Beyond
Flora Winters
I do not own Final Fantasy VII.
Summary: Sometimes the dead simply do not stay dead. This story will contain boy love, strong language, and scenes of explicit violence.
Chapter Thirteen
There was nothing in this world like seeing Zack in action. He moved his booted feet with such sensual grace and the way he swung his sword was mesmerizing. It was like watching a dance of death. The monsters didn't stand a chance against such amazing skill. One monster after the other fell to the ground defeated, hacked to bits.
"Show off," Tifa said under her breath, making Cloud look at her. But the look in her eyes told him that she was clearly impressed. It made him turn back to the battle with a small smile on his face. His man really was made of awesome.
"Come on," Sephiroth said, unfolding his arms, looking quite bored. "Quit playing and finish them off."
"But," Zack said, turning from the dazed beast with a pout on his handsome face. "I'm having fun."
But, Cloud knew differently. Zack was showing off just for him. How many times did he have to tell him there was no need for it? It was probably just some primal masculine need to show off in front of one's mate, and frighten away others who might try to take a claim to what was his.
He rolled his eyes and cast a bolt of sizzling red hot lightning right past the stud's left ear, striking the monster right in the chest, sending it flying backwards to land unmoving in a smoking heap. Zack simply scratched his cheek and he had the goofiest grin on his face. He even toed the ground bashfully. "Oops," he said, lowering his sword. "I guess I shouldn't have turned my back, huh?"
"Duh," Tifa said, fixing her hat.
"What spell was that?" Sephiroth asked, turning to look at him with those penetrating green eyes. They did seem a bit warmer though. "It was red, Cloud. And it finished that monster off in one hit."
"Hey!" Zack said, jogging up to them. "I beat it up real good first."
Cloud shrugged his shoulders. "I've been experimenting."
Sephiroth raised a silver brow and ran a gloved hand through his own spiky short hair. "Huh?" That had be to be the dumbest thing Cloud had ever heard him utter.
Cloud nodded. "Let's go, Tifa."
He pretended not to hear the general calling his name, demanding him to come back and explain himself. He didn't feel like answering a question he didn't know the answer to. He had honestly been just as shocked at the color and the power behind the spell, but not really. He was one pissed off psycho bitch on the inside and magic is fueled by emotions.
He suddenly felt a large hand take his own and it was Zack. There was a look in those azure blue stars. "Don't I get a hug for being a brave hunk?" He asked and Cloud heard Tifa snort.
Cloud hugged him as they walked along the rocky path. "You're my hero."
"Huh?" Zack asked, stopping in his tracks. Cloud could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. He blinked and they spilled like rain down his smooth cheeks. "Go on," Zack told the general. "We'll catch up to you."
Sephiroth nodded, but Cloud saw the look on his face. It looked pained and full of concern. "We shall wait up there," he said, pointing, walking off after the cowgirl.
"Cloud?" Zack asked, gently gripping him by the shoulders. He had his head lowered. "What is it? What's wrong? Is it about your mom?"
Cloud didn't look up at him.
"She'll be fine," he said, resting his chin on top of Cloud's head. "Sephy got her the best doctor. She'll be fine and popping caps in people's asses again in no time."
Cloud could feel the darkness within him stretch seductively. He could hear it yawn like a deep chasm being torn asunder in the earth. It could wake up and claw its way to the surface at any time. "Please," he whispered, resting his palms on Zack's muscular chest. He could see his hand reaching out for him not to go. The sun had been blinding as he mutely screamed and begged for him not to walk away from him and leave him all alone. He couldn't face Shin-Ra all alone. "Stay with me…don't leave…don't go!"
"I'm right here, Cloud," Zack said, gently squeezing his shoulders. "I'm not going to leave you."
He could feel the rain, smell the blood, and taste the salty tears on his parched tongue. All he could hear was his own screams as he held Zack in his arms, begging him to open his damn eyes. He wrapped his arms firmly around him, burying his face against the taller man's rock hard chest. He had to stop or else he'd break right there. "I'm sorry," he whispered, feeling exhausted. He had had no sleep at all. His mind was fucked. "I'm just scared."
"Everything is going to be fine, Cloud," Zack told him.
Cloud nodded, pulling away, wiping his eyes. "You're right."
"Hey!" Tifa yelled from several meters away. "Come on!"
Sephiroth was looking up at the sky with his back to them. A warm wind blew, making his leather coat flap like black wings.
"Something feels…funny," he muttered as Cloud walked up.
"Really?" Cloud asked, stealing a look at him.
"Can't you feel it?" He asked, taking a deep breath.
Cloud could feel it. There was something in the air. The mountain no longer seemed to breathe with a malevolent presence.
"The bridge is this way," Tifa said, pointing past them. "It will lead up straight up to the reactor."
Sephiroth nodded, walking off beside her. Cloud had seen the look on his face. What was up with him? Sephiroth was a master when it came to hiding emotions. But, it was like his face could no longer be a stoic mask of handsome indifference.
"Come on, Cloud," Zack said, waiting for him. "The sooner this is done the sooner we can get back."
Cloud looked up at the clear sky above and followed after him. It was all going to be different. There would be no epic battle with Sephiroth, for there was nothing left to drive him over the edge. The only link left was Shin-Ra, and they would all be soon taken care of as well. A dark smile graced his beautiful face and it was truly terrifying to behold in that moment. The darkness swam just below the innocent looking surface. If anybody had been looking, he was sure they would have a huge wet stain in the front of their pants.
He reached out, linking his arm with Zack's. He smiled brightly at him. Nothing in this world was going to take him away again. That was for goddamn sure!
Shin-Ra was still new, and just hovering off the ground. It has yet to truly spread its wickedness and fly on wings of global destruction. He couldn't wait to cut their wings off and watch them all plummet to their deaths.
"I love you," he said, squeezing Zack's arm.
Zack bumped him with his hip. "I love you, too."
"I'm going to puke," Tifa gagged, turning around to smile at them.
Sephiroth's voice was low. "That makes two of us."
"Uh huh," Zack said, puffing out his chest. "You two are just jealous."
"Sure," Tifa teased, walking backwards. "That must be it."
Zack actually looked like he was about to pounce like an angry puppy. He was so adorable.
"Don't make me get the rolled up newspaper," Cloud said. "Cause I will whack you on the nose with it."
Zack pouted furiously at him. "You're supposed to stick up for me, Chocobo Head."
Cloud pecked him on the cheek and let go of his arm so he could successfully dodge the playful punch. He would always stick up for Zack. He was never going to fail him again and he didn't care what he had to do to insure it. It was a promise.
"Come here!" Zack yelled, chasing him. "You don't get to kiss and run away!"
Cloud ran past Sephiroth and looked back to see the spiky haired general shake his head. He looked like he was fighting really hard not to smile. It was kind of cute. He kept running until he came to a sudden stop at the rope bridge. It was swinging over a really deep gorge. The drop was hundreds of feet, as he well remembered.
"I have you!" Zack yelled, pulling him back into his embrace. "None ever escapes the Great and Mighty, Zack Fair!"
"Would you shut up?" Sephiroth snapped. "You're going to alert monsters."
"Let them come then," Zack said, boasting proudly. "I shall cut them up and Cloud will make us all stew."
"Why the hell do I have to cook?" Cloud asked, fighting to get free even though he didn't really want to. "Are you saying I'm the girl?"
"Don't you want to be my little wife?" Zack asked, winking.
"Hey now," Tifa said, walking up. "Don't even go there." She pulled out her gun, cocking it. "Because I will pop a cap in your ass."
Cloud suddenly stood in front of Zack. He knew that Tifa was only fooling around, but he was not going to take any chances. "Is that the gun my mom gave you?"
She nodded. "She said it blasts things into shit."
Zack was suddenly in front of Cloud with his hands up. "Put down the boom-boom and I'll promise not to chain Chocobo Head to the stove when we're married."
Cloud rolled his eyes. Marriage? That'll be the day. But, it would be nice to have a ring.
"If we do get married," Cloud said, stepping up beside him. "I want it to be at the old church in the Midgar slums."
Zack turned to look at him in surprise. "Really?"
Cloud nodded as he remembered Aeris making him wear a dress when they both rescued Tifa. "But I'm not wearing the dress."
Sephiroth actually snorted then and there. He was laughing and it wasn't crazed. It was warm, and flowed across the skin like velvet.
"Amazing," Zack whispered, elbowing Cloud.
"Funny," the silver haired stud laughed, holding a gloved hand over his mouth. "That was funny."
"What?" Cloud asked.
"You," Sephiroth said, chuckling. "You dressed in a flowing white gown and a shimmering veil."
"Oh," Tifa added. "And let us not forget the white stilettos."
All three laughed and Cloud pursed his lips. "Don't be stupid, Tif," he said, turning away towards the bridge. "My heels would be red."
Zack laughed. "I wouldn't doubt it."
"All right, enough of this," Sephiroth said, regaining his cool composure once more. "Let's get this over with."
"I'll go first," Zack said. "And you follow behind me, Tifa."
"You go in front of me, Cloud," Sephiroth told him, following along.
Cloud nodded and began to follow slowly after Tifa. It was almost time to act.
He didn't take more than ten steps when it suddenly happened. A large shadow-like creature came from out of nowhere, landing right on the bridge, causing it to swing sideways wildly. His eyes widened in shock. It was a monster from the reactor. How had it survived Odin's power? Was there more? What about that Bitch of Taint?
"I've got it!" Tifa yelled, shooting it in the back. The things chest exploded, spraying Cloud with gore. The shot echoed all around and the monster fell over the side with a howl.
"CLOUD!" Zack cried in frightened alarm.
He looked down to see blood blooming from his side like a blossoming rose. It was so red and it hurt.
"Fuck," Tifa hissed, dropping her gun.
"NO!" Sephiroth yelled, running forward.
"CLOUD!" Zack screamed, trying to reach him.
His vision blurred and he felt himself falling. The only thing registering was that this had not been a part of the plan.
"CLOUD!" Zack screamed in agony.
"ZACK!"
"LET ME GO! CLOUD! CLOUD!"
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The sand was so warm under his back and the sky was so blue above his head. He could hear the soft sound of ocean waves and the calls of snowy white gulls singing to each other. It was all so pretty.
"Come on, Chocobo Head," Zack said, making him turn to look. "Help me build a sandcastle."
Zack was standing there in a pair of black swimming-trunks, smiling down at him. He was digging his toes into the warm sand. "Here," he said, holding out a bucket for him to reach up and take. "Get some water."
He found that he couldn't speak nor move on his own accord. That was when he remembered. He was only a visitor looking through the eyes of memory.
"Why did you choose to bring me along on your time off?" His memory self asked, sitting up, taking the little yellow bucket from him.
Zack grinned, doing his little exercise routine. "I wanted you all to myself on this beach."
Cloud wished he could see his own face. He could remember. He knew he was blushing something furious. "Hmm," he said, rising to his own feet. "Is that so?"
Zack nodded, walking with him across the wet sand. The waves rushed under and over their bare feet. "And it also allows me to see you half naked most of the time, too."
"You're really serious about this?" He asked, scooping up warm water in the bucket.
Zack suddenly put his hand on the small of his back, turning him so they were facing each other. He ran his other hand through Cloud's spiky yellow strands. "Give us a try, Cloud."
Cloud suddenly felt himself outside his memory-self. He watched as Zack tilted his memory-self's head back for a kiss. "You're so beautiful, Chocobo Head," Zack smiled, gently caressing his lips.
Cloud cocked his head the side, smiling. He found that he could step closer. The two of them were completely oblivious to his presence.
"Wait," his memory-self said, putting a finger to Zack's eager lips, halting the kiss.
"What?" Zack asked and Cloud could remember the passionate desire burning within those molten blue depths.
"If you want me, Zack Fair, SOLDIER First Class," his memory-self said, pulling away from him. "You will have to catch me."
Cloud laughed, because Zack was grinning like a wolf. He looked damn ready for a chase.
His memory-self poked Zack on the nose and took off running through the surf. Gulls flew, singing to the bright sky.
