to flow down his cheeks. "Gods, Tifa, I can't tell you how much I need you right now."

Wiping his face gently, she told him, "You don't have to tell me, Cloud. I know." And she held him as he collapsed and cried as though his heart were breaking. Tifa cuddled him as close as she possibly could and cried herself.

Because even the strongest of men have limits...