Hey readers! I've got a lot of people praying I finish this story… HEHEHE I am going to! The endings…yes endings are going to be great. I've decided that I am going to make 3 different endings to this story. Something that most writers don't do. But one of the endings is the official one, and two alternate ones. Also… this story will have a sequel what if Advent Children!!! WOOT!!! Keep on reading all! Remember! Reviews make me happy! Special shout to my regular reviews, you guys totally rule!
Chapter 23
The grass began to move like ripples of the ocean, a roar could be heard from the sky. Steel feet touched down on the ground, and the roar got softer and soft until they faded away. A door opened on the side of the helicopter, and a man in a lab coat stepped out. The man looked around the grassy plain, and looked at the smashed mountain. He quickly jotted down a note, and continued to look around. He took another step, and took a step back. He looked on the bottom of his foot, it was covered in blood. He found what he was looking for. He walked around the pools of blood; he did not want to get his coat bloody. He walked around until he found what he was looking for. He bent over and grabbed Nero's head by its hair. He looked at it with curiosity. The head had a huge gash above the left eye, clearly from a strike from a sword straight to the head. "Pick up all the useable remains you can find. Seal them tightly, and try not to screw this up" he said to his helper. Hojo began to ponder as he walked back to the chopper. He had ordered Nero to find Fair, he wanted to know how powerful he really was. He not only killed Nero, he ripped him into pieces. Hojo was almost blown away by the thought of Zack's true power. He only has ever felt this way once before, when he first witnessed Sephiroth battle. Hojo sat back in the helicopter chair and began to write out formulas and began drawing sketches of a man.
The lab assistant put in a box full of Nero's body parts in the helicopter and began lifting himself into the helicopter. He looked at Hojo's notes and read aloud "Project Omega…a perfect Weiss… what the… you not really going to try to give Weiss Nero's and Sephiroth's genes…what about Sephiroth, he won't…" The man was stopped before he could finish his sentence.
"Now why would you go and read something that was not meant for your eyes?" Hojo said as he pulled a pistol out of his bag. He quickly turned and shot the man in the head. The man's body flopped on the ground lifeless. Hojo didn't even blink twice; he just focused on his notes. The choppet began to roar once more as it began to lift off the ground.
Zack opened his eyes to see Aerith lying next to him. He looked down with a bit of shock, they were both partially nude. What had happened? Why were they naked? Where was everyone else? Zack's heart sank, Cloud… he was gone. He turned his head to hide his tears from Aerith even though she still wasn't awake. Zack could no longer hold his tears in, they began to trickle down his face. Once the first tear leaked out Aerith opened her eyes, she could feel Zack's pain, she had truly grown a connection with him. His heart was hers he knew it was, she would do anything to keep him from hurting, and any pain he felt she felt too. She forcefully turned Zack to look at her, no words could make him feel better, and she knew action was the only thing. She laid on his chest and held him tight, she wanted to be close to his heart. Zack just put his hand on Aerith's head and began to rub it gently; he didn't know what he would do if he didn't have her. She was the glue that kept him together. Aerith sat up and looked at Zack, "Hey Zack, someone's calling us, we should go and see who it is." She said as she stood up holding her hands out. Zack blushed at the sight of his love being nearly naked. She helped him to his feet and held her hands out. Zack grabbed on to them and looked at her as she closed her eyes and looked down. Zack looked at her with eyes of uncertainty. A few minutes when by and nothing happened, Zack began to get itchy feet.
"Aerith what are you doing?" Why are we just standing here? We're kind of naked, and well, I'd like to get us some clothes soon." Zack said with a smile.
Aerith quickly shot him a look, "Shh, I'm trying to focus, be quiet! Silly boy" Aerith said not being able to hold her smile.
Zack smiled back and stayed still and silent as Aerith focused on whatever she was doing. Zack closed his eyes hoping maybe that if he focused it would help Aerith. Moments later Zack felt something, a breeze like wind whirling around them. He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful sight. Flower petals swirled around them, and Zack looked in amazement as he saw his wounds, and Aerith's cuts fade away. They were being healed, but by what? Then it hit him, Aerith was using her powers, he never saw her use them before. He knew she was special, but was this the power of the ancients? Zack didn't know what was going on, so he went back to closing his eyes and focusing.
The breeze grew stronger and stronger, Zack could feel it. He wanted to open his eyes to see what was happening, but he knew when he did as Aerith did, things got more powerful. What was she doing? With one last strengthing of the wind, Zack was dropped and hit the ground in a thud. He opened his eyes to see Aerith in Angeal's arms. He frowned as he thought to himself. "Why didn't Angeal catch me?... Oh man, she has her clothes on." Zack thought as he let out a sigh. He looked at his mentor and began to wonder what he was doing here once again. He came here in his dreams, and he came here when he died…shit did he die again!? Or did he just fall asleep.
Zack's thoughts were interrupted as Angeal spoke. "So Zack, so this is that girl you were always bragging about huh. You right she is gorgeous." Angeal said with a smile as he gently put Aerith down.
Aerith blushed at the thought of Zack bragging about her. She walked over to Zack and held on to his arm. Zack looked down at his love and smiled at her. He turned his attention to Angeal. "So why did you bring us here Angeal?"
"Because Zack I needed to talk to you, it's very important. You two come with me." Angeal motioned as he walked over to the lake. Zack knew he was going to look at something, but he was not prepared to see what was going to appear.
"Zack, prepare yourself please, don't get too emotional." Angeal said as Aerith grabbed Zack's arm.
The lake began to create an image; Zack looked in confusion at what he saw. Zack watched the replay of his battle with Nero, he was moving so fast. He was messing with his enemy something he never did before. Battle was always serious, it wasn't a play ground. Zack starred in awe of himself, he moved so fast, and hit with so much power. Where did it come from? He didn't like his style of fighting; it reminded him of something… Sephiroth. He used to fight like that in SOLDIER; he would mess with his opponent, until they begged for death. Zack felt ashamed at what he saw, he didn't want to look any more, but he had to. Zack's horror was far from over, he saw as he began to glow, he had no idea what was happening. He must have been hit by Nero's magic, he had to have. He couldn't have created that power, he wasn't that strong, it had to have been Nero. Zack continued to watch in shock, he was getting stronger as his aura grew. His face went blank as he watched himself cut Nero to pieces; he had no mercy, completely unlike himself. The water began to bubble as Zack began to show his true power. He looked in awe at his own power. He was so powerful that he was destroying mountains. Zack began to grin, but it was quickly wiped away as he watched Aerith walk into the aura. Zack knew right there that is how she had gotten the cuts and why she lost her clothes. Zack looked away in shame and disgust. "Please Angeal I don't watch any more of this." Zack pleaded.
"Ok Zack, you've seen what I wanted you to see." Angeal said.
"What that I'm a monster! That I'm just another Sephiroth! What the fuck happened! Am I evil!" Zack yelled as he stomped the ground.
Before Angeal could answer Aerith spoke up as she grabbed Zack's face. "Look at me! Don't you ever say that again! You hear me? You are the best man I have ever met! You heart is pure! I can feel it, I know it is, just your rage has gotten out of control and that isn't your fault. You've lost too many people you cared about. You a good man Zackary, I love you" Aerith said as she kissed him.
Angeal looked like he was in deep thought, he was going to speak but was interrupted once again this time by Zack. "Angeal…where's Genesis? " Zack said looking around wanting to see his friend.
"Zack that's part of something I needed to bring you here for. This is going to be hard to hear, but you cannot tell anyone that I told you this ok? You Hear me?" Angeal said with authority.
Zack looked up to see what was so important to get his mentor hot. "Genesis is gone." Angeal said.
"What do you mean gone!?" Zack said with fear in his voice.
"Just take a seat Zack. This is going to be hard to hear." Angeal said as Zack and Aerith took a seat and looked up at the man with eyes of worry.
"Genesis gave his life to save another's. Cloud was killed by Nero, he came here to join us here in the lifestream." Angeal began as Zack's face began to perk up. "Cloud is a very important piece in saving the planet. Much like you and Aerith are Zack. Without him, the planet would be destroyed. He knew that it was against the rule to revive someone, but he wanted to. He gave his place in the life stream so Cloud could live once again. Yes Zack your friend is alive; he's heading to Corel as we speak." Angeal said as he turned away.
Zack shot up and looked at Aerith, she knew, he wanted to be alone with him for just a minute. Zack ran over to Angeal. "Genesis really gave his spot in the lifestream? For Cloud… wow that totally rocks and sucks at the same time. I get one friend back and lose another." Zack said as he and Angeal hugged one another in their grief.
"Zack unfortunately it's almost time for you to go. Before you go Zack there is another issue we must discuss. You need to train, train to control your rage. Learn to harness this power you have within you. Zack you are the most powerful being on the planet as of now." Angeal said as he turned his back and continued his speech. "I want you to show me that you can control this power, when you do…I will bring you back here. And you will show me what you have learned, we will have a battle. Just like old times huh, see if you have truly surpassed the mentor."
Zack began to grin "Angeal!! That would be so awesome! So wait, how do I control it?" Zack asked.
"Well Zack just remember you honor and remember what you are fighting for, who you are fighting for. You can do it Zack, I believe in you." Angeal said as he up his hand on Zack's shoulder. Zack smiled at his mentor, if Angeal believed in him, then he could do it. Zack had a hard time holding his excitement in on the thought of fighting his mentor.
His smiles were short lived. In a flash he had found himself back on the ground, he could see Corel in the distance. Zack looked around frantically for Aerith, he looked everywhere for her, he looked everywhere, except behind him. He felt her tap on his shoulder and turned around with a look of embarrassment. Aerith just smile and grabbed his hand as they headed towards Corel.
----
Cloud walked into Corel with a new found swagger. He was walking straight instead of being hunched over. He smiled to himself as he thought to himself. "Wow, I'm really going to be as powerful as Zack! I can't believe all it took was an apple from the lifestream! I can't wait to make Angeal and Genesis proud! Just wait guys and I'll show you my real power!" Cloud continued to walk and ponder about his new strength; he couldn't wait to test it on any foe. Cloud walked up to a vendor on the dirt path and asked" Have you seen a young lady and a dog…cat…lion thing?"
The lady looked up to him, "Umm… Ah yes they are here. Keep on walking and you'll see signs for the inn, well the tent…" The lady trailed off.
Cloud grinned; he couldn't wait to see Tifa. It's been a long time since he really has seen her or talk to her. Things have been so hectic that she kind of got lost in the chaos. Cloud walked up to the tent when it hit him; they watched him die… how the hell he would explain this. His wounds were gone, and he miraculously is walking, breathing and living. The truth would make them think he was crazy. Cloud grinned and had the rare moment to brag and make Tifa think he's real strong. Cloud took a deep breath and walked into the tent. Once the flaps opened he was greeted by stares. Tifa just looked at him and began to tear, as she ran to him. Cloud held her gently and rubbed her hair. "It's ok Tifa, I'm ok. Don't worry I'm not going anywhere ever again."
Tifa slowly let go of him and looked at him. She was trying to talk but her sniffles and tears slowed her. "Cloud…(Sniffle)…what… happened?"
Cloud walked over to the bed and took a seat. "Well, Nero got me pretty good. He pulled me into the darkness. Well I didn't want to just…ya know, get lost in the darkness. So I focused my power and ripped out of it. As for my injuries I think the mako treatment I got in Nibleheim gave me SOLDIER like strength, and their power to heal fast." Cloud said completely lying.
Nanaki looked at Cloud with his head tilt. He knew Cloud was lying. Cloud looked over. "Fuck I forgot about that" he said to himself." He failed to remember that Nanaki could read minds.
Tifa walked over to the bed and plopped down on her back, clearly emotionally exhausted. Cloud moved over to the table to let her gather herself, he sat down next to Nanaki. Nanaki looked over at Cloud and whispered, "You want to mate with her no?" Nanaki asked. Cloud looked over at Nanaki looking completely shocked and embarrassed at what the beast just said. "Don't worry, you secret is safe with me" Nanaki whispered. Cloud took a deep breath, he was glad he didn't have to worry.
Cloud knew he had one more bomb shell to drop on the group. "Hey guys, I need to tell you something. Zack and Aerith are alive, but I don't think they know where we are. I think the best thing to do is stay put, and hope Zack has the two sense to look at the nearest town. We can't afford to go out looking for them, because if they are looking for us at the same time, there's a chance we may never find each other. So just get comfortable, we may be here a while." The group just nodded and continued to have small talk.
----
Hojo walked into his lab in the Shinra mansion. He looked as the two light haired men stood waiting for his return. Hojo looked up at Sephiroth who looked like he was itching to ask him a question. "What is it boy? What do you want?" Hojo asked almost annoyed.
"I have a small problem. I need to get into the Temple of the Ancients. It has something I need, and I cannot get to it." Sephiroth asked with a demanding tone.
"Ahh, you are after the fabled black materia, well let me end your search right now. It does not exist. If it did, I would have it." Hojo replied bitterly.
"Well then, just give me something that can get in and out in a flash of an eye then… your life depends on it" Sephiroth said putting his blade against the scientists cheek.
"Hehehe don't you worry I have just the thing. Do you what the power? Or should I just give it to your toy?" Hojo said as the blade was pulled away.
"What power?" Sephiroth said getting pissed off.
"The power of darkness, you can move in and out of it quiet fast." Hojo replied as he pushed up his glasses.
"Give it to him; I do not need such a useless power." Sephiroth said. He thought to himself, this body was just a tool; the real Sephiroth will be revived soon enough, once he has the black materia.
Hojo walked over and grabbed a box and walked over to the table. ''You, come over here and lay on the table." Hojo ordered Weiss.
Weiss walked over and began to lay on the table, he looked into the box and stopped. It was Nero, he was cut into pieces, what, who could have done this. "What happened to my brother!?" Nero yelled at Hojo.
"Ahh yes, he met his untimely end by Zack Fair's hands. Who would have thought such a failure of an experiment would have ended up being so powerful. It is a shame about your brother…I would have loved to have done some experiments on him." Hojo answered.
Weiss jumped towards the man wanting to kill him for talking about his brother in such ways. Before he even moved his arms, he stopped. Sephiroth just looked at the ground, and controlled Weiss with his mind. He was truly a powerful being, his will was so strong. He made Weiss lay quietly on the table, as Hojo strapped him in. He walked over to the table and grabbed Nero's head by its hair. He studied it for a moment, and placed it down. He has vile of pure mako, sitting next to the mad man. He drained Nero of whatever blood the parts had left. He walked over to the mako test tube and added Nero's blood. The mako began to bubble, as his blood began to mix. Hojo looked in amazement as the mako turned black. Hojo grinned, what a success it was. Hojo made one more vile and placed it next to another tube marked, Weiss. He walked over to the controlled man, and stabbed the needle straight into Weiss's heart. Weiss did not move, Hojo watched in amazement as Weiss's muscles began to grow by the slightest margin. The veins in the arms began to pulse, it was working. Hojo let out a laugh at his own amazement.
----
Zack and Aerith had finally reached Corel, Zack had rater enjoyed his time alone with Aerith. He got to sleep next to her in the comfort of soft grass, and he got to hold her hand the entire way. Something so small meant a lot to Zack, they never got a chance to hold hands, many because he has his hand on his sword so often. Zack grinned as Aerith gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. Zack really loved her, he could feel it though out his body. He knew he really had to control his newly found power. He couldn't risk hurting his friends, and most importantly Aerith.
Zack and Aerith walked into Corel and started looking for their friends, they didn'y know where to start in this ruined town. Zack walked up to an old lady who was selling a bunch of rusted weapons, "Hey have you seen my friends? I'm looking for a young lady, and a…" Zack said as he was interrupted.
"I've already told you. You spikey haired moron. They are up at the inn." The old lady said with a very hostile voice. Zack looked at the lady wondering what the hell she was talking about. Then it hit him, she had mistaken him for Cloud! Cloud was here! Zack grabbed Aerith's hand and sprinted towards the inn. Aerith could barely keep up with her sprinting love. She knew he was just excited to see his friend.
Cloud had been leaning back on his chair playing card with Nanaki. Cloud realized it was pointless since he could read minds. Zack burst through the curtains of the tent with great power. Cloud fell from his chair from being startled by Zack's sudden entrance. He had a huge smile on his face as he looked down at Cloud who was looking up from his back. Zack sprinted over and picked Cloud up into the air. He spun him in a circle and brought him in for his signature nuggie.
"Zack how many times do I have to tell u that really hurts!" Cloud said with cheer in his voice.
"I'm sorry Chocobo! I just missed you soo much! And I'm sooo glad you're ok!!! So how was IT?" Zack asked.
Cloud walked over to the corner of the room with Zack. "It was amazing! I felt sooo good up there man. It was great to see Genesis and meet Angeal. I can't wait to see them again."
It hit Zack like a ton of bricks. He was soo excited to see his friend, he forgot about Genesis. He gave his spot in the lifestream to save Cloud from his eternal slumber. Zack grinned, Genesis had read that crap so often that it was tuck in his head now. Maybe it was a memento, or a way to always remember Genesis. "Hahahaha! The gift of the goddess, you bastard now look what you did!" Zack said smiling about his good memories of Genesis.
Cloud looked at his friend, he knew something was up. His friend only went into random deep thought when something was wrong. "Zack what's wrong?"
"Hahaha nothing buddy. Don't worry your pretty little head off." Zack teased.
Cloud looked at his friend, he knew he was hiding something, but Zack always tell him whatever it was after enough time. Zack and Cloud walked over to the rest of the group to see how everyone was doing. Aerith and Tifa were doing there girly thing, clearly talking about their men. Zack had just joined the group when Nanaki motioned his head to Zack.
"Zack, did Genesis really give up his spot in the lifestream to save Cloud?" He asked Zack.
"Fuck man. There's no such thing as secrets with you around!"Zack said as he petted the large beast. "And yes he did. I think he really earned his honor back don't you?" Zack asked Nanaki.
"That is the most courageous thing I have ever heard of. He gave up his afterlife for Cloud to live. Truly is an honorable sacrifice. I am proud to have met him." Nanaki said as he looked up at the sky with Zack.
"Yeah, I am proud to have known him. He was a great foe, but he ended up being a great friend huh? I do truly hope to see him one day, but I know it's not possible." Zack said looking up to the sky, shedding a tear for his friend. "I will miss you…Genesis." Zack said looking up to the sky.
The two continued to watch the sky and soak in the true beauty of the planet. Just seconds after their talk Aerith, Tifa and Cloud came outside. Aerith ran straight to Zack and hugged him from behind. She kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "He will miss you too baby. Don't worry his sacrifice won't be in vain." Zack smiled, she could feel whenever he was sad, it felt good to know that someone was always going to be around to hold him and care for him.
Everyone looked at Zack, their leader for what they were going to do next. "Well…" Cloud said.
"Well everyone pack up, we leave for Gongaga in ten minutes. Pack up and we'll grab a bite to eat before we head out." Zack said pumping his fist. Everyone seemed to be happy to see their leader back to his old perky self. Everyone scampered off to go pack as fast as they could.
----- Days later
The group began to get closer to Gongaga. Zack looked at the horizon; he could feel something horrible had happened to his home town. As soon as Zack finished his thought his hand was taken by Aerith. She looked at him and he looked at her. Her eyes said something was wrong, Zack could feel it as well. Zack continued to walk on as if nothing happened; he knew he had to be strong for the group. He was the glue that kept everyone going and staying strong. They had gotten closer to Gongaga, everyone knew that disaster had struck the small village. The remains of what must have been a huge fire had still been visible. The spirit in the group quickly dropped to the floor.
The group entered the village together, everyone on high alert. Everyone looked ahead on the path, there was a man in a suit heading their way. Zack knew it was Tseng; he had waited for them after all. Zack ran up to the man, and the rest of the group followed.
"Zack… I don't know how to tell you this but…" Tseng said completely ignoring greetings.
"Yeah I know Tseng, I could feel it on my way here. You have any idea who did this, or what happened?" Zack asked.
"We have reports that Sephiroth and Weiss where in this area, so our leading theory is that Sephiroth attacked this town… to get to you…" Tseng tailed off.
"Yeah I kind of figured it was him, who else would do such a thing…wait did you say we?? Do you have a mouse in your pocket Tseng? Or were you just going to wait to tell me Reno and Rude are helping you? You guys can come out of the bushes you know?"Zack said.
"Damn man, you SOLDIERs totally have the best senses huh? Your not going to kill us right?" Reno asked as he took a step back.
"Nah not unless you here for other reasons. If you're here helping Tseng I guess I can let you live. If Tseng trusts ya, I will too. Just to warn you…any funny business and my sword will come down on you like the fist of god!" Zack said with a smile.
"Zack… this isn't time for horse play. Reno, Rude, watch after the girls for us, Nanaki you help as well please. Zack and Cloud come with me." Tseng motioned to the two young men.
They followed Tseng into the village, everything was a mess. They walked past a small grave yard where they buried those killed in the reactor. Zack's eyes began to tear up as he looked at a man who was stabbed and killed next to his son's grave. Zack took a knee beside the man and looked up into the sky. "Take good care of them all, may you rest in peace." He stood up and continued to follow Cloud and Tseng. Nothing could prepare Zack for what he was about to see. He sprinted forward and burst through Tseng and Cloud's attempts to hold him back. He fell to his knees at his parents feet. He looked up at them, they were crucified, and knowing Sephiroth they were alive. They were also burned so badly that there wasn't a spot that wasn't black. Sephiroth truly did get to Zack, he made his parents suffer, and begging for death before it came to them. Zack felt a bubble wanting to burst within him, his rage was screaming to come out. Zack was doing everything in his power to keep the beast at bay. He was losing his fight against it, he couldn't let Angeal down, he couldn't cause anymore damage, but holding in his pain and grief were a lot harder than he expected. He began to punch the ground, the beast was about to break through he could hold it in any longer. He was about to break, when he felt two soft arms wrap around his neck. He felt a soft kiss on his cheek, Aerith was there for him, she always was. Zack felt four more hands on his shoulders. It was Tseng, Cloud Tifa and Nanaki, telling him things were going to be alright. He turned to see his supporters and was in shock what he saw. It was only Tseng and Cloud who had their hands on his shoulder. Nanaki and Tifa weren't there, then… Zack smiled, Angeal and Genesis were there for him, he knew it. Somehow they were both there for him. Zack stood up and looked into the sky. "Thank you for showing me, and thank you for being there for me guys. I know that as long as I have my love and my friends, I will never be alone, and I don't have to suffer alone." Zack said to himself.
"Hey Aerith, thank you." Zack said as he looked into her eyes. "Please go back to the others, I will be ok. If I'm not I'm sure you will be by my side. Please scoot; I don't want you to see this stuff." Zack said as he asked Aerith to leave. Zack made his way over to the crosses and began lifting them out of the ground with the help of Cloud and Tseng. Zack pulled his parents from their crosses with great remorse. Cloud began to dig two graves while Zack and Tseng wrapped the bodies in sheets.
"Tseng, I would like the honor of putting both of my parents in their graves." Zack said with his hand out to stop Tseng from carrying his father. Zack walked over to the grave with his mother in his arms. He bent over and gently place her in her grave. Zack took a knee, "I'm so sorry mom, I shoulda been here to protect you… I shoulda stopped by after I joined SOLDIER. And… god how you would have loved to meet Aerith! I'm sorry mom that I wasn't around enough. I love you mom, rest in peace." Zack said. He turned and walked over to his father's body. He picked him up and held him in his arms. He walked over to the grave next to his mothers. He placed his father in gently and took a knee next to the grave. "Hey dad. I wish you could have seen me in SOLDIER. You would have been soo proud of me. I was one of the best Shinra has ever seen. I shoulda stopped by to see you. You really would have liked my mentor Angeal, he was a lot like you. I'm sorry dad, if I was here… you two would still be alive…you would have lived to meet your grandson or granddaughter one day. I am sorry. I love you dad. Rest in peace." Zack turned away from the two graves to be met by everyone. Aerith and Cloud both held him tightly, Zack broke into tears.