He followed the two of them as if he were the warm salty breeze. He could remember the sudden sense of happiness burning in his heart. His memory-self looked so happy.
He watched how the sun above caused his hair to shimmer like luminous yellow fire. The laugh that came from that mouth was so young and innocent. He was so blissfully ignorant to the evil that would soon slither in, coil, and smother him with crushing scales.
"I got you!" Zack laughed, pouncing and pulling him back into his embrace as a wave crashed over the two of them. The droplets sparkled in the air like diamond drops. His memory-self yielded to the taller man's seductive advances. He had been caught after all. The kiss was his.
"Come on," Zack said, leading him by the hand. "I want us to build that sandcastle together now."
"What about your prize?" His memory-self asked.
"I have it," Zack laughed, pulling him up to put an arm around his shoulders. "I have you."
"I've never built a sandcastle before," his memory-self told him.
"Me either," Zack snickered, ruffling his hair. "But, I'm sure we'll figure it out as we go along."
"You think so?" His memory-self asked.
Zack nodded. "I know so."
"So confident," his memory-self said, putting on a very serious face.
"Only for you," Zack smiled warmly.
Cloud reached out to touch them, but stopped himself.
"Here," Zack said, taking something from his pocket. Cloud knew what it was. Zack put it around his memory-self's neck.
"Your tags?" His memory-self asked in shock.
Zack nodded, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. His memory-self touched the spot those lips had so warmly blessed.
"Come on," Zack said, getting down on his knees, pouring the bucket of water over the sand. "Let's build something magical together, Cloud."
Suddenly it was just him standing before Zack. He had never known such happiness. This was the day he had truly come to life. The ice had melted, spring had come, and all his smiles became like the twinkling stars. They had the power to light up the darkest of shadows.
"All right, Zack," he said with all the love in his heart. "Let's build something magical that will last forever."
Zack smiled and it was blinding. That was when he suddenly heard a beautiful voice singing and a wave of brilliant pink light rushed over him like warm whispers that smelled of jasmine. "Love," the heavenly voice spoke and no words could describe how beautiful and wonderful it was to hear. "Love is all that really matters."
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Cloud ever so slowly opened his eyes and blinked several times. He was in a bed, in a room, and he didn't have a shirt on. He moved to sit up and was suddenly assaulted by flashes of memory. He had been shot.
He pulled the covers back, seeing that his waist was wrapped in bandages. So, that had been real, but why wasn't he in any pain?
"You're awake," a voice said. It was Vincent. He came strolling forward from a darkened corner. "You had me worried, Cloud. Why didn't you tell me your being shot was part of the plan?"
"It wasn't," Cloud said, sitting up more. "Did you heal me?"
Vincent nodded. "I fixed you up. We're in Correl now."
"How long?" He asked.
"I could hear Zack screaming for you, Cloud," Vincent said.
"How long?"
"Two days," Vincent told him.
"Shit," his hissed like a serpent, getting to his feet, getting slapped across the face by dizziness. He would have fallen had Vincent not caught him.
"Don't move so fast," Vincent told him. "You're healed, but don't push it."
"We have to get there," Cloud said, fighting to see straight. "I have to get Ramuh and get back to him, Vincent."
"Here," Vincent said, handing him a bright red orb. "He was right where you said he'd be."
Cloud's eyes lit up as he carefully took it from him. He closed his eyes, feeling the wild magic dancing within. He now had the Storm God in his possession. He drew much needed strength from it.
"Thank you," he whispered, opening his eyes, gazing up into ruby gems. "Thank you, Vincent."
"Rest for a little while longer," Vincent told him. "And then we'll head back."
"No," Cloud suddenly said, shaking his head. "Shin-Ra is building a reactor here."
"But, Cloud," Vincent said, looking at him. "What about Zack's sanity?"
"I'll blow up the reactor," he told him. "And then we'll go back."
Vincent didn't look too pleased, but relented. "All right, but I want you to rest for a little longer."
"I'm fine," he told him truthfully. "Ramuh is giving me strength, but I could use a drink."
Vincent smiled. "I already brought you one."
Cloud took it, sniffed it, and then downed it. He was already making a plan. He had taken the HUGE materia from the Nibel reactor. He would now take it from this one as well. He just hadn't mentioned that to Vincent. He would tell him later though.
"Lie down," Vincent told him, walking closer. "I need to have a look."
Cloud did so. He watched Vincent's eyes the whole time. There was an emotion in them. He could see it clearly. It burned with crimson fire. He saw longing in them.
"What is it?" He asked, taking another sip of his beer.
"You scared me," Vincent said, frowning grimly. "But it only looked worse than what it really was. I think the shock is what kept you out."
"And now it's just a bruise," Cloud smiled, putting a hand on his. Those red eyes widened just slightly. "Thank you."
Vincent nodded.
"Let me get dressed," Cloud said, sitting back up again. "And I'll meet you outside."
"All right," Vincent said and glided out in a whisper of flowing crimson cloth.
Cloud's heart ached. Two days? He knew the pain Zack must be feeling right now. But he had a mission. Shin-Ra had to be destroyed.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so sorry, Zack."
The darkness within him silently growled. It was almost like laughter.
You want him to feel a taste of the pain you've been feeling for years. He just had to be a fucking 'hero' huh? Well, now he gets to feel what it's like not knowing if anything will ever be all right again.
Cloud shook his head. That wasn't true. It couldn't be. It wasn't! He would never wish for Zack to know pain, especially his. Zack was his light in the cold darkness. He needed to hurry the fuck up and get back to him.
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The robot guardian exploded and Cloud bitch-slapped a flying arm away from his face. That had been so fucking fun. Shin-Ra was so damn cocky. They really had faith in their technology. He knew shit that would blow them straight to Hades' cauldron. Speaking of which, it was going to be hard getting to him, but he would find a way.
"Got it," Vincent said, holding the HUGE materia in his hand. "Are you ready to blow this place to bits?"
Cloud nodded, taking the materia from him, and let Vincent pick him up. He loved flying like this. It was so much fun.
"Over there looks good," he said, pointing to cliff above the reactor. It looked almost like a little platform.
Crimson wings flapped and silk hissed as his feet touched the ground. He smiled at Vincent and handed him the HUGE materia once more. Vincent took it from him with a nod and took a step back from him. A warm wind fluttered through his raven black hair.
Cloud turned from him and walked up to the edge, looking down at the cancerous spot that could soon kill the planet in time. He held Ramuh between his palms and the orb began to glow with a magical radiance from within. Thunder herald in the rolling storm clouds that rushed over the stars above like deadly ocean waves. A strong wind roared in his ears, ruffling his hair. Speaking of ocean waves, he needed to get his hands on Leviathan as well.
"Ramuh!" His voice echoed and lightning split the sky as the orb floated between his outstretched palms. "Come forth great and mighty King of Thunder and strike down my enemies with your awesome might!"
A being appeared before him in robes of white clouds and he had eyes the color of the brightest lightning flash. His beard was like fire, shining and luminous.
Ramuh raised his powerful staff, lightning rained down like spears from above, and he hurled it at the very center of the reactor. The ground shook from the awesome explosion and Cloud didn't look away. He bowed his head to the deity and Ramuh vanished in an echo of thunder and the orb landed silently in Cloud's sweaty palm.
Vincent stepped up beside him, gripping his shoulder with his golden talons. Cloud looked down as the smoke cleared, seeing the smoking crater of melted and twisted metal. It made him smile with glee. That was two down.
"Let's go," Vincent said, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Zack needs you."
"Yes," Cloud said, putting Ramuh safely away with Odin, and taking the HUGE materia from him once more. "Thank you, Vincent."
"Come on," he said, picking him up into his arms. "We have a long flight."
Cloud watched as the ground quickly vanished and smiled into Vincent's face. It felt like they were really becoming good friends all over again. He liked it.
"I'm coming Zack," he said, holding onto Vincent tightly.
TBC…
Please review and tell me what you think. Thank you all so much for your reviews so far. I'm so sorry I have not updated in a while. Classes are insane and it's getting really close to the end of the semester. Projects and papers are due. I wish you all Happy Holidays!
Flora